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The Reason I got into Real Estate

By
Real Estate Agent with Aksland Real Estate

Real Estate! 

Those two little words.  People envision being wealthy in this venture.  To be able to create a lifestyle that they never possibly could dream of. That is why many people get into this occupation. 

I had bought a house in a very nice area of Stanislaus County, but I went through 7 Top Producing Realtors before I found one that I trusted enough to buy from.  Why seven? For the most part because of the arrogance that they demonstrated. The customer service from most of them were almost Zero, and I don't need to be told that I am walking into a kitchen. I felt be-littled!, and many of them took the attitude, well I am going to sell three houses this week, and if you are not signing right this second you were not worth my time. I also got upset over the fact that they were always rescheduling or were late, without giving notice.

This motivated me to go and get my Real Estate License, that summer. Signed up for a class in July and took the test in August.  After a delay, since my first broker failed to submit my documentation to the DRE, I finally got licensed in October, and hooked up with an excellent firm in February.

My experiences with these Realtors taught me a lot about this business.  First, Always be on time!.  Second, Give helpful information, but don't state the obvious while people are going through an open house.  Third, This is the most important, always treat everyone with the respect and quality of service that they deserve and want. Fourth, Follow up and do what you say you will do. Finally, dress, look and be the part of a consummate professional.

 

Gene Ward
Area Pro Realty - Danville, CA
Gene Ward

You sure picked a good time to get into real estate! If you can survive in this market the rest is downhill. You are right about customer service. Be on time and have the information the prospects need so they can become clients. Good client service is golden and will bring you both repeat clients and referrals.

The second most important thing you should know when you are new is "keep you hand on your wallet". Every body and their brother will be after you to sell you something you don't need. Beware of those selling internet leads and/or other services promising to bring you tons of new leads. Learn how to generate your own business and you'll do fine.

Good luck.

Oct 26, 2007 06:52 AM
Fred Jaeger
High Lakes Realty and Property Management - La Pine, OR
Real Estate Connection - Central Oregon

Ouch!  I've done that "...and here's the kitchen.."  thing.  Good reminder not to state the obvious during showings, don't project you're own opinions and shut up while they're trying to assess their own impression.

Good post Mat.

Oct 26, 2007 06:55 AM
Mike Klijanowicz
Cummings & Co. Realtors - Perry Hall, MD
Associate Broker @ Cummings & Co. Realtors
Matthew, Welcome to AR and congratulations on your first BLOG POST!  I couldn't agree with you more about just about everything you said!  I like to consider myself a top producer at my office and in my community and I attribute a huge amount of it to everything that you stated above.  I always (unless I absolutely cannot) put on my suit when meeting with clients at my office or at their homes!  Dressing the part also gives you a little added confidence I think!  But after what I have learned from my brief 2 1/2 years in this business that I consider to be the MOST IMPORTANT trait or quality is HONESTY and just BEING REAL with people!  If you are honest and genuine with your clients they will see this, respect it, and become a client of yours for LIFE (provided that you keep in touch with them)! 

Again WELCOME TO AR and thanks for your comment on my blog!

P.S. Do you know Scott Peterson?  (Sorry I Had to ask since it is the first thing I thought of when seeing Modesto, CA)
Oct 26, 2007 06:57 AM
Matthew Zgonc
Aksland Real Estate - Modesto, CA
Realtor, CFS, CVS
Actually I don't know Scott Peterson, but my ex-girlfriend worked in the same building as him. I agree, I am always honest with my clients and don't promise them anything I cannot deliver.
Oct 26, 2007 07:02 AM
Matthew Zgonc
Aksland Real Estate - Modesto, CA
Realtor, CFS, CVS
I agree, I had everyone come out of the woodwork trying to sell me something that I did not want or could use.  Most of the stuff I use I got for free or from my brokerage website.
Oct 26, 2007 07:03 AM
Mike Mueller
Tech and Social Media Consultant - Walnut Creek, CA

Matthew - I think you have enough of a content stream going here to get in on the 

What do you Love about your job?

stream we started this morning.

Welcome to ActiveRain! 


 

Oct 26, 2007 07:10 AM
Matthew Zgonc
Aksland Real Estate - Modesto, CA
Realtor, CFS, CVS

Mike,

 

Thank you for your invitation to the new content stream. 

Oct 26, 2007 12:47 PM