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TOOLS FOR THE REAL ESTATE ROOKIE

Being new to real estate, it seems to me that everyone has something to sell to me. I want to have a successful business, but I don't want to go bankrupt. What are some of the tools of the trade, us rookies can't live without? What should we buy now, and what can wait till later? What do all you successful agents buy for your giveaways, pens, magnets, notepads, calenders? I would like to find something unusual but useful. How about the high tech toys, palm pilots, blackberry's, notepad PCs? Let's assume all us rookies are on a limited budget, where is the most bang for our buck? And what items can we not live without?

Posted by Michael Jordan on 12/21/2006 01:59 AM

Comments (7)

7 Comments on TOOLS FOR THE REAL ESTATE ROOKIE

DEC

2006

The MOST important tool you can have is a TELEPHONE (and maybe some comfortable shoes, LOL!).

You should try and get as many listings as possible. Listings are the name of the game and will lead to other business. Now I'm NOT saying you should take a listing for the sake of putting your sign in the yard. Only take those that you truly believe will sell.

There are different ways to obtaining listings and other business. The telephone will be one your biggest tools. Be sure to set aside time each week to call your SOI (Sphere of Influence) or BOB (Book of Business is what I have been taught).

It might not be a bad idea to go ahead and look into a mailing system to handle your BOB. This is a good way to stay consistent with your mailings and usually you can find one that is pretty affordable.

The other thing you'll need is comfortable shoes to knock on doors. Make contact with FSBOs in your area. Will they even talk to you? Some won't, but some will.

Thanks Brett for the comment, YES comfortable shoes are a must! I would also like to get info on Tablet PCs, and what kind of products are bought for giveaways. I know magnet calenders, notepads, pens, chip clips, but does anyone have really unique gifts that stand out?

Have you visited the Realtor.org Realtor Benefits link yet? If not you really need to see the savings of various sorts and companies are given to Realtors. Paying our dues certainly has added benefits! Dell and HP offer discounts to Realtors. HP has a wonderful assortment of packages for small businesses (us, Independent Contractors) and exciting new technology to use. Don't laugh :), But I find a wealth of new tech advances on HGTV.com "I Want That" shows. I have noticed a good portion of the tech products shown have Realtors or agents testing the products. Having a cyber presence is a must. Certainly invest in excellent business cards.

In my opinion, the most powerful tools you can equip yourself with is patience, projected 5 year business/marketing plan, get organized, and last but certainly not least, closing our mouths and opening our ears!

I learned early on (and I'm still a newbie!) that sitting in your office all day working on advertising is a good waste of time for rookies. We need to get out of the office, put on our name tags, stick business cards in your pocket and go prospecting! Take your dog for a walk and wear your Realtor pin, libraries, grocery stores, etc. I have met 90% of my customers this way.

Thanks Autumn, good tips, and I went and checked out the Benefits link, will have to look for that HGTV show. Merry Christmas, and a prosperous New Year, Michael.

DEC

2006

Michael,What

I have found helpful are very basic things. Read, Read, Read. There are many new agent books out there and each one has something different to say.Things

you absolutely have to have are a cell phone, business cards and a pc. The tablet pc looks good, but in your first few years, you probably don't need to whip one out. It's all basic footwork, phone calls and networking. Do a search on this site about networking.

Networking is your only tool, all else will fall in place. You can buy the tech gadgets later. You should spend your money on education and advertising first.

Thanks Karen, I was looking at books last night on Amazon.com, sure are a lot to choose from.

Hey Michael, there is a group called Gadgets, Tools, & Extras here.

Thanks Brett, joined today.

DEC

2006

Hi Michael,

Just wanted you to know there are other Newbie's out there besides yourself. I am new to this Real Estate World as well :)

Hi Monica, Welcome to the Rain. Nice to meet someone new as well. Happy New Year to you, and I hope you have a great start. I am not only new to real estate, but this blogging thing as well. Trying to learn, but I enjoy going on AR everyday and learning. It has been very informative at the least, shoot me a note anytime, Michael.

JAN

2007

Hi Michael,I

have gotten a couple of clients throught friends. I bought a bunch of stamps and sent out cards announcing that I am in real estate and sent along a couple of business cards. I keep an updated list of friends and family (my soi) and try to mail or email them monthly. I was making my own flyers and walking my farm (no real luck there, I think I needed to spend more time on it). So a good printer is might be something to look at. Just my 2 cents. I am still wet behind the ears. :)

Michelle

Hi Michelle, thanks for the reply. My company tells me if I am going to farm, you have to be consistent, weekly, or bi-weekly, monthly, but don't stop. If you do, they forget about you just as quickly.

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