Now that is a great subject. Considering I have done so many things in my life, where do I start?

OK so when I got out of the service in 1975 I was offered a chance to go into real estate but turned it down.

Move forward to 1990 when I met my wife and decided to go into business in marketing and eventially web design. Then the big bomb hit for technology at the first of the 2000's and we just kept on going, not knowing that our once highly profitable and well known business was doomed to start failing. Finally in May of 2008 we realized something had to give and therefor my salary went by the wayside. I started looking around for what I wanted to be when I grow up and finally looked at real estate.

I went to class in September and October and went for my license in November. I interviewed with several companies and choose Keller Williams.

All my friends told me it was the worst time it was to be in business. Other agents (not in Keller Williams) sang the blues about how bad it was. Thank goodness I did not listen to them. I took the classes offered at my office, Did the lead gen that I needed to do and my first year closed 14 properties and never have seen below 30 homes per year since. I love what I do and my clients can tell it.

If I had one thing to say to someone considering going into the business it would be, "have 4 months of reserves and do not give up. Write a business plan, don't listen to others who are negative about their business, and remember that whatever you do today in your real estate business will effect your paycheck in 6 weeks."

Rick Hogue REALTOR, EcoBroker
Keller Williams Realty
502-649-3431
info@propertybyrick.com
http://www.louisvillekyhomefinder.com

 

16 Comments on How I got into Real Estate.

MAY
14
2012
321,258 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Rick,

Congrats!  Welcome to KW and to AR.....you have a plan and you are on your way....I hope for great success.
12:43pm • #1
SEP
09
142,494 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

That's an impressive career-recovery, and an impressive startup record, Rick.  Congratulations.  Hope you'll share some of your secrets. 
5:56am • #2
700,803 Points 39 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Good advice to those just starting out.
7:16am • #3
1,114,735 Points 101 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I told someone thinking of starting her own brokerage that it was a great time. If you can have success now, just imagine your success in great times
7:49am • #4
111,821 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Congrats on the feature Rick!  Way to go.  You've done an awesome job of promoting real estate and our office at KW Louisville East.  I know your clients see your passion for real estate and that is one of the reasons you do so well.  Keep up the good work!
8:08am • #5
471,529 Points 11 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Rick, I enjoyed your post and your positive approach to selling real estate. Tammy is right.  If we can achieve success now, there is even greater hope for the future!
8:27am • #6
389,231 Points 27 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
The good thing about having gone into real estate at the downturn is that other agents dropped like flies, they could not handle the hard times. I did the same, came in when it took a nosedive. But it was a tremendous learning experience because real estate will never again be what it was. We now have to be much better educated with all the new laws, rules and regulations.
8:54am • #7
Thank you one and all. I do love what I do for a living and know that what we do as realtors can and will make a difference in our economic recovery. With a positive attitude we can accomplish anything.
8:57am • #8
195,512 Points Outside Blog

Great post. Your success is determined by YOU and who you hang out with, so pick your associates carefully and always be valuable with your time, especially in this business. Best of success, I'm sure you'll reach all of your goals.
9:00am • #9
547,229 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Rick:

It seems to me that your previous business of web design and the technology field was a perfect prelude to entering real estate.  Good luck to you and have fun with boot camp.
11:08am • #10
136,978 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Good Luck Rick!  I hope KW and real estate are good to you.
6:55pm • #11
SEP
10

Great story, Rick.  Working a plan has always worked.  Glad to hear a success story in the face of negative odds.
Sandra Scott
8:35am • #12

Hi Rick...great advice and you found the right recipe
8:36am • #13
1,022,995 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I suspect your career in Web Site Building has helped you in Real Estate.  Good work.
2:11pm • #14
496,270 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Hi Rick, great story. I got out of the service in '73 and went to work for big and small companies. Finally in 2006 we went into business for ourselves and have never looked back!
4:03pm • #15
SEP
25
118,017 Points Outside Blog Hit Router

You picked the best company out there. Congratulations on making the leap, and blessings to your business.
3:12pm • #16


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Rick Hogue - EcoBroker

Louisville, KY

More about me…

Keller Williams Realty Louisville East

Address: Louisville, Shelbyville, Taylorsville, Shepherdsville, Bardstown, , Louisville, KY, 40222

Office Phone: (502) 554-9428

Cell Phone: (502) 649-3431

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