After I received my Real Estate license and signed on with a local firm, I was encouraged to "sign up" with a mentor and recieve VALUABLE experience with a seasoned agent. This makes sense, doesn't it? This was in addition to weekly training classes that were mostly videos and discussion (yawn!).

I accelerated through the classes by watching the videos and doing extra worksheets on my own time. I was done four weeks earlier than the other "newbies". I wanted to jump in and get going FAST!

My first mentor was a seasoned agent with approximately 20 years experience. She was sweet, pleasant, seemed successful (in the business that long?? Shouldn't she?) and we got along well. I was to learn from her by hosting open houses with her; follow along on property showings/viewings etc. Well, by the time we hosted our open house together, I already had hosted two others by myself. By the time I started going on property viewings with her, I was already getting experience by showing to renters. I was sending out Thank You notes, etc. It really wasn't working. I was OUTPACING HER. After a lengthy discussion with my manager, we dissolved the agreement. As part of the agreement I was suppose to split my commission on my first three transactions with her 50/50. I truly felt she hadn't earned it.

IN STEPS MENTOR #2. I felt I still could benefit from the expertise of an experienced agent and had some hands-on training. I had been enjoying many helpful hints, ride-alongs etc. with one who also became my best friend. We had quite a lot of fun doing it!

Here's the biggest lesson I learned (no regrets, really...): NEVER come into the opposing side of a transaction with your MENTOR! When you think they are there to guide you through, they aren't (as a Newbie, I wasn't thinking!). This is especially true if your Mentor gave this client to you - in this case, it was a renter my Mentor didn't have time for and asked me if I would "service" her. While showing her property, I converted her to a buyer. I was so excited and proud (gush!). My Mentor felt betrayed. I began showing her property for sale. She fell in love with a listing my Mentor had. My Mentor and I worked together on the Market Analysis (I still wanted some advise in that area). We wrote the offer, negotiated it to ratification. The inspections went beautifully! Then, the Appraisal came back LOW!! We were never able to put the contract back together.

The converted buyer? Now, diverted back to RENTER.

Moral of this story: Stay away from working transaction on the opposite side of your Mentor until the program is over.

On the other hand, it's an experience I WILL NEVER FORGET!!