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Are You In An Office Where Real Estate Is Top Secret? If So You Better Run!

I remember joining a company and because I was new everyone wanted to get to know me. It really wasn't that they really wanted to get to know me...they wanted to know what I knew.

I wanted to be great but the funny thing to me was everything was top secret. "Don't talk to that top producer they are just too busy!"

Often times they talked to me, to get me to open their houses or fax something to another company for them.

Why because I did not know any better.

Yes, I managed to learn how to use lock boxes, open drapes and lock up. they would call me to do these things...

I expected to see them in the office to only hear from them by phone again. Midori can you do this for me?

I hated real estate...and I was ready to quit.

Then one day, I was complaining to one of my friends he told me it's your environment..make a change.

To start over...yuck....

Then he said You are competing so don't expect them to share their trade secrets. If you can't make it on your own...you need to quit now! Harsh words...and darn some friend I had.

If I could be a grocery store manager and manage 60 people between the ages of 14 to 70 successfully....... I can do anything. After all I was raising three boys on my own and I am going to let real estate kick my butt???? NO WAY!

The following week I ran into an old friend...one of my grocery store buddies and it turned out he went into real estate too!

Funny thing, while I said how hard real estate was and how much I hated it...He had already closed several transactions..with a big smile on his face..he said...let me see if I can get you in..because in our company every associate makes money.

My ears perked up...I told him how I just finished Sweathogs and I was starting to see some things happening. Still no sale but a couple of listings.

After 3 weeks..he called me..."Go today to see my broker..one of the associates left and you might get in! I told him about you. Don't make an appointment...just go in and see him."

I did just that. When I walked into the office, there were about 12 desks there.

One of the things I noticed was constant movement.

People in and out... I hope I would be sitting in one of the desks soon!

When I looked in the back..I was intimidated. The Broker....

We sat and chatted...he said he would have to think about it...

I didn't have enough experience but he told me if I was willing to learn the real estate business and take it serious he might give me a shot.

One last thing before I walked out, he told me to get a real estate car..you need 4 doors!

We parted shaking hands and he saying he'll call me.

I got in my car and cried, somehow someway I blew it! Maybe I'm not cut out for this profession!

Then it happened...the owner called.. if I would like to start..he will see me Monday Morning.. I was so happy and excited!

He would walk by me when I was on the phone and coached me...

My fellow associates would sit around role playing and practice screening leads with me.

We were very much in a real estate environment and everyone one of us took our career's very serious.

Luck would have it and I got a buyer my first week...lo and behold...I had to write a contract.

I got a copy of their driver's licenses and sent them off to get something to eat..

When I came back into the office...

I told everyone they wanted to write a contract and I had never written one before.

It was impressive..everyone in that office played in a role to get that contract written...written before the buyer returned from their meal.

Very different from the environment I came from and I was surprised..The broker understood if we were not making money..he wasn't going to make any either. He took the time and trained every associate..,

Success breeds Success.

If you are working in an office where real estate is top secret...it may not be you...but your environment...I don't know about you..but I'd say you better run!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Midori Miller and CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty. Midori Miller and CENTURY21 Sundance Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.

Posted by Florida Real Estate Trainer | Daytona Beach After School Training | Midori on 02/16/2008 09:54 PM

Comments (36)

is real estate top secret in your office, you better run, success breeds success, successful work environments, midori, midori miller, c21

Originally posted at: Daytona Real Estate Training: Are You In An Office Where Real Estate Is Top Secret? If So You Better Run!

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36 Comments on Are You In An Office Where Real Estate Is Top Secret? If So You Better Run!

FEB

2008

Midori,

You are so right, information is something to be shared as there are no magic systems just diligence and systems.

Take care!

RJH

That's great.

I worked for a Century 21 Franchise early in my career, and the BROKER was the one who acted like everything was a big secret. She didn't want the agents talking to each other. She said we were there to sell real estate, not to make friends. I never forgot that, and I knew that wasn't the environment I wanted to work in. I left shortly afterwards.

I emphasize to anyone wanting to associate with my brokerage, that WE work together. Yes, they are competitors, but they're also colleagues.

Good for you Midori. That's what I like about Royster Real Estate, everyone is so helpful andy my broker is constantly coaching me. It feels good to be in a positive environment.

Great post! It is amazing the difference in your attitude when you are around professionals who strive to sharpen their skills as opposed to whinning about their lot in life.

I have been in both offices & much prefer to be in one where people share ideas, encourage you to do your best & glad when you succeed...

Dianne Clayton

Hi Midori,

Nice to hear you were able to move into a more positive environment. Sweathogs haven't heard that term for quite a few years, good old Floyd Wickmam, and Mrs. Whijakowski (sp?) right?

whats funny is I have never worked in an office with people I have always worked on my own out of my house....you do what you know...right..but you are right....trying something different may be a great idea....sounds like it worked for you...

Midori- My first Brokerage had some great people, and some of them really helped me a lot. We role played, laughed, learned, and shared with each other. I would do things for them like teach them computer things, or do Marketing for them for sharing their knowledge with me......a win-win for all of us I think. Even now......I am friends with the ones that helped me and we are all in different offices....it just pays to be nice......

FEB

2008

Wow, I thought "WE" were supposed to interview the broker/office. I don't think I would ever let a broker tell me he would think about hiring me. Don't we make them money too? :)

Great Post !

Latley I have brokers wanting to meet with me.. maybe change is in the air ?

It really is important to have a good working environment. It is easy to let other people bring you down in this business. Real Estate is dog eat dog. Starting out in Real Estate is hard enough...picking the wrong place to get started could easily derail ones career.

Midori - The office environment is so important...sure we are a competitive group but most real estate pros are a helpful bunch too!

You have to find your right spot. Sounds like you found it!

You're so right - success breeds success, in business and in real estate.

Midori ~ What an excellent point you make! You better run if real estate is a secret! I'm sorry that you had to start off this way, but I can see that you learned from this in a big way. I didn't start real estate until my mid 30's and I was amazed at the gossip and back stabbing...I have learned to ignore it and walk away from those who participate in it. It doesn't bother me anymore because I don't allow it. Way to go girl.

love this post. Great job. I always think about this in regards to what people are blogging about as well. I think a lot of 'secrets' are definitely out in blogs :)

Midori-I want to comment on LaNita's comment about interviewing Brokers......I have interviewed everyone that works with me....there are some agents that I do not prefer to associate with. the know it alls!!!! Absolutely I interview and decide if someone can work with us, and I also ask all the other Agents if this is a good mix for Them.

I have found that all the people that say they are making ME a bunch of money are usually the ones that need the most assistance, or cause the most turmoil in the Office......The Broker has to worry about legal liability in everything......and I for one do not want someone that I feel has a higher than average chance of getting us sued. Also I detest a know it all attitude, and people that put others down with I am a top producer......

Reminds me of the people just graduating from college with a BA degree thinking they deserve to be the President of the Co.......only to find out that a BA gets them an entry level job :)

Midori, Great post with great advice! I believe in the team effort. Not having closed doors.. If the whole office was like that then the buttom line would be much less and how can the broker keep the doors open?

I have found that it is important to work in an office that is in sinc with your values. Also, a support office that views supportiveness as being a win win for everyone, in my opinion, is a healthy environment. We spend a lot of time in our offices and with our colleagues, why not make it supportive, positive and enjoyable?

Got to have a positive and helpful environment with team playing a must! Glad it all worked out for you because it seems you've been happy!

Midori: I believe everyone should share their knowledge... Very good post and great advice. Now, about that clothes pin. I believe I may need to buy one of those.

Midori - The Universe rewards generosity: first you give, then you receive. Your intentions are everything: when you share to make the world a better place to be, you receive more than you ever expected.

Great job! Make your community a better place to be - you will help all of us.

Midori, How nice you found some wonderful people to help you when you were beginning. But I'm sure all along you knew where you were meant to be and would have stuck it out.

Great post. I love a willingness to help others. You are right to say if you aren't making money then neither are they. I love my work environment but I still know we are competing....in a sense.

I also took Sweathogs my first month in real estate! I remember alot of what you said in your post. Alot of seasoned agents do not like new agents when they first come into the office. Maybe that is why alot of them do not stick around. It is funny how I look back now and remember all the comments people made about me being new. I was always willing to help others with the computer, questions, etc. Great post. I can relate....

When I started everyone in my office helped me. I hated feeling like the new kid and not knowing the answers. The top agent in my office is also the top agent in our 4 counties so who better to learn from. She always helps me and I'm happy to say I won Rookie of the Year 2007. Now when new agents start, I know how they feel and I will help them to feel more confident. Thanks for a great post.

What a great story Midori! It's amazing how every office can be so different. I'm so glad things worked out the way they did for you! I'm lucky to be in a supportive environment with people that genuinely care about each other and their success. I was lucky to have people around that were willing to help me when I first started out. I truly believe that makes the difference in making it or not.

Midori: Isn't it great to be in a competitive environment where people are supportive! The best of both worlds!

FEB

2008

Hi Everyone-Let me address a few issues...

Success breeds Success...its very contagious and very positive...we have our ups and downs BUT the upside is that when you are in an office and with the same goals in mind and you are rooting for each other...often times a solution will surface...suggestions...thoughts and ideas...

Now I have to address the independent contractor issue bottom line that is how you get paid!!! To me nothing more....nothing less...you have the freedom to work in the way that you like...but not every broker will endorse you! I find it very funny when someone throws this in my face...especially when they need me to help them with a problem...or they want to pick my brain for ideas or sit in one of my accountability programs...Give and take...both brokers and independent contractor's

Let me spell it out for those who have never ran their own company....these thoughts might help. A broker is responsible for your actions...for you words...and for your listings...they aren't your listings...nor your customer...plain and simple it's the brokers...so call yourself independent contractor's all you wish. Without the broker unless you become one...you won't be selling real estate legally....you need the broker!

I ran my own company and if we did not mesh business wise you were not a part of my organization plain and simple...While many of you think that you are interviewing the broker...bottom line is it has to be a good fit all the way around...does it makes sense and will this broker make me as successful as I want to be? Does the broker conduct business in the way I see myself doing it? Do I have enough respect for the broker to actually hang my license with them. As a broker do I have enough faith to spend all my time and energy on this independent contractor? Will they fit well with the other associates? What do they have to bring to the table...afterall you want marketing dollars??? What do you have to market? I could go on and on...

Brokers like yourselves have certain standards and If I do not live up to my end of the bargain...well BFN...

in my mind he wasn't telling me to get rid of my car..plain and simple it was a statement...and a very valid one...at the time I drove a sports car....

Every associate in his office was successful...he created his office that way...its was a privilege to work there...so many tried but I got in....so you can say...he doesn't have right..sure he does...because he believed enough in me to stick his neck out everytime I made a mistake..or had a question or needed to learn new systems...you are only as good as the people around you! I understood it and so did he.

Here is what I find disheartening about some associates...you complain you have no business but you don't like sales meetings...you don't like dressing in a manner that is professional and you know all! You are independent until you have a problem

That is disheartening....you may not think its important to participate or even get involved in company projects but the truth is your name is attached...regardless of whether you are an independent contractor or not.

I say until you walk a mile in a broker's shoes...careful in what you say...your broker might be reading this and may not be so gung ho to help you after-all you are an independent contractor aren't you???????????

FEB

2008

great post. We are definitely in a buisness where you need to bring energy and creativity. Your coworkers are your competition, but can be the best reason for your success.

Midori- This post hit a chord with me. I too was in the same kind of office in the early days. OMG, and heard those exact words..."do not talk to the top producer he is much too busy".. and like you, I also thought about throwing in the towel. The straw that broke the camels back was when the Broker came in on a Sunday while I had assigned floor time and would not even say hello to me. She pretended to not even hear me greet her. Being a persistent little bugger, I walked up to her office and waited for a response. Instead of hello I got a curt "I am busy" from her. The first thing I thought of was... I am here on a Sunday (the only day our entire family can spend together) working as a receptionist for basically nothing. Hmmm. I returned to the "Pit" and didn't say another word.

The following week I left a note and key at the front desk. I realized the "fit" for me was just not there. It was not Real Estate I disliked, it was the office environment. Like you, I interviewed another Broker and not only did I get the job, my sales soared. Finally finding an office that felt "like home".

Great post Midori!

Great post - indeed, you have to be able to make it on your own and not depend on everyone in the office for help - it also helps to have a partner, someone you share all the little jobs and responsibilities with - so someone is always available for your clients!

I've worked in offices like this and miss those days. Now it seems like so many people work from home and real estate offices are empty, except for the receiptionist. It's particularly important for a beginner to have this community envirnoment, but I think we all benefit.

Midori, I work in an office Just like the one you described. Lately When I came in one of the owners would whisper so as not to let me hear the conversation. Then one day one of the other agents said she would share some important info with me on reo's and did. we talk about this and other r e info and share between ourselves and anyone that wants to know. This is one very good reason why I like this site. I have gotten great info and have given some back to others. Good for you for sharing this experience. I thought I was the only one!

FEB

2008

Thank goodness, you changed and stayed in the profession. Honestly, real estate is so local and I mean city local. It is all up to the Broker to set the tone and be helpful. It is so much easier to keep agents than recruit them. Look now you are a trainer. Amazing full circle.

APR

2008

Great story, sometimes we get way too competitive. When we get competitive we stop the creative from flowing. I find that your story is all too common. In todays market people are starving and doing anything they can to get ahead of the agent next to them. What comes around - goes around.

Great post Midori. You've got a great friend there. Congrats on your move to a better agency and continued success to you.

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