More is better--it seems to be the philosophy of some brokers.  Although just about anyone can be a real estate agent, unfortunately not all people should become an agent.  It seems like some firms have a primary goal of expanding their business almost exclusively by increasing their numbers.  Certainly, increasing their numbers brings an increased sphere of influence, but at what cost?  Bringing anyone and everyone on-board increases liability for that broker, creates a glut of unprepared and undertrained agents and negatively affects the reputation of the profession as a whole.  It's an easy score for a broker who can get a couple of transactions out an agent with minimal investment in time and money into this agent's professional development. 

Instead of investing almost solely in recruiting, we need to do more in terms of investing in mentoring and education.  I applaud those states that have increased their education requirements for new agents.  New York State has taken a positive measure in doing so.  Agents that are better trained and more educated are an asset to the industry and not a liability.  We can serve our clients and work with each other better when we raise our level of professionalism.

 

14 Comments on Anyone Can Become a Real Estate Agent!

JAN
30
2007
 Its the same way for Loan Officers. At least until the state started regulating licensing. It made a lot of Loan Officers get out of the business. And those who stayed in were forced to be licensed and take continuing education. GREAT POST!
7:00pm • #1
How about going back the way professionals were thirty years ago...I agree, more education is a great way to enhance the professionals, Realtors, and anyone else in the business, including myself, thanks, great post.
7:43pm • #2

I agree that the level of  education should be raised in order to raise our profession to a level of respect that other professions enjoy.

Allowing anyone and everyone to take on the major responsibilities and liabilitities for another party and their interests with the current mandated requirements for  entry into Real-estate seems almost irresponsible.

If we want to be regarded as professionals we need to set professional standards that require a certain level of understanding and education as it relates to our profession and adhere to them.
9:04pm • #3
951,926 Points 93 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Several years ago I consulted to NAR in Chicago.  They informed me there were approximately 750,000 agents.  By last august it had exceeded 1.3 million.  In the Atlanta area weve grown from 13K about 3 years ago to 43K today.  At every level I see a loss.  Professionalism, ethics, and service. It is a loser for everyone! Here are the downsides:

  1. There are more agents in everyones office - less supervision.
  2. That leads to- More real estate violations - fraud - mortgage fraud.
  3. Less experience leads to dysfunctional information (Pricing, actual market conditions, commissions)
  4. Agents are doing fewer deals which means less experienced gained.
  5. Poorer service given.  Excessive expired and withdrawn listings due to incorrect pricing, and marketing.
  6. Seller's cannot sell, buyers are given poor information, and buy the wrong product.  They are not represented by an experienced professional!

Great Post!

Jim Crawford
9:21pm • #4
1 Featured Post

Jim,

You really summed it all up succinctly.  That is very well-put analysis fo the problem.  Thanks for chimming in.
10:27pm • #5
1 Featured Post

Scott,

Also, very well said about the way that education can raise the amount of professionalism in the business.
10:32pm • #6
1,418,658 Points 52 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Nevada recently added a 30-hour post licensing requirement that all new licensees must complete within their first year. Even with that, I believe they still need a solid mentoring program from their office to achieve lasting success.
10:37pm • #7
122,952 Points Localism Sponsor

Brett, as many markets have experienced slowdowns, we've seen the departure of the wannabe/part-time agents, loan officers, appraisers, etc.  Hopefully the good people will be the ones left standing.

- Tchaka Owen
http://tchakaowen.blogspot.com/
11:41pm • #8
951,926 Points 93 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
The sad thing right now is that I am seeing the expereinced agents throwing the towel in.  They are the ones leaving.  The newer agents do not have the common sense to leave.
11:54pm • #9
FEB
09
2007
1,156,252 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
You hit the nail on the head! one of the reason we are not seen as professional is because of these very issues.  The industry suffers, the client and the reputation of those who took the time to get educated and conduct business in a professional manner.
2:09pm • #10
951,926 Points 93 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
This last September, I was privledged to speak on Internet marketing at the AtlanticHalifax Atlantic Connection Connection in Halifax Nova Scotia to the Maritime and Atlantic Realtors.  It was one of the best real estate speaking engagements I ever had!  It was very enlightening.  As part of my presentation, I always like to gauge the audience to see what level they were at both in longevity in real estate and experience.  I was amazed!  It was the complete opposite of the states. Most of the agents had over 10-15 years in the business. Almost no part-timers or newbees!  They prided themselves on professionalism, and service! Another item, when I say they were professionals...was an understatement!  The also were very much into Internet marketing, understood it, how to apply it, and we had a great exhange.  Every Realtor at the end of the session came up to personally shake my hand, because they were appreciative that I gave them new insights on real estate Intenet marketing.  It was very inspiring to see that many dedicated real estate professionals working to raise their levels of performance and service even higher!
5:51pm • #11
MAR
17
2007
2 Featured Posts
It is funny to me that RTealtors have a slightly higher barrier to entry that loan officers. That is all changing. We have to be self taught pros since we are helping people with the most valauble thing they will ever own and finance.
5:24pm • #12
AUG
13
2007
118,226 Points Outside Blog
I totally agree. I'm commenting on this post months later, but better late than never. Quality agents not quantity in agents will help develop and maintain a firm's good reputation.
7:33am • #13
143,665 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Brett

Good post. It is important to have an ongoing training program for your agents, Agencies who have these classes usually end up with good strong people. If taught by members of the company it could be even better because the new recruit gets an idea of who the people are and who to turn too in the future.

NJ has ongoing training through their Boards of Realtors.
1:10pm • #14


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Brett Young | Ulster County Real Estate | New Paltz Real Estate

New Paltz, NY

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High Ground Realty

Address: 20 Milton Avenue, Highland, NY, 12528

Office Phone: 845691SOLD

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Commentary about New Paltz Real Estate and Ulster County Real Estate. Also focuses on best practices in the real estate industry as a whole.


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