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Younger Agents Can Do Better Than the Veteran

By Annabelle Finfrock

Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty ~ Biltmore Partners

March 01, 2008 06:56 PM

There are so many agents that I look up to. Some have 20-30 years of experience. I can only aspire to do as well, if not, better than they did, with their help, of course. But older does not ALWAYS mean BETTER.

I had to go through great lengths to look as though I'm in my mid-30s just to be taken seriously in this business. I am under 30, and while I don't like to admit my age, for fear of being looked upon as inexperienced, I take pride in knowing that I am a hard worker and a GREAT REALTOR. I have training that far exceeds some seasoned agents. The Market is changing daily. I have great mentors & assistance with 100 years of experience combined. I have resources that agents can only dream of. I have mentors in every area of expertise.

I've heard of a lot of stories, and I had to disprove an adage. With the growth of technology, the veterans can fall behind in their real estate services if their work does not include the latest in SEOs, transaction management and web presence. While buyers have been a lot more sophisticated in terms of technology, how can a veteran compete if he/she never changes their ways? There are email etiquette's, web sites, lead captures that are necessary for today's consumers.

I am GEN X, able to adapt to GEN Y and their technology invasions. Doesn't that mean that with LISTINGS, we are far ahead in getting our MARKETING structured for immediate exposure, therefore, a possible sale? And isn't it true, that with our know-hows, we've been able to tap into contact managers and manage our lives better with a touch of button? And so with buyers looking online at the rate of 85% searches online.... wouldn't we be able to reach their email accounts faster than snail mails? Lastly, if we had more time due to the help of technology, we clearly have sufficient time to build relationships, as well as lives with our prospects and families!

FOR SEASONED AGENTS: I hope to learn from you and all the great things you do!

For the aspiring Rookies: We are not too far behind.... let's make the most of our youth by being better than we've ever dreamed. There are no limitation in this business, there is only "US" in our way.

Like Henry Ford once said, "Whether you think you CAN or you think you CAN'T, You're RIGHT!

Devoted. Dedicated. Determined.

To get the JOB done RIGHT!
Annabelle Tan~Finfrock
Real Estate Consultant, REALTOR
www.azFeaturedProperties.com
Direct: (623) 694-2070

Keller Williams High Desert Realty
Call Toll Free: (877) 832-3328
Fax: (602) 787-2094
Email: belletan@kw.com

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Dorene Shirley

The Mortgage & Property Connection - Campbell, CA

Silicon Valley Real Estate

Annebelle - Wow, this was some kind of article. As one of those old veterans, it was difficult to read without getting the feeling I was being used for my knowledge and experience, then cast out to the pasture. One of those senior citizen mentors will explain that last comment. I think you meant the post to be directed to the younger crowd, but old folk like me read on this site as well. I love the younger agents coming in. I was VERY young when I started in the business 28 years ago. Young people in our business don't have to defend themselves for their youthfulness. Time and commitment takes care of this. As long as you have a respectful attitude with them, you will learn many things. Patience is important in the business.

I was told one that 31 flavors has many ice-cream flavor to pick from. While I love the classics like chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, I sometimes roam over to the new flavor and pick a cookie dough ice-cream cone.

Good luck...

Mar 01, 2008 08:57 PM

Frank Schulte-Ladbeck

Frank Schulte-Ladbeck Professional Real Estate Inspections - Houston, TX

Annabelle- you write with a passion, and it was an enjoyable read. I do not think age is the main factor in an agent's effectiveness; it is the willingness to adapt to situations, like meeting the clients on their own ground, such as on the internet. Some young agents that I know have not used this medium well, while some older agents have.

I look forward to hearing from you again in another post.

Mar 01, 2008 09:24 PM

Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239

Real Estate One - Commerce, MI

Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com

I am older but I am so with you that age doesn't always matter. There are some long time agents that don't work as hard or know as much as younger agents. Good Luck and keep improving!

Mar 01, 2008 10:05 PM

Kenneth Cole

Weichert Realtors Appleseed Group, 2043 Richmond Ave. S.I.N.Y. 10314. office phone 718-698-9797, Appleseedhomes.com... - Staten Island, NY

NYS Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Each age and each gender has its advantages. Take advantage of whatever you can. The rest is hard work, about 90%. Good luck. At 65 I have plenty of experience at both ends, as a consumer and as an agent.

Mar 01, 2008 10:15 PM

Christina Moock

Cutler Real Estate - Canton, OH

REALTOR - Cutler Real Estate

I think we just need to learn how to adapt to working with all kinds of people and personalities.

Mar 01, 2008 10:24 PM

Vanessa Krempa

Princeton, NJ

I am a youngish agent just starting out in this business and have been really impressed with how agents from all generations have taken their personal talents and carved a niche in the local market. Age may have an impact, but not so much as personality, which includes a willingness to succeed and learn. I am grateful to those with many years of experience and am content knowing my own strengths and how I can use them to succeed on my terms. Best of luck to all!

Mar 01, 2008 10:36 PM

Terry & Bonnie Westbrook

Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner - Grand Rapids, MI

Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re

After 35 years of selling real estate I find it is still the same. Meeting and talking to people except today it has changed so dramatically from when I started knocking on doors and cold calling 900 people in a month. We are still in the people business and we need to communicate to them in the way they want to hear our message or someone else will. Thanks for the post and Good luck from an OLD guy.

Mar 01, 2008 11:02 PM

Nannette Turner

eXp Realty LLC - Lynchburg, VA

Online Marketing Home Ownership Advocate Specialis

I agree with Vanessa. Everyone has their own style. Does not mean one is better than another. Because each buyer or seller has their own style. Our job as an agent is to ADAPT to the style of our clients. Some agents are more adaptable than others. To be more adaptable could mean the difference between your success or not.

But I also agree that trying to sell a house without technology is like building a house without using pneumatic tools. Yes you can still build a house just using an old fashioned hammer but it might take a little longer.

However no matter how fancy a carpenters tools are he never throws out the trusty ol' hammer.

Mar 01, 2008 11:10 PM

Younger Agents Can Do Better Than the Veteran

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