Okay, so you have chosen your Broker, now what?
The first and foremost thing to consider is whether you plan to have a hobby or a career?
Well, that seems to be a stupid comment, right? We all plan to get our license, send out our annoucements that we are in business and BAM, we are Top Producers - living the dream. Sure, it always works lke that. My comments go to those that view real estate as a business rather than something you try to get rich quick.
The difference between a hobby and career is simply treating your work like a business. And the first lesson most of us learn is realizing that a true business takes capital (MONEY) to get it going. If you are starting your real estate career without funding, you are going to have a very steep hilll to climb to not only make a name for yourself, but to convince the everyday consumer that you are worth the money you plan to charge. This is why so many new agents go the limited (discount) service route as they do not have the cash to properly market a home fully to charge a full commission for their services. If you cannot compete on service, then you I guess all you have to offer is price. Name any other successful business in the world that was started on zero capital. I am always amazed when I talk to students at the local real estate school that not only have little, if any, money to open their business, but they have nothing to live on while learning the ropes.
Next, TRAINING, is the name of the game. If you think that the classes you took to get your license prepares you to handle complex transactions in the real estate world, please run (don't walk) to the nearest attorney of law for protection. The licensing coursework is the bare minimum that an agent needs to hang their shingle but should always be seen as the beginning of a life-long pursuit of higher education. I always suggest that newbies earn their GRI their first year to get a good base upon which to build a successful real estate career. NEVER take the quickie online classes to cover your backside for CE points but actually take a class that is geared toward your desired niche or that will enhance your service to your client. I take fabulous classes yearly that not only interest me but add value to my business. I have never taken a class simply for the credits. What a waste of time and money. Does this not indicate a lower level of commitment from the agent to their career?
Finally, READ, READ and READ again every book about client service, real estate, inspiration, or anything that lifts your soul. The more you know, the better you are!!! I read every day and the only thing that takes away from my reading time is the time I now spend on ActiveRain. I hear, "I don't have time to read!". If you have time to watch TV, you have time to read. If some reality show is more important than learning more about running a business, then ... YOU ARE OUT OF BUSINESS.
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