A Real Estate Agent's First Sale

I was licensed to sell real estate in Illinois in July of 1998 and I had my first sale in October.  The market was vibrant and there were about half as many agents as there are now in the business. I was lucky to land with a good agency and get a fast start.

A young couple called in and I was handling my first floor time duty.  They were looking for a home in a nearby village and I expertly (!) took their information and started my search.

The Multiple Listing Service was just starting to be used online and it was an old program with chunky type on a dark background - no color, no photos.

That weekend I began to work with these clients - never having listed, shown, previewed, or done anything real estate related other than taking and passing the tests. I wasn't jittery and I was determined to act the seasoned professional. I wanted their confidence and knew I could do a great job for them.

We found the perfect home within two weeks - VOILA - I wrote my first contract.  Well, actually I had my broker help me write it before the clients came in to sign it.  We weren't using email yet and faxes were terrible for contracts so I hand delivered the contract to the listing agent.

She met me at her office and I could tell that she was very experienced . . . and somewhat indifferent.  Like she did this every day and was bored with it.  Being nervous, I blurted out that this was my first contract and her demeanor completely changed.  Having been entrusted with this information (feeling sorry?)  she decided to befriend and help me get this deal done  

I didn't want my clients to know that I was new because I didn't want them to fret or feel hesitant about me. Everyone starts somewhere after all.  Didn't I feel great when my client turned to me at the closing table and said, "You must be so bored at these closings, I bet you have several a week."

I know I did an excellent job - they're still living in the same home!