New Agents! You Need THESE People in your Support Group. Network It!
This was one of the entries to the recent contest - advice to newbies.
There were many excellent entries in this contest, including this one.
Thanks Fred Griffin, on his advice about networking.
Welcome, New Agents, to the Real Estate Business! The opportunity for success, both financial and personal, is right in front of you... it is there for the taking.
However, if it is so easy to "make it" in Real Estate, why do the majority of Newbies burn out, fizzle out, or drop out after a year or two? Why is the attrition rate in this business so high?
What can YOU do to avoid being a "I tried it but it did not work", and instead become a SUCCESS STORY in the real estate business?
The answer: you need a Support Network of people to help you navigate your way through the rapids and the rough roads that lie ahead of you!
These People should be in Your Network
1. Mentors. Successful Agents who have "been there done that". People who can point you in the right direction and help you avoid beginner's mistakes. Identify some Top Producers; take them to lunch, ask questions, get advice.
2. Lenders. You need Bankers, Mortgage Brokers, and Lenders who can get your prospects pre-approved. You need go-to people who can answer your client's Loan Questions.
3. Title Company/Title Attorney personnel.
4. Insurance Agents. What do policies cost? Does the age of the roof matter (especially here in Florida)? What is "The Box" (here in Florida)? What about sinkholes? What else is required for policies in YOUR state or local area?
5. Home Inspectors. You need experts. Ask around; find the best.
6. WDO (Wood Destroying Organisms) Inspectors, aka "Termite Inspectors".
6. Surveyors
7. Appraisers
8. The Staff at your Local Board of Realtors. Introduce yourself, ask for advice.
9. Qualified Real Estate Attorney. There will be times when you are faced with legal challenges (either personally, or for a client or customer). Ask a Top Producer, your Broker, or your Board of Realtors which Attorneys they use. Spend the money for a consultation/introduction with two or three of the top lawyers in your city or area. Don't wait until a crisis arises... interview some Lawyers now.
10. Certified Public Accountant. You want to comply with Tax Laws; you also want to keep as much of your hard-earned money as possible. Plus, your customers and clients may have questions about taxes owed after a sale, and so forth.
11. Technology People who can help you with Websites, MLS, Smart Phones, IDX, and Hardware. If your Board or Association has a Technical Staff or Technical Manager, meet them!
12. Photographer / Videographer / Graphic Artist for professional photos, images, videos and graphics. They should be competent with photo-editing software, and proficient on websites like YouTube and Vimeo.
13. Local Government Officials. Visit the Property Appraiser's Office and the Tax Collector's Office. Visit the Zoning or Building Department, and any other relevant Local Government offices. Meet the gatekeepers who sit at the front desk! Sure, you can get most information from the Internet, but there will be times when you need to "Get Human". Meet these people now before your business gets rolling.
14. ActiveRain Members and Staff. There is a wealth of information and support available to you on ActiveRain! Comment on a Featured blog, introduce yourself to some top bloggers via email. Call or email the Staff Members at ActiveRain. Get familiar with the "Feature Fairies" and other prominent bloggers on ActiveRain!
15. Contractors, Handymen, Plumbers, Electricians, Roofers, Carpenters, etc. who can professionally advise you and your Buyers/Sellers about corrections or repairs to a property. Ask around; find the best. Make sure that they are licensed and insured.
New Agent, you are an Independent Contractor! You are a sole proprietor, perhaps a one-man or one-woman Real Estate Office. But can you do this alone? No! You need a Network to help you succeed in this business.
Disclaimer: Nothing in this blog article is to be construed as legal advice, tax advice, or financial advice. For legal advice see an attorney. For tax advice or financial advice see a tax attorney, certified public accountant, or other qualified professional.
Frederick Griffin, Licensed Real Estate Broker Tallahassee, Florida 850-339-4861
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Call Fred Griffin 850-339-4861
Frederick Griffin, Licensed Real Estate Broker Tallahassee, Florida 850-339-4861
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