Special offer

In-house Real Estate Training

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Gundaker

Long ago, or maybe even less than a year ago, you decided you want to become a Realtor.  You found a Real Estate School, paid your money,  learned about the test,  passed the test and then what?  Did you search for a mentor? Hit the library for real estate books? Find Active Rain and read Saint Charles Missouri Real Estate Angela Wagnerevery article as fast as you could so you didn't make mistakes that others have made over and over? That's a start.

During the two weeks of pre-test classes I learned that once the majority of my classmates passed the class and test they were on their own.  They would be left to find their way to success in a hectic real estate business. The image that comes to my mind is of someone standing still in the atrium of a professional building while people are rushing by, some knocking into them, with their own business agenda.

I, on the other hand, was lucky that my office offered free in-house classes. I knew this before I signed up for to be a Realtor. We were able to sign up for phone etiquette which taught about turning call into an eventual sale. We also had the opportunity to learn how a closing works which was taught by our adjacent title company.  The open house class helped us prepare for what Sunday might bring. There were series classes on buyers and sellers.  Our office offered so many more classes that helped out every agent from new to seasoned.  I took every class I could and kept notes on them all.  I have found these classes to be an extraordinary help.  What agent had the time to teach me all of this while running their own business?  Not to mention that I would not have time to learn all of this on my own.  I did have one agent that was in the business only a short time ahead of me and had passed on knowledgeable information and allowed me to shadow her on a few open houses.

Along with the classes, our office has books and dvd's we can check out to to keep us abreast of the happenings in real estate. Not all offices are created equal. The real estate business is every woman/man for their self.  Saint Charles Missouri Real Estate Angela Wagner

How did you learn what you know? I am sure there is always the good old trial and error that all of us have experienced.

  • If your office doesn't offer classes like mine, check to see where you can learn what you need to get you through the first couple of sales.
  • If you didn't network in the pre license classes, you should have. If you did, connect with those that are on the same timeline as you.
  • Your local library should have some books you can borrow that other Realtors wrote. 
  • Try to find another newbie at your office to partner up with and share information with. 
  • Maybe you are a smooth talker and can get a seasoned agent to allow you to shadow them.
  • No matter how long you have been a Realtor, it is never a bad idea to learn something new. Update your skills!
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Angela, the first year I was a Loan Officer I went through 4 weeks of classes (9 am to 4 pm), and then all day training on every other Wednesday for the rest of the year.  Now there are classes on new loan products as they come out as well as classes on things that are changing in the industry. We also have classes on Credit and other related subjects.  So I guess I was and still am one of the lucky ones.

Feb 23, 2007 03:05 PM
Maggie Dokic /Indialantic | 321-252-8696
Magdalena Dokic - Indialantic, FL
Selling the beach in Florida's space coast

Angela, I agree that not everyone is fortunate enough to be trained well after they're licensed.  One of the big brokerage firms is known for not hiring rookies.  I wonder how a rookie is supposed to learn the ropes if they can't get hired. That is that firm's prerogative, though.

I personally jumped from one broker to another until I found my current broker. Third time's the charm :-)  She provides 12-week weekly classes which take us from the Listing Contract to the Closing Table.  In addition she has monthly forums on different topics.  I always take advantage of the free courses offered by our local boards.  It's amazing how few agents show up!  Good post.

Feb 26, 2007 12:22 PM
Robert McArtor
RE/MAX Components - Fallston Maryland - Bel Air, MD
Top Listing Agent for Baltimore and Harford County

There is always some sort of training being conducted in my office. This is invaluable.

Feb 27, 2007 10:52 PM
Sarah Cooper
Real Estate Shows - Hurricane, WV
Hi, Angela!!  GREAT post!  I wish my office offered this much training.  Sounds like you've found a great place for new AND seasoned agents.  Great tips, too!  Keep blogging, I'll keep reading!
Feb 28, 2007 04:37 AM
Angela Wagner
Coldwell Banker Gundaker - Saint Charles, MO

George-lucky for us we weren't just thrown in the water to see if we sink or swim

Maggie-hey, we all have to start somewhere. You never know if a "rookie" could some day be your big seller

Robert-I like to network during the in-house sessions too. See what other people are up to. Not everyone's way of doing things will work for others, but its neat to see what works for them.

Sarah-Maybe someday I can teach these classes. I don't see any reason a rookie should be snubbed by a seasoned agent.  Let's learn from each other.

Feb 28, 2007 05:06 AM