Your Successful Real Estate Career
I was given this book by my mother when I switched gears and decided to sell real estate and leave my career as a mortgage loan originator back in 2001. After 15 years in lending, I thought I pretty much knew everything and I was wrong, and by reading this book it opened my eyes as to how wrong I was. Armed with the knowledge presented in this book, it truly helped me jump start my career as a Realtor.
As you can see from the cover, there has been over 115,000 copies sold. I went to Amazon to "steal" the picture of the book cover, and Amazon told me I have bought 6 copies of this book. I bought copies throughout the years to my new agents that joined my brokerage, and I also believed in the book so much I also put it as the only title on the list for "Recommended Reading" on my course syllabus when I taught pre-licensing real estate classes at Gavilan College.
Robert Bruss, now deceased but notable syndicated real estate columnist/attorney/CA Real Estate Broker claimed "On my scale of one to ten this GREAT book rates an off-the-chart 12!" Back in the day, I was a huge follower of Robert Bruss.
The book starts out on Chapter 1 with a self assessment if you really want to get into real estate (and all that involves, including having a bit of a nest egg as your first commission check may be months away).
He further elaborates on getting your license, and from there choosing a brokerage. Small brokerage or big box brokerage? He explains the plus and minuses of each.
He then discusses listing and selling property, giving some great tips on maximizing your value.
From there, he discusses the various specializations, both properties and persons, which one should be aware of. This is the chapter which really opened my eyes, made me do further research, and is solely the impetus behind me getting all my various NAR designations, which have been wonderful and tremendously got me focused on my business.
Continuing onward, he discusses avoiding problems and dealing with difficult people and difficult situations. I found these chapters helpful, and I think most people coming into the business do not realize that these things can and do occur. Buying a home is an emotional experience, and an expensive one. Be kind. As I've always felt, be aware your clients are spending a huge chunk of their after tax savings...
Before his final encouraging word (and yes, the book is written in an entirely encouraging tone), Kenneth Edwards start closing with a chapter titled "Change Happens" an to those who have been in the business a while know these to be a solid truth. I've been in the business long enough to have used Thomas guides and Barclay Guides. I think they are not even published any longer. I remember being used to escape for a few hours to play golf or whatever and steal a few hours to myself before cell phones and text messaging...
Buy this book! Buy this book for your new agents. Leave the book laying around your office after you finish it. It begs to be shared.
Here's an example of a (former) real state office which I can assume nobody in this office had even heard of this book! Read this book, or the only thing you'll be selling is some slightly used office furniture!
This book review is submitted for the ActiveRain August 2021 challenge!
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