In this ever changing real estate market that currently exists it is more important than ever for agents to equip themselves with the most education ever to properly represent buyers and sellers in a competent, professional manner. I've had hundreds of discussions with agents who are complaining about the difficulties they are currently experiencing. My questions to them are these:

What are you doing to make yourself a better agent?

What training/education have you taken lately that will help you thrive in our shifting market?

Are you still doing business the same way you did 3 years ago?

Are you a real estate professional or just a real estate agent?

Is your broker doing anything to help you become a more knowledgeable, well-rounded agent who can better assist your clients in the current market?

Do you have a system for lead generation or are you just waiting for your broker or another middle-man to hand you a referral (at a 25%-35% fee)?

Having been on the "other side" I can tell you that the educational opportunities offered by Keller Williams Realty are unbelievable. Many of the real estate brokers claim to have the best training in town but in reality most of their education is based around new agents. Topics such as "how to fill out a contract" and "measuring a house" just don't excite an experienced agent. Many good, experienced agents quit going to sales meetings or broker-offered training because they simply dont get anything out of it.

Keller Williams reputation across the counrty is that of having the most experienced, educated, well-rounded agents in the business. Much of that reputation stems from the unequalled education that is offered at a local level, regional level, national level, and over the internet. The Keller Williams model is designed to best fit the learning-based agent that has a desire to be a real estate professional, not just a real estate agent.

When it comes right down to it...our clients are paying us for our knowledge. Knowing what to do when our listings are not selling, knowing what to do to attract more showings, knowing how to negotiate unreasonable offers, knowing how to help buyers make an informed decision, and much more.

Do you have the knowledge to survive in today's market? Are you a learning-based agent? Are you a real estate professional? If not, you may be losing clients to the agents that can say yes to these questions.

John Lorkovic, Keller Williams Greater Omaha