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Starting over in a new market, what was I thinking?

Two years ago, right before the market took a downward turn here in my new market, I set up a new office, ready to sell, sell sell. I mean in my Florida market , I was pretty good, well I was kicking butt for almost 20 years. So I set out to begin again, all over. What I found is its not that easy in a smaller market. Small communities, a mean other agents, don't really take to well to a city slicker coming in.

SO what's a big city girl to do? The sad part here for me is, I have a lot of expereince as a trainer and educator in real estate and I would love to share. I come from a place where sharing , just like on AR is awesome. I think I am where I am today because of all of the agents who were willing to share all with me 20 years ago. I know what I read on AR has given me some great insights and tips and tricks as well.

I have held some open houses with great food so I can meet other agents as well as show my properties. I haven't had any problems getting listings . Could that be the problem? Hmmm, I wonder. I have tried to join some of the board activites but guess they have too many..hmmm. I have met several great agents who I enjoy working with and hope to break into this tight knit group. Anyway anyone have any suggestions for me.

Posted by AJ Fischer on 08/07/2008 07:06 PM

Comments (12)

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12 Comments on Starting over in a new market, what was I thinking?

Well hang in there. I am an agent in a small community and I started over 4 years ago, it took me a while to get my foot in the door and we are a tight knit group, but a hard working agent will always win in the end. I have done very well at breaking the ice. I use to work in accounting in a face paced corporate world and it took me a little getting use to seeing how small things could really be.

08/07/2008 07:13 PM

by Kim Kelley (Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty)

You will make, you have seen changes in the market before. Keep a positive attitude, and think outside the box!

08/07/2008 07:27 PM

by Carol Swain, Realtor -www.swainsells.com- Bucks County, Pa (Keller Williams Real Estate)

With so many agents that come and go in this industry, maybe just time could be what will work to break the ice.

08/07/2008 07:33 PM

by Patty & Scott Carroll - RE/MAX, Vancouver WA (RE/MAX Equity Group)

AJ,

Here in Saint Louis, MO we have found that by joining the local Realtors Political Action Committee helps. I'm sure you'll have something similar. Good Luck.

Frank J Helderle

http://www.theroyalmove.com

08/07/2008 07:34 PM

by Frank Helderle (RE/MAX Best Choice)

Kelly- Thanks, I know you are right but it sure gets lonely..

Carol and Patty - Yes markets change and I am hanging in there.

Frank - I love joining Realtor action groups, maybe they will take me.

08/07/2008 07:38 PM

by AJ Fischer (AAdvisor Realty of The High Country)

You will eventually get your foot in the door. You already have listings. That should account for something.

08/07/2008 07:52 PM

by Angelia Garcia (Francesca Realty.LLC)

I agree with everyone in that time will win them over. As someone who has lived in NC for over 10 years and I am a bigger community here in Raleigh there is still what they say is a good old boy (or girl) network.

Hey, until then, you always have us!

08/07/2008 08:24 PM

by Raleigh Cary Realty - George Wilson (Raleigh Cary Realty)

Hang in there AJ, it will happen! Maybe ActiveRain can be the tool to opening that market for you? At least it would be a way to share all that knowledge!

PS - Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog. I'm here if you need anyone in Naples or Bonita Springs!

08/08/2008 09:09 AM

by Garren Grup, REALTOR... Naples & Bonita Springs, FL (John R. Wood REALTORS)

HI Garren I will put you in my little black book...

Hi George Thanks for the pep talk...it is a different country here LOL but that is why OI love it so...

08/08/2008 02:28 PM

by AJ Fischer (AAdvisor Realty of The High Country)

You will win them over that is for sure and if not it sounds like you are winning over the people who pay the bills!

08/08/2008 04:06 PM

by Raleigh Cary Realty - George Wilson (Raleigh Cary Realty)

I'm considering moving to a smaller area as well in a couple of years. It's good to hear some of the challenges I'll have to face. Keep me posted and I'll be rooting for you.

08/09/2008 11:52 AM

by Trunda Rogers-Dallas County (Summit Realty & Mortgage)

AJ,

Best of luck to you. I moved to a small town in high school, and being an outsider it was really hard to adjust. My best advice is just to give it some time. Once they feel you out a little bit, they'll come around

I'm still pretty new (third year), so I'd love to hear how you run your business, and any ideas you have for building up a listing inventory. We are at seven right now. So if the other agents in your small town don't want you to share, I certainly do! :)

08/14/2008 09:34 PM

by Kristina Pratt, Realtor - St. Louis' Illinois Suburbs (Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors)

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