Have you ever run in to an agent that thinks they are the greatest thing since sliced bread, but you just want to slap them upside the head and bring them back to Earth? As far as I'm concerned two things make a great agent. First is their clients and the second is dedication.

I was asked by an agent who is in a bigger office what they should do with an agent that is trying to copy her in every way, including her farm areas. She is worried about her farm because this person is a self proclaimed real estate GOD! But, in less than two years has had more complaints filed against them than any other agent in the office. The only thing is, not one has resulted in a fine or disciplinary action, so the public has no idea about this person.

This tells me that the guy is just plain lucky so far! You don't get that many complaints filed against you unless you are not very good and not very well liked by your clients. Now, this person is trying to copy a successful agent because she is successful, but I don't think they understand that part of the reason she is successful is because she has ethics.

I remember my first year very well and I agree it was very hard to find my own. But I looked at a lot of the top agents and "learned from" not copied what they were doing and adapted it to what I was able to do. I didn't have a lot of money, so mailing flyers and news letters that first year wasn't going to happen. But, I did deliver those news letters by hand and saved myself $370 a month in postage and got some exercise.

The second thing that happens by copying someone is you aren't learning what it actually takes to be successful, and I promise the public knows. I'm guessing this agent's farm area is on to this guy since the post cards are almost word for word copies of her ads, just one week later.

I love new agents, most of them have so much passion and their attitude is that nothing can stop them. Not only do I get energy from them, I get the chance to encourage them. I think that is partially what makes Activerain so great. New and experienced agents can share their experiences without the fear of competition.

Competition is good, but it does have to be played on a level playing field. I thrive and do better when I have something to lose. That is why I challenge people to see who can deliver the most flyers in one week. (The loser buys lunch.) I love the challenge, and for the record, there have been a few times I've lied to a newbie about how many I delivered just because I knew they did their best, but the fear of having to come out of their pocket with $10 for lunch was too much to bear. So, I of course, delivered about 50 less flyers than them for the week and bought them lunch. Usually, less than two months later, they are buying me lunch because they have a commission check!

So, for you new agents, there is just as much ethics involved in being successful as there is hard work. I wish you all the success in the world, but you have to earn it and not steal it. That goes for people new to Activerain as well, you can't just copy and paste and expect to get to the top of the Hall of Fame, you have to work and work hard.

My mom taught me that hard work is the only way to true success!

Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

 

 

 I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard.
All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.

 

What if there was a way you could search the MLS for FREE just like Realtors

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you'll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You'll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that's listed in the MLS!

Click here to start your FREE home search now