1. Make sure you have some money in the bank to hold you over for a while...Ramen noodles may have gotten you through college, but it may be a few months till your 1st closing, and you will need a lot more energy than that to be a productive agent!
2. Pick a company that has good support services; helpful brokers, mentoring agents, good technology, access to continuing education, and weekly happy hours ;-)
3. Never underestimate how important it is to be courteous to ALL other agents...you never know when you may have to show a buyer one of "Bob the Snob's" listings...
4. Remember, ethics are essential in real estate...all the extra money you could earn being "shady" may as well go towards your future lawsuit fund!
5. Here's a few just for the ladies out there: yard signs and stilettos don't mix! You may as well skip the full make-up routine when showing 10 or more houses in 90 degree weather. And on a serious note - be cautious out there! If you don't feel safe with someone, ask a fellow agent or your broker to come along.
6. Always be prepared (and optimistic) when you meet a client...this means keeping a box of blue pens, a stapler, blank forms of every kind, a camera, lock boxes, yard signs, and a mallet (for those yard signs!) in your car.
7. You will get tons of calls from advertising sales people claiming that their ads or promotional products will get you more clients than you can handle...ask them for a free test run, a sample, or some testimonials, or else...all the people on your holiday gift list may be receiving tape measures with your picture on them this year.
8. Don't blame yourself if some deals just don't work out or you just don't click with a client...ask an agent who's been in the business for decades...it's just going to happen, there's a bad apple in every bunch!
9. Never "assume" anything...I think we all know the saying that goes along with that one! Read the ENTIRE offer, ask the inspector a million questions if you have to, and make sure the closing attorney is actually OPEN the day of your agreed upon closing date ;-)
10. Network baby, network! Make sure your dentist, mechanic, mailman, and even the guy working at the local gas station know that you're an agent. Most people only buy or sell a house a few times during their life, and you never know when that time will be for someone...
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