Home > Blogs > Barbara Todaro > Thoughts From A Retired Agent

It May Be Time To Get Your Feet Off The Desk And Get Some Training!!!

By Barbara Todaro

Services for Real Estate Pros with RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired 104763

March 17, 2011 06:12 AM

I've recently been reading comments from agents who are complaining about not having any training, mentoring or direction available to them. If this sounds like the company for which you work, leave that office.

There's a smorgasbord of real estate offices located in every town and city across the country. There is really no reason for an agent to waste time at an office that is not a two way street. If training is what you're looking for, the national real estate companies always provide the basics of real estate training for agents. If you're not newly licensed, but missed the formal training, join an office that will allow you to start from step one and get trained.

Real estate is not a profession that allows you to skip steps. There should be no voids in your basic knowledge of the real estate business, how it works and "how you work it." Many offices train agents on how the real estate business works, but they fail to train the agents on how the agent should work within the system.

Don't waste any more time. The business will not be getting easier!!! Find the right real estate office and learn everything that is available to you. I started my career with Century 21, and I enrolled in every course they offered.....every one of them. Then I moved on to the next level of managing. I am now at RE/MAX and running my own show.

There's no point in having your own show without a captivating audience. If no one wants to be in the company of you and your entourage, you're dead in the water. It all starts with training.

If you are not comfortable being the center of attention and discussing real estate, you are not fully trained in the field. Your comfort level during networking about real estate is in direct proportion to your knowledge of the area. Feeling shaky? Get your feet off the desk and get some training. If you do, you'll make money in any market!!

Re-Blog

Comments(22)

Comment

Show All Comments

Sort:

Kathy Streib

Cypress, TX

Home Stager/Redesign

Barbara- I try to learn something new every day, and if you're keeping up in your own field you're sure to be ahead of the game.

Mar 17, 2011 07:01 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Kathy....well, I would expect nothing less from you.....you're certainly not the "average" kathy....

Mar 17, 2011 07:14 AM

Dave Halpern

Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY

Louisville Short Sale Expert

Agents should not wait to "get" trained. There is such a multitude of training out there that can be taken without waiting for a broker to hand feed them.

With that said, however, I agree 100% that it is so much better to be in a brokerage with a philosophy of training and sharing knowledge.

Mar 17, 2011 07:26 AM

Sussie Sutton

David Tracy Real Estate - Houston, TX

David Tracy Real Estate for Buyers & Sellers

I love training! Our office doesn't offer any but I do go to all the training available through HAR or other means.

Mar 17, 2011 07:31 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Dave.....the path of least resistance is to be affiliated with an agency that provides formal training....

Sussie....keep taking courses....

Mar 17, 2011 07:50 AM

Pam Miller

Realty Associates - Conroe, TX

Broker Associate - Water Crest on Lake Conroe

You are so right, Barbara. When you get your real estate license, the training has to begin and it can't end until you are finished with real estate. Great post.

Mar 17, 2011 08:14 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Pam.....some just venture out "on a wing and a prayer" and think they can learn as they go.....on the job training....

Mar 17, 2011 08:18 AM

Rita Fong

RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR

Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale

Barbara, knowledge is king, the more knowledgeable we are, the more confident we become. I am definitely taking some classes this year.

Mar 17, 2011 08:21 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Rita....good for you....you should take as many as you can handle.....never stop....find your niche and focus on those classes.....

Mar 17, 2011 08:24 AM

Jason M. Keith

Caliber Home Loans - Parker, CO

Equal Housing Lender

As the saying goes, "If your not learning, your not growing." It shouldn't be viewed as something you have to do, but something your excited to do! Thanks for the post!

Mar 17, 2011 09:37 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Jason....more should feel that way.....thanks for the comment.

Mar 17, 2011 09:47 AM

Barbara Hensley

RE/MAX Properties - Rockwall, TX

Homes for Sale in Rockwall County, Texas

Hello, Barbara, well stated, as usual! Every day is a learning experience...just being out here in our various real estate markets. Regardless of age and number of years in the business, we all must continue to learn. As Jason, says, "if you are not learning, you are not growing". Not to grow is like a death wish in this industry.

Mar 17, 2011 12:06 PM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Barbara.....that's very true.....most realize this but few practice it.....

Mar 17, 2011 12:30 PM

Steve Hoffacker

Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL

Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Barbara,

Excellent post that I'm going to share. As a trainer and author, I love to provide the kind of real world solutions for people - and welcome any opportunity to connect with people here in thje Rain. :)

Steve

Mar 17, 2011 03:58 PM

Lana Robbins Realtor ® Licensed Real Estate Broker

Aloha Kai Real Estate - Clearwater, FL

Licensed in Florida, Washington, and Hawai'i

Hi Barbara. That's one good thing about the brokerage that I am with... They have on-going classes and on-going training. I try to learn at least one new thing... per day LOL Cheers.

Mar 17, 2011 04:22 PM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Steve....thank you....education is what will save those agents who see no light at the end of the tunnel.....

Lana....I like that attitude....

Mar 17, 2011 10:40 PM

Karen Paris

Keller Williams Capital Properties Fairfax - Fairfax, VA

Because Your Move Matters and Karen Cares

I agree with you completely. There is so much wonderful training out there for the taking and not enough hours in the day to attend it all. Free training, reasonably priced training and specialized training for niche markets. If you have a desire to learn you can find the trainer and the tools. Great books like MREA and SHIFT. Webinars are an easy way and some give PL and CE credits. Sieze the knowledge...its there for the taking; and then pick up the phone and practice what you learned.

Great post as usual Barbara

Mar 18, 2011 05:59 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Karen.....you're right....there is training available at every corner.....there is no excuse for not being trained properly.....but it's certainly easier for agents to be trained in-house and monitored by a mentor....

Mar 18, 2011 06:07 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Barbara --- you have made excellent points, as usual, followed by great comments. It's a good thing to be surrounded by those who are open to being educated and know that this needs to happen on a daily basis whether its continuing education, mentoring, reading, one-on-one coaching --- the possibilities are endless and exciting.

Mar 18, 2011 06:12 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Michael.....being surrounded by the right people will always lead to success....

Mar 18, 2011 06:21 AM