On being a new REALTOR

Hi Mark,

If you have closed two deals in your first two months--you are off to a very good start.  Have you let your friends, family, neighbors etc. that you have changed careers?  Have you made a schedule to keep in touch with them every six weeks, keeping them apprised of your success?  Have you written a business plan?  Found a mentor?  Welcome, keep us posted and Good Luck!

I think your getting in at a great time.  I believe if you are going to succeed it's going to happen whether it's in an up or a down market.  Think of it this way, many agents are used to a certain amount of sales and may have less than there used to which can put them in trouble financially.  Also, if you can make it when the market is down and things are tough, then you will have no problem when the market is doing great right?  It sounds like you've got a positive attitude and that alone can take you further than anything.  Here are some thoughts I have, take and use what works for you.

1.  People tend to focus on themselves, so when you do go to a listing appointment your thought process may be on "oh I have no experience" or "I haven't made that many sales".  Instead take this focus off of you and put it on your prospective client.  Remember this isn't about you it's about them, so make it about them.  Ask them questions and listen, by doing this alone you will succeed because not many people do it.  So many agents think it's about them when it's really not.  It's not about the car you drive, or the money you have in the bank, it's about servicing your clients needs.  One thing my broker taught me is to "take the spotlight off of you and put it on them".

2.  We all have lack of experience, every listing can present new problems or issues that you may not have encountered in the past.  Instead of worrying about this, embrace it.  Know that you WILL make mistakes and thats ok, as long as your learning from them.  This business is all about that.  Also, how good is your support system?  If there is something that you don't know can you get the answer from your broker, friend, or even fellow active rainer?  If so, then you should have no fear because even if you don't know the answer you can find it out.  With time comes experience.

3.  You have sold 2 houses in 2 months.  Plus if you have ever bought and sold a house for yourself.  Already you have more experience than most people out there!  Also, you look at the market on a daily basis, that alone gives you insurmountable knowledge that your clients need.  Another thing that can help is taking classes, reading books, and always staying educated within the field.

Also, check out my blog post on "The "True" Value of a Realtor" I think it will really help you out as well.

I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of success!! 

You are asking good questions, which makes me think you will make it just fine.   Don't listen to the doom and gloom agents who are advising you that you are getting in at the wrong time.  There is business out there, and you can get is just as well as they can.    Be consistent in your marketing and prospecting and the business will come.  Sellers are always going to ask you about how much experience you have.  I found that working expireds is a great place for new agents to find business, because you can always offer them your fresh, new outlook on how to market their property.  They are ready for someone to HELP them, and you sound like the agent who can do it!  

Hi Mark, Welcome to the business and welcome to AR. This place is a wealth of information and will certainly shorten your learning curve. First thing you want to do is don't listen to the naysayers. There are always people buying and selling real estate. Your goal is to make sure they are using your services to do so. If it will help you my blog is written to help folks in their business. Spend some time checking it out and I'm sure you will find some tid bits that will help you. Success in real estate is all about getting up everyday and going to work. Your job, once at work, is to find buyers and sellers. It's not that complicated but certainly requires focus and determination. Just refuse to fail.    

Mark - Welcome to AR this is a great place to learn and network.  I agree with Leslie that with 2 closings behind you you are off to a great start.  I think it is a great time to learn the business and I do get the sense you are up to the task.  You will probably have to maintain a strict budget but that in itself can be a valuable lesson.