Show Them the Money!

Tyghre- I feel your pain!! I am in my 6th month and thank goodness I have some closings scheduled or I would be like a floater being tugged on, trying not to drown... Up until this month, I had been working my butt off wondering if I would ever get to the point where I didn't feel like I was working not only for free, but paying for the priviledge of working in this wonderful industry for no pay. :) The fees are hefty, aren't they?

All of us feel your pain, the mls fees are higher than ever, yet less is done.  The fees that are now charged for continuing education, well, they used to be included in our membership.  The newspapers have raised their ad fees. I think these folks haven't reconciled their budgets for the changed market.  It can be overwhelming and, so true, at this time of year.  Be sure you have paid the IRS.  That is one bill you never want to forget. Oh, and let us not forget about the price of gas!

Tyghre, With the challenge most Markets, and agents, are facing in 2008, experienced agents are looking at 2008 goal-setting and business projections like never before. 

Whether you have 30 days or 30 years in the business, you are aware your livelihood has a new challenge, again.

If I was relatively new in the business, and knew I truly brought something to the table, I would find the top 10 agents in my market, and offer to work for one of them, starting with #1 of course, either as a Buyer Agent, Marketing Agent for Buyers and Listings, Personal Assistant, or any other capacity they may need. Compensation/Commission based on results, a small hourly wage would probably be nice for gas and lunch.

You will more than likely be required to sign a 1 year (or more) contract or non-compete clause. If the terms are right, it could be well worth it.

Just a thought.

 

I am there too! In my 5th year and this market is making it a challenge...hang in there!

Tyghre,

As a self-employed business person, this is likely something you will struggle with for many years to come. Even when the money is flowing and you know it's just a business expense and goes with the territory, there will always be slower, "drier" times. I know where you're coming from and can only say hang in there, it will get easier.

Colleen "Fish"

www.ColleenFish.com       www.MapleValleyRealEstate.com

Serving Seattle/South King County for 18 years

In the long run, surviving the tough times will strengthen you as an agent.  So many people thought they could 'get rich quick' at the peak of the hot market they got their license and didn't last...You will learn much from the difficult times, just make sure to always save for a rainy day.  

I am an experienced Broker and I too am not used to scrambling to survive.  I also am battling a health crisis so that adds more stress and less time.  If you can hang in for at least two years and fell successful, you will make it long term.

Been there.  Hang in there.  Things get better and easier and you will start making money and not have to be concerned with whether or not you have enough to pay dues.  It takes time but you will get there.

Tyghre, They told me when I started 11 years ago it would be feast or famine.  The feasts have been good and the famines have always made me stronger and a better agent.  Like so many other things in life, its about attitude!  Make some goals for yourself and stick with them.  It looks like 2008 may start kind of slow, but remember the market may be slow, but there IS a MARKET.  Go out and get your piece of it.

Tyghre, hang in there, I am new to real estate also, but hopefully you will be swimming soon.  You're website looks great, it has a simple and clean look but full of info. 

I'm not the least bit happy about the costs of association and MLS memberships.  They have gotten totally out of hand, especially when they are continually dinging members for more money.  It is outrageous that continuing education has become an add on.

In reality, if the MLS were to go it on its own, I believe associations would collapse and go out of business by the bucketsfull.

 

Take it out in trade.  Too many agents pay the fees and ignore the services.  Take advantage of NAR's affinity programs to save money on computers, rental cars, office equipment, and insurance.  Make NAR send Lowe's coupons (do they have Lowe's up your way?) to all your clients just in time for your spring series of "spruce up for spring" home improvement blog posts.  You can probably recoup the cost of your statewide dues by taking advantage of the MN REALTORS^® Technology Helpline instead of calling Geek Squad (do they have Geeks up your way?).

Thanks!

Frank

Tyghre - I do feel your pain, but hang in there.  It is but a cost of business, and you will have no problem making much, much more than that in the long run.

Tyghre:

I definately know how you feel, I paid my fees trying to avoid the additional fees that are tacked on each month. I know that when I finish my business plan for next year I will be very disappointed on how much I've spent in advertising and fees this year-Gosh I hope I break even! I've been told that this market will weed out the agetns and only the strong will survive. KEEP TREDDING WATER! It will get better!

 Danielle

You are experiencing what is the hardest obstacle to overcome for new agents.  They all seem to come due at the same time too.