Home > Blogs > Landon Simmons > Landon Simmons's (landonsimmons) Blog

Advice for the new guy?

By Landon Simmons

Real Estate Agent with Citiwide Real Estate Services 0577763

January 24, 2008 03:06 AM

I started my Career as a Real Estate Agent only a short time ago (Nov. 07) and knew from the beginning that it would be tough to succeed with the market the way it was. With my 6 years of knowledge on the mortgage lending side, I felt confident about what I was getting myself into and knew the possibilities were endless!!

Now I am sitting here on my computer typing to you... What am I doing wrong? I have a good base of friends that know me and trust me and they are all for helping me with referrals but it isn't working. I know I need to go out and meet or talk to at least 5 new people a day, but where do you go to do that? There is only so much standing in line at a grocery store, and coffee at Starbucks, trying to make a connection with someone. I have always been a "think outside the box" kind of guy and pride myself on it but I am starting to run out of ideas. I am a very personable person and have been told numerous times that I will do great in RE, but I need you.

When you first started out, what was the key item that you did to get you were you are today?

Your thoughts and ideas are very much appreciated...

Comments(7)

Comment

Show All Comments Sort:

Allison Werner

To Be Announced - Middletown, NJ

Hi Landon, Have you lurked at a library lately? In the reference section where the "Do It Yourself" home repair books are? Just a thought...

Jan 24, 2008 03:10 AM

Landon Simmons

Citiwide Real Estate Services - McKinney, TX

No, never thought of that... Thanks Allison!

Jan 24, 2008 03:19 AM

chris heike

resource one realty llc. - Green Bay, WI

Hi Landon,

I am also new into the real estate world , 1yr. into it. When I first started out and to this day I do open houses every weekend and I talk to a few people at those opens, but most of it is word of mouth. I don't think that you need to stand in line to get to know people, it will come eventually. Just hang in there and just say Hi, that will lead to more conversation later on.

Jan 24, 2008 03:23 AM

Thanks Chris, I am now just learning that any realtor is able to do an open house for another realtor. I was under the impression that was only on your own listing... I'm greener than I thought. LOL

Jan 24, 2008 03:34 AM

Terry Rush Cremia

Shore Realty of the Outer Banks - Corolla, NC

Hi Landon, I won't post anything mean (ahem...). Kudos to you for asking--it takes guts and nobody deserves a " flame" for being honest.

Plus, I had a client from Frisco, TX!

RE/MAX was always known for never hiring newbies because R/M offered no training. The old business model was to only bring in very experienced agents. But with the changing markets around the US, I see that many R/M franchises are changing.

Does your office have duty time? Our old R/M had 1st ups and 2nd ups--

The 1st up duty agents got all up calls, walk-ins and sign calls for agents not present at the office at that time. The sign calls were an excellent opportunity because R/M is heavy on the listings.

The 2nd ups had to "man" the duty book by setting up showing appointments, handling key disbursal--the grunt work. And we had to take one 2nd up for every 1st up to be fair. We were allowed to switch around duty anytime we wanted to accomodate our schedules (with real clients!), as long as someone was not abusing the system. As long as it was covered every morning and afternoon the boss didn't care who did it.

BUT the point is--if you CAN work duty time--do all that you can. Pick up some from a jaded older agent who doesn't want the hassle.

With perseverance, you will get SOME business just by taking x-amount of calls. PLUS, during 2nd up-type days, you will build rapport with other agents in your market and your name will become familiar to them, thus somewhat dimming your "newbie shine."

If you are in the typical R/M "tank full of sharks with only a pocket knife" and there is no duty time you can work, don't get bogged down--there must te a ton of good brokerage firms in your market who WILL take the time to train you properly and give you opportunities to learn the basics.

I hope this helps--good luck! Feel free to e-mail me directly anytime with any follow-up Q's.

Jan 24, 2008 03:37 AM

Thanks for not "burning" me Terry! lol

The great part of R/M and particularly my office is the amount of training that they provide. I am glad to be a part of the team. I have signed up for "phone time" and am looking forward for the opportunity. It is tough in our office due to a high amount of agents vs. time. I get an opportunity about once a month. I really believe that this is a great start to build contacts for my business.

Thanks so much for your time and input.

P.S. The pocket knife is being sharpened as we speak...

Jan 24, 2008 03:45 AM

You GO, Landon! Good for you! Hang tough, and always remember--Ramen noodles, 10 for a dollar!

Jan 24, 2008 04:30 AM

Advice for the new guy?

Comments(7)

Landon Simmons

Real Estate Resources

Recent Posts