My Kids Work With Me

Brande, It is OK to take your Kids and have them work with you. Rick and I have 4 children. They grew up in the business. My kids have probably been in more homes than 90% of the realtors. Our oldest son Dusty (24) is a Realtor and our 2nd son Tyler(19) is working on his license. The girls April (16) and Abby (14) both help us out in the office. My husband Rick grew up in the business. His mother was a real estate broker and he went with her on appointments from the time he was about 5 years old. Our opinion, of course is to let your kids be part of the business. Good Luck with your business.

Susan Irving
United Country
Fort Worth, Texas

Hi Brande,  If you pay your children, remember that they can put some of that money away in an IRA.  It is a good way for them to learn about the value of money over time (one of my favorite subjects).

I agree, Brande. I take my kids 17, 15 with me, particularly my son if I'm showing an empty home.  He's the bodyguard.  ;-)  He wasn't enthusiastic at first, but now that he's learning about the biz, he enjoys being involved, learning about the adult world. 

My dad was a sales rep and once we got older, he would try to take each of us on at least one out of town sales call a year. The one-on-one time, the bonding, the glimpse into his world- it was fascinating, and so necessary for us to understand each other. 

We are fortunate to be able to participate in "Take Your Kids to Work" day, anytime we want.

>The other thing I find with my older girls is that they understand what being an entrepreneur is about and I think it has made all of them a little more independent than most teenagers. Anyone else find the same thing?<

I have three adopted kids - 2 boys (8,11) and a daughter who is 9.  She has a huge interest in what I do and likes to come with me as much as possible whether it be showing houses or to the office.  When I tell her she can come with me the first thing she does, after jumping in excitment, is change clothes into something like a button down shirt and khakis (she wants to look professional)  and grab a notebook or folder.  When she shows houses with me she likes to help by turning on the lights, celing fans, open closet doors, etc as we enter each room.  The clients so far that I have worked with are impressed with her ability and it does sort of break the ice.  At the office she stays busy by creating ads that say "Buy a House from my mom" with my phone number and drawings of houses or sold signs.  She understands there are many aspects to being a real estate agent.  I feel it has absolutely given her insight to what being an entrepreneur is all about.  As a matter of fact today starts the big Girl Scout cookie sale and she has big marketing plans of how to sell the mos!  I think I have a future business woman in the making.

I've taken my kids on listing appointments, to show houses, to closings....the whole gamut.  have never had a client to complain (but I do always ask permission first since some people aren't kid-friendly).  I've discovered that no matter who you are, you tend to attract people who do business in the same way that you do.