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The "Secret" To Success As A Real Estate Agent by Bill Roberts

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Services for Real Estate Pros with Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate DRE 00527512

The "Secret" To Success As A Real Estate Agent
I've read all the posts about what it takes to be a successful sales person. I

disagree with very little of what is said, however, I think a major component

of success has been over-looked.
When I started in real estate in 1975 I worked for a broker that hired mostly

young, aggressive guys (sorry girls) and had them all working in the office.
We got training regularly. We had sales meetings regularly, We did "floor

time" three or four days a week. We "caravan-ed" the new listings every week.
And the best part was that we were competitive. There was a monthly sales

contest. The winner was the agent with the most "sides." And yes, we double

sided as many deals as we could.
But even with that said, everyone was willing to help should you need help.
Now, for the passed  (or is it past?) several years, I have worked from my

home office. This seems to be the new way to work. A lot of brokers don't

want agents in the office. The agents don't want to pay the broker (they want

100% commission) so the broker really has very little incentive to provide

office space.

The Biggest Loser

I think we are all the loser for this new way of working.
The office environment makes us more professional. You can't sit around in

your underwear in the office.
The office environment creates a better image for clients. "Why are we always

meeting at Starbucks? Don't you have an office?"
The office environment makes us put in a full day. It is a whole lot easier to

watch another hour of Fox News in the morning if you don't really need to be

somewhere.
And the office environment keeps us up on our game. The other agents will

talk about the class they just took, the bulletin from the board, local trends

and issues. or the problems they encountered with their latest escrow. You

don't get any of this if you are "working" from home.

Sales "Tricks"

So you can learn all the tricks and techniques of salesmanship, all the right

questions to ask to lead your prospect to the final closing question, but you

are really missing the boat if you don't work in a professional office

environment.

Posted by

Please comment. All comments are greatly appreciated.

Bill Roberts

 

View William (Bill) Roberts's profile on LinkedIn

ReadySetLoan Team
ReadySetLoan Condo Team LLC - South Windsor, CT
Residential, Commercial & Condo Financing Experts

This is a great article, Bill.  I worked in a large office when I was an agent and I learned as much listening to the other agents talk (and complain) about their transactions as I did taking continuing education classes.  I completely agree that the current model does not promote this camaraderie or socialized learning environment.  However, I do disagree with one point: you certainly can sit around in your underwear at the office...but you may not have many friends there. :)

May 21, 2014 11:51 AM
Bill Roberts
Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate - Oceanside, CA
"Baby Boomer" Retirement Planner

Hi Eric, Thank you for your insight. I don't want to work in that office where you will be sitting around in your underwear, itherwise I am in total agreement with you.

Bill Roberts

May 22, 2014 12:20 AM
Melissa Zavala
Broadpoint Properties - Escondido, CA
Broker, Escondido Real Estate, San Diego County

Hi Bill. Thanks for your entry in the contest. While I am working at home today, I am not in my pajamas. And, I agree with you that there is something about the office atmosphere (kind of like the points that breed competition here on AR) that makes things happen.

May 23, 2014 08:55 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Bill there is a lot of truth i what you stated.  Many are not disciplined enough to get up and do the work that needs to be done to succeed.  Having to go into the office helps to get Agents to be more focused, witness what the top producers in the office are doing and learn from them, and for many it forces them to be more accountable.

May 23, 2014 01:47 PM
Bill Roberts
Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate - Oceanside, CA
"Baby Boomer" Retirement Planner

Melissa, Your backyard is like a resort. I would find it very difficult to work there. I would rather sit back and sip my favorite beverage and enjoy the ambiance.

Bill Roberts

BTW Thank you for creating this challenge. It gave me an opportunity to soound off.

May 24, 2014 01:31 AM
Bill Roberts
Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate - Oceanside, CA
"Baby Boomer" Retirement Planner

Hi George, Thank you for your insights. I believe that you have already won the challenge with your great post, but I appreciate the opportunity to sound off on an issue that I care about.

Bill Roberts

 

May 24, 2014 01:39 AM
Jason Sardi
Auto & Home & Life Insurance throughout North Carolina - Charlotte, NC
Your Agent for Life

Bill - My better half works from home and loves doing so and very disciplined.  For me, I prefer the office environment.  It just works better for me due to many of the reasons you outlined above.  You don't do retirement planning in NC, do you?

May 30, 2014 04:15 AM
Bill Roberts
Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate - Oceanside, CA
"Baby Boomer" Retirement Planner

Hi Jason, Thanks for commenting. I know it is a rough day for both of us.

I am primarily a Real Estate Broker. My Baby Boomer Retirement Planning utilizes real estate and real estate derivatives. This I can do from anywhere. What can I do for you?

Bill Roberts

May 30, 2014 11:42 AM
Jason Sardi
Auto & Home & Life Insurance throughout North Carolina - Charlotte, NC
Your Agent for Life

Hey Bill - I'll be in touch soon.

May 30, 2014 11:37 PM
Bill Roberts
Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate - Oceanside, CA
"Baby Boomer" Retirement Planner

Jason, Any time. Thanks.

Bill Roberts

 

May 31, 2014 01:24 AM