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Which Real Estate Trainer do I hitch my wagon to?

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Advantage

There are a lot of agents in our area of S.W. Idaho that entered the real estate business just prior to the peak year of 2005.   In most cases these new Realtors just sat at a builder model home and had buyers walk in right and left.  Anyone with a real estate license could make $100,000 with their eyes closed.

Fast forward to 2006 and things changed quite a bit.  Enter 2008 and things have changed a whole lot!  All of a sudden real estate agents have to know how to properly list and market a home.  What?  You mean I have to interview sellers, measure homes, put up signs, lock boxes, market, etc, etc?!

I can't tell you how many of these Realtors have left the market.  Of those that are still with us, many are looking for a panecea or "cure all".  A system they can rely on that will help them grow their business and create a reliable business machine. They are "lookin to hitch their wagon with someone".

I have heard the names of several highly respected national real estate trainers and so called real estate "Superstars" that advertise in the monthly real estate magazine.  Some of these Realtors promise to have one earning a lot of money with no cold calling and no evening or weekends.

There is no doubt in my mind that many national real estate trainers have some great systems in place and ways to help many grow their business.  There is a place for these trainers and a place for some Realtor systems in every market and there are strong supporters for many of these trainers.

 

While there are a lot of great trainers and ideas out there that offer great coaching and marketing ideas, there are some basic charactaristics of all top agents and these have been consistent throughout time:

Integrity - This is a word that is thrown around a lot but few honor it. Simply put if you say you are going to do something, do it!  This seems really simple but I can't tell you how many people in our industry and others tell us they will do something and their words are simply hollow.  I recently had a young man sell me some technology and tell me to call him with all my questions.  That was this past Tuesday.  I have left him 2 messages in 3 days and he has yet to return my call.

Be a sponge - Take in the world around you.  Never fail to go home at the end of the day without learning something new.  Learn from others in the industry.  Learn from classes we take.  Learn from books we read.  Learn from the people we come in contact with.  I closely met a minimum of 30 Realtors at the recent RE/MAX National Convention in Las Vegas and I can truly say I learned something from every one of them.  I talk to farmers, commercial contractors, surveyors, attorneys, planners, accountants, etc. and love it!  I always learn something that will benefit me in some way.

Know when to hold them and know when to fold them - Yes, learn when to walk away from a client or situation that is not good for you.  In today's market every client is like GOLD.  All of a sudden there is no such thing as A, B & C buyers.  Every potential buyer is being worked.  Just know when you can invest your time in a buyer and seller and see something come of it.  It is the same with real estate offices.  Even though I believe there is no Broker that will make or break us, the environment we are in can make a big difference in our attitude.

Take a genuine interest in people - I have a farmer client that has referred me over $150,000 in commissions the past 4 years.  One day I saw him in a field working.  I stopped and helped him with his chores that day and talked to him for over an hour.  That was over 4 years ago.  People tell me he still talks about that day I stopped by. That farmer calls me now and then to ask me for more cards of mine so that he can hand them out. I call all my sphere at least monthly and "never ask them for referrals" but receive many referrals annually none the less.  I believe I receive these referrals because I show people I genuinely care about them.  When people know we truly care about them, they will refer their closest family and friends to you.

Be a source of information - Many people have called me over the years and asked me for a name of a handy man, plumber, electrician, etc.  I have now started a list of vendors I recommend on my website my preferred vendor list . When people trust you and feel good about you they will lean on you for names of vendors they can trust.  Let people know you can help them and it doesn't involve you receiving a commission. Help them just to help them and because you care.

Get your name out - I have written in the past about the powerful use of business cards and hand written notes.  For the past several years I have given away over 3,500 cards per year and I plan on expanding it.  One Seattle Realtor wrote in the mid nineties that she included cards in all the bills she paid.  She mentioned a credit card employee moved to Seattle from the east and looked her up and purchased a home from her.  You never know when a buyer or seller will find their way to you from a business card you handed out long ago.

These tips are not rocket science and are very basic but I can assure you many top producers do these things day in and day out.

 

 Posted By: George Tallabas - Boise Idaho Real Estate Agent - Associate Broker 
with RE/MAX Advantage, Canyon Counties #1 Brokerage in sales and listings
specializing in Boise Idaho Real Estate and Southwest Idaho Real Estate.

Posted by

Native Idahoan and Boise Idaho Real Estate specialist serving Boise, Meridian Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell and the surrounding Treasure valley area of southwest Idaho. Specializing in residential, investment, land and commercial real estate. Search thousands of MLS listings at Boise Homes for sale and learn all about Idaho by visiting Search Idaho Homes

Comments (47)

Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate
George, this is awesome. I had a coach for my first three years in the business and it gave me a great foundation for systemizing my business. 
Mar 28, 2008 12:39 AM
George Tallabas
RE/MAX Advantage - Nampa, ID
Idaho Real Estate

Virginia - How sweet of you...thank you!

Debra - You are welcome

Doug - Very true...thanks

Barb - You are very welcome and have a great day

Ann and Eddie - So true...thanks

Missy - I am so glad you had some great coaching to kick start your career my friend

Mar 28, 2008 02:39 AM
Bob Cumiskey
A1 Connection Realty, Inc. - Sun City Center, FL
US Army Retired, Your Sun City Center, Florida ~ Realtor
George, what a great post.  So close to home here.  I came on just as the market started the downhil slide and lucky for me, I have had to learn all the right things.  Great list also.  Thanks.
Mar 29, 2008 01:15 PM
George Tallabas
RE/MAX Advantage - Nampa, ID
Idaho Real Estate
Bob - I appreciate you stopping by and thanks so much for your comment.  Have a great evening.
Mar 29, 2008 01:35 PM
Find a Notary Public needAnotary
QEC Internet Services - Long Beach, CA

Preach on brother!  They will never change.  I have tow more to add to your list, keep your promises and answer your phone.  I hope newas well as veteran agents take your words and hide them in their being and DNA.

If is all about the fundamentals,  live sports, music or any other endeavor.  You MUST master the basics in order to establish a long career.

Mar 31, 2008 02:09 PM
George Tallabas
RE/MAX Advantage - Nampa, ID
Idaho Real Estate
Thanks Mr. or Mrs.? Notary
Mar 31, 2008 02:11 PM
Joddie Roberts
Mountain Real Estate and Property Management - Spokane, WA
Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA
George, this is why you're the best!  I'm trusting my business will grow as a result of the very things you shared.  I see too many people throwing money at programs, trainings, etc when, in reality, all they need to do is take a step back, focus on developing character, increase their knowledge & understanding of the Real Estate market AND surround themselves with agents like you!  There is sure success in that!
Apr 08, 2008 09:47 AM
George Tallabas
RE/MAX Advantage - Nampa, ID
Idaho Real Estate
Joddie - Thank you so much and I hope you are having an awesome year!
Apr 08, 2008 09:55 AM
Find a Notary Public needAnotary
QEC Internet Services - Long Beach, CA
Pretty hot topic.  Lots of ideas, suggestion and insight for sharing.
Apr 09, 2008 12:57 AM
George Tallabas
RE/MAX Advantage - Nampa, ID
Idaho Real Estate
Notary - Thank you and have a great day.
Apr 09, 2008 02:10 AM
Nancy Kent
RE/MAX Hill & Valley - Granby, MA
RE/MAX Hill & Valley, Western Mass
I hitched my wagon to Active Rain. I have learned so much from everyone here. It really is a wealth of information!
Apr 18, 2008 02:36 PM
George Tallabas
RE/MAX Advantage - Nampa, ID
Idaho Real Estate
Nancy - Very true....have a great weekend.
Apr 18, 2008 02:38 PM
Nancy Kent
RE/MAX Hill & Valley - Granby, MA
RE/MAX Hill & Valley, Western Mass
Thanks George, you too. I love your new look by the way. It is my fave so far of all the new looks I have seen. I need to hurry and pretty up my pages too.
Apr 18, 2008 02:43 PM
George Tallabas
RE/MAX Advantage - Nampa, ID
Idaho Real Estate
Nancy - Thank you and I look foward to seeing your "New Look" as well.  Good luck to you my friend.
Apr 18, 2008 04:35 PM
Kay Van Kampen
RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX - Springfield, MO
Realtor®, Springfield Mo Real Estate

George, I believe those that are searching for ways to increase their business, getting their name out to the public and really improving their websites are the ones that will survive this real estate slow down now.  So far this year, our MLS has had over 300 agents drop.   This is the cleansing of the market.  I wish I knew how many builders have moved on.

Great new look you have!

Apr 18, 2008 11:52 PM
George Tallabas
RE/MAX Advantage - Nampa, ID
Idaho Real Estate
Good morning Kay and very true.  Have a great weekend my friend and "Thanks" for the new look compliment!
Apr 18, 2008 11:53 PM
Debra Kukulski, Broker Associate
RE/MAX Suburban - Cary, IL
SRES;SFR,CDPE;GRI;ABR;e-PRO Realtor, Northern IL
George...I am a sponge!  I love to learn and it serves me and my clients well.  I think it is a positive that many of the agents who were not full time or professional are now leaving the business and the successful and experienced agent will be more successful.  This market gives us the opportunity to learn new andf sharpen our skills as well.  Great tips!
Apr 21, 2008 02:07 AM
George Tallabas
RE/MAX Advantage - Nampa, ID
Idaho Real Estate
Debra - Well said my friend and continue to be a sponge!  Have a great day.
Apr 21, 2008 02:36 AM
Elizabeth Cooper-Golden
Huntsville Alabama Real Estate, (@ Homes Realty Group) - Huntsville, AL
Huntsville AL MLS
George, Wonderful post, and so true! I loved your story about helping the farmer out with his chores. It's all about the Golden Rule, isn't it? You are an amazing person. Thanks for sharing!
Apr 21, 2008 04:33 AM
George Tallabas
RE/MAX Advantage - Nampa, ID
Idaho Real Estate
Elizabeth - Thank you so very much.  Giving and caring is what it is all about to have a long lasting career in real estate or any other career.  Have a great day.
Apr 21, 2008 04:41 AM