Patricia Kennedy
RLAH Real Estate - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Carla, you are bringing back memories!  Sounds like you are learning the important lessons. 

And welcome to ActiveRain.  We'll have you addicted in no time.

Aug 06, 2016 02:49 AM
Carla Black

Thank you so much, Patricia!!  Fortunately I have an addictive personality!! :)

Aug 06, 2016 03:00 AM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Congratulations on the well deserved Featured Star on your first Active Rain post Carla Black!

Aug 06, 2016 02:52 AM
Carla Black

Thanks guys! But what is a featured star?  

Aug 06, 2016 03:00 AM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers

This is a featured star Carla Black 


Aug 06, 2016 10:21 PM
Chris Lima
Atlantic Shores Realty Expertise - Port St Lucie, FL
Local or Global-Allow me to open doors for you.

Welcome to ActiveRain Carla Black!  I enjoyed reading this post and actually chuckled at a few points, but number 7 is by far the best!

Aug 06, 2016 03:02 AM
Carla Black
eXp Realty - Dripping Springs, TX
REALTOR, GRI

Thank you, Chris!! I love chuckles!! 

Aug 06, 2016 03:11 AM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

I like #9...take it with a grain of salt. I need to remind myself of that constantly. Great post.

Aug 06, 2016 03:18 AM
Carla Black

THANK YOU, Donna!!! 

Aug 06, 2016 03:31 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Property Manager

Carla,  This is a great blog!  And, you got featured!  WhooHoo.  That is not easy. It means you wrote content that is valuable to the community and resonates with a lot of people.  This is the kind of information that new agents need to know before going in business with those "rose colored glasses".  

Blog on, sista!  

Aug 06, 2016 03:19 AM
Carla Black

You are my spirit animal!!  THANK YOU for all the encouragement. Year 2.5 is gonna rock, thanks to you! 

Aug 06, 2016 03:21 AM
Carol Williams

Awwww, thanks Carla Black .  You're gonna make it happen, not me.  :-)   

Aug 06, 2016 03:23 AM
Carla Black

To quote the Beatles - we get by with a little help from our friends. :)

Aug 06, 2016 03:32 AM
John Pusa
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Crest - Glendale, CA
Your All Time Realtor With Exceptional Service

Carla Black Welcome to the AR community. Excellent tips to know before getting real estate license.

Aug 06, 2016 03:23 AM
Carla Black

Thank you, John!! Looking forward to learning more about AR and you. 

Aug 06, 2016 03:30 AM
Sharon Kolb
Atlanta Decatur Homes - Atlanta, GA
Broker - Atlanta Decatur Homes

Carla - loved your insight.  My first year in real estate the interest rates were 18% and I was too new to know that wasn't normal.  Good luck in all your future real estate endeavors!

Aug 06, 2016 03:39 AM
Carla Black

Thank you, Sharon. My boss is also a Sharon. I love Sharons!! I guess under 4% is the new normal!! I appreciate your kind words. 

Aug 06, 2016 03:45 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Carla

Welcome to AR and congratulations on your featured post. You are off to a great start. This post really spoke to me and made me think back to my early years in the business. You've learned a lot of things in the time since getting your license and perhaps other new agents will benefit from your wisdom.

Jeff

Aug 06, 2016 03:53 AM
Carla Black

You're making me tear up. Thank you, Jeff!!! I already love this community!!

Aug 06, 2016 03:54 AM
Alan Kirkpatrick
Austin Texas Homes - Round Rock, TX
Alan in Austin

Carla Black 

Really great post you covered the basis for sure. Hope you have a great weekend. 

Aug 06, 2016 04:10 AM
Carla Black

Thank you so much, fellow Austinite!! Looking forward to learning more about you!! And hope you have a great weekend as well. It's HOT out there!

Aug 06, 2016 04:14 AM
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

Hi Carla Black, Welcome to Active Rain.  This is a great place to meet, learn from and interact with awesome professionals.

Aug 06, 2016 05:31 AM
Carla Black

Thank you, Sybil. Excited to be here and learn from those more experienced than I am!! :)

Aug 06, 2016 05:32 AM
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

PS Carla Black,  congrats on the feature it is awesome to have a featured blog so soon!

Aug 06, 2016 05:31 AM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Carla

Much of what we learn as a new real estate professional comes the school of hard knocks . . . . Great post and insight.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Aug 06, 2016 05:39 AM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Carla

Congratulations on being award a feature for an outstanding post.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludiwg

Aug 06, 2016 05:41 AM
Carla Black

Thank you so much for your comments, Lou. I look forward to learning more about this business from your insight. 

Aug 06, 2016 05:55 AM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Carla, Congratulations on your featured post. Good luck in achieving your goals.

Aug 06, 2016 06:11 AM
Carla Black

Thank you, Gita!! So lovely to meet you and be part of this wonderful community!!

Aug 06, 2016 06:13 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good afternoon Carla Black ,

Welcome to Active Rain!! I loved your post..especially about jerks..don't be one..so true!! Congratulations on your featured post and I just subscribed to your blog..will be looking for your future posts!!

Aug 06, 2016 06:24 AM
Carla Black

THANK YOU, homey!! I look forward to yours as well - we can even get together for lunch some time!! :)

Aug 06, 2016 06:32 AM
Carla Black

BTW, I think I've shown some of your listings. 

Aug 06, 2016 06:33 AM
David Alan Baker Laveen & South Phoenix Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Phoenix - Laveen, AZ
Your local Expert

This Carla, is a great post.  I agree with your list.  Good thing about the good and bad folks we come across, we have choice.

Aug 06, 2016 06:55 AM
Carla Black

I appreciate that kind comment, David! Pleasure to meet you!! 

Aug 06, 2016 07:00 AM
Jan Green
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Good for you for being a realist with your business.  Congrats on your past successes and future ones, too. Welcome to ActiveRain!

Aug 06, 2016 08:11 AM
Carla Black

Thank you, Jan! So nice to be here and to meet you!!

Aug 06, 2016 08:43 AM
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

From one Carla to another . . . stay on course!  Great post and you're figured out a ton with your two years.  I'm impressed!!  Love the list, and couldn't agree with you more.  

Aug 06, 2016 08:13 AM
Carla Black

Thank you sistah!! :)

Aug 06, 2016 08:44 AM
Dianne Goode
Raleigh Cary Realty - Raleigh, NC
Realtor/Broker

 I am trying to walk that very fine line between "staying top of mind" and being served a restraining order.   Cracked me up!  A great blog -- we all wish we had known those things!

Aug 06, 2016 08:29 AM
Carla Black

Thank you so much, Dianne!! Looking forward to reading your stuff!!

Aug 06, 2016 08:44 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

welcome to ActiveRain! I loved 7 - we all want to pick up the shiny pennies and pay that money to someone else! 

Aug 06, 2016 08:53 AM
Carla Black

I appreciate you reading that far, Lise!!  Thank you!!

Aug 06, 2016 08:56 AM
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Sunset Properties, Powered by Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

You made a lot of really good points and they're not just for newbies!  I know lots of seasoned realtors who'd benefit by taking what you said to heart.  Nice blog! 

Aug 06, 2016 09:27 AM
Carla Black

Thanks, Jill! Feel free to share with anyone you think might benefit - and agree! Haha!! 

Aug 06, 2016 10:48 AM
Lori Webster
Home Smart Premier - Fountain Hills, AZ
REALTOR Sharing Fountain Hills, Scottsdale & more

Ditto everything you said!!

 

Aug 06, 2016 10:12 AM
Carla Black

Thank you, Lori!!

Aug 06, 2016 10:48 AM
Moe Dadseresht
Austin Skyline Realty Inc. - Austin, TX
Buyer/Seller agent

 

These are not covered in R.E courses? I am surprised! So true #2 and #4, cheers!

Aug 06, 2016 10:26 AM
Moe Dadseresht
Austin Skyline Realty Inc. - Austin, TX
Buyer/Seller agent

BTW, welcome to ActiveRain and congratulations on your first post. ActiveRain is a place you can learn, share, and network. I hope you enjoy it.    

Aug 06, 2016 10:26 AM
Moe Dadseresht
Austin Skyline Realty Inc. - Austin, TX
Buyer/Seller agent

Didin't realize you were in Dripping Springs, practically neighbors!

Aug 06, 2016 10:29 AM
Carla Black

Oh, yes! Hill Country. Hope you are staying cool this weekend!!

Aug 06, 2016 10:47 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Carla welcome to ActiveRain, and congratulations on posting your first blog on this site, and getting a "feature" to boot :)

Aug 06, 2016 10:34 AM
Carla Black

Thank you, George!!! 

Aug 06, 2016 10:47 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

So true! You did a great job with the Top 10 list, and congrats on a featured post. Welcome to AR.

Aug 06, 2016 10:50 AM
Carla Black

So sweet of you to say, Pat! Thank you!!

Aug 06, 2016 11:20 AM
Christine O'Shea
Christine E O'Shea Broker - Naples, FL

Congrats on the feature.  You were right on with all of your points, real estate is not for the "faint of heart"!

Aug 06, 2016 10:50 AM
Carla Black

All stuff I didn't learn in those required classes. That's from the school of hard nocks. LOL! Nice to meet you, Christine!

Aug 06, 2016 11:20 AM
Brian L. Sirota, Esq.
Bristar Realty (Realtor/Attorney) - Orange, CA
For Solutions: (714) 501-7660

Carla, you've got a sense of humor--a great natural asset to have.   The rest you can wing!  ;-D

Aug 06, 2016 11:00 AM
Carla Black

Thank you for noticing that, Brian!! Much appreciated!! :)

Aug 06, 2016 11:19 AM
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

 YOU GOTTA GET OUT THERE NOT BEHIND A MONITOR. THERE YOU MEET SCAMMERS...

RIGHT ON.

ALL THE BEST
SAM

Aug 06, 2016 11:09 AM
Carla Black

You're not a scammer, are you, Sam???

Aug 06, 2016 11:18 AM
James (Jim) Lawson, DBA
DomainRealty.com LLC - Bonita Springs, FL
Broker Associate, RSPS, BPOR, HI & PE

Welcome to the Rain Carla. Sometimes knowing beforeforehand what you found out later might have persuaded you not to become an agent. A little naivete while entering the industry could actually be helpful. Just MHO.

Aug 06, 2016 01:44 PM
Carla Black

Hindsight is 20/20 as they say. Your HO is always welcome!!

Aug 06, 2016 10:49 PM
Melissa Jackson
Century 21 Alliance Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

Congratulations on the feature.  You have number 7 correct!  Sounds like your on a roll.  Good luck :-)

Aug 06, 2016 02:10 PM
Carla Black

Thank you, fellow Texan!!! 

Aug 06, 2016 10:48 PM
Robert Vegas Bob Swetz
Las Vegas, NV

Hello Carla

Congrats on the feature, your first post and welcome to ActiveRain.

Aug 06, 2016 02:45 PM
Carla Black

Thanks, Vegas Bob! Cool name!!

Aug 06, 2016 10:48 PM
IRMA Beltran
Century 21 M & M and Associates-Turlock homes Real Estate - Turlock, CA
Your Real Estate Agent 4 Life Always there 4 You!

Welcome to Active rain! Congratulations on a great blog.

Have a Wonderful Blessed Weekend!!!

Aug 06, 2016 03:05 PM
Carla Black

Thanks, Irma!! I appreciate the kind words!! You, too!!

Aug 06, 2016 10:47 PM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, EXP - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Absolutely LOVE your first post Carla!!

Had me laughing several times.

Welcome to Active Rain, looking forward to reading many more of your posts, let me know if there is anything that I can do to help as you get started here.
Bob

Aug 06, 2016 03:56 PM
Carla Black

Much appreciated, Bob. If we can't laugh about it then we're sunk, no?? 

Aug 06, 2016 10:47 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, Carla Black well, girl, it seems like you've made it through "getting off the blocks" in real estate and understanding how the business realistically works... now, you'll make money and love every minute of it....

Aug 06, 2016 09:07 PM
Carla Black

I sure hope so, Barbara! Thanks for the encouragement!! :)

Aug 06, 2016 10:46 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

and welcome to ActiveRain...it's a great place to learn, share,market and network....and I hope you enjoy and benefit from all of it....

Aug 06, 2016 09:08 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

And two more things, I'd add to the list -- you need to spend some money to make money and that there is no silver bullet to overnight success. Your post illustrates why 80+% of people who get a license don't renew it after the first year.

Aug 06, 2016 10:16 PM
Carla Black

Unrealistic expectations. 

Aug 06, 2016 10:46 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Sayed Ali ~ hello Sayed... this is not the place to put links to your business in comments.

Aug 06, 2016 10:16 PM
Carla Black

I think it's spam. ;)

Aug 06, 2016 10:45 PM
DONNA RING
Keller Williams Advantage II Realty - Orlando, FL
Real Estate agent serving the greater Orlando area

Great Post... The REALISTIC side to REAL ESTATE !!!

Aug 06, 2016 10:23 PM
Carla Black

Thank you, Donna!!

Aug 06, 2016 10:44 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH Real Estate - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Hi, Carla!  Your post is on today's list of Last Week's Favorites.  Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Aug 06, 2016 10:59 PM
Carla Black

Wow, thank you!! You, too, Patricia!!

Aug 06, 2016 11:08 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I remember thinking and believing that my license will make so much money and I almost had it right. It needs a ready, willing and able license holder...lol

Aug 06, 2016 11:14 PM
Carla Black
eXp Realty - Dripping Springs, TX
REALTOR, GRI

It's not as easy as it looks on TV, right?

Aug 06, 2016 11:17 PM
Kat Palmiotti
406-270-3667, kat@thehousekat.com, Broker, eXp Realty - Kalispell, MT
The House Kat

Welcome to ActiveRain, and you are so right with these things you wish you'd known before starting in real estate. But what fun learning them all! #5 and #6 made me laugh - there are certainly some very nice people we meet in the business, and some not so nice people. Hopefully heavily weighted towards nice!

Aug 06, 2016 11:21 PM
Carla Black

Thanks, Kat. It's a lot better when the realtor on the other side is pleasant, right? 

Aug 07, 2016 12:46 AM
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

The Learning Curve in Real Estate is 18++ months and almost 90% don't make it through !

Aug 06, 2016 11:39 PM
Carla Black

It's like a gold rush out there! People think there are short cuts to making money - but really, it's persistence and hard work. Thanks for the comment.

Aug 07, 2016 12:47 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Carla Black and Welcome to the rain where we a;; help each other and learn from each other.  I will be following you since you have a great first post.  Welcome.

Aug 07, 2016 12:10 AM
Carla Black

Thank you, Will! I was just in Denver for the first time. Lovely city!!

Aug 07, 2016 12:48 AM
Harry F. D'Elia III
RentVest - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

#8 is a big one for many agents that sit in the office and wait for business to come to them. Get out there and hustle!

Aug 07, 2016 12:14 AM
Carla Black

I have to remind myself of that one a lot. LOL!!

Aug 07, 2016 12:48 AM
Lyn Sims
RE/MAX Suburban - Schaumburg, IL
Schaumburg Real Estate

Great post & I will keep it in mind when I see people ask questions about starting out in real estate. They just don't understand what you're up against in the beginning.

Aug 07, 2016 12:15 AM
Carla Black

Thanks, Lyn! I very much appreciate that. Nice to meet you!

Aug 07, 2016 12:49 AM
Sham Reddy CRS
H E R Realty, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

Great points!!!

While there are many tools for agents out there, don't pony up for every lead generator you get a spam e-mail for. In fact, it pays to be frugal. 

Aug 07, 2016 02:12 AM
Carla Black

Thank you, Sham!!

Aug 07, 2016 02:27 AM
Jeffrey Aleckson
Keller Williams Classic Realty - Coon Rapids, MN
Your Trusted Real Estate Partner

Great first post!  Welcome to ActiveRain, you'll like it here!

 

Followed.

Aug 07, 2016 04:02 AM
Carla Black

Thank you, Jeffrey!! So far I'm very impressed!!!

Aug 07, 2016 07:35 AM
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

I'm copying this and sending to a friend who wants to go into real estate.  Everyone thinks we have someone paying for our health insurance and matching our 401K deposits. 

Aug 07, 2016 05:51 AM
Carla Black

Don't we wish!! 

Aug 07, 2016 07:35 AM
Kathy Streib
Room Service Home Staging - Delray Beach, FL
Home Stager - Palm Beach County,FL -561-914-6224

Hi Carla- I came over from Patricia Kennedy Sunday post and I'm glad she highlighted it. Your "10 Things" are spot on and humorous as well!  

Aug 07, 2016 06:36 AM
Carla Black

Thank you Kathy and  Patricia Kennedy!! 

Aug 07, 2016 07:34 AM
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Carla, great post and one that we can all relate to!

Aug 07, 2016 09:34 AM
Carla Black

Thank you so much, Silvia!!

Aug 07, 2016 12:47 PM
Karen Feltman
Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, IA KW Legacy Group - Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocation Specialist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Welcome to Active Rain and congratulations on the feature.  There are many things that we wish we knew in the first year that would make the 2nd year go easier.  The market is ever changing and you need to continue to learn and adapt.  The most important is to not be a jerk...to anyone.  It will come back and bite you at the worst time! Best of luck to you for the rest of 2016 and beyond!

Aug 07, 2016 11:35 AM
Carla Black

I wonder if the jerks realize they are jerks!! Thanks for the kind words and good advice, Karen. They are much appreciated!!

Aug 07, 2016 12:48 PM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

Top of the evening Carla,  I come via a repost from Fred Griffin.  All points are so true and #7 just seems to jump off the page.  Mark

PS...I am returning quickly to wish you the best in Active Rain and Welcome.  I look forward to seeing much more of you.  Mark

Aug 07, 2016 02:38 PM
Carla Black

Thank you, Mark!! Same here!

Aug 07, 2016 08:39 PM
Scott Thompson
Columbia Mortgage Plus - Blue Springs, MO
Commerical Finance - Blue Springs, MO

Do you have a sales background?

Slog through a few short sale deals ... you will be Charles-Manson-With-Rocket -Launchers-LIVID hhhaaa.

Hey congrats on nailing a few, it will test your steel.

 

Here is the brief synopsis:

 

Steller credit files/easy to close deals look at houses for 6 months.

 

The tricky one's that may hit the wall love the first house they see.

 

Make it a Great Day.

Aug 07, 2016 04:19 PM
Carla Black

I've owned my own businesses and sales was definitely part of that but not always my favorite part. Thanks for the solid advice!

Aug 07, 2016 08:41 PM
Macy Babb ... North Georgia Realtor
Re/Max Around Atlanta Realtor - 404-234-6166 - Cartersville, GA
Realtor, SFR, HUD/REO Certified

Great Info... I love when someone asks me how much it "costs" to get a Real Estate License?  Like getting the license is all you have to do....

Aug 08, 2016 12:00 AM
Carla Black

Good point, Macy!! Thanks for commenting!! :)

Aug 08, 2016 12:56 AM
Ingrid Pierson
HomeTown Realtors - Auburn, CA
Making Friends & Helping Friends with Real Estate

Great job!  You summarised it well.  Your article would be a good read for thA. considering getting in the industry B. newly licensed agents.  Wishing you all the very best. Congratulations again on the icely written post... Welcome to the Rain!

Aug 08, 2016 01:42 AM
Carla Black

Thank you so much, Ingrid!! Happy to be here!!!

Aug 08, 2016 02:03 PM
Barbara Disraeli
Coldwell Banker Residential RE - Ridgefield, CT
Realtor serving Fairfield County CT and nearby NY

HI Carla, and Welcome to Active Rain.  Thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog.  These are good reminders for those of us who have been in the biz for awhile too.  Sounds like your business is off to a strong start. 

Aug 08, 2016 01:53 AM
Carla Black

I appreciate that, Barbara!! Looking forward to reading about your experiences!!

Aug 08, 2016 02:04 PM
Kelly Turbeville
Keller Williams - Lake Forest, CA
Turning Real Estate Dreams into Reality

Nice post.. welcome aboard!

Aug 08, 2016 02:20 AM
Carla Black

Thank you so much, Kelly!!

Aug 08, 2016 02:04 PM
M SQUARE
Realty One Group Alliance - San Mateo, CA
Broker Associate & Licensed Architect

Great post! Welcome to Activerain :)

Aug 08, 2016 04:32 AM
Carla Black

Hi there! I used to live in San Mateo. Nice to meet you!

Aug 08, 2016 02:05 PM
M SQUARE

Ohhh. Nice to meet you Carla :)

Aug 12, 2016 01:26 AM
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

The chemistry of agent-client is crucial to generate a complete transaction.

Experienced agents know and can sniff out cooperative people and left the nasty clients in the hands of  new or newer agents.  Documentation of funds, mortgage is the prerequisite for me to show homes.  Sorry no doc no showing... I am kind of busy right now.

Aug 08, 2016 05:18 AM
Carla Black

Good policy!!

Aug 08, 2016 02:05 PM
Mery Fernandez Empire Network Realty Luxury Brokerage
Empire Network Realty INC. - Orlando, FL
The Rise of An Empire, Let's Build Yours!

Hi Carla! Welcome to the world of Activerain, may your blogging  create a whole new chapter in your Real Estate Career.

Aug 08, 2016 06:35 AM
Carla Black

Thank you, Mery!! 

Aug 08, 2016 02:06 PM
Cody Carmen
Adhi Schools, LLC - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Market Analysis--Educational Content, Adhi Schools

Congrats on the feature and great content! The more people that read this and have realistic expectations, the better! The path to success is paved with hard work, not fantasies. 

Aug 08, 2016 07:32 AM
Carla Black

Now that's some great advice!!! Thanks, Cody!!

Aug 08, 2016 02:06 PM
Shanna Day Team Leader AZ & UT - Call 480-415-7616
Keller Williams Realty EV (AZ) & Keller Williams SLC (UT) - Mesa, AZ
Top 0.33 percent of 39,000 Realtors in our MLS

You fooled me!  I didn't know this was your first post.   I read it like you were seasoned.   Thanks for all the great reminders and I agree with everyone of them!

Aug 08, 2016 11:23 AM
Carla Black

Thanks, Shanna!!  I am a recovering music journalist so hopefully I can still turn a phrase every now and then. So nice to meet you and thanks for the very kind words. 

Aug 08, 2016 02:09 PM
Andreia Miguel
La Rosa Realty - Orlando, FL

Great post Carla. Thanks for sharing.

Aug 09, 2016 12:09 PM
Carla Black
eXp Realty - Dripping Springs, TX
REALTOR, GRI

Thank YOU, Andrea! Nice to meet you!!

Aug 09, 2016 11:00 PM
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Having said that I lost a big transaction. The buyer did not want to move on putting their deposit. Very hard to get hold of them as they were tranvelling. Got hold of his brother and he stated he did not have a EMD for me. After 72 hours I got a text we are still thinking about it. I called and cancelled.  The agent was kind enough not to give me a bad time.  

Aug 10, 2016 01:20 AM
Carla Black

?

Aug 10, 2016 03:07 AM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

The agents who make it look easy, are the agents who work really hard at it. The best kind of clients are those who refer others to you. I'm getting more and more of those and that tells me I'm doing a good job. Great post!

Aug 10, 2016 06:57 PM
Kathryn J.
Rentec Direct - Grants Pass, OR
Rentec Direct

Great post!  Welcome to AR!

Aug 10, 2016 11:49 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I think you prepared a great list that all new licensees and applicants should read.  The only thing I could possibly add is to go to work for a broker who is available to guide and assist you in the begining or a firm that offers mentoring if it's larger. Having experience on your side while you learn your way is important. 

Aug 11, 2016 02:29 AM
Carla Black
eXp Realty - Dripping Springs, TX
REALTOR, GRI

Great advice, Tammy! Thank you!

Aug 11, 2016 03:18 AM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR
Exceptional Agents, Outstanding Results

Good morning Carla.  Congrats on your first blog and it being a feature...  Good job BTW welcome to the Rain.  Solid advice it appears to me you have learned something some agents never find out.

Aug 11, 2016 08:44 PM
Carla Black

Thanks, James! There is a steep learning curve in this business, that's for sure!!

Aug 19, 2016 11:41 PM
Sharon Kowitz
CRS-SRES-ABR-GRI-E-Pro-CREN Fonville Morisey Cary, NC - Cary, NC
Cary, NC Relocation Specialist ~ Buying or Selling

Welcome to Active Rain and congratulations on your first post, this is great information!

Aug 15, 2016 01:35 PM
Carla Black

You're sweet. Thank you, Sharon!

Aug 19, 2016 11:41 PM
Joe Jackson
Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty - Columbus, OH
Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert

Excellent post! It's great to educate those of the realities of the business and how rewarding it truly can be!

Aug 19, 2016 04:32 AM
Carla Black

Thank you, Joe!!!

Aug 19, 2016 11:41 PM
Adam Feinberg
Elegran - Manhattan, NY
NYC Condo, Co-op, and Townhouse specialist

Great post- it's clear you spent some time thinking about this.

Aug 24, 2016 01:31 PM
Carla Black

LOL - I think I spend most of my time thinking about this!! Thanks for the comment, Adam!!

Aug 24, 2016 10:04 PM
Claude Labbe
Real Living | At Home - Washington, DC
Realty for Your Busy Life

this is great; I think you've written the Realtor version (albeit condensed) of All I Ever Needed To Know I Learned In Kindergarten

Aug 27, 2016 05:06 PM
Carla Black

Haha! That's a great compliment, Claude. Thank you!

Aug 30, 2016 12:15 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Carla, this post really was superb, and shows the market shifts and every year is different!  

Sep 06, 2016 12:30 AM
Carla Black

Thank you so much, Joan!! 

Sep 06, 2016 05:17 AM