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Real Estate Career Advice- If I Was Starting Over

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Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Coastal Properties BROK.995683208

Real Estate Career Advice- If I Was Starting Over

A young friend of the family reached out to get some real estate career advice. With all the economic uncertainty, 2025 sounds a lot like when I started back in 2008. Looking back, here are a few things I would do different/more of if the ink on my real estate license was still wet...

1) Remind myself we are sales folk not junior attorneys-- Part of it is necessity, but the bulk of the real estate training is on the mechanics very little on the sales side. The odds of guiding a client through the different types of title (why would you) is slim. But demonstrating your value to a guest at an open house? That will happen in week one! 

2) I wouldn't buy leads--Purchasing leads early in your business can make the newbie reliant on the lead source. One thing to know with certainty, lead companies (and their programs will change and usually not to the agent's benefit). 

3) I wouldn't work with everyone-- The dreamers (unmotivated buyers and sellers) will waste your time. The jerks will kill your mindset. One of the first purchases should be a LARGE trash can. 

4) Vanity stuff doesn't make money-- The EASIEST person to sell to is an agent with a fresh license. Pens with your name, bus stop ads, anything promoting "you" will generally not provide a positive cash flow. People buy houses, not agents. 

5)...

What bit of advice would you offer an agent starting their real estate journey

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Searching for a Top real estate agent in Destin Florida ? Need help selling your Emerald Cost home? Either way call Doug today!

Doug Rogers

Real Estate Agent 

RE/MAX Coastal Properties 

Destin Florida 32541

 

 

(318) 613-1994

 Equal opportunity housing. Doug Rogers is a licensed real estate professional in Florida. Each office independently owned and operated

 

 

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Great post, Doug... here are my suggestions:

1. Know when to fire a "bad" client

2. Invest in a great contact management system early on and use it

3. Don't buy listings by overpricing houses

4. Take time to learn inventory and neighborhoods in your area

Jan 13, 2025 07:46 AM
Doug Rogers

Thanks Nina, and number one is huge!

Jan 13, 2025 08:03 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Doug - there are times when "starting over" become significant.  Looking back can definitely provide perspective.  Of course, remembering the adage that many sorts of things can go amiss even when everything else seems to be going well.  

Jan 13, 2025 08:07 AM
Doug Rogers

As I wrote this I thought, gee this is good advice for me!

Jan 13, 2025 08:30 AM
Michael Jacobs

Doug Rogers - reflection is good for each of us.  

Jan 13, 2025 08:32 AM
Andrea Bedard
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS

I love this, not just for potential newbies, but also as a good reminder for seasoned agents. I would add:

1. Make continuing education a priority. Listen to podcasts, take advantage of free classes, hone your craft, and invest in designations.

2. Get to know your market. Review listing activity daily. Attend open houses and preview. Drive around neighborhoods. 

3. Find your niche and promote a lifestyle (vs "just" selling houses).

Jan 13, 2025 08:29 AM
Doug Rogers

Number 3, yes!

Jan 13, 2025 08:30 AM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

great information. Thanks for sharing it.

Have a super fantastic week!

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Jan 13, 2025 09:26 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks, Doug Rogers, for sharing your candid wisdom on navigating a real estate career—it’s truly helpful for anyone just starting out! One piece of advice I'd add is to remember to focus on building genuine relationships and listen to your clients; that’ll make all the difference as you grow in this exciting field!

Jan 13, 2025 01:49 PM
Doug Rogers

Yes, absolutely!

Jan 14, 2025 05:16 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Doug Rogers - yours was excellent advice! I especially liked the last point. Yes! 2008 was a tough year to get into the business. and/or do business. I was already in my 5th year and it was shocking to me too! 

"People buy houses, not agents." And that's the truth!!! Over the years you have gained a lot of wisdom. I wish you continued success. 

Jan 13, 2025 03:35 PM
Doug Rogers

A great 2025 for us both! 

Jan 14, 2025 05:17 AM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

Doug, all these are excellent if I had it to do over again.  Although ironically we all probably have a couple or more of those items we can, and should, practice regularly.  Make it a productive 2025.  m

Jan 13, 2025 03:44 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

I love this, Doug. I'm not an agent but I'd add:

1. it's ok to say No

2. Keep learning 

3. Keep developing your SOI

4. Keep in touch with old clients. 

Jan 13, 2025 07:55 PM
Doug Rogers

4) I have neglected this in the past. Assumed they would call me so I didn't keep in contact. Got to see the house listing on the hotsheet with another firm :)

Jan 14, 2025 05:18 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

That is really good advice and it is such a struggle to start up a new business from the ground up, we really have to get out there and meet people.

Jan 14, 2025 04:39 AM
Doug Rogers

100%, our business is like farming. Work today for payment (maybe) months down the road. That's tough for newbies 

Jan 14, 2025 05:19 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Jan 18, 2025 07:33 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Excellent post, and excellent suggestions in comments as well. I'm glad Kathy featured this!

Jan 19, 2025 06:33 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Solid advice!  Great list.   Fresh licensees are a visible wide eyed target for anyone in industry sales.  And the reverse is true with veteran agents!

Jan 20, 2025 11:50 AM
Michael J. Perry
Fathom Realty - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

1. It starts with activity a CRM/ Database ( ie.Realty Juggler) . Add your entire SOI into it.  Now your Mission is to attempt to add at least one more person into it everyday ( this will increase your chances of hitting the Coveted 2 Closings per Month ) 2,000 people should produce 40 sides per year ! 
2. Adopt Successful DAILY DISCIPLINES - Start each day with a Things to Do List !!!            Implement 2 hours for Time Blocking (M-F , 5 days per week) - you will talk to your SOI and Target Market in your Primary Market Area or your Niche ( which will help you accomplish #1 above ) Congruent !   

Jan 24, 2025 09:23 AM