New Agent Needs Help

Adele- I was just asked that by someone the other day.  If you are an independent kind of person who is not afraid to simply jump in and learn, go to one of the better split companies and locate a mentor.  If you prefer an office that has regular meetings, caravans, etc., the larger companies generally offer this.  Either way, the learning part (paperwork, etc.) won't come until you have a buyer or seller to work with- no practice takes the place of the actual person in front of you.  Make sure that you associate with a reputable company.  They come in all sizes- if you don't like a broker that interviews you, that should be that.  He or she is the bottom line in all of your transactions.

I'm in total agreement with Laurie.  Although I enjoy working with Coldwell Banker (and I think their 70 hour required training course is the best in the business), the MOST IMPORTANT thing when looking for a brokerage is.....what's the broker like?  IMHO, the broker is way more important than which brokerage you go with.  Hope this helps you a little bit.  Welcome to ActiveRain!

Adele: Regardless of where you hang your license, continue with your real estate education. Consider going for your GRI as a starter. 

Before I chose who to go with I asked around people I knew in the business (lenders, agents, etc) to see who has a good reputation in the industry and area and who had good training.  I also chose CB because of their training and reputation but there are many good companies out there.

Hello Adele - First, I liked Laurie's advice. I have been a Realtor for 1 year and 9 months so I can really relate to your dilemma. If I were in your place now, what I would place the least importance on would be the percentage of a sale that you would get (you can go to a different company later) and place the highest importance on the broker or office manager that interviews you and will be helping, guiding and training you "the business".
And, don't ignore your 'gut reaction'. If it is positive, feeling good about a situation is important for the learning and growing experience. If it's negative, don't do it!

First, drive the area you wish to work in. Who has the most signs?

Second, of the top 2 who will invest in training you. I had a California license, and like all others you still need a great deal of help. Broker/franchise support is invaluable.

Third, do what they teach.

Look at the culture of the firm.  See if the people in the firm are like you and share the same values.  Try to talk to as many agents as you can.  It is not all about the money! 

I agree with the sentiments of everyone above. The broker that you will be working with is THE single most important part of your decision. I started with a LARGE national franchise under my current broker. I followed him when he moved to an awesome Independent. Good luck in your journey and I hope you find your Real Estate home that fits.

Hi Adele, I started out with a larger franchise that offered a great training program but where the broker was hardly ever available. After a little more than a year I switched to an independent broker and I still find myself surprised that my broker is almost always available!  Maybe it's more psychological than anything else but it makes a huge difference! 

Another thing you want to ask when you interview is whether you will be able to keep your listings should you decide to leave for another brokerage.  Some franchises will not let you keep your listings, other will with permission from sellers.  Best to ask at the beginning. Good Luck!

Adele-To me there are many factors involved in regards to selecting a real estate company.  As a new agent you NEED training, even as a seasoned agent you NEED training. IMPORTANT 

Is your broker non-competing?  It might matter to you.  How do I feel when I am in the office?  Are office meetings real important to you?  One stop shop?  Is it an energized pumped up feeling or does it feel like not much is going on. (Visit a couple of times in case they tell you everyone is out showing property)  What kind of work environment do you want? Private office, cubacles, desks or will you primarly work at home.  What tools do they provide for you?  I could go on and on. 

Most people want to start out at top $$$ but they fail to realize the full price of doing business, for some it could be a huge mistake.  For others they just have it in them.  Remember  0 of 100% is still zero. 

You can't believe the resources I have to provide to agents for FREE if they join our company that saves them so much money and probably some real costly mistakes!   That doesn't include the FREE tools that Century 21 offers....  I say weigh the pro's and con's and trust your judgement!  Please let us know what you opted to do!  Good Luck....

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