Mandi,

There are negative types in every profession, not just real estate.

Since your life becomes whatever you give the majority of your attention to, it's best to turn your attention away from those types, or you will find a steady stream of them beating a path to your door...or to your blog post comments!

I haven't found this to be the case on AR. I've seen some insightful comments, some thought-provoking ones, and mostly very uplifting overall.

You will find some wonderful agents here, and in your market, that will be glad to assist you, I'm sure of it!

And no, I haven't forgotten that I was once new...when I decided to open my own company many years ago, I never wanted to forget my humble beginnings - so my company, Spinnaker Realty, is named after the street I sold my first house on.

Mandi,

I agree with you that criticism is a very poor way of communicating.  However, each new agent should get themselves educated either by working with a mentor in the company by offering to do assitant work or some exchange if possible.

In commercial real estate which was our specialty, newbies were hired to be runners for the seasoned agents and were paid by the brokerage a monthly salary.  It was a great way to learn.  

It is frustrating for a seasoned agent to deal with someone who is not savvy.  If I were you, I would openly say, I am new.  In our experience some of the new people would try to fake it, which can be liability in a transaction.  There are many kind souls out there who are willing to help.  A

I'm happy to work with new agents who are willing to do the work to learn the business. I've had more trouble with agents who have years in the business, hundreds of transactions completed, but they still don't get the contracts filled out properly or don't pay attention to the deadlines etc. 

Mandi, I love "newbies" they are squeaky clean and don't come with the stench of bad habits. Most are very eager to learn.

One should always remember the journey and help others on their journey.

I don't mind inexperience.  I think attitude is much more important.  Even after 9 years if I am having trouble with something I just admit it and ask the other agent for direction.  

Hi Mandi -- I try to be mindful of the fact.  The word "uneducated" shouldn't be used(my opinion) but I'm certainly learning something new(or a different twist) each day.

There will always be naysayers and negative people in any group -- they are best avoided or kill them with kindness.  

I tried having newbies under our umbrella.  It was too much like babysitting.  Seems like so many just didn't care, didn't want to work or thought the rules were not meant for them.  I don't have time or patience for that type of attitude. 

New doesn't have to equal uneducated.  We are in business for ourselves and therefore, if it is going to be, it is up to me!   When I was new I used it to my advantage:

• I was more up to date with policy change
• I was more tech savvy
• I had more time to dedicate to my clients; they wouldn't be a number to me!

However, I did what I needed to do to make sure I didn't appear "New" as in lacking in anyway.  Too many people come into this business from a corporate or with a civil servant mentality and don't understand that each of us are the CEO of our own business.  You don't see Pepsi mentoring CocaCola !

I often mentor new agents in the office - it takes patience but is totally enjoyable to see them get their first transactions.  We make sure agents learn things correctly - how to fill out the contract, the importance of contingencies and their removals.  That time is of the essence.   Would rather work with a newbie than the experience agent who is too busy and just too important to get disclosures and paperwork signed by their clients or return a phone call.

Wonderful question Mandi!  Haven't noticed these comments, but could have been taken out of context.  We all come from various backgrounds, experience, etc. regardlesss of what industry we are in, and should all be respectful of each other and have patience.  People can be in this industry for quite some time and suddenly have something come up that they never experienced.  The fact that you are getting exposure to the r.e. industry prior to your licensing is a great advantage to you.  I would highly suggest a mentor, for anyone in any industry, to keep you on your toes and help you put your best foot forward.  Keep learning and then mentor someone yourself as you move along. Best wishes for success!

As the Broker for my office, I never forget I was once new and someone helped me. We always have at least one new agent in our office and I am happy to say that all of my experienced agents and I are never to busy to stop and answer their questions or help them out!

Hello Mandi, no i have not forgotten and i don't mind working with a new realtor or lender but please let me know that way i can help ; don't let me  know when we are having issues ,i think is a two way street of honesty and trust . great question Mandi have a great day

You bring up an important topic Mandi, everyone needs to get started somewhere.

It is expensive to train people, and we do it all the time, but the good part of training people is that you get someone who has not developed bad habits somewhere else and is ready and willing to learn.

No, I always remember.

Nop.

Believe me, people do!

I love helping new agents. Actually new or old. I'm one of the "go to" folks due to this. It has it's pros and cons. (Like constantly falling behind in my daily agenda). But I find it is worth it when someone listens. 

The only thing that I hate is when someone wastes my time and takes knowledge but does nothing with it. It is sad. But if you want to learn, eager to grow, then I'm happy to help. 

Dear Mandi,

If a new agent has a good client & wants to work with me, no problem! My goal is to get that house sold & a couple of families moving. If the new agent has a good attitude, all the better, because everything else can be learned.

When I first started, my Broker mentored me and coached me to perform all the elements of an agent, however, when I started to meet other agents and exposed to how they performed, it was apparent to me that not all mentors are alike.

So, after reading a lot and getting more information from different brokers, yes, I moved around till I found the Broker who I finally trusted to do real estate business the right way. I settled in, confident, knowledgeable and secure and I'm sure you will too.

I can tell you that training isn't cheap, your time is valuable and when you quantify it with a dollar amount, you'll be surprised how well you spend your time learning and earning. All the best to your success.

Whenever I hear a discouraging word about a "new agent" I realize that in 1999 I was new too!   It would be very helpful for new agents to have a mentor.  Most do not.

Great question Mandi - yes I totally remember the frustrations and anxiety of being new.   But in this business, there's something new to learn every day anyway.  

Many new agents come in with the expectation of a quick buck, and this business generates everything but that.   Four keys to survival are a fat savings account, an amazing level of persistence,  lots of social contacts who like and trust you, and the innate ability and desire to help people.   It's hard for mentors because so many new people fail to generate enough business to survive, so all their training efforts can be lost.    

My suggestion is, surround yourself with people who have great attitudes, and align yourself with those agents that actually enjoy passing on what they've learned.   

Yes... jk

No I help out others but if that persons attitude is of entitlement or they want to try to control or bully a situation they met the wrong man as I dont play that stupidity and shut it down with ferocity!

I love working with new agents!  Many new agents are more technology focused and are very efficient.  Some "experienced" agents have old fashioned and difficult methods.  I have great realtionships with agents who were once "new" and now experienced, because I helped them along the way.   

I agree with the Seigel's post - having an mentor to help out is a great way to go.  Appraisers are required to have "field" experience and oversight, I think it would be great for agents to have the same.   There is so much liability why wouldn't you want help?

What irrates me is doing a co-op sale with a newbie that constantly asks me everything. I don't mind that they don't know or ask, just that they should be asking thier QB and not me. Unfortunately so many big companies hire everybody. Kind of a throw everything at the wall and see what sticks approach.

I cam einto real estate after owning retail electronic stores for 16 years so I had some skills but real estate has its specifics. I do not like the throw them up against the wall and see if they stick mentality and that includes franchises that purport to have great education. It is a cultural problem.

I feel your pain and frustration Mandi.  Seasoned agents are made when newbies are given a chance to pactice and grow.  I am fortunate to have a couple of experienced agents as mentors, I have been able to shadow them and have them on speed dial.  I have also come across agents who just assume you are not worth their time and don't bother to get to know you.  There are experienced agents willing to help the new agents who show they are ready to do the work, you just have to look out for them and let them get to know you and see your passion.

No, I have not forgotten.  That was the only time that I liked real estate agents. 

Then when I got educated and grew up, I realized how little they know and how little they care...and how little I had in common with them.

There is absolutely no reason to be uneducated.  Putting an effort to get educated will put you at the top of the heap...try it.

Eve

To clarify and answer your question:  While I was new and naive and uneducated, I was on the same level with other agents.  As I got educated, and experienced, I realized I had nothing in common with most real estate agents.  Most do not continue education and the almighty dollar is a priority. I find it frustrating to have to deal with an agent that does not even understand the contract.

My advanced education and the fact that I choose not to have conflicts of interests and practice full fiduciary duties with my clients, does put me in a rare niche with no competition. 

My advice to you is to take advanced classes...you will be surprised at what you learn.

I KNEW that I was an uneducated newbie and sought to learn all I could, as fast as I could.  I meet some agents who know they don't know, but really don't care.

Everyone starts out new. Where you go from there depends on you.  I take on many new agents in our office and get them trained.  It's important to make sure they know how to handle things.  I think the bulk of agents outthere that do not care to work with new agents, would be referring to the new agents who don't care enough to get the education.   If a new agent owns it and let's me know up front, I will guide them.  If they are new, working for 100% company and know everything....it's not going to be pretty.   It all depends on the agent.  We were all new once, however we were not all arrogant and a liability.  I give everyone the benefit of the doubt.

NO...I remember those newbie days and I didn't want anyone to know I was new. 

No I haven't Mandi. With my first buyers I got lost and they had the roadmap out trying to figure out where to go. I had no idea how to write their offer but muddled through. It was a terrible feeling to be so out of control. This is one reason I trained agents for so many years so they could gain confidence faster.

No, I have not forgotten.  At the same time, I had very little help over the years, I had to learn from experience and from getting my butt kicked and educating myself, sadly.  I think that's the way it is if you want to dive into the business-  otherwise, you can start as an assistant or some type of support staff to learn.  I don't kick others when they're down and never have a problem helping others, but I wouldn't have time to babysit someone, either.  That's the role of a sales manager, not a full time agent or loan officer.

I am still unedurcated, but I'ma gettin thar!

WE are glad to mentor other agents, but they have to be willing to go beyond their comfort level.

Mandi - I understand where you are coming from, and there are people out there who do not remember that they once were new to real estate and needed some help to get them where they are today. I personally am learning every day, and hope to continue that throughout my career and life. I have not forgotten that I was once new to real estate, and have no issues working with new agents, new lenders, new title and escrow officers as long as they are professional, communicate well, and do their job to the best of their abilities.

No, I have not forgotten.  I literally learn something new on each and every transaction.  When I dont know something for sure, I ask and get a real answer and found that is best as I can add it to my toolbelt for clients.   I believe those that THINK they know it all, are setting themselves up.   Far as newer agents go, I try to help educate when in a transaction but found it can be a fine line.  Some get defensive, I represent my clients to the best of my abilities and if the other agent is accepting, always willing and able to help educate.

Have you watched Shark Tank? There are very specific questions each candidate will be asked. If they can not answer those questions, the sharks will tell them directly, "I don't want to waste my time on you."

New agents come into this business so poorly prepared, that they are overwhelmingly a waste of time.  They don't know they are small business owners and some believe the broker HIRED them!

Veteran agents, when asked by those considering the business are guilty of providing the worst possible advise. That is, "Go with a broker that provides train'n." These agents recommendations perpetuate the problem.

90% of newbies are going to crash and burn within 2 years. That represents a lot of wasted time and effort, BECAUSE they receive very poor advise.

Let me bore into the REAL problem. As a small business owner with eyes set on real estate, what do YOU, Mandi, need to bring into the Shark Tank? What would you advise a newbie to bring into the Shark Tank?

Not knowing the answer is like expressing you would like to run alongside me in my next marathon. "What has been your typical pace?" I'll ask. "Oh, I'm not runner but thought I'd give it a try."  So you would like to go into real estate aye?

Mandi Null This is the reason why I always had a mentoring program to help new agents. Taking a new agent under your wing will always get them off to a great start. Excellent question!!