Greetings from North Carolina

[Chami23]

Hello everyone, My name is Crystal I’m 23 I live in NC. I’m not currently employed, I stay at home with my daughter who is turning 3 in October. I’m very interested in becoming a real estate agent. I plan on going to school, but probably not for another year. I was hoping to meet some experienced agents of whom I could speak with and hopefully gain some insight and get ahead before school. I absolutely have no experience in this kind of field (sales) meaning. I would greatly appreciate any advice or information that could be beneficial to me or anyone else who is trying to learn the field.


Thank you in advance, and I look forward to talking to everyone.
Crystal

[IggysListing]

Hi Crystal.
I am more of an investor than traditonal agent, but increasingly
I am working on referrals.
There are lots of agents out there now and some are hurting because
of market downturns in some areas and perceptions of market conditions
by the public (much of which is due to the inaccurate media).
The good news: You are in NC and that is one of the place to be in
real estate. Secondly, most of the money made in real estate is made
by the top (guessing 20 %) of agents. A lot of people go in thinking it is
big money and easy money. Well, there can be big money but it takes
a lot of work and the right attitude about serving the customers.
Here is a no brainer suggestion. Get copies of the textbooks and start
reading. Perhaps work part time in a real estate agency office or assist
agents with open houses. Learn as much as you can through the internet
from agents and the general public to see what they need.
Best of luck.

[IggysListing]

I almost left out the most important advice.
Save some money in advance.
Here is why:
Your income comes from commission when a property sells (at closing
or shortly thereafter).
Typically there is a selling side and buying side commission.
Typically you will split one side with your agency. This averages around
half.
You are typically considered self employed and responsible for most of
your expenses:
Healthcare.
Auto and expenses
Realtor fees
Lock access fees
Sometimes office fees
Sometimes franchise fees
Sign costs
And there are more.
The toughest part is getting started and getting listings and buyers
lined up and waiting for that first commission. It could easily be
6 months. Obviously, networking ahead of time can lead to some
ready and waiting prospects.
I hope that this helps.

[Chami23]

yes this helps.........Thank you very much.

[gjtrafl]

I like the idea of working at an office (even part time). This would give you the chance to be around the industry and hear first hand the good and the bad, all while bringing in some money. Then when you are out on your own as an agent, you will have some relationships to help you along the way.

[IggysListing]

I don't see enough "old fashioned" person to person contact.
It can be phone calls, networking, passing out flyers etc.
Let people see you and know that they can depend on you.
We live in a world of no customer service and everybody is a
number. Give people a personal touch and a sense that you care
and you will do well. Always do what you say you will do.

[Jaysonnhs]

I think Iggyslisting is 100% right. There is no customer service and everyone is a number. Real Estate Agents try to get 100's of buyers and don't do all they can to find out exactly what each buyer really wants. They ask them the usual questions e.g. how many beds, baths, what location, do you want a pool and put them on a list that sends them updates of new homes daily, weekly etc. What happened to building lasting relationships that get referrals??

Get out and meet people let them know that you're there to help and that you're committed to making their home buying experience everything they want and expect. Customer service is KING…and iggyslisting put it best - always do what you say you're going to do - thanks Iggyslisting.

[IggysListing]

Thanks Jaysonnhs. I am the messenger. I am old enough to remember
when people were not treated as numbers. Even though I come from
a high tech background, I found out during my over 30 years in
computer software and business systems, that it was the people skills
and ability to communicate to diferrent audiences that was most
important. I had to give myself attitude checks along the way and
it payed off. I never had to advertise. All my business came from
natural networking, word of mouth.
By the way, I have been to Arizona several times. Where is Queen Creek?


_____________________________________

http://IggysListing.com

http://HomeRanks1.com

[Nealrm]

Crystal,
If you are really want to get into real estate, try finding a job as an aid to a top Realtor. With no experience, you will probably start by running signs to listing and other gopher type tasks. But in time you will work your way up.

Sorry I don't have a specific lead to give you in your area.

[Raine]

Crystal, I'll second the advice to save money in advance. It can take a while to get that first check, and you'll be spending money on advertising and fees to grow your business in the meantime, on top of your normal expenses.

Another thing is to start your real estate education now. There are a lot of good books and tapes on sales and real estate that you can read or listen to before you take you first class. Some of the ones that helped me most were "The Real Estate Agent's Business Planner", "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent", "Mastering the Art of Selling Real Estate", "Your First Year In Real Estate", & "21 Things I Wish My Broker Had Told Me".

When you do start working, interview and compare several brokers and offices before deciding where to hang your license. Don't focus just on commission split - it's important, as are desk fees, printing charges, etc, but other things can matter more. Look for the best training you can get, and find out if you have to pay for it. The best offices for new agents will have a strong mentor program, as well as extensive free training for both new and experienced agents. Also find out what you can about the company culture and business philosophy, to be sure it's one that will attract the types of people you'd like to work around.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me, because it hasn't been very long since I was taking classes, the interviewing brokers, myself.

[IggysListing]

I like the advice about working with a top producer, experienced agent.
Book learning and facts are great, but you will probably learn more from
an experienced agent in a few weeks than you will get by reading in a
year or ever. They will also know the local market, which is priceless.
A free internship could be more valuable than paying for something.