Need advice about my next step....please....

[NH2Disney]

I've been in the business for over a year. Closed a few transactions during my 1st year, even in the rough market and bad weather in our area.

I was working with a Re/Max office that I liked. In December, I informed them that I was pregnant. Due in May. Next thing I know, they're charging me desk fees. Just me, BTW. Plus, their big thing on their website is NO DESK FEES. Unless you're pregnant, I guess. But, whatever..... I couldn't afford the desk fee (I was doing a commission split and never even HAD a desk because they kept "renovating") and tried to come up with other options - going referral only, etc, but they never returned calls and blew off meetings. I told them to return my license to the state.

But, I'm stuck. I contacted a few places....Keller Williams and Windhill. I'm 99% certain they're not going to want to take me on in this market being pregnant. I'm new to the business, but I'm not an idiot. I'll talk to them, but I'm not overly optimistic and, honestly, have no idea what to even tell them that could possibly sell myself in this situation.

I also looked into ColdwellBanker referral network. Does anyone know anything about that?

I'm contemplating just hanging up my license for a while, but I'll be REALLY ticked off if I get a lead and can't collect a referral fee for it, you know?

I also have an 8mo old and had to pull her out of daycare because I obviously have no income potential at this point (can't practice in my state without the broker holding the license). Shelling out $250./wk for daycare when I essentially had no job wasn't working.

I really just need some advice from some people who have been in the business longer because I'm lost as to what to do. I don't want to "give up", but I'm pretty sure I'm not a good catch right now and won't be until fall....thus missing the big time in the market in my area!

Any advice? Am I just out of luck for now?

TIA!

[carlam]

I believe there is hope. I am a Keller Williams agent; I love the company because it is so family oriented and it has the same values as I do. Talk with a local agency and ask about working on a team. I work on a team and it may work for you. There are still a lot of things you can do while you are taking care of you and your family. Don't give up yet! It takes time to rebuild your business if you have to leave it temporarily, (I did and it took me about six months to rebuild it); a team picks up where you can't be at the moment.

There are lot of other benefits to being on a team, check with local agency.

[NH2Disney]

Thank you so much! I spoke with someone at Keller Williams this morning and explained everything. I was honest (and did my best not to badmouth my previous agency, of course!). I told him that perhaps being a Team Member would suit me best for now and I'd love to talk about that.

So, we're going to meet this week. He was understanding and receptive and, I think, appreciated my honesty about my situation.

It's good to hear from another Keller Williams agent, too. I've browsed the website to get information, as well.

I keep having visions of getting a call next month from someone in my circle and getting a $25. gift card to a restaurant instead of my 25%. I don't want to hang it up. I'm glad I didn't give up....I hope it works out with KW.

My name is Carla, too, BTW. :D

Thank you for the information and the encouragement. I was starting to feel pretty bleak about everything, but I've manage to yank myself up and keep trying. :)