New agent has questions?

[macman7010]

Hey Guys,

I just passed my MD exam and became licensed as of August 2008. I have signed on with a local Coldwell Banker affiliate as a sales agent. I am at a total loss of how to market effectively. I have been looking all over the internet for a place where I could buy an email list tailored for real estate sales people to use.

What is the best ways you folks have found to get leads, buyers and sellers?

[Codythebest]

The best way? Experience!
It is easier if somebody, like a broker should do, could help you to have your next step clear. But few, very few people will help you with good stuff. They will give you the not so good stuff, making sure you're not competing too much.
Let me give you a good stuff:
Go to you neighborhood and knock on each door. Ask if they are thinking about selling or buying. Do it 1,000 times. You'll get results.
Now, it's up to you...
Good luck!

[MLS Guru]

The best way? Experience!
It is easier if somebody, like a broker should do, could help you to have your next step clear. But few, very few people will help you with good stuff. They will give you the not so good stuff, making sure you're not competing too much.
Let me give you a good stuff:
Go to you neighborhood and knock on each door. Ask if they are thinking about selling or buying. Do it 1,000 times. You'll get results.
Now, it's up to you...
Good luck!
Does knocking on doors really work? because I never see agents coming to my door but I get lots of flyers in the mail.
Also, most agents I've talked to refuse to knock on doors and I have to wonder if they think they're above that or if the effort is useless. :confused:

Any experienced agents would like to comment on this?
Thanks.

[markbrian]

Alright here is 4 little words to help you: For Sale By Owner.

3 more words: List to Last

2 Words: Open Houses

1 Word: Expireds

Approach every FSBO and try to get a listing. Some people like to work expireds. Either way you need a reason to get people to call you, floor time alone is not going to cut it. You get listings to get the phone to ring.

Until you get listings, offer to host open houses for other agents. You will meet many many nosy neighbors with no desire to buy or sell. BUT you may meet one person ready to buy or sell. And once you get your 1st listing, market it by door knocking in the neighborhood all around it. If no one else is door knocking BUT you are, doesn't that set you apart from the herd?

And why did you sign up with a company if they are not giving you training and at least some direction?

[Codythebest]

Does knocking on doors really work? because I never see agents coming to my door but I get lots of flyers in the mail.
Also, most agents I've talked to refuse to knock on doors and I have to wonder if they think they're above that or if the effort is useless. :confused:

Any experienced agents would like to comment on this?
Thanks.

That's exactly why it's my niche...

[BeyondThePen]

I've knocked on a few doors. It can be uncomfortable at times. But it can be effective. Especially when targeting buyers...going door to door in an apt complex means covering a lot of ground in a short amount of time.

[MLS Guru]

Thanks for your replies Codythebest and BeyondthePen, your answers are very helpful to me.

[markbrian]

Hey sorry you didn't like my answer. :(
But with FSBO or Expireds, door knocking is the way to go. Even just to advertising your listings to the neighbors. But develop thick skin. And do not be discouraged by being turned down or having a door slammed in your face. I have always done better with cold calls/door knocking than phone calls. And getting out there works, what codythebest said is true.

I heard a story about a REALTOR seeing some old man, walking all over town carrying a breifcase. Thought he was some eccentric. Until he saw the old man's picture in the Top Producer Annoucements. And the guy was a Top Producer every year. From walking and knocking on doors. If you are truly a likeable person, and people can sense it right away, Door knocking works.

[MLS Guru]

oh, Hi Markbrian, I liked your answer too :D

I thought you were addressing the OP (macman) because he specified he signed up with a broker and I didn't.
The way you gave us tips in 4 words, 3 words, 2 words I will never forget; it was a lot more helpful than all the RE classes I took so far.

I will try the door knocking, I'm not afraid of rejection from people I don't know. When I become a top producer I'll come back to this thread and reminisce about my humble beginnings.

-------

Hey macman7010, I didn't mean derail your thread, I got you some more ideas to use.... I hope you're getting settled at work and staying busy.
Come back and tell us how you're doing.

[markbrian]

MLS Guru, you need to be careful, Sounds like you are already developing the attitude of a winner not just a Top Producer!

[MLS Guru]

Markbrian, you should be careful too, if you keep being nice to me I'll have to sell you a house. ;)

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

[joelrunner]

Hey Macman,

Welcome to real estate! I don't know about your area, but out here, CB has an excellent training program. They should especially be able to help you with contract advice, negotiation strategies, and conversion tactics (ie: how to convert a floor call.) Take full advantage of their training. Afterall, that's what you are paying them a split for.

Then, if you don't have one already, get a template site from the realestateforum guys. Not having a website this day in age is an absolute sin.

Then, invest in a PPC campaign to start driving traffic to your site.

Good luck! This is an exciting time!