Hi there!

**FirstLast** · 11-17-2008, 07:02 AM

Hello Everyone,

I am so glad to come cross this forum today and believe I will be greatly benefited. Before I came to US 8 years ago, I worked as sales person and marketing manager for 6 years. I got the Master degree in Computer Science after I came to US and have been working as Softerware developer for 4 years till I moved to Houston this Summer. I decided to change to a new career, so I quit my job and just got pass the Real estate salesperson exam last Friday. I need to get some advices on how to choose a broker and how to get market myself as a new agent.

Any advice is highly appreciated!

**wchua24** · 11-17-2008, 10:08 AM

hello there welcome to the community. well good luck in your new career. have a good stay here.
this a good place to learn more about real estate. do not hesitate to asked for any advices.

**FirstLast** · 11-17-2008, 02:44 PM

Thanks for your welcome. This is a good start. I am pretty sure I can get more and more info and help from this forum and lead me to a successful career.

**AustinBroker** · 11-17-2008, 03:14 PM

Welcome FL,
I have a degree in CS as well and quit my job to enter real estate. It can be fun, but it's a load of work so get motivated and get going!

Read the forum and you'll pick up a ton of info. If you have specific questions just post to ask.

Joe

**FirstLast** · 11-17-2008, 09:03 PM

Hi AustinBroker,
Do you like Real Estate business more than computer so far? When did you enter real estate business?

Right now, as a new realtor, do you think build a professional website will help to get more leads? I am thinking of using some online service to build the website or you'd rather to build by your own?

How did you market yourself and get leads when you first enter into this business?

Thanks

**AustinBroker** · 11-17-2008, 09:24 PM

Hey FL,
There are attractive aspects to both my old hitech job and my current real estate business. I worked a lot less in computers, got a salary, paid vacation, and benes. In real estate I get total freedom, can make more money, and get to decide who I work with and for.

Spend as much time as you can marketing. Start with your sphere of influence and when you get bored or worn out there, work on the website.

For the first 18 months expect to work 7 days a week or at least 6 days. Right now, you have a lot against you. No track history, no real estate knowledge, no past clients, no knowledge of the areas you are selling in, and basically HIGH enthusiasm and energy.

If you want to make it in this business you have a few options. Be rich before you start, be a housewife who is doing RE "on the side", or be highly driven and motivated and work like a dog. I liken it to taking off in an airplane. If you have a long never ending run way you can taxi to wherever you are going (i.e. being rich already or being a part timer). If you need to make a living, you do what most planes do.

Get to the end of the runway. Quitting your job.

Get cleared for takeoff. Get your RE license.
Gun it. Work your arse off until you get your business in the black.

My first sales were from my sphere. Friends, past co-workers who liked my work and knew I was smart, and website leads. You should certainly focus on the sphere first, but keep developing your site. It will pay off if you are diligent.

Joe