Thread: New agent, basic questions

Where/ how did you get licensed? They did not cover this with you?

You need to join you local association of REALTORS, which means you are joining NAR and your state association of REALTORS. This means you will take an oath, and obey the NAR code of ethics and all the other rules we have to obey.

In my state you must work under a broker in charge. All your questions can be addressed by the broker/company you decide to work for. I hope you did not get licensed thinking that was all it took to gain access to the MLS. You need to interview with brokers and really need to understand more about desk fees, commission splits, free training, cost for signs, call time requirements, production quotas, etc etc before deciding which broker/company to work for. Also I would advise checking the reputation of the broker in charge before signing on. When you interview with brokers, it is not like interviewing for a job. It is finding where you will be comfortable, and offers you the best splits, etc.

The MLS will more than likely be a website you sign into, there are several different software/MLS providers out there. All may have different software/OS requirements.

I hope you realize how tough this business is. Do not expect to become rich. Most agents drop out before the 3 year mark. Many do not make any money during their first year. It is a bad time to get into real estate unless you have a sizeable nest egg or another source of income.

You make several assumptions drawn from very little information.

I am not yet licensed, you may have assumed this, understandably, because this is the "new realtors" forum. So I don't know if they cover this is in the class. I am taking the course in March so if they go over the questions I posted then that's fine.

Right now I am in the research phase, and I have interviewed with several brokers and agents. This seems to be the best course before diving in. So yes, I do understand how tough it can be and the current housing climate, and that is why I am interviewing as many different people as I can.

So I will then join the Colorado Assoc of Realtors.

"The MLS will more than likely be a website you sign into, there are several different software/MLS providers out there. All may have different software/OS requirements.":

So then actually this answer maintains the same level of generality that I pretty much know already. So who are the providers? I need to determine if the laptop, handheld, and any communication devices I already have will be compatible. That's the level of spcecific information I am looking for here.

Thanks

I hate you think I assumed you were a new agent. I just went on what you said "AS A NEW AGENT".

But many of your questions would require someone local to answer specifically. Check with your local association regarding questions on their software/hardware compatablity.

I purposely avoided answering the question with specifics. I felt discussing software/hardware and other questions regarding my MLS with a nonmember on the internet was not a good idea.

Good luck with your career!

Hi, thanks for your reply.

You're right, I did say "as a new agent", then forgot I wrote that. Sorry about the confusion, my fault. Basically I am just trying to understand how to utilize technology and get up and running as soon as possible when I start working. I do not yet fully understand how you "subscribe" to MLS as a new agent, all the benefits of membership to the NAR. For all the info on their websites, it still leave a lot out as far anything specific for new agents. I would like to see how this plays out before I begin the licensing course, it's just part of my research.

Is this proprietary information or something? For example let's take one website I found, alamode. They seem to offer tailored real estate websites integrating listings, all the bells and whistles of listings like maps and community info, etc. Is this the kind of vendor that one would use to put together a site using the MLS? Or is it overkill for a newbie?

I have interviewed with some brokers and learned a bit about the commissions and getting started, and again I'm just trying to survey the options and how it all works before the whirlwind begins.

I think you are doing the right thing by researching before jumping in. There are many companies out there ready to take your money for the latest greatest blah blah blah.

Most important is not just getting a website but getting it cheap. After you start making more money, you can get another site and transfer the domain name. I would suggest getting an IDX feed to your website whatever you do. Also of extreme importance is your domain name. Research SEO. Look at Open-Realty or a Wordpress site, build it yourself.

Do not rely only on a company provided site, if you change companies, you do not have a site. As far as a vendor, once you find a company to work for, ask the other agents, and even your association may be able to suggest someone local to help you with a site or an IDX feed. IDX is a public MLS version of the MLS. You must check with your association and broker to make sure it is OK to have IDX.

I actually got a free Alamode site one time just to check it out. Seemed ok. The problem with some sites is getting into editing the unseen stuff like meta tags & description. At first Alamode or another similar site may be OK.

I think since you found this forum/site, you have found some of the other websites that cater to RE agents. Research into cheap, basic sites that you can get IDX with. With time, you will be able to pay someone else to build a better site, but save your money when you start out. It seems everybody is asking for money when you first start!

Hi

You can find this info by using search box in the top of website with some keywords related before posting questions.

Originally Posted by Taylor_Mananahi

What is MSL Service, I haven't heard a about it? Can you please tell. Am I applicable to join? I'm from Asia..

I have the same concern right here. Don't know if I am allowed to join.

As far as I know, when you take a license course and exam on certain services of firms, they usually and automatically join you in their MLS. Wherever you got your license you should ask them about it.

I would suggest you get a real estate contact management system when starting out. It's just essential in my opinion. IXACT Contact is a great option! It will help you manage your contacts and active business, and create various marketing programs for leads and past clients....

Cheers,
Matthew