I need advice!

**erikaaf14** · 02-27-2010, 03:42 PM

I have an issue and I'm hoping I can get some feedback on how to handle it. I've joined the real estate business in October, and it has not gone well. Aside from being young (I'm 23), it is a difficult time to get into real estate. Since I've joined I haven't had any clients, but that is not the issue. I've been EXTREMELY dissatisfied with my company. I've tried talking to my broker, my manager, and others in the company, but no one has been able to help me.

I signed up to be on a broker's team and when I first met with him he promised me all sorts of things.. that he'd coach me, let me go with him to listings, do open houses, etc., but he hasn't followed through on any of that. He's a top broker in the area and I understand he's busy, but he just forgets about me and doesn't care about me. Whenever I go to him and tell him this, he just acts like he doesn't care. I mean I guess in his position, why would he want to help out a new agent.. but then why did I pay and he sign up to be my coach? Since I'm new, all I want is experience, and it's been hard to get that. Since I couldn't get anything from him, I sent out a mass email to my office to see if anyone could help me.. out of about 30 agents, not ONE responded. I did two open houses for a broker from another office, and when my broker found out he yelled at me for it.. and I didn't understand why. I then talked to my office manager about it, in which she told me they were a waste to do.. which made me a bit surprised. Even if they are a waste since I wouldn't get any commissions from them, it's experience right? I then told my manager my problems with the broker and she said he would talk to him. I then met with him and he offered me to be his assistant because he didn't like the lady who was currently doing it for him and he would pay me. This made me very excited because it's experience and I would be getting paid. Since I just graduated, money has been tight and I've held a part-time job along with real estate. I still put in 100% to real estate, but when I told my broker this he said that's exactly why I don't have clients. Many agents have part time jobs, and I didn't see why he had to criticize me.. sorry I'm not rich like him. I still commit and do all I can to get clients, and I don't appreciate someone putting me down for that. So I went back a week later to follow up with the assistant job with my broker only for him to tell he was just going to keep the lady he had. Way to get my hopes up!

Another issue I have. I know it's very important to be a Realtor member, but I expressed to my broker I wanted to wait a bit because money was tight and the Realtor fees were very expensive. Plus, since I had no clients, I didn't see what the big deal was waiting another month or two to join. The business cards I were handing out already didn't have that I was a member, so it's not like it would change that. My broker made such a big deal so I had to borrow money to join. All together that was like $700. He made me join his Realtor board because he just became the president. Looking back I don't see what the big deal was if I waited to join.

Throughout my time, I've met more supportive people on various social networking sites than in my own company. I posted on discussion boards about my issues and got many offers to join other companies that would be more supportive.. in which they said no company should act like mine does. I even got some people who wanted me to find them foreclosure houses in my area. I talked to them on the phone so I knew it was a legit process. I told my manager and she said she wouldn't help me and I shouldn't do it.. again no support. I asked people in my office for help.. nothing. It's not that I want help with every little thing, but I'm new.. obviously I'm not going to know everything up front. I'm paying all these fees for a coach and I get nothing, no support, no help. It just hurts so much and I feel like this whole thing has been a waste. Maybe I should have waited to join real estate since I didn't have the most money, but I was really dedicated and felt it was right, and now I'm in total regret. I've spent close to $1900 so far in various fees, which I find a bit ridiculous. I wasn't told about any of these fees up front, I was told I'd have to spend about $1000. I'm just sick of having no one support me, no one answers my emails back. I thought about switching offices, but I feel it will just be the same. I really just want to leave the company.

Now my question comes in. If I were to leave my current company and go to another, I'm sure there would be similar start up fees. Is there any way I could be refunded some of these fees? Also, can I get a refund on my Realtor membership? I'd like to join another because I currently belong to a local one. I have a feeling I wouldn't be able to, but I just spent so much money and to go to another company and have to pay that all over again would be too much.

I would like some advice before I speak to the president of my company. Thanks!

**First Time Home Buyers** · 03-02-2010, 08:05 AM

You need to interview other brokers and companies, and figure out where the best place to land will be.

Then, once you know where you're heading to, you can quit the current company.

What area are you in?

Things won't change at your current company, so I'd suggest leaving ASAP when you find your "right fit".

**Lease_Abstract** · 03-10-2010, 09:33 PM

You need think harder of what are the risks that can affect your living with transferring into another company. What is important, you are sure enough on making whatever decisions to avoids losses and regrets.

**Section8Pros** · 03-11-2010, 07:14 AM

Hi, Erik.

I don't know the whole story since I'm not beside you to see how you work on a day-to-day basis.

It sounds like, for whatever reason, your company is not supporting you today. That's all that really matters, as it signals that if you want things to change, it's time for a change.

When I've been in similar situations, I try to

a. talk to people working for other companies who are familiar with my company
b. network at clubs (in your case a local real estate club)

Mostly, I can't help but wonder why you are staying in real estate. You mentioned that it "felt" right. Maybe it is, but it sure doesn't seem like reality met your gut on this one.

If I'm your day-to-day coach, I'd ask you what it is about real estate that attracts you.

That's probably your most important question to ask.

Good luck. I hope things get better for you, real estate or not.

**tishabell** · 03-12-2010, 04:26 PM

I strongly agree. you need to get to know your broker and make sure that they are willing to help you all the way whatever happens and make sure to follow up and communicate with your broker every day and let them know what you need.

**Jballetta** · 03-18-2010, 01:18 PM

Hey Erikaa,

I started my real estate office in 1959. The broker or manager who you are presently with hasn't got a clue how to support his agents. You said you did an open house and he freaked, that has to do with; you have no experience and would probably lose a prospective buyer. The most important thing about the open house is that the listing agent accomplished what real estate is all about, listing properties. Then you can have your own open house, that's where you get your prospects from. Somebody should explain what farming is!

Jim

**maui** · 03-18-2010, 01:37 PM

Erika, it sounds as though you are in predicament. One the one hand you are miserable and want to leave, on the other hand, you already have invested quite a bit of money to join your current company. You did not state in what area you work or what the star-up fees were, so I cant comment on that. However, it seems as though there is lack of a support system in place (one which would benefit newer agents). I would suggest interviewing with other companies, ask questions about their training, ask if they have 'teams' on which you could be a member, ask about their fees. I have found that it is easiest when you are working for a non-competing broker, as he becomes more of a mentor. Good luck and keep us updated.

**DeannaKWMR** · 04-06-2010, 01:39 PM

Hi Erika,
Sorry you've had such a bad experience, it sounds like the company you're with is a little backwards!
I'm 23 as well (I started when I was about 20) and have already worked with Weichert, Remax, and am now with Keller Williams. All three companies have good qualities, but it sounds like Keller Williams would be the best fit for you because KW is a learning based company.They have extensive coaching, live training events, MAPS coaching, and their website KW Connect has everything you'd ever need to know. I can send you a guest pass to the website. Every office has an Agent Leadership Council, so you'd never run into that problem where your fellow agents wouldn't help you out.

If this sounds like a better fit, I'd be happy to get you in touch with my team leader. Our office might not be close to you, but he's really knowledgeable about the company and could help you find a KW team near you.

**andrewsmith** · 04-20-2010, 11:30 PM

Don't need to panic much on that, always try to put the 100 percent effort on your real estate business and take a proper guideline from the experienced adviser and always try to do the business with the proper management, system and enthusiasm.

**misch.chief** · 06-17-2010, 03:44 AM

I would actually go and speak to these other companies and see what they have to offer. you have already paid the fees now so it may mean its not worth while leaving for another couple of months. You should try and stay with the company you are already signed up to but i understand if things are difficult it is not the best option.

I would recommend doing lots of research into what you can and cant get so that you can make an informed decision.

It may ultimately be a decision between money and happiness and that will be left up to you.

Good luck and hope it works out for you!