Thread: Is it hard for a young guy to succeed in real estate?

Originally Posted by FrankL

I'm only 23 and am wondering if my age is a real detriment in this industry? Will people even deal with someone as young as their son in college?

I'm really glad you asked this question. I'm 27 years old but look like I'm about 15. I was nervous about the same thing when I entered the business but I am not as concerned any more. Basically, I meet a lot of clients through my website so they haven't seen me first. I intentionally do not put my picture on either of my sites to avoid having clients disregard me based on appearance. When we meet, there is always a bit of a look from the clients but since they want to see whatever property we are at, they continue on with me. Every time, I feel that I have to earn their trust. To do so, I have to know more about the market we're in than my competitors. The quickest way to earn the trust of your client and to have them disregard your age is to prove to them that you know everything they need you to know. When they make a comment about a home that we're in, I can quickly respond back with, "If you are looking for something larger, there's a great home in a similar neighborhood that we could see. It has 4 bedrooms, 2,300 square feet and is priced at $545,000. If you really want a pool, there's a larger home with a pool down the street that is priced at $559,999 that I think you would really like."

Once you can fire back responses to all of their questions, you're going to have the age issue fly out of the window.

I agree. In any business, it's how you present yourself that is going to make a difference.

I think as long as you come across as professional and knowledgeable then you will do fine. I am only 24 and have been doing loans since I was 21 and haven't had too much of a problem. I'm sure I've had a couple of people that were deterred by my age but I dress well, act professionally, and I'm very knowledgeable so people tend to trust me when I'm talking to them about their mortgage.

So to answer your question directly, I think that some people might not like it (but you are going to find people who don't want to work with you for no apparent reason) but most people won't care as long as you know what you are doing.

I don't think that age is as much a factor as long as you don't look like your 14. If you act professional, take your job serious and show value to your clients you will start to succeed. Also, some good training is valuable.

We have a guy about your age who is taking off this year in Real Estate. I think if you are young - you need to be even more diligent in learning your trade. People can sense when you know what you are talking about and will be glad to work with you if you can convey that confidence.

Most home buyers don't really care about your age. They care more about what are you going to offer them. Remember that they are listening to WIIIFM (What is in it for me?).

yes, it is a little harder because you have to prove you are just as good or even better than the older agents. Im 19 and I look 10. I got my license as soon as I turned 18, so im alot younger than you guys. At first it was hard because I didnt have too much experience and didnt have answers for many questions clients would ask me. The initial meeting with client are always awkward but you just have to be confident and pretend you know everyting about everything. In my first month I got three listings and by the fifth month I closed 4 transactions, so I had a great start.



Mike
New York City

you know I wonder the same thing. I just got started and I am 22. I havent had much business yet so I don't if it will help or hurt my business.

I started at age 19 and am now 21. The age factor will hurt your business UNTILL they find out that you know what you are talking about. Then it will help.


Brad.