need advice on sales

**fia214** · 03-11-2008, 08:42 PM

Hello I just received my RE License about two moths ago, I reside in CA (bay area.)

I have been a little hesitant to interview with a broker due to some of he issues going on with our economy and all,so I guess my question would be are things getting better with sales?

What kind of questions should I ask when interviewing and what kind of commissions are acceptable for new agents?

And if anyone is familiar with the Bay area where is a good place to start?
I pretty much know this area like the back of my hand so I'm flexible, I would love to work in Berkeley.

Oh one more question what would be a reputible company to start with, any references would be awsome.

**JJohnson1985** · 03-11-2008, 09:04 PM

I am not licensed so I have no clue on CA's laws. In Ohio though, you need to have a broker sponsor you before you can take the licensing exam. I guess it is different in CA.

It looks to me like you have tried to skip some steps in the process. I would suggest before spending money on your license, create a business plan and goals to achieve with that license. You need to know what you want to do and how you want to do it. This will help shape your questions to ask brokers, guided by what you need in a broker. If you don't know what you need, then asking questions may turn out to be a waste of time, for both parties.

Ask yourself this question. If you were listing a house tomorrow, do you know what to do? Some things you must learn by doing, but you need to have a good base to jump from. This base comes from knowledge, learning, and planing. Markets are local, so you need to know your market.

I would suggest starting here before jumping in. Just my opinion though.

**fia214** · 03-11-2008, 09:12 PM

California is different, we do not need a broker sponser before state testing. So my question really boils down o other experiences and what questions anyone might reccomend.

I have a plan of course, just looking for insight from other sales agents experiences.

Thanks

**JJohnson1985** · 03-12-2008, 05:32 AM

Search the site, here are a couple links..

Beginner questions for the veterans

Im a new agent need help

Help me please...

Real Estate Licensing and Being a Real Estate Agent Questions (help!)

what are the steps to become a realtor ?

Just getting started, have questions

Tell me about your broker

Just a few to start with. Use the search function on the toolbar. You will find more valuable information than what I can provide.

**RobM** · 03-12-2008, 06:06 AM

Originally Posted by fia214

California is different, we do not need a broker sponser before state testing. So my question really boils down o other experiences and what questions anyone might reccomend.

I have a plan of course, just looking for insight from other sales agents experiences.

Thanks

Same in Florida as well as MA (sell/sold in both states). The advice I would give you is find a broker that offers loads of training and the ability to join a team. This will give you the biggest benefit as a new agent

**carlam** · 03-13-2008, 03:59 AM

Training is very key when looking for an agency to hang your hat. It isn't all about commission (it will be there once you have the skills to obtain it). A good realestate company will offer great training programs that equip agents with the tools and skills to be the "agent of choice." Ask other agents in the office if they like the company and why.

**Mbeach** · 04-10-2008, 12:42 PM

I have to agree...

**ericbadgley** · 04-13-2008, 07:38 PM

Make sure that you ask about training. When you are new to the industry in a soft mark, its really important that you have great training recourses. Remax has great training options, you should interview with one you your area.

**portland real estate** · 04-24-2008, 12:35 PM

It's also really important that you relate well to your broker. If you can find someone willing to mentor you, then I've heard positive things about that as a way to get started. Other options for getting started include joining a team as a buyers agent, or working for a builder doing new home sales, though new home builders aren't as busy as they used to be, but nor is anyone for that matter.

**Dallas Broker** · 04-24-2008, 01:41 PM

this is a tough market to start up new real estate business, aside from current down market, it is difficult regardless of market conditions. As long as your are motivated to succeed and reach goals you set for yourself, you shouldn't have any problems.

it might be easier locating a smaller independent brokerage to start with that will provide you with a steady stream of leads. Find broker who is authority in your market and get started. If you find a broker who is able and willing to work with you, all you have to worry about is selling real estate and learning how to manage your new business which is much easier than spending 90% of your time trying to figure out how to generate leads. Once you get some experience under your belt and learn the ropes, you can consider other options.