advice for the new real estate agent: chapter 1
So, a sister of a great past client of mine just recently asked for some advice getting into the business. While I didn’t copy the whole email here to her (for her benefit & mine ;), I did want to share one of the things that I would advise in looking at when interviewing brokerages. Actually, the first bit of advice is interview your brokers or new places of employment. Don’t spend just one week or just sign up with the first one you get a good feel. Make sure they give you the time of the day…the manner in which they treat you the day you come in for an interview is probably representative of how they’ll treat you moving forward as an agent. The other tip is that “they WANT you” instead of you wanting them. They should treat you like royalty, but you have no idea when walking in the door. Every sale you make for them moving forward with them is more money in their pockets and the day you sign with them, they’ll most likely accrue fees from you…so, they want more agents…even if they are bad agents. However, of course, a more savvy broker will look for agents that will improve their brand name, not taint it….
Anyway, here’s the list of criteria I would use when looking at a new brokerage…
1) commission splits current & future (meaning they sometimes make you hit a mark & then you get 100%…look for the ones that allow you to get 100%)
2) management - get a feel for the managing broker — see if that person will even give you the time of day
3) brand name — this will be somewhat critical for your long term success
4) online tools — but to be frank, I’m going to try & help you here despite whatever your agency provides for you. While I can’t say I can do everything for you here, but I can possibly make this part of your business, your biggest part of your business. Ooops…just rereading this, I made a promise to her that I’m not making to all of you out there. However, if you do seek advice, feel free to contact me & I’ll consider helping you if you are a) a good person b) very interested & motivated to do well and c) are joining the business for the purpose of helping people & will NEVER forget it despite all the things that come up during your career in it
5) Mentorship — you need someone or many people who can help you out