Yeah I see the slime at church other agents using church or quoting God about selling real estate.

I believe there is a special place in hell for these people.

I don't bring religion into real estate there is just no sense in it.

8 out of 10 new agents will fail. Of those 8, many will dig themselves into a hole far deeper than they should just trying to stay afloat. I would say that a new agent needs to set some black and white goals and timelines, and if they are not closing deals, they should get out of the business sooner rather than later.

I was wondering if I would see one on here that I would disagree with, and here we are.

Chris I totally disagree with that. You know why 8 out of 10 fail? Because 8 people lose the confidence, and quit trying.

All new agents start out thinking they will be in the "2" group. But many new agents (those who end up in the "8" group) keep trying longer than they should before they realize they are not a good fit for this business. Many confidently believe that just more effort will turn things around, and that's not the case for everyone. Many are in denial about their lack of sales skills. Some continue to do things that are not achieving any good results.

Recently, a tax accountant told me 97% of the agents he prepared taxes for had lost money the year before and were dependent on other sources of income. I know two agents who borrowed against their home to pay their agent business bills, and a year later their homes were foreclosed. Should they have gotten out of the business sooner? It's all too easy to say that they just needed more confidence and should have tried harder.

For some, a dose of reality is helpful. Maybe their calling is in another field.

AMEN TO THAT BPO Guru!!!

Amen to THAT!

(oops)

LOL, I've lost the most money to buyer's or companies that start talking religion in the beginning, and yet I keep falling into the same hole thinking they may be sincere. My down fall, I trust people and their word.

My biggest loss in a new home I built was to a preacher who shafted me. Guess I owed him all the changes he asked for at no cost.

Very good, Chris. The common thought around here is that good training could turn that frog into a prince -- I disagree.

I feel that the agent must bring special skills or extreme determination ... or a large sphere of influence, which is the biggest key.

To all the brokers/agents that are struggling......

It's easy to be mediocre in this world but really HARD to strive and push yourself everyday to be the BEST.

I would mirror a really succesfull top agent in your chosen field commercial,land,residential,foreclosures,etc.

See what they have to do everyday to achieve success;you will then be able to make a decision on whether you have what it take to do what they are doing.

If you have still have delusions about you will be mediocre and achieve massive success you need to leave the business now.

Analyze the reasons WHY you got into this business.You might find you entered into it for all the wrong reasons.

You have to have a "thick skin"
You will be knocked down, slammed and at times feel like giving up.
If you let something get you down in the dumps one day - that is the day you will miss something.
Pick yourself up, brush your self off, hold your head high, and keep going!!! The next person you talk to may be the one that is going to work out!

Another thing - Real Estate deals seems to come in all at one time, everyone will want you now, now, now and you can burn out fast and work LONG hours - and then all of a sudden you will wonder why the phone is no longer ringing. Don't worry it does come back - learn to enjoy your down time and rest a little because the long hours will be here soon enough!

I'd like to elaborate on this comment. When you say "push yourself to be the BEST", do you mean to sell the most houses or to be the best real estate agent? Lots of agents say they are the BEST or strive to be THE BEST, but what does that mean to you?

To me, it means being a heck of a good real estate agent - one who goes way out of her way to serve the client, to truly put the client's interests first and to do things that aren't necessary, but will make a terrific impression on someone who could end up being your biggest fan.

If you shadow Top Producers, you probably won't see them doing these things. Does this mean that if you do a bang-up job for your clients you won't be a Top Producer? Heck, no!!! But you'll be a different kind of TP - one who gets most of her business from past clients and referrals, and one who KNOWS she's a fantastic real estate agent who is worthy of the commissions she charges. When you feel that way about your career, you're a customer magnet and people will be beating down your doors. Confidence is magnetic.

I did a series on Active Rain about Jake - a brand new agent who was on the verge of failure... and turned it around. You might find it useful. http://activerain.com/blogsview/211928/Jake-s-New-Real

I would encourage you to actively prospect. Education is essential to success. However, it must be implemented.