I went on my first two interviews this morning. The first was with a reputable company that was a Real Estate leader for about 50 years. The sales manager was nice, but hardly let me speak, and kind of beat around the bush when I asked questions. Their training consists of "a few DVDs you can take home or watch at the office" and I wasn't even able to get to questions about commission before being whisked away to another interview room. The Broker/Owner met me with a lot of opposition, and told me that my conflict was that I had a family and another job that I would keep. I have two small children and work 3-4 nights a week at a restaurant. BUT I am so eager to start and am ready to give 150% to this career choice. I don't want to work at the restaurant any longer than I have to. However, he basically was telling me that I wouldn't be able to do it because I live 20 mins from town and would have to travel yadda yadda. He asked me if I thought I could really do it, and I said I know I can. So he said "Ok We'll take you on. Come with me. Here's your office..." Then gave me the tour. I did not sign a contract and walked out with a sense of accomplishment but also extremely intimidated. I know that this man knows Real Estate, but how am I supposed to produce when my first impressions are of opposition. Not to mention the building and my office are BEAUTIFUL. I am confused.

So then I headed straight for my second interview. The building was nice on the outside, but walk in and not too impressive. Not shabby but not dreamy either, but it did smell like cigarettes. The owner/broker was friendly and dressed casually, told me to relax, and started talking. The first thing he did was pull out the 6-inch-thick training and procedures manual and went over it with me. Told me about the intensive, continuous training, commissions, approaches, resources, and fees. He says "I assume you have a car, cell phone, and computer? Well the only things you are responsible for are MLS dues and business cards. I don't want you to have to pay me to work here. There are no fees." He was warm and friendly. He even took me onto the MLS and showed me the listings of the four big names around town. The firm with the most listings out of 491 on our MLS was his with 138, the second was the first firm I interviewed with (58) and then (46) and (39). His firm belongs to 6 different MLS systems and services 27 counties in our state. He also has built over 150 homes in the last three years, and has two suburban developments slated for opening in spring. This is all information I have confirmed with my own research. He has been in RE for 21 years and owned his own brokerage for 16.
He said that if my family was not my number one priority then he did not want me on board. Floor time is scheduled and I can have as much or as little as I want. Office time requirements are nil. I can work from home as much as I want. Most of their leads are web based. Basically, it was my dream firm except for the cigarette-smelling modest office.

His track record speaks for itself. I said I understand it will take 6-12 months for me to start making money so I need to keep my job for now to take care of my children, and he says no, you will make your first deal in less than 2 months. Guraranteed! I will personally show you how to do it. It just seems like this is my best option but what do you all think? Should a modest office turn me off to a great sounding opportunity? Or should I stick with the opposing broker/nicer office.
I just feel like I got swept up into a decision that I didn't really want to make today at my first interview, and was so nervous that I didn't know how to speak up for myself. I have two more interviews on Monday so I have time to call back and reject the offer if need be.
My instinct is telling me to go where I am comfortable, but would appreciate some wisdom.
Thanks all!

Sounds like there is nothing to think about comparing the two that you interviewed with today. The 2nd seems like the choice to make(The cigarette smell sucks). Buy a lot of air fresheners! He has an excellent track record and seems to be a hands on kind of broker. The first broker that you interviewed with seemed to want to put you down before you were given a chance.

I am also new and I am going with a reputable company that offers excellent training. I think that you should still go on your two interviews Monday, then make your decision and get started! Good luck.

I would go with option #2. The cigarette smell is unfortunate. The modest office is an excellent trade off for no fees! the fact that the first office didn't let you ask questions and didn't give you much encouragement speaks volumes - and I see red flags.

You can get used to cigarette smell - and you already said you don't have to be in the office - you can work from home. When it comes to customers you can meet them other places if you're uncomfortable with taking them to the office.

Option #2 seems the smarter move.

I know of a real estate agency with an impressive office, but a horrible reputation. Difficult to work with, and a lot of unhappy former clients. Don't be fooled by the "fancy" stuff.

Sure sounds like the second choice is a no brainer out of the two. Be sure to check out Keller Williams if you need a parttime type of start. If he can get you your first deal in 2 to 3 months that is fantastic. Keep us posted.

Thanks so much. I think I knew my decision, just needed some confirmation! I am so excited. The second broker just blew me away. He covered all my bases without me even having to ask the questions, and with a smile on his face. I knew I felt comfortable and found the right place. I am confident that this is where I will hang my license. But Monday will be the deciding factor.
RE Merkaba: There is no Keller-Williams in my region or I would be there. I have heard fantastic things about their offices.

Thank you all again!

Happy New Year!

This business is all about selling.......The first one intimidated you and the SECOND one SOLD you on choosing them.

You want to work for someone that sells you without knowing you have been sold.Anyone can have a nice office but very few can close sales and run a tight ship.

Are these your only two options? I think the atmosphere in the second office will get you down pretty quickly. I've interviewed at places like that and it DOES matter, especially when you're new - it will take a lot of motivation for you to go to the office every day and if you feel a little icky about it... it's easy to stay home.

Keep looking - there is a place that will feel just right - or if not, at least you know for sure.

I'm re-activating my license at a local trendy Re/Max office and the energy in the place was amazing. You could just feel the good vibes in the air and the broker told me that most agents are making at least $150k; some much more. The ambience really does make a difference, IMO.

I think you should keep looking. Working at a restaurant can be very beneficial meeting people, more buyer seller leads, being in the public eye. What kind of idiot would want you to quit? It's your own personal time and it's your business what you choose to do outside of the real estate office. Talk to other real estate agents. If I live in small TN town with 5+ real estate offices, then surely to goodness you have more choices if you are in Central New York. I've been selling for 15 years and these are the questions I would ask before ever considering a move.

> Better to have addressed the questions on the front end.... It's easier that way because you haven't placed your license here yet, making it easier to ask more frankly and objectively
>
> 1. Advertising - outdoor, featured listins. If they happen to have that type of signage, ask if there is a charge for you to be promoted.
>
> 2. Definitely don't forget to ask about floor duty and phones and then get on into commission splits. You've got to figure out what your split pays for. A full time receptionist, copy machine, etc. Some offices do floor just to relieve the full time receptionist.

> 3. Ask about the company website. Does it automatically feed listings from the MLS. Do Individual agents get a link to the site. Is the site cross promoted with the chamber of commerce.

> 4. Be sure to ask about how phone calls are handled. But give specific scenarios:
> Scenario I. -- Phone rings and the caller says "May I speak to Jane Doe".
> Is the correct answer....
> a. She's not here, can someone else help you.
> b. She's not in, would you like her voice mail.
> c. Hold one moment while I transfer you.
> The correct answer is C. Don't say "she's not in", just transfer the *** call!!!!!!!!!!
> Scenario II. -- Phone rings and caller says I'm calling about So and So listing.
> Is the answer........
> a. Oh, I can help you with that Hold one minute while I get the information.
> b. That's Jane Doe's listing, let me transfer you over to Ginger, if you get her voice mail, be sure to call back and we will make certain that you get the information you need.
> The correct answer is B. Give the agent their call!

> Scenario III. -- Someone calls the office on a listing. Floor agent sets it up and shows it becoming a procuring cause of a sale, however the buyer gets with their agent and writes the offer. Does the floor agent get compensated? I know, I know all that buyer agency crap. But in small towns, a buyer agency agreement would just run the buyer off.

>The broker's reply will make him sound so smart. He will answer the question with a question: "Did the floor agent ask if the buyer was already working with an agent?"
> The answer.... "Yes, the agent asked that question, but the buyer lied, because they were eager to see the property and their agent was too busy" Buyers don't understand how it works.
> "Does the floor agent consider the fiduciary duty that the "company" owes to the seller and take a chance on NOT getting paid for their work?"
>
> 5. Ask what happens when someone calls to set up a showing. Does the company use centralized showing services, or does the secretary do that. If some different agents do it different ways, the is the system organized. .

So he said "Ok We'll take you on. Come with me. Here's your office..." Then gave me the tour. I did not sign a contract and walked out with a sense of accomplishment but also extremely intimidated. I know that this man knows Real Estate, but how am I supposed to produce when my first impressions are of opposition.


he's testing your resolve. You'll get plenty of opposition in this business, so you can't be a quitter.

on the other hand, it sounds like you'll be expected to produce without much training, and I guarantee that if you DON'T produce, the nice office will be taken away.

More interview Questions:

6. Tell them that since you work from home, is there a centralized computer that you can use when you come into the office. Although I personally have a laptop, I don't "Tote" it around all the time. If I am showing houses and end up writing a contract, I think the office needs a centralized computer. I don't want to go home for my computer. Chances are, I won't need it, if the office has the proper forms in order.

7. What about a printer? Is there a wireless printer that yo can print to when you bring your lap top in?


> 8. If you really want to know how cheap your new broker is, go to the bathroom and look at the brand of toilet paper he buys. Seriously, some people do this at funeral homes. Mid grade would be OK for a real estate office. But, at a funeral home, it needs to be the good stuff. If it's the cheap toilet paper, I'd say dont' deal that broker. ha ha ha ha . Hope you got a laugh out of that one. But I'm serious. I hate cheap people.
planning and design".
>
> 9. Ask about Faxes. There's nothing more irritating to find out a fax came in and no one had the common courtesy to call. Yes.. It's a back stabbing business. No one seems to want to help you out. Instead they'd rather hinder you and weed you out. I told the broker where I work now, that I'd better expect a phone call if I have a fax. Been there done that.
>
> 10. Ask about supplies. I've worked for brokers that would let the copy paper run out of the fax machine. It's really irritating to not be able to find simple things like white out, pens, scissors, ets. I use this stuff when I work on my ads..
>

11. Most importantly ask if they are available for you when you call for questions. After all, the broker's responsibility is his agents. IF I have questions, by genie's I want answers and I need a broker around to answer questions.

12. Ask what kind of training they offer. Or better yet, ask about mentors. Ask about the other agents and if there are agents employed there that are willing to help and answer questions. If you find out there not interested in helping, chances are, you don't want to work around people like that anyway. Most of the time, the ones who don't want to help are the ones to be aware of. They are the ones that will stab you in the back.

Good luck in finding the right place. Oh yeah. One more thing. Sometimes it's the broker that can stab you in the back and steal listings from you.

I think the interesting part is the broker can you get a deal within 2 months. And I'm sure he can, he's been in the business for 21 years after all. Go with this, ask how, go get the 2 months deal, stick to it. I know for a fact that you'll need all the broker support to get there, so he might be your guy...

Once you are there you might be able to do something about the cigarette issue.
Otherwise this sounds like a no-brainer.

Nice office only goes so far, what you need is training and a helping hand.

Dollface -- I'm going to be a bit contrary.

I think you need to wait before going into the business.

My strong personal belief is that having another job is a great way to prevent your real estate business from ever launching. The failure rate for part-time agents is appalling. When folks talk about the high dropout rate with real estate, a huge portion is part-time folks who try -- and fail.

There are several reasons. But, let's approach it strictly from a client perspective. In your market, invariably, there are a large number of agents. Why should anyone go with an agent who has other priorities? Once someone learns of your other commitments, they will likely drop you. And, that makes sense. Buying or selling a home is often the most financially significant event in most folks' lives. Why should they trust it to someone who is pulled different ways?

I know you probably know lots of folks in your job. I know money is a big issue. But, your current course will likely result in bitter failure.

The brokers you spoke to know this. But, often, they hope they can ease you into the industry. The probability is very low of that approach working.

Please consider waiting. I know you are excited. I know you want to try. But, why stack the odds against your success?

You need to save some money and then try the business.

Why even ask, #2!!!!!

I have worked in both super-fancy, middle of the road, and very modest offices. IMO, it is all about the support, not about the furniture and pictures on the wall. It is about where you feel at home and where you feel confident you will get the help you need to get off the ground. In my experience, the swanky office was the one that wanted to bleed me dry with monthly expenses. They were always changing the rules, making it harder and harder to keep my own money. My current "middle of the road office" (where I tryly feel at home) is way more economical, and they want me to succeed as much as I do. Also, many agents look down on other agents for changing offices. I have been in the business for 5 years and am on my third (and final) office. When I was new I didn't know what I needed. I didn't have the frame of reference yet to know what I was looking for, so I went to the swanky office, which I liked, but financially it didn't make sense. So, after some experience I truly know where I need to be. My point is to not feel like a failure if you outgrow your firm, or they outgrow you for that matter.

Try talking to some newer agents and some more seasoned agents in the places you are interested in. They can give you some valuable insight about how things really are.