I just passed my state test and will be starting as an agent in January. What is the best advice a seasoned realtor has for a new comer? Any advice on a business plan? Thanks

Hi, Congratulations!Although I'm not seasoned, I'm fairly new myself. I wanted to offer my advice. It's very confusing with the number of real estate companies to choose from. So decide what you want out of a company. First you need to decide if you want to be an employee or an independent contractor. Decide what else you're looking for , personally. I'm a stay home mom and didn't want that to change, so I found an office that I am an independent contractor for. They do not require in office days as they understand real estate is mobile and online. I also personally wanted an opportunity to make residual, retirement and beneficiary income. That's another reason I chose the office I did. As far as a business plan, I just use tools and websites that help automate the process and offer the most for my clients . Good luck!!

Congrats on passing the test,now are your saying thank god its over. I been a realtor for 7 yrs, find an office that can help you understand the legal part of real estate and you understand and know how to write a contract. Do not do any advertisting (big $$$ you're just learning), get out there and do bank owned open houses. If the agency allows you to do open houses at other brokages call the listing agents that have the best locations(not the best price, location location) and ask if you can do an open house. Know all the inventory around the open house, yes you may have the over priced open house well tell your prospects, be honest and show print outs of the inventory in the area. The house will sale at the right price so allow the buyer to ck the house out. It's a numbers game get as many names as you can and always follow up, yes its a lot of work. FYI, something that happen to me for the very first time. An agent from a very large agency came into my open house (I had a very good location)it was about 4:15 now I've been working my open house for 5 hrs. He looked around we talked about the current market very nice guy. Well two couples came in right after each other, well he took the liberty of soliciting the second buyers. My ears heard everything an I came around the hallway with my horns out. I was very professional, but he knew I caught him and the buyers give me his card they didn't want to deal with someone so low,my broker followed up. Oh and other thing, I put my buyers infor on an index card and then put it away so the snoopy agents don't know how many prospects came by . So these are some things you have to deal with, because the market is tough. All the best too you!!

Thanks so much for the advice.

Just focus on the training avaialable in your office...

I would suggest getting a copy of Gary Keller's Millionaire Real Estate Agent if you are looking for a business plan. That will explain a good deal of the numbers that you will need to hit to be successful.
The information is based on interviews with lots of mega agents and will give some ides to get yourself started.

Nigel

Work hard and follow up but don't be pushy and disturbing.

Ditto. When I first began real estate in 1997 I had all sorts of great training on marketing, negotiating, doing open houses... that sort of thing. But none of my brokers really taught me how to 'build a business.' Not in a really comprehensive manner anyway.

The MREA is the best and most concise guide I've found!

Good luck!