I have decided to take the plunge and become an agent.

MY BACKGROUND: I have been a part-time secretary at a real estate company for 3 years. I was a successful non-profit manager prior to having a child and working part-time for the RE company. My spouse has a stable, good paying job with health insurance. I am prepared to make little money the first year, but I would like to be making money by year 3.

The company where I work has 100% commission splits and desk fees are around $400 a month plus other fees. Ugh! It is not a company that new agents start out with, but the company has the largest market share in our area. I know the broker and the office staff well. I feel like there will be few surprises with this company unlike other companies which I know nothing about. (Yeah, every one is all smiles at the interview, but as a new agent do I really know what goes on day to day?)

I want find a mentor within the company to train me. But what is really in it for the mentor besides part of my commission? Wouldn't mentoring slow a successful agent down? The broker has offered to approach a few agents, but I don't want to rely exclusively on her.

How aggressive should I be? I don't want to turn any agents off and I don't want to put anyone on the spot. There are about 10 agents that I would consider approaching because of their business practices and their personalities. I assume an agent would be flattered to be asked.

Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks

Just ask and see what happens.

Yes someone who is very busy would make less taking 40 percent of a 3 percent commission versus spending that same time and making all the income themselves.

Someone might just be in a giving mood. You will never know unless you ask. They might start you on the business they don't have time to get to.

When I started, I ask for some tips from the top producers at my office and that was good enough for me. But also my office did have a mentor program where I would team up with an experienced Agent but they would get part of my commission when I closed a deal so I didn't do it. So some of those agents you ask for some mentoring may ask for some of your commission. (maybe worth because you can learn from their mistakes when they first started)

You are right. They should be flattered by you asking for their help. Also, a good agent is not going to be slowed down by you.

Whats in it for them?? Money..

How do you get on with one that you really like? Tell them your interest and get to work. Do not ask questions that you should already know or that a forum such as this can answer. For the most part, we work to make money, and given that time is our most valuable commodity, please do not waste it.

When I started my mentor had a little sign on his desk and it had this on it:

1. Be straight with me
2. Don't waste my time

It was instructions for everyone he dealt with. There is a lot more there than what meets the eye..

Offer your help to a mentor and then exceed their expectations. You will learn more and they will be more willing to give you work.

Good luck!

Just go ahead and ask bjw500, you will be surprised that most top agents will offer to help you. The one thing in our industry is that a lot of agents want to help and give back. They remember when they were starting out and how tough it was.

Some agents have large ego's and love when a newer agent comes to them for advice. Nothing wrong with either. Don't feel bad taking advantage of these opportunities. The alternative would be to do nothing and receive nothing.

Just go for it.

Marty Green