I'm curious as a soon to be agent in TX how it works starting out. I mean I will know what is taught in the courses but real world is always different.

How does it work when you start as a salesperson? You obviously won't know how to complete a closing exactly by yourself and everything else that needs to be done to perfection. Is your broker physically there by your side on your first couple closes? Are you a bystander to others starting? How did you make the transition from learning to doing?

That totally depends on the broker you choose to work at. As a new agent you need to pick a broker who will offer you good training to start.

The reason there are so many incompetent agents in the world is because so many agents fly by the seat of their pants with brokers who don't train or supervise properly.

I totally agree with Perky! Choosing your brokerage is going to be the most important decision you will make this early in your career and sadly it is one decision that a lot of new agents do not spend a lot of time on. Make sure that they offer a good training program or mentor program for new agents because you're right, the real world is nothing like school. Interview some of the current agents working at the brokerage you're interested in. Ask the manager/broker what the average production is per agent in their office. Ask them the average length of time their agents have been with their company. All of these questions will give you a good indication as to whether it is the right brokerage for you.

As a broker, I always invite prospective agents that I'm interested in to call any of the agents with my company. I think this gives them a fair, non-biased assessment of our brokerage and I get a good indication of how interested they are in joining by whether or not they called anyone.

Best of luck to you and your career!

Just watch House Hunters. That show gives a realistic view of our daily routine. At least in my market...

When I wrote my first offer, I filled out the contract form and then excused myself from the clients saying, "Excuse me for just a moment, please. It seems like these forms change every week, and I need to verify something. I'll be right back." Then I ran into the office of another agent and asked her to look over it quickly.

At every point during that first sales process, I found ways to consult with one of the brokers in my office; and the client never knew that I was the PROPERTY VIRGIN! That's the sort of on the job training that you will experience over and over again for months. Ask questions.

Even after you have a signed offer in your hands, there are many more steps in the process. "What now?" is an appropriate question to ask the broker. Right off the bat, for instance, be sure to give the client a copy of the offer and to collect the earnest money check.

oh I thought you were talking about something else from post title.j/k

I thought this was gonna have to be moved to Shootin The Breeze Forum.

I thought of Dale's nun story first thing

Someday I'll flesh that out in Shootin' the Breeze: Snow Angels in Mother Superior's Courtyard following Mid-Night Mass. Don't think about it.

My wife and kids are Catholic. We were at the school last week and my wife caught me winking at the Nun and claimed I held the handshake a bit to long. Then she went as far to accuse me of coming on to the Nun (I thought I was rather smooth). Now she thinks I have "issues". If it was an attractive woman with money, she could handle that, but a 70 year old lady with bad knees and a humped back who has nothing she questions.

Why did I do it? Because of Dale.

You better find a Broker that will help you or assign you a mentor. This is the best way to start. Good luck!

Thanks Vik for bringing it back on topic.

When I started I was given a packet of blank contracts and a "go gettem Tiger, call me if you need me," I went and got a client, arranged the contract meeting with confidence, called my broker for guidance, no return call. I called and called. Nothing. I met with the client, we wrote the contract out, still no word from my broker.

The listing agent recieved the contract and called me for clarifications. I called my broker, no call back. I ended up doing a fly by the seat of my pants to keep the deal alive. I did so for a year before changing brokers.

When the new broker saw one of my contracts I submitted he could only ask "What the hell ?" It was then that I actually learned the correct way. I would call him late at night and he would answer the phone. I would apoligize for calling and asking a stupid question, and he always assured me call if in need.

My advice:

1. Ask "stupid" questions. You are licensed so demand help. When a lawsuit is filed against you as a licensed agent, nobody cares that you are new.

2. Learn the process. Meet with Title Company Reps, Lenders, etc. These people love new agents, enjoy a free lunch and ask them questions. If you like them build a realationship. I can call my title lady and ask her opinion on things and get it. Same with the lender. I asked their opinion when I changed brokers. They gave me their opinions.

Wow, Dayton! You stayed a YEAR with that first broker!! I sure hope you were not paying a desk fee!

Too bad the first broker did not get a state real estate commission audit. Your "what the hell" files should have brought on some fines. . .

I did stay a year, I paid a heavy desk fee, as well as a heavy split. I was also under the impression that I had to stay because of the IC agreement.

I learned alot, I networked with many agents who would answer my stupid questions, and encouraged me to talk to their Broker about opportunities and to shop around Brokers. After a year I knew what was fair and the questions to ask and not except "Its Standard" as an answer.

Listen up, all newbies!!! Either pay a heavy desk fee or a heavy commission split, not BOTH. And read the contract you sign with the broker (not to imply that REODayton did not read it).

I turned away from the first company I was planning to affiliate with because of a no-compete clause in the contract. It might have been a good place to start (or even to stay), but I had no intention of cultivating a business base and then facing the prospect of leaving it behind.