Well, I won't tell my age, but I am not what I would consider tech savvy. I started this career knowing very basic things, like how to turn the computer on and off without causing TOO much damage, and checking my emails... Now I can do a bit better than that and have built my own website, use Microsoft publisher to make my own flyers, etc, track my BPOs and REO listings on a modified MSWorks spreadsheet, etc. I don't feel that lacking tech-knowledge was a disadvantage when I started, as a had people-knowledge instead, and that got me several sales within the first several months. I think what puts newcomers at the disadvantage and causes them to give up is the unrealistic view of both what Realtors earn, and what we have to do to earn it. There's the impression that we answer the phone, show a house, and cash a huge check. The public has no idea of the stress involved in getting from that first phone call to that check in hand. They don't realize the expenses we have (E&O, fuel, licensing, advertising, etc), and they get upset when they interview and are told by prospective brokers how much of that money the broker gets to keep (after all, all the broker does is let the agents make money for him, right?). There just isn't enough honesty in this business, so people think it's easy and they'll get rich in their first year. I like the idea of a disclosure for prospective agents, and may make one up for those who want to start working for us!

I must be jaded 'cause I just laughed my butt off at that one!!!! Thanks!

Isn't real estate going to be a tough sell for younger people (especially recent college grads) and those who are 'tech savy'??

The job market has come a long way from the 'jobless recovery' of 2001-2004 and unemployment is well under 5% with job growth averaging over 200,000 a month and with many companies offering packages that were as good or better than in 1999 or 2000??.

How is the industry going to sell a profession which is 100% commission and where you typically need to go for 1-5 years before making any real money?? Plus the fact that prices will 'only' rise at the rate of inflation and sales growth should average around 10% in most regions..

Plus don't forget about the huge opportunity cost and lost promotional opportunities and a career track at a regular corporate job or having to explain to HR or Hiring managers at a later date what possessed you to take a real estate sales job (where you have less than 10% chance of suceeding).
They will see their friends rapidly climbing the ladder while they are working 60 hours a week for a year or two and making no money

HI
It wasn't meant to be harsh, it was meant to be funny. Ha Ha

John

Ah, I needed to see the smiley face! It WAS funny! Thanks.