'Rookie Realtor' Recap

For my first year as a licenced Realtor, I thought I would post a recap about what I have learned (thus far). Although I have had many years experience in real estate, it is quite a different world acting as an Agent for buyers and sellers (not actually being the buyer or seller). Getting started was a bit more difficult than I had anticipated. Since I am not the go getter or cold call type of person, I was faced with my own set of challenges if I wanted to succeed in sales. I have decided to build my professional platform around the client, attempting to go above and beyond for each client and hopefully change the stereotype and sigma hovering above the Real Estate Agent profession.

Since I am not aggressive enough to knock on doors, I knew I had to dominate in more innovative areas. Websites are obviously the key to the Internet future. I knew having a great website was going to give me a competitive edge and potentially bring in leads. After months of research (and many sleepless nights learning 'techie talk') I was fortunate enough to find Real Estate Webmasters.  They created my new site, giving me the keys to unlock new doors. It has been a rather slow process (because I am doing the SEO myself) but I have been able to gain momentum on my website hits, which has produced leads. I have the good fortune to learn from other agents on the REW forum and similar venues. This has made a huge contribution on my Internet education, which is a MUST for agent success.

Advertising in print and Internet has proven successful. Even during this "terrible market" I have achieved 10 closings, while keeping my expenses to a minimum. This year has been a learning curve, this is for sure. It is a difficult profession for someone who takes anything personally. I have realized we have stereotypes in our industry (such as being lazy, lack of enthusiasm etc...) and I have discovered what makes Agents this way. Having my share of clients who I've devoted so much time and energy toward, drive them around for days, then the client purchases from another agent...this is definitely difficult to swallow the first time! Lesson learned! I have decided to clean the slate after these clients, attempting to discourage the 'jaded agent' mentality. 

This year, I have also had to face my share of the (correctly) stereotyped bad and dishonest Agents. The type that gives the rest of the industry a bad name. The cut throat type tactics, producing pure lies to the clients and other agents. It is unfortunate, but we do have this type among us. I have decided to accept this fact and as I suggested above, I implement my own efforts and attempt to change this stereotype so that not every agent will fall under this category. If nothing else, agents should be described as 'some that are good and some that are not'. During this past year I can proudly say I have had the opportunity to become acquainted with many agents that can be described as 'great'. The good news for our industry is that the 'shady agents' are almost always on a downward spiral, self destruction and extinction is imminent.

So my advise for the newly licenced agent would be:

• toughen up...you'll need it.
• Prepare yourself financially-gaining leads and business can be a slow and expensive process.
• Have PROFESSIONAL website...trust me, the 'cheap fix' will do nothing for you.
• Learn the Internet!! Don't fight the inevitable...it is the way of the future and if you do not jump on you will remain on the sidelines.
• Spend money...you will have to spend money to make money, advertise, websites, etc...
• Network! Network! Network! You must get to know your local agents as well as the virtual community. Join forums and blogs. Other agents will post their stories and experiences. You will learn from them, what to do and what NOT to do.
• Protect your professions reputation and integrity. Abide by the Realtor^® code of ethics (even if you are not a Realtor^® you can practice these codes of conduct).
• Listen to your client, and offer support and assistance to them, most of all appreciate them.  After all, without them you will never succeed.
• I suppose my most important advise would be to get your Buyer Broker agreement signed BEFORE you take a client out!

Do YOU have any "Rookie Agent" advise or experiences?? Let me hear your comments!

I feel that I have had a successful year and I will look forward to even more success and new experiences next year. I certainly wish the best for all agents for 2008.  Happy Holidays.