Success operating ONLY as a Listing Agent?

Question

Hello Team BP! I've completed my Sales Agent courses and am set to test for my Texas License in the next 30-45 days. Since I'm still dependent on my W-2 income, I'd like to start Part Time as a Listing Agent, meeting customers in the afternoons and on weekends (as well as hosting open houses), until I get a few wins under me - then I can go full time. My question is, is it realistic to be successful operating only as a Listing Agent?

Jim Cummings · Answer

Account Closed. Sent you a PM with explanations to your questions.

Martha Nowlan · Answer

Account Closed pick up a copy of the millionaire real estate agent today and you'll know the answer is yes, listings are your key to success. refer out the buyer leads you get from it

Jim Cummings · Answer

Account Closed. Just starting out - unless you have a deep pockets W-2 job, substantial savings, or Wife / Significant other with significant income from my experience, it will be tough.

1. NO experience - not a real strong point of attraction!

2. Not available at reasonable (sometimes unreasonable) hours to meet clients - people will pass you by!

3. No database / Sphere of Influence = minimal clients!

4. Lots of competition for Listing from more experienced Brokers / Agents!

Starting out, it appears you are only going to be available on weekends. With that as you only availability, I would suggest you take an Open House on Saturday & another on Sunday. First; the probability of you selling the house you are holding open is minimal. Second; Most of the Open House visitors will NOT become your client. But if you make one solid contact at each Open House, I would consider that a success. The real experience is gained by making mistakes and LEARNING from them how to interact with Clients.

As we are now approaching October, the after Business (9-5) hours, time to interact with Clients becomes shorter & shorter until we approach Spring and the time changes again - lessening your opportunity time.

The second action, I would suggest (maybe more important than Open Houses) is to do some due diligence and pick a Neighborhood and work to become the "Neighborhood Specialist". You put your Marketing Monies into this area to build your reputation in this area. Once you have built your reputation as a "Neighborhood Specialist" then you can concentrate on becoming a "Listings Only" Agent.

Good Luck!

Account Closed · Answer

@Jim Cummings Thanks for the insight. I have a question about your statement (below). My understanding is that the agent holding the listing agreement with the seller would be the one responsible for, among other duties, hosting the Open House. If this is the case, what do you mean by 'take an Open House' and 'the probability of you selling the house you are holding open' being minimal?

"Starting out, it appears you are only going to be available on weekends. With that as you only availability, I would suggest you take an Open House on Saturday & another on Sunday. First; the probability of you selling the house you are holding open is minimal. Second; Most of the Open House visitors will NOT become your client. But if you make one solid contact at each Open House, I would consider that a success. The real experience is gained by making mistakes and LEARNING from them how to interact with Clients. "

Noel Challenger · Answer

You must know sales better than the next person. Top agents only work with listings and they are lead generation and closing machines. Only way to get to their level is to learn sales.

Cassi Justiz · Answer

It's definitely possible to operate only as a listing agent, that's how most of the big team leaders do so many transactions. BUT when you are just getting starting, it may be hard to get only listings or any substantial amount of listings until you get a solid referral base. Maybe try to find someone that prefers working with buyers and cross-refer. I wouldn't write off buyers though. Most buyers are also looking at houses on weekends and evenings, so you may be able to make that work too as you build up your referral network.