Any Tips for a New Realtor???

Question

Hello BP, I am a new agent at Keller Williams in Michigan and the training is outstanding but, I still am a little hesitant because I am 19 with a baby face and I'm scared that I wont get taken seriously. Any tips?

Federico Gutierrez · Answer

Get some BRASS BALLS.People will lie to you, they will argue with you, everything you think can and will go wrong. I've lived through it BUT Don't ever take it personal or act out. That is what will hurt you the most. If you need to walk away take time to think about it. Again don't take it personally. It's not your fault most of the time sellers and buyers act crazy.

ALSO maintain a budget and don't spent money you haven't earnt thinking "yeh it will close in two days time" I've lost many deals at the 11th hour. There went my check but I had not spent the money so I was OK.

Andrew Schmidt · Answer

Hi Daniel,

I am 21 and a new agent in the field as well so I definitely understand your struggle. Knowledge and experience won't set you apart at this stage in the game; however, presenting yourself in a very professional manner can really set you apart from many, more experienced agents in the field. Small elements like always answering your phone and being on time for appointments can make a big difference. High quality photos are a great start, but also invest some time in creating a well-developed marketing plan. Many agents try to attract a broad audience, and that makes sense when trying to nail down the first couple of deals. After that, I would work to specialize in a specific industry and work to market yourself as the expert in that area. I wish you great success with your career!

John Aloisi · Answer

Invest in a good camera and take exceptional pictures of the houses you list. I can't believe how many listings I see where the lights are off, the toilet lid is up, and the overall perspective makes the rooms look smaller than necessary.

Harry Cassidy is one of the best listing agents in SE Michigan. Check out his work here: http://harrycassidy.com/listings.asp This is how it should be done. Starting out you won't have a team like he does, but that doesn't mean you can't create sharp-looking listings.

Mike Cumbie · Answer

Hi @Daniel Elijah  Richardson,

Congratulations and welcome to the club! It's a great career. There is tons of good information out there and the feeling of moving someone into the right place for them is unreal.

I really liked the book "Your first year in real estate" by Dirk Zeller. It looks like it came right out of 1970 and old and outdated, but it is an easy read and great information that transcends time. It does have updated passages as well. It has things to do daily, steps to take and it isn't one of those books that has chapters and chapters telling you about life on a yacht and the benefits of becoming an agent and independent hours and all of that (We know that we have seen them now give me something to do already).

Good luck and it takes a huge amount of work but you can do it!

Libbie Grant · Answer

My husband has a baby face...he still gets mistaken for a man in his very early 20s even though he's in his mid-30s now. (I did not age as flawlessly, so I now have a reputation as a cougar. Ha ha.) It can be really difficult to be taken seriously in the professional world when you look young. That's especially true for men, I think.

Dress professionally in a well-tailored suit. The tailoring can be key, since a poorly tailored/poorly fitting suit can make you look like a kid playing dress-up. :) Wear your hair in a style that makes you looks like an investment banker who's in his late 40s...not in a style that's currently "on point" for a guy your age. Practice a confident, cool smile, practice making eye contact when you greet people and when you're talking to them, and offer a firm (but not crushing) handshake. Drive a car that looks professional and "serious." Keep it spotlessly clean, inside and out. All those things will go a long way toward forming the right first impression when you meet clients.

And reinforce that good first impression with punctuality, and by showing dedication to your work. Follow up when you say you will. Go above and beyond to show interest in your clients' needs (send them new listings you think they might like if they're actively looking, etc.) Prove you've listened attentively to the things they've said by repeating their wants/needs in conversations. (i.e. "I found a house I think you'll really like. It has the two-car garage John wants, and the spa bathroom Mary has been looking for.")

I think with people who are (or look) very young, you just have to get over the initial hump, prove a potential client's misgivings wrong about you, and then it'll be smooth sailing.

Tommy Desmond · Answer

Don't go it alone. Find the highest producing team in your area, and join up. They'll get you in the game and doing deals quickly, so you can build your skillset. You can also borrow the credibility of the team. I'm at Keller Williams in Royal Oak. If you'd like to have a conversation, drop me a line.

Abel Curiel · Answer

Hello Daniel,

My first tip would be to follow the great advice you've already gotten from fellow BP members. Continue asking and searching for answers on here because the information is great.

I am a new agent as well and I can give you a straight-to-the-point answer to your question... Read Gary Keller's book The Millionaire Real Estate Agent! Awesome book with actionable tips. It will teach you how to organize your marketing strategy and many other helpful tips.

Best of luck to you!

-Abel

Daniel Elijah Richardson · Answer

@Libbie Grant Your hilarious

Any Tips for a New Realtor???

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