All Forum Posts by: Christy Christman

I would definitely think that strange myself. Without knowing you, the agent, or being a part of the situation, I can't make any sort of judgment. However, from the root of what I understand here, I'd just like to leave a note sharing my professional practice in dealing with rentals. While the commission is the primary driver for some agents, other agents are driven more by helping people, and I am definitely the latter. Just two days ago I came into contact with a young couple looking to rent-to-own. They aren't anywhere close to being in a spot to purchase a home, and it is difficult to find an owner who will accept a rent-to-own deal. I did not have them sign any forms to become my client since they are not purchasing a home, and I met with them for an hour to show them homes for sale that the owners might consider rent-to-own and Craigslist posts for rent-to-own. I spent an hour of my day with them to help guide them down the right path, even though I will not be their agent and will not get any commission out of the deal. I am driven by helping people, the commission is just a nice bonus for me.

Congratulations on your decision! I'd like to share my approach to obtaining my license with you. After deciding that real estate was something I truly wanted to pursue, I scheduled appointments with the top four real estate companies in my area. I got to learn about what makes each company different, the level of investment I'd be dedicating, and what the day-to-day of the most successful agents looks like. It was a huge eye-opener for me and largely contributed to my decision to not only continue my endeavor but to know which broker would support my goals and help lead me to success. I read What Every Body Is Saying by Joe Navarro and The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Dave Jenks, Gary W. Keller, and Jay Papasan. The first book helped me understand how to connect and communicate effectively with everyone I come into contact with. The second book I purchased in March and by September had read it three times through and through. I recently started reading The ONE Thing by Gary W. Keller and Jay Papasan. All three books are gold! If there is anything I can do to help you pursue and achieve your goals in this new endeavor, please feel free to reach out to me. Again, congratulations!

Bright, shiny things are attractive. Price is not always the reason for a lack of interest in a property. It could be the dark photos, specks of dust on the camera lens that show in the photos, lack of a refrigerator, hardwood floors appearing dirty/dusty (footprints can be seen), or your wording in the description - which is good but some people need "bright, shiny" words.

Here's an example of how I would describe your listing as if it were mine:

Check out this cozy two bedroom, one bathroom home with a large, open backyard and a 10x20 shed! This home is located in a quiet, friendly neighborhood just off of Lippincott Blvd two miles down the road from Thread Lake and includes free well water with a newer water softener.  With new flooring, freshly cleaned carpets, fresh paint, and an updated bathroom, what are you waiting for? Call <phone number> to submit your application before someone else takes this home off the market! $862 security deposit. $25 Application fee. Smokers and pet owners need not apply.

Just input for your consideration.

Definitely look into what similar 2 bed, 1 bath 720 sq. ft. rentals are going for in your area. Price competitively, and beware of pricing too low as this can lead potential renters to think something is wrong with the home. I would match rent and the security deposit or make the security deposit less than rent. A lot of people looking to rent a 2 bed home more than likely don't have a refrigerator coming with them. You could offer a deal for $150 toward a refrigerator. However, I personally wouldn't make a deal like that unless I were receiving $700+ in rent with a $700+ deposit. I would allow a small-medium dog with a deposit or additional $15 per month in rent. Large dogs should not be confined to a 720 sq. ft. space, and should not be left outside especially with winter approaching.

I hope this helps.

Real estate agents are not legally qualified to advise on whether or not it's a good investment. If she were to say the subject property is not a good investment, she could be seen as "steering" you. All her license allows her to do is research properties you're interested in to screen for material defects and things that you have expressed interested or aversion to, show you the properties, and advise you on the right purchase price. Having a license to practice as a real estate salesperson does not make you an attorney, investor, or financial advisor. Legally an agent cannot advise you on whether or not a subject property is a good investment. I hope this helps.

Hi, Ariel! Welcome to real estate and to the Keller Williams family! I am with Keller Williams Syracuse (New York). You are absolutely on the right track. Make sure you utilize Zillow and Realtor.com for your open house. The listing agent will have access to do this for you. I put together a "Disclosure Book" which contains a few printouts of the MLS listing as takeaways for guests, the property information and condition forms signed by the seller and listing agent, and a flyer on the front with three to four highlight photos and some key information about the home. Some agents will provide refreshments such as cookies or lemonade for guests. Also, print up some takeaways with information on the local schools, similar listings in the neighborhood, etc. If you'd like to see some samples of what myself and the team I'm on do for open houses, feel free to send me a message. I wish you the best of luck this Saturday!

I believe it is most beneficial for you to choose a classroom course rather than online. However, I chose an online course because it was the most practical for me at the time. I had a  full schedule and the nearest classroom offering the salesperson course was a half-hour drive from where I lived. I do not regret my decision. I passed my final exam with flying colors and passed the state exam the first time I took it. Since getting my license two months ago, I have been working as a Buyer Specialist and Administrative Assistant on a seasoned Realtor's team. The number of people I have met through real estate - both consumers and professionals - is crazy looking back through the past couple months. I do not feel that choosing an online course caused my career any damage. My first day as a Realtor, I met around ten agents and brokers plus another twenty consumers looking to buy/sell within three months. It's all about how dedicated you are, the culture of the company you choose to work with, and whether you choose to start out as an agent on a team or as an individual agent. If there is anything I can help you with as far as getting started, please don't hesitate to send me a message. I wish you the best in this new adventure.