All Forum Posts by: Jim Wilson

@Cameron Berens That is the number one complaint about Real Estate Agents, no communication with clients and potential clients. Since you didn't sign anything move on to the next. Also, some of the agents that do homepath listings don't work with buyers because these same agents also do foreclosure listings for other institutions and banks. With the amount of foreclosures in areas that can be a heavy workload dealing with banks and all their paper work. Still no excuse though, they could hire some one to field the calls for them and bring another agent on as a buyers agent to handle them.

Chris,

Jon's advice about joining a successful team is a great idea.

Also, if you want to stick it out on your own I would suggest picking up any work other realtors don't want. For instance, if another realtor has a potential client but maybe they are looking at cheaper houses than that agent usually deals with, ask them if you can take that client and pay them a referral fee. Same goes for listings or clients that are more needy. It might seem like a headache but it's business you didn't have before so who cares.

Also, ask more busy realtors if you can hold open houses on their listings. Most of the time they are going to say yes. This will put you in front of buyers and sellers as well as open up opportunities for you when promoting the open houses. 

Just put yourself out there and let it be known that you are a realtor and you will get business. You have to plant seeds before anything can grow. Good luck!

I got my license in NY last year and interviewed a few brokerages before making the decision to join KW. The education was the most important to me and after being in real estate for that first year I can say I don't regret going with KW.

KW is highly technology driven but they also offer classes in the office. Usually the first one they offer is called Ignite. This is geared for the new Licensee to do at least 16 transactions their first year. Different chapters deal with Prospecting scripts for buyers and sellers, your sphere of influence, open houses, handling objections, etc. The class is usually 6 weeks and you will be role playing as well as making live calls.

There is also another program by KW called BOLD. I have not actually taken it but from what I hear from people that have is it's intense. A good intense that is. It's an 8 week program, one day a week. Last November when they did it here agents averaged 14 written contracts during the program.

In our office we are also set up with a mentor. This varies from office to office on how it is set up but you meet with them weekly do go over your goals as well as any areas you need help on. You can also bring them to listing presentations or buyers consultations as well as go with them on theirs.

The thing that makes KW offices special really are the people. They seem to attract agents and teams that really want to see everyone succeed and will help you at any time. 

@Nichole Wall 

Welcome to the site Nichole.

@James Peoples 

I got my license back in November and went with Keller Williams. The reason I went with them is a few reasons. The training is awesome. Every week we have at least 1-2 classes going on in the office. These classes range from working with buyers and sellers to the technology KW offers their associates. A mentorship program for new agents when they get in the real estate business. The technology is incredible. Agents have their own branded apps, their own websites and the ability to do transactions paperless. We do have a monthly fee but ours includes CRM software and E&O insurance.

We work on a 70/30 split and there is a cap also based on which office you are in. When you hit that cap commissions are 100%. I would definitely talk to a team leader at a KW near you.

@Toben B.  

Definitely paint.  Spruce up the landscaping and don't keep the garbage cans in front of the house.

@Alicia Maloney 

Welcome to Biggerpockets from a fellow Syracusan. I haven't heard anything about that issue coming up with people I have worked with in the past. I work with a few mortgage brokers that offer some great financing if you need a referral.

What areas are you looking to invest in? When you start looking into flipping houses there is a program called the Syracuse Land Bank. These are properties seized by the city for back taxes. You can find some good deals but they are in rough shape.

@Jacob Olivos Congratulations on passing the test.

Next thing for you to do is start interviewing a couple brokerages in your area. Interview some local brokers as well as the franchises. Focus on their new agent training as well as mentor programs. For me personally I wanted to jump right in and do 30-35 deals my first year, but then realized I should take it a little slower for the first year and really just absorb everything. When I interviewed around I decided to go with Keller Williams because the training was just unbelievable. And it continues after the new agent orientation. Every week we have 1 or 2 different classes going on that anyone can jump in on.

As Antonio said listen to the BP podcasts and set up the alerts for Orlando so you can network with people in your backyard.

Good luck

@Josh Bryan If you are looking to also learn how to sell real estate I would highly suggest interviewing a few brokers, which it sounds like you are. I work with Keller Williams and they have been great. They were recently named one of the top training organizations. If there is an office where you are give them a call and ask to talk to their team leader.

@Jordan Holt You might be worrying about it to much. Granted I am thinking of multi families that aren't owner occupied so maybe that would be throwing off the numbers. In most of my calculations on using the 50% rule on houses in the city I am consistently passing that rule. Also, not sure if you have looked at any houses in particular but I am seeing units that are well below market rates on the rent they are charging.