The Agent interview: Strategy and Tactics
FYI! I read a list of the five key time wasters. Actually there were more than that - but five of them seemed to apply to business owners I know and to me. I had to laugh when I read the date on the article. Someone had given it to me three years before and I was just now reading it. I guess it comes as no surprise that number one on that list was procrastination.
Real estate brokers-in-charge are nearly always in the recruiting mode. If they have desk space available, many will take on anyone with a valid license and a desire to work. Some firms may require that you commit to a full time job in real estate, and not hold other jobs. Others have agents who work part time. A few allow agents to be associated with the firm, even if they don’t work on a regular basis. This allows someone with a salesperson’s license to remain on active status, rather than go inactive, since they are technically under the supervision of a broker. How To Select a Real Estate Firm Even if you think you know which real estate firm you wish to work for, we suggest you interview with several before you make the final decision. If you’re not sure where to start, try these tips. 1. Which firm’s For Sale signs are most common in the area you wish to work in? The firm with the most listings isn’t necessarily the ‘best’ place for a new agent, but since they have a good presence in the local market it’s certainly an agency you should talk with. 2. Pick up local real estate publications–the free magazines you see at supermarkets and other businesses. 3. Make a trip to the Chamber of Commerce–or a visitor’s center if you have one. Which firms provide handouts for potential residents? Are there promotions for individual agents (most likely at their expense) or for the agency in general (which benefit all agents)? 4. What about television, radio, and other advertising. Do any agencies dominate those areas? 5. Do you know any local agents? Ask them which agencies they recommend (keeping in mind that real estate agents tend to be somewhat biased). During most job interviews, you are in the position of convincing the interviewer you are the best person for the job. In real estate, the agent must interview the broker. The majority of real estate agents are independent contractors, not employees. That status gives us a fair amount of freedom, but it also means we are responsible for most of the expenses of doing business. You should know exactly what kinds of training and other benefits a firm offers before you accept a position. FYI! When people seem to be fishing for competitive intelligence - rather than looking at your products as a potential customer, what should you do? My advice, tell them what they want to know. After all if they could do it themselves they’d already be doing it. Instead of making them even more curious by being secretive - maybe they’ll turn out to be a referral source for business, a joint venture partner, or become an unpaid advocate (my personal favorite) - because you were so open and helpful with them.
A successful real estate career is dependent on your desire to succeed, and your willingness to hang in there until things start to take off. Just how fast things start moving depends a lot on your work habits, but choosing the right agency can help jump-start the process. There are many things you should know before deciding which firm to associate yourself with. Training FYI! Internal Politics. Unless yours is a one person business and you deal only with customers and suppliers who are also one person operations - you’re bound to get involved in internal politics. There are lots of resources to help you - books, CDs, seminars and communication consultants to name a few. Don’t waste your time. Try common sense instead. Successfully handling internal politics is easy of keep your opinions to yourself, be seen as someone who will keep their secrets, and never critique or offer an opinion. If you’ve got to talk about all the intrigue at your company or that of your customers and or competitors - get a dog.
Errors & Omissions Insurance Does the firm carry E&O Insurance for its agents, or are you expected to purchase this liability insurance yourself?
You may be required to join the local Multiple Listing Service to work for the firm. In some cases, you may need to join a second, or even third MLS office to work effectively in the community. Ask about the expenses associated with each membership. One final tip: Make a list of the questions above before your interview, and add any others you feel are important. Sure, you can change agencies if the first one doesn’t work out, but that’s a waste of time and money. Getting the answers to your questions before you start working helps you make the best choice the first time around! Written for http://www.e-realestatelicense.com Realize Your Personal, Professional, and Business Potential With A Little Help From Your Friends. Leave a ReplyYou must be logged in to post a comment. |
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