You’re on the edge about getting into real estate, with about a million questions in your mind, aren’t you? That’s normal. I entered this industry at 19, so you can probably just imagine how many million more I had! One of the biggest questions for any aspiring agent is, “Where do I hang my license?”
The opportunities today are endless, and the business models are plentiful. First of all, breathe. Head into the decision-making process with open eyes and a positive perspective. Most brokerages that bring on new agents have plenty to offer and you’re in the driver’s seat!
Next, pick at least three companies to check out and interview with. Visit their websites. See what they’re offering. What does their “About Us” say about them? What kind of tools do they provide? What are their agents saying? What do their Google reviews tell you? How do they come up in the search for real estate companies in your area? Take a look at their social media platforms—what message are they sending there? The more you know, the better prepared you are to ask amazing questions when you meet brokers face-to-face.
Next, interview with your top choices. Pay attention to their organization, how they present themselves, what the vibe feels like in the office. While you’re there, make sure that they seem organized. If the broker or manager sits down with you and gives you a history of the company, lets you know where the company came from, where the company is now, and where it’s heading (with you as part of the journey), that’s a good start. It means they know their value proposition well enough to share it with you and have it make sense.
While you’re there, ask each broker if they have a written policies and procedures manual. To me, this is really important because in the absence of written policies and procedures, there’s room for in-office challenges and conflict. I’ll give you an example. Let’s say a buyer calls in and you take the call. You then show them a property and they buy it. All of a sudden, another agent in the office says, “That was my buyer. I took those people out and showed them that property last week!” What happens next? Some offices would say the two agents have to share the commission. Some offices would say the first agent did not get an agreement with that buyer, so they get nothing.
The important thing here is that decisions like this aren’t made on the spot and the organizations you’re interviewing should have clear practices for managing all likely business scenarios. It keeps everyone honest and helps to eliminate conflict. Those are good things!
A great broker will also ask a lot of questions of you to help determine if their company is a good fit not just for them, but also for you. They’ll also be good listeners—and be able to respond well to your specific questions. That’s important. Great leaders are great communicators—which means excelling at both speaking and listening. That feeling that they are present in the conversation and not just spilling out a canned speech is important.
The flip side of that equation is true, as well. If they’re not a good communicator and can’t deliver their value proposition to you in such a way that makes you feel like you’d fit right in, chances are they’re not a good leader. And as a new agent? You’ll want not just a good leader, but a great one!
Each time you go on an interview, you’re learning more about the business and industry, what questions to ask, what kind of resources, tools, and training are out there for you. By your third interview, you’ll be much better informed and have the kind of information you need to make a great decision.
I wish you every success on your journey. Take your time and find the “work home” that feels engaging, inviting, in tune with your goals and needs, and has the resources to help you not just survive your first year, but thrive.
You’ve got this. I’m here to help, with a passionate community of Power Agents® that can be there for you as well. Learn more at www.ThePowerProgram.com/NewAgentSuccess.
Darryl Davis, bestselling author of “How to Become a Power Agent in Real Estate” and owner of Darryl Davis Seminars, has trained and coached over 100,000 real estate professionals around the globe for more than 27 years. He is the founder of the Next Level® real estate training system, The Power Program®, which has helped agents double their production over their previous year. For more information, and the new agent tools that can help take you to your Next Level®, please contact darryl@darrylspeaks.com or visit www.ThePowerProgram.com/NewAgentSuccess.
