A Fresh Approach to Real Estate Rookie-hood with Jennifer Allan: The Realities of Real Estate Rookie-Hood - Are you READY?

Hi Jennifer - You definitely HAVE to have enthusiasm to survive in this business! Nobody ever tells you how emotional this business can be.

I am finishing my first year and survived!  Looking forward to many more...I love real estate! Just saw your Daily sanity saver and Confidence builders...think I'm signing up!

Agreed! Enthusiasm is critical in just about any sales related endeavor. Enthusiasm can be subtle or outrageously blatant. To me, It seems that more subtle the enthusiasm, the better. Optimism, Enthusiasm and Confidence. After almost 30 years as a Broker, the good days by far outnumbered the bad. Every day is a new adventure!

Sunny Isles Beach, Florida

Well i have survived my first year. I have great family support and they also know that i have to work 24/7 for a while. I enjoy real estate and I answered a strong yes to all your questions.

I agree with you wholeheartedly. So many people fail at this business because they over estimate the money, and under estimate the work.It takes time, enthusiasm,and plain hard work to make it in this business.Many people come to our office....few stay the course. My broker says "Don't get into Real Estate 3 minutes if you can't be in it 3 years."

Great stuff here.... Even if some people have the enthusiastic Yes, sometimes it is hard to know exactly how painful it is where you see the family needing to attend the soccer games and you are left behind. It's a long journey, but I know it is a well-worth it one!

It is amazing how little people know about a very public business that everyone seems to think they can do with ease until they get a license and reality slaps then in the kisser! 

Enthusiasm and energy are the key ingredients and maybe one more....focus.  If you do not focus your energy and enthusiasm you will be like the little duck at the fair...people shooting at it while it turns first in one direction then the other without ever going anywhere and with little results.  Very nice post.

Jennifer, I'm here to tell you that the good days really do outnumber the bad ones. I'm into my 4th year and I absolutely love it. There are 100's of people I worked with that never bought or sold a thing. I don't expect every one to pan out. I can only hope that if the subject comes up they might remember how kind and patient I was and refer me.

J-Dawg - wonderful points. I concur. Well, almost. I think you left one off. If you are too damn dumb to realize that spinning your wheels is a good thing and you spend a good part of twelve months attempting to master any of the several systems out there, you will find yourself in your second year.

Although some folks question whether or not you are smart enough to come in out of the rain....dropping in here, reading and sharing and partaking in the active rain will keep your juices flowing (or at least give you a taste of a community of your peers).

Just don't scare them off. We need new blood, new ideas and new ways of seeing old problems.

 

Sales are just plain hard. While I'm not a real estate agent, I still put in a lot of hours to make my business go. And you sure can't wear your feelings on your sleeve. Rejection is just part of sales. But it is very gratifying when you know you are doing a great job -- that your clients know you are giving it your all.

You are so right.. .... You have to put your heart and soul in you work so that you can make it to the end

Jennifer- Awesome Post....I can't agree with you more.  I believe and I say it, New agents have one thing going for them that is that new agent enthusiasm.   Hold on to it for as long as you can.  Nothing is more incredible than that new agent enthusiasm..don't waste it..I love witnessing it and helping them unleash it!  Will be in touch with you in a few days.  

I'm midway through my first year and I'll be honest... there have been days when I've thought this is just not worth it.  But then there are those days like Jennifer talks about... days that I couldn't be happier with what I'm doing.  And there have absolutely been more good days than bad.  The lady crying after a closing because she's so happy I sold her house makes me forget all about the buyer who just backed out on me the deal before for no apparent reason.

Now that I've got a taste of this I don't think I could give it up.  For about the past 8 years I've been searching for what I'm meant to do.  I have finally found it.  Nothing could make me more enthusiastic.  My passion and drive will get me through my first year... then I'll let my skill take over.

I agree with Shaun, I feel like I've finally found what I'm meant to do.  Enthusiasm, determination goes a long way to stay motivated.  I knew from the beginning that you have to take the good with the bad and vice versa.  I'm in it for the long run.  I think it helps a lot when other Realtors share their stories of successes and failures.  Because we all can relate at one time or another and then we don't feel like we are all alone, that we are te only one this is happening to.  Thanks for a good post.

good post!  Enthusiasm and a good attitude will take people far in any profession. 

 

"If you think you can or you can't you are right" - Henry Ford Quote.

Great post...love your insight.  Taking on my own business rather running someone elses has certainly had a ton of challenges.  I love the challenges because they make me think...what am I doing right, what am I doing wrong, what can I do differently.  When you are running it for someone else, essentially you are told all of those things (Usually with a Policy and Procedure manual to back it up). 

Yes, I just put my kids to bed and I'm in the Rain rather than doing something else, but you just never know where you might find the next piece of advice that could turn it all around.  I'm into slow and steady wins the race and learning from my faults...but a little windfall every once and a while wouldn't hurt, either.  But, all in all, my family comes first...especially my children.  They are only young once and you don't get a chance to do it over.  I'd rather not deal with people that don't understand or respect that.

Good post.  My favorite was "Are you willing and able to "waste" your time with people who probably won't lead you to a paycheck anytime soon? (read more) ".

Enthusiasm and a "can do" attitude along with ethics are a recipe for success....

Enthusiasm tends to wear thin over time. It takes that and more. Add to that, hard work, dedication, determination, etc and THEN you'll make it =)

I agree with the "waste your time" statement, as well.

Jennifer - great questions - people need to really be honest when they answer them - I can honestly say a resounding yes to all 4 - I still love what I do!!!

Jennifer,

I can tell by your photo that you exude enthusiasm.  Best of luck to you!

Jennifer - How I wish I would have known this when i was new. You are an inspiration to all!

A link to this post is being sent to everyone in my office.

I can feel enthusiasm oozing out of the screen...I like to see the fire...definite sign you want to work for your clients...go get em'.

Jennifer - are you sure that is the right title for this post? :-) Very nice! Enthusiasm is Attitude, and Attitude determines Altitude, it's an old cliche', but I love it!!

In this business a positive attitude is a must.

Isn't it strange which blogs get featured? I wrote this one in about 5 minutes, actually as an introduction to a newsletter I was working on. But... cool!!!

Thanks for the ENTHUSIASTIC commentary! I'm so glad there are so many among us who really do love our jobs. It makes a huge difference, doesn't it? Selling real estate can be a ton of fun if you just approach it with a good attitude.

Go, Us!

I see so many agents get in the business with a plan to fail.  If they are not prepared to put in long hours and hard work, they will most likely not make it to the 2nd year.

I agree with almost everything that you've said except the part about working 7 days a week.  Too many people get into the business and go balls out until they burn out.  No, it's not a 20 hour a week job, but nobody can give 110% indefinitely.  Schedule yourself in a reasonable fashion and don't be afraid to take care of yourself in the process!

 

Bob Mitchell

ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc. 

We were all rookies once so I root for them as they come into our office.  But it's hard.  Especially for the ones with no business background.  Only having had jobs in the past does not prepare you for self-employment.  They are two different animals.

That said, people succeed everyday.  Especially in this market.

Some newbies are great to work with.....

And those would be the ones who are eager/energetic/enthusiastic. But are NOT afraid to say: "I don't know. But I know who does. I will get back to you within the hour"

 

Jennifer...

I love this. I really do. These are questions that many Rookies never ask themselves. As the Owner of a Real Estate Company there is one thing I would add to this list...

Are your finances solid enough to go many months without a paycheck? Rookies don't seem to take that into consideration.

Okay. Now I want to speak personally to you. Your enthusiasm is contagious. Many Rookies lack that kind of enthusiasm. This is the stuff that creates a successful salesperson. I wish you the best of luck in everything that you do. It's obvious to me that you "get it" :)

TLW...ROAR!

Great post- I think this should be given prior to signing up for your 1st real estate class. Real Estate is a lot of Smoke and Mirrors. You will fall a lot its just the ones who get back up that are successful.

 

Jennifer,

I am about a quarter through my first year and I love it!  I just hope that things go well and that I am able to bring to fruition all the good possibilities I feel this career brings to light.  Thank you for the post. 

Thanks for the post!  I'm very new to the business -- 2 months.  Already I'm working harder and putting in more hours than on any job I've ever had.  I've been to 3 listing appointments and worked with 2 buyers.  One of my buyers couldn't get prequalified for a loan and the other is an out-of-state couple wanting to relocate, and they weren't satisfied with any of the properties I located for them for whatever reason.  One of my listing appointments had only been in their home for one year, it was a new construction, and they paid more for it than anyone else in the neighborhood, and still expected to make money off of it.  The second listing appointment was with an elderly lady that had listed her home with her daughter-in-law and it didn't sell, and she also had it listed previously with another realtor and it didn't sell -- it's overpriced!  I felt like I did well with my presentation, and thoroughly went over the reports I used in pricing her home.  We had a pleasant conversation and she hugged me when I left.  She said she would let me know something soon, that her son suggested she interview several agents before making a decision, since her home didn't sell the last two listings.  That was 2 days ago.  My next listing appointment was with a family that can't make up their mind if they want to sell or not.  I was told that if I had a buyer ready to pay their asking price they would sell.  Great family!  We became fast friends!  BUT, they want $280,000 for a house and land that according to the CMA might bring $200,000 and I doubt that.  Keeping up your enthusiasm is hard -- especially when you're working so hard, spending so much money, and taking away from your family time without getting anything in return.  I definitely needed to see a post like this one.  Guess I could look at it another way...I've made some new friends!  Referrals could come out of that!  :)

Enthusiasm is a great cover-up for experience. It's comforting though, to be able to rely on experience to shorten the sales process. Hopefully, further experience won't dampen your enthusiasm- is all too often complacency becomes the next bugaboo. Great post.

Love your enthusiasm, don't ever let it fade. 

Great advice!  I am  in my first year and these  concise points will help keep me on track.  Enthusiasm is something you can control in the midst of all these things that you can't.

Jennifer,

All good questions for a tough Career!!!!!!

Tom Weiss

Jennifer, I really enjoy your posts.  I agree that enthusiasm is key in this business.  There are many ups and downs, but you must maintain your enthusiasm to survive!  Keep the blogs comings!

You Go Girl!!!

I would say lay off the coffee, but you seem to know what you are in for and I wish you success!

I agree that the good days will outnumber the bad but it really takes a lot to equal a bad day for me.

I had a couple that I had spent about 40 hours with showing homes, had a signed buyer agency agreement, and the couple finds an unrepresented seller on their own and buy that home while hiring an attorney to cancel the contract that they had to purchase a home through me that the seller had already accepted but had not returned the contract to their agent.  The guy gave me a $700 check for my time and I promptly returned it.

The day that happened was not even close to being a bad day for me.  I can't say the same was true for my wife.

Rob

Connie - you GET it! Keep up the good work and I promise it will pay off. In the meantime, you couldn't pay for experience like this...

TLW - I'm honored by your comment. And I agree with your suggestion. Selling real estate is a lot more fun (and productive) when you aren't broke and desperate.

Bob - regardinig working 7 days a week... I don't think you have to work that much, what I mean is that you are willing to cause you're so excited and having so much fun!

Sounds like you are headed in the right direction to become successful in this business. A positive attitude will help to get your there.

 

I'm just now now into my 2nd month, and there are days the enthusiasm wanes.  Having the support of family and friends (if you HAVE family and friends...lol) is vital!  It's very hard to focus on all we need to learn without it.

Thanks for another great post, Jennifer.  Sorry it took me this long to read it -- I've been busy!  And that's a GREAT THING!!

 

 

Here's some simple training for Rookies:

You Tube Video - 1 and 1 Program for Rookie Agents