The Renton Wa Realtor Blog !: January 2008

A New Agent Asks Trulia --- Who Do I Go To Work With ????

A new agent asked this great question on Trulia Questions Real Estate Search site. Several of us answer questions to help folks with their general inquiries.

Here is my answer:

Congrats on entering a great business. Different companies have different models and levels of support. Being new to real estate you will need training and mentoring. You will need to learn the many intricacies of a real estate transaction. Some companies charge you more than 50% of your commission for that. Others have quite a bit of free training but it is worth exactly what you pay for it. I can tell you that a good mix of new agent business and sales training with an experienced mentor to help you through your first several transactions is critical to success. There are many large and small great ethical companies and several that are awful (by that I mean they only concerned about their money... not service to the client and not your success). I have been here for 6 years, so after we visit I should have a good handle on what might fit you best. I am proudly affiliated with Keller Williams in Renton. We have good training for new folks and amazing training for top producers and teams. Our splits and costs are fair and we have the benefit of long term residual profit sharing. But like any business, you must be willing to work hard and smart and do this full time. I will be glad to buy you a cup of coffee and see what your goals are and I'll give you my opinions on all the companies.

Also go ahead and read about Keller Williams business careers on my website. It has great info on questions to ask any broker. And you absolutely must be serious about your search.

One other most important aspect is to build a business mindset. You have to think of yourself as a business owner, not a salesman for someone else, because your business will be built one satisfied customer at a time, on a personal basis. Good luck and give me a call, I think you will find value in our conversation.

I hope he calls and we have a chance to visit. I can also let him talk with my son Jake who joined the McNinch Team about 4 months ago and has the new guy perspective. Great question and great to see sharp young people coming into our profession.