New agent in search of a mentor in Maryland.

[Ken Cochran]

Everyone I spoke to who has a career in real estate as an agent advised me that is imperative to learn from a mentor that is familiar in your market. I agree that having the right mentor would help new agents out exceptionally. After gaining knowledge on the do’s and don’ts on real estate law and practice, the new agents are rarely privileged to learn the real ins and outs of the business. I recently passed all of my state and national requirements and currently looking for a mentor/brokerage company to help me further my career in real estate. What are some tips into choosing the right brokerage company? Do mentors charge for their time in helping you? How do you find a willing mentor? Are mentors easier to find in independent small RE businesses or franchise companies?

[Charlie Cameron]

@Ken Cochran Yeah, you GOTTA have a mentor.  It totally depends on the brokerage whether one is part of being a new agent there or whether you have to go and find someone on your own.  You really have to check out a few options to know what might work best for you.  Go in with your goals and see which is the best fit to achieve those!  

I went with a brokerage that actually officially assigns a certified mentor who only wins if you win.  Makes for a great partnership.  After a few transactions at a 60/40, completed the program and am at 80/20.  Worked great.  

I'd come up with a list of 3-4 options and take a list of questions with you to the interviews.  This is a list from a blog post I wrote, maybe it will help:

• What are your fees?
• What is the cap and split?
• What mentorship opportunities do you provide?
• What are some of your Training Programs?
• What kind of Lead Generation Tools will I have Access to?
• What are my Obligations as an Agent?
• How can I gain Access to my Managing Broker for Support?
• Where is the Office Located?
• How will I have Administrative Support?
• What Unique Platforms and Technologies do you Offer?
• How are Successful Agents Recognized?
• What Benefits do you Offer Agents?
• How will my Transactions be Processed?
• What makes your brokerage unique?

Good luck - go crush it!