Tips for a young agent

[Ulysses Arreguin]

Hey BP forums! I'm about a month away from completing real estate school and taking my state exam. I was wondering if some agents here on the forums could give me some tips on how I could start off at a young age. I just turned 18 today which means my age is no longer holding me back, but I understand there are people who would cringe of the thought of letting someone so young handle what would most likely be the biggest investment of their lives and would like to know if you had any tips on how to prepare for that. I know one of the most important things I need to do is keep a professional stature which I believe is one of my strong points (I've worked as a certified personal trainer for a year now and have never been questioned about my age) So if anyone could give me any advice at all it would be greatly appreciated! 

[Billy Runyan]

Hi,

Just posted this for another new agent so I'll re-post it here.  Couple extra comments.  If you have something important to say, say it and they will listen.  If not you listen.  That will go a long way in getting respect.  Here's some more hints:

1). Finding a mentor can, depending on the person save much time on "ramping up" your business but it could come at a cost of not being your own independent creative thinker and doer. IMHO, the business lacks individuality and to be a top performer you'll need to more than copy another.

2). Can you "go it alone"? Yes, in fact the most surprising thing about getting into the business is the realization that you are just that... ALONE.

3). There are amazing books and courses that can help you research and learn. If you use this method you will have a really good shot at finding out the individuality you'll need to find. Now that you are licensed I would highly recommend the NAR library as a resource.

4). How long will it take to ramp up? You'll find going for your first sale will slow down your training on other things, a reasonably stable yearly income level normally takes 18-24 months IMHO, becoming really good could take the rest of your life.... Lot of really good competition out here!

5). Best practices: Good relationships are to say the least CRITICAL. New Realtors® find out it takes relationships to get to square one pretty fast. Under the category of "if a broker/agent is lying to his clients" here's my take :

There is no way anyone can ever find out BUT, you must ask yourself the same important question he asks himself... If he gets caught would it be worth the lawsuit, license loss, fines and destruction of reputation to do it? Most brokers tell the truth because it would kill thier business if it ever got out. If you don't have ethics you run out of clients fast. Other agents will boycott you and you will not have a market in no time at all. One commission does not make a business, but lying about things will insure you don't have a business at all.

Remember that there is almost no incentive being paid only on the difference, it's hardly enough reason to take the chance of somehow getting caught.

BEST LUCK!

Billy J. Runyan, REALTOR® Broker/Salesperson CIPS - Certified International Property Specialist