Expectations of a Broker

[Taylor Johnson]

I'm a new agent with about two months of experience. I've actually been doing well with getting leads, but don't feel as though I'm getting the support and training I need to be more than an average agent. Granted, I am part time, at the moment, but I've expressed interest in learning and literally coming from one job to the office for individualized training.

I've done my first showing by myself, my broker left the office early and luckily another agent (whom I never met) was there to sit with me and my client to submit my first offer yesterday. I have first listing on Tuesday that I'm sure I'll be attending by myself.

My question is what should I reasonably expect from my broker or a broker in general? I understand that in this business I'm the captain of my own ship, but it's to the point I don't want to take on more leads if I don't feel confident in providing my clients the best of what they hired me to do! Has anyone else ever been in this situation?

[Allyssa Compton]

Hi @Taylor Johnson 

I'm really sorry to hear that you haven't received the support you need. If you are part time and are getting multiple leads, you are doing a lot better than many new agents who sit back and wait for things to fall in their lap. 

Your broker should definitely be more helpful to you and I would suggest you ask to meet with him/her and have a frank discussion. Tell them that you are in need of guidance and ask where you can get that guidance. Depending on how many people they manage, you may just be overlooked and a discussion can clear things up. 

In the meantime, I would suggest you spend as much time in your office as possible to meet other agents. I was very fortunate when I first started to meet my now-mentor who told me "anything you need, just call." So that is what I did! I called him for everything, asked for help with clients and offered to split my commissions. If your broker isn't being helpful to you, the next best thing is an agent who is willing to help out. 

That being said, don't sell yourself short. No one in this business has it all figured out and most simply fake it until they make it. The fact that you are seeking answers and help automatically puts you ahead of most of the agents in this field. Keep searching for answers. Go on YouTube, look for online seminars or resources that your company or other companies may offer. And at the end of the day, don't be afraid to tell your clients "I don't know. But I will certainly find the answer and get back to you as soon as possible." You're broker is responsible for overseeing you and should be available to you. But if they aren't, do your best to find the next best thing and keep your head up.

I hope this helps!