Would you use a NEW real estate agent?

Question

So I've been a real estate agent for about a year now. I'm 25 and look like I'm 18. A few potential clients of mine have expressed their concerns about my age and time in the business, and I was wondering if anyone else shared a similar point of view as my clients. I've realized most buyers are not in my age range, especially at the $899k+ price range for my area in the SFV. So, are you comfortable having a young agent represent you in the purchase/sale of your home or investment, and is age one of the qualities you look for in an agent? I'm curious!

Sergey A. Petrov · Answer

I think many of us have been there. Your selling point is two fold. First you’ll work five times as hard as anyone else because this is the career you chose, love it, and understand that you’ll need to prove yourself. Second, you have a team/network of experienced professionals you rely on and talk to on a regular basis to make sure things are done the right way and you also use that as an opportunity to learn and grow as a professional

Patrick Britton · Answer

Lol.  Most really experienced agents of +10 years are degenerate gambling drunks and shouldn’t be trusted.  I only work with young and hungry.  Too much complacency, especially when things get tough with realtors.  No offence, I had to be a realtor for a while since I graduated with a degree in economics and couldn’t do anything with it.

Jill F. · Answer

@William Davis  I'm a 61 year old woman and I had been blown off by multiple commercial agents even after I owned over 30 units... The twenty-something year old commercial agent that I have now was the first commercial agent that didn't blow me off when I called to inquire about a listing. A few years ago, the day after I first talked to him about what I was looking for he sent me a new 10 unit listing that I got to buy. He then sold an 8 unit for me and did a fabulous job-- my property sold for more than I expected in just a couple of weeks. He works for a big firm and if he is unsure about something he'll find out. He knows the market and has good advice. He's on the ball and going places. I consider him a friend now. I think 20-something agents are GREAT (at least mine is).

Katherine Serrell · Answer

I am young and prefer younger agents because they are on top of it and reply fast and dont take hours or days to get back to me and are normally not so stuck in their ways. For example, they seem more willing to ask a fellow agent or their BIC if they are unsure about something, an approach, issues, etc versus being overly sure of themselves (which I obviously appreciate). Just my two cents.Id say it comes down to your client. If they are eager, mirror that energy...young and energetic. If they seem hesitant then you hit them with the "Although I am young, i am on top of the market, social media, trends, etc and lean on traditional and new approaches to help my client win."  and play to that tune a bit and/or show them a few deals you've done and why you were instrumental in the deal.

Mark S. · Answer

@William Davis Figure out ways to show your value. I’ve purchased and sold quite a few properties in multiple states, and have found that experienced agents don’t necessarily provide all the guidance I would expect. For example, if the property is in an HOA really stress the importance of reviewing the bylaws and financials. Will the association allow you to do what you want with the property? What do the reserves look like for the important budget items that HOA is responsible for? If buying a property that is not on city sewer and water, help the client dig into things other than just what the house looks like. How old is the septic system? Has it been maintained? How old is the well pump? Have there been water issues? All of these things can be costly and quite honestly I haven’t seen very many agents do a good job of making suggestions about evaluating things like these. (of course there are some things they can’t do, that might cross the line into legal advice or other things ) Showing that you’re willing to help the client dig a little deeper and think of these things might help you get a bit of credibility.

Hamp Lee III · Answer

Check out Graham Stephan. He looks young as a real estate agent and has done very well!

https://youtube.com/@GrahamStephan

Hamp Lee III · Answer

Keep at it!

Maybe consider having an “elevator speech,” blog post, or something online that states why potential clients should hire you. What separates you from the rest?

Maybe provide 3-5 points. The Millionaire Real Estate Agent book lists 10 points for buying and selling, but maybe you can tailor something specific to you and ensure your marketing and social media captures that.

Plus, you can market to younger adults who are looking to purchase their first home and use your social influence to show how you provide value, information, and education.

I hope this helps. I wish you all the best. It’ll come together. Don’t lose heart. You may just need to “shift” a bit…

Joel Broyles · Answer

Age isn't the driving factor.  Intelligence, honesty, experience and work ethic are the drivers.  Age is used as a proxy for experience, though, it's not always accurate.

So, go get the experience and don't let age be a reason to question your ability.  No experience is a problem regardless of age.

Would you use a NEW real estate agent?

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