Can I fool potential customers about age and experience?

Question

I am a brand new agent at 21 years old. Age and experience will be my biggest hurdle by far in this business. In order to gain some credibility, I was thinking about telling customers im in my 20’s instead of 21 if they ask. Also, during appointments, I want to have a friend or family member call me so that I can pretend it’s one of my clients who is returning a call about an offer on their listing. This will hopefully show clients that “wow maybe he knows what’s he a doing” without directly lying to them. I researched This and haven’t found anything about this violating real estate law or fiduciary obligations since it has nothing to do with the client at hand. Is this a good tactic?

Ben Sears · Answer

I'm going to be as nice as I can about this. Don't bullshit people. If I was your client I would much rather know what's really going on with you instead of you halfway lying to me. As a fairly experienced investor, I can promise you that if I found out that I was being jerked around by an agent I would delete your number from my phone and never call you again. On the flip side, if you're honest with me and can demonstrate that you have some knowledge in the industry (or at least have a good attitude about learning) I would be more inclined to help you out and make it work out for both of us.

Mike Cumbie · Answer

What you can't make up for in experience make up for in motivation and dedication. Show them you are hungry and their deal is your focus. I wouldn't play games with calls and things. I actually don't answer my phone when I am with a client except in emergencies. Show them they are your focus. Good Luck!

Theresa Harris · Answer

Ben is dead on. They are going to care about how you handle yourself and what you know. Come across as knowledgeable, mature and responsible and no one will care how old you are. With many realtors, age has very little to do with experience as you can have people who started when they were 20 or 40. They will want to know how long you've been doing this and your qualifications.

Doug Pintarch · Answer

I agree with @Ben Sears. I started in the car business when I was 18 and would tell anyone who asked me. You're not a secret agent, so don't try to be one. Be a professional and I'll let you help me. If I'm spending my nest egg I wouldn't want to do it with a cocky jerk.

Scott Mac · Answer

@John AppleHi John, Wear a nice (well tailored) dark blue sport coat with an expensive golf shirt and you'll look a lot more mature. Look like a serious successful (YOUNG) businessman who is going to HUSTLE to get the job done, and don't worry about your age. Will you age lose you some clients--sure, but so what--HUSTLE and replace them with one's that don't care. If someone asks your age, tell them "I'm only 21 but I'm working on being the top guy in town this year", and move on in the conversation to close them. Good Luck!

Nicole Heasley Beitenman · Answer

That's a great way to trash your reputation. Yes, you can be vague about your age because no one would dare ask a woman that question, and frankly, it's none of their business. But pretend phone calls? That's weird on top of misleading. If you want to show clients you know what you're doing, then show them you know what you're doing. Fake phone calls does the exact opposite. Learn to spin questions. The response to "How old are you?" is something like, "I'm in my 20's; I've closed 6 deals in my first three months of being an agent." You've answered enough of a question they shouldn't be asking while giving them more information about your experience, which is why they're asking that question in the first place.

Gerino Alejos · Answer

To become a respected professional you must acquire a great amount of knowledge. Although Age is relevant to experience. Knowledge is a synonym of experience. My advice to you is to know more than your client does, simple as that. STUDY STUDY STUDY. If it's relevant to your business you must make it your business to know more about your business than your client. Ghost a character on Power say's it best "“I make it my business to know what you know Ms. Sheraton, if I’m doing my job I should know what you want before you ask me for it” It translates to being prepared. Don't lie, don't build a mirage, be honest to yourself and to your profession. You will come across people like Ben Sears that can offer more to you if you are just being honest with them. Hope this helps.

John Apple · Answer

Ok good to know! I’m not sure how anyone would ever find out I’m lying if I said “sorry that was one of my clients on the phone”, but I guess I’ll take your advice. I’m located in the northeast in a top 10 market in terms of avg house price so I was just trying to find any bit of traction I could. In my opinion it is just about as jerky a thing to do as someone calling me “son” and laughing in my face. It sucks since I know I’m as capable as anyone else, considering I work as hard as I do. Anyways, Thanks for the advice I appreciate i it!