New Arizona RE Salesperson, need advice

[Lori Guse]

Hello, I'm a newly licensed RE salesperson in Arizona and I need advice. I am currently a school teacher working full time during the day and part-time building my RE business. My goal is to move my RE career to full time beginning in June. I would love to have built a foundation by then and have some income starting to come in, but I will need training and mentoring to achieve this goal. Is it realistic to think there are agencies who are willing to work with me during the late afternoons/evenings and weekends while I am still working full time teaching until the end of May? Can I find an agency to help me build a business foundation and start to fill a pipeline working part-time in real estate over a 3 month period?

I'm open to suggestions, feedback, and any advice that will help me on my road to success.

Thank you!

Lori

[Matt Dickens]

Hey Lori,

I am not an agent and hopefully can provide a slightly different view point from everything already offered. I would make an additional suggestion that, if REI is your interest and passion, and becoming an agent is just one method to get you closer to that, why do you need to be an agent? For example, I know that we need more appraisers and inspectors (if you have previous construction experience or someone who could train you).

If you do want to become an agent, the best advice I could give to build your network is to start by going through every one of your contacts and letting everyone you know know that you are becoming an agent (including coworkers, students' parents, anyone else you have any connection with who may know you and need a home to buy/sell). The network and broker you are with can certainly help boost your success, but in my opinion nothing replaces putting in the time and being creative with how you operate your business to show how you, as an agent, are unique to your clients (Investors, people planning to buy for their primary residence, etc.)

I also have an REI mentor who has helped with my process a lot if you would like a recommendation. He is a paid mentor, but he has become my friend as well and I would certainly recommend him.