All Forum Posts by: Ivy Wang

@Chloe Landon To be frank, I ride Lyft/Uber all the time and if the driver told me they're also a real estate agent in casual conversation, I'd question their success. I barely have any time for myself, let alone a side gig driving people around. But if do you need the additional income, I think it'd be a great fit as it's so flexible. I would not depend on it to give me clients though.

@Jennifer Taft May I ask why specifically in Michigan, since you're located in Torrance? I have a client who may be interested in selling his mobile home park in El Monte.

@Trevor Smith I am an introvert as well, but I do what I have to do to make this career work. I've heard the book "Sell with Soul" by Jennifer Allan-Hagedorn is really helpful for introverts. I'll also add that the right clients will enjoy working with you and not someone who's a social butterfly, so don't let that stop you. 

Try reaching out to the friends and family. If they don't live in your area, ask for referrals. If you're new, clients aren't going to come to you. You have to go after them.

Hi @Valette Adams! Congrats on passing the exam, the easy part is over. Do you plan on doing real estate part-time since you are already employed full-time? You should know that doing it part-time will not lead to success, as with any kind of career.

I'm with Century 21 and that was by default as I work with family. Otherwise, like @Jonathan Rodriguez, I also wonder about Keller Williams. They have high fees, but I've heard their training is incomparable and makes it worth it. Do some research and find the top firms in your area. During the interview, ask them about any training/mentorship programs they offer. If they don't offer any, you will have to network and find a seasoned agent who would be willing to mentor you and/or let you shadow them. Ask about fees (desk fees and misc. fees), as well as starting broker split. It's important you like the broker and overall vibe of the firm and company atmosphere. Ultimately, if you have any questions about anything in your transactions, your broker should be the one you go to for questions and guidance, so dependability is a big trait to look for.

You do not have to be a member in any association, but it will make things a lot easier. You will have access to your local MLS and access to a Supra lockbox and key. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to unlock any properties on a Supra lockbox, and you would have to depend on Zillow/Redfin for the newest listings (they are always behind).

The most important thing you have to keep a record of will be gas/mileage (one or the either). If you choose to go with mileage, I recommend MileIQ — it's the only tracker that CPAs will accept. Also keep track of business expenses (office supplies, client dinners, clothing, etc). 

@Trevor Smith

Getting started is the hardest part. There's a reason why 85% of agents quit within their first year... It really is a numbers game. Once you have some deals and establish a reputation for yourself as a real estate agent, it becomes a lot easier. Sending letters may not work as well for you since you are a new agent. Why don't you try working your SOI as hard as you've been cold calling?

Are you a realtor? There is no online referral tool, unless you belong to a referral group or have a large network, which is why networking is so important for this business. You can also look for an agent on Zillow or Yelp in the desired areas and interview a few to see which is the best fit for your cousin. 

If you are not a realtor, using Zillow or Yelp will be your best bet. Or ask your local realtor if they have any referrals.

As realtors, we're not allowed to discuss what other realtor's commission rates are or what the "average" rate is. However, I can say that usually when the buyer's agent is working with a FSBO, the agent and owner will work something out. Has the agent asked you anything about commission?

Yes, the buyer can also pay the agent commission out of their pocket, however that is none of your business and has nothing to do with you, to be frank.

Do you mean that it was double commission because you represented both sides? Or they actually gave you 2x what you should have received. Talk to the title company and yeah, what @Ryan Murdock said.

@Lyndon Vanluesauls I'm an agent and I work with many investors in LA and IE. What area of IE are you interested in?

Hi @Jeremiah Maza, I'm in the Greater LA area. Let me know how I can help!