All Forum Posts by: Marylin OShea

Okay, I should have elaborated, I didn't like the book's angle, very much focused on building a big team along the lines of the KW model. I never want to build a huge real estate empire, as a part-time agent the OP probably doesn't have this objective either. I found that books/podcasts that focus on relationship-building, productivity and proven business strategies (not necessarily focused on RE) that can easily be replicated were more helpful for me.

To each their own :) 

Funny @Anthony Dooley I have that book, and personally I didn't like it!! 

I wanted to add @Maria Fernandez that as a part-time agent you'll have a hard time if you're not disciplined, so I highly recommend time-blocking. This is where you commit to spending XX number of hours every week (and mark your calendar accordingly) to reading about real estate and current inventory, connecting with people in your neighborhood (online groups work well if you do this from home or remotely -- think Facebook, Next-door, etc), communicating on social media and otherwise doing all the things I suggested above. Best of success to you!

Here are a couple of ideas:

1) know your inventory. Go preview all the homes for sale around you. Then study the recent sales around you. Become the expert of your neighborhood.

2) mine the MLS for data and send some Direct Mail letters. Keep it simple. Explore expired listings, rented listings from 9 months ago (target the occupant!), etc.

3) get training from your brokerage, invite top performers to lunch and ask them pointed questions. Join an accountability group with fellow agents.

4) host open houses for fellow agents. Do this every weekend and follow up up! Diligently!!

5) speak to people around you and tell them what you do. Then hand them your business card. At the grocery store, at school pickup, at the bank, at church. Go where the people are! Confidence will come with practice, over time!

good luck!!

Morning BP folks! I am planning on attending around 8 @ downtown Starbucks - hope to see you all! @Ben Bannister @Colleen Ross @Greg Tawes @Jacob Evans @Dwayne Baker Jr. @Tracy DeVore @Keith C.@Ben Guttman

I second @Kenneth Garrett regarding online resources, I use Rentometer, but more recently something else has helped me too: I joined a FB group of renters/sublets to find out what a room rental was worth, and based on that I was able to rent out my spare bedroom for 3 months during the legislative session -- $900 a month! Every little bit helps :)

Perhaps you can find a similar group in your area, join the Facebook group and read what people are looking for in terms of number of bedrooms, amenities, etc and what they're willing to pay by location. Then of course X2 for your duplex!! Good luck to you, @Matt Bailey.

 @Jacob Evans Terrific, what time-ish on the 8th? I can make that :)

@Keith C. Would love to join the next get together... somehow I missed the first one! 

I wonder who is taking the leads on this, perhaps @Ben Bannister will know??

See you guys soon in Annapolis!

For sake of complete transparency, in Maryland I completed the classes online, joined Coldwell Banker and I am a member of the National Association of Realtor which I recommend:

Real estate courses = $225 (PDI Training - one time)

License fee = $91 (every 2 years)

Realtor association fee = $721 (annual)

Coldwell Banker Error & Omission insurance = $765 (annual)

MLS initiation fee = $250 (one time)

MLS fee = $492 (annual, paid in quarterly due)

Sentrilock access card fee = $169 (annual)

TOTAL - $2,709.

This will vary by state of course, and by brokerage.

You'll have some continued education costs as well to keep your license active.

@Tracy DeVore I'd be happy to chat with you, let me know if you want to speak by phone briefly so we can get acquainted and maybe firm up a date & time to meet for coffee? I've been a real estate agent for 2 years and I am an investor as well with 3 buy & holds -- bought two properties in 2019 and working on my next deal as we speak. Cheers!

Or change your backyard!! Kidding aside, I know what you mean, but at some point if it makes to move, it might be worth doing. HCOL is a big hindrance to financial independence.