Question for the seasoned professionals

[ktladyk]

What advice would anyone have for brand new agents who wish to start in this industry and learn to become successful. I live in Orlando and was watching the news and for the 1st quarter Florida foreclosures are around 87,900 for the state. Any advice on how to strive with the housing economy down?

[Phoenix]

Where to start when answering a question like that...

First off, welcome to the forum! AND, congratulations on taking the first steps towards an awesome and rewarding career!

Since it is a slower market, use it to your advantage. Once the market is really cooking again you won't have the time to build your skills, systems, knowledge, etc.

The first thing I would do is craft a nice, short and to the point letter and send it our to your sphere of influence (along with 5 or so business cards). Let everyone you know, your family knows and your friends know, that you are now in the real estate business. encourage them to contact you if they have any questions or needs, but do not be pushy. Also, ask them nicely to think of you (maybe even pass along your card) if they ever hear or know of anyone looking to buy or sell real estate. I think that you'll find this is an excellent way to jump start your business.

If you don't have a big sphere, ask your family and friends for addresses and names of people you've met through them, etc. I think you'll be impressed with the turn out down the road. It's the very first thing I was taught by my mentor Jim Todd back in 1994.

Well, enough for now... but that should get this conversation rolling and I'll chime in again once you've replied.

[ScottsdaleHomes]

Welcome to the forum! Good advice from Matt. One thing I would suggest regarding prospecting is to pick a few activities that are interesting to you. Become good at doing them, and stick with them. Whether it's open houses, websites, door knocking, networking etc....

I would probably suggest open houses as the easiest, and most economical way to put yourself in front of prospective buyers.

If you don't have any listings yet, just cruise around the MLS and look for vacant listings that your brokerage has. Give the listing agent a call and let him know you would like to hold the home open. It's a win win situation. You get to hold the open house, and the listing agent gets additional marketing for the home.

Now, having a sucessful open house is another story. But that's a whole different discussion

[ktladyk]

Thanks for the info. that was very helpful, it's a little confusing at first on how to go about things but this was very helpful... I feel like I eat and sleep real estate, I read all I can in the internet and all I do is watch real estate shows. I also love the forums b/c it's a great learning experience reading everyones experiences and solutions.

[Phoenix]

Glad we could be of help and I'm glad to see you back here... hope to see you around here more often!

[New Orleans Condo King]

Get your self out and meet people. Think about soething you may want to kow better than anyone else. The internet can really speed up your learning cure. Start a blog and you will learn what you write about. Do it on a regular basis. Check mine out and see it form another angle.
New Orleans Condos Trends, just google as I am still a junior member.

[ktladyk]

That's an excellent idea... I am an addicted to the internet. That's how I learn alot of things so starting blogs is a great idea.

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by ktladyk

That's an excellent idea... I am an addicted to the internet. That's how I learn alot of things so starting blogs is a great idea.

I'm glad Eric chimed in... we've known Eric Bouler for many, many years now and he is a super nice guy.

Not only that, but he knows how to dominate his market. He has several successful Web sites, but the one he mentioned above is his newest site, which is actually a blog all about New Orleans Condos. Take a look, he takes a lot of pictures and they are a lot of fun to look at even if a 'websurfer' is not considering a move to New Orleans.

[ScottsdaleHomes]

ktladyk,

How are things coming along? Have you started a blog yet? Would love to see it.