Why would someone use a new Agent?

Hi Karen - very nice post, and a great list for new agents to think about when they're trying to break into this business.  We were all new at one time.

Ann

I agree. I'd add that new agents should broaden their view to include working with wholesale investors and auctions. Many agents only focus on retail customers and standard retail listings. 25% of real estate will be sold via auction over the next ten years. Don't miss that market!

I'd like to add to Ann's reply. This is also a great list for seasoned agents to read as perhaps some of them have grown lackadaisical an have let the young enter and establish themselves in their territory's.

Karen:  Thank you for reminding us that just because someone may have more experience, one should not discount the newer agent.

Ann,

I'm not sure when a newbie is no longer a newbie. My husband asked me that question yesterday. How many closings makes a seasoned professional?

Brett,

I agree about the auctions and I am a great proponent of new agents doing Broker Price Opinions and getting their feet wet in the foreclosure market, which is lateley increasing. Incidentally, my maiden name is Cole!  Good name:)

Danny and Theresa,

I wasn't thinking about that when I wrote this, but you are absolutely correct. There are some lackadaisical Seasoned agents out there. I suspect they are not on Active Rain though, because most of the agents here are still trying to keep their name out there.

Karen-Great post.  Yes we were all new agents at some point in time.  As a trainer of many "newbies" there is a difference in how they choose to treat this industry right out of the chute.  Someone who is customer service focused will always hit the points in your list.  Those that are here simply "for the money" and believe this is an easy business to make a quick buck scare the daylights out of me!  Then again that same attitude prevails in some of the agents who've been in the business for a long time as well.

Guess there's no secret to success at this.  Treat the customer really well, be diligent in your obligations to them, treat all parties honestly and fairly and you'll succeed whether new or in this business a long period of time.

Darren,

Guess there's no secret to success at this.  Treat the customer really well, be diligent in your obligations to them, treat all parties honestly and fairly and you'll succeed whether new or in this business a long period of time.

Very well said!

New or seasoned realtor I believe it is the person, how well they communicate with others and their integrity.

As a rookie agent in a market with a lot of experienced agent, its good to see there are some reasons out there for choosing a new agent!

I like an experienced agent with the heart and energy of a new agent.  I still feel like a new agent.  When I lose that feeling I think I will quit and find something to get excited about again.

Karen, I wondered this myself when I first went into the business.  I quickly found out that very few clients look at your track record.  For the most part the public views us as fungible, they don't perceive real differences between agents, even in terms of knowledge of market areas. 

There was one couple who sent out an RFP (Request for Proposal) to rationally determine who was the best agent to list their home.  Out of the 13 agents they interviewed they chose me, which was the rational choice as I'm the only agent who specializes in this market area and I have the best track record.  Before I could get over to the home to sign them up, they had become friendly with another agent and decided to work with them for that reason. 

Selling one's home should be a rational process, but it isn't.  New agents can make it in this business because someone feels comfortable with them.  As a newbie I got a million+ listing for the same reasons, they had planned to sign with an experienced agent and at the last minute happened to meet me and felt more comfortable with me and signed up.

I wish I had known all this as a newbie, I would have been less nervous, and my listing presentation would have been a lot shorter.  I try to keep the part of the listing presentation about my qualifications and track record short as I can see prospects' eyes glaze over.  They want you to get to the "meat" of the presentation, which is "How are you going to market my house?" and what is the right list price?

Karen... I agree, it shouldn't be a deal killer per se. Besides, everyone has to start some where. New or old, someone willing to go the extra mile. Explains things well and not half ass. And someone that follows up is what I look for.

Karen,

New agents are also hungry, at least the ones who want to make a name for themselves.

New agets get programmed to not worry about mistakes,they do not know better.

There is nothing wrong with working with a new agent, as long as they are confident and if they wing it, the client will never know, it happend to me on my first deal...the sellers thought i was very seasoned, I took it as a compliment.

Believe me, I have had a few agents brag how long they have been in the business, "I in the business for 35 yrs".....but they know nothing ,they do nothing and the onlt reason why they have been doing it longer is because they were lucky enough to be put on this earth before us, that is the only reason,they could be in it for 35yrs, but never worked full time.

I have a husband and wife team that brought me a buyer, they have been around the 35yrs, I have not heard from them since the contract was delivered, they came to the inspection and left 5 min later, they buyer has been calling me about everything, and I am giving the other agents more compensation then I am getting.

Gail is Right ON, 
I also heard, when I was new that the BEST experience you can get (right away) is working with FSBOs and EXPIREDs.  If you can close FSBOs and EXPIREDS in the beginning of your career then you should be able to deal with anybody.  I think we all begin working with mostly BUYERS First and I know a lot of agents that prefer working with BUYERS only throughout their entire careers.  Sellers buy experience and reputation more than personality (Sellers tend to LIKE pushy and agressive).  Buyers more often buy or work with you because of your personality (Buyers tend to LIKE warm and mushy).  I don't think  experience and reputation matter as much to buyers.

Karen- Good post. When I started in the business no one ever asked me how long I have been in the business. Not until I had been doing this about a year. And my first 12 months I closed 22 sides. I think you and the commenters make really good points. Zest, enthusiasm, effort, energy, and a "fake it until you make it" attidude go a really long ways.

Yes we were all new at one time or other. In the purchase of what could be your largest expenditure of your life this question begs to be answered.

Do you want to work with an agent that has no experience with all of the myriad of problems, objections, and pitfalls that come with the transaction? In other words DO YOU want your Agent to practice on YOU.

It's just a question. It does not mean that the seasoned agent will do better or worse. It only suggests that a Seasoned agent has been exposed to more and may be able to handle problems better than someone encountering the problem for the first time.

Very well said.  There is an upside to being a new agent!  You always have to sell your positives!

Karen:

Thanks for the thread.  Great subject.

 "We are all new agents on time or another ".  At age 45, after 20 years in engineering, I am switching to real estate! Newbie!  Other people think I am crazy, but with all the outsourcing of jobs here in silicon valley, with PC sell for $299, I think my years as a engineer is numbered.  At the same time, I see agents working fine at 65 years old. At age 45, and had been real estate investor at past, I am very passinate about real estate and I am hungry! I am eager to prove myself by giving extra-ordinary service to clients.  At the same time, believe me, there is a lot of doubt too :(   There are so much to learn in the business, contracts, legal, marketing, website, SEO, designation ...  but again, maybe that's what make this career exciting!

Well said. In my Broker's office I work with every new agent for several transactions until they tell me, "I got it." Even from tha point on I am available to answer questions. Beyond that, since I do not know it all (amazing how little I do know), we always have our Broker vailable. Great post!

Good morning Karen....I value you of all the points you have made.  As a former broker that trained a lot of Realtors in the past I have seen many of the traits you have mentioned.  However, I have seem some new agents fall flat on their face.  I have also seen some seasoned agents that have been in the business for over 20 years that have all the traits you have mentioned and many, many more.

I believe whole heartedly that the best virtue anyone can have is "Passion" which means many things.  With Passion agents are driven because they love what they do. The can't wait to get up in the morning so they can go out and do what they want to do and they want to do it well. If they fall down they get right up because of this Passion.

In my opinion it doesn't matter if one is 20 or 60 years old.  It doesn't matter if you are new to real estate or been in it 30 years.  Passion is the ingredient every great Realtor has.

No doubt new agents break themselves in on their friends and relatives.  Good thing.  I believe that experience counts for a lot.  That said, this business is fueled by self-generated clients.  The new agent relies on their sphere to learn the business.  Friends and relatives are more likely to be "forgiving" of the new agent making mistakes.  That's just the way it is. 

New agents need a lot of broker guidence.  New agents with brokers who provide a lot of oversight are fortunate and so are their clients, even moms and cousins and neighbors. 

I believe that the client is more likely to have a good result with an experienced agent.  But, of course there are some pretty bad anges with lots of experience. 

Self employment is a funny thing.  Anyone who wants to can start a real estate practice if they can find a broker to hold their license and we know that is not hard to do.  Most brokers welcome new agents for the moms, dads, cousins and friends and neighbors that come with them.  Once those folks are sold and settled, that is when many new or newer agents get the day job.

Sometimes a new agent is more eager, enthusiastic and has the time a buyer and seller may require. I agree with others that we all have to start somewhere. It's more about like, trust, and customer satisfaction. Personality is a huge part of why people work with the ones they do. Your Passion to help others will always prevail regardless of time in the business.

In some cases they are just "there" and so they were chosen.  I think we have a tendency to over analyze why one person choose this agent over me?  Most people do not understand how we actually get paid and assume we get a pay check like everybody else.  I know people that have chosen an agent over an "agent friend" because they did not want to cause them any work so they figured they would choose one of the other guys so as not to cause their friend any work!  Its important to educate your SOI an I think the new agent today has the benefit of learning from the mistakes of those already out there. 

Think of Activerain for example.  A newbie can come here and put himself years ahead where those agents starting 20 years ago were at when they were new. 

I think your post will help some of the new agents see their potential. I think it's great when we can help new agents boost their confidence.

Luke,

Integrity is key to how well an agent will continue to prosper. Hows Daddy?

Erin,

It's tough to compete with experienced agents. They actually do have more knowledge:) However, it's not impossible.

Tim,

I agree, any agent needs to be driven from the heart or else, what is the point?

Gail,

I personally agree, that clients want to know about how you are going to sell their homes or with buyers, how you are going to find them their home. I have yet to use a graph. That is not to say I don't give people a current synopsis of the market and have a few reports to back it up, however, I really think Agent choice is Emotional.

Jeff,

Followup is important. I have actually gotten clients due to lack of followup from other agents:) btw did you get my email:)

Neil,

Yes, hungry is important. I like to use the word "driven". I consider myself driven. It also causes some stress in my daily life because I try not to miss any detail. I eat, drink, sleep (sometimes), Real Estate!

Debbie,

I personally LOVE working with buyers! Does this make me mushy? Perhaps. Conversely, there is nothing like the 10,000 phone calls you get with a good listing and all the followup contacts you make from that listing. Guess I am a BiAgent:)

Love it, a BiAgent.....I enjoyed this post and the comments.  Keep 'em coming.

Before getting into real estate, I worked with a newer agent (3 years in the business) while he was still hungry and he did an excellent job for my husband and I when we we began looking for our first home. He truly listened, helped us negotiate a good price on it and walked us through the process. As the years went by, he moved to a fancier town, hired an assistant and by the time my now ex-husband and I got a divorce and put our home on the market, he made it clear that I had to buy my home in x amount of time, that he was too important to give me the time that we had when I made my first purchase. Never, never lose sight of the people that helped you build your business and the habits that you developed to obtain that business. We may want to be bigger, faster and more productive but our hearts should always be there.

Debi,

You're right! Most people do not ask how long we are in the business. It's the Realtor that promotes it, if they are in the business 25 years or if they are a Newbie, they are nervous because of it.

Herb,

You do make a good point and it sounds a little scary, "having an agent practicing on you", however, as seen by some of the comments in this thread, and also if you read some of the profiles from people here on Active Rain, you will find that there are a good many Agents who have come to this profession after being in other professions. I personally think life experience is a great backdrop for a Real Estate Agent. I am certainly not saying that all seasoned agents are not as good as newbies, just trying to let newer agents know that if they pay attention, put their heart and soul into it, they can prosper and enjoy the Real Estate Business.

Randall,

Yes, a new agent actually has an advantage in some ways if they can get over their fears.

Kelling,

Exactly what I was trying to say above....When you actually "choose" Real Estate as a profession, you will probably do well at it.

Gary,

It's great that you are so supportive to your agents and the fact is "no one knows everything"! Things are changing constantly

George,

I believe whole heartedly that the best virtue anyone can have is "Passion" which means many things.  With Passion agents are driven because they love what they do. The can't wait to get up in the morning so they can go out and do what they want to do and they want to do it well. If they fall down they get right up because of this Passion

I can't say it any better than that!

Lenn,

Having a supportive Broker is extremely important! I would suggest to all new agents to make sure that they are in the right company for this reason alone. I don't know how many times I ask my Broker questions, even if I know the answers, just to double check myself.  As far as the other job, that's a whole nother post:)

Brad,

Your Passion to help others will always prevail regardless of time in the business.

Passion seems to be the root of a good Agent no matter how long he/she is in the business!

Very true Karen, and good post.  How closely I can relate to all that has been said in this post since I am now entering my second year, WHEW!!!

Great post!!  I think that we seasoned agents need to remember what we were willing to do to get a deal.

Hi Peggy,

I don't do that many posts! I wasn't sure if I could use that word, but guess it's not a Real word:)

Irene,

So that's the kind of story I hear a lot, unfortunately for the Real Estate Business. Obviously he lost his Passion and in turn his Drive. He is exactly the type of agent, that a newbie can out produce!

Matt,

I don't want the seasoned agents to get too Passionate:)  I'm trying to pave the way for a few new agents who really should be in this business! Bottom line, if you have the drive and passion, in any profession, you can and will make it!

Chris,

I just read your profile. You should add Passion to the list!

As a new agent myself, I say thank you! I believe what you wrote is true and I love how it's spelled out in a way a client would appriciate it. Again thanks for the great post :)

Karen,

Thanks for the post.  As a new agent I ran into this the a few nights ago.  Talking with an acquaintance who mentioned he was going to be putting his house on the market soon.  When I asked if he needed an agent he told me he was going to use someone with more experience.  Through conversation I found out that he was not going to use agent he had previously, and she is in my office and definitely produces more than me at the moment.  However, she has not kept up with him allowing another agent to come in.  My response to him was experience doesn't necessarily make a good agent.  Now we'll see if I can be persistant enough to get his listing.

Good post Karen, and Thanks for supporting the newbies out there we all started somewhere lets not forget our roots and encourage the new agents!!

Good Day!! have a cup of java and a smile on me :)

Karen,

Congratulations to you as this is a very thoughtful and excellent post. I have no doubt that it will serve to inspire many new agents and they strive to gain their professional reputation as well as fair market share in the business.

Anyone (long-timer) in the business now can't help but respect the challenges facing the newest agents out there working to survive in the current housing market. I'm sure that this post will serve to inspire and encourage many of them to stay the course.

Karen,

Nice upbeat feature!  In today's difficult market it can be discouraging for both new and seasoned agents.   New agents need to hang in there... Given time their day will come..!

I think a distinction can be made between newbies who've never purchased a home vs newbies who are starting this industry as a second career. Many in that second category have likely purchased multiple homes, know the good/bad points of a home, and are experienced in life if not in real estate.

Julie,

You're welcome. That's what I was trying to do:)

Brian,

Just calling to see how he's making out will give you an idea, and also give him an idea that you do follow up. Just be very careful, you want the business, yes, but I find that most people don't want to feel pushed, they want to feel like it was their choice. Listen listen listen!!!:)

Duayne,

No java for me:)  Hot chocolate with Amaretto and Kaluha sounds pretty good though:)

Ron,

Thankyou! I hope it does inspire someone. The first couple of years can be very depressing! There's an incredible amount of hard work getting one's name out there in the first place, and then trying to "prove" yourself can be very daunting! I only can speak from my own experience and it's much harder than I ever thought, but also much more rewarding than I ever thought:)

Dan,

You're right, today's market can be depressing for seasoned agents also, having to adjust to new technology can be just as troublesome. We can't all be selling multi million dollar homes once a year:) But we can all make a living and be our own boss, which to me is the most pleasurable part.

Elaine,

I have to admit, you are right. There is a distinction between a second career newbie and a first job newbie. However, I still feel that, with passion and drive and an open mind, so many things are possible in Real Estate. There are so many avenues to pursue. It's not only buying and selling homes, as you know. But yes, it would e tougher for someone "new to life", but not impossible by any means. We all have the same options, we just need to take them:)

I love this!  I read an article a couple of weeks ago from an agent who "claimed" to have sold over x amount million and should have been given extra "perks" from the office.  No matter what the price of the home...how much of a % did they bring into the office...not to mention the quality of service!  I have worked on the other side of agents who "claimed" they had over 10 or 20 or 25 or whatever years but after "researching" I found out they only had a few transactions.

When I first started out my broker gave me a floor call and said they specifically did not want a "seasoned" agent and when he asked them why they told him that they wanted someone new who could spend the time with them....needless to say they were great people....and bought as well as sold their home through me!

Bottom line....remember where we came from!

Karen ~ you bring up some very valid points.  I do believe many clients would rather work with a new and perhaps young agent that is more like themselves. The experienced agents many times don't have the patience needed to stick with some of the expectations of the first time buyer.  Newer agents tend to have more in common with some buyers.  It's the commonality that binds them together to make a good working team that has faith and trusts in each other.  Understanding each other's needs and expectations is a huge part of finding the right house and putting a good deal together.

kk

Hi Karen, As a new agent, I thank you for this encouraging post.  I believe that my experience in my previous profession will be a big help to me as I continue to learn more about real estate.  Thanks again for encouraging us 'newbies'.  Doreen

Karen-Great job! I really can't add a lot to the previous comments except to say that as an agent for a little over a year-I never thought about the competition. I went out and grabbed the business wherever I could in a very focused way. No one ran into me, talked to me for more than 10 seconds, or stood in line by me without leaving with a business card. Add on top of that a very focused organized geo-farm and I had an awesome first year-5th highest producer in office ahead of many of the "seasoned" professionals. Great post! Would you mind adding to the "Rookies Turning Pro Group"-this is exactly the kind of information that we as rookies need> Thanks so much

Karen,

Nicely done.  I would also say that newbies are particularly energetic and they bring a freshness to the situation.  I would also agree with some of the comments here that stated that it really depends on the person and how well received they are by their customer.  Not all matches are made in Heaven.  Thanks for the post and for introducing us to Julie Akyol.

I like your thoughts..

Well said. I can remember when I was new to real estate and worked twice as hard as "seasoned" agents. I have always been full time and now into my 4th year all that extra work to set myself apart and be different has paid off. I don't seem to struggle anymore. Love my job!

Celeste,

Another point! New agents do have more time to spend with a client. Thankyou for mentioning that!

Kristal,

That also is a good point. I remember a post by Marianna Wagner awhile back about her generation. Generation and peer groups are also important. People will go with whomever they feel comfortable with.

Doreen,

Your very welcome! It's all about attitude:)

Stephen,

I have edited this to be included in the Rookie turning pro group. Thanks for mentioning it:)

Lisa,

Thanks for noticing Julie and I hope others will welcome her also:)

Gloria,

Thanks.  I think your slogan should be "It's not all about Price", what do you think?

Lizette,

New agents need to know that working hard does pay off. Not to lessen how hard it is to do, but to have faith in themselves.

You're right, Karen, there are a lot of reasons someone would choose a new agent: enthusiasm is one, fresh ideas is another. Length of time in the business isn't the sole way to chose an agent, as you pointed out. Interview old and new, and see what each has to offer.

When my son joined our team, we'd go out on a marketing presentation together and tell prospective clients that they would get the best of both worlds: enthusiasm and new ideas combined with experience and a track record.

Steven,

I can only state from my own experience. Maybe someone else will chime in here. Usually, in my state, the client chooses the inspector that they wish to work with. I particularly like one inspection company in my area for the thorough job they do. They not only show my buyers the big things but all the little things that may come up in the course of owning their own home. It has never occurred to me to ask how long they have been in the business. I have seen them in action and that is all I need. On the other hand I have seen a different inspection company foul up a sale because they were not thorough enough. They told the buyers that the septic system had failed, the buyers were ready to back out. Luckily my sellers had all the paperwork for the backup septic system that had been installed and we were able to complete the transaction. I would not recommend these people for that reason. Again, I do not know how long they were in business either. So I guess it comes down to the same thing, no matter what profession you are in, if you try your best, do a good job, the clients will follow.

Sharon,

Now that is a team!  I bet that worked well, didn't it. New agents definitely need someone to mentor them. I am still searching for a mentor:) And I am going to start training my 1 year old granddaughter to take over for me:)

I agree ,even as a seasoned agent sometimes we forget that we all had to get started somewhere. I still go above and beyond! I want my business to pass to my family and children. I want clients to say well you're just like your father. Hardworking and very honest.

Karen,

I agree with much of what has already been said. New or seasoned, the agent that a person(s) feels most comfortable with their abilities is the one they should choose, for reasons previously stated. Great post ; )

Karen,

None of my clients nor prospective clients have asked me how long I've been in this business, but they've all acknowledged and thanked me for the great service I've given them.  The only one who seems to question whether or not I'm qualified to handle a lising is my niece's husband.  He wants my sister & her husband to list their luxury home with a more "experienced" agent.  Fortunately, my sister & brother-in-law know me, my abilities, my work ethic, and integrity--they listed with me.

Karen,

Keep the good work :)

Karen - I red your article this morning and it so moved my I realized I had too big a comment so I wrote an article referencing yours. Thanks for sparking dialogue on a great topic.

Karen - I know when Rick and I started, we were hired because of our dedication, we were willing to work 3x's as much as the seasoned agent and had no bad habits and no reputations to follow us, except for our professional backgrounds.  Great encouraging post!

Yes new agents do have a  lot to offer.   When I first started out I pointed out to the potential client that being new I had more time to focus on their interest.  This enthusiasm was communicated to the potential client I was was off running.

True, we are all new at one point, it's how obvious our newness appears to those who don't know.  Another factor to consider, after 25 years in the market, many agents are experiencing burn out.  Ultimately it comes to knowledge and whether we know the answer to a question or not, we can always find out.  Great post and encouraging to newbies.

Karen, I replaced the word "new" with "good" in your bullet points. For me, new or seasoned, if someone has those qualities, their golden. 

Chris,

Correct, it does boil down to what you want in your future and your childrens future. I want my granddaughter to someday be at the helm of a business that I have built and I want her to share my ideas. With that in mind it helps me focus!

Kelli,

Thanks for stopping by. Yup it does boil down to comfortable!  All the usual first impressions have to be taken into account.

Teri,

I have personally refused to represent family. When I first started, I was under the impression that family would "help me out". This is so untrue because family really doesn't know what you actually know. Even now, they have no idea. And it's hard to educate family in the same way you would educate a stranger. Family expects a good "deal", ie low or no commission and they feel as if they are "doing you a favor" letting you work for them:(   Just don't do it, that's my policy and it alleviates a lot of issues:)

Ray,

Say that in Spanish for me:)

Cyndee,

I have updated this post to include a link to your article. Very well written and thought provoking.

Ines,

Another good point "no bad habits and reputations" to follow you!  Starting out fresh is the newbies advantage!

Jennifer,

Enthusiam and hanging on to it throughout your career, is a challenge, but only helps both your clientelle and yourself.

Amy,

We can be new and still have a lot of knowledge about a subject. You're right, I think it does depend on if someone knows whether we are new or not, but this is where our skills come in

Jeff,

I updated my post to include "Good", you are so correct! Thankyou.

Some good points, Karen. Years on the job is not necessarily a good indicator of how qualified an agent is. An new agents are often working closely with a mentor of their broker so they have someone more experience to assist if needed. We all started as new folks at some point, didn't we? Some agents who have been at it for years are amazing - one wonders how they survive.

Jeff

Sol many comments, good for you.  I agree everyone has to start somewhere.  Agents in the business are not necessarily better just because of longivity.  But experienced agents bring years and years of experience and the ability to handle a myriad of problems that can occur in a transaction.  They have the skills and tools to fall back on.  A new agent starts with each transaction to learn and it does take time.  A smart new agent will know to ask managers the questions and use each transaction as a learning experience.

Good post. Being prepared and enthusiastic will over come a lack of experience.

Karen and all, great comment on my original post and terrific thread.  You've all put alot of "food for thought" in me today.  I just discovered AR a few days ago and already I have gotten so much from all of you...thanks! 

Great post.  You made a lot of good points.  As a newer agent, I know I try very hard to go above and beyond what is expected.  I try to soak everything in.  I agree though that passion plays a huge part.  Passion and drive

How about just because you like the person and trust them, and believe them to be competent?

Those are encouraging words for a relative rookie.  I just picked up a client who's store I installed a phone system.  He said that he had an agent, but he didn't like her.  When I asked him why he didn't like her, his response was "She just doesn't listen.  I won't inquire as to who she is or even for which agency she works.  What matters is that He knows that I will listen and pay attention to what he is saying.  I want to be a good agent.

Great Post.  I am a fairly new agent.  I love being a realtor.  I look forward to each new client that I get.  I have to agree with your post.  Sometimes a new agent is more patient with their clients than a seasoned agent.  I also have more time to work with my clients than the seasoned.  I feel that I am also more computer savy than a lot of the seasoned agents which helps with the more computer savy buyers and sellers out there.

Karen,

Excellent post and a great recourse for newer agents. I'm going to share this with some on the newbies in my office!

Karen, it is late and 71 comments is a lot of comments to back and read so I hope I am not repeating something already said.

I love working with new agents because they want to learn and take care of everything right away.  Don't get me wrong I have some great Realtors that have been around for a few years that I also love working with, but new Realtors just seem to give me a shot of energy because their excitement about their transactions. 

When I was new, new agents were the very best you could find. I think now though agents with 5 years experience are the best around. By the way I have 5 years experience :)

Very nice post and I see others thought the same thing, Thank you for writing the blog, I thought it was very good

  Karen well done great post. Before I was in real estate I had a real tough strange boss in retail. However he did teach me a few things. One of his sayings ,about experience, was this  "Don't talk to be about your expertise or YEARS on the job. For all I know you could have had 1 bad year in business and then kept repeating it for the next 15 years !!

   I never understood that at 21 years old,it took me years in real estate to full understand it

   thanks for the post  chrishill@remax.net

Jeff,

Nothing can replace "years on the job". There is probably an intrinsnic sixth sense that is developed over time. And yes, I have a whole new respect for Realtors that I never had before!

Miriam,

I agree that an experienced agent, if he/she is committed, does have the expertise and ability to get the job done. A newbie also needs to research everything and ask questions constantly, but I also think the new knowledge being attained is Fresh in their minds also:)

Wayne,

My point exactly.

Julie,

Good to see you here. I was not planning on a post this morning! Just read your blog and you know what happened next! Been a long day:)

Heather,

Passion and drive, I completely agree. It sounds easy but its not, its a consistent push, no matter what else is going on in your life!

Deborah,

That is probably one of the most common reasons someone chooses a Realtor. However, we have all heard the stories of "non producing" Realtors. There must be a least one grain of truth in that. Whether they were newbies or not, they offer the opportunity to everyone else.

Roger,

Wonderful! You don't need to know who she is or where she works. You do need to know what he didn't like about her so you don't make the same mistake. Good luck and listen, listen listen:)

Rhonda,

Being computer savvy is a great advantage. Although a lot of people have stepped up to the plate with technology lately. It's kind of like a Tidal Wave, just get swept along with it, or else:)

Monika,

Thankyou. Newbies, more than anyone, need to know that they can make it. They need that added assurance that all their hard work is not going down the drain. This is a tough market, albeit a good market to start in. (In my opinion:)

George,

Amazing, 71 comments you didn't read, and yet you were not repetitive! I agree, though that a newer Agent does have more energy, we are calling it passion, here today, but they have not gotten jaded and it makes for a more interesting transaction.

Ethan,

hmmmm! I think you may be onto something:)   10 years is good:)

Daniel,

I'm glad you liked it And thanks for stopping by:)

Thomas,

I "love" that!  Perfect example and I am going to use that quote in the future. Have a great nite.

I love this post! It is very encouraging, as a new agent. You bring up some great points. Being new to this business might help bring a fresh/new approach to real estate. We all have to start somewhere!!

Great ideas for new agents to use when they get asked the dreaded questions: "How long have you been selling real estate?" or "How many houses have you sold?".

As we get busier, sometimes our follow up skills suffer.  I hear this from prospects all the time, "I left messages for several agents and you are the only one that returned my call". 

A new agent (who plans to last) should use the extra time on their hands, while business is slow, to follow up immediately on EVERY lead.  You may not have the experience of seasoned agents, but if you're the first agent that a prospect talks to then you stand a good chance of getting their business!

I wish I had this list when I was a new agent trying to jump in and swim with the big fish. My first year in business I had several clients who took a chance when they listed with me. I will say that I worked harder (painting, gardening, worrying) and I always made sure my homework was done before each conversation, email, whatever.  I left nothing to chance (and...thank you...neither did my mentor!). I think many new agents come into the business ready to rock & roll. I chose to work with a mentor until I learned how to be a powerful negotiator. I credit my mentor for getting me off to a great start and for the many referrals I've received from those first few clients.

I read a lot of these comments and they seem to say it all.  Old or new, you see good and bad agents, that's just life.  My husband is a teacher, and the same can be said for that profession, just as every other job that's out there. 

Buyer's and seller's, take some time to interview, get to know, and feel comfortable with, your agent. 

Fran

Karen, your post made me smile because I have less than a year in this profession and you described me to a tee. Your list is right on in all aspects. One item that could be added is that new/good agents are proactive - they don't wait for business to come to them.

I believe it is the person, how well they communicate with others and their integrity

My sister was a new agent last year, and she took the world by storm!!  I'm trying to get her to check out and become a AR as well.  But, the point that I'm making is she didn't know enough to know enough, but the fire to go the extra mile to find out about a school district for a relocating buyer or make follow up calls to all her prospects to make a sale caused her to be the office Rookie of the Year!  

I'd let her sell my house, errrr but I'm the best Realtor in our family!!

Thanks &,

I know from personal experience that the more hungry you are, the harder you work!

Great post Karen! This is good stuff for every new real estate agent to know and think about so they can market themselves more effectively!

What came first the chicken or the egg?  Seasoned agents obviously know the market very well and various folks trust them (why they are still in the business!).  Rookie agents may have more time to devote to YOU and may just be a little more motivated.  Boils down to the specific agent in question....

Great post Karen!  We were all new once.  I often find that if I mesh with someone and we get along wonderfully, they never even happen to ask "how long have you been in real estate?"  I don't volunteer the info, unless I'm asked or I feel it important.  More than anything, it comes down to who folks feel comfortable with and whom they trust.

Kristy,

Glad you enjoyed it and hope it inspires you in some way.

Cheryl,

Excellent advice. I have had people say I was the one who returned the call. Oh well, I was the one who found the house and got paid the commission!:) which in turn referred me to another buyer immediately after. All it takes is "follow up".

Kelly,

You are very lucky to have had a mentor. I feel that a lot of new agents are simply hired and left to hang out to dry. There were so many new agents coming on board that I guess, quanitity was the best shot, if you didn't make it there were 10 more.

Fran,

It's true people do need to feel comfortable with us and it's hard for a newer agent to project that feeling if they are feeling unsure. That's where a good mentor and a positive attitude come in.

Wayne,

Glad to make you smile:)  Yes Pro Active because a new agent needs to go out and get whatever business that might be out there just to get that start.

Rickey,

Generally speaking, yes it is the person. The persons attitude will bring him/her to the status of being a Good Realtor or a Poor Realtor also.

Rick,

Great little story and congrats to your sister. Better watch out, she'll be flying right by you!

Link

Hungry is important, Your right, even though it doesn't sound that good, it does give you the Drive and the Passion to make it all work. To new agents, the hungrier you are the better you will do!

Andy,

Glad you liked it and hope it helps someone:)

Kaushik,

This post was not asking who was better, only Why someone would use a New Agent. In other words, what does a new agent have to offer. We all know that an experienced Agent has something to offer and it is what we all aspire to be:)

To be totally honest, I would always lean more towards a "senior" agent when looking for a Realtor, but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't use someone who was brand new.  Why would I use someone brand new?  Good sales pitch.  I love a good sales pitch.  If I asked about experience, I would love a response like, "I have only been doing this 5 months, but I have a business degree from Michigan, and a mentor that is a top-producer, and I promise that..."  You know.

If someone lays a good pitch on me like that, I wouldn't care how long they'd been doing it.  There is still value in the pitch!  Focus on all of your wonderful qualities.  Experience can mean a lot or a little in this business.

Michelle,

You slipped in there on my little comment marathon! I agree, it does boil down to how comfortable someone feels with you, but I sincerely think a new agent who goes the extra mile will make a good impression. As long as he/she keeps it up throughout their career!

Karen,

Thanks for your honesty! So a good pitch will get a new agent in the door with you? Thats good to know as all the new agents are reading this.  We now know that

1. Hunger
2. Drive
3. Passion
4. Making people feel comfortable
5. A good Pitch

are to be added to the original list. Thanks:)

Karen

 Great post, fantastic reasons for chosing a new agent, or at least not discounting one. I've been wanting to post something and you just spured me on, I was interested to hear how agents got there first listing. 

Karen, as a new agent this was great for me to read.  I like how you pointed out the reasons to use a new agent, many people don't even think about that and just don't even consider using someone new.  But new agents got to start somewhere right?  I think it's great to have a mix of new and seasoned agents because they each have something a little different to offer! 

This is not only a great blog it is 100% true! I would say that some of the harder transactions I have done have been with the "seasoned" agents. There is something to be said for a person who is desiring to succeed!

Thank you so much for such a great blog, I was so encouraged by this! I wanted to say that, as a new agent, I'm really grateful to the veteran Realtors who, rather than treating me like a pesky gnat, have taken me under their wings and bestowed words of wisdom and awesome mentoring.

Great Post Karen-

We all had to start sometime....

We all had to deal with being new...

It's not exactly easy!

Many times I've found it easier to work with newer people because they do seem so eager to go the extra mile when necessary.

Karen, great points!  When I started in the business, I was always nervous when someone asked "So, how long have you been doing this?"....Ahhh, you bring some great points to the table!  New agents should definetly take your advice and use these as selling points...it's so true!

Nicely written!

Tom,

I will be looking for your post

Pat,

Glad you liked it and Active Rain itself is a mix of seasoned and new agents. I think we can all learn from each other.

Dan,

I had an altercation today with a "seasoned" agent telling me how her schedule was just to full to be sitting around waiting for the Gas Company. I waited myself, because to me we should be doing everything to make the transaction go through smoothly.

Alecia,

Don't ever feel like a pesky gnat!!!!! Feel proud and confident...As I said earlier, "It's all about attitude"

Marc,

I agree. In fact sometimes I can figure out who is new by there eagerness and attention to detail.

Leah,

I notice that most people don't ask that question too much. Maybe cause I look old:)

John,

Thanks for your comment.

Karen,

Thanks for supporting us "New" Agents.  Being new myself, I have taken the approach to all my clients to service 110% with every transaction as well as everyday!  After reading your post it has reconfirmed my desire to be the best I can be, not only for myself but for my clients too. 

Thanks Karen, great article.  I am a new "old" agent!  I was in the business world for years and decided to change careers and join the ranks of Realtors a few months ago.  I have used many realtors in my life and I know what I like in one.  I am trying to do all the right things such as giving each client 100+ service.  I love the business and that gives me drive and passion!  I also have many, many great mentors that will help me along and answer any questions that I may have.  Lucky, huh?  I can only hope to be as successful as they are!

Definitely a GREAT post!  I know of a few agents who basically get listings because of their name, once they get the sign in the yard nothing else is ever done.  Its definitely a great reminder for agents to stop and take a look and remember how they got that way! 

 Thank goodness I work in a great office!

EXCELLENT Point!

As a new agent I think you can bring a level of enthusiasm that is almost infectious.  I have only been an agent for 9 months and many of my clients have asked why I seem so excited about my work.  I tell them I am excited they chose to work with me, I am excited about the task at hand and I'm excited about all we can learn together! Nothing is routine for a brand new agent and that's exciting!!

I think that someone would use a new agent instead of a seasoned agent because of the time that the new agent is willing to spend with the client. Most seasoned agents have a sellers agent that keeps in touch with the client, does all of the open houses, advertises the property and also shows the property to buyers.

Excellent!  I am now in my second year in Real Estate professionally and these are great points to mention to clients.

Seth,

We all need new inspiration. After reading all these comments, I am hoping I can keep the enthusiam throughout my career!

Kathy,

We have something in common!

Erika,

You are absolutely correct. There are agents that have been so immuned to this business that they don't do much (may be from exhaustion though:)  In any event, they leave the door open for someone with drive.

Hyatt,

Thankyou.

Diana,

Excitement, along with passion and drive!   I think you're right. Excitement is contagious.

Joseph,

Yes, I agree, when you first start out there is plenty of time. You will find that does not last very long though:(

Norman,

Agents need all the help they can get:)

we all need to start somewhere...

Why do you need to say you are a new Realtor?  Set yourself up for sucess by getting in touch with everyone you know.  If you handle it right, your circle of influence will help you.  Read as much as you can. Listen to the pros . Go to Broker Agent News and read.  Search the web for "Broker Agent News".

I am also fairly new and I was very surprized at how much my past experience translated across. There is certainly a lot to learn, but being able to communicate, getting along with people, being organized and paying attention to details applies to all careers. I try to translate my prior success with success in real estate. Thanks for the information from all of you. It is inspiring.

Good article. But too many comments to read! At the risk of repetition, I think another reason to use a new agent is that I am AVAILABLE this weekend! And next....

Karen,

I "love" that picture! It's purrrfect!

Marlin & Dana,

I read Broker Agent news also, and I agree it's a great publication with a lot of good ideas. I also agree that a new agent does not need to tell anyone, unless someone asks...then it's up to you what you want to say.

Jennifer,

Exactly!  Just use what you did before and bring that experience to the table. I think that the different exposures people had before Real Estate defines them as an Agent.

Randy,

I don't blame you for not reading all the comments. But you were not repetitive, being available is also another key ingredient!

Amen to that sister!

It irks me every time I hear another agent say that "oh but you're new", "why would anybody list with a new agent, what do they know?" etc.... They forget that they were new once, too. And though they are more experienced doesn't mean they do it better.

Karen- 

Well Said- I've read 114 comments and couldnt agree more, I even picked up a few tips from some of the comments. Great info for a newbie!

 Thanks!

Janessa,

As you can see by these comments, a lot of people like newer agents! It's how an agent feels about themselves that is important.

David,

Wow! you actually read all these comments! Glad you enjoyed them. I should have done a blog titled "newbies unite":)

I have been a Realtor for 3 years.  It depends on who I am competing with whether I am a new agent or not.  I am a better agent than I was 3 years ago.  I am a better agent than I was a year ago.  You learn something from every transaction.  This is a high stress business.  At what point do you risk becoming burn out?

After continuous blogging since I started I think I want to comment on this one again.  I have had feedback from many of those "seasoned" agents and believe some do their job as an agent the way they want....not what is right.  So bottom line, a new agent is willing to learn all they can....but I know that I STILL ask when in doubt.....and have taken care of client's the same as I did from the start. Honestly, timely and with integrity! And being all about money...in my book....is not what it's all about. It's finishing a transaction and walking away always KNOWING you did a good job. And not worrying about looking over your shoulder for something to come and bite you.

Vicki,

Sorry about the delay in answering. I guess I was busy risking burnout, myself. I agree that this is a high stress business and to do it 'right", you risk the burn out phase. Not sure what the answer is.

Celeste, I think that whether we are new or seasoned agents, we all make the choice whether or not we are going to be honest and good agents. The money can easily get in the way, but as soon as it does, we are no longer "good" agents. If this means something to you than continue with what you are doing:) I am!

Karen,

Well I have to admit I didn't (couldn't) read through all the posts but one in particular caught my attention, it read:

"Do you want to work with an agent that has no experience with all of the myriad of problems, objections, and pitfalls that come with the transaction? In other words DO YOU want your Agent to practice on YOU.

It's just a question. It does not mean that the seasoned agent will do better or worse. It only suggests that a Seasoned agent has been exposed to more and may be able to handle problems better than someone encountering the problem for the first time."

 Hold on a minute there poster! I'm sure Karen has a very qualified and experienced BROKER that she works under that knows all the intracacies of any real estate situation. I'm sure he/she will be more than happy to answer any questions that may come up along the way,

Go Get Em, Karen!

David Swierczynski

I love new agents, they have not had the opportunity to become brain washed by their broker yet.

Charles

I had a "seasoned" agent recently botch a showing of my listing.  She did not understand that the showing instructions were "Courtesy call to LA for clearance, then proceed to lockbox" although they are clearly marked as such on our MLS system.  Instead she barged in on my client unannounced and insisted there were no showing instructions in the listing!

When I questioned her on her tactics, she declared, "I've been in this business for 20 years..."

Ummm, perhaps a good time to consider retirement???  ;)

Seasoned or not, the quality of the REALTOR all depends on their attitude and desire to serve the customer to the highest degree of professionalism.

New or old....there's good and bad in all of them.....the old ones who keep "asking" for computer help because they don't want to learn or be bothered (and think you owe them), the old ones who become a mentor.....the new ones who pretend they are old, the new ones who keep asking questions because they want to learn....the old ones who ask and then say thank you....the ones that learned correctly from the beginning who are becoming mentors themselves......and me (I'm different....hahaha) Happy Easter~

David,

Your right, people forget that new agents work under "experienced" Brokers!

Charles,

Ha! Good point:)

Antoinette,

I hate when people say they have been in the business for years, What does that mean? I want to know how many transactions they have completed and how satisfied were their customers.

Celeste,

Happy Easter to you!

Karen....here's a nice little story.  Two agents came into our office about two years ago and I told them both to call me anytime if they needed help.  They went on to work as a team and recently went to another company.  They both came back to me and thanked me for all the help I gave them....I think hiring "new" agents with the help of older agents helped these two to become successful...No I wasn't the only one who helped them.....they also called two others in my office and thanked them as well.....

It all breaks down to confidence in your abilities.  Regardless of whether you are brand new to the business or not, you know a lot more about real estate, contracts and the legalities than most of the buying public.

You just need to develop confidence in the abilities that you do have while working to improve yourself in the business.  In a very short time you will become a seasoned veteran.  Time in the business does not relate to experience.  Only being there and doing it does.  I know agents who have been in the business for 10 years who have sold less homes than others who have been in it for 1 or 2.

Keep you head held high, continue to learn and soon you will be the grizzled old veteran.

Sally,

All newer agents need the help of older agents. That's actually one of the things I find so great in Active Rain, there are a lot of "mentors" on these posts. Everyone stops by to give their advice/opinion, so it's great.

Steve, I agree about the confidence in your abilities.And I feel like a grizzled old veteran already, but I am still learning. Thanks for your comments

I like AR as well, being a newer agent, I never viewed myself as "new" because I had 20 years experience in other fields including sales to enhance my "new" career.  I do agree that newer agents do need help and sometimes "local" competition doesnt tend to give that up so easily.  Thats why AR is so great! 

Karen,

Boy do I appreciate your outlook and support!  I am a brand new Realtor in Newport (where we have just as many real estate agents as pizza places & restaurants).

Thankfully for me, I chose a wonderful agency where evryone if our office is more than willing to help me with any questions I have.

I am just beginning to go after some of the foreclosures, especially with the recent sub-prime mortgage disaster, because I have leaned on my Principal Broker's knowledge! We all need to remember that our license hang under the Broker's, so I owuld be a fool not to learn from him!

Additionally, I wanted to thank all of you for your support of us "newbies"; it's good to know you haven't forgotten that you all were new at one time!

Thanks a million for all of your help, support and understanding!

Kay,

I agree that AR does give up a lot of knowledge that we can't often get in our local offices. And it's probably the competition that "frowns" on new agents:)

Carol,

Welcome to Active Rain! Its so great to see another Rhode Island here, there are very few. I also work with foreclosures, they are not my favorite thing but I'm getting pretty good at them. It's a whole different world. Good luck and you need to meet Paul Silver, he's on your side of the pond!

Shirley,

I think you are correct when you say the lack of support and unwillingess of seasoned RA's is due to the changing market. Although at the beginning of the market change, when things were still hot, I heard an awful lot of complaining about new agents not knowing what they were doing and everyone would be glad when they were weeded out:)  It has always been my contention that we all bring our own experience to the profession. I know more about houses that anyone I know. I have been looking at houses for a very long time (I was going to put an amount in there but changed my mind:)  Don't be intimidated, just know your area and listen to what people want, that will never change no matter how long you are in the business.

Karen

I think it's great for an agent to know there area, but a good agent must know contracts and know them in and out. This knowledge can only come with a few years in the business in my opinion. Most new agents know just enough to be dangerous that's why there choice of broker is so vital to there success.

Ben gwilliam
The Keyes Company

For some buyers or sellers, working with a new agent might give them the opportunity to work with an aggressive agent that is going to do everything to find them what they are looking for or sell their house because they have no other business at the time. Therefore, the agent's efforts are going to be focused almost entirely on the new client.

Ben,

I personally read each "new" contract very thoroughly to make sure I am aware and explain everything to the client. Not sure if others do this and Yes I agree that a Broker who can teach, answer questions and guide a new Agent is very important. When Realtors first go for their Brokers license, I do not think they are picturing themselves as mentors, but rather as "being in charge". This is a learned demeanor:)

Leornard,

Correct!  If you only have one or two transactions going on, you can certainly spend all your time on it and yes the client would benefit from all that focus.

Karen - my dad is from New London, CT. Maybe we're distant cousins!!

Brett Cole 

Karen,

Excellent post for any new agent, I wish I could've read this when I first started.

Karen,

You make many excellent points supporting new agents. Too many times new agents believe that they don't have the "experience" to compete. To the contrary! Many of us had other professions before we chose real estate and bring transferrable skills. New agents need to learn the technical aspects of this profession; terminology, how transactions are processed, paperwork, legal aspects, liability, fair housing, agency, etc. After that, the skills that made you successful in your last career, will be useful to you now. Time management, willingness to learn, dealing fairly and honestly, integrity.