Emily Lim

Perhaps you don't think what happened to me these past few days to be a success story; but I certainly do. Today was a great day because I was applauded by my peers at my weekly office meeting. No big deal, you say? Well, I say it was. You see, as a new agent, I have attended practically every office meeting so I can learn the business and keep track of the real estate trends in my area. Almost every week, someone has something successful to share with the office. Inwardly, I envy their success and hope that one day I will have a success story as well.

Let me start from the beginning. Last Sunday, I hosted an Open House and I met a very nice couple. They have family living in the neighborhood and seem very interested in the house. During their time there, I developed a rapport with them and I had mentioned to them that I was interested in purchasing a wooden stove for my own house. The husband, then suggested that I visit his sister's house after I am finished with my Open House since she happens to have one in her home. I was debating whether or not I should accept their invitation as I did not want to intrude. On the other hand, I didn't want to miss the opportunity to connect with this couple a little bit more and she lives down the street, so I went. I was introduced to his family, looked at the stove, thanked them for allowing me into their home and left.

On Tuesday afternoon, the couple came into our office and had a long meeting with our Gold Star Manager. They were introduced to the various services that we could provide for them should they decide to work with us. After their meeting, we considered putting an offer on the home by the end of the week. I felt pretty good and hopeful about it.

Then, today, during the office meeting, my Gold Star Manager mentioned the couple I was working with and told everyone at the office meeting that the reason the couple had chosen to work with us because I went to his sister's house after my Open House. That I went the extra mile! I was pleasantly surprised as I did not think that it was a big deal. But it was enough to impress them; and now, I am very glad I did.

At this point, irregardless of whether this will lead to anything, I am just happy to be recognized as a success story. It would make me very happy if I can help this couple buy their dream home for it'll be my first sale in real estate! Hopefully, I will have many more success stories to tell. Afterall, this is a new career for me with so many things to learn. I look forward to every step I will take in this business as long as I take every good and bad experience with a positive attitude.......

Do you have a First Success Story? Please share.

Success to All!

Why does it always seem to rain during my open house? I know, this may seem like a dumb question, but for some reason, it has rained six out of eight times that I have done an open house.....

I've been in the real estate business for about four months; it has not been easy. With my busy schedule, I've only been able to host two open houses a month. My office encourage us to do as many open houses as we can to generate leads. I make phone calls, hang door tags and send out post cards to announce the open house. In order to have an open house, it is also recommended that we set up at least 8 open house directional signs with balloons in the neighborhood the day of the open house. So, picture this. In a quickened pace, I have these heavy signs that I have to lug out of the trunk of my car to set up at busy intersections, to get the best exposure, of course, all the while, parking illegally. Then there are these balloons that I have to strategically pull out of my car, or they'll fly away, and tie them to the open house signs. It's not too bad, I guess, unless I have to do that eight times and in the RAIN!

By the time I am at my open house, I am EXHAUSTED! I feel like I need to take a nap or a get massage after this strenuous workout. But of course, I am very excited to work, anticipating people to come and see this beautiful house. Unfortunately, I do not get a great turnout most of the time because it is RAINING! So, after four disappointing hours, it is time to go. I pack up my stuff and wish I can just go home. However, I can't, because........yes, you've guessed it, I have to go and pick up my signs! So off I go again. Time to brace myself for the elements.

After reading my frustrating post, you can all pretty much figure out that I have not had much success with my open houses. Now, with winter quickly approaching, I do not look forward to doing all of this setting up when the weather is colder. I imagine myself setting up the heavy signs with balloons in wintry weather. Gloves on to put out the signs and then gloves off to tie the balloons; making sure I don't lose one or both of my gloves. Ugh! Obviously, there is nothing I can do about what Mother Nature wants to give us on any given day.....However, can any of you think of anything that will make my open house set-up a little bit easier? Thanks!

Success to All!

Hello All. As a new member to Active Rain, I am learning about all the different things I can do on this great website. For instance, I have learned about blogging. By reading blogs on AR, I have learned to have a beautiful signature placed onto all of my blogs. I have had my questions answered by many who are willing to help a new agent in real estate by submitting my own blogs. Through my observations, I believe, the more points I can accumulate on Active Rain, the better chances I have in getting a referral or a lead. Thus, more business opportunities. Therefore, it is my goal to acquire more points.

Now, few months after joining Active Rain, I have been receiving e-mails from various people about possible referrals. Am I getting the e-mails because I am slowly gaining more points and moving up in the rankings in my area? Being new to the real estate industry, I have not received any referrals or leads through my office; therefore, I do not know if any of these e-mails that I am getting are legitimate. Can you guys give me some advice as to what I should be looking out for when I get these e-mails? Which ones are possibilities and which ones I should be avoiding altogether? I would hate to think that I am passing on some good opportunities! All your comments will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Success to Everyone!

Hello All. I was wondering if one can be a successful Real Estate Agent by doing it only part-time. I am a new agent who enjoys the business but cannot financially afford to do it full time. I have always known that the amount of success we are rewarded with depends on the amount of time and effort we put in. My question is, how can I do this successfully when I can only do it on a part-time basis?

You see, I enjoy working the Open Houses and having the opportunity to meet new prospects. Training has taught me to 'close' towards an appointment or get to the next step when meeting potential clients at Open Houses. I feel that I am not as aggressive as I should be in pursuing the 'next step' or 'close' because I have another job that requires a lot of my time. I can only do Real Estate three days a week. If I pursue a prospect at an Open House, I believe I must be available to them at their convenience and not mine. It would not be fair for them to work around my schedule.

With the soft economy, I know many agents nowadays are working other jobs to makes ends meet. Please tell me how you are making yourself available to them. All helpful comments will be appreciated!

Success to All!

Hello All! I am very excited to be a part of the Active Rain network. As a new member and new to the real estate business I need all the help I can get! This is also my first post and blogging is very new to me, so please have patience for this particular 'newbie'. I have yet to generate sales from any leads and any input you guys can give me will be greatly appreciated!

Many of my personal friends and seasoned real estate agents tell me this is not a good time to go into the business. My feelings, however, are different. It may not be the best time to make money but it is the right time to learn the business. I feel with the market the way it is, it's even more important to fulfill the needs of my clients by giving them truthful, informative answers in a timely manner. One can only do that with proper training and knowledge. Like everything else, the real estate business is going through the pendulum effect. I am not worried, because the pendulum always swings back!

I try very hard to stay optimistic and enthusiastic with every client I meet; but at times, it is difficult. I look forward to receiving comments any of you have in assisting me in this new venture; to keep me on the 'positive outlook' path to success. Thank you all very much for taking the time to read my post.........

Best of luck and success to everyone!