Tony Barker

I wrote this "AD" for agents in the Houston METRO Area:

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Wanted for Immediate Hire, Training and Closings,

I am expanding my Real Estate Team and needing talent.

I am looking for someone who is willing to:
- follow direction,
- work the whole city and Metro area,
- work, at least, 50 hours a week (evenings and weekends) as needed,
- learn how to do real estate right,
- dress and act professionally.
- show properties, meet clients and answer the phone.

This person should be a self motivated, good communicator and have reliable transportation. Spanish speaking is a plus. Be prepared to make $5,000 per month or more after splits. No office fees and generous splits. Real Estate license required. I make money when you make money.

No calls please. Email your back ground to:

Tony Barker
tony@ptexas.com
subject: Talent

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My goal was to cut through the bull and find a like minded Realtor who wants to make good money helping people get the home they want, and more importantly, want the home they get.

My response was surprising! I got 10 serious replys (two followed my instructions correctly). What REALLY shocked me was the hateful, energetic and threatening responses to a request.

I was told (then my quips in parentheses):

- I could never pay that much (only a few closings a month),

- I do not pay enough (they did not read the "or more" clause).

- How dare I ask for help (I cannot do it all),

- I must think I am a big shot (I really am not)

- I want people to be a slave for 50 hours a week ( I do about 60-75).

- You cannot be good if you work the whole city (I can with my system).

Plus some people who went to my website to see and insult me and my family. Wow!!!

Bottomline, after interviewing and then offering positions to each person they initially agreed then turned it down. They said, separately, but the same: "You REALLY are going to hold me to those terms. I am not willing to do it". I do not blame them. It was clearly painful for them to admit out loud to me and themselves they want the money but will not put in the time to make it. I am not blaming anyone. I mentor many agents but the bottom line is they want to make just enough to pay their bills, sleep in, quit early (5 days a week).

In MY reality, to get 1-2 closings a month you HAVE TO work 8+ deals and you get 1-12 deals closed depending on many factors in and out of your control. From dust to diamonds, as they say.

I asked my mentor about this. He said "Everyone wants to get to heaven, but no one wants to die".

My next step is go to the real estate school and recruit a newby and raise-em right!

Background: I do not pretend to be the expert nor have I made millions but I make a good living and help other do the same. I teach, coach and mentor many agents. I have a mentor and friend who taught me real estate plus the experience I received on the job.

I recently placed this ad and emailed to select agents in my area:

Wanted for Immediate Hire, Training and Closings,

I am expanding my Real Estate Team and needing talent.

I am looking for someone who is willing to:
- follow direction,
- work the whole city and Metro area,
- work, at least, 50 hours a week (evenings and weekends) as needed,
- learn how to do real estate right,
- dress and act professionally.
- show properties, meet clients and answer the phone.

This person should be a self motivated, good communicator and have reliable transportation. Spanish speaking is a plus. Be prepared to make $5,000 per month or more after splits. No office fees and generous splits. Real Estate license required. I make money when you make money.

No calls please. Email your back ground to:

Tony Barker
tony@ptexas.com
subject: Talent

The replies were amazing to me. Many were out of the business completely and were mad I asked to revive their business. Several said my requirements were draconion and would never get anyone. A few applied... poorly. Wrong information, career history for real estate sales, and part timers who had no chance to work full time. I did have a handful apply correctly. 2 actually did as requested, sent in a decent resume and gave a good cover note. After a thorough interview, both (at separate times) were presented with a "roles and expectations" sheet for them and myself. Both gleefully accepted. Both were cautioned to take a day or so to read and think if they were prepared to do the items required to be successful. Both in 2 days declined the position.

Now I know lots of you will straighten me out on how to attract people. Please bring it on. But I want talent who will REALLY do the job and make money. The interview style I use kicks them to the curb or they dive nose first to avoid "accountability".

It has been my experience, agents fail due to a lack of external accountability. They want to work a small area of town (in the name of specialization, haha), they want 9-5 business hours. They want 5 days a week. They want buyers and sellers to show up and behave themselves to unspoken rules. They want instant gratification (who doesn't). They want training without going to class. They want experience without rejection. They want full time results on part time efforts.

I know most of you "eating what you kill" in Real Estate at a high level have put in the time, energy and effort. Put in the repeated class time, usually been accountable to someone, and took the hits you need to to get to your level. Many of you expect to take a lot more hits, have embarassing moments, frustration meets amusement emotions. To you I say congratulations.

To the 99% of you who are reading these BLOGS all day and think you are working, I say the following: read my ad and do it for yourself or for an agent who has dozen of listings. Get a mentor who will hold you accountable for your actions. Training, lead generation, lead conversions and servicing times and attempts weekly. Take lessons from your mistakes and successes. Most importantly, do not give up! Do not blame others (including God) for not succeeding. (note: CAUTION ATHEISTS) God is not giving you a sign to leave real estate, it is your lazy butt talking.

Real Estate, Amway, Avon... any and all. Show up daily at 8 a.m. and do the hours to make your business work. Learn the lessons needed to get business regularly. Adopt a successful duplicatable real estate system. Learn it to the highest levels by taking the same classes over and over. Go take action. Bring back your experience to the classroom.

Thank you for my ramblings. I hope this helps some of the 99% who need it. For the 1%, please add to my advice.

Tony Barker is a real estate broker in the Houston Texas Area and considers helping people understand how to sell their homes. Using a contractor (or sub) can be scary if you do not know what to do. Here are a few of my recommendations to avoid problems.
For more information on this topic, buying or selling a home or investing call tony 832-867-0835 email tony@ptexas.com or visit http://www.premiere-homes.com.

HIRING:
Making the right hire is critical. Finding contractors by word of mouth, yellow pages or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is fine. Finding sub-contractors is a skill. You can recruit from new home job sites. If you see a guy carrying a pipe wrench he may be a plumber, ask if he freelances. Covered in sheet-rock dust... you get the idea. Check with the people he said he did work before. Go to the place with permission to see the work. If he agrees with the below items, he/she may work out. If not find someone else.

ROLES AND EXPECTATIONS:
Conflict arises when expectations differ. Make sure you both are on the same page. Write your expectations of him and what he can expect from you. See below items for that guide. Remember, you get to chose you want to help you. Be picky as a bad decision can be a disaster. Additionally, this contract should be in writing even on a napkin and in plain English, signed and dated by both parties.

START AND COMPLETION:
I like to ask when can they start and how soon to finish completely, including clean-up and out of the house. Assure them to take the time they really need because you will hold them to it. You can add a performance bonus to finish on time and a penalty to end late. Make sure they agree and put it in writing.

TIMES OF WORK:
It is good to know when they show up each day and what days they come. Do you want them on Sundays? At 7am or 9am or any ole time. What about when they leave? Do you want them there till midnight, 5pm or again, any ole time? Big questions for both you and them.

CLEAN UP:
Two clean up expectations involve daily and at the end of the job. Do they leave the scrap on the curb or taken away? Do you get a construction dumpster? Again this is important to both of you.

MATERIALS:
Do they buy or do you buy the materials? I recommend you buy with them and get their discount, even if you write them a check at check-out to re-reimburse them. Remember contractors like to make money on labor and materials. Either way decide this on the front end. Do not forget about delivery versus pick-up. Also do you have a place to store the materials that will not get in the way or get ruined in the weather. Covered porches and party tents can be a big help. Sometimes the store will supply pallets to keep the materials off the ground.

PAYMENT:
An expectation of payment can cause emotions to jump if not decided up front. Most contractors insist on half up front. Your risk goes way up if you do this. My suggestion is to insist on "labor payment at the end of the job when completed to the home owner's satisfaction". That phrase written keeps you a sought after client instead of a irritating nag. Ignore the hard luck stories and point to the contract terms. Pay with personal check. If they need cash, follow them to your bank to cash. This will keep a record in case they say you did not pay. Note: Anyone can file a mechanics lien on your property for non-payment. Keep a copy of the canceled check with your signed contract.

WARRANTY and GUARANTEES:
Ask if they have any warrantied or guarantees. Texas has a general workmanship and materials warranty for all work and services but it never hurts to get it in writing. Remember, you may need permits to get this work done. Your "blue pages" of your phone book can direct you to all agencies that assist you on permits and fees.

REFERRALS and COMPLAINTS:
It is always important to get referrals from each person you use. If they cannot provide any, pass on them. It is more work but not as much as fixing a big mess. Additionally look for complaints on the BBB page or other local services. Many individuals are not bonded and insured, contractors will/should be. Make sure your home owners policy is in force.

HINTS FOR GOOD RELATIONS:
When hiring a person, group or company, note that people do the work. Even with high expectations, courtesy and kindness is alway appreciated. You can be strict but fair, precise but nice. I recommend bringing drinks and asking what kind they like for the next time. Bring sandwiches and snacks. Allow music at a reasonable level. All can make the work experience good for you and them. It allows conflicts to stay low if you are nice and polite. It also allows for them to go the extra mile as they see fit.

SECURITY:
Keep valuables, weapons, prescriptions and most importantly your children away from the work site/area. Out of site, out of temptation, tell your kids the work may be interesting but not worth the risk.