My favorite part of my real estate career has always involved teaching my clients what I know about real estate. So I suppose it isn't much of a stretch to figure I would also love teaching new agents how to be the best at their new career. There are some who might figure that now, the strangest time we have seen in real estate in quite some years, might not be the best time for a new agent to begin a career in our industry. I beg to differ.
As my mentor told me when I began my career in 1980 and prime rate hit a high of 21%, “you don't know what it was like to sell real estate before this so how can it get in your way now?”
Granted, the entry level materials are a little more expensive. I had my newly minted brokers license along with a pad of paper, a nice pen and an HP calculator. Today a new agent needs a license, a computer and software plus at least six months of living expense tucked away.
But the most important thing I had was my mentor. He was also my broker-in-charge. He set me on the right path from day one and I have never looked back. I sold houses with 16, 17, 19 or 21% interest rates because I didn't know that was impossible. He is still a dear and trusted friend.
Today I am the mentor. I am thrilled to be part of the start of a new agent's career. There is absolutely nothing in the buying and selling process I will not include them in with my client's permission. I know that many real estate agents are generally loathe to share their “secrets of success” but I prefer to think of it as adding future value to our industry. I have always shared techniques, skills and experiences with colleagues, inside my company and out, and I can't say I have ever been put at a disadvantage or lost a client because of it. If you are a great agent there is plenty of business to go around.
I'm training a new agent these days and I know that I will continue to take opportunities to do so for a long time. The fun of doing it may even extend my “retirement”, when that day comes, because I really only do this for a living for one reason...I love it and I want to help others love it too.
There is one little selfish reason though. At the end of an eight hour day last week, when my first time home buyers, my new agent and I were debriefing after a long day of looking at homes, the new agent was ready to take her leave of us. She turned to the buyers and thanked them for allowing her to be included. Then she said “You have a great agent!” They beamed and said “We know.” After 30 plus years in this ever changing, always interesting industry; I know how to take a compliment.
It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!
SarahGray Lamm is a licensed, full time, residential real estate professional in the Raleigh Durham area of North Carolina with over 60,000 hours of experience. She specializes in serving the real estate needs of home sellers, home buyers and investors in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham and Northern Chatham County and is proudly associated with Allen Tate Realtors, the Carolinas #1 independent realty company.
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It's rewarding giving back isn't it?
Very uplifting! Those rookie agents are lucky to have you!
There is nothing better than having a mentor who will share the true experience of hands-on every day real estate with you. When you come out of real estate school and pass the exam, its a whole other ball game out there. Way to "pay it forward" SarahGray!
SarahGray: I can think of no one better than you to serve as a mentor. Experience, History, Expertise, Intelligence, Common Sense, Heart ... all served with a sense of humor.
Gene
Where were you when I needed you, SarahGray. This is indeed a heart-warming story and worthy of a feature.
You guys rock...Bill and Doug, yes it is and that you recognize it means you would do the same...
Lee and Carol, somehow I think "pay it forward' is a concept you all embrace....
Gene, I love you man....when are you bringing your darlin' down to Carolina so we can play golf?
Jane, so I guess you found your mentor too...thanks, colleague!
I couldn't even imagine what it was like to sell with interest rates that high! I imagine you saw plenty creative owner financing. If rates go up I imagine you could be teaching *us* all something.
SarahGray: Trying to carve out some time in Fall. Will let you definitely know if we're successful! And definitely looking forward to that round ... and you kickin' my tush on it! Thanks for asking. You're a good friend ...
Gene
Oh, SarahGray, I weep to think of how successful I may have been from the start if I had someone like you for a mentor. Mine had zero business and the first appointment on which we went was a listing appointment I had dug up. When we were leaving the home, the potential sellers asked him if HE was a trainee because he muttered not one single word as I wrapped up the listing...
I find that when you share information it really reinforces it within yourself. So mentoring sharpens your own skills as you give someone else the ability to develop their own.
We learn most what we teach. I learn more from my new agents than I ever would have with out them.
Woody
It never fails that your newbies bump into either highly sophisticated deals or the old once in a lifetime type of deal !
Renee, you are exactly right! Plenty of creative owner financing!
Gene, can't wait!
Irene, ouch...I hate hearing things like that. A lesser person might not even be in the business with a start like that. Speaks volumes for your spirit!
Morgan, well said...nothing better than a twofer!
Woody, I would agree. Since most brokers in charge these days are non-competing, mentoring is a great way to keep one's hand in. I am no longer a broker-in-charge (although I keep my credentials up to date in order to help out if needed) so it is a pleasure to share my regular business with new agents.
Michael, so hopefully they will feel comfortable asking somebody with more experience for assistance!
Sarah,
Very enjoyable read. We love the points made, and it is wonderful that you are hearing the feedback! Wishing you continued success. All the best.
Great post SarahGray, its inspirational to see you being so proactive in rookie agents career
I am part of our agent leadership council and it is so rewarding.
Mentoring is really important in this business. Otherwise all you have a agents who are aimless. If you want to be the best, you must learn from the best.
Hi Sarah,
Where were you 2-1/2 years ago, when I was struggling and asking for mentors here in Saint John, NB??? Most brokerages need to "take care of their new agents & re-educate their older agents" so they can maximize on their employees on the new techniques and strategies... The "sink or swim" scenarios are old and it's a pleasure to see you helping the newer agents succeed!!! BRAVO!!! ;>))
Very thoughtfull post and a skilled technique at reeling in your buyers.
I am the broker in charge, and I love mentoring new agents!
Thanks for the post today.
Thanks for the post today.
I just had my first hour-long phone call with an old college buddy who just started in real estate. I really look forward at helping him bypass some of the hard lessons I had to learn! It really is fun to share your knowledge and war stories...
Such a great attitude about mentoring. It shows in your post. I wish there were more like you out there.
SarahGray Giving forward is just as inportant as giving back and you undoubtedly have that mastered.
Just reviewing some of the great featured posts of the past today looking for inspiration and ideas for writing some new content for my lethbridge homes for sale blog. This was a great featured post because it was so positive in a time when so many others are negative.