As a student, you’ll be working with just great agents, but great teachers. Our instructors understand that no two students are the same: we all have different goals, objectives and learning styles. Our school has a vested interested in your success as a future or current real estate agent and you’ll find our instructors both approachable and accessible.

In spite of the impersonal sounding “Academy” in our name, at the heart of our organization you’ll find people that love training future real estate agents to be the best at what they do and make current agents even better. We’re husbands, wives, friends and family that have succeeded in our own lives because of real estate and looking for people that have the same passions we do.

It really isn’t quite so simple.  You will need to research your market, practice selling skills, be a good listener, be coachable, be immune from discouragement and have the attitude that failure is not an option.  You will need to learn how your office operates, what forms are needed, what are the rules and so on.  Your plan should include a budget and the financial means to start a business.  Selling a couple of properties can pay for your first year in the business but you want some income as well.  Are you prepared to spend a little to earn a little?

What would you tell a new agent that is motivated and anxious to learn a new business?  How would you help them get started?

The listing agent as well as the buyers agent must learn to explain the Offer to Purchase to their client. Problems in a transaction occur when agents just run through the Offer and say “sign here”. Do your clients understand the terms : effective date, due diligence money, due diligence time frame, closing date, closing vs. recording …and the list goes on.

Sharpen your skills by reviewing the forms prior to using them. A helpful form to read and understand is called “Guidelines For Completing The Offer To Purchase”. This form goes through each section of the Offer and explains it.

Now that I have given you my opinion – What do you think? Do you think another form is more important? What about “Working With Real Estate Agents” or “The Residential Property Disclosure or other mandatory forms? Important? You bet but in my opinion not as important as the Offer To Purchase.

Thanks to NerdCoreGirl for use of the photo under Creative Commons.

The largest group of homebuyers is currently first time buyers.  This is a wonderful time to get a great price on your dream home as well as getting a good interest rate.  Most of you don’t remember 18% interest rates – I do!  Rates will go up and it is only a matter of when.  I don’t have a crystal ball but if you are in a position to buy a home – don’t delay.

You will need an office with a structured training program.  Training is so important  so you should look for a company with a good program.  You want to start your business doing things the right way.  You will need to be coachable and bold enough to talk with people who may become a listing or buyer prospect.  Your training program should include goal setting, developing a business plan and learning the skills to make your goals.

2. Income Some brokers make little or no money… others make fortunes! But to a great extent, your income is determined by YOU… not some employer. And what other job can pay you as much as a doctor or lawyer, without one day in a college classroom?

3. Business Independence Real estate brokers are usually self-employed… that means that you will own and operate your own small business. So the tactics, the strategies, and the decisions that spell failure or dramatic success, are yours to make… and the pride of ownership and accomplishment are yours as well.

4. Location Want to work in the Triad? No problem… Or maybe you would like to live and work in Wilmington… or maybe Boone. Your real estate license is good anywhere in the State of North Carolina… and how long will it take you to find a job in your city of choice? Would you believe… a day or two?

5. Security Successful real estate brokers are secure. Even in hard times, real estate companies don’t lay-off… in fact, most continue hiring. Your fortunes may grow or decline, but never again will your future be determined by some anonymous executive or management committee.

6. Prestige Successful real estate brokers are respected professionals in communities throughout the state. Brokers serve on Boards of Directors, City Councils, School Boards, and charitable organizations. And there is something nice about being recognized and greeted when you walk down the street.

7. Lifestyle As a successful real estate broker, you will enjoy the freedom to live as you choose with the financial ability to enjoy the life decisions you make. The rewards of this business are many and varied.

8. Support As a new broker, you may occasionally feel that you are alone and surrounded by problems… but if you look more closely, you’ll discover that a remarkable support network exists to help you… your associates, your company, professional organizations, coaches, books and materials, education… few professions have more help available if you just take a moment to seek it out.

9. Integrity Real estate brokers are governed by strict laws and rules… most also subscribe to strong ethical codes… but more importantly, you will find that you and your professional associates are called on to make major ethical decisions every day … and you’ll take pride in yourself and your industry as a result.

10. Connections The real estate business is not really about dirt and sticks and bricks… it’s about people… your associates, your clients and customers, your teachers and mentors. This is a business for people who like people… and the personal connections you make in this business may be the greatest reward of all!