How Can I Become an Agent?

Image Credit: https://precondo.ca/news/

When someone asks and they do quite often, I pause and think do they really wish to know the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Let me tell you a story.....

I was asked to speak with one of my friends as she had expressed interest in becoming an agent so we met at the usual "go to" place for most agents….. The Coffee Shop. Yes, this is an agent’s main place of business when we are not in our car, office or showing houses. Our meeting went something like this……."So you wish to become a realtor?..…Remember I am your friend and I am going to be candid and honest with you.” (You know that movie with Jim Carrey, Liar Liar where he cannot tell a lie, well I have that same problem.)  My friend says "of course, I expect nothing less from you."

We continue our meeting making sure she understands that the realty TV shows where an agents shows 3 houses to clients and they choose one is NOT REALITY!! Who came up with this concept?! I wish it were true. It is more like you show 30+ houses and sometimes they do not choose any at all.

I lower my tone of voice and get serious, she leans in closer to hear every word I am about to say as if it were life or death.“First you go to a store and look for the largest wine cooler you can find. Buy it. Fill it with wine. You will need it!” I pause and wait to see what she does. Finally she smiles and laughs.

"Anyone can become an agent but the secret to becoming a really good agent involves many things. You need to be knowledgeable about the market and trends. Be passionate and be willing to help your clients regardless of the financial gain. It is not all about the money. This unique business is about never giving up, never stop learning, never taking your eye off of the ball. It’s about integrity, It’s about being a team player, being a master negotiator, a psychiatrist and yes sometimes, it is like taking confession when your clients need to offload. You have to be empathetic. They need to be comfortable with you. This is where the wine comes in at the end of the day!"

The questions continue. "What are the hours for agents?" Immediately, I get a vision of Cruella de Vil laughing, this chick has no idea what she is getting into…… Answer: "Well an agent’s brain turns on when your eyes open and turns off when they shut. Those are your hours."

So, you are thinking …. OMG who would want to be an agent? Well, like any job if you love what you do it is not a job and being an agent is not a job, it is a way of life.

That being said, did she become an agent?….YES and she is doing fantastic!