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Am I Going to be Able to Make This Work?

 As a newly licensed real estate professional, I often find myself wondering "Am I going to be able to make this work?"  Being a REALTOR is somewhat of a dream job for many people.  From the outside, it looks like a cushy job.  Answer a few phone calls, show a few houses, fill out some forms, and collect a boatload of money.  Okay, I over-simplify for effect, but it does seem like a fun job.  And it is! But there's a whole lot more to it.

I have all the skills and experience necessary to excel as a REALTOR, as well as the drive and determination to succeed.  I love meeting new people and working with them to achieve their goals and fulfill their home ownership dreams.  I have extensive experience in process management, which definitely helps in the offer to close process. Negotiating, communication, marketing, organization, interpersonal relations, prospecting...prospecting(?)!

So this is where the anxiety sets in.  You don't just go through real estate school, pass your exams, get your license, hang out a shingle, and expect the world to beat a path to your door.  No, quite the opposite.  As it turns out, the first thing you need to do is attract clients.  All by yourself.  Most REALTORS are independent contractors.  No base salary to lean on, no handouts from your broker or fellow agents.  Let's face it, as friendly as everyone is around the office, when it really comes down to it, you're all competitors.  You're all looking for the same clients and trying to get their business.  If someone's going to throw you a bone, it's likely not going to be a deal they want for one reason or another, anyway.

So, I've been learning a bunch of new skills.  Marketing, social media relations, cold calling, door knocking, hand writing letters (had to re-learn to write again, after typing for the last 20 years), striking up conversation with complete strangers, all to increase my sphere of influence.  I feel good about it.  Is it going to be enough to get my foot into the door of this real estate business?  I guess we'll find out together.  One thing is for sure, if I have any influence at all over my own destiny, the answer will be yes.


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