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Casey Phillips, Real estate agent serving Greater Chattanooga (Keller Williams Realty)

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Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Casey Phillips Whew!  Yes, a little on the overload.  But the thoughts I have are ... don't do things that will cost you money. Offer to host open houses.  Remember only 1% of open houses result in a home sale.  So that means 99% of the buyers who walk through the door are potential buyers for you to work with. Doesn't cost you any money, just your time to take them shopping, writing an offer, negotiating and getting to the closing table.  Door knocking is an opportunity to meet your clients upfront -- again your time not your money.  All it takes is a few buyers and some listings and you will be on the road to success! If you consider yourself a self-motivated and self-starter -- go ahead and work from home to save on the $60-$80/month ... and if you have to take on a part time job for now to get you going -- you do what you have to do.  Work hard, Work Smart,  and Continue to Learn, Learn, Learn.  (Sorry, I got a little long-winded)  Best Wishes to your Success!

Jul 26, 2016 01:51 PM
Rainmaker
1,027,602
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

First of all, while I work much better from a home office, when I first started, I went into the office every day.  If you are being nickled and dimed to death for everything you do at your current brokerage, consider going to a brokerage where you can go to the office every day and not worry about paying for it.  If it is a matter of whose commission is higher, it doesn't matter until you actually start making money;  you have to get started first and some brokerages are much better than others for that. 

I started out by meeting the agents in my office and asking to hold their open houses or take out their rental clients (because most seasoned agents no longer do rentals but still get plenty of inquiries).  I even left a flyer in every agent mailbox introducing myself and saying I was available to help with open houses, rentals, etc. in exchange for experience. 

My first few months, I averaged $500 a month in income from rental clients - this more than covered my expenses and eventually all of them became buyers and now, they are sellers.  One rental client alone referred me $1.5 million worth of buyers in one year;  they were gold for me.  I don't know if that is even an option where you live, but it worked well for me.  I met people, "practiced" setting up showings, using the lockbox, etc. and got paid - granted, it was minimal pay, but it was the same as a part time job, only it lead to business.  I went on to sell $6 million my first year and I spent no money on marketing or advertising EXCEPT for a $14.95 online ad for a rental, which brought me a dozen leads, several of whom ended up being clients.  

I also did desk duty and from that, got one listing and one buyer the first year.  

I did open houses every chance I got, my dog got walked more than she ever dreamed possible (because how better to meet people in your own neighborhood and see them on a regular basis?), I previewed constantly, I went to open houses, I stayed active in my community (I am active in my local Y, not only for exercise, but for opportunities to volunteer and have gotten quite a bit of business from folks I know there), if a neighbor invited me to a cookout, I went.  

And, I NEVER carried a business card - when people asked for one, I would say, oh, I don't have any one me, here, why don't you give me your info (see how that works? LOL).  I never asked for business, I never seemed desperate (because confidence is far more attractive), I just lived my life and if the subject came up - and it always does (how come you're out walking your dog during the day? what do you do? oh, I sell real estate...) - I would tell people what I do for a living.  Inevitably, they would ALWAYS ask how the market was and I was prepared to answer because I spent time every day on the MLS, previewed and knew my market.  They never questioned how long I was in the business, they just asked questions that I was competently able to answer.

There a million different ways to build a real estate business and every one here will have their own story about what worked for them.  Just consider all the possibilities and then pick what sounds like YOU and build around it.

Good luck and let us know how you do!  On AR, it's as if you have thousands of potential mentors. 

Jul 26, 2016 11:35 PM
Rainmaker
3,340,443
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Is there an option for you to be a part of a team...or to work on a team where you would be paid for part time admin work ?  Learning the business from the inside....and workng into sales ?  Talk to your Broker about your concerns ...if he/she is not willing to help you...look for one who will. Sometimes the isolation of working at home when you start is a negative...being part of a team may erase or lessen the cost.

Jul 26, 2016 10:42 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Cut your overhead; smart. Every activity you mentioned stands alone and each should be used as your funds allow. I recommend the PT job to ease your strain, and ask agents with well-priced listings to allow you to hold Open House Events. Use only well-place street directionals, and yoou will get your name out, meet buyer prospects and even potential listers. It does not happen overnight, so be patient, but consistent. Do NOT get sucked into any lead buying scam!

Jul 26, 2016 09:15 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

You may have picked the wrong broker to get started with, There are some that have no desk fees, that actually give you leads and work with you to help you succeed. When it comes to marketing, you need e. All of the above. You have to keep track of what works for you and your area and do more of that but always a variety,  

Jul 26, 2016 09:47 PM
Rainer
97,816
Carol Wilson
Your $imple Home - Toronto, ON

Hi Casey,

Welcome to ActiveRain and to Real Estate!  Your candor is refreshing, so don't leave that behind.  I am a stager, so can't give specific advice of the sort the others can give but here's my two cents' worth.

1. Spend two hours a day for the first week or two (you'll know when you're done) looking through the older pages of Q & A.  Start at the present and work back.  Your questions have been asked before several times in the last six months; you can learn a LOT from doing that research, and get answers as well to other things you hadn't yet thought of asking.  Take notes, or print out answers you want to review later.  This is a generous, thoughtful community, and it will be worth your time.

2. Your social leanings seem perfect to me for this career.  Get the helpful job when you need to, and look on it as a way to meet people and create relationships for your RE career.  You will need to be appropriate in how and when you speak about it, and maybe you'll just go to lunch with different people one-on-one, to build connections.  Be you, being social.  When the opportunity naturally arises, ask a question or two.  Who do they know that wants to buy or sell?  Give them your card and ask for a referral.  Tell them you'll work very hard on their friend's or family's behalf and want them to be well satisfied.  

3. Although you are sure you'll hate that part-time job, do amazing work.  It is advertising you, and is your best reference, given that people there don't know you.

4. Find a cause.  You don't need to make it another (non-paying) job, but get involved in something that matters to you (maybe once a month), and use those connections to increase your circle of those who know you.  Look for opportunities to quietly give out your card and create business.  Many realtors use this method long term, so take time to find a cause you love and see what it can do for you while you work for it.  You can also investigate the causes of other realtors around you, go to a few events and see them in action, how they make it generate leads.

5.  Most importantly, take a few minutes at the beginning and end of each day to create (beginning) and assess (end) what you are really doing as you learn to work with yourself.  It is a business in which you create from nothing, and it is easy to get afraid.  Here's a secret: fear and excitement occupy the same place in us.  You can't be both at the same time.  So if you feel fear, you can choose to get excited instead.  Stay in the positive, focus on what you are aiming for and be your own lovely self.  It's work, and it may feel hard at first, but you are ALWAYS advertising yourself, and if you're a person whom others enjoy being around, they'll be calling you when they need your services.  Cheers!

Jul 26, 2016 02:20 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Casey Phillips indeed a loaded question - and you have pretty good answers.

I'd suggest you go through the posts from the contest we had about newbies.

There was one in 2009 - 

A Newbie Contest - Be different from the crowd - Spring into some SPRING fun!!!! 

And one recent one...(read all the entries - and you'll learn a lot..)

October Challenge: Your Best Advice for Real Estate Newbies 

Jul 27, 2016 04:26 PM
Ambassador
2,061,864
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

1) I know there are lots of agents who swear by direct mail (see Barbara Todaro... she does it well).  Unless you're prepared to inundate an area with your postcards, I haven't found mailers to be effective... and I've never tried door-knocking (I hate rejection)...  Online has worked nicely for me... but it doesn't work quickly.

2) I find the office is a great place to network and find business. There's always an agent who's looking to pawn-off that rental client... or low-priced co-op...  And to be honest... if $80/month is difficult to come up with... this just might not be the business for you.  Real estate is a costly business, especially in the beginning.

3) You gotta do, what you gotta do... you've got to make a living... and if it takes a part-time job to keep the coffers filled... hopefully you can find one with some time-flexibility.

Good luck.

Jul 27, 2016 01:58 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,283
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

First welcome to real estate.

Second, yes to the overload.

Regarding question 1:  put the name Barbara Todaro  in the search function next to resources at the top of the ActiveRain page along with marketing. You will see lots of great posts.   Immediately click on the follow key so her posts can be seen more easily by you.  

Regarding question 2:   as a newly licensed agent, I would suggest working in an active office environment.  Not every office has desk fees, you might want to seek alternatives.  

Regarding question 3:   your situation is not unique.   Many new(and some veteran) agents experience this.   

Good luck.   

 

Jul 27, 2016 01:09 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

1) join a network group then but mail by-monthly to your sphere & friends.

2) as a newbie you can learn an awful lot by being in the office both good & bad. It's hard to stay away from the drama queens & energy vampires that every office hires. But ... there are some good 'what should I do' stories that you can learn from. 

3) Maybe you just need some pep videos. Try Tom Ferry's weekly videos which gives great tips on how to stay focused. 

Put this in FB group AR Peeps to see if you can get some more good advice.

Jul 26, 2016 11:09 PM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Wow, overload is an understatement - IMO in the future, you might want to break it down to 1 at a time - several smaller questions may get you better responses

I'm just saying

Some good answers already

Jul 26, 2016 11:05 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

you quit your job before you received your license????  you dove into the pool and didn't look to see if there was water in it????  ouch...

Jul 26, 2016 10:46 PM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

The best thing to do is to keep expenses low and get out there to get some deals. Then, close deals to make money so you can start making more business decisions.

Jul 26, 2016 10:42 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Diana Dahlberg nailed this one!

Jul 26, 2016 10:34 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

# 1 I suggest you follow Barbara Todaro and learn from what she has to say about direct mail.

# 2 you can work from home or from your brokers office.   You just need the discipline to not be distracted.  You need a business plan and you need a daily schedule.  The daily schedule will keep you on track.  I have a template for a business plan.  EMail me is you would like a copy (richard@investablerealty.com)

# 3 it is hard to do real estate on a part time basis; however, bill need to be paid.

Good luck. 

Jul 26, 2016 10:10 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Casey Phillips you have a lot of great answers here from many seasoned agents.  Good luck in you new career and welcome to our wonderful industry.

Jul 26, 2016 09:56 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,977
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I agree with Diana Dahlberg - stay away from things that cost you $ like mailings and on line advertising - offer to do open houses - my first sale came from door knocking and I got lots of business from open houses my first few years.  You might see if anyone in your office needs an admin/showing assistant - that way you could be earning money and getting experience.

Jul 26, 2016 09:36 PM
Rainmaker
1,197,152
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

 Welcome to active rain, use this forum to learn about the business , develop a business plan, find someone to be a mentor.  It's a harder business than most people imagine.

Jul 26, 2016 08:34 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I agree with Diana Dahlberg and Kat Palmiotti. I hope you don't have to get a part time job but if so maybe you can be an assistant to a top producer until you get on your feet.  Work out an arrangement for any listings/buyers that you get on your own. In other words, they will be your clients but perhaps you can pay the other agent a referral fee for helping you through the transaction.

Jul 26, 2016 08:34 PM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Welcome to the industry!

1) Success/effective rate for these various things seems to change based on your specific location/market and your skills. I've had closings based on people I've met through open houses, floor time, online materials, online lead systems (company provided), but have never had closings as a result of door knocking or mailing materials. But other people have had success with those last two. Stick with those methods that are free and work for you. It will take some time to figure out which are which.

2) I work at home mostly because I find the office too distracting, but I'm very focused so it's not hard working at home. When I feel a need for input/networking/etc, I go to the office for a few hours and that's enough!

3) It's unfortunate that you didn't have a long-term financial plan before starting. It can take a long time to make decent income in real estate. You just have to be patient and determined. Don't spend money on leads. Talk to everyone you know and let them know what you do. 

Best wishes!

 

Jul 26, 2016 08:25 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Stopping by here is a great first step Casey!

You may need to get another income for a few months while you build your business.

A lot to be learned about marketing here in the rain, and blogging can do amazing things to make you look like the expert in the community, post tons of localism posts, over and over and over again, and google will notice that you are the person dominating these neighborhoods and reward you with good placement.

Jul 26, 2016 04:56 PM
Rainmaker
608,881
Mitchell J Hall
Manhattan, NY
Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn

 It will get better if you stick with it. I's tough when money isn't coming in and you're working so hard. Beleive me, I know what it's like. When I started, I thought it was all luck. All the other agents were lucky except me. I was doing everything right - eventually I started getting lucky too.

Don't spend money on leads or mailers. Every penny counts. Since you like to network and mingle doing open houses are a good. My first deal came from helping an experienced broker with her open house.  I bonded with one of the open house visitor but she decided she wasn't ready to buy but rent instead but knew exactly what she wanted so I found her a rental. Rentals are good experience and training for sales and you don't have to wait as long to get paid as in sales. If you make mistakes it's not as serious as with a buyer and many renters eventually become buyers.

Go to parties, mingle, go to gym talk to everyone, work your friends and family, go out and meet people. Keep doing the things, hobbies you like etc but let them all know you're in real estate. Not pushy sales but you're available if they ever need help and advise. Working from home is OK but get out talk to people where you live. Everyone you meet is an opportunity for future business. It doesn't happen over night but the more people you meet and know the more people that will call you one day. Go into office priodically even though you don't pay for desk to mingle and get ideas and strategies from more experienced agents.

Networking online is good, for the most part it's free. Get your profile up on as many sites as possible. Try different things some may work some won't. Be yourself if cold-calling is not your style don't do it. If you don't want to knock on doors - don't but you can still walk the neighborhood and when folks are outside you can strike up a conversation (may be less intrusive then a stranger knocking on their door. 

Try to find a market niche that is not being targeted by a lot of other agents and become the expert. Even less desirable neighborhoods because less agents will be marketing there and the clients will be much more appreciative than the ones getting door nocked and mailings everyday.

Ask experienced agents in office for clients and customers they may not have time for and offer to pay a referral fee.

There is no one size fits all in real estate. What will work for you may not work for other agents. You need to find your niche. It takes time. Good luck!

Jul 30, 2016 06:10 AM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

Yep, this is to much for one question.  Break them up and ask one at a time.  You'll get better answers.

Jul 27, 2016 03:00 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Casey, being a newbie these days is tough!  If I were just getting into the business, I would probably take a job as a licensed assistant for a really, really good agent. Then as you gain expertise, you can go to work on your own.  The other possibility is getting on a team.  

These both beat a job as a barista working for Starbucks - although I hear they do have great health insurance.

The really important things are knowing (1) the inventory, and (2) the contracts for listing and selling homes.  

Jul 27, 2016 10:56 AM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

 You really are on overload, aren't you?

1. Networking and touching our sphere are the biggest ways we get business and I wish we had been more deliberate in those efforts years ago.

2. Our broker doesn't charge for a desk and we do very little work at the office. Occassionally, we'll stop there for a while to catch up on paperwork between appointments, but I'd go to Starbucks if I had to pay for the desk at the office.

3. It's very hard in the beginning. If you need a part time job, then that's what you have to do. But hopefully it will be in a place where you can boost your sphere and network . Just realize that part time Realtors have skinny kids - and the more you work, the more you'll make. 10-12 hour days are not uncommon, even for seasoned professionals.

Finally, feel comfortable asking questions here. People are happy to answer and offer help. Good luck!

Jul 27, 2016 08:19 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Well, you sound like about 90% of the people who try to get into this Profession.

You need to start calling everyone you know and let them know your profession.  And I mean talk to the mail man, garbage man, the guy walking down the street.    It will be your fastest way of getting a lead or two

Jul 27, 2016 08:02 AM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

I'm meeting with a young lady tomorrow who is thinking of getting into real estate.  My first suggestion is that she has about 6 months of cash in the bank.  It takes a lot of time to get started.  I do like your attitude about going out and meeting "real people".  Network groups are a great way to start, but don't go in looking for the referral.  Find out what you can give them in the way of business and they will reciprocate

Jul 27, 2016 07:56 AM
Rainer
60,021
Coal Infantino
Coldwell Banker - York, PA
Realtor specializing in south central PA

So much great advice here already.

-Remember to stay the course.   This industry is for those who can persevere, stay committed to marketing and customer follow up. 

-Follow some of the active bloggers for content and relevant information.

 

Jul 27, 2016 06:40 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

It may be time to have a good long talk with your broker.

Jul 27, 2016 05:28 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Casey,

WOW!  Ok, that is a lot of questions, but all very good ones.

Yes, that jump is a tough one to measure and no one ever suggest 6-12 months of reserves before taking your money for a class!

My thoughts, sorted by question number:

1)

Mailers: Cost a lot of money and take time to be effective.  Most end up in the "circular file bin". 

Online advertisements: You have the ability to more specifically target people and the cost can be generally lower than mailings, but if you are not careful the costs can skyrocket.

Cold calls: These work if you have a good script, have it internalized and don't sound like you're reading it.  This is all about building the relationship over the phone.  Be wary of the do not call list, as some people still think this is relevant.  Also, the best time to call people is in the evening because they're home.  It's also the worst time to call because they'd rather not be talking to you instead of watching TV with their family.

Door knocking: Cancel your gym membership, this will get you all the cardio you'll ever need!  This is a good way to meet people and get your name out there.  I have some agent friends out here who got some good listings from it.

Open houses: If you can get an agent to let you do it, these can be good ways to meet the neighbors and pickup buyer and seller leads.  Oh and you may get lucky and actually sell the house!

 

Final thoughts: It's not a X vs. Y proposition, it's an X + Y + Z proposition to get leads.  I'd say door knocking, open houses and cold calling are your biggest "bang for the buck" as they won't cost you anything (or very little for handouts while door knocking).  If money is a concern, online ads beat mailers, but you also need to "spend money to make money" just spend it wisely.

 

2)

I love working from home as opposed to going into the office, however you can't hear that agent saying "If only someone would take these buyers for me" or "Please someone hold my listing open this weekend" from your house.  Networking opportunities and just being there willing to help out the producing agents can't be done from your home.  It may take some months to build up that relationship, but it could be beneficial.

3)

All the good intentions in the world won't put food on the table or keep a roof over your head.  Before looking for that "would you like fries with that" job, look at your finances and where you could trim the fat.  Do you really NEED HBO and the sports package?  Do you really need cable TV at all?  How often do you eat out or get coffee out?  Get some instant coffee or powdered drinks (I have a Chai tea latte powder from Trader Joe's that makes about 20 drinks for the cost of 2 at Coffee Bean).  If you have a family, ask them to make that sacrifice too.  It's hard, but can be done.  Working part time, even a couple days per week, will hamper your ability to be out there door knocking, working leads and the full-time agents tend to look down upon those that are in it part-time.  Unless it becomes a "life or death" decision, try to avoid that part-time job as they often become crutches.

Jul 27, 2016 03:14 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I am with Susan Haughton,  Carol Wilson and Diana Dahlberg on this. Create a plan and work your plan. You have to know where you are going in order to get there. If you need to get a part time job don't hesitate to do it. 

Jul 27, 2016 12:35 AM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Casey,
Do you have a mentor and/or accountability buddy?  If not, let me know.  I will be happy to work with you on some planning and follow-up work... at no charge.

Based on your comments, I'll say you're going to need a part-time (maybe full time) job.  It takes time to get established and is very difficult to do part-time.  You're going to need to be VERY efficient with your time.  

Good luck!

Jul 27, 2016 12:24 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,823
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

You may want to dole out these questions in smaller chunks to get a better response to each. 

You made the classic W-2 assumptive error; you never enter into real estate without 6-12 months reserves in the bank, because of the up front costs and time it takes to get your first sale & then consistently sell. I'd hire on to a team or grunt as a buyers agent for a top producer to both learn & finance your growth process. A part time job would be a great way to supplement your income but could get in the way of your real estate growth. You'll need to pick a mornings-m-F job so your afternoons and weekends are free to serve the majority of your clients who need the same time frames. 

Jul 27, 2016 12:11 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

1. Good question and worth exploring. Best way ultimately is to sample each one. Who knows whats best until they test?

2. Home is where the heart is. The office is where the cell phone is

3. You are learning about "feast or famine". You are in the famine stage. Your one solution is a good one. Always be on the move, seeking, asking & exploring as your rewards are looking for you as well. Remember:  It will be done to you as you believe so faith rules the show... Have faith Casey

Jul 26, 2016 11:23 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Real estate is a broad field so narrow down your interests to a niche you can work and become an expert in. Then break it down into little pieces, learn every thing there is to know about it and market and get the word out you know all about it. It takes time but before you know it you will be an expert. Blog the heck out of it.

Jul 26, 2016 11:18 PM
Rainmaker
292,685
Jack Lewitz
Exit Strategy Realty - Evanston, IL

I think you know yourself better than anyone else and you also know the answer to this question. Get out and meet people and tell them your in business . Go door to door business and tell them you will promote them and by doing that you will get noticed .Volunteer and pay forward campaign 

Jul 26, 2016 11:14 PM
Rainmaker
823,579
Susan Laxson CRS
Palm Properties - La Quinta, CA
Realtor in San Diego, CA & Naples, FL

Some great answers already from some very experienced agents. If you love real estate, then don't give up and with time your efforts will pay off.

Jul 26, 2016 10:56 PM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

Casey Phillips You already have a multitude of good ideas from some very good agents. As to phone calls pretend it is an open house and a stranger just walked in the door.

Jul 26, 2016 09:25 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

You should have a mentor to help you. There are some good books that you can read. Contact you sphere of influence first.

Jul 26, 2016 09:06 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,169
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Use face to face contacts for prospecting when your funds are low.

You will have a more professional image if you work from the office. Did you select the correct office?

Make is happen in real estate. Stay on the phone until your schedule is full.

Jul 26, 2016 08:59 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Get a copy of the "Millionaire Real Estate Agent"- by Gary Keller to view the exact MODEL of how to build a Cash Flowing real estate Business !!!

Jul 26, 2016 08:20 PM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

Any new agent should have cash or another income source to last a minimum of 6 months, preferrably a year. This business can be feast or faminine even for experienced agents with a great contact list.

Jul 26, 2016 06:01 PM
Rainmaker
953,617
Pete Xavier
Investments to Luxury - Pacific Palisades, CA
Outstanding Agent Referrals-Nationwide

Mailers/door hangers are effective over time, you might try EDDM. Remember this; it's best to hit 1,000 homes 10 times with the same message than to hit 10,000 homes once. Really consider a area to "farm" as it is very effective in the long run, when done right.

Might want to consider a night shift position, sleep in the morning and than be ready for prime time...or even consider partnering up with an agent who happens to work another position, but opposite shift.

 

Jul 26, 2016 05:36 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

1. Read some blogs and books about lead generating. There are a lot of things you can do for free or very law budget. 

2. Find a broker who would help you more and would not charge a desk or any other junk fees. 

3. I used to work three jobs, if you have a family to feed and bills to pay, you need to do what you need to do.   

Just wanted to add, that it is better idea to post each Q separately. 

Jul 26, 2016 04:28 PM