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Seana Johnson, Coming back to my roots - renewing RE Lic (AgentProfesor)

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Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I think your number 1 priority should be to complete you course work and pass your state exam.

Nov 17, 2016 06:28 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,186
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Too soon. You don't know what you don't know. Plus you're not licensed, you don't have a broker and you're not ready. However, what you can do is set up your CRM, start to organize contacts in your sphere of influence. You can also start to gather information about homes in your area, create a contact list for lenders, HOAs, city and county contacts. Your enthusiasm is awesome, but you need your feet planted so you don't find yourself in over your head.

Nov 17, 2016 07:23 AM
Ambassador
5,048,883
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

It's too soon. Finish your coursework and get licensed and hired by a broker. But you could let people know, especially people you know, that you are working on your real estate license. Candice A. Donofrio  has some great ideas!

Nov 17, 2016 08:41 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

"talking to people about working with me"

"we should talk about selling your house then"

Based on those two comments the answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT!

There however is no prohibition against you sharing with those you know about the new direction of your life. You could add that by the first of January 2017 you will be officially licensed and affiliated with a broker and then can be of value to them regarding their real estate questions and  needs. Your goal is to hear them say, "Seana, call me then and we can talk,"

Hopefully in six weeks you can create a gigantic list of folks eager to start their new year with the dream of a new address and they ignore the 4,000 current agents in your area.

Do not offer real estate advise along side your 'gonna be' status.

 

Nov 17, 2016 07:46 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Seana Johnson This is practicing real estate without a license.

Nov 17, 2016 07:24 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,271
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

You're not truly licensed so do not solicit people. Good luck on your exam.

Nov 17, 2016 07:01 AM
Rainer
352,976
Teri Pacitto
Compass - Westlake Village, CA
Real Estate, Your Style...Your Home...My Specialty

When you are 100% licensed and that license is with your new Broker (the one who will manage you as a licensee.  

The issue with talking about selling real property without having that license in had is that one question will lead to others that you can't talk about.  That's where the issues begin.  

There is nothing wrong with casually telling people you know that you are in the process of studying in preparation for taking the real estate exam and you are looking forward to your new career in this great profession.  

Until then I would keep studying.  

Nov 17, 2016 01:15 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

It would depend on the laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.

Nov 17, 2016 11:40 AM
Rainmaker
564,494
Maria Sapio
Keller Williams of Central PA - Carlisle, PA
Real Estate Agent- Carlisle, PA. Mariasapio.com

I applaud your enthusiasm - but refrain until license is earned...

Nov 17, 2016 06:51 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

What you describe here is what feels like a slippery slope to me. That is not they way I would be engaging with people.  I wish you all the best with your coursework and passing the exam.

Nov 17, 2016 06:38 AM
Ambassador
1,452,719
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Good for you Seana Johnson !  My advice is to learn what is required in your area.  Are you going to become a Realtor or remain an agent?  No one has asked what business experience you have or what you're bringing to the party?   Your entrepreneurial skills will be what sets you apart.  Good luck and hit 2017 running!

Nov 18, 2016 03:04 AM
Ambassador
2,178,553
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

Like Candice A. Donofrio said, you don't know what you don't know. Classes are designed to help you pass the test.  It does nothing to prepare you for the complicated process of actually being an agent and selling real estate.  You have so much to learn AFTER the test is over and the license is hung.  Once you are affiliated with an office, you will have access to the mentoring, training and information you need to be productive.  

As Candice suggested, do some of the behind the scenes organizational stuff now and worry about the rest later.  You could be setting yourself up for embarrassment if you get ahead of yourself in the process.  Step-by-step. Patience is a virtue at this point.

Nov 18, 2016 12:01 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

What Richard Weeks said. You are no where near ready to begin soliciting business (unless maybe it's from your Mom).

Nov 17, 2016 08:00 PM
Rainer
6,173
LORI D. SOTO
Realty Executives Associates - Knoxville, TN
Realty Executives Associates Knoxville, TN

I believe it's too soon but while going through the process of becoming licensed, I would mention it to others and start collecting names, address, phone, email, etc for when you are settled and ready. There is so much to learn just starting out but you can do this! I've been licensed 18 years and when I first started I was part time my first 4 months, didn't sell anything. Then I just leaped out in faith (in December) and sold 5 homes my first full-time week! So thankful my Broker helped me! 

Nov 17, 2016 06:44 PM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Learn as much as you can about real estate, marketing, and processing ... it's fine to share your soon-to-be status with people -- but refrain from any solicitation until you have the license ... then hit the pavement, put out ads, start that website and get active in social media.

Nov 17, 2016 12:21 PM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

I would just keep it to ....You're going to Real Estate School..... for now, until you pass your exam and have a broker.

Nov 17, 2016 12:10 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

You have some great advice from experienced agents.

Nov 17, 2016 11:56 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

It is okay to let people know you are getting into the business but don't solicit business until you are licensed.

Nov 17, 2016 11:47 AM
Ambassador
5,229,945
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

What Michael Setunsky said - you cannot conduct real estate business without a license.  Let everyone know you're working on getting your license but, definitely don't begin soliciting for business.  That's a big no-no!  Best of luck on your exams! 

Nov 17, 2016 11:41 AM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

After you pass the exam and affiliate with a broker.

Nov 17, 2016 11:29 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

I think you should limit the conversation to working on your license; not appropriate to start soliciting yet.

Nov 17, 2016 11:26 AM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Finish the class.  Then shout it out!

Nov 17, 2016 10:38 AM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

I don't see anything wrong in letting people know you are studying to get your license and what your plans are. And as long as you don't do anything for which you need a license, you are fine. But don't hand out cards, have your website go live, or put other marketing out to the public until you have that RE license number and are working for a broker. On the other hand, walking into a broker's office with a few listings potentially in your pocket is a good thing!!

Nov 17, 2016 07:26 AM
Ambassador
1,076,551
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

I'd wait until licensed before doing anything --- saying "wait for me" puts you ahead of your potential clients before you 're even able to truly work.

 

With 80% to go, what if there's a hold up?  You'll look foolish.  Best to let people know what you're working on without mentioning working with you.  It's not too early to start blogging about your local area/businesses and the like, but it's too early to be trying to get a pipeline of clients.

Nov 17, 2016 07:08 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

you can certainly share with people that you are completing the course and will be taking the exam....and then you'll be beating the pavement....

Nov 17, 2016 06:56 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

If you don't pass your exam, get a good broker, and then keep working on education since a real estate course is like kindergarten on your way to a college degree then, tell people you are working on getting licensed and then get licensed.

Dec 17, 2016 10:43 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,472
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I would start putting some feelers out and get the word out.

Nov 21, 2016 09:40 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I'd let my friends & family know I'm working towards my license.  I wouldn't do the "I'll have it by year's end, let's list your place next year" unless they say "oh great, when can I list/buy with you?"

Nov 18, 2016 11:42 AM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

AS an x-agent you should know not put the horse in front of the cart...

Nov 18, 2016 04:13 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Why not. The more people know about your new license, the better. 

Nov 18, 2016 03:52 AM
Rainer
45,957
Andy Madrid
Hawaii Coast Realty, LLC - Kailua-Kona, HI
Expertise, Professionalism, and Service

Seana,

Congratulations on your career decision.  Obviously the most important thing is to study for and pass your exams to get licensed but absolutely I would be letting everyone you know what you are doing.  In my case, I already had a brokerage that wanted me to come work for them (Re/max) when I got my license and I would be joining a team.  That gave me the opportunity to meet the broker, the owner, the team leader, etc.  I was able to go to listing appointments with the team leader and I was introduced as someone obtaining my license to be the newest addition to the team.  You can definitely work on your website - just dont take it live yet.  You wont be able to have an IDX feed until you get licensed and complete any paperwork your brokerage requires but you can have your site ready to go when you are ready to go.  You can't reach out to people you dont know and solicit their business but if you have a conversation with someone just tell them you are working towards your license and you would be happy to reach out to them once you have it.  Build you contacts (your database), let your SOI know you are ready to help them when the time [yours] is right.  Good Luck!

Nov 18, 2016 01:20 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

I know most brokers are not even interested in talking to anyone until one has passed the test. Even become a full fledged realtor home owners want to know your track record and stats on homes $ you sold more than experienced agents.  

Many new agents have problem convincing their friends or relatives that they can represent others.  99% newer realtors are buyer agents until their past clients are ready to sell. 

Nov 17, 2016 11:57 PM
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

My suggestion is to complete your education first.

Nov 17, 2016 11:53 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Good luck.

Nov 17, 2016 11:25 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,042
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

One thing at a time.  

Study hard.  Take lots of practice tests.  Good luck with your license examination.

When you pass and are properly affiliated - let everyone know.  

Here's to a successful career.    

Nov 17, 2016 10:34 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,381
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Pass the exam before soliciting business. You should be interviewing with potential managing brokers!

Nov 17, 2016 10:20 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Sounds like you have the right attitude, but get the basics done first

Nov 17, 2016 10:08 PM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

IMO your examples would be considered practising real estate without a license - a big BOZO NO NO and very illegal - at least in my state it is

Nov 17, 2016 10:00 PM
Rainmaker
7,835,402
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Start filling your database with your contacts but defer real estate conversations until you have a license.

Nov 17, 2016 09:19 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

Richard Weeks nailed this one!

Nov 17, 2016 07:41 PM
Ambassador
6,393,154
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Good question and one I have wondered about as well.

Nov 17, 2016 02:18 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Seana Johnson - why not? Start building your database. Everyone will tell you the same thing.

Nov 17, 2016 01:43 PM
Rainmaker
183,505
James (Jim) Lawson, DBA
DomainRealty.com LLC - Bonita Springs, FL
Broker Associate, RSPS, BPOR, HI & PE

Learn the relevant real estate statutes/rules and ethical expectations. Then abide by them and follow Candice's advice.

Nov 17, 2016 01:34 PM
Rainmaker
4,160,356
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Seana Johnson First you need to complete your education.

Nov 17, 2016 12:26 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,601
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Barbara Todaro said it well

Nov 17, 2016 11:48 AM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 has a great response for you. 

Nov 17, 2016 10:43 AM
Rainmaker
4,935,667
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Coming soon is the way I would start it.

 

Nov 17, 2016 09:41 AM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Be careful what you say.

Nov 17, 2016 09:08 AM