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	<title>Alabama Real Estate Education Blog</title>
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	<link>http://realestateeducationblog.com</link>
	<description>We are here to help you!</description>
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		<title>Twitter Tips for Real Estate Professionals</title>
		<link>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2012/05/twitter-tips-for-real-estate-professionals/</link>
		<comments>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2012/05/twitter-tips-for-real-estate-professionals/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 13:50:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Continuing Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thinking about a real estate career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alabama real estate classes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[continuing education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online courses]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[real estate schools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[real estate social marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[real estate. real estate education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[take control of your career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[twitter for real estate agents]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realestateeducationblog.com/?p=128</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[1. Create public Twitter list names based on your target clients’ interests When creating public Twitter lists, make sure to choose a name that is both compelling and search engine friendly.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>1. <strong>Create public Twitter list names based on your target clients’ interests</strong></p>
<p>When creating public Twitter lists, make sure to choose a name that is both compelling and search engine friendly.</p>
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<p>&#8211;>Google loves Twitter lists! Make sure to include descriptive keywords phrases in the list name to ensure maximum visibility.</p>
<p>Most importantly, you need to tailor your public Twitter lists categories to the needs and interests of your <a href="http://garious.com/blog/2012/01/determining-your-customer-segment/" target="_blank">target customer segment</a>.</p>
<p>For example, if you are a Tucson-Ariz.-based Realtor who targets families with children, the following are good public Twitter lists to create:</p>
<ul>
<li>“Tucson Az Schools”</li>
<li>“Tucson Az Attractions”</li>
<li>” Tucson Parenting Groups”</li>
</ul>
<p>2. <strong>Create public Twitter lists to form partnerships</strong></p>
<p>You may create public Twitter lists about people who offer services to your target clients.</p>
<p>For example, creating a list titled “Top Az Financial Advisers” can be very helpful to your target clients. On top of that, it could be a great way to build relationships with financial advisers in your neighborhood.</p>
<p><strong>People get notified when you add them to your Twitter lists.</strong></p>
<p>They will appreciate the free exposure you are giving them and that could the beginning of a cross-referral partnership.</p>
<p>3. <strong>Use private lists to build relationships with prospects</strong></p>
<p>Answering questions is the best way to establish yourself as a trusted Realtor to your new prospects. Twitter lists allow you to stay alert to their inquiries and be readily available to help them out.</p>
<p>It is a good idea to create a small (10 people or less) private Twitter lists of some key people you wish to build relationships with. This way, you can check their Twitter updates on regular basis and initiate a conversation when the time is right.</p>
<p>4. <strong>Use private lists to keep an eye on your competition</strong></p>
<p>You can NOT stand out in the fiercely competitive real estate world unless you gain a deep understanding of your key competitors.</p>
<p>Create small-sized private lists including your key-competition and check them on regular basis. This simple tip can help you stay alert to what your competition is up to.</p>
<p>5. <strong>Public versus private list sizes</strong></p>
<p>When creating public lists, your main purpose is to grab potential client’s attention. Create lengthy public lists with abundant information in order to encourage many people to follow them.</p>
<p>When it comes to private lists, however, you need to focus your attention on select few prospects/competitors. Keep your private lists nice and short.</p>
<p>Twitter lists can be invaluable for taking real estate marketing to the next level.  If used intelligently, Twitter can help you acquire new clients and maintain solid relationships with existing ones.</p>
<h4>source:  <a href="http://www.HebaHosny.net">Heba Hosny</a> is an award-winning marketing expert, an SEO copywriter and a passionate artist. She is a resident blogger at <a href="http://www.garious.com">Garious</a>, where she shares her expertise on social media, branding, intelligent marketing &#8212; you name it.</h4>
<p><a href="http://next.inman.com/author/heba-hosny/"> </a>To learn more about becoming a real estate professional visit us today at <a title="Real Estate education for Alabama Realtors" href="http://www.careeracademyofrealestate.com">Career Academy of Real Estate</a>.  We offer prelicense, post license, reciprocal license, broker license courses, <a title="Continuing Education Specials" href="http://www.CareerAcademyofRealEstate.com">continuing education classes and software knowledge training.  </a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Your Sphere of Influence is Critical to Your Career</title>
		<link>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2012/05/your-sphere-of-influence-is-critical-to-your-career/</link>
		<comments>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2012/05/your-sphere-of-influence-is-critical-to-your-career/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 12:31:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Continuing Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thinking about a real estate career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[broker]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[take control of your career]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realestateeducationblog.com/?p=121</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; The real estate agent’s sphere of influence, or contacts with whom the agent has some acquaintance or relationship, is the source of most future business.  It’s critical that the new real estate agent get their sphere of influence off to a fast start to grow their business quickly. First, realize that you already have a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.CareerAcademyofRealEstate.com">real estate </a>agent’s sphere of influence, or contacts with whom the agent has some acquaintance or relationship, is the source of most future business.  It’s critical that the new real estate agent get their sphere of influence off to a fast start to grow their business quickly.</p>
<p>First, realize that you already have a sphere of influence.  You have family, friends, old schoolmates, previous business associates, Facebook buddies, and more.  These are people that know you, and just because of that, you have some influence on them. Throughout your <a href="http://www.CareerAcademyofRealEstate.com">career in real estate</a>, you should always have a plan to grow this group and implement it faithfully.  This will become a huge source of repeat and referral business over the life of your <a href="http://www.CareerAcademyofRealEstate.com">real estate career</a>.</p>
<p>Get your current list all in one place.</p>
<p>This is a big task, but it’s important and requires planning to avoid duplicate work later.  You’ll be surprised at how large a list you can come up with when you start pulling in your friends, old classmates, sports team members, business associates, your doctor, lawyer and others.  What is important is to hopefully start with something more than a list on paper.  If you use Outlook on your computer, use that contact database or another like it to get your sphere of influence into a system for customer relationship management.</p>
<p>Today there are many CRMs &#8211; Customer Relationship Management systems available, some free and many others worth investing in.  These CRM programs will create more time and more money to your bottom line and incorporate everything from your social marketing to your accounting.   Invest some time and money in CRM as you will find CRM a major part of your successful <a href="http://www.careeracademyofrealestate.com">real estate career. </a></p>
<p>To enroll in real estate classes today, click now:  <a title="Alabama Real Estate classes " href="http://www.CareerAcademyofRealEstate.com">Career Academy of Real Estate,</a> and choose the prelicense icon, follow the online easy signup and you are on your way to a fabulous career in one of the most fascinating industries, <a href="http://www.CareerAcademyofRealEstate.com">Real Estate</a></p>
<p>If you need assistance signing up or have questions, call, text or email us, <a href="mailto:CARERealEstateClasses@GMail.com">CARERealEstateClasses@GMail.com</a> or 251-610-6999</p>
<p>Remember 2012 is a Continuing Education year for Alabama Realtors.  Check out our <a title="Continuing Education Classes for Alabama Realtors" href="http://www.CareerAcademyofRealEstate.com">CE specials</a></p>
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		<title>Today Buyers &amp; Sellers are made up of many Generations</title>
		<link>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2012/05/110/</link>
		<comments>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2012/05/110/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 12:09:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Thinking about a real estate career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[careers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[continuing education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[generation Y]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online classes]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[real estate Alabama]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realestateeducationblog.com/?p=110</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[     During the next ten years, Gen Ys could account for upwards of 5,000,000 Real Estate transactions and represent about 74 million Americans.  That represents a significant percentage of total transactions.  There are characteristics of this generation that are relevant for Real Estate Agents.  Please note, that while you have different traits, the important issue [...]]]></description>
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<p>     During the next ten years, Gen Ys could account for upwards of 5,000,000<a title="real estate education plus technology education" href="http://www.CareerAcademyofRealEstate.com"> Real Estate </a>transactions and represent about 74 million Americans.  That represents a significant percentage of total transactions.  There are characteristics of this generation that are relevant for<a title="real estate education" href="http://www.careeracademyofrealestate.com"> Real Estate Agents</a>.  Please note, that while you have different traits, the important issue is being prepared to work with the characteristics of this generation to build rapport and faciliate communications.</p>
<p>Technology Savvy           More Educated than their Parents           Ethnically Diverse</p>
<p>Short Commutes and Going Green carry importance. This group is capable of communicating and multi-tasking across a variety of platforms and technologies.  Be prepared to interact and market to this generation using technology and social media.  For more information on what this generation is looking for when buying a home, please let us know.</p>
<p>Now there is special pricing on the 60 hour <a title="Real Estate offers unlimited opportunities" href="http://www.careeracademyofrealestate.com">prelicense course</a>, CARE License #87762, course just $295</p>
<p>Career Academy of Real Estate where we CARE about your real estate education</p>
<p>Approved by AREC and ARELLO</p>
<p>Offering prelicense, post license, reciprocal license, broker license, continuing education and software/technology training</p>
<p>take a demo class now at <a href="http://www.CareerAcademyOfRealEstate.com">www.CareerAcademyOfRealEstate.com</a></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
</div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Software Knowledge On Demand</title>
		<link>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2012/04/software-knowledge-on-demand/</link>
		<comments>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2012/04/software-knowledge-on-demand/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Apr 2012 22:22:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Thinking about a real estate career]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realestateeducationblog.com/?p=101</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What you need to know about the most popular Software Programs when you need it!  Video snippets as short as 15 seconds show you how to perform basic to advanced functions in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. Knowledge just in Time! Some of the benefits include: Web-based, Huge library of short video snippets of information, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>What you need to know </strong></span>about the most popular Software</p>
<p>Programs <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>when you need it!  </strong><span style="color: #000000;">Video snippets as short as 15 seconds </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><span style="color: #000000;">show you how to perform basic to advanced functions in </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;">Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong><a title="Software training at your fingertips 24/7" href="http://www.CareerAcademyofRealEstate.com">Knowledge just in Time!</a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Some of the benefits include:</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Web-based, Huge library of short video snippets of information,</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Build your own course from snippets, 24/7 access, powerful search</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">engine, a forum allows you to communicate with tech support and </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">with other subscribers, need of retention of infrequent tasks is </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">reduced.  If you retain it&#8230;fine, if you don&#8217;t just come back and get </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">the info again and again, as many times as you need.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="http://www.CareerAcademyofRealEstate.com">Click here for details of this subscription service. </a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<pre style="text-align: left;"></pre>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>10 Open House Tips: “Bringing Out the Best in the Property”</title>
		<link>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2010/05/10-open-house-tips-%e2%80%9cbringing-out-the-best-in-the-property%e2%80%9d/</link>
		<comments>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2010/05/10-open-house-tips-%e2%80%9cbringing-out-the-best-in-the-property%e2%80%9d/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 18:53:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Pat Mitchell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realestateeducationblog.com/?p=73</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[1.  LET THE NOSE LEAD THE WAY: It has to smell good when a prospect sets foot in the door. Set out potpourri or some freshly baked cookies. Make sure there are no scents from smokers or pets lingering in the air.  2. SET THE STAGE FOR THE BUYER: Have the dining and kitchen tables [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>1.  <strong>LET THE NOSE LEAD THE WAY</strong>: It has to smell good when a prospect sets foot in the door. Set out potpourri or some freshly baked cookies. Make sure there are no scents from smokers or pets lingering in the air.</p>
<p> <img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-84" title="door-01" src="http://realestateeducationblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/door-01-150x150.jpg" alt="door-01" width="150" height="150" />2. <strong>SET THE STAGE FOR THE BUYER</strong>: Have the dining and kitchen tables set with pretty dinnerware and seasonal decoration. Be sure there is some activity area, such as a board game on the bed in a child&#8217;s room. Be creative. The objective is to make the prospective buyer feel at home.</p>
<p> 3. <strong>WIDE OPEN SPACES</strong>: If at all possible, remove a piece of furniture from every room to create open space. The furniture can be put in a garage or storage building temporarily.</p>
<p> 4. <strong>SHOW OFF COUNTER SPACE</strong>: Clear off all non-essential items from counters making the counters the focal point of view.</p>
<p> 5. <strong>A LITTLE PAMPERING ANYONE?</strong> Hang the best towels and clear away everything except décor items on the bathroom counters. Make sure the shower curtain is attractive, clean and appealing. Add some scented soaps. Make the buyer feel pampered.</p>
<p> 6. <strong>COLOR IT</strong>: Place some fresh flowers to add color to the central rooms. Throw a colorful throw over a chair or sofa.</p>
<p> 7. <strong>GENERALIZE RATHER THAN PERSONALIZE</strong>: Remove personal photos, special collections and any décor that could be distracting.</p>
<p> 8. <strong>FIRE IT UP</strong>: In winter light a fire in the fireplace, especially if there are gas logs that do not need tending. In spring, place something colorful on the hearth.</p>
<p> 9. <strong>A WELCOMING ENTRANCE</strong>: Have an attractive doormat at the entrance and seasonal flowers in strategic spots as the buyer enters.</p>
<p> 10. <strong>ENHANCE THE CURB APPEAL</strong>: Groom the lawn as a professional would. The first impression is critical.</p>
<p> - <em>Pat Mitchell</em><em>, CRB; Real Estate Educator-Real Estate and Small Business Consultant</em></p>
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		<title>Is a Real Estate Career Right for You?</title>
		<link>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2010/03/is-a-real-estate-career-right-for-you/</link>
		<comments>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2010/03/is-a-real-estate-career-right-for-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:18:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Pat Mitchell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Thinking about a real estate career]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realestateeducationblog.com/?p=68</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Real Estate can be a most rewarding and challenging career choice. But it is not for everyone. The freedom to set your own schedule and control your own time is wonderful for the self-motivated individual who is disciplined enough to work and manage your most valuable resource, your time. However, some find that they get [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-69" title="Realtor" src="http://realestateeducationblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/ist2_3442614-working-150x150.jpg" alt="Realtor" width="150" height="150" />Real Estate can be a most rewarding and challenging career choice. But it is not for everyone. The freedom to set your own schedule and control your own time is wonderful for the self-motivated individual who is disciplined enough to work and manage your most valuable resource, your time. However, some find that they get sidetracked and put off the things that create income in lieu of things they enjoy more&#8230;&#8230; The end result, no sales, no income.</p>
<p>But let&#8217;s say you are that self-motivated, self-discipline individual. What else must you possess in order to become success at a real estate career? First and foremost would be good communication skills. Real estate is a contact sport. You simply cannot sit at home behind a computer and make a good living at real estate. You must be able to initiate and carry on a conversation with others, both face to face and on the telephone. Your biggest communication objective will be to &#8216;sell yourself&#8217;. Those same skills will allow you to be a strong advocate, negotiator on behalf of your clients. The client has to know that you will speak with confidence on their behalf.</p>
<p>Second, it is very helpful to be organized. There are a lot of details in a real estate transaction. As an agent representing a client, you become responsible for keeping up with and documenting the details. Keeping good records and the ability to multi-task are both very helpful in advancing to higher levels of income in real estate.</p>
<p>Third, is the ability and willingness to learn.  Like most everything else in life, things change. The law, the process, the way you interact with clients, all can change. If you are willing to learn, able to learn and seek out the latest information and apply it to the best of your ability, your level of success increases.</p>
<p>To recap, a successful real estate agent manages their time wisely, tracks and handles details effectively, communicates with ease and constantly seeks to learn and apply new information and practices. If you feel that you can do these things, real estate could be a great choice for you.</p>
<p> - <em>Pat Mitchell</em><em>, CRB; Real Estate Educator-Real Estate and Small Business Consultant</em></p>
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		<title>Steps in Getting an Alabama Real Estate License</title>
		<link>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2010/03/steps-in-getting-an-alabama-real-estate-license/</link>
		<comments>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2010/03/steps-in-getting-an-alabama-real-estate-license/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:13:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Donnis Palmer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Thinking about a real estate career]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realestateeducationblog.com/?p=39</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you want to get a real estate license in Alabama, it is really pretty simple. If you do not already have a current real estate license in another state and want  to get a real estate license in Alabama the requirements are as follows.  Note that if you already have a real estate license [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_54" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 229px"><img class="size-full wp-image-54 " title="Alabama License Law Book" src="http://realestateeducationblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/license-law-book.jpg" alt="Alabama License Law Book" width="219" height="301" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Alabama License Law Book can be obtained from the Alabama Real Estate Commission&#39;s website</p></div>
<p>If you want to get a real estate license in Alabama, it is really pretty simple.</p>
<p>If you do not already have a current real estate license in another state and want  to get a real estate license in Alabama the requirements are as follows.  Note that if you already have a real estate license in another state, then you are eligible for a reciprocal license.  The procedure for getting an Alabama reciprocal license is different.  Getting a reciprocal real estate license is covered in another article.</p>
<p> Getting a real estate license if you do not already have a license in another state:</p>
<p> <strong>1. Age Requirement:</strong></p>
<p>You must be at least 19 years old to receive a real estate license.  However you can begin the real estate course before turning 19 years old.</p>
<p> <strong>2. Residency Requirement:</strong></p>
<p>You must be a US citizen or have a permanent resident status which means you have a green card.  You must be able to show proof that you are a bona fide resident in any state in the US.</p>
<p><strong> </strong><strong>3. Background Check:</strong></p>
<p>Prior to being granted an Alabama real estate license the Alabama Real Estate Commission will conduct a criminal background check on all applicants.  In order to receive a realstate license, you cannot have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude.  What is a crime of moral turpitude?  It is a crime showing bad character like shoplifting or writing bad checks.</p>
<p> Also, you cannot have had a real estate application or real estate license rejected or revoked in any state within the past two years.</p>
<p> <strong>4. Education:</strong><br />
You are required to show proof of graduating from high school or have a GED.  Proof of high school graduation can be a high school or college diploma. </p>
<p> Additionally, you must take a 60-hour Alabama real estate course and pass the proctored course final examination.  This course can be taken online</p>
<p> <strong>5. State Exam:</strong><br />
After completing the course you will be required to take the Alabama real estate  license exam.</p>
<p><strong>6. After Passing Real Estate Exam</strong></p>
<p>After passing the state real estate exam before leaving the test site, you will be given an application for an Alabama temporary real estate license.  You will have 90 days to decide what you would like to do!  You must decide whether you want to be on active or inactive status.</p>
<p> If you are not ready to begin work in real estate right away, you can let your temporary real estate license be held on inactive status by the Alabama Real Estate Commission.</p>
<p> If you are ready to work in real estate right now, you must choose a broker that you want to work for and who will hold your temporary license so you can begin your career!  If you have not yet interviewed brokers, read blog posting How To Select a Real Estate Company to Work For.</p>
<p> Your next step is to take the Alabama post license course.  This is where you really learn how to practice real estate.  You have 6 months to complete this 30-hour post license course with an active license and 12 months with an inactive license.  This course can also be taken online</p>
<p> After completing this post license course you can apply for an original salesperson&#8217;s license.</p>
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		<title>How to Select a Real Estate Company to Work For!</title>
		<link>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2010/03/how-to-select-a-real-estate-company-to-work-for-2/</link>
		<comments>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2010/03/how-to-select-a-real-estate-company-to-work-for-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:33:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Pat Mitchell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Thinking about a real estate career]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realestateeducationblog.com/?p=40</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Where you place your real estate license is a critical decision. The company can become your most valuable asset or your career detriment. The choice is yours and it should not be taken lightly. The relationship is sort of like owning a business within a business. You are responsible for your business but the company [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_42" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 221px"><img class="size-full wp-image-42   " title="Get Into Real Estate" src="http://realestateeducationblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/real-estate-key-on-keyboard.jpg" alt="The Green Go Button to a Real Estate Career" width="211" height="227" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Go Button to a Real Estate Career</p></div>
<p>Where you place your real estate license is a critical decision. The company can become your most valuable asset or your career detriment. The choice is yours and it should not be taken lightly. The relationship is sort of like owning a business within a business. You are responsible for your business but the company provides an umbrella that either strengthens your opportunities and services or leaves your career path full of holes.</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s consider some of the most  important issues:</p>
<p><strong>♦  Company Website</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Is it user friendly? Remember, your clients will be going there for information.</li>
<li>Is it kept up to date? How often are listings updated? The same info pages&#8230;.</li>
<li>Are you provided personal web pages? Are they easy to update?</li>
<li>What does all this cost you? Do you get value for what you spend?</li>
</ul>
<p>♦  <strong>References</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Do you know someone who is licensed there? Ask about their experience.</li>
<li>Ask neighbors, friends about their experiences.</li>
</ul>
<p>♦  <strong>Office First Impression</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Is it warm and friendly?</li>
<li>Do you get a positive feeling when you step in?</li>
</ul>
<p>♦  <strong>Small, Medium or Large</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Is Coaching/Mentoring provided and if so, at what cost to you.</li>
<li>What support services are available; technology, marketing, relocation, staff etc. </li>
<li>Are systems in place for prospecting, listing, or contact management?</li>
</ul>
<p>♦  <strong>Broker/Manager</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Selling or managing broker: A selling broker could be your competition.</li>
<li>What is the broker&#8217;s management style?</li>
<li>How much management experience has the broker had?</li>
</ul>
<p>♦  <strong>Location</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Is it nearby your home making it easy to pick up and drop off  things?</li>
<li>Can technology be utilized extensively making the office location not as important?</li>
</ul>
<p>You should interview with 3 or more different brokers. Prepare and take a list of questions to each interview. Note down your impressions during or immediately after each interview. Then trust your feelings as you review the notes. Here are some suggested questions:</p>
<ol>
<li>What do you consider to be the strengths and weaknesses of your company/office?</li>
<li>What do you do to assist an agent in getting started at your office?</li>
<li>What do you expect from a new agent?</li>
<li>What will it cost me to get started and what does the company pay for on my behalf?</li>
<li>What is the makeup of your office, i.e. # of agents, experienced versus new, diversity</li>
<li>How often will I have an opportunity to work floor time or open houses?</li>
<li>What will my commission split be and does it increase as my production increases?</li>
</ol>
<p>You can develop other questions from the list of considerations shown above. The more you know, the better decision you can make. Real estate can be a very rewarding career but it can also be very challenging. Choosing the right company is one thing that can help you get your business moving.</p>
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		<title>Important Considerations in Selecting a Real Estate Broker</title>
		<link>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2009/04/how-to-select-a-real-estate-company-to-work-for/</link>
		<comments>http://realestateeducationblog.com/2009/04/how-to-select-a-real-estate-company-to-work-for/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:44:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Donnis Palmer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Thinking about a real estate career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[broker]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brokerage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choose]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[firm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[select]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realestateeducationblog.com/?p=26</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Choosing a real estate company to work for is much more than just finding a place to hang your license. It can be the backbone or structure that gives you a career worth having, and a business worth owning.  Let’s look at some of the issues that should be considered when selecting a real estate [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Choosing a real estate company to work for is much more than just finding a place to hang your license. It can be the backbone or structure that gives you a career worth having, and a business worth owning.</p>
<p> Let’s look at some of the issues that should be considered when selecting a real estate brokerage firm.</p>
<p>Take a look at the company’s website. Your future clients will be making decisions on who to call by looking at websites. Why don’t you do the same? Evaluate the home page and the navigation on the site. Is it easy for a prospective homebuyer to find what they are looking for? Look at the &#8220;About Us&#8221; section. What kind of feeling do you get about the company? Look at the section that contains agent profiles. Which agent would you pick if you were a prospective buyer or seller?</p>
<p>Ask your friends, neighbors and relatives about experiences they have had with real estate companies or agents. Find an agent currently practicing real estate to talk to about the business.</p>
<p>Cold call real estate offices to get a first impression. You are looking for a productive, positive environment. Explain that you are considering a career in real estate. What kind of response do you get? Ask to speak to the agent on duty. What kind of first impressions do you get from this conversation?</p>
<p>How far should your office be from your home? Remember, you will be going back and forth frequently at all hours of the day and night to pick up or deliver paperwork, checks, and meet clients. Make it as convenient on yourself as possible.</p>
<p>What size company would you be most comfortable working for? Big, medium or small…..they all have advantages and disadvantages. Often times in a small company the managing broker is also a selling broker which means that you may actually be competing with him/her. Depending on how this is handled it may or may not be a problem. However, it should be a topic of conversation and something for you to consider.</p>
<p>The size of the company may dictate what kind of staff support you will receive. Strong staff support can save you time and money. Talk to the support staff and take note of the attitude and enthusiasm.</p>
<p>Also look for a company with good systems in place. By this I mean, systems for prospecting, listings, expireds, contact management, etc. The thought and planning that goes into these kinds of systems is the mark of a well-managed company.</p>
<p>What about the managing broker? What kind of management style would be most appealing to you? You should interview with at least 3 different managing brokers, more interviews would be even better. Have a list of questions ready. Most important…..is to write down your impressions immediately after the interview while it is still fresh. Even if it is just to write down adjectives that express your feelings. Trust those feelings. Also make notes during and after the meeting about company policies that were discussed.</p>
<p>It is important that the managing broker be knowledgeable, a great administrator, and have a take charge personality.</p>
<p>Potential questions might be:</p>
<p>1. What is the average length of time agents have been with this office?</p>
<p>2. How do you help a new agent get up and running?</p>
<p>3. How many new agents do you currently have onboard? How many new agents do you plan on hiring in the next 3 months?</p>
<p>4. What kind of costs will I incur up-front if I decide to work with your company?</p>
<p>5. Can any of this be deducted from my first commission check?</p>
<p>6. What business expenses will the company pay for me?</p>
<p>7. What kind of sales volume do you expect of new agents?</p>
<p>8. What will my commission split be? How will that change over time?</p>
<p>9. How is floor duty decided and when would I be eligible?</p>
<p>10. How is the relocation referral business handled?</p>
<p>A career in real estate can be a very rewarding one. It is important that you get off to a good start.</p>
<p>A lot of people are under the mistaken impression that they are going in for a job interview, but that is not the case…….<strong>you are interviewing the brokers.</strong></p>
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