In my endless quest to dispel the many myths surrounding what it takes to thrive as an independent broker, I’ve compiled a list of the top ten ways agents deceive themselves into thinking that they can’t – or shouldn’t – set up shop on their own.
1. Creating a “sense of community”
Unless you’re actively recruiting, the last thing you probably need to be doing is hanging out at an office chit-chatting with other agents. Sure there’s endless entertainment and comic relief swapping horror stories and real estate tips and yes, you’re building rapport with other agents that could help a future deal go more smoothly than otherwise. But let’s face it, ultimately you’re just wasting time. If you need to create a sense of community, being active in your local community is a far better, more authentic, alternative. Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity or another cause you have a passion for. Create a true sense of belonging while building a meaningful network of contacts outside of – but related to – real estate. If you want contact with other agents use social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and ActiveRain to interface with agents outside your market. You may even find you feel freer to share with those who aren’t your direct competition and with whom you may wind up being able to refer business to in the future.
2. Access to real estate expertise
Early in my career I did several transactions involving options to sell that only one broker in my company knew how to handle. Since there is an endless number of ways that transactions can evolve, there are many experienced, competent brokers who don’t know or who don’t have all the answers. That’s one of the most attractive things about real estate, in my opinion. Never a dull moment. Granted, I don’t advise anyone to go out on their own until they have a critical mass of transactions under their belt. For me personally I felt that number was about 100 transactions (five years) but your mileage may vary. I am always shocked when people with six months or a Read more