Writing from Australia

[naplesrealestate]

Ken is right - a broker should be encouraging you to prospect for business not discouraging you.

Prospecting makes real estate happens - because it just does not happen.

The more face to face interaction that you can have with people processes the best results.

The one of the things that most new agents get stuck in the practice of accepting desk duty or floor duty.

[SteveG]

Guys,

I hear exactly what you are both saying, but for some reason, my boss believes that the only time all the sales reps should out of the office is to either conduct a market appraisal or to show potential buyers properties (whether they have been qualified or not). He would much prefer to see a sales rep trying to look busy as oppose to hitting the pavement to prospect.

For this reason, I will be looking for another employer who is more sales and results focused, through training and mentoring. If not, I'll have not choice but to go back into recruitment, where prospecting is mandatory.

[naplesrealestate]

Steve,

Question - Does your broker have a schedule for floor duty?

As far as broker having you show properties to someone that is not qualified is an old philosophy of if the prospect sees something they will find a way to get the financing. I totally disagree with that philosophy, besides it being a waste of valuable time.

One broker that I worked for did not want agents in the office if they did not have floor duty, doing cold calling, or preparing some type of prospecting/advertising materials. He said that "we ain't going to find a listing or prospective buyer in the office - but we could find them outside of the office." He is totally correct. Well, maybe not today, since the greater use of the Internet.

Interview around with a number of different brokers and see what they have to offer. Remember, the split may not be as good, but the learning experience maybe better thus producing better results for you. If that happens remember loyality.

[Jim Messenger]

Steve,

I agree with the others here. Any real estate manager who tells his agents to prospect less is an idiot. And you should'nt work for idiots.

Find a new company. I know that Re/Max has several offices in Australia. Do they have one in Sydney? If so, you might consider checking them out.

[SteveG]

In hindsight,

I probably should have accepted the first job offer, as oppose to the second offer. The first employer said it would be my responsibility to get my own listings. In regard to the second employer (current), no there are no floor duties; I have asked if we can all spend one day out of the office for the specific purpose to prospect, but again my boss has said no. Therefore, I've decided that (until I find another suitable employer) I will conduct my letter drops 40 minutes prior to the official start time; at least this way, I'll be able to create my own brand awareness.

I have also asked if we can have territories for the purpose of generating listings, but again our boss has said no; subsequently, I could be creating my own listing opportunities only to see them given to another sales rep (which has already happened). For some reason, I'm the only one who asks a customer how did they find out about us.

In regard to Remax, they do have a presence in Western Sydney, but not a good reputation. I'm not sure about the USA, but here in Australia, real estate agents are regarded as one of the worst businesses, second only to used car sales people. This was one of the reasons I wanted to join real estate, so I could provide my sellers and buyers with a much more efficient, professional and accountable service.

[Jim Messenger]

Originally Posted by SteveG I I'm not sure about the USA, but here in Australia, real estate agents are regarded as one of the worst businesses, second only to used car sales people.

I'm not sure, but used car salesmen might be held in higher regard here. At least car salesmen actually have to work full time.

If we raised the entry costs, educational requirements, and required Brokers to really supervise their agents, maybe - just maybe - we could improve on our reputation. I've heard it suggested several times that we should have an "apprenticeship" requirement. Maybe that's a good idea; maybe it isn't, but at least it's an idea.

In summary, it's too easy and too cheap to get a real estate license. And Brokers need to stop hiring anyone who can fog a mirror!

[Mert]

Originally Posted by Jim Messenger Brokers need to stop hiring anyone who can fog a mirror!

Amen to that, brother, amen to that. Oh sorry hi Steve from Chicago by the way. Forgot the original point of the thread for a sec. Sorry I have to ask you as an ignorant person, is there an MLS system in your part of the world as it exists in Western Europe and US? It seems like MLS seems to validate the position of a realtor from slimebag to a neccessary evil (not that there is a difference in the eyes of the public).

[SteveG]

Hi guys,

To become a real estate agent in Sydney, Australia, you need to undertake a nine week course at a cost of $300. I just think the problem with real estate agencies in Australia is that they are still hanging onto the old systems that worked over 15 years ago. In other words, we haven't really imbraced technology, or accepted the fact that if you door knock or telemarket during the day, you're simply not going to talk to anyone, simply because, in today's age, you need to have two incomes to service a mortgage.

I have been suggesting that we should conduct targeted letter drops every week in an effort to blanket the suburbs where there is a lot of property movement; but alas, it keeps falling on deaf ears. In Australia, LJ Hooker is probably about the only real estate agent that has a very successful and recognisable brand awareness, but that's because they flood the market with their branding and their suggestions and tips.

In regard to MLS, the closest thing we've got is what we call "RP Data"; we can use this software to illustrate to customers how long a property was on the market before it was sold, what comparable homes sold for in their area, etc.

[Jim Messenger]

Have you considered starting an MLS? Why wait for someone else to do it? Do it yourself. Heck, I might even consider building one.

[kensmith]

Are you an independent contractor or an employee?