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Amanda Christiansen, Christiansen Group Realty (Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843)

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Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

If you call now, at no extra charge, the ten secrets of instant success included with your order of How to sell & tell Real Estate and make it work for you.

Apr 17, 2016 11:31 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

I do not buy into them but when I am ready I make the calls to get the information I seek. I don't like high pressure sales. If we bought everything that was pitched we would be bankrupt.

Apr 17, 2016 11:52 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Amanda and Jared,

I disagree with you, unless you can show me all the 99% that are full of baloney and the 1% who are not!  If you cannot prove it, it would be like those who say that 99% of real estate agents are no better than used car salesmen.  We know that is not true!  

Apr 17, 2016 12:33 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I am not that cynical... I try to absorb and listen to as much as I can... you never know when you unearth a hidden little gem of information. Also, I'd need a better definition of "guru." It's a term that can mean many different things to different people.

Apr 17, 2016 08:38 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

When I got my license I went to many workshops. Now I get everything online. No, I would not pay them money now. But having a mentor or someone who keeps you accountable is quite useful. 

Apr 17, 2016 05:08 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

It depends on what you call Gurus.  There are some genious Real Estate people in Active Rain that are outstanding in teaching us how to market our business.

Apr 17, 2016 12:38 PM
Ambassador
1,026,993
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

up to their eyeballs ;)

 

Apr 17, 2016 12:05 PM
Rainmaker
2,707,721
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Richie Alan Naggar already wrote the perfect answer! 

Apr 17, 2016 11:58 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Most gurus are self proclaimed and you can't put much trust in that

Apr 17, 2016 11:48 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

My broker did was involved with the Mike Ferry organization back in the day.  He had very good results with it and was often a speaker at conferences and was one of the first people hired by Mike to coach others for him.

Mike's techniques worked in the day.  My broker got a LOT of business because of it and, like I have with AR, made some really good friends.

Guru's can be great if they have good info and you are willing to do what they say.  If you walk in thinking they're full of crap, then you will be prejudged to them and will get nothing from it.

I went to a free Tom Ferry event recently that was selling their big two day seminar.  Went in with an open mind (even though I knew what I was in store for) and got some good tidbits out of it.  Some stuff was crap I wouldn't do, other stuff was crap I would do.  There is usually a nugget of goodness somewhere in these gurus, if you are willing to look.

 

Apr 17, 2016 02:13 PM
Rainmaker
582,106
Eric Kodner
Madeline Island Realty - La Pointe, WI
CRS, Madeline Island Realty, LaPointe, WI 54850 -

There is a lot of hucksterism in this business. Real estate conventions and company conventions are loaded with motivational speaking which many agents confuse with education. Much of this is generational. Maybe the next generation of real estate agents will be less susceptible to the pseudo-religious cult of real estate pitchmen (and women).

Apr 17, 2016 01:50 PM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Zero, no, no, yep

Apr 17, 2016 01:13 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Never liked gurus. They tell you to do it their way. I prefer mentors who inspire you to do it your way.

Apr 17, 2016 11:23 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

never tried and never will pay for leads....

Apr 17, 2016 11:19 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

My observation is anyone that calls themself a 'guru', is not.  There are some great coaches/training programs out there, but they don't tout themselves as guru's.  

Apr 18, 2016 05:51 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

I do not.

Apr 17, 2016 09:42 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Not used them.

Apr 17, 2016 08:26 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,977
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Richie Alan Naggar - as usual - has the answer

Apr 17, 2016 01:53 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I've never gone down the guru path. I liken these programs to weight loss programs. Some people just need an extra push to get results. 

Apr 17, 2016 01:53 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

It depends on the guru.

Apr 17, 2016 12:57 PM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

    Paid $$$ to one of them in 1985, when I was brand new to the business.  Lesson learned; never spent another dime. 

Apr 17, 2016 12:46 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,620
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Can't say I've ever put a penny in any of their pockets unless you would count a NAR or State Convention sponsored CE class with one of them when I needed credits. One "Guru" I actually like has free stuff on line (Knox Free Tuesday) and that is David Knox.

Apr 17, 2016 11:34 AM
Rainer
14,154
Denise Amara
FlyerCo - Coral Springs, FL
Driven by helping others achieve success!

So glad I read this QA... I joined Active Rain a few days ago, and for some reason I thought using the word "guru" in my headline would help explain my interests and expertise.

After reading some of the insightful answers here, it's gone!

No need to pay private "gurus" huge fees!

From what I have seen so far, simply engaging in sites like Active Rain provide a wealth of free information and tips.

Sincerely,

Denise

Apr 23, 2016 01:08 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,705
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Have to listen to some of them but do not buy in

 

Apr 20, 2016 01:26 AM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

I can find so much information from some of these "gurus" free online. I will listen and watch videos.  I heard good ideas. What system works for you may not for me.  Accountability is the key and some agents need that! Never paid for their services.  My friend did sign up for one recently thru her office, Buffini or Burino?  I forget.  All this $$ and not one idea implemented.

Apr 18, 2016 05:37 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I never use the word guru in describing anyone.... if one learns to market online and offline, no one will need a "guru".... they are full of it!!!

Apr 18, 2016 04:04 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Have NEVER bought a 'glass of their Kool-Aid' and do not plan to anytime soon.

Apr 18, 2016 03:01 AM
Rainer
69,794
Shawn and Angela Miller
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Amabassador Real Estate - Lincoln, NE
Lincoln and Omaha, NE REALTORS®

Did you just say I could by a house with NO MONEY DOWN and assign it for cash the next day! LOL   We went to free one many many years ago while in college.  Two day event.  First day was pretty informative over general stuff.  Second day was a non stop sales pitch to purchase the "upgraded" information.  First day was pretty good and picked up some good info. 

Apr 18, 2016 01:18 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Amanda and Jared Christiansen I learned this after the first time I went to one of their rah-rah meetings.

Apr 17, 2016 11:23 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Choose wisely! Too many experts out there with little experience! 

Apr 17, 2016 11:17 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

"ahem' is what most measure 99% of everything they could not make work for THEM.

Yes, I do make money, however, when I hand them money I do know what I am buying because I do ask probing and revealing questions AND know what my business needs. My business does not need 'magic happens' stuff.

Besides most offer a money back guarantee.

HINT: they all require a 'buy into them' commitment because an 80 percent effort results in only 5% results.

Lastly, I have no idea what a guru is. Are those letters offered by NAR?

Apr 17, 2016 11:10 PM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Have not paid for "guru's"; was involved in some company sponsored sessions when I worked for a large firm and was horrified at some of the stuff that was being "taught".

Apr 17, 2016 11:01 PM
Rainmaker
444,170
Dianne Goode
Raleigh Cary Realty - Raleigh, NC
Realtor/Broker

One good idea can make a huge difference in your business down the road -- just as changing the airplane's heading by one degree on the compass will eventually take you someplace completely different.  I'm always open to hearing about that one good idea.   As for paying gurus -- good advice is worth paying for.  I built my business on the principles and practices I learned from Brian Buffini and Joe Stumpf -- worth every penny I paid them.

Apr 17, 2016 10:58 PM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

There are some good free webinars by some "gurus" but I think it is only worth paying for real coaching and then only if that's what will serve you best. A good mentor can be someone in your office or someone you pay; the value starts with what they offer but your application is what makes it worth the investment.

Apr 17, 2016 10:27 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Them that can do, them that can't become gurus.

Apr 17, 2016 10:22 PM
Rainer
56,684
LeAnn Sink - Realtor Knoxville, TN
United Real Estate Solutions - Knoxville, TN
#ThinkSink when you need an agent.

I'll admit that I'm tempted at times but I just can't seem to follow through and commit to one of these programs! First, what sounds too good to be true...blah blah blah.  Second, I just don't want to have to pay for leads. I just can't do it.

 

 

Apr 17, 2016 10:14 PM
Rainmaker
823,579
Susan Laxson CRS
Palm Properties - La Quinta, CA
Realtor in San Diego, CA & Naples, FL

I don't use them, but know of many very successful agents that have used them and vastly improved their business because of them. So... I don't agree with your statement and believe that they can be very helpful in providing ideas and motivation to their clients. Most of the ones that I know or have read about are very professional. Too bad you chose to disparage most of them with your last question.

Apr 17, 2016 10:07 PM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

Having been to Dale Carnegie, Zig Ziglar and a couple of other's not anymore.

I do try to do one a year to refresh what I have already learned.

Apr 17, 2016 10:01 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,139
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

You make your personal choices for what will best work for you.

Apr 17, 2016 09:44 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Who are these Gurus? Never paid - and not likely to pay.

Apr 17, 2016 04:33 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

no, no and yes. 

Now have a learned some great stuff from very smart people I'd call a guru ... you bet I have. But do they sell it, nope.

Apr 17, 2016 03:18 PM
Ambassador
6,393,494
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I have learned things from many of them, but have never paid any of them for the experience.

Apr 17, 2016 02:01 PM