1,728,667
If new at it, find a willing mentor to lead you. Otherwise, take the lead of a top producer in the office you are working at and ask if you may 'shadow' them for a couple of weeks to 'learn the ropes'. Do not spend your money on leads; rather get out in public, hold other agents' listings open to generate contacts and get new listing referrals. I repeat; do not spend a dime without checking with a seasoned agnet n your office to make sure you are not buying empty promises.
-
Susan Laxson CRS
La Quinta, CA
-
Richard Lowery
Clarksville, TN
-
Jerry Newman
San Antonio, TX
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
-
Tony and Suzanne Marri...
Scottsdale, AZ
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Evelyn Johnston
Elkhart, IN
-
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Carpinteria, CA
-
Kartik Subramaniam
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
5,772,957
Steve,
Sandy Padula and Norm Padula, JD, GRI NMLS#1483386 gave you the best of advice. One of his big advantages is that no doubt, he will on time and organized. One of our clients was an ex marine. It was such a pleasure to work with him. We could count on him for delivery of items for his website, return of documents we needed. It was a delight to work with him.
A
-
Jerry Newman
San Antonio, TX
-
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
-
Evelyn Johnston
Elkhart, IN
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
-
Kartik Subramaniam
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
1,847,621
I think it's a rough profession with the pay not being steady. It's not for the faint of heart but neither is Afghanistan.
-
Laura Filip
Whitesboro, TX
-
Lise Howe
Washington, DC
-
Richard Lowery
Clarksville, TN
-
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
902,388
Military life is very structured; it might be difficult for someone used to that kind of environment to do real estate, which requires a lot of self initiative with little or no guidance.
-
Greg Large
Grove City, OH
-
Fred Griffin Florida R...
Tallahassee, FL
-
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
1,554,691
We get a lot of that here. I have them "intern" or assist me and see the REAL story. Most do not last my 90 day probation; never what they think it'll be. The longest I had a military guy was 1 year and he swore he'd become a Realtor...he left me for Green Peace! By the way, I'm a nice boss/leader; it was real estate not me they bailed on.
-
Lise Howe
Washington, DC
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
1,466,257
Steve Matley One of the major reasons for failure in this business is under capitalization. I don't know if a newly discharged military person would have the resourcs to carry them through until they started making a viable income. Unless the spouse has a good job, I would recommend coming into this business on a part time basis.
-
Richard Lowery
Clarksville, TN
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
2,684,769
I am a Veteran. There is such a culture shock just getting back into civilian life.
I would suggest being an assistant, or an office staff member, before becoming a sole proprietor or independent contractor.
-
Greg Large
Grove City, OH
-
Lise Howe
Washington, DC
3,350,439
You have some great comments here. Once they are up and running I would also suggest that military be a niche market ... much like Jerry Newman
-
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
-
Jerry Newman
San Antonio, TX
3,988,013
My company (PenFed Realty) sponsors those with military connections to help them get into real estate. This takes the burden of the front end expense away so those ready to work hard and make a commitment to focus on the business of starting a business.
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
634,532
No different than any new agent (get a great mentor, have enough cash to live at least 6-9 months without drawing on any commission income, etc.). But I would add that Vets can use their background as a special appeal to military families including their extended families and close friends. Many Americans want to support our returning Vets and happily bring them business.
-
Richard Lowery
Clarksville, TN
-
Kartik Subramaniam
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
2,785,306
Real Estate will not provide the stimulus necessary to challenge and reward a transition-or. Something more in line with their training, experience or skills banks. Restaurant business is a good place to investigate while figuring things out, you eat for free and earn a buck too. That's all I know
-
Richard Lowery
Clarksville, TN
-
Richie Alan Naggar
Riverside, CA
2,378,945
I reached out to a group here in Washington DC because I wanted to hire a vet as an administrative assistant - no one responded. My father, grandfather, an uncle and a cousin were career military - I would love to hire a veteran - and I would love to help a vet transition into real estate - how do I find someone(s) to help in the DC metro area?
-
Fred Griffin Florida R...
Tallahassee, FL
442,956
The military teaches structure and accountability. Someone coming from the military understands both. A schedule, daily lead generation, honesty and follow-up should come naturally. I would suggest marketing to veterans. If they are in a community with close military bases, there may be many active duty that would prefer to work with another veteran. Then there is the obvious part of training, ability to service a few months before commissions come in, etc.
-
Fred Griffin Florida R...
Tallahassee, FL
4,583,990
You have already received some excellent advice here. Good luck to those who have served our country in whatever career they choose.
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
4,906,637
The same as any other person getting into real estate:
Have a business plan
Manage your time
Prospect every day
-
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
3,071,489
Sandy Padula and Norm Padula, JD, GRI NMLS#1483386 nailed this one!
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
5,257,589
The same advice you give any other person thinking of entering this profession. The only difference, I would definitely volunteer to be their mentor! Former military make outstanding employees and business owners!!
-
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
991,652
I'd agree with those who say "same as any other agent".
Money to live on, get a mentor, do open houses etc....
-
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
66,409
I see you're in California, where the state is currently taking a couple of months to process the application to even take the exam. They have to pass the state exam before they can do anything else, so tell them to pick a school that will actually prepare them and to make a wise choice as far as online or live programs. Different programs work better for different people.
Full disclaimer: I work for a real estate school that is active in Southern California, so I don't want to go much further and pitch our services here. But if you have any questions about the school choice process and what veterans should expect (they can find a discount a lot of places), feel free to message me and I would be happy to help!
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
6,424,196
149,000
I am one who indeed did go into real estate after military service. Most vets have a strong work ethic. They should seek help in doing a good business situation analysis, develop a plan and then work hard on the plan and they will succeeed. Sounds a alot like advise I would give any new agent.
766,669
359,372
We recommend a real estate career to military. I like to point out that after getting a va loan, you are more qualified to explain the ins and outs to other people who are leaving the service and relocating.
4,434,177
5,034
Transitioning into civilial life is a huge change for our veterans. However, they are going to experience a similar culture shock whether they enter Real Estate or go to a more common form of employment. The real question here is how can they be successful in Real Estate.
Real Estate should be organized and scheduled just like the military. The problem for most that enter the business (non-vets included) is they don't want to do what it takes to get their business off the ground. They just want to show up and get lucky, have a lead handed to them and get paid like a typical 9-5. This is where the stress and disappointment comes from.
If you can follow orders you will be successful. Your mentor/broker/trainer, should be giving you the orders for a successful mission. They may say, you need to call 40 expired listings each week, preview 10 homes each day, knock on 30 doors each week and hold 2 open houses each month. If you can follow the order you will be successful.
Vets should also reach out for support from other local vets and this support system then becomes a way to grow their personal Sphere of Influence. If I'm a recent vet and I'm looking to buy or sell, why wouldn't I want to work with another local Vet? Most Americans respect and appreciate the service of our military members. With that, the veteran will walk in the door of a listing appointment having already earned the respect of the Seller, this is a powerful starting point.
1,506,773
Having worked with several people in the corporate world who were ex-military, there is a huge culture difference between the two. What you can say, how you can act and people don't jump when you snap your fingers. Orders get questioned and the chain of command isn't as "cut and dry" as it was in the military.
4,945
I would direct the candidates to Keller Williams Realty, the #1 ranked training organization in the world! The training, coaching, support, and friendly atmosphere is unsurpassed! Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or if I can help in any way.
729,563
I say go for it. Find an Broker that understands military life, and learn . Retired military means in most cases you have funds coming in and can afford a break in funds coming in. Well that is if you are retired military. If not then you need a nest egg put back to make it to the first sale. Either way find a broker who has military in thier back ground. Semper FI have a blessed day.
906,932
The same advice I would give to all new agents, prepare to work hard, find a wonderful mentor and find a great training program!
1,617,916
He will need to know that it is his business. He would need to join an active team to learn the business.
7,870,209
4,319,773
Steve Matley - Welcome to Real Estate. Start working by referrals - begin with other military personnel.
4,272,934
Build a huge shere of influence with people that are still in and make sure the Housing Authority is your friend at the base nearby ....
3,986,308
I would advise them like any other person...Let them know the odds of aking a sale and how soon and how much of a bankrole they need to get started and keep the household going until the first sale.
2,224,473
First he will have to pass his state's test. It might also be a great idea for him to talk with several agents to find out more about the industry. It's not for everyone. It's a lot of hardwork and time, but it is also very rewarding.
1,157,791
3,743,474
Many of my favorite colleagues have been former military, and they are terrific agents. It might be good to start off getting licensed and working as a salaried assistant while learning the ropes.
1,525,616
I say go for it, but make sure to get in a company that has a mentoring program. The military discipline should help tremendously!
147,437
First, make sure he has enough money to support the initial expenses required in this business. We are also talking about the marketing expenses to promote the business.
Second, is to join a company that has great reputation on training new agents. This company should have enough leads to connect him to start with. It would be smart to team up with experienced agents who have good business ethics.
Lastly, find someone who can help him with Personal Branding. If people do not know him, then he will always be chasing for business.
1,753,413
Steve, I have sailor who is tapping out next month. He is joining our company in September. My best advice is to use the discipline learned in the military to become a proactive superstar in the realty office. He is already making preparations for his new role. I'll make sure he gets all the training I can give him, but my next advice would be to continue to learning, and since he is new, I would encourage him to run things by me before committing to a program that he isn't ready for, or to one that really doesn't produce results. There will be much to learn, but a solid commitment to achieve will be his ace in the hole. His military career has already proven he knows about commitment.
1,242,204
2,443,250