Expert: Dick Dennis - 2/10/2006

Question
Dick-  I just passed the state exam and am now licensed as a sales associate here in FL  (Orlando to be exact). Could you offer some guidance for the 'new guy'?  *Recommended reading *Important industry links for this market *Tips on choosing the right broker ....(and who or what to avoid!) etc.  Im actually leaning towards looking at builders/developers because I dont have a 3-6 month reserve in the bank.  Any information and insight would be tremendously appreciated.  Be Excellent, Adam

Answer
I do wish you well, Adam, because it is going to be rough. You are coming into the business at a time when the buyers rule the roost and it is always tough when that happens.

Why do I say that? Because the name of this game is "listings." In otherwords, he who gets listings makes the big bucks. Trouble is, as you may have noticed, listings that are out there are sitting unsold longer these days. On top of that, you don't have the dough to hold you until you start doing well.

That's enough of the negative.

If you are willing to really work, it is going to be tough work, but you will be well rewarded. I would interview several real estate offices and talk with the manager/broker of each office and get an idea of what each can do for you. Be aware that he/she is looking for someone who will put dollars in his/her pocket, too.

Maybe I can help you take a shortcut. There is a real estate salesman (yeah, would you believe he is not a broker yet, but he makes six figures year after year) up in the Toronto area. He is constantly looking for licensees to buy his classes and seminars. He has something like 20 or so employees!

His name is Craig Proctor. His phone number is 1-800-538-1034. Chances are good you will not be talking to him when you call. But lay it on the line and tell you would like to start this game on the run. It's up to you if you want to buy any of his programs and it'll be up to him if they are willing to help a newbie. But you'll be getting into the game without any preconceived notions.

Maybe he knows of some office near you that as subscribed to his programs and you can join that office. You could also find him online at www.craigproctor.com.

Or you can pick up a book or two and get into this business through the back door, so to speak. Start with "Building Wealth One House at a Time" by John Schaub. There are other good books on how to make money in real estate WITHOUT having a real estate license. Like, there is a guru who really has a following and also makes six figures (mostly from others who buys his programs) and has a fistful of employees, too. His name is Ron LeGrand in Jacksonville. Get him (or any of his employees) at www.ronlegrand.com. Just be careful in dealing with the guys who offer you programs that help you make big bucks. This guy knows how to do it all right, if you are willing to put the time in. And you don't need to have money .  .  . after you buy one of his programs, that is.

This ought to help you get started.

Dick Dennis   dixiedee13@aol.com