WEBVTT
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Thinking about getting your real estate license before you spend the money, take the classes, jump into this business.
00:00:41.520 --> 00:00:45.039
There are a few things I really wish more people understood.
00:00:45.200 --> 00:00:50.640
Because here's the thing: you can absolutely build an incredible career in real estate.
00:00:50.880 --> 00:00:56.480
You can make a great living, have flexibility, and build a business you're proud of.
00:00:56.719 --> 00:01:00.719
And there's a side of real estate that nobody really talks about.
00:01:00.960 --> 00:01:16.719
The money it takes to get started, how long it can take before you actually get paid, the difference between having freedom and knowing what to do with it, and why the brokerage you choose can make a huge difference in your experience.
00:01:16.879 --> 00:01:19.920
And I know because I went through all of it myself.
00:01:20.079 --> 00:01:24.719
And I don't want you to learn everything the hard way if you don't have to.
00:01:25.039 --> 00:01:31.200
So today I'm gonna share four things I think every future real estate agent needs to know.
00:01:31.439 --> 00:01:34.719
First, what it actually costs to get started.
00:01:34.960 --> 00:01:39.760
Second, while real estate is what I call a 90-day business.
00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:45.359
Third, why the freedom everyone talks about can actually work against you.
00:01:45.600 --> 00:01:52.799
And finally, how to choose a brokerage that's going to support you instead of leaving you to figure out everything alone.
00:01:53.040 --> 00:01:56.400
And that last one, it's a biggie, so stick around.
00:01:56.560 --> 00:02:00.480
I'm Angie Gerber and I've been in real estate since 2014.
00:02:00.560 --> 00:02:05.760
And I closed over 30 transactions my very first year and hundred cents.
00:02:06.000 --> 00:02:15.280
Now I know that sounds like I just jumped into business and everything was wonderful, but let me tell you, there was a whole lot more going on behind the scenes.
00:02:15.519 --> 00:02:21.680
I got into real estate at 37, a mom of three, leaving a career I'd been in for 13 years.
00:02:21.920 --> 00:02:24.960
So this wasn't just some little side project for me.
00:02:25.120 --> 00:02:29.920
It was changing careers, changing my income, and changing my routine.
00:02:30.079 --> 00:02:33.120
And I had a lot riding on making it work.
00:02:33.360 --> 00:02:38.000
I started as a showing specialist and a buyer's agent, and I learned a ton.
00:02:38.240 --> 00:02:42.720
But there were also some things I really wish I had understood before I started.
00:02:42.800 --> 00:02:44.560
And that's what I want to share with you.
00:02:44.720 --> 00:02:51.439
Now, here's the first thing: getting your real estate license is not the same thing as having a real estate business.
00:02:51.680 --> 00:02:58.480
You can pass the test, get your license, and be completely clueless on how to actually get a client.
00:02:58.720 --> 00:03:01.199
And that's not a knock on real estate school.
00:03:01.280 --> 00:03:05.360
They're teaching you what you need to know to pass the licensing exam.
00:03:05.600 --> 00:03:08.800
They're not necessarily teaching you how to run a business.
00:03:08.959 --> 00:03:12.079
And those are two completely different things.
00:03:12.319 --> 00:03:18.720
So let's talk about the money because when people think about becoming a real estate agent, they usually think about the commission.
00:03:18.879 --> 00:03:28.000
They see a house sell for$400 or$500,000, and they start doing the math and think, wow, I only need to sell a few houses.
00:03:28.160 --> 00:03:33.519
And I say, Well, hang on a sec, because that commission check isn't all yours to keep.
00:03:33.680 --> 00:03:50.720
And depending on your situation, you may have brokerage splits, team splits, transactions fees, taxes, marketing expenses, association dues, MLS fees, insurance, gas, and all kinds of other business expenses.
00:03:50.879 --> 00:03:52.560
And those things add up.
00:03:52.720 --> 00:03:55.280
And when I started, I was working on a team.
00:03:55.360 --> 00:04:06.240
And yes, I was closing transactions over 30 my first year, but I also had a commission split in exchange for the training, support, and opportunities I was receiving.
00:04:06.399 --> 00:04:09.920
And I want to be clear, I am not saying splits are bad.
00:04:10.079 --> 00:04:14.800
Sometimes that support is absolutely worth it, especially when you're brand new.
00:04:14.959 --> 00:04:24.959
But you need to understand what you're actually taking home because gross commission income and the money that ends up in your bank account are two completely different numbers.
00:04:25.120 --> 00:04:30.000
And I remember having a maxed out credit card and gas was$485 a gallon.
00:04:30.160 --> 00:04:35.040
I was driving all over the place, showing houses, meeting buyers, doing the work.
00:04:35.199 --> 00:04:38.560
And I had to be very intentional about managing my money.
00:04:38.720 --> 00:04:44.560
I mean, when I got paid, I was paying down that credit card and making sure I could keep the business going.
00:04:44.800 --> 00:04:47.839
So here's what I want you to do before you jump in.
00:04:48.079 --> 00:04:50.400
Sit down and figure out your numbers.
00:04:50.560 --> 00:04:52.879
What does it cost to get licensed?
00:04:53.040 --> 00:04:56.319
What are your monthly business expenses, brokerage fees?
00:04:56.400 --> 00:05:10.319
I mean, all of them, association dues, MLS, the additional tools and resources you may need to pay for, what you'll owe in taxes, and most importantly, how are you going to pay your personal bills while you're building your business?
00:05:10.560 --> 00:05:12.800
What does your safety net look like?
00:05:13.040 --> 00:05:18.160
Because I don't want you to confuse a big commission check with a profitable business.
00:05:18.400 --> 00:05:22.319
So the takeaway is know your numbers before you need the money.
00:05:22.560 --> 00:05:25.759
Which brings me to the second thing in real estate.
00:05:25.920 --> 00:05:28.160
It's a 90-day business.
00:05:28.400 --> 00:05:31.520
Now, this is something I really want you to understand.
00:05:31.759 --> 00:05:43.520
I call real estate a 90-day business, meaning the activities you're doing today are often creating opportunities that will turn into business weeks or months from now.
00:05:43.759 --> 00:05:47.840
Now, that's not a guarantee that every transaction takes 90 days.
00:05:48.080 --> 00:05:51.840
Some happen faster, some take much longer.
00:05:52.240 --> 00:05:58.480
The point is that there's usually a delay between doing the work and getting paid.
00:05:58.640 --> 00:06:02.160
And this is where so many new agents get frustrated.
00:06:02.319 --> 00:06:11.040
They get their license, they tell a few people that they're in real estate, maybe they post on social media, and then they wait and they wait and they wait.
00:06:11.199 --> 00:06:14.240
And they start thinking, why isn't anything happening?
00:06:14.480 --> 00:06:18.480
And I say, Well, what are you doing every day to create business?
00:06:18.640 --> 00:06:20.240
Who are you talking to?
00:06:20.400 --> 00:06:22.080
Who are you following up with?
00:06:22.319 --> 00:06:24.560
How many conversations are you having?
00:06:24.720 --> 00:06:27.280
How many relationships are you building?
00:06:27.600 --> 00:06:34.319
Because real estate is a relationship business, it's a lead generation business.
00:06:34.560 --> 00:06:40.879
And here's one of my favorite sayings: conversations equal currency.
00:06:41.120 --> 00:06:51.280
And when I was getting started, I was doing open houses, making calls, following up with people, and having conversations, lots and lots of conversations.
00:06:51.520 --> 00:07:02.240
And not every conversation turned into a client, but every conversation was an opportunity to build a relationship, learn something, or help someone.
00:07:02.480 --> 00:07:07.600
And here's something else: a lot of buyers don't even know how close they might be to buying a home.
00:07:07.759 --> 00:07:11.680
You know, I've worked with buyers who thought they were nine months or even a year out.
00:07:11.840 --> 00:07:19.759
And after connecting them with a great lender and helping them understand the process, they ended up buying much sooner than they expected.
00:07:20.000 --> 00:07:22.240
And that's why conversations matter.
00:07:22.480 --> 00:07:27.280
Sometimes people don't need you to sell them something, they need you to educate them.
00:07:27.439 --> 00:07:32.240
So when you're getting started, don't just think about the commission you want next month.
00:07:32.480 --> 00:07:38.640
Think about the relationships and opportunities you're creating for the next several months and years.
00:07:38.960 --> 00:07:45.840
So takeaway too, the business you want tomorrow depends on the activities you're willing to do today.
00:07:46.080 --> 00:07:51.759
And speaking of activities, freedom without structure can be a problem.
00:07:52.080 --> 00:07:56.160
Freedom is one of the biggest reasons people want to get into real estate.
00:07:56.319 --> 00:08:01.120
I want to make my own schedule, I want to be my own boss, I want flexibility.
00:08:01.280 --> 00:08:06.000
And I get it, those are some of the things that attracted me to the business too.
00:08:06.319 --> 00:08:08.240
But here's what nobody tells you.
00:08:08.480 --> 00:08:12.160
When you're your own boss, you have to tell yourself what to do.
00:08:12.400 --> 00:08:16.000
And sometimes that's harder than having someone else tell you.
00:08:16.240 --> 00:08:20.560
Nobody standing over your shoulder saying, Hey, did you make your calls today?
00:08:20.800 --> 00:08:22.640
Did you follow up with those buyers?
00:08:22.879 --> 00:08:24.800
Did you schedule your open house?
00:08:25.040 --> 00:08:26.960
Did you work on your business today?
00:08:27.120 --> 00:08:36.000
You see, you can spend an entire day being busy and accomplish absolutely nothing that's going to create a client and move your business forward.
00:08:36.159 --> 00:08:44.480
You can organize your desk, you can redesign your business cards, you can spend three hours picking out the perfect social media graph.
00:08:44.639 --> 00:08:48.879
And at the end of the day, you haven't talked to one potential client.
00:08:49.120 --> 00:08:56.240
And don't get me wrong, some of those things need to be done, but they're not the activities that are going to build your business.
00:08:56.399 --> 00:09:03.120
So here's what I recommend: treat your real estate business like a real business from day one.
00:09:03.439 --> 00:09:15.919
Put your work hours on your calendar, schedule time for lead generation, schedule time for follow-up, schedule time to learn contracts, and practice your conversations and protect that time.
00:09:16.240 --> 00:09:21.279
Because if you don't decide what you're going to do with your day, your day will decide for you.
00:09:21.439 --> 00:09:28.240
And that freedom you were so excited about, it can turn into a whole lot of stress and uncertainty.
00:09:28.719 --> 00:09:34.959
Takeaway three, freedom is wonderful, but structure is what makes that freedom possible.
00:09:35.360 --> 00:09:40.559
Now let's talk about something that can make all three of these things a whole lot easier.
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Choosing the right brokerage and support.
00:09:43.679 --> 00:09:45.360
And this one's really important.
00:09:45.759 --> 00:09:51.279
And I think too many agents choose a brokerage based on one thing, the commission split.
00:09:51.439 --> 00:09:56.479
They hear you get to keep this percent, and then they think, well, that's the obvious choice.
00:09:56.639 --> 00:10:00.719
And here's my question: keeping the percentage of what?
00:10:01.120 --> 00:10:10.479
If you're not getting clients, if you don't know what to do, and if you don't have anyone helping you learn the business, what difference does that percentage make?
00:10:10.719 --> 00:10:15.039
Because zero percent of zero dollars is the same thing.
00:10:15.279 --> 00:10:16.000
Nothing.
00:10:16.240 --> 00:10:18.559
Now I'm not saying the split doesn't matter.
00:10:18.719 --> 00:10:19.919
Of course it matters.
00:10:20.159 --> 00:10:23.360
You need to understand every fee and expense.
00:10:23.599 --> 00:10:27.599
And you also need to understand what you're getting in return.
00:10:27.839 --> 00:10:29.599
What training is available?
00:10:29.839 --> 00:10:31.120
Is there a mentor?
00:10:31.360 --> 00:10:34.559
Can you get help when you're writing your first purchase agreement?
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What happens when you have a question on Saturday afternoon and your client needs an answer?
00:10:40.079 --> 00:10:43.679
Who's helping you understand the buying and selling process?
00:10:43.919 --> 00:10:48.879
And what kind of support do you get when something doesn't go according to plan?
00:10:49.199 --> 00:10:53.679
Because trust me, things are not always gonna go according to plan.
00:10:54.079 --> 00:10:56.079
And here's what I want you to think about.
00:10:56.399 --> 00:10:59.599
Choosing a brokerage, it's kind of like a trust fall.
00:10:59.759 --> 00:11:05.199
You know those exercises where you're supposed to fall backwards and trust that someone's gonna catch you.
00:11:05.439 --> 00:11:10.879
Well, when you're brand new in real estate, you're going to have those moments when you don't know what to do.
00:11:11.039 --> 00:11:16.159
You're going to have questions, you're going to make mistakes, and you're going to need some help.
00:11:16.399 --> 00:11:22.879
So the question is, do you trust the people you're partnering with to support you when you need them?
00:11:23.199 --> 00:11:25.679
Because who you partner with matters.
00:11:25.919 --> 00:11:27.679
And let me tell you something else.
00:11:27.919 --> 00:11:30.319
You're not signing your name in blood.
00:11:30.559 --> 00:11:34.559
So your first brokerage doesn't have to be your forever brokerage.
00:11:34.799 --> 00:11:40.399
In fact, I can only think of a handful of agents who have never changed brokerages.
00:11:40.559 --> 00:11:44.879
Sometimes you start somewhere because you need training and mentorship.
00:11:45.120 --> 00:11:52.000
And later, when your business grows, you may need different tools, different systems, or a different kind of support.
00:11:52.159 --> 00:11:55.679
And that doesn't mean you've made a bad decision the first time.
00:11:55.919 --> 00:11:57.839
It means your needs changed.
00:11:58.000 --> 00:12:01.120
Now, switching brokerage isn't always easy.
00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:09.519
There may be fees, pending transactions to work through, new marketing materials, signs, and all kinds of details.
00:12:09.759 --> 00:12:14.000
So I'm not suggesting you jump around every time something gets uncomfortable.
00:12:14.159 --> 00:12:20.799
And I do want you to ask yourself is where I am today helping me get to where I want to go tomorrow?
00:12:21.039 --> 00:12:27.360
And if you're not licensed yet, start asking those questions before you choose where you're going to hang your license.
00:12:27.599 --> 00:12:37.039
Interview brokerages, talk to agents who work there, ask specific questions about training, mentoring, the costs, and the support.
00:12:37.279 --> 00:12:43.279
And don't be afraid to ask the same question more than once until you understand the answer.
00:12:43.759 --> 00:12:48.479
My takeaway for is don't just choose a brokerage based on what you keep.
00:12:48.719 --> 00:12:51.679
Choose one based on what will help you grow.
00:12:52.000 --> 00:13:03.919
So if you're thinking about getting into real estate, here's what I want you to remember: understanding your numbers, understanding that the work you do today builds the business you'll have tomorrow.
00:13:04.159 --> 00:13:11.519
Create structure before you desperately need it, and surround yourself with people who can help you learn and grow.
00:13:11.759 --> 00:13:20.079
Because real estate can be an incredible career, but you have to treat it like a business, and you don't have to figure all of this out on your own.
00:13:20.319 --> 00:13:25.039
And that's why I created my free real estate business builder community.
00:13:25.199 --> 00:13:34.639
It's a place where new and experienced agents from across the country come together, share what's working, ask questions, and help each other grow.
00:13:34.799 --> 00:13:46.479
There's a free live call Monday through Friday, real estate scripts, courses, practical resources that help you understand what it actually takes to build this business.
00:13:46.719 --> 00:13:53.039
So whether you're thinking about getting licensed or you've already taken that step, I'd love for you to check it out.
00:13:53.120 --> 00:13:55.759
And I'll leave the link below in the description.
00:13:56.079 --> 00:14:03.839
And if you're wondering what to do once you actually get your license, that's exactly what we're talking about in the next video.
00:14:04.319 --> 00:14:08.719
How to succeed as a new real estate agent in your first 30 days.
00:14:08.879 --> 00:14:11.039
Because getting your license is one thing.
00:14:11.279 --> 00:14:14.639
Knowing what to do with it, that's a whole different story.
00:14:14.799 --> 00:14:16.559
So I'll see you in that video.
00:14:16.719 --> 00:14:20.799
And remember, you pass the test and I'll teach you the rest.
00:14:21.039 --> 00:14:21.599
See you there.
00:00:34.079 --> 00:00:41.359
Thinking about getting your real estate license before you spend the money, take the classes, jump into this business.
00:00:41.520 --> 00:00:45.039
There are a few things I really wish more people understood.
00:00:45.200 --> 00:00:50.640
Because here's the thing: you can absolutely build an incredible career in real estate.
00:00:50.880 --> 00:00:56.480
You can make a great living, have flexibility, and build a business you're proud of.
00:00:56.719 --> 00:01:00.719
And there's a side of real estate that nobody really talks about.
00:01:00.960 --> 00:01:16.719
The money it takes to get started, how long it can take before you actually get paid, the difference between having freedom and knowing what to do with it, and why the brokerage you choose can make a huge difference in your experience.
00:01:16.879 --> 00:01:19.920
And I know because I went through all of it myself.
00:01:20.079 --> 00:01:24.719
And I don't want you to learn everything the hard way if you don't have to.
00:01:25.039 --> 00:01:31.200
So today I'm gonna share four things I think every future real estate agent needs to know.
00:01:31.439 --> 00:01:34.719
First, what it actually costs to get started.
00:01:34.960 --> 00:01:39.760
Second, while real estate is what I call a 90-day business.
00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:45.359
Third, why the freedom everyone talks about can actually work against you.
00:01:45.600 --> 00:01:52.799
And finally, how to choose a brokerage that's going to support you instead of leaving you to figure out everything alone.
00:01:53.040 --> 00:01:56.400
And that last one, it's a biggie, so stick around.
00:01:56.560 --> 00:02:00.480
I'm Angie Gerber and I've been in real estate since 2014.
00:02:00.560 --> 00:02:05.760
And I closed over 30 transactions my very first year and hundred cents.
00:02:06.000 --> 00:02:15.280
Now I know that sounds like I just jumped into business and everything was wonderful, but let me tell you, there was a whole lot more going on behind the scenes.
00:02:15.519 --> 00:02:21.680
I got into real estate at 37, a mom of three, leaving a career I'd been in for 13 years.
00:02:21.920 --> 00:02:24.960
So this wasn't just some little side project for me.
00:02:25.120 --> 00:02:29.920
It was changing careers, changing my income, and changing my routine.
00:02:30.079 --> 00:02:33.120
And I had a lot riding on making it work.
00:02:33.360 --> 00:02:38.000
I started as a showing specialist and a buyer's agent, and I learned a ton.
00:02:38.240 --> 00:02:42.720
But there were also some things I really wish I had understood before I started.
00:02:42.800 --> 00:02:44.560
And that's what I want to share with you.
00:02:44.720 --> 00:02:51.439
Now, here's the first thing: getting your real estate license is not the same thing as having a real estate business.
00:02:51.680 --> 00:02:58.480
You can pass the test, get your license, and be completely clueless on how to actually get a client.
00:02:58.720 --> 00:03:01.199
And that's not a knock on real estate school.
00:03:01.280 --> 00:03:05.360
They're teaching you what you need to know to pass the licensing exam.
00:03:05.600 --> 00:03:08.800
They're not necessarily teaching you how to run a business.
00:03:08.959 --> 00:03:12.079
And those are two completely different things.
00:03:12.319 --> 00:03:18.720
So let's talk about the money because when people think about becoming a real estate agent, they usually think about the commission.
00:03:18.879 --> 00:03:28.000
They see a house sell for$400 or$500,000, and they start doing the math and think, wow, I only need to sell a few houses.
00:03:28.160 --> 00:03:33.519
And I say, Well, hang on a sec, because that commission check isn't all yours to keep.
00:03:33.680 --> 00:03:50.720
And depending on your situation, you may have brokerage splits, team splits, transactions fees, taxes, marketing expenses, association dues, MLS fees, insurance, gas, and all kinds of other business expenses.
00:03:50.879 --> 00:03:52.560
And those things add up.
00:03:52.720 --> 00:03:55.280
And when I started, I was working on a team.
00:03:55.360 --> 00:04:06.240
And yes, I was closing transactions over 30 my first year, but I also had a commission split in exchange for the training, support, and opportunities I was receiving.
00:04:06.399 --> 00:04:09.920
And I want to be clear, I am not saying splits are bad.
00:04:10.079 --> 00:04:14.800
Sometimes that support is absolutely worth it, especially when you're brand new.
00:04:14.959 --> 00:04:24.959
But you need to understand what you're actually taking home because gross commission income and the money that ends up in your bank account are two completely different numbers.
00:04:25.120 --> 00:04:30.000
And I remember having a maxed out credit card and gas was$485 a gallon.
00:04:30.160 --> 00:04:35.040
I was driving all over the place, showing houses, meeting buyers, doing the work.
00:04:35.199 --> 00:04:38.560
And I had to be very intentional about managing my money.
00:04:38.720 --> 00:04:44.560
I mean, when I got paid, I was paying down that credit card and making sure I could keep the business going.
00:04:44.800 --> 00:04:47.839
So here's what I want you to do before you jump in.
00:04:48.079 --> 00:04:50.400
Sit down and figure out your numbers.
00:04:50.560 --> 00:04:52.879
What does it cost to get licensed?
00:04:53.040 --> 00:04:56.319
What are your monthly business expenses, brokerage fees?
00:04:56.400 --> 00:05:10.319
I mean, all of them, association dues, MLS, the additional tools and resources you may need to pay for, what you'll owe in taxes, and most importantly, how are you going to pay your personal bills while you're building your business?
00:05:10.560 --> 00:05:12.800
What does your safety net look like?
00:05:13.040 --> 00:05:18.160
Because I don't want you to confuse a big commission check with a profitable business.
00:05:18.400 --> 00:05:22.319
So the takeaway is know your numbers before you need the money.
00:05:22.560 --> 00:05:25.759
Which brings me to the second thing in real estate.
00:05:25.920 --> 00:05:28.160
It's a 90-day business.
00:05:28.400 --> 00:05:31.520
Now, this is something I really want you to understand.
00:05:31.759 --> 00:05:43.520
I call real estate a 90-day business, meaning the activities you're doing today are often creating opportunities that will turn into business weeks or months from now.
00:05:43.759 --> 00:05:47.840
Now, that's not a guarantee that every transaction takes 90 days.
00:05:48.080 --> 00:05:51.840
Some happen faster, some take much longer.
00:05:52.240 --> 00:05:58.480
The point is that there's usually a delay between doing the work and getting paid.
00:05:58.640 --> 00:06:02.160
And this is where so many new agents get frustrated.
00:06:02.319 --> 00:06:11.040
They get their license, they tell a few people that they're in real estate, maybe they post on social media, and then they wait and they wait and they wait.
00:06:11.199 --> 00:06:14.240
And they start thinking, why isn't anything happening?
00:06:14.480 --> 00:06:18.480
And I say, Well, what are you doing every day to create business?
00:06:18.640 --> 00:06:20.240
Who are you talking to?
00:06:20.400 --> 00:06:22.080
Who are you following up with?
00:06:22.319 --> 00:06:24.560
How many conversations are you having?
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How many relationships are you building?
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Because real estate is a relationship business, it's a lead generation business.
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And here's one of my favorite sayings: conversations equal currency.
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And when I was getting started, I was doing open houses, making calls, following up with people, and having conversations, lots and lots of conversations.
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And not every conversation turned into a client, but every conversation was an opportunity to build a relationship, learn something, or help someone.
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And here's something else: a lot of buyers don't even know how close they might be to buying a home.
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You know, I've worked with buyers who thought they were nine months or even a year out.
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And after connecting them with a great lender and helping them understand the process, they ended up buying much sooner than they expected.
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And that's why conversations matter.
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Sometimes people don't need you to sell them something, they need you to educate them.
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So when you're getting started, don't just think about the commission you want next month.
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Think about the relationships and opportunities you're creating for the next several months and years.
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So takeaway too, the business you want tomorrow depends on the activities you're willing to do today.
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And speaking of activities, freedom without structure can be a problem.
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Freedom is one of the biggest reasons people want to get into real estate.
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I want to make my own schedule, I want to be my own boss, I want flexibility.
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And I get it, those are some of the things that attracted me to the business too.
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But here's what nobody tells you.
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When you're your own boss, you have to tell yourself what to do.
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And sometimes that's harder than having someone else tell you.
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Nobody standing over your shoulder saying, Hey, did you make your calls today?
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Did you follow up with those buyers?
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Did you schedule your open house?
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Did you work on your business today?
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You see, you can spend an entire day being busy and accomplish absolutely nothing that's going to create a client and move your business forward.
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You can organize your desk, you can redesign your business cards, you can spend three hours picking out the perfect social media graph.
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And at the end of the day, you haven't talked to one potential client.
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And don't get me wrong, some of those things need to be done, but they're not the activities that are going to build your business.
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So here's what I recommend: treat your real estate business like a real business from day one.
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Put your work hours on your calendar, schedule time for lead generation, schedule time for follow-up, schedule time to learn contracts, and practice your conversations and protect that time.
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Because if you don't decide what you're going to do with your day, your day will decide for you.
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And that freedom you were so excited about, it can turn into a whole lot of stress and uncertainty.
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Takeaway three, freedom is wonderful, but structure is what makes that freedom possible.
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Now let's talk about something that can make all three of these things a whole lot easier.
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Choosing the right brokerage and support.
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And this one's really important.
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And I think too many agents choose a brokerage based on one thing, the commission split.
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They hear you get to keep this percent, and then they think, well, that's the obvious choice.
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And here's my question: keeping the percentage of what?
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If you're not getting clients, if you don't know what to do, and if you don't have anyone helping you learn the business, what difference does that percentage make?
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Because zero percent of zero dollars is the same thing.
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Nothing.
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Now I'm not saying the split doesn't matter.
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Of course it matters.
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You need to understand every fee and expense.
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And you also need to understand what you're getting in return.
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What training is available?
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Is there a mentor?
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Can you get help when you're writing your first purchase agreement?
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What happens when you have a question on Saturday afternoon and your client needs an answer?
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Who's helping you understand the buying and selling process?
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And what kind of support do you get when something doesn't go according to plan?
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Because trust me, things are not always gonna go according to plan.
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And here's what I want you to think about.
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Choosing a brokerage, it's kind of like a trust fall.
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You know those exercises where you're supposed to fall backwards and trust that someone's gonna catch you.
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Well, when you're brand new in real estate, you're going to have those moments when you don't know what to do.
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You're going to have questions, you're going to make mistakes, and you're going to need some help.
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So the question is, do you trust the people you're partnering with to support you when you need them?
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Because who you partner with matters.
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And let me tell you something else.
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You're not signing your name in blood.
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So your first brokerage doesn't have to be your forever brokerage.
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In fact, I can only think of a handful of agents who have never changed brokerages.
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Sometimes you start somewhere because you need training and mentorship.
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And later, when your business grows, you may need different tools, different systems, or a different kind of support.
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And that doesn't mean you've made a bad decision the first time.
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It means your needs changed.
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Now, switching brokerage isn't always easy.
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There may be fees, pending transactions to work through, new marketing materials, signs, and all kinds of details.
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So I'm not suggesting you jump around every time something gets uncomfortable.
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And I do want you to ask yourself is where I am today helping me get to where I want to go tomorrow?
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And if you're not licensed yet, start asking those questions before you choose where you're going to hang your license.
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Interview brokerages, talk to agents who work there, ask specific questions about training, mentoring, the costs, and the support.
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And don't be afraid to ask the same question more than once until you understand the answer.
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My takeaway for is don't just choose a brokerage based on what you keep.
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Choose one based on what will help you grow.
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So if you're thinking about getting into real estate, here's what I want you to remember: understanding your numbers, understanding that the work you do today builds the business you'll have tomorrow.
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Create structure before you desperately need it, and surround yourself with people who can help you learn and grow.
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Because real estate can be an incredible career, but you have to treat it like a business, and you don't have to figure all of this out on your own.
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And that's why I created my free real estate business builder community.
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It's a place where new and experienced agents from across the country come together, share what's working, ask questions, and help each other grow.
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There's a free live call Monday through Friday, real estate scripts, courses, practical resources that help you understand what it actually takes to build this business.
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So whether you're thinking about getting licensed or you've already taken that step, I'd love for you to check it out.
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And I'll leave the link below in the description.
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And if you're wondering what to do once you actually get your license, that's exactly what we're talking about in the next video.
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How to succeed as a new real estate agent in your first 30 days.
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Because getting your license is one thing.
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Knowing what to do with it, that's a whole different story.
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So I'll see you in that video.
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And remember, you pass the test and I'll teach you the rest.
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See you there.
