"So I passed the Alabama State real estate exam, Now, how about a JOB!"

It is a very important decision where you will place your real estate license.  The greater share of new agents soon fail and leave the profession.  You want to be one of the achievers.  A large part of your initial achievement will depend on where and with whom you will work.  Below you will find some suggestions on questions you may desire to consider asking during your job interviews.  Understand that once you pass the state exam you are valuable and most brokers will desire to hire.  Although in some cases brokers may limit interviewing only new agents which have been referred to them by someone they trust like an agent in their company.  As an independent contractor the cost in having you "come aboard" is rather minimal and any production you bring to the company will be a benefit.  But, to recoup your costs you must become productive quickly.  The training and your working environment will in a large part determine your initial productivity.  Choose wisely!

My Training

Training!  What will the broker and company do to insure my success? How successful has the training program been in the past?  How many new agents have been successful with their program?  Names? Will there be any other new agents who will be training with me? Training methods 1.  Training manager  -  Larger companies may have a sole individual responsible for training.  They may be a part of the interview process. 2.  Instructional Training -  A written program of instruction which you are required to complete.  These will have been professionally prepared and teach proven  fundamentals which have made other new agents successful.   3.  Videos -  Possibly a complete training program which you must complete providing the fundamentals of the industry. 4. Training partner - I affectionately call this the Judy method since Judy was my first real estate trainer.  I was assigned to Judy and I went with her on her listings, showings and performed those requirements which she gave me.  At a later time she would accompany me on my showings and listings and  critique my actions.  For about a year Judy was concerned with how I was doing offering me assistance, praise and suggestions during the entire period.  Although no longer in the area she was always a person I could call and is still my friend to this day. 5. Corporate Program - Some of the major national companies have their own training programs comprised of tapes and other activities the new agents are to perform.  These programs have been professional prepared and tested on a wide range of new agents. Other questions my include how long will the training last? and possibly meeting the person who will be responsible for your training. I would also encourage meeting new agents who have been a product of their training program.

$ Money $

<>There are 2 big questions to ask and although money is important to me the money is less important then my training which will lead to my overall success as a real estate agent. FIRST, what are the costs I am going to experience, initially and regularly?  Different companies have different requirements and provide some items at no cost to their new agents.  I have put together a list of these costs which agents I have taught and who work at different companies have had to pay.  A list of these costs can be found on my web page:   The Cost of Doing Business. SECOND,  how much will I be paid based upon a commision the company receives from my sale of a property.  What percentage?  What costs are required to be paid our of "my" side of the sale?  And finially just to insure you understand all the costs have the broker provide you an estimate on your income from the sale of a $150,000 property.

The Future

Future plans for the company.? Future plans which could involve you? Expectation of future company growth?

Other Considerations

What administrative support will you be provided.  Typing, copying, supplies, etc. Floor Duty  - if yes then how often.  Request to see a copy of their floor duty schedule and floor duty instructions folder. Advertising and what support will be specifically provided to you, your picture, your name and your phone number.

.AND FINALLY - Be sure to send a thank you letter after the interview thanking the broker for their time and assistance.  Good manners are always "in fashion."