Going it alone…No Way! Three Things a New Agent Must Have.

From the time my Broker received my license to the time I was writing an offer was less than 4 days. Let’s be realistic, how much knowledge can you gain in 4 days? Not much.

The three best decisions made very early in my career (actually before I even passed the test) were:

1. Buy a GPS! You laugh but how scary can it be to see a driver fighting a large map while driving down the Tollway. My GPS became my very best friend.

2. Joined a Team. Why start out in this very competitive and forever changing career without support. I was able to focus on learning the business and didn’t have to worry about where to find leads. It allowed me a quick start (closed my first transaction a month after getting my license) and have readily available help when needed.

3. Decided that hiring a Licensed Transaction Coordinator would be the best $200-300 fee I could spend. Let’s face it, most sales people are NOT good paper chasers. The cost of a mistake could be HUGE. A Licensed Transaction Coordinator can do the following:

· Review of Contract & Addenda for completion and accuracy.

· Send Contract and Earnest Money to Title Company

· Update Status in MLS, CSS and Websites

· Coordinate HOA documents

· Write some Amendments

· Follow up on ordering and receiving appraisal

· Coordinate closing times and communicate to all parties

· Provide client with closing instructions and provide map to title company

· Schedule walk thru

· Make transfer arrangements

· Review and distribute HUD

Most importantly, a Transaction Coordinator is an extra set of hands and eyes to make sure the contract to close process runs smoothly. My clients have been very pleased with the level of service our coordinator provides.

Bottom line: Don’t Try To Do It Alone….use the assistance of others (and things).