Once you have it firmly in your mind what type of position you desire, you can then start looking into the agencies in your area and see which one you want to interview. Remember you will be interviewing the company as much as they will be interviewing you.
Check out the ‘For Sale’ signs you see, keep the names written down, especially if you see one that catches your eye or seems to be very prominent. You can check with the local Chamber of Commerce for listing of agencies and even the free real estate for sale magazines can offer good research.
Once you have one or two in mind approach them. Remember that they don’t know you so you have to sell yourself to them. This is a good opportunity to show them your sales skills. But as I said, interview the company as well. If you get bad vibes from the company when interviewing for the job there is a good chance you won’t like the job either so move on to the next one.
Make sure they understand your skills and find out what they have to offer you if you decide to take the position. Most companies offer training to new agents. You must know exactly what they are offering and if there is a cost for it. Also inquire as to the actual duties. You can expect to do some time in the office on the floor and not be scheduled to be in the field selling or showing property. You should know how much of your time will be spent doing what.
You should find out what percentage, if any, of the advertising costs the agency will cover. This can be expensive and the more that comes out of your pocket the harder it is going to be for you to actually make money at the onset and the quicker you will become disillusioned and will move on.
You also need to find out who provides things like computers and the cameras for the jobs. Usually it is the agency but you should know up front if they expect you to provide any of that stuff.
Now you need to talk money with them. How are the commission structures laid out? Is it a straight or on a sliding scale? Do you get paid at the closing or is there a waiting period? If there is no split commission with another agency is the rate higher? How much can you expect, as a new agent, to make in a typical first year on the job with them?
Once you have all the information you can make an informed decision.
