John it is a changing world. Homeless with cell phones and today if you said to a homeless person that all you had was a fifty, he would probably tell you he could make change.

After reading some of the post in the last few weeks there may be a few ex-realtors in that category. I recall that one said they couldn’t keep themselves busy, another is waiting for someone to supply those leads, and another considered it a successful year in bringing in a net income equal to what my receptionist makes. Someone just put out an article that predicated a 25% decrease in the number of agents by the end of the year. I actually hope there are correct because an agent that puts little effort into advancing their career will not be a good representative for their client either. If I could figure out a way to eliminate the part time agent, I would do that as well.

Didn’t mean to get off on a tangent but your post just triggered my mind to think of those agents out there that do little to improve themselves and less work than some of the homeless. Don’t mean to sound callus but the industry would be better off without them. There are several on this site that need a wake up call and stop looking for the easy road. There is none! If you’re not putting in the time and learning as you go, they should get a job a Wal-Mart. They would probably see an increase in their income.

Ok, I'm done venting.

I'll do that John, he most likely has a better phone than I could ever afford. Like I said in another thread, the strong will survive and the weak will sell used cars...

Oh no, Gary, please continue.  I believe that one of the agents you are referring to was me. Although I was writing, quite honesly I might add, in the past tense, hoping that any agent who is in the same "O Woe is Me" frame of mind might benefit from my experience and make an attempt to jumpstart themselves.  I honestly didn't believe I would be lambasted by someone of your caliber.

Anyone else in your crosshairs today? Or are we just your priveleged few.

Cathy you couldn't be more wrong. You see you recognize, just as do many of us that we do need to make changes and work at things. I am talking about people that don't seem to get it. That feel they don't need to do anything different and/or better and things are just going to happen. They think that there is an easy way. If they had your attitude they would have a great chance of success. They don't, they blame the system. It their broker, the business model, the competition or anything but them. They won't even care about what I've written because in there mind it is always someone or something other than them. So Cathy, I am sorry you felt I was pointing at you because you don't even come close to fitting the people I was addressing. It is someone like you they need to be more like.

Interesting comments Gary.  Exactly who ARE you pointing at?  Exactly HOW do YOU know who is doing what on this site?  How do you know that those who found an "easier way" didn't work their *sses off trying to make it but just couldn't get traction in the traditional model and found a way to make a living and keep their sanity with a different model?  How would you know what their home life is like?  Perhaps they have a spouse who "doesn't get it," and they need to find a way to work in their career of choice and bring in a decent income sooner than the curve allows? Maybe they are single parents and have mouths to feed TODAY.  And exactly WHO are YOU to make those judgements?

and by the way, when I said that I didn't know what to do with myself, it's because I now don't HAVE to do as MUCH marketing, my company does it for me.  I also mentioned keeping my farm and marketing to it for listings and networking with my community involvement - just in case there are any who would think that I am just waiting for someone to GIVE me leads.

Also being given leads - how is that different than paying for leads, exactly?  Do you not have to work as hard with given leads as you do with paid for or referred leads?

Or did you just wake up on the cranky, churlish side of the bed today?

OK, I retract everything I said. People that don’t work hard at improving themselves will succeed. People that are making less than they could on an hourly bases, belong in a straight commission job, If someone feeds them leads, they won’t be a captive agent that becomes dependant on them for their livelihood, and if every time an agent runs into a tough market, the answer is probably the broker didn’t train them, or their not as lucky as the next guy, or the grass is greener on the other side, all make good sense.

Beelinda, I was not passing judgment on anyone. I don’t know anyone’s circumstances or their private lives or what motivates them. That includes you and all the other agents.  I was making a prediction based on my 40 years in the straight commission industry and not passing judgment on anyone individual. I have seen the signs for failure and the things that cause it throughout my career. You see, the person you have to rely on for your success is you. The person that fails or succeeds is you.  Companies and business models can help but it will always get back to you and your willingness to do what is needed. I wasn’t trying to single out anyone person but a composite of things that I have seen on recent blogs here and on AR. We all need to make a living and when you add the stress of commission sales to the equation it can overwhelm the person and they react by looking for things other than the real problem. The first part of solving a problem is identifying it.

Now if anyone else feels that I have singled them out or pointed any fingers, I have not singled anyone out, nor do I plan to. I merely made some observations and gave an opinion on things that indicate a less than promising future. If any of them are applicable, you can change them or continue them. Those are your options. If you think my observations have no credibility than ignore them. If you see something in them that needs change, change it and go on with your life. You control your life, all I am doing is passing along things I have witnessed and hopefully might open an eye or two. You can hate the message but put the guns away and stop shooting the messenger.  

O.K., Gary. I accept your apology. Just don't talk to me like that anymore. I know people that know people.

There is no inclination to shoot the messenger from me.  I am merely questioning how you come across in the message.  Based on other comments you have made, you extremely dislike alternative models and the agents who choose them.  It's as if you feel threatened by the change.  As I have just said in another post, proven success is a good model, but I'm not a robot.  I have done everything single thing that I'm "supposed" to do to be a successful Realtor(R) - please note that even with Zip, I'm required to be a REALTOR(R) - higher standard of service and ethics and all of that - and still only completed 5 transactions last year.  I didn't complete 5 transactions my first year in the business - I completed 3.  2nd year - 4.  Last year was my third year.  I must have been doing some improving of myself.  I must have learned not to put my money into every outstretched hand trying to sell me some new "proven" gimmick to attract more business.  I must have learned how to budget, new ways to speak, new words to say, new scripts to try, new marketing campaigns.  I couldn't have increased my business at all had I just sat and waited for someone to give me leads.

Don't you think if I had the luxury of continuing to grow my business my way, that I would follow that route?  I don't blame anyone but myself for my lack of success - not my broker, not the model, not the desk fees (I only comment on those when talking about how expensive it all is) - I couldn't cut in the amount of time I had to do it.  So, I don't have that luxury and I resent the fact that you judge the non-traditional models they way you do.  I still don't get what it is to you.  Why do you even care enough to make snide comments?  Are you really trying to be helpful or just be self important?

I don't know what comments your talking about on the discount models. I don't think any of them have a model that will work but I certainly don't fear them or even care about them. They are what they are and bring'em on, I actually like competition.

I will add that I don't resent your opinion of non-traditional models but you are welcome to resent mine. As for helpful or self important, you have already decided that!

WOW! this is getting heated....lol. I think gary has made some very good points here, don't take it personal people. Lighten up just a little. Anytime I can get advise from someone who has been doing this longer than I have I try to learn from it.

there ya go

Anosn

I agree, Anson, that Gary does make good points, however sometimes they are just not quite right.

Gary - here is a direct quote from another thread about Zip Realty

"Gary Szolosi said:

Zip is a publicly traded stock and a company that deals in discount brokerage services while portraying themselves as full service brokers. If you are looking at giving away part of your commissions to be able to compete, than maybe this is a good choice. "

Zip does not "portray" itself as a full service broker.  It is a full service broker.  Again, I am a REALTOR(R) and would it not be against the code of ethics to provide less than full service?

How do you know agents "give away part" of their commissions?  I did the math, it comes out to be pretty much the same money deal for deal, of course depending on what your expenses are as a traditional agent, through a certain number of deals.  As the number of transactions per quarter goes up, so does the commission and the bonuses.  In the long run, you can make more money than the traditional agent deal for deal.

I believe that I'm one of the only "non-traditional" agents on this site, yet I know that nearly every single agent has discounted listings.  I know, as well, that if they haven't rebated buyers, they've bought them new water heaters or washer/dryers, whatever to get the deal closed.  What makes this so different?

Frankly, I expect better from fellow REALTORs(s).  Somehow I thought we, as well as the members of RElib, were a family - in it together - supportive.  You, Gary, are not the only one who has made me feel as if I have to defend my choices.  And yes, you are completely correct (I know you love that phrase) when you say I have made up my mind about you.

Anosn, "Lighten up just a little?"  You have, obviously, missed some previous posts and just may not want to go "there".

Can't believe you targeted me like that Gary, just cause I use to own a messanger service.

Thank you at least for telling them not to shoot me - ROFL

Ok, I guess that means I am off your Christmas card list. Good luck anyways and I hope your are successful.

Thank you for your kind wishes, although "hope" does not enter into the equation. :)

You are always on my Christmas Card List!  Why wouldn't you be on my list?

Wow - Yikes - Gee Whiz

I know what Gary was talking about - soooo many people in my area have gotten their RE licenses expecting to rack in the big bucks.  I see them sitting in the office everyday waiting for the phone to ring.  Usually their first sales are their family.  But how often can Mom or Dad, Grandma or Grandpa buy or sell a home?  Once they are done with the family and perhaps a friend, I have noticed them slipping away until poof they are gone.  I think what Gary gets upset about is the false idea that you can make a living in this business by sitting around waiting for the phone to ring.  Those Mom and Dads, Grandparents, etc. sale should have been his (or mine).  Now they slip away to explore another occupation, but will they come back just in time to sell Mom & Dads home again in 7 years?

In California we have been hearing whispers that we might be required to get a degree before we can get our license.  As it stands right now we can work with 9 units and 45 hours ethics & agency (9 units in the first 18 months followed by the 45 hours).  That is of course after you pass the licensing test.   I am not talking of our continued education after our preliminary license.  I think all states require that, but our continued education is not necessarily college courses.  Perhaps this would be the way to go?

By the way CEO's make the big bucks (more than movie stars and professional athletes), they are talking about that on the news right now.  Didn't even mention Real Estate Agents.

Jana

Belinda, you’re not alone here! ("I believe that I'm one of the only "non-traditional" agents on this site, yet I know that nearly every single agent has discounted listings.  I know, as well, that if they haven't rebated buyers, they've bought them new water heaters or washer/dryers, whatever to get the deal closed.  What makes this so different?") Everyone knows Vance and loves to twist his tail. There are others too. Getting your tail twisted just comes with the territory. Gary doesn't need me to defend him. And, I would guess he wouldn't want me to - I am a card carrying member of the Democratic Party.

This is all John's fault. One pay check from homeless and he has got to remind us all.

Sorry John, Getting back to the subject, a very famous (previously rich) homeless woman in Fl said we are all 3 paychecks away from being homeless!  Scary thought.

Jana

Jana, you are right. As soon as the economy changes the talk radio starts looking for a new scape goat. Teachers, State Workers, Garbage collectors, you name it and they are the reason everyone less is out of work. The big time CEO who has padded his pocket even gets the public to believe it is the UNION that is to blame, or, too much Government. I mean the guy who owns the radio, TV, and newspaper get to tell us whatever they want us to believe. Let's go to war.

Forget John! He started all this and went out for his three martini lunch. And, I think Mary went with him.

OMG, Gregory - I can't believe that you actually admitted to being one of them!  A Democrat!  Me, too!  Now I really have something to be ashamed of.  Why can't the Democratic party find a candidate who will stick to his/her guns?

Probably, because we not only inhaled, we enjoyed it.

Ok - that one made me chuckle out loud!  I believe you are correct, sir.

It wasn't bad enough, now this thread is covered with card carrying Democrats. John, your only 2 1/2 hours away, I will get you for this. I know a Democrat that knows people.

You know thinking of the media, I just had a thought, I posted the NAR report on who is the average REALTOR (post Does the shoe Fit) and they said we vote, but then never said what party.  Do you think that omission was on purpose?  I am registered Republican but vote the person, not the party... I am finding that more and more people I talk to, Democrat or Republican vote the person, not party also.

By the way where is that trouble maker John?  And now that you pointed it out Mary is missing too!

J

Ok people, today was my birthday and I spent it with my "other family". This group is like any committee I have ever been on, don't show up and they nominate you for something. OR make wild stories up (thanks Gregory, I owe you big time.)

Coming to this blog and reading it from the beginning I do notice that we sometimes get worked up for nothing. Sometimes there is more read into our statements than what we intended.

From reading Gary's blogs for awhile, he is one that has his head on and I don't think he would ever pick on individuals here. he was making an observation that did not include names. He was speaking in generalities.

Just my take. Group hug. lol

I agree with you, Mary, (ever the voice of reason that you are).  I am defensive if not over sensitive to the negativity that at times is aimed at the "discounters."  I have always been one to defend the underdog to the bitter end, while also defending the right of others to attack it.

Jana, I vote the person, too, but if it's too hard to differentiate one from the other because they are only saying what the people want to hear, I will vote party every time.

Happy Birthday Mary!  I did wonder where you where!  I hope you had a great day!

I celebrated with you by having a Jammy Day.  I know it is Sunday and I did feel guilty for all of two minutes but after working 7 days straight and up too late each night, I just had to do it!  Ok Not feeling guilty at all!

J

Wait, did I say Mary. No, no. I meant Gloria. Peace Mary. Happy b day.

Bee, iI don't understand why you would feel you need to defend your choice. These are your peers here. No need to be defensive or sensitive about a decision you made based on your current needs. Don't worry about it. Don't feel you need to defend it. Just be a good real estate agent, like we all try to be. Gary said he wasn't passing judgement on anyone and I see he was just making an observation. I couldn't think of anyone specifically he was referring to here. Again, generalities.

Thanks for the email today, too.

John, I started lying about my age years ago. Gregory, I can understand your mistake as Gloria and Mary sound alot alike. NOT

See what happens John when you sneek off to watch Sopranos?

J

Mary is Gregory calling you by an old girlfriends name?  Who is Gloria?

J

OMG People!  I hope what's said here, stays here...Some homeless person with a laptop might see this blog and get offended!

I said in a previous blog that a fellow agent predicted a 50% fall out of agents here, in Arizona....There is a joke among us that if you have a driver's license, you have a real estate license.  

Just the other day, my car mechanic says, oh, you're a Realtor? Me too!

Good grief, I wasn't here all day yesterday....come back today and look what happened!!!

All hell broke loose.  Way to go John!  It's all your fault.  Has to be someones fault, so I blame you!  LOL...

Happy belated birthday Mary.

I skipped this 'interesting' thread and missed it altogether until this morning. Happy Birthday Mary! I've been busy gathering and passing out Wal-Mart shopping carts and hoping Michaela would stop by and say hello!

WOW, interesting thread.

When I used to live and work in LA in the early 1990s, we worked at San Vicente and Wilshire which is the beginning of Beverly Hills. There was a big island in the middle of the street and lots of panhandlers there always.

There was one pregnant chick who used to make bank. We would watch her out the office window. It was astounding.

She would panhandle all morning and THEN, go around the corner and get into a brand new Z car and drive away!

We figured she had to make at least a few hundred tax free dollars a day.

Not sure if she did less business after having the kid. Maybe she had more. Had to be good for business.

A couple of comments from me on this one...

As for the homeless, they aren't always what they appear to be.  Being in a warm winter city .. (Abilene TX), we get the homeless snowbirds.  You can usually figure out who the true homeless are; however, one lady decided she would do some investigating.  A lot of them are on the corners of busy intersections begging for money with their cardboard signs.  One day this lady decided she would follow one of them.  He switched corners a couple of times, then at the end of the day, he walked a few blocks away and guess what?  Got into a fairly new mini-van.  She followed the mini-van and he lived in a pretty nice house in a nice subdivision.  Now, I'm sure these fakers are the minority of the homeless but it made me just plain mad.  Here he was going home to a nicer house than mine!  How he had the guts to do this and not fear being recognized, I don't know!  Anyway, just makes me crazy.

My second thought is about the other part of this thread.  I've been a Democrat for all of my adult life. I was in Young Republicans in high school.  The reason?  The Young Dems were snooty and stuck-up or at least I viewed them that way.  The Young Republicans made me feel welcome.  I changed the first year I was in college, became a very active member of College Democrats, and very involved in local, state, and national politics.  I've not been actively involved in party politics since 1982 but still vote every single election.  As for Realtors in our area, I think most are Republican.  Our local T.A.R. pac representative is always trying to get $$$$ for support of Realtor causes. I never give but every year they call to get a donation.  My reasoning is this.  ....

Why would I give money to your organization to support a candidate that I know you are going to support or that you have already stated that you are going to support with your endorsement and funds when I'm not going to vote for that candidate?  They always respond with, Well we support both Democrats and Republicans.  Sorry, not a good enough answer.  The vast marjority of the candidates you support are Republicans but that isn't the true issue.  There is more to a candidate besides how they vote on issues that affect our profession.  I can't give you money to give to the opponent of the guy/gal that I'm going to vote for.  That is crazy!  Didn't get an argument on that one.

Only once in my life have I ever voted a straight Dem ticket and I did it by going thru each race one by one, then realizing at the end that it was a straight Dem vote.  I get very strong gut instincts about certain people.  When I get those feelings I can't even stand to see them on TV.  Our governor is one of those people.  I can't stand to hear his voice...I just don't trust him.

We should all remember, though, that respect should be given to the office even if you don't respect or like the person holding that office.

LOL That inhaled joke made me laugh out loud, as a new comer. You guys ARE a family, complete with the bickering and group hugs. Can I be adopted? Bee, will you adopt me?? :-) I'm a Democrat turned registered indepenant, I vote the person, too.

Oh, Happy Birthday Mary.  I just recently celebrated a birthday too on the 1st.

Well, maybe celebrated is the wrong word ....  endured might be a better word choice.  All in all, another birthday is better than the alternative.

I enjoyed, didn't celebrate either. lol Happy belated birthday.

Happy birthday Mary!   Ok Gary, you qualified your statement as venting.  

At least we stirred things up a bit!

Andrea - I've got a 15 year old boy that I'm trying to adopt OUT right.  We'll talk after that happens :)

Gary, I stand corrected and thank you for doing it so tactfully!  My apologies for getting defensive.

Happy Birthday, Mary!

Andrea, welcome and you are officially adopted just please don't go looking for the inheritance.  There is none.  It's all gone toward marketing.

Happy Belated Birthday, Velda!

Gene, I thought that was you!  Your picture doesn't do you justice.

Bee, I'm managing your Christmas Card list this year.

Feel The Love!  

What was the original topic?

Matt Smith

I thought I was the only sane one!

Andrea, it's call the "48 hour right of recission".  John's right, once you've been "made" your in, whether you like it or not.  I will, however, vouch for the Family.  They are the most accepting, forgiving and supportive group you will ever encounter.  The characters here rival those in my own family....I prefer being here.

Well, Cathy - I do send Christmas CD's to my sphere and past clients.  Doesn't that count?  I also call my mom because, well, she's my mom.

Ok, Bee, you get my Card List!  CD's?  Much more sophisticated.  Never even thought of that.  I'm so behind the technology curve, but we all know that.  You're in charge.

Matt, the only way to figure out the original topic is to read the original post and sometimes that can be deceiving as well. So, good luck with that.

Andrea, just jump in and talk about flatulence or trucks or real estate stuff if it comes to that, lol. We are all able to multi-task and we are not required to be sane. In fact it would not be fun if we were all sane. And with John and Velda being the sane ones, the rest of us are going to have to pick something else. shucks.

John, good info, not at all what I thought.

Learn something new every day. I will share that at city council tonight.

I still want to know who Gloria is? :)

J