Hey Bill,

Hate to say it but as a Realtor and as a human being, I really do think I learned most everything important in Kindergarten or at least through the early ages.

As far as Realtor stuff, been moderately successful and I would advise anybody wanting to really learn more to befriend and or assist or possibly shadow or assist a highly experienced agent or two.  I still learn a little bit about something EVERY day but if I look back and see what was most helpful, it was the older or more experienced brokers and agents who were truly invaluable.  This business has a high failure rate but I would strongly suggest being an Assistant or Helper for a couple years under a pro.  Better than an MBA !

If that is not an option, then you can learn human behaviors from almost ANYBODY in a real life situation.  Psychology, Values, Work Ethic, and Leadership are extremely important in this profession and you can observe and grow that from almost any human interraction situation !

From family and church I somehow learned honesty, hard work, overcoming difficulty.

The most important lessons in Real Estate came from a RE/MAX team leader.  I was on his team for about 18 months and learned incredible secrets of real estate success from my mentor.

I learned to call FSBO's, how to get in under radar, how to get in the door, to close a call for a face instead of for a listing...  How to close one step at a time instead of asking for the whole thing....

I learned how to ask questions instead of tell - how to guide the conversation instead of control...

I learned how to build rapport and get prospects to share what I needed to know to help them.  I learned exactly what it means to like them and show that I care before I proved that I could do the job of selling the house.  

In a thousand little ways, I learned the art of the deal and the rythm of the transaction...

As I said in a previous post, regarding real estate, I learned from my mentor, Jerry, who was my broker in the beginning.

Before real estate, I was was geatly influenced by a history professor at Ga Southern. He was an incredibly smart, complicated guy. His life didn't turn out to well, but he was a great teacher.

Never judge a book by it's cover.

Example 1:  Lady walks into a home my wife is sitting in trying to sell, dressed kind of shabby, driving a not so expensive car.  Looks like she can't afford the home.  My wife treats her well and they hit it off.  We find out later that she was a FL lottery winner and was paying cash for the home.  You should see her place now!  We fondly call her "lotto lady."

Example 2:  I was previewing a home that had been condemed by the city in a lousy neighborhood & trying to figure out how to sell it for an out of town seller.  While I'm there, an ederly gentlemen walks out of the home across the street and is giving me the "what the he** are YOU doing here?" look.  I walk over, introduce myself, and we start talking.  To make a long story short - this guy owns property from Amelia Island to Jacksonville Beach, including duplexes, quadplexes, etc. and wants to sell everything to "cash out."  Also one of the most educated men I have ever met.  His family has been in this area for 150 years and owns property all over.  Unbelievable. I become his personal agent. :))

Never judge a book by it's cover or make a judgemental decision about someone until you know ALL the facts cause you never know.  

Personally, I don't think you can ever attribute your learning to just one person or experience. Learning comes from cumulative experiences throughout life. Every time I turn around I am learning something new. Some things have been bigger learning moments than others, but overall each learning moment happens for a reason and turns your path towards another learning moment that you may not have had if the previous one did not happen.

But I guess if i really had to say one person or source, and base it on my statement above...I could say that I learned everything I need to know from my Mom because she was there every step of the way.

Does that make sense?

This is a wonderful post Bill.  I can actually see some people reading it and cry over their past experiences.

For me, it's a combination of old school teachers who ingrave the principals of discipline in you.  If you don't listen, they'll tell your parents.  If you get a bad grade, they'll tell your parents.  And no kid wants their parents to be told that they did something bad.

My parents, especially my mom was always there for me.  So she gave me a sense of confidence.

My broker was holding my hand the first few transactions and was very helpful.

But I've been in real estate for only few years, so I'm still learning a lot every single day and in this modern age, I attribute my knowledge of real estate to INTERNET.  Any question, any situation that you can thing of, you can learn about it on the internet.  It's a wonderful resource and I try to take full advantage of it.

Great post Bill.

My mother taught me persistance and optimism in the face of adversity.

Mrs. Zeoli, 7th grade Algebra:  Even in failure, there is a lesson in the effort.  Always appreciate the efforts of others, as well. Mr. Keefe, 8th grade English:  Pay attention to the details and don't cut corners when your future's at stake.  Kevin Walsh, mentor in previous life:  Family is "real life".  Lynne, my current and only Broker, all things Real Estate.

Miss Hannaford, 1st grade: Give out hugs freely and often.

I had no one there for me at all.. I learn the very hard way, experience was my teacher...

Vance.

Too many teachers and lessons to recount. All of equal, immeasurable importance.

Love as much as you can from wherever you are. That's the biggie.

Hi there Broker Billy,

Are you still working on your broker's license?

One of the first things I learned came from my first Broker Don Gold. He said when interviewing sellers let them know they have the option of interviewing 2-3 agents before making their minds up.  Usually they will come back to you.  I've seen it work.