A beginner's life in real estate
Why Real Estate?

The trials and triumphs of three new salespeople.


COMPILED BY ROBERT SHAROFF

Who doesn’t remember their early years in real estate -- half nightmare, half success story, right? It’s a period of “firsts” -- first listing, first sale, first commission. But it’s also the first time you lose a listing to a competitor, the first time a deal falls apart at the last minute, and the first time you realize this might be harder than it looks.

To help you relive those beginning days, be reminded of lessons learned, or even gain a few new insights, REALTOR® Magazine Online will publish the “diaries” of three beginning salespeople. In addition, the print magazine will feature their stories in February 2003 issue .

Ramon Mares , 30, of Realty Executives in Perris, Calif.

Kristy Payne , 29, of Churchill Brown in Edmond, Okla.

Louisa Enz , 27, of the Stark Company in Madison, Wis.

All have been in real estate for about a year, long enough to get their collective feet wet, but still with a lot to learn. “Every day brings a new question,” says Payne. The best salespeople never stop asking themselves these questions and seeking new, creative answers. There is, however, a certain intensity about people who are asking them for the first time.

All three of our beginners have clearly stated goals for the next year. And to help them reach these goals, several REALTOR® Magazineadvertisers have generously contributed product and advice.

But all can also use your help. Feel free to e-mail them with advice for their dilemmas or just to express your support. We were all in this position at one time. And we all survived. Sometimes that’s all a new salesperson needs to know.