Real Estate Articles
So you want to be a REALTOR®? Agents discuss launching a real estate career
Left to right: Alan Huwe, Chris Iverson, Bryan Robertson and Los Altos/Mountain View District Chair Denise Welsh (standing).
Many new agents will get into the business of real estate with a number of preconceived notions. It was no different for REALTORS® Chris Iverson (Intero Real Estate), Bryan Robertson (Sereno Group) and Alan Huwe (Coldwell Banker), relative newcomers in the field. All three agents who are members of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS®, had successful careers in high tech, but moved on to launch new careers in real estate.
Huwe, who has been in real estate for about six years, spent 20 years in high tech until it was "no longer fun." He is having more fun today, working for himself, setting his own goals. He admitted he was cautious at first and felt a little intimidated by the number of REALTORS®. It meant a lot of competition and a steeper climb, but it's all worked out for him, said Huwe.
Robertson, who has been a REALTOR® for four and a half years, initially thought launching a career in real estate was a matter of transferring his high tech skills to the business. He later learned it is difficult to be good in all aspects of real estate, and it is best to pick one area and do it well.
Iverson was used to dealing with high powered clients in high tech and said the most important thing he learned is to "have no fear." Real estate is all about building relationships and bringing something of value to the table, said Iverson, who has been in the business for five years.
When asked what they would like to see in five or 10 years, Roberston replied it would be great to see some consistency in standards, one set of standards and more compatibility.
As data can now be easily acquired by everyone, Iverson sees the REALTOR®'s role already changing. He sees REALTORS® bringing additional value by helping their clients sort through the data, explain why the home on one side of the street has a higher value than the home located across from it, or why the home facing north or east has a higher resale value.
Huwe said while there are great tech tools out there, there is need to strike a balance. "I hope we don't get to the point where it's just all technology and we lose the personal side of real estate," said Huwe.
Their advice to new agents?
"Don't get hung up on what works for others; figure out what you do best and where you can start building a base," advised Robertson.
"Learn from others, make a business plan, and treat it like a job. If you treat it like a job, the results are incredible. It's the value you bring to the table that counts," according to Iverson.
"Be prepared to do their best, stay organized, and focus … Embrace the technology, but it's the person you touch that will bring you the business, said Huwe.
SILVAR President Gene Lentz is quick to note, "Not all real estate agents or brokers are REALTORS® — there is a difference. A REALTOR® is held to an even higher standard of conduct than other real estate professionals."
A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate agent or broker who is a member of National Association of REALTORS®. The "REALTOR®" designation is used by real estate agents and brokers who must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and actively pursue continuing education to increase their professionalism and skill.
"The Code of Ethics sets REALTORS® apart from other real estate licensees. If a local association of REALTORS® finds a REALTOR® in violation of the Code of Ethics, disciplinary action can be imposed," said Lentz.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.