TEAM Hughes Real Estate School Blog

As a real estate instructor and a broker, many times seasoned agents complain about new agents not knowing how to do something properly. You were in their shoes once. Has it been so long that you cannot remember that time in your career?

There is no doubt that new agents often do things less than perfect. There is no doubt that new agents often say the wrong things, either to other agents or to the general public. Remember, though, you were in their shoes once.

I recently posted a blog recollecting a major error I had made early in my career after my first shot at floor time. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that error was inexcusable! Never should an agent attempt to bluff their way through questions, and that particular property owner had every right to boot me to the curb!

One of the problems with getting new licensees properly trained is that unless someone walks in someone else’s shoes, there is no way to cover the myriad of potential problems that could arise. I am an advocate of mentoring. When a new agent shadows a seasoned professional, the potential exists of seeing first-hand some of the different questions that could come up during a “normal” business day in the life of an agent.

On the side of disagreement, however, many seasoned agents object to mentoring for different reasons. I’ve heard them say, “No one helped me when I came into the business.” “The sink or swim way is the best way.” I’ve even had agents tell me that new licensees are stupid, and that they take too much time to train. Wow! I wonder if some of you felt that way when you were in their shoes.

The only way a synergistic profession such as ours is going to work properly is for each licensee to help each licensee. If we forget we were in their shoes once, we run the risk of being unteachable, of losing our humility, and of treating others in a way less than we want to be treated. The Golden Rule always has and always will prevail in the practice of real estate.

Don’t forget you were in their shoes once. Lend a hand where it’s needed and let’s all help make these newbies better at their craft. TEAM Hughes stands ready to help in any situation. Give Carrie Hughes a call if you need a class or if you just want advice from an older salty dog!