I cannot imagine working two jobs as a real estate agent. Clients have full time jobs, and no time to work around someone else’s schedule. Staying current with the market, requires spending 2 to 3 hours touring homes, and researching the MLS. My day starts out around 7am and ends around 9pm. Most of the day is consumed with marketing, communicating, scheduling, organizing events.
The answer to the question, am I a full time agent? Yes, I am a full-time agent.
I do what I know. In my previous career, I was conditioned to work with a team to accomplish goals. Collaboration, and working together as a team, reduced mistakes and led the way to more success in less time than working alone. For 19 years I have been managing people and their skills, scheduling events, and looking for the most productive path to accomplishing goals.
I got lucky. I came across a partner whose personality complements my own. Having someone to discuss strategy, goals, and ideas with makes me a stronger agent. Team LaCazeHonea is more than just Regina and I. It expands to include lenders, title representatives, insurance agents, general contractors, electricians, brokers, and whomever it takes to accomplish our goals.
To answer the question, in my book, two heads are better than one.
I was an optical manager in the health and wellness division of the Tchoupitoulas Walmart. My responsibilities ranged from coordinating, educating, and instructing Opticians, to ensure successful transactions with our clients. I was tasked with organizing, filing, and maintaining patient records. I addressed patient concerns and resolved opportunities as they presented themselves. I planned and participated in health and wellness events across the community. I often think of my team and reflect on our accomplishments.
Every real estate agent is different, and what works for me, may not work for everyone.
My first year I tried just about every CRM, email tool, and real estate software that had the words free associated with it.
I like things organized a certain way. I want information easily searchable, and viewable from my phone to my laptop.
Here is the short list:
One Note, a cloud based Notebook application. Notebooks are sharable, and the search feature is 5 stars.
Your phone Microsoft application. View and respond to text messages from your laptop on your phone.
Streak for gemail. It’s a client conversation organizer.
Wise agent for my Customer Relationship Manager.
AppFolio for my Property Managment Software.
Todoist Task Organizer.
Isolated WordPress/Apache server for my open house sign in kiosk.
Google Workspace for my personal email and temporary document storage.
Sky slope for client file storage.
Transaction Desk (aka Instanet) for digital signatures.
I am always trying new things, so this list will change pretty often.
Take your time. Buying a home is one of the most expensive purchases of a lifetime. I’m not only referring to the money.
Maintenance, repairs, taxes, insurance, and a few other things, come at a cost both financially and physically.
It’s a huge decision, however it’s not an overwhelming one.
Start by talking to a Realtor and work out the goals. Talk is cheap and I am only a phone call away.
Talk to a lender. They will help you do the math.
Talk to friends and family.
When you’re comfortable enough to take the next step, you will have a plan and the support to execute it.
The commercial side of real estate is intriguing. My education, experience and knowledge is geared more towards residential and multifamily side of real estate. I have an account with the LACDB, and we can look at a few listings. When you’re ready to move forward, I’ll introduce everyone to some knowledgeable and qualified commercial agents.
There are a number of directions to take when it comes to searching for your home. New construction, location, bedrooms, maybe a large backyard is what you're looking for.
Photos and videos only go so far. Realtors will host an open house to showcase the property's features. This is a great way to begin the journey to finding your home.
