How to Get Started in Real Estate Expect Better. 12/27/2017
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to connect with you about getting started in a real estate career. The following pages will unfold the tremendous opportunities available to you in real estate. We hope you enjoy the information and please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We also invite you to log-on to any of our social media sites and meet many of the people that make BHGRE Gary Greene better! www.facebook.com/betterhomesandgardensrealestategarygreene http://blog.garygreene.com http://plus.google.com/+garygreene http://www.twitter.com/bhgregarygreene http://www.pinterest.com/bhgregarygreene/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-homes-and-gardens-real-estate-garygreene 2
Table of Contents Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene How to Get Started in Real Estate. Considering a Career in Real Estate? 4 Typical Day in the Real Estate Business 5 10 Characteristics of a Successful Salesperson 6 How to Become a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson 7-9 How Much Does It Cost to Get a License? 10 How Much Can I Expect to Earn? 11 Why we hire new agents 12 Brand Promise 13 Be Better. Begin with a Brand That Stands for Home 14 The Expect Better Start-up Package 15-18 Expect Better: Build a Solid Foundation 19 Expect Better! New Agent Testimonials 20 Our Office Locations Map 21 Introducing our Managers 22-24 What s our policy on commissions? 25 Expect Better from the Start! 26 3
Considering a Career in Real Estate? There is great opportunity for the NEW associate, especially in Houston- one of the best markets in the United States! Will you be successful in real estate? Here s how to find out! The best way to determine if you have a knack for the business is to take a test drive in real estate to see if you like what you experience! Take our free, no obligation online assessment and get a free personal development plan that tells you how to use what you have for a successful real estate career. Assess your personality for real estate by going to: http://bit.ly/1qu201a Assess your sales skills in relation to successful agents by going to: http://bit.ly/yit7cz 4
A Typical Day in the Real Estate Business: There are literally dozens of activities that, as an agent, you ll do during your business week, such as the following: Finding potential customers/clients; - prospecting Following up with prospects; - developing and solidifying relationships Giving listing proposals; presentations, sales and negotiation skills Setting showing appointments; - organizational skills Answering calls at the office as assigned, or holding homes open. Attending office meetings; - grow your knowledge of the industry Previewing your office s new listings on office tour; - increase product knowledge Previewing properties listed by other agencies; - expand product knowledge Completing paperwork on transactions; - attention to details There are certain critical activities agents must perform to get paid, such as prospecting to find buyers and sellers, listing saleable properties and selling properties. Agents who create careers quickly focus more on prospecting and business-producing activities. Can I work part-time in real estate while I transition from my existing job? It is very rare that one succeeds in real estate while holding another job. As a real estate agent, you work as a fiduciary for your client holding their interests above your own. Being employed in another capacity jeopardizes your fiduciary relationship and your ability to work when they need you. The real estate business is dynamic and changes daily. The availability of properties change, interest rates fluctuate and clients you work with want you available on their time schedule. It is imperative that you are available to communicate with the office, the marketplace and your customers and clients on a regular basis. Ask us about our no cost referral club. This enables you to work in another profession, keep your license active, eliminate the costs of being in real estate and earn referral fees. Call 713-465-6644 for details. We welcome new agents that want to build a successful career! 5
10 Characteristics of the Successful Salesperson Do You Think You Have What It Takes? 1. Sociability A natural tendency to gain satisfaction by associating with other people. 2. Assertiveness A natural tendency to take initiative in order to influence or control some aspect of the environment. 3. Achievement The consistent need an individual feels for the achievement of rewards such as high performance, income, and status. People with a strong success drive will accept challenges and endure hardships in order to succeed. 4. Dependability People with high dependability tend to be accurate, thorough, detailoriented, conscientious and on time. 5. Emotional resilience The amount of psychological energy and mental endurance an individual has under normal conditions. 6. Financial Stability The pressure of unpaid bills can be unnerving to a new salesperson. We find that adequate savings of at least four months of living expenses enables a new salesperson to focus more on finding solutions for their clients. 7. Support This is perhaps the most important ingredient. The confidence, support, trust and understanding of family and friends is the most valuable asset to the new salesperson. A clear understanding of the hours and demands of the business by all parties is helpful. 8. Enthusiasm! The public rates this as one of the top three most important characteristics in choosing a real estate agent. 9. Sales Ability: Building rapport and acquiring information; Listening and Comprehension skills; Managing the sales process; Closing Skills. 10. Techno-literate Most consumers expect agents to work with efficient, high-tech tools. 6
How to Become a Licensed Real Estate Agent Real Estate Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible to apply for a real estate Salesperson License, an individual must be a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien eighteen (18) years of age or older and a legal resident of Texas. I. Education Requirement The following education is required for a salesperson license: Principles of Real Estate (60 classroom hours) Law of Agency (30 classroom hours) Law of Contracts (30 classroom hours) Promulgated Contracts Forms (30 classroom hours) Real Estate Finance (30 classroom hours). Related course credit cannot be used to meet education requirements for a salespersons license. Education course completion documents must be submitted when the application is filed. To find core education providers, go to https://www.trec.texas.gov/education/qualifying-educationproviders Fingerprint requirements for Salespersons: https://www.trec.texas.gov/fingerprint-requirements. MorphoTrust is the vendor that collects and submits fingerprints to the FBI via the Texas Department of Public Safety. Cost is $37.00 7
How to Become a Licensed Real Estate Agent page 2 II. Filing Your Application. After you have completed your education, you may file and pay for the Application for an Inactive Salesperson License. Evidence of successful completion of your education via credit transcript or certificate should be submitted with your application. Apply and pay online for your Inactive Salesperson License at https://mylicense.trec.texas.gov/datamart/mainmenutxrec.do Scan and send your education documents electronically to education@trec.texas.gov or fax them to 512-936-3863 with a copy of your completed application. ALL FEES CHARGED ONLINE ARE LISTED BELOW AND ARE NONREFUNDABLE. Fees Required with Real Estate Salesperson License Fee Original Application $205.00 Real Estate Recovery Fee $ 10.00 Background Check $ 27.00 Total $242.00 You can find more information on the TREC website: https://www.trec.texas.gov/agency-informaiton/fee-schedule III. Examination Information License examinations are administered by Pearson VUE, a testing service company. Once the complete application is received and processed and education is satisfied, the applicant will be notified of eligibility to sit for the examination. License examinations are administered by a national testing service contracted by TREC/ TALCB. The exam eligibility notification will have instructions for contacting the exam administrator and obtaining a copy of the Candidate Handbook to register for the exam. The Candidate Handbook contains information about the examination, study material, and instructions for making an exam reservation. Two forms of current signature identification are required for admission to a testing site. The name on the identification must match the name on the application for a license. The applicant must pass the examination within one year after the date the application is filed with TREC. For the most up to date information, and scheduling, go to http://www.pearsonvue.com/tx/realestate/ 8
How to Become a Licensed Real Estate Agent page 3 IV. Investigation May be Needed The filing of an application authorizes an investigation of the applicant's background. Information revealed in an investigation may be cause for disapproval of an application even though other requirements for a license are met. V. Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Repayment History is investigated. State law prohibits the renewal of a license if a licensee has defaulted on a student loan guaranteed by TG unless the licensee has entered into a repayment agreement with TG. YOU SHOULD CONTACT TG BEFORE FILING THIS APPLICATION if you have defaulted on a student loan. An application or renewal may be rejected if this agency has received information from TGSLC that the applicant has defaulted on a student loan. The Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation can be reached at: Telephone: (800) 252-9743 (in Austin, call 219-5700) or http://www.tgslc.org/ VI. Obtain Sponsorship Before you can practice as a licensed salesperson you must arrange for a Texas real estate broker holding an active license to sponsor you as a salesperson. Applicants and inactive salespersons are not authorized to act as real estate agents. You may arrange for sponsorship after TREC notifies you that you have been issued an inactive license. The most efficient way to manage your sponsorship is to utilize the Relationship Management Tool (RMT) by accessing your 'My License Online Services' account to send a sponsorship request to an active broker. You may search for active brokers by name, region, or license number. To utilize the RMT, click on the 'My License Online Services' button at the top of the TREC website. 9
How much will it cost to get a license and get started in real estate? Courses needed to qualify for the real estate exam: 6 classroom course package includes exam prep and materials estimate $933.00 Texas Real Estate License Application Application $205.00 Real Estate Recovery Fee $ 10.00 Pearson VUE Exam fee $ 54.00 Fingerprinting $ 37.00 Background check $ 29.75 Total $ 335.75 $335.75 $ Realtor Association dues-required for MLS access $ Houston Association of Realtors $ Application fee $100 one-time application fee $ Dues [annual] $439 per year $ Orientation fee $ 45 refunded after attending orientation $584.00 $ Dues are prorated by the quarter in which you join $ Optional but highly recommended: HAR MLS PLATINUM $129.00 $ Access into MLS listed properties: $ SUPRA active Key lease-per yr. $171.18 $ SUPRA activation fee $50.00 $ SUPRA loss/theft Insurance [optional] $25.00 $ MLS access fees, monthly dues $20.00 $ One-time MLS application fee $25.00 payable via credit card or bank draft to HARMLS. Total costs listed above: $2,118.93 All prices are approximate and subject to change without notice. 10
How Much Can I Expect to Earn in Real Estate? It depends upon you, your business plan and how consistently you work your business plan. You work as an independent contractor under the policies and guidelines of the organization that sponsors your license. Expanding the quality and quantity of your personal sphere of influence for business is the most important factor to generating income. It s all about prospecting. First year income varies with the individual. Many new agents have made $50,000+ in their first year and many have not.. It s all about how hard you work consistently. The first year is the most difficult in uncharted waters. BHGRE Gary Greene offers YOU, the new agent, money-making success training through Fast Start, money-making marketing tools, a career development coach for you and prospecting leads through property time, holding Open Houses and internet leads. You are building your own book of business that will grow through repeat business and referrals - it takes time, effort and patience! Building relationships that endure beyond the sale are imperative to growing your business and earning a 6 figure income. As experience increases, repeat and referral business enables the consistent producer to earn 6 figure incomes! 11
Why is Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene looking for NEW real estate agents? Why? The company has always believed that NEW agents are the lifeblood of the organization. NEW agents bring energy, enthusiasm and new ideas that are infectious! They keep the company fresh! FACT: As a result of this strong belief in NEW agents, the name Gary Greene has been a household word in real estate for over 50 years. We are the longest existing real estate company in Houston. BHGRE Gary Greene offers NEW agents [that s YOU] a collaborative culture, world-class training to keep you sharp and money-making marketing tools. In short, it s a partnership where everybody wins! Go to GaryGreene.com/Careers and Take A free Test Drive in Real Estate! 12
Brand Promise Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate is creating exceptional real estate experiences by: Cultivating people s passion for their homes through our unique lifestyle content. 13
Expect Better. Begin with a Brand That Stands for Lifestyle, Community and Home Market Coverage ~Houston has 21 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene offices. One of the offices serves as your home-base and the remainder welcome you to use their facilities, as needed. Opportunities expand for you with our network of over 1,000+ sales associates in the Greater Houston Metropolitan area for buyer and seller referrals in your local market! The Brand The Better Homes and Gardens name, owned by Meredith Corporation, has been a staple in American life since 1924. The brand represents a true passion for the home with a deep commitment to homeownership that builds qualify of life for individuals, families and communities. We deliver a fullservice value proposition that engages the best technologies to meet the needs of homebuyers and sellers of every generation. BHGRE Gary Greene is the Top Producing Company in Houston and in The Top 100 Nationally! -In 1963, Gary Greene founded Gary Greene, Realtors and our history began. From the beginning, the company experienced meteoric growth and has remained one of the top real estate firms in the Houston market throughout the years. Today, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene is Houston s leading real estate company in listings taken, listings sold, total transactions sold and dollar volume closed according to the 2017 Houston Association of Realtors Company Ranking Report. We are THE ONLY Houston-owned residential real estate company ranked nationally by Real Trends in the Top 100 Brokers by closed transactions year after year. Professionally Staffed Offices and State-of-the-Art Facilities Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene has Houston s most aesthetically appealing offices. After all, first impressions are lasting impressions. Our professionally staffed offices provide a full array of administrative support personnel. State-of-the-art technology with cloud-based servers, agent productivity systems, fax, copy and voice mail systems - are at your service. At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene, we pride ourselves in providing the support you need to grow your business. We invite you to cultivate your own business garden with us! A Philosophy of Spirited & Passionate Performance Not everyone can be a BHGRE Gary Greene agent. We select associates with commitment, drive and a focus on learning, growing and improving. We are your partner in achieving outstanding consumer satisfaction and so, we put as much into your success as you do. Applicants that are employed in another capacity are welcome to join our referral team! Compensation that Grows with Experience! A competitive compensation package is important. We invite you to consult with a manager on the opportunities available to you. 14
Career Building Benefits of Associating with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene 15
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Career Building Benefits of Associating with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene, page 4
Build a Solid Foundation Training and Professional Development The most important factors to building a successful career in real estate! Fast Track is all about How to Earn a Living in Real Estate! No matter when you join Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene, Fast Track, held only on Thursdays and Fridays, is ready for you! Fast Track is comprised of 3 tracks of productivity that combine classroom training and on-the-job training in-office. You ll learn how to generate leads and secure listings, how to prospect for buyers, how to work with buyers, how to market yourself and how to properly use contracts and addenda. Spaced-training enables you to earn while you learn. You are also better able to absorb the content. Graduates of our Fast Track program represent the future of our company and they perform above industry averages. Power Up A program held during Fast Track, which is designed to give you an overview of all of the tools and resources available to you through Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, the franchise and Gary Greene, locally. We will help you make more money! Career Development Coach a full-time in-house coach and mentor teaches you how to cultivate and grow your business. This program begins immediately upon joining and includes hands-on prospecting, technology and career guidance. Hightouch and High-tech activities taught during your career development combine to generate a powerful real estate foundation and practice for you. You gain confidence to perform and competence to deliver customer service that WOWS your clients every time! The Career Development Program - in your office propels your growth and profitability. All offices provide strong, yet empathetic, managerial support and guidance to expand your education and grow your expertise in the market. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - offers a wide variety of monthly online courses that can take your career to the next level. Leadership Training Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene conducts an annual Leadership development course for those interested in management or being a leader in the real estate industry. 19
A culture that fosters Leadership and Professional Growth Gary Greene Leadership Academy The Leadership Development Academy at Gary Greene is a 6 month program for agents who are interested in developing their leadership skills. Whether you are interested in advancing your career within the company, or just learning how to better run your own real estate business, Leadership Academy gives valuable training to help you learn how to work best with others regardless of personality, culture or generation. Gary Greene Young Professionals is a network within Gary Greene designed to develop, support and engage our younger agents. Agents are able to connect with other young professionals in the company, attend special GGYP events and trainings, and are able ask questions and share ideas on our private GGYP Facebook Page. 20
Our Reputation Be Better at Real Estate with a Reputable Brand and Happy Agents! Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene has a national reputation for high touch, innovation and quality services! Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene is Houston s Top Producing Company according to the HAR Company Ranking Report in 2017 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene provides agent access to the personal services of Gibraltar Mortgage - to assist you and your clients at no obligation. Gibraltar Insurance enables you to serve your clients with quality options for insurance coverage on home, auto, life, etc. We are privileged to be associated with Cartus Relocation, the largest provider of comprehensive global relocation services in the United States. Our Newly Licensed Agents Are Better! 21
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Our Office Managers BAY AREA 1790 Nasa Parkway Houston, TX 77058-2717 281-486-1900 Manager: Debra Blenderman debrab@garygreene.com BELLAIRE 5909 West Loop South #630 Bellaire, TX 77401 713-961-1722 Manager: JJ Molaison jj@garygreene.com WEST GRAY: 1705 West Gray, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77019 713-961-1722 CHAMPIONS 8817 Louetta Road Spring, Texas 77379 (281) 444-5140 Manager: Sharon Teusink teusinks@garygreene.com CYFAIR 11734 Barker Cypress #116 Cypress, TX 77433-2768 832-334-0001 Manager: Rich Guderyon richg@garygreene.com FAIRFIELD 15103 Mason Road, Cypress, 77433 832.334.0001
Our Office Managers FRIENDSWOOD 1104 S. Friendswood Dr. Friendswood, TX 77546-5190 281-482-0055 Manager: Bea Flores Bea.flores@garygreene.com GALVESTON 13450 FM 3005 Galveston, TX 77554-7763 409-737-5200 Manager: Darlene Stewart Darlene.Stewart@garygreene.com KATY 23922 Cinco Village Center Blvd. #123 Katy, TX 77494-6619 281-646-1136 Manager: Tracy Bogiel bogielt@garygreene.com LAKE CONROE/ CONROE 14602 FM 1097 West Willis, TX 77318 936-856-5590 Manager: Trenda Carlisle Trenda.carlisle@garygreene.com CONROE 3401 W. Davis St., Suite H Conroe, TX 77304 936-856-5590
Our Office Managers LAKE HOUSTON 18477 W. Lake Houston Pkwy, Ste. 50 Humble, TX 77346-3517 832-445-0408 Manager: Kendra Lee Kendra.lee@garygreene.com MAGNOLIA 6875 FM 1488 #800 Magnolia, TX 77354 281-789-0411 Manager: Karen Up Karen.Upp@garygreene.com MEMORIAL 12850 Memorial Drive #1155 Houston, TX 77024-4972 713-461-6800 Manager: Judy LaFico lafico@garygreene.com PEARLAND 3272 Broadway Pearland, TX 77581 281-997-0726 Manager: Markeith Spears Markeith.spears@garygreene.com
Our Office Managers SUGARLAND 2323 Town Center Drive Sugar Land, TX 77478-4175 281-980-5050 Manager: Nikki Owen nowen@garygreene.com TIKI ISLAND Tiki Plaza Suite 100 101 Tiki Drive Tiki Island, TX 77554-8196 409-938-1121 Manager: David Johnston David.Johnston@garygreene.com LEAGUE CITY Opening April 2018 Market Place @ Ninety-Six League City, Tx 77573 832-525-5590 TOMBALL 14080 FM 2920. Suite C Tomball, TX 77375 281-310-5888 Manager: Michele Verwold michele.verwold@garygreene.com WOODLANDS 9000 Forest Crossing The Woodlands, TX 77381-1122 281-367-3531 Fax: 281-367- Manager: Ken Brand brandk@garygreene.com
Expect Better. What s our policy on commissions? The MORE IMPORTANT Question: Is our company, our business model, and our manager a good fit for you? We encourage you to thoroughly research the answer to this question, because commissions don t matter when compatibility is not there. If we BOTH AGREE during our personal interview that we are a good fit for each other, and a WIN- WIN for both, then You will be offered a COMMISSION SCHEDULE that grows through your performance. As your income grows, we also provide a Partners Reward Program. This is an additional support in marketing to help you grow your business! For more information Contact one of the managers located nearest you [previous page] and set-up an appointment for a personal interview! 27
The Next Steps EXPECT BETTER SM
Expect Better from the Start! If you are sincerely interested in real estate, then we encourage you to take the next step. If you need to attend real estate school, then consult with one of the school s listed herein. Each school is equipped to answer your questions regarding licensure requirements and enroll you in courses that lead to qualifying to take the exam. If you have completed real estate courses or simply want to learn more about real estate as a career then from the map provided herein, select the office located nearest your home, call the office and ask for the office manager. Ask him/her for a personal interview. Our values are the same as our national brand name and customer service heritage. We live by a code of conduct that represents honesty, integrity, trust and fair play. If you believe your values closely match ours, and you are energetic, enthusiastic, and motivated, you may qualify to become a Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene agent! Expect Better. Set an appointment with us today! 29
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