"baby face" Real Estate Agent

**FuZe** · 04-09-2010 03:20 PM

I'm going to work as a real estate agent. I know that I'm extremely knowledgeable, and ethical, but I'm afraid my "baby face" (I'm 22) is going to hurt business.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Ways to appear more mature?

**BizGuy** · 04-09-2010 04:32 PM

Hi FuZe,

I think nowadays, its most important to look/dress professional, brand yourself, know your market and provide amazing customer service to your clients and prove that you are definitely the person for the job! Then once you start building up your client base on results then the referrals will surely follow regardless of age!

Keep us informed!

Cheers!

**sep** · 04-09-2010 04:57 PM

I agree. You've got to dress and act professional 100% of the time. More importantly, you must speak and present yourself in a very professional manner.
Always show that you are" extremely knowledgeable and ethical" every chance you get. Let them know that you have completed the latest industry training and are up on all the current technology and regulations. Sometimes the "old dogs" in an industry slack off and get complacent after so many years which will make you look even better to potential customers.
Keep that confident attitude and build your new career one client at a time.
Good Luck.

**FuZe** · 04-09-2010 05:27 PM

Thank you both!

**DerekS** · 04-09-2010 09:44 PM

I was 22 when I became an agent and was definitely babyfaced. (I guess I still am at the age of 27.)

Just dress professionally, conduct yourself accordingly, and you'll be fine. Truthfully, getting started is scary because you're minimally trained and sent out to help people through the purchase of their most expensive asset (at least for most people.) As you do more deals, you'll get confidence, and confidence in real estate is paramount. Also, make sure you educate yourself on the product (if you're not already.) I can't stand agents who have been in the business for years but don't know basic construction terminology or a rough idea of what repairs/etc will cost (it makes negotiations tougher and leads to more firedrill-type situations). In time, you'll find confidence, product knowledge, and sharp eye for details will supersede your young appearance.

Good luck!

**armenh** · 04-10-2010 02:10 AM

I am 18 and will be getting my RE license this month, I know a couple of people as well who are just as young as me and successful in the industry.

There are ways to pass the "experience" factor that seems to be a huge factor when dealing with buyers and sellers.
1. I would recommend interning by a experienced broker who is willing to teach you the ways of the business and give you a helping hand whenever you need one. The best is to work with a broker who is not a "mega-agent" but also not someone with no listings or a complete failure in the industry.
2. Also, on listing appointments mention you work with an experienced broker.

Besides these pointers, always make sure you are on top of your game, knowledgeable and abide to your fiduciary responsibility.

If you need anything else feel free to shoot me a PM.

**BizGuy** · 04-10-2010 11:07 AM

A great post was just written on the YoungEntrepreneur.com blog and I thought it was suitable for this post FuZe: Be, Do, Have—the Zen of Brand Success: Be, Do, Have

**FuZe** · 04-16-2010 12:31 PM

Thank you all very much, and thank you BizGuy, I'm reading that now!

**soloads** · 04-16-2010 03:09 PM

Believe it or not, being young often helps when dealing with clients face to face. But, you also have to play the part you want to be. If you want to be taken seriously by any prospective client, you have to act serious, appear to know your game (in this case real estate) and ensure that you DRESS the part. It is true what they say out there, first impressions DO matter and you have to look professional to be treated accordingly. In addition, be respectable towards your customers, and not pushy. Being too persistent can be misinterpreted by many as "desperate measures" to make your commission. Act naturally, get to the point, be informative, be friendly, be professional and you will soon realize that no one would even care how young you are.

**oac** · 04-17-2010 01:42 PM

Excellent advice so far, dress the part and "act as if". Don't be cocky, but act as if you're an experienced pro. Don't let anything shake you no matter how bizarre or out in left field a question is.

I started as a financial advisor out of college and that's another profession you must have gray hair and wrinkles to succeed in. (unless you Daddy is a well connected guy with lots of rich friends).

I would always say that if I don't know the answer, I'm not going to make it up, I will turn to my company which has 150 years experience for it.