This week I am kicking it old school and talking about personal brands. When thinking about getting into the real estate business it is easy to be confused that by joining A big brand you will win. The truth is each agent at a brokerage really needs to create their own personal brand. How would you define your brand?

Tune in to learn more about making career forward choices. Choosing a brand that represents your personal brand goals is the best choice when picking a brokerage. If you like being an individual, personal touch, and attention to detail then a boutique brokerage is best for you. Understanding your end goal helps you understand what you need to do to get there.

Remember with all the hype about online that the real world exists. Personal branding is more than just what you display on a well curated social page. A personal brand is who, what, and how people think when they see you. Make sure the real you and your personal brand match so it is a natural transition from friend to client.

With all the new focus on the NAR settlement I think a lot of agents are forgetting what to say on a first showing. In this episode I make it clear the things you need to start saying to create lasting relationships. Rushing right into the professional hat versus the trusted advisor and mentor spot could get you in trouble.

While out your first showing it is important to get to know the person. Using F.O.R.D (Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Dreams) is a good way to learn about someone and build a relationship. These things are great for opening people up. Remember while it is the rules that we get the contract signed no one has told us how to get there. Building relationships gets the contract signed.

When meeting new people it is important to remember that the goal and the way the process will work is set by the client. Learn to rise to their expectations and follow their boundaries. Many agents confuse who is buying the house. They give their own opinions. They change the clients thoughts. They do not ask and then let the client decide their own needs.

Acting normal may seem like a clear solution to meeting with new people but for some people it is not. Strangely enough people tend to change who they normally are when meeting new people which can give off an uneasy vibe. By acting as a friend and normal the client will be more open to helping you understand their goals.

With all this new contract stuff let's stay focused. The name of the game is to become known, liked, and trusted. With the NAR settlement it now made us need to accomplish this faster than ever. Follow these guidelines to get there.

Now that we are past the settlement lots of agents wonder who is going to pay them. There are three different ways a buyer's agent can get paid. The buyer, seller, or cobroker pays a portion or all of the commission. It is important to understand before moving forward how it is going to work.

In this week's episode we cover all the ins and outs of navigating your commissions. Some brokerages have decided to shy away from cooperating compensation. Others have gone with the paperwork and guidance of NAR and have continued to offer cooperating compensation. It truly is a confusing subject.

When it comes to the buyer paying commissions it is important to speak with the lender. Understanding the financial side and what the buyer is capable of paying is crucial to a smooth closing after a successful relationship. Failure to do this can and will lead to big issues. Tune in today and learn more.