How To Become A Real Estate Agent And Prosper

As you enter your real estate career, you may be amazed what it takes to become comfortable. Just knowing enough to pass the state licensing examination isn’t enough. Many rich licensed brokers attribute their prosperity to determination, superior training and mentoring. This will come in the form of resourceful books on the web, participating in training seminars and, above all, practicing at an office willing to allocate leads and share their knowledge with you.

Most licensed agents and brokers assume to earn thousands of dollars their first year. While it is possible, it is unlikely unless you have good mentoring and teaching materials. Since it takes time to produce a cliental to get listings there is one specific type of listing you can present as your own: HUD Owned Homes. Anyone can show, sell or advertise a hud-owned home.

HUD owned homes can initiate a nice earned income for new and experienced brokers. While with the old national HUD contract they offered a 5% commission that has now been decreased to 3% which is still pretty decent.

Many affordable hud deals peter out on the market because new and experienced real estate agents don’t seize the HUD sales process. Just getting started as a real estate agent is rough so don’t throw away hud sales from your portfolio. As others are ignoring them, you can excel with them.

Second thing you can do is catch a hud agent training course of study. Many are offered every month nationwide. Check with your local realtors association for class scheduling. If you are not able to attend then visit our site below and you can download a free ebook for bidding strategies and learn more info at our real estate academy.

Hi my name is Len Dietrich. Real estate is changing in to a social media MONSTER and getting started as a real estate agent and being a successful real estate agent is becoming harder. Find the the best tutorials by visiting our site where we will provide a real estate one-stop-shop with reviews, how to’s and recommendations for the tools you will need to improve your real estate marketing efforts.

Why New Real Estate Agents Should Use Real Estate Marketing Letters

Answer me this; When you started in real estate did you have a mentor to show you the ropes?  Did the office you started at offer any type of training?  Well, if you are anything like I was my broker didn’t offer any type of training.  He basically threw the agents in his office to the wolves.  Years later I realize he couldn’t have been dumber.  It’s a wonder there were never any lawsuits that arose from some of the transactions that went through that office.  I am sure, with all the new agents that were there when I was there that there were a few that dropped the ball on some disclosures or blurred the line with ethics.  But, that is another topic.

The fact is, I passed my test with one of the highest grades in the class.  However, passing the RE exam didn’t prepare me to understand the everyday common language of a real estate agent.  In fact, it was a test and no real life examples.  I actually realize now that the test was a little outdated for the time. 

One thing is for sure; real estate is a competitive market and few will help you getting started.  No one in the office I started at would share a lead and, rarely, would anyone offer any insight to me unless I cut them in on the deal.  Which is fine but, there has to be some sort of jump start to give a new agent insight, right?  Yes, I know the Keller Williams of the world and Coldwell Bankers offer trainings but what if you were like me in a small office or somewhere in a small town in Utah?  What then?  Well, you would probably do as I did and buy some books.  I bought some Donald Trump, Dean Graziosi and Gary Keller books when I started and they were useful. however what these books didn’t tell me is the basic, every day terminology that is necessary to communicate with other agents, buyers and lenders. 

However, one resource that helped me when I started was that I bought some packaged marketing letter tutorials that gave me the types of letters that I would need to send to buyers, lenders and other agents.  Really, what I wanted to see was how people corresponded with one another and be able to see, in front of me, how the language/dialog was happening.  I bought several packages and all of them were under $75 dollars.  The way I look at online tutorials and packages like this is that if I can glean yet one idea from whatever it is that I bought then it was worth the money. 

Now I know every state is different and the rules and regulations differ from state to state but one thing remains consistent from state to state; the language that realtors speak to one another is the same and being able to see examples for all types of situations really is beneficial. 

There are packages online that offer a full library of pre-drafted letters that will suit any situation that you are in.  Check out our site.  We offer a lot of free advice and also in-depth reviews on many of the most popular marketing tools for real estate and mortgage marketing letters.


If you need help with anything related to real estate and you don’t know where to turn then check out our site at for real estate marketing letters and also mortgage marketing letters.

Unique Gifts To Give At The Close Of Escrow

I am not a fan of flying.  I was, until recently, scared of heights.  I don’t know anything about the dynamics of flying other than it seems a bit unconventional for a human but not birds.  I do, in fact, love those that have mastered the skill of navigating the wind. 

My father died 6 weeks after I was born and I never knew him. But, when I was growing up my mom, who was my idol, always told me, “Take care of the people around you. Be attentive to what their needs are.  That is what you father did with me and, since he isn’t here, I think he would want me to share that with you”. When I was growing up I didn’t realize how that would come in to play in my real estate career. 

I had a former client that had been referred to me by a mutual friend that was also my former client.  This new potential client had a family and two young children (boy and a girl) and he was a bit down on his luck. I went to his house and met with him to discuss listing his house.  He proceeded to tell me how his family had hit hard times and he vowed to his wife and two kids, especially the oldest one (a young girl), that they would be okay.  It was a typical meeting that didn’t strike me as being too far off the beaten path of any other listing meeting.

Afterwards, he invited me to stay for a cook out.  I obliged and hung out with them for a few hours.  I watched as the house filled up with families and children from all over the neighborhood. Me, being a single guy and not being accustomed to being around kids, I was nearly at my whits end but, I stuck around to be respectful.  And, boy was I glad that I did. 

His oldest (about 9 at the time, a girl) came up to me during the the party and said, ’ Dad said you are going to save us.’  I didn’t know what to say so I said what any single guy with no kids that was terrified would say, ‘Hey, what’s your name.’  She said, ‘My name is Taylor, and I wanna fly. Watch this’.  She spread her arms out and pretended like she was flying in to the pool and dove in.  We all laughed hysterically.  She was a character.

Later, out of curiosity I asked her why she wanted to fly so much. She told me that her grandfather had been a pilot and that he had flown planes from the ‘cotchpits’ before.  I told her that we would see what we could do about ‘getting her up in the air some day’.

While this family didn’t want to leave their home and move away it turned out to be the circumstance that benefited them the most.  The home sold, they moved in to another home and got on with their lives.  After the close of escrow I scheduled a little surprise for them.  

They all arrived, unsuspecting.  We got in my car and drove about 5 miles to Temecula, CA. As we rolled up to the launch site the kids went crazy.  We, along with the guide, launched in to the atmosphere and had so much fun.  The smile on that little girls face was priceless.  When we landed and were about to leave the little girl came up to me and said, ‘Thank you.  You are my hero.”  My mom would have been proud. 

This gift cost me less than $500 for all 5 of us.  When you close your next deal.  Think of something unusual.  Think of something that will make a lasting impression.  Go beyond the call of duty.

They say it takes all kinds to make the world, but I can’t help thinking what a much better world it would be if there were more people like my mom, my client and his family.
Hello. I’m Len Dietrich. If you’d like to learn more about eco-friendly stationary visit our site for more information on how to get started as a real estate agent.

A Landslide Of FHA Foreclosures Are Creeping Upon Us

Last month I read a riveting article on The Wall Street Journal website. The article stipulated that mortgage default rates were declining for nearly most loan types with the lone phenomenon being FHA types of financing. Those default rates had actually amplified.

Why you may ask? Well, when the market crashed the government offered tax incentives for first time home buyers and countless potential new buyers engulfed the market. Many of those buyers were cash poor therefore most were forced to use Federal Housing Administration financing for the low down payment sales options. And, in most states, if a buyer used this financing there were programs for $100 down payments. Several states still offer this program while others have discontinued it. My mind started to rattle when I began to think about what actually has transpired over the past several years.

Here is my evaluation. During 2008-2010 the cash strapped buyers ran towards securing their piece of the american dream: home ownership. Many of those buyers didn’t consider the likelihood that they may not have a place of employment in three years. While most were poised and ready and could actually afford the 3.5% down what they didn’t account for was that the economic system was going to continue to descend. And, most first time buyers that took advantage of the first time home buyer tax options are now in the unemployment line. They are defaulting at an unprecedented rate.

Additionally I understand that the government is going to elevate the down payment for FHA types of loans. This is really going to bruise our industry. Federal Housing Administration financing was put in place to give a lift to first time home buyers when purchasing a house by offering low down payments. Elevating the minimum down payment for these types of loans will put the home out of reach for many home buyers. It is truly a catastrophe in the making. While one person’s catastrophe is another man’s opportunity this will open many new sales options for real estate investors. Essentially, less competition in the market place will empower investors to rush in and pick up awesome deals on homes.

I’m really not sure how all of this is going to wash out in the foreseeable future but I can say that we are in uncharted territory. My best forecast is that troubling times are advancing. If the home buyers that purchased homes between 2008-2010 and used fha financing continue defaulting there is going to be a tidal wave of FHA foreclosures coming on the market. This will amplify the inventory of HUD owned homes coming on the market place. I’m guessing HUD will slowly cut loose these homes a little bit at a time as they will not be in any hurry to liquidate. IF they did rush it then it would crash the market. So, look for HUD sales to be the new gold standard in real estate of the future. No doubt about it!
Hi my name is Len Dietrich. Real estate is changing in to a social media MONSTER and getting started as a real estate agent or becoming a better one has never been more difficult. Find the the best HUD 9548 Contract Tutorial by visiting our site where we will provide a real estate one-stop-shop with reviews, how to outsource real estate tasks and recommendations for the tools you will need to improve your real estate marketing efforts.

Real Estate Academy: What They Don't Teach You

When getting started as a real estate agent scores believe that getting their real estate license will provide a sure financial future when, in actuality, getting your accredit is the first course of action in a very far-reaching approach towards financial freedom. While real estate is an fascinating profession there is ample work ahead once you get your certificate. Essentially with all online or classroom real estate academy teaching courses there is little information suitable to real world experiences that you will be exposed to. While each state has specific requirements almost every real estate academy has the same basic knowledge. In reality, there are few courses nationwide that cement even the basics of how to fill out your state mandated residential purchase agreement. Why is it that the Department of Real Estate expects new licensed real estate agents to be able to successfully finish a business deal when the core educational facts aren’t even covered?  This doesn’t have to be like that.

While each state has various contracts and procedures there is one contractual residential home purchase agreement that is the same in the US no matter where you take up residence the HUD-9548 contract contract. No real estate academy nationwide provides even one course on how to effectively sell hud homes or even fill out the contract.  And, that form seems to be the one that is the most misconstrued and misinterpreted.

First, let me clear away a myth: HUD owned homes are not lower income housing. These homes are one to four unit housing that had an FHA insured loan. Simply put, HUD owned homes can be a single family residence, a duplex, triplex or quadplex. The loan maximums for these homes in Los Angeles County California are as follows: Single Family Residence-$729,750, two-family-$934,200, three-family-$1,129,250, four-family-$1,403,400. So, you can see that a nice home can be purchased in those price ranges. Many new agents exclude these homes sales from their efforts and that is not a wise move. Many agents are missing out on some profitable sales that could increase their bottom line tremendously but simply don’t take advantage of these sales because they don’t understand the Housing and Urban Development’s process. By simply selling an additional three to six of these homes per year one can increase their revenue tremendously. Now wouldn’t that help with you child’s college education fund? I think it would.

While the HUD 9548 contract is the same throughout the United States no real estate academy offers training or tutorials on how to properly execute these contracts as many academy’s are focused on short-sales or bank owned REO’s. The same goes for real estate offices; no one considers selling hud owned homes.  Never again make that mistake and exclude this opportunity of a life time. With home prices dropping many more homes that had FHA lending on them will fall in to the category of a hud sale. You can find out how to become successful with HUD sales by visiting http://www.hudsecrets.org.

Hi my name is Len Dietrich. Real estate is changing in to a social media MONSTER and getting started as a real estate agent is becoming harder. Find the the best real estate tutorial by visiting our site where we will provide a real estate one-stop-shop with reviews, how to’s and recommendations for the tools you will need to improve your real estate marketing efforts.

Top 5 Uses for QR Code For Realtors

The top five uses for QR code for realtors are probably 5 of the best I’ve used thus far.  But, first, what is a QR code?  QR stands for Quick Reference Code and is basically like a bar code.  The technology was created in Japan by an auto manufacturer.  So, think of it as a bar code, if you will.  Here is how we use them in real estate.

1.  On your real estate sign:  If you aren’t using a QR code on your signs then you are way behind the curve.  Putting a QR code on your sign is relatively easy or you can order a sign from a QR code sign company and have the code embedded on your sign.   The upside to  having a QR code on your sign is that they really cut down on the amount of phone calls you receive from “Lookey Loo’s” that waste your time.  Anyone that is interested in the home you are listing can simply download a QR reader and then scan you the code and get all the information on the home in one simple swipe.  There are many services out there that will provide a QR code for you then direct them to a site where the interested party can get all the info they need without picking up the phone and bothering you, the listing agent.  Plus, any company that will provide to you the code embedded in the sign will also provide to you a mobile optimized website that is easily readable on a mobile device.  A big plus for any mobile user to have access to.

2.  Add the code to your flyers that you are distributing or the advertisements you are running on Craigslist, newspapers etc.  You can embed the code with a youtube video and then direct them to your YouTube channel where they can get pictures or even a video of the property.  Basically, YouTube is now doing the work for you while you spend time with your family.

3.  Put the QR Code on your website.  The code will link to your bio, your listings, etc.  Anyone with a QR code reader can be sitting in front of their computer, scan the code and be directed to your bio info.

4.  Put the same QR code on your business cards.  This one is a no brainer.  You can embed the code with whatever information you want a potential client to know about you; your bio, current or past listings, your philosophy, etc.

5.  Link a QR code to your Facebook page!  Doesn’t get any simpler than that.  If you aren’t using Facebook then you must be living on another planet. 

Simply put, if you are a real estate agent and you aren’t using a QR code then you truly aren’t taking advantage of all the useful tools available to you in this current social media thriving world we are living in.  You need a competitive edge in this market and you need to be able to go to a listing appointment and show a potential client you are using every resource available to market their home.
Hi my name is Len Dietrich. Real estate is changing in to a social media MONSTER and getting started as a real estate agent or becoming a better one has never been more difficult. Find our recommendation for QR Code For Realtors by visiting our site where we will provide a real estate one-stop-shop with reviews, how to outsource real estate tasks and recommendations for the tools you will need to improve your real estate marketing efforts.