Experiences that took you from novice to seasoned pro

October is New Agent Month at Inman. Follow along as we go deeper on the tools, tech and tips you’ll need to survive and thrive in 2024. For curated content crafted just for first-year agents, be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Basics.

Pulse is a recurring column where we ask for readers’ takes on varying topics in a weekly survey and report back with our findings.

Maybe it was the first time you had to “fire” a client. Maybe it was the first time a transaction unexpectedly imploded. It might have been an exciting moment, like depositing your first commission check or landing your first really big listing all by yourself.

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Whatever the moment, there was probably a specific time when you realized you weren’t a newbie anymore.

It’s New Agent Month, so we asked you to tell us about an experience that took you from novice to seasoned pro. What happened? What was the result? Were you the picture of grace under fire, or were you freaking out? Did someone help you through, or did you figure it out on your own? Here are the stories you shared:

• A buyer went under contract on a flipped property that had several unresolved issues. The power had been turned off and the wood floors were warped, The water pressure from the well tank was low. One HVAC unit was not working properly. I quickly researched these issues and essentially acted as the general contractor for the vendors that did the original work. I researched what the moisture level in the wood floors needed to be before sanding and refinishing them. I learned everything I could about private wells and well tanks and HVAC units. I then worked with the contractors to ensure everything was properly fixed. My biggest concern was that issues would come back after the closing, so I was very thorough in my research. In the end, my buyers got a great property and a great price and have since sent me at least ten referrals. It really marked my step up from novice to seasoned pro. You learn and grow the most when you are challenged.
• Learning the ins and outs of an HOA in order to have the bylaws on record with the county amended through an HOA that was abandoned years prior.

Editor’s note: These responses were given anonymously and, therefore, are not attributed to anyone specifically. Responses were also edited for grammar and clarity. Inman doesn’t endorse any specific method and regulations may vary from state to state.

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