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Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Real estate is not the easiest job in the world to do part-time.  Lots of training happens during the day, but most of the "work" happens on the nights and weekends (there is a fair amount that happens during the day too, such as your marketing and lead gen, but the stuff people "see" is mostly at night and weekends).

 

If you have a website, spend some time making it worth visiting.  Put good info on it about yourself and what you offer.  Many websites can be done very cheaply if you don't already have one.

 

For advertising, try doing a facebook ad at $5/day for 5 days.  Get permission from an agent in your office to advertise their listing.  Run the ad (targeted audience of course).  I pick up several names that way (not always accurate, but most are).  There are several good tutorials out there from "The Paperless Agent" and "Labcoat Agents".  Have a good image, smartly target the audience and have a good (but short) ad copy that gets people to contact you for more info.

 

Also try holding open houses for your office's listings.  They don't have the highest of success rates, but you can often meet people and pick up potential clients that way.  Just make sure the house you're holding open is priced well so you'll get people in.

 

Real Estate: It's a hard way, to make an easy living.

Oct 06, 2017 10:43 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I think you have a problem. And it's one that will be hard to overcome.

Oct 06, 2017 11:20 PM
Ambassador
5,229,945
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

When you do have that first sale, she'll change her tune!

And, I'd also remind her (since she IS an accounting manager!) - you have to spend money to make money!

Don't let her dissuade you - keep your nose to the grindstone!

Oct 06, 2017 07:37 PM
Rainer
216,904
Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

Very difficult to being a r.e. career when you still have to work 40 hours a week.  Time is of the essence in deals and if you are out 8 hours/day, it may be tough to negotiate or work on your business.  Perhaps work in a r.e. office on the weekend and shadow someone, so you can understand the business and see if it is really worth the risk?

Oct 06, 2017 06:49 PM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

All I can say is that the first nice fat juicy deal you close will give her an attitude adjustment. So just keep on plugging. You should be able to develop some connections through your current job.
It's hard to be successful in this profession without an extremely supportive spouse.

Oct 06, 2017 06:39 PM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Ok this isn't as hard as it seems...

1. Working real estate part time is almost impossible at first - it takes time and effort to get the business off the ground.

2.You don't need sales - what you need is start focusing on the ability to obtain sales. 

3. Advertising can get very expensive.  However, take some of your "eating out"  or "entertainment" budget and start saving it - within a month or 2 you should see a nice nest egg you can start to funnel into advertising

4. If she is an Acct Mgr then you need to discuss this as a real business and not a fly by night pipe dream! She should understand ROI and actually she should be able to help you  get the business started  - use her skills and knowledge and partner with her!

5. Get a Toupee!

Oct 07, 2017 06:07 AM
Rainmaker
711,852
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

My husband is the contractor.  I am the realtor. Works great!  And my husband would never question my need to advertise. In fact, he writes my ads!

Oct 06, 2017 08:42 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Nina Hollander nailed this one!

Oct 07, 2017 04:10 AM
Rainmaker
953,617
Pete Xavier
Investments to Luxury - Pacific Palisades, CA
Outstanding Agent Referrals-Nationwide

I know that I wouldn't be able to service my clients properly with a 40 hour a week construction job, I would partner up with a full time agent. Many of my real estate clients in the past (no longer in representative real estate) did not come from the result of paid advertising. Best wishes.

Oct 07, 2017 03:51 AM
Ambassador
6,393,179
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Maybe real estate is not for you at this time, work hard at your construction job, save some cash, and when you have $10k put aside then get back to real estate.

Oct 06, 2017 06:56 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

  Spend money on what kind of advertising?  Direct mail?  Website?

Oct 06, 2017 06:39 PM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I wish you all the best with this. 

Oct 06, 2017 06:31 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

It is hard to move forward without spousal support. I suspect your spouse is afraid of loss of income and security. Only you can do the reassuring that you will do what it takes for success and to better your lives together. 

Oct 07, 2017 06:48 PM
Rainer
352,976
Teri Pacitto
Compass - Westlake Village, CA
Real Estate, Your Style...Your Home...My Specialty

Nina Hollander says it like it is and I agree.  But I also think it's going to be very difficult to work 40 hours on one job and find time for 40+ on real estate. 

Oct 07, 2017 12:00 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,662
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

She's correct to be cautious about your spending, real estate is a full time job; you'll never make it trying to work construction and RE at the same time. Hence you are wasting your money advertising for clients you have no time to serve and no skin in the game to serve them with. You have plunge in with 6 months reserves saved at least. BTW last time I worked construction, that wasn't a 40 hour per week job either, more like 60-80hrs. Sorry, I have no time to BS people, I've lived what you're attempting. Having a toe in two pools won't allow you to dive in to either.

Oct 07, 2017 10:34 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Threats always work. If not, poison?

Oct 07, 2017 10:27 AM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

One of your problems is that you work 40 hours/week which leaves little for real estate and no sales as you said. If you worked 40 hours/week doing real estate maybe you'd have sales?

Oct 07, 2017 07:49 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

I think you should work that out directly with your wife.  Sit down and have a heart to heart talk.  Know that you both have each other's best interests at heart and go from there.  A

Oct 07, 2017 07:10 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,398
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

You do need her to understand your goals or you are heading for trouble 

Oct 07, 2017 07:05 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Stop being Anonymous. 

Oct 07, 2017 06:08 AM
Ambassador
2,061,792
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

You should have had this discussion with your wife before you got into the business.  I'm sure everyone you talked to told you that you should anticipate no income the first year (or at the very least any income going back into the business).

In addition you'll have thousands of dollars of dues and fees before you make a dime, and the anticipation of spending money on advertising to bring in business... simple stuff like Facebook ads, Yelp, Zillow advertising.

Ya screwed up, anonymous dude.  Now you'll need to get on your knees, and beg her forgiveness.

Good luck.

Oct 07, 2017 05:49 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,291
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Sad to say that you wife might not ever get on board. I had the same situation where everything you did was critized to increase business. I would also add that she is probably scared & security is an issue having being used to 2 incomes & that possibly going away.

Oct 07, 2017 05:16 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,123
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

As others have suggested, since you still have a full-time job, joining a team may be a good option.   I'm sure a good team would want to have your construction connections and knowledge.   Interview carefully and choose wisely.  Good luck.  

Oct 07, 2017 05:06 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

With no sales, i would narrow my search for business from people i know, target your spending to them, send less and get better results, when you get any results than expand to the public

Oct 07, 2017 05:01 AM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

My first piece of advice would be to take advantage of the free advertising opportunities (networking!) so that you have a few sales in your pocket and therefore a little leverage. My second advice would be to do your research. Find the data that supports the kind of advertising you want to do results in actual business. 

Oct 07, 2017 04:57 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

You need to demonstrate your ability to make some sales. Make face to face contacts and build your referral network.

Oct 07, 2017 02:32 AM
Ambassador
5,049,108
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Good luck with this. The timing may not be right with the amount of time you have to spend on your full time job. That said, a good sized transaction will help. And advertising is key!

Oct 06, 2017 09:12 PM
Rainmaker
544,014
Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

You don't need to spend any money on advertising if you work your existing sphere of friends and acquaintances. Or, join a team that provides you leads.

But frankly, you should take a break from construction to apply yourself full time to real estate.

Oct 06, 2017 08:12 PM
Rainmaker
1,027,602
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Hindsight being 20/20, having her on board before you got your real estate license would have been key.  With that said, it is very difficult to be successful in this business without a supportive spouse and working a full time job 40 hours a week unless those hours are extremely flexible and you have access to a computer and a phone during those hours. 

You need a solid business plan, in my opinion, in order to show her precisely what you plan to do with the money and what you expect the results to be.  Just throwing money at advertising, though, isn't going to yield much, unless you have a massive budget. 

If money is a challenge, then do it another way;  by networking, meeting friends and colleagues for coffee, socializing and letting people know you are in real estate.  It's not impossible to do but it will take up what free time you have left after you have put in your 40 hours.

Best of luck!  

 

Oct 08, 2017 07:31 AM
Rainmaker
577,750
Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE - Mississauga, ON
REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!

If you are serious about being a real estate agent, then you can't be effecive doing it part time.. its all or nothing.  How can you be available when people call you if you are working 40 hours/week.... This is a service oriented business and if you don't answer your calls or are not available when clients want to see a property they will call someone else.  There is not much loyalty in this business, you have to earn it..

Oct 08, 2017 06:05 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

Marriage counseling...

Eve

Oct 07, 2017 03:42 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

That should have been talked about before now

Oct 07, 2017 03:33 PM
Rainmaker
599,274
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

There are a thousand things we don't know but my first impression is that she doesn't see the value in real estate. Why don't you work on closing some deals first, showing her that you can make it work, and then start asking for money? Or use the money from a sale to fund future endeavors.

Oct 07, 2017 01:56 PM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

You'll be in a pickle until you get one or two sales under your belt. The reward isn't felt until the bucks begin to flow in. Once rolling in the dough expect 10 to 20% to go into your marketing budget. Her accounting expertise will be a blessing once you get going. No one ever said it was easy so best of luck!   

Oct 07, 2017 12:14 PM
Ambassador
2,178,553
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Not to be a naysayer but you're not doing your clients any favors by working 40 hours per week and "fitting them in" to your schedule.   Sharon Altier, SFR gave you some good advice.  

Also, if you're determined to build a career, spend time building your online presence, website and blog.  Blog what you know:  Construction.  That could be your niche.  Build a reputation for being the expert in your niche.  People will want to work with you for your knowledge.  Let them come to you, don't chase them... at least not until you have the time to devote to a full time career.  


Oct 07, 2017 10:32 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Sounds like you need to stick with your day job. You are either in or out in real estate.

Oct 07, 2017 04:01 AM
Rainer
370,200
Jay McHugh
SendOutCards-Appreciation Marketing Expert - Acton, MA
YOUR SendOutCard Mentor

Get her to some great coaching sessions or seminars to see the upside etc....don't push her .. encourage her to be open .. and ask her for help etc....she will appreciate the inclusion and together your are stronger than arguing etc.....hope that helps...

Oct 07, 2017 04:00 AM
Rainmaker
2,071,025
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

1 year later, what the answer will be?

Sep 21, 2018 02:16 PM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

Silly question

Sep 21, 2018 01:50 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,488
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

That does sound like you have an up-hill battle, good luck.

Oct 10, 2017 07:08 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,627
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

that first big commission check will do it.

 

Oct 09, 2017 05:09 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,502
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

You need some $$$ toLead Generate , but you must have a narrow specific target !!! Don't Buy Leads

Oct 09, 2017 05:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Communication. You have to schedule a meeting and have a conversation about it together. Good luck.

Oct 08, 2017 02:45 PM
Rainer
65,378
Steve Bracero
Heisler and Mattson - Shrewsbury, MA
First Time Homebuyer and Investor Specialist

focus on active lead gen daily. how do you plan on prospecting? 

Oct 08, 2017 05:15 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

It depends...

Oct 07, 2017 11:45 PM
Rainmaker
4,160,362
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Many great answers.

Oct 07, 2017 02:52 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Not sure while you are trying to work another job that doesn't allow for flexibility.  But I've often said you can't make money without spending money to advertise.

Oct 07, 2017 10:33 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Most construction workers work close to 7 days a week these days.

Oct 07, 2017 10:07 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Maybe you should listen to your spouse...

Oct 07, 2017 09:52 AM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

I am with Michael Jacobs. It will be next to impossible to succeed in real estate sales if you are working a 40 hour a week construction job and unable to be available to your clients. I would recommend finding a team that is willing to take on an agent who can work nights and weekends to help when other agents on the team who aren't available or need time off. You will have business handed to you, make a smaller cut but also learn the business through the process. And your advertising whoas will be erased, as you won't have to spend money on advertising. -Kasey

Oct 07, 2017 07:46 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Debe Maxwell, CRS gave you very good advice.... 

Oct 07, 2017 06:55 AM
Rainmaker
1,196,798
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

Tough questions BUT put a sale or 2 together

Oct 07, 2017 05:52 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I would go along with your wife.

Oct 07, 2017 05:42 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Find the flow and go with that. Forcing anything won't work. 

Oct 07, 2017 05:33 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Good luck.

Oct 07, 2017 03:20 AM