I just spent a week out of the office. Was I on vacation somewhere exotic? Not exactly. While social media sometimes makes it look like real estate agents live glamorous lives filled with luxury cars, designer clothes and jet-set adventures, the truth is often much different.
For the record, my weakness is shoes, I drive a reliable car that’s 14 years old and I’d rather share pictures of my pets than pretend I’m an influencer. My week away was spent at the Tom Ferry Success Summit, the nation’s leading real estate coaching event.
For those unfamiliar, Tom Ferry is recognized as the #1 real estate coaching organization for over a decade. But it’s not about motivational fluff or happy hour networking. This is serious, roll-up-your-sleeves work where agents sharpen their skills, collaborate with peers nationwide and learn how to deliver stronger results for their clients. The investment isn’t small – hotel rooms, meals, registration and, most importantly, the cost of stepping away from my book of business for a week – but I consider it priceless.
I also work weekly with my personal coach, Scott Jolley, and join Tom and other team leaders for deep-dive sessions throughout the year. My team members also participate in coaching, because I believe that, in this industry, if you stop learning and stop striving to improve, you’re doing a disservice to the very people you’re supposed to be helping.
Which brings me to this: When you hire a real estate agent, do you ever think to look at their resume? Do they have professional designations? Do they track their numbers? Do they invest in ongoing education? Real estate is more than opening doors and posting listings online; it’s about understanding contracts, negotiations, shifting markets and, most importantly, the “why” behind each transaction. Yes, agents earn compensation, but the true why should always be centered on client service, not just closing deals and moving on.
The reality is that it’s far too easy to get a license, pay some dues and call yourself a Realtor. That’s why consumers should be selective, interview more than one or two agents and look for signs of professionalism that go beyond a polished Instagram feed. Does your agent know how to structure an offer in a competitive market? Can they explain the nuances of escrow, inspections and disclosures? Are they constantly improving their craft.
Spending a week in training is a sacrifice, but it’s one that pays off in the form of stronger guidance for my clients. Real estate is one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make, and you deserve someone who takes that responsibility seriously. Don’t settle for the loudest cheerleader online – hire the professional who never stops learning.
Theresa Grant is a real estate broker and columnist covering Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Running Springs and the surrounding mountain communities. Reach her at (909) 442-1345, visit www.HomesInLakeArrowhead.com and follow her on social media, @TheresaGrantRealtor. Theresa is a Broker Associate with REAL Broker Technologies. DRE#01202881.
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