Customer Reviews

21 Things I Wish My Broker Had Told Me: Practical Advice for New Real Estate Professionals.

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I am a liccensed CA Real Estate Broker. I ordered the book after I had read a positive review about the book from newspaper real estate columnist/investor/attorney, Robert Bruss. Bruss has never steered me wrong, and I highly respect his opinions.
This book is the MOST straightforward, no BS, book I have read yet about any aspect of the business. I tip my hat to the author, who himself is a real estate columnist, for digging up the information... The truths are universal in this business (which is scary/weird), but I feel that anyone who is starting out in this business MUST read this book so you know what to expect, as I cannot think of any other business that chews up and spits out people so quickly. I imagine some will buy it looking for a way to riches, which this book is NOT about. It is about understanding how the business really works and what to expect, thereby giving one an edge against any disappointment and discouragement a "green" agent will surely feel in the first 18 months of this business. The dropout rate is high, and I think the author offers much encouragement. There has been so much stuff written about selling real estate, and all the "pump up" stuff to keep one motivated, but this book is not about that at all. This book would make an excellent gift to anyone who just passed their Real Estate test and is willing to take the plunge into a business where, quite frankly, every day that you wake up, you are seeking work! After reading it, you won't feel so distraught at the bumpy road which lies ahead.
I'm sure even seasoned vets of the business would appreciate it, and may find themselves chuckling to themselves as they are reminded of the many hard lessons that were learned -and there will be many- as the book points out, or perhaps I should say, the book says "Look Out!"
I read it in one evening, as it entertains the reader as well. Well done, Mr. Cook, and thank you for approaching a subject that I think few have touched upon. Your organization of the subject matter seems well thought out.
The one underlying theme which he displays in various interviews with Realtors is one must certainly rely on hard work, rather than luck (we all know the stories about stepping out for a $4.95 sandwich, only to lose a $20,000 commission to the one agent who answered the phone), to make it. Plus, thank you for mentioning that this is a misunderstood profession, in the eyes of the public, and calling upon all agents to act professionally, and putting the client's needs before our own.
Buy it, read it, and good luck to all the new agents out there. Office managers: make this required reading for new agents and you'll save yourself a lot of hand holdiing...

I would have to agree that this is a great no-nonsense book for anyone interested or involved in Real Estate to any degree. I would go further and recommend it for anyone interested in business in general. It has lots of useful and truthful information and you don't have to specifically be in the field of Real Estate to benefit from it. This book will let you know if Real Estate is for you, or that it is not for you. It will tell you what you can expect and what you will need to pay attention to in order to be successful.

Even if you are just a curious outsider, you will gleen some insight into the realities that Realtors and business people in general face. It's a book that is easy to read, formatted well, priced right and even entertaining. Equally beneficial for Realtors already in the busines, those studying for their license, people wanting to buy or sell a home, or lost unemployed souls like me who don't know what the heck to do to make money.

I am just got my license, and I can tell you, alot of the 'how to be successful in real estate in your first year' and from the various seminars I have attended, they all basically say the same thing - Market yourself, prepare for the rough patches, work, work, work to see results. Nothing really earth shattering or inspiring.

But I liked this book because of it's honesty. Alot of what you hear and read in other books, on how to market your self and get leads - this book breaks it down based on surveys from people who have been in real estate for awhile and are successful.

It tells you which methods they found to work, and how often the others did or did not work for them. Gives you a good idea of which way you want to go, instead of you trying to do doing everything you all at once and spending all that time and money- only to see minimal results.

It also talks about the ruts and dry spells real estate agents get into, and the reasons why as many as 70% of new real estate agents drop out in their first year, and how not to let that happen to you. It also points out some of the smallest (common) mistakes that you could make as a real estate agent - and lose your license!

All in all this is a good book for the new agent. I have been starting off slowly, learning as I go. And I can honestly say this book definitely parallels to some of the stuff I have already done, and just as the books said happened more than not-some of the stuff I did turned up very little to no results.

Wish I would have read it before I got started.

This is the first book you should read if considering entering into real estate. Some of the personal stories are scarey yet true, but are important to face before entering a new career.
A lot of other books are "rah, rah, you can do it" hype. This is one book that speaks about the sucesses and failures from a personal perspective. I have now read it twice once for pleasure and once to take notes! This book really does speak of the things your broker will never tell you.

When I purchased this book, I never expected it to be so good! I am a new Real Estate agent after years of selling in other fields. This book gave me the confidence to know that my instincts were correct. The author imparts his information through real life agent stories, expert opinions and anecdotes, all of which are easy to read and understand. The lack of jargon makes the book very accessible to all. You need this book if you are a new agent, experienced agent or even considering getting into Real Estate.

I am 1 month fresh out of Licensing class and I bought this book once I signed on with an agency. I have already sold my first home using the information and techniques this author mentions. This is the best straight-forward, NO BS, full of usefull information, Book I have ever read.
If you are still wondering if u should spend the money to buy the book, stop contemplating NOW and purchase the book. It doesnt matter if the book is NEW or USED, it has the same information and is the best investment a "Fresh out of Licensing Class" agent can buy.

All Real Estate Authors need to take a writing lesson from Frank Cook.

I am a new C.A. Real Estate Licensee and found this this book to be very helpful. One of the hardest parts of any business is joining the race once it has began. Author Frank Cook provides critical information on marketing-your-self, what to do if your asked to commit crimes and expectations. As well as, practical advise on new way of looking at attorneys, to tech or not to tech and continuing education. This was valuable information that was easy to understand and apply. A great follow-up book to "21 Things I wish my broker had told me" is The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller.

Each of the contributors to this book offers encouragement and useful tips for any real estate pro. It isn't just for beginners.

I've read several real estate sales "how-to" books. This is the one I sent to a broker friend to share with her team. And not just because the price is amazingly low! It's solid stuff.

WOW! This book is nothing to play with. Without question, if you are thinking about becoming an agent or entering the field of RE, read this book first! Each State should make it a requirement to read this book before you invest $1 on a class or exam.

This book explains every point in full detail. There was no question I had after reading this book. I will tell you that you will be left with one of two emotions after reading "21 Things..."

1. Excitement - Give me the phone I need to get involved, I'm 100% sure about what I want to do. I fully understand what's at stake and am prepared to jump in head, hands and feet first!

or

2.) Relief - Thank you Frank Cook! I almost made a decision that I really wasn't prepared to accept. I almost started another assignment that I wouldn't have completed. My friend, that's an agent never told me those things.

Once I completed this book, I signed up to take the RE Agent's Class!!

This is a great book. It gives you a bunch of information you would otherwise not find out until after your first year in the business. It gives you a bunch of associations to be aware of that you can join, things you can do to promote your business. I finished it in one sitting, and am planning to read it again. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone in their first year of real estate. Will save you a lot of time on doing things that don't matter. Focus on results.