Hello Everyone.
I have been in real estate now for nearly two years and half of that time has been full time. I have been quite successful for our local standards, but of course I want to do better. I am currently in the top 7% of our board and number 1 in my office, but it seems that I don't get any respect due to my age.
Can anyone relate to this? I am pretty frusterated that I can do so well but, from my perspective, be just a kid that just happens to be doing well.
My wife and I have always been business minded and forward thinkers. For example; I have started a great business in RE and she is a full time student as well as owning her own massage and spa business with 4 employee's.
I guess I am just venting a little bit, but I would like to know if anyone else feels this way or maybe you are one of those that looks at us in our low to mid 20's and think, "He'll never make it, so don't listen to him."
Maybe I am way off the mark, but I don't think so. Let me know your thoughts.
Matt Hodges
I am 32 and I look like I am 24 or so I am told. It is very frustrating to be taken seriously. When I was 24 I was running my own business and trying to secure more accounts was frustrating because then I looked like I was 16! I dont mind looking young but seriously it gets old. I found the one way to combat this is to always dress up. I try to always wear a suit unless its just so hot. I make sure I am overdressed. I dont know any other way to get the message accross that I am serious about what I do and I am not 18. Even if you were 18 and you knew what you are doing isn't that what counts?
Shane:
I too try to always wear a jacket, but sometimes it is just to warm.
Thank you for your input.
One other comment about this...
I had a female agent from another company call me honey. I really found this frustrating. I am not being sexist here or saying this because it was a woman who said something like that. What was frustrating is if I called her honey would that be ok? I respect everyone I work with and I expect the same treatment. I think we should be acting and treating people professionally.
I suggest that you just take yourself seriously and everyone else will follow suit. Age is just a number. When I first started to read your post; I figure that you were too old, and people may feel that you're not up to date or feeble. Being young is an asset as is being mature. It is the person that counts, not their age.
In response to the "honey" comment; I hearit very often, and I guess people use such terms of endearment because they can't remember my name. It really does not bother me much at all. I know someone very close to me that just can't tolerate being called "sweetheart", "honey", "dear" - It really drives her nuts!
Take the success and be thankful. Some won't give respect because of jealousy and envy. Don't worry about it and "let no man despise your youth."
My trick has been to have facial hair! No joke either. If I am clean shaved I get the 'your just a newbie' bit, but with a nice goatee or so... then nobody ever has mentioned anything. I do dress casual mostly, but that is how most of my customers (investors) expect me to be.
No, I judge them on their use of the English language. Know what I mean?
just keep doing the business...be successful- that is the only thing that matters..
I am 31 and I feel respected. I think you get back what you send out...so decide if you send out a true respect to others, if not then send out respect and you will get it back.
Try to use your youth to your advantage. You have cutting edge, web 2.0 skills that maybe the older agents may not have. It's all in your attitude. Find the positives in it.
Someone recently called me 'ma'am'. It could be worse....
Oh yeah?
This requires more than a comment. I'm inspired.
You will be great, keep being positive, believe me time passes all too quickly and you will be 40 before you know it and hence get the respect you deserve right now. Hold your head up, be positive and do the best job anyone can do.
Matt, I don't judge anyone based on age - for me it's all about how you conduct your business. I've met some terrific agents both young and more seasoned :) and I've met some that just made me roll my eyes and wonder how they get through a day since they don't have a clue. It's got nothing to do with age or even, sometimes, experience. It's all in how you approach your business and how you convey that to other people.
p.s. Can't wait to see what inspiration has hit Lenn!
I can relate. I began my real estate career at the age of 18 right out of high school. The initial road was a little bumpy because no one would list with me because they saw me as a high school type kid who should be flipping burgers and not in the real estate industry. I had to work twice as hard to make any forward movement but once you prove yourself...it is so much easier to win over clients with your youthful higher energy level. I could physically outwork my competition because I was single and had no children and no outside obligations...I could physically work 16 to 20 hours a day for my first 4 years in the business. This work ethic absolutely was worth the effort. Happy Selling!
Matt, just keep your head up - be there to assist others and you will be just fine. I learned along time ago that you simply cannot please everyone.
Thank you to everyone who has replied to this post. As I have read these posts, I have noticed a range of different views, so I thank you again.
It's nice to turn to the folks of the rain when I have a concern.
I am 28, when I started I was 25. I agree that people typically look at me differently initially. I have to say that being a women adds fuel to that fire... However, once they have a conversation with me; their view changes.
Congrats on your production!
Older people sometimes look at us, as if we can't make mature, responsible decisions. I work in a Family business, me being the youngest and I'm constantly getting second guessed. I'm make sound decisions and great business suggestions that continuously proves my capabilities.
My thoughts; the younger adult's will always have to prove their selves. Just do so with great preservation! I sometimes get so angry, but always remember to be the bigger and better younger person.
Cheers!
I suppose this is always in the back of someone's mind (our age) but thats where you can use your experience/knowledge to prove yourself - or not. Sounds like you are doing quite well so why even bother worrying about it?
I think that is what I will have to do, just quit caring about what others think of me and just out produce them.
Thanks everyone.
Words of Wisdom: At 40 years old and with 21 years in the business I can offer you this.... like any relationship, respect is earned. When you are young you feel invincible and as you get older and more experienced you realize that when you were young you really often times had no clue about what you were really doing. Yes, often times it is skill rather than luck or enthusiasm but you'll realize luck played a big hand in it.
Take time to listen and learn from those around you who you feel are successful and model yourself after them. Don't concern yourself with anyone who neglects to notice the rising star in you. On the other hand remember you have a lot (I stress a lot) to learn with less than 3 years in the business.
My father taught me the business and often said to me, "Son anyone can learn to drive a car but how you react in an emergency is what makes you a good driver". I think it is safe to say that rule applies to real estate. You learn the basics and with experience (not age) come true success.
Be proud of yourself but don't get cocky as time will be the true test of your success. Keep kickin' #$%.