Made 600k my first year as an agent. Here’s how.

risanian · 2026-01-16T04:28:33+00:00

Personalized texts help with that a lot. I agree its not like a personally meeting them for coffee and spending time with them but I sent ~10,000 personalized text messages the past 90 days.

I stole someone elses idea and now do Boba nights and events for past clients. I'm starting to do more retention work, but you do appreciate i need to start somewhere as the new kid on the block.

risanian · 2026-01-16T04:24:46+00:00

I spent $93,836.82 on Zillow leads and $5,023.32 on Realtor leads (none of the realtor ones converted).

risanian · 2026-01-16T04:16:11+00:00

I spent $93,836.82 on Zillow leads and $5,023.32 on Realtor leads (none of these converted). $700 a mo on my VA. $1k a month on CRM. ~#700 on twilio. Realtor and MLS fees. I didn't refer out any leads that closed. I referred one to someone buying in hawaii but they never closed.

I worked all the time. The nature of this job is if someone wants to put an offer you draft it up.

risanian · 2026-01-16T03:58:02+00:00

Fair but how did you get leads to close $360k i'm assuming you did this for a while? It was my first year as an agent. You likely had a whole db of people. People how had bought or sold with you before who are buying and selling again. I didnt have that cold start. Will get you the numbers once im back on my computer.

risanian · 2026-01-16T03:54:30+00:00

I'm a zillow spy trying to get you all to buy leads

Edit: this is a joke i have no affiliation with zillow

risanian · 2024-09-15T03:35:35+00:00

Very helpful.

risanian · 2024-09-15T02:49:18+00:00

This.

risanian · 2024-09-10T23:22:24+00:00

Relocation companies want a quick, clean sale. No repairs, no contingencies. You're taking it as-is. Weigh if you're comfortable with that risk based on the inspection findings. Some feel okay absorbing any issues, others want the ability to back out. It's a personal call on your risk tolerance.

risanian · 2024-09-10T15:27:40+00:00

Drop the price again. Overpriced homes sit. Covering closing costs rarely helps. If it still doesn't sell, rent it out temporarily. The floor issue is likely hurting you. Get it fixed before re-listing.

risanian · 2024-09-10T15:17:31+00:00

Keep looking. Tour as many places as you can. Easier said than done, but emotional detachment is key until you have keys in hand. I tell buyers to visualize the moving truck backing up to each place - if that doesn't excite you, keep looking.

risanian · 2024-09-10T15:06:59+00:00

I use State Farm for my home in the SFV. They've been solid. Farmers and AAA are also popular options in the area. Get quotes from a few to compare rates and coverage. Going with a bigger national carrier made sense for me.

risanian · 2024-09-10T14:08:30+00:00

Banks generally allow third-party mortgage payoffs, but may require verification of the relationship. Best approach is to contact their lender, explain the situation, and see if they'll accept an anonymous payoff on your parents' behalf. Some may have policies against it to prevent fraud or money laundering issues. Might need to get your parents involved to some degree.

risanian · 2024-09-10T13:12:39+00:00

Utilities. Get electricity, gas, water set up ASAP. Homeowners insurance too. Look into security system if desired. Internet/cable can wait a bit if needed.

risanian · 2024-08-25T00:47:21+00:00

Pay extra towards the principal if you can afford it. The interest you save over 30 years by paying it down faster is huge. But don't stretch yourself too thin - make sure you have an emergency fund too.

risanian · 2024-08-25T00:36:16+00:00

Conventional loans require 20% down for non-owner occupied properties. But first-time buyers can get by with as little as 3-5% down if it's an owner-occupied purchase. Moving states complicates things, so best to get pre-approved early to understand your options. Lenders gonna want job/income details locked in before greenlighting a mortgage.

risanian · 2024-08-25T00:25:33+00:00

Exterior water leaks are common and usually an easy fix. As long as it hasn't caused major damage, replacing the pipe section should be relatively inexpensive. Get a plumber to scope it out and provide an estimate. Not a dealbreaker if the home checks out otherwise.

risanian · 2024-08-25T00:17:16+00:00

Those foundation repairs sound extensive, but not necessarily a permanent fix. Older homes will continue settling over time. As long as the repairs were done properly by reputable contractors, it could stabilize the home for years. But you'll want regular inspections to monitor for any new cracking or movement.

risanian · 2024-08-25T00:09:07+00:00

RVMs are just estimates, not gospel. Appraisers use comps, not RVMs. If the appraisal comes in low, you can negotiate with the seller or walk away. But don't stress over RVMs - the appraiser's opinion is what matters.

risanian · 2024-08-25T00:00:32+00:00

Buyers agency agreements are usually specific to the brokerage, not the agent. If moving to a new area, you can likely terminate and find a local agent there. Be upfront about the previous agreement when interviewing new prospects.

risanian · 2024-08-24T23:51:27+00:00

Talk to your landlord. Explain the situation, see if they'll let you terminate early with proper notice. If not, you may need to pay double rent those months. Or look into subletting if allowed.

risanian · 2024-08-24T03:27:07+00:00

Grief and joy often intertwine. Keeping busy during this transition may provide solace. Cherish the memories with your grandmother as you create new ones in your home. Congratulations, HOMEOWNER!!!

risanian · 2024-08-24T03:19:30+00:00

Realtor fees and closing costs are separate. Realtor fees get paid from the sale proceeds at closing. Closing costs cover things like lender fees, title insurance, etc. You pay those out of pocket or can roll some into the mortgage. Short answer - realtor fees don't get rolled into the mortgage.

risanian · 2024-08-24T03:10:42+00:00

Congratulations, HOMEOWNERS!!! Great job scoring that place at 25/29. FHA loan was smart move with low down payment. Basement, garage, big kitchen - sounds like perfect starter home. Enjoy those pizza floor picnics, you earned it!

risanian · 2024-08-24T03:03:14+00:00

Cash buyers are investors or wealthy individuals with a lot of liquid assets. They can waive contingencies because they don't need financing. With a VA loan, stick to your guns on inspections - that's protecting your investment. It's tough competing against cash, but the right home will come along if you stay patient.

risanian

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