Success as a Real Estate Agent For Dummies

• #22 in Best Real Estate Books

37 Reviews

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From the opening cheat sheet to the last top ten list in this book on ten best web sites for real estate agents. This booked is packed with quality information and value. From the first chaper on Discovering the Skills of a Successful Agent to the last chaper Maximizing Your Time you will not be able to put this book down like I couldn't.
It was obvious through every page of this book that the author not only was an expert in selling real estate successfully himself as confirmed by his bio of selling 150 homes annually while only working on Monday - Thursday to do it. I was also clear that he has coached and trained a large number of agents to become Successful agents.
I loved the chapter on researching and understanding the marketplace. He teaches a couple of techniques to really track and understand the marketplace and how to use them to attract and secure new buyers and sellers. Before this book I had no idea of the power a few of these tracking and simple research techniques he demonstrates and neither did my broker when I asked him.
In the chapter on prospecing it lays out the how's, where's and why's of prospecting for new business and lead generation. He also shares how to list For Sale by Owner and expired listings complete with tracking systems, scripts, things to send them via marketing.
Chapter 6 Mining Your Databse for Referrals is priceless. I learned so much about how to ask for referrals. The scripts to use in the asking for business. He also shares how to take a referral to what he calls a higher level getting the person giving the referral to help you "improve" the referral by asking them questions about the person they are referring, approval of using there name, and even calling the referral on your behalf. This chapter alone was worth the money for the book.
The author, Mr Zeller takes you through open houses from selecting the right home criteria, to marketing, to set up the day of the open house to conducting and securing the names of the vistiors. The chapter on doing a quality listing presenation is outstanding. I learned the questions to ask before hand. He gives you a structure or agenda he calls it for the presentation. Along with how to separate youself from the other agents through your services. In addition I learned home pricing strategy to insure that my listing will sell. How to talk with the seller since most want more for the home than it is worth.
The book goes through staging the listing with checklists, marketing myself online and my properties, negotiating contracts and closing them, postioning yourself in the marketplace and against other agents, keeping clients for life with check lists on how to service your clients.
The chapter on maximizing your time was awesome! I know the value of my time and how best to get paid well for the time I invest in my business.
This book is really the turning point for my real estate career. I only wish that it had been available earlier in my career. It is a must read for any agent not just a new agent. It is the best money that I have spent in my career thus far!!

The title says it all,"...For Dummies." Dirk Zeller puts it into perspective. When we receive our license, walk into the office of our choice, pay to create an image, what next?
Many agents and REALTORs have made the same mistakes as our collegues. This book teaches not to make those mistakes, and is a comprehensive guide as to what to do.
If one wants to make a career with real estate, I strongly recommend this book.

Also suggest "The Little Red Book of Selling"

This book does have some usful tips. However, the author is obviously a career salesman. He appears to have grown his career from real estate sales to selling his own products ( seminars, web sites, and sales coaching). He equates financial success by selling, to being a quality agent. His focus seems to be on the typical salesperson's perspective ie. ABC (always be closing), not matching the client to the property they want, like and can aford.

As a broker/owner, I bought this book for my new agents. We love it! It's a fast-read with easy-to-implement ideas. I keep it as a reference in my office! Dirk Zeller is an excellent author/coach and the 'Dummies' format puts his ideas into yet another presentation form.

If ever I've read a book that I'd wished I could press it against me and absorb every tidbit of information by osmosis, this is it! I reached a point where I was delaying sleep at night just to continue learning from this incredibly informative book. As a newbie, I find the chapter on marketing/advertising especially helpful. I'd initially checked the book out from the local library, but quickly realized I needed to buy it to have on hand as a reference source. This is a must-buy for anyone just entering the field or considering becoming a Realtor!

This is a very comprehensive book for beginners and experienced realtors. It seems to be losely based on the teachings of Mike Ferry by an experienced agent who actually did what he writes. I highly recommend it with one reservation: much of it is very similar to the book The Champion Real Estate Agent written by the same author. If you buy one of the books you don't really need to buy both.

Great resource tool for anyone considering or working in a career in Real Estate. This book is a good basis for someone just starting out but also serves as a good day to day reference. I keep a dog eared copy at my desk and another next to my favorite reading chair. Dirk Zeller presents the information in a logical, easy to follow format that allows you to pick and choose whether you read the whole book or jump around to just the chapters that are your current focus. Lots of anecdotes and tips make this an enjoyable read. If you are new to Real Estate, this is the first book to buy!

I found lots of practical, applicable knowledge to help me. The material is much more helpful than the bombastic ravings of The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, i.e. "It's not about the money . . ." . HOGWASH! The author of that perennial favorite, Gary Keller, may choose to pawn off that balderdash as his unique "vision," but every time he talks of success, there's a dollar figure. Zeller, however, emphasizes the importance of prospecting to your financial success as an agent and hints to his previous background in sales, which further demonstrates the importance of consistency and confidence.

The only trouble I had with Zeller's formula is the lack of a coherent system. Zeller speaks rather blithely about presenting your past successes in real estate as integral to a great sales pitch, and deals at considerable length with your presentation of statistics. This viewpoint seems like a negation of the book's concept. After all, the book's title suggests a target audience of people who have either no experience or less-than-impressive prior success.

Zeller does present some very useful advice for beginners on picking an agency, which I wish I had utilized at the onset of my R/E career. Disappointingly, he really does not adequately address an audience with legitimate motivation to turn around a lackluster early career (e.g., me). He also looks a bit down his nose at "propeller heads" (techies, like me), which probably accounts for his cavalier assumption of the reader's prior success.

Really helpful, but not superb.

Singularly the best "self help" book for real estate agents I have read. This book contains virtually everything an agent must implement to be successful in real estate in today's changing marketplace.

This book truelly covers everything you'd want to know about selling real estate. I recently got a job with Keller Williams which is known for exceptional training. I haven't encountered anything in training or at KWU that wasn't covered in this book.

I'm so new to the business.
While sitting in a borders, I grabbed this book, flipped through it, and knew it was for me! He's honest, straightforward, and there's no technical jargon or BS talk to fill chapters. Every sentence opens your eyes to things your real estate classes never told you about how to actually be a realtor.
I love the chapter on time management, and also the chunks of his scripts throughout. I just order my second Dirk Zeller book...but this one was amazing!

Regarding working with colleagues, author's advice sounds an awful lot like it treads and/or crosses the line into unlawful and unethical conduct. One of several examples: He says to refer clients to loan officers, and to seek their referrals in turn. I believe that to be specifically outlined as an unlawful kickback in California.

I picked this book up at the library, and am hugely grateful I didn't pay for it. "Dirk" the author talks a lot about how great he is, tells a lot of stories that are not particularly insightful or useful, and he seems to be using this book as a platform to sell other products to hopeful real estate agents.

Finally, the techniques/scripts he prescribes for client conversations are manipulative and a little creepy.

All that said, there is some useful information in the book. And I'll admit there are plenty of real estate agents out there that reap huge financial rewards by being underhanded and pompous.

I bought this book one week before I passed CA State Exam. I'm loving it! It gives all the nuts & bolts to a rookie for a quick & sound start in the business. This book is a must-have on the shelf for every new agent, period!

This book is a must read for anyone considering a career in Real Estate as well as a refresher for experienced agents trying to get their business back on track. Dirk Zeller manages to distill a vast amount of experience down into a basic plan for success. (No magic bullets are promised: It involves honest work, but this book will help you manage your time better and allow you to concentrate on revenue producing activities.) For me personally, my biggest problems as an agent have been time management and spending too much time on non-revenue producing activities. These two areas of the book are worth the price alone. Highly recommended!

I have been in real estate 16 months. I found this book to be my guide to success. The insights Mr. Zeller offers keep me moving in the right direction, and when I go back into unproductive efforts, I re-read the book and get focused. I believe this book is a clear guide to success.
Thank You Dirk for writing this book!

Great resource for the new agent and the seasoned professional. Solid information not just "fluff". I have it in my real estate library and referr to it often!

Dirk really has such a no-nonsense approach to real estate. He is honest and blunt is his reviewing his start and how one can start to really build a business in this industry. This is a great, easy to read and easy to do manual for any agent getting started in real estate!!

Excellent book with lots of great ideas and encouragement, very well organized and presented. Don't be fooled by the title--anyone who reads this book is very smart to do so. I highly recommend this book especially to newcomers. Easy and fun to read with so much good information that I can't wait to read it again. Dirk Zeller is one of the most respected trainers in real estate.

This is a good book for starting out in Real Estate sales. Done with easy-to-understand techniques, this book has all the tools you will ever need to rocket to the top of the profession in as little time as possible.

I looked at a number of books before I ordered this one - they were more motivational in nature - this book is concise and it has specifics that I used to set quantifiable goals - also filled with tidbits about minefields to avoid stepping into as a new agent. Finally - it's an interesting read - not just a bunch of facts - I'd give it more stars if that were possible. Thanks to the author for putting this together - you saved me from some mistakes I know I would have made!

Excellent reference book. I am presently taking the 2 required PA Real Estate courses to take the required licensing exam. The combination of th "Real Estate for Dummies" and the course materials pretty much prepares you to become an agent.

As experienced Realtors, my husband and I got sort of a reboot from this book. We had been through good times when you forget about the 'beginnings' of hustle and get all satisfied with your current market, clients and customers. Harder economic times make you go back to the basics, so this was a great reminder and inspiration.

I found this book to be a clear step by step guide to success as an agent. You will find every forward thinking idea and every pitfall to avoid here whether you are new or veteran to this business.

Having been in real estate 15 months now, I can honestly say that I often use this and other Dirk Zeller publications as my career "bible". The insights Mr. Zeller offers keep me on track, and when I feel myself sliding back into old patterns, I pull out his books (this is usually a couple of times a week!) Thanks for putting into a book the guidance I'm not able to get from the experienced agents in my office - the funny side of that is I think they would benefit from your book too!

This real estate guide is a great starter book for new agents, and it also is a vital reference for established brokers. These ideas are easy to put into practice.

New or 'aged' agents will get many valuable tips from this book. It is just packed with useful information that a successfull real estate agent (Dirk) has learned over the years. Don't make the same mistakes. Learn from his experience and be a top producer.

Whether you're new to the business or have 20 years experience, this book contains all the basics essential for a successful career!

This book as well as all of Dirk Zeller's books and seminars are worth every penny! To the point no nonsense information that if you follow what he tells you to do there is no way you can fail!

Dirk has always been a "guru" for Realtors who seek to improve themselves and their profession. This is a great reference book for anyone who has been in the business awhile AND a great tool for those who have less than one year!
Done with the right sense of humor - and filled with directives we can all use it has become one of my favorite reference tools!
Thanks Dirk for being concise, humourous and informative yet again!
Chris Gerulat, CRS, GRI, ABR

This is a great book for both the new agent and the seasoned veteren. I am new to the field, and it is full of ideas to help get your career started in the right fashion. You don't have to take years and years to be successful, jump right in after reading this and start now! I was given this book by a top-producer in our area who is still using this book for ideas today.

"If you are a new agent this book is a must buy". "If you are already an agent and your business is less productive than you would like, this book is a must buy."

I am reading this book for the third time. I pick up great ideas every time I read it. Dirk Zeller was not only an extremely successful agent but he is also an extremely talented writer, able to clearly convey his ideas and programs to his readers and students.

I have found this book and "The Champion Real Estate Agent" to be jam packed with actionable ideas.

I believe that reading, internalizing and implementing the information in this book will greatly shorten the learning curve of a new Real Estate Agent. Buy it and read it over and over again!
The Champion Real Estate Agent

Great tool for training and motivation, highly suggest every office has a copy on file for agents to review. Follow the steps and have the tools to grow your business.

I've been a full time agent for over six years and I'm glad I own "Success as a Real Estate Agent" for Dummies, by Dirk Zeller. Dirk is very knowlegeable about building a career in real estate and I always pay attention when he has something to say. He is hard-hitting when appropriate, telling us what we need to hear, not what we may want to hear. But he doesn't leave you hanging. Tips, scripts and check lists give readers complete information and the book is formatted for easy reference. It will be a great resource for any agent who intends to improve his business.

I am celebrating my 20th year as a real estate agent this year and I found this book to be one of the best overviews of the business as well as having some basis good advise and new ideas. Our business is constantly changing and I find that it is always good to try and keep up with the changes and new ideas but sometimes going back to the basic is good too. This book has a wonderful combination of the two. Good Job!

This book is an absolute must for anyone entering the Real Estaet business. It offers step by step instruction and ideas to build and develop a ROCK SOLID business. Not only does Dirk set the stage and tell you what to do, but he takes the time to tell you WHY to do it as well.

None better in my opinion.....

I have been in the real estate business for about 13 years and have been very successful but like everyone from time to time a salesperson needs a little pick me up. Dirk's book, like his emails and his other materials are easy to read and no nonsense and the perfect way to learn new things as well as get a reminder of things you already knew. I am really happy that I bought the book. I keep it in my car in case a client is running late or there is a lull in my open house.

This is a great book, it gives alot of information and ideas on how to make money as a real estate agent and how to make it a successful career.