Just got first listing - where to get supplies?

[dorizavala]

Hi everyone!  I just got my first listing (FINALLY!) It's a short sale but at least it's a listing!  The problem is that I've been holding off on buying my supplies until I got a listing.  I don't have anything.  I know I need a sign, sign holder, lockbox.   Anything else?  Also, do you guys have tips on the best place to buy these things?  Is there a website or is it better to just go through my local realtor's association?  Any thoughts/tips are greatly appreciated!!!   

Dori Zavala

[Jennifer Allan]

Congratulations!!!! You have an exciting few weeks ahead of you!

Check Craigslist - with so many agents leaving the business, there are probably lots of supplies up for grabs there for cheap.

Lockboxes - does your market use electronic boxes? If so, you may need to buy them directly from your Board. If you use manual lockboxes, you should be able to find some on Craigslist, but if not, hardware stores carry them, as do Real Estate-specific supply stores.

Sign - you'll need to check with your office about this. They may provide signs or you might have to buy them yourself. If they provide the sign, you'll probably want to have custom sign-riders made with your name and number on them. Ask your office manager.

Brochure box - if you intend to do brochures, you'll need a brochure box. Craigslist is great for this, but you can also get them a Real Estate supply store.

Do you have someone who will help you on the listing? Short sales are pretty labor intensive for the listing agent and there's a lot to do - over and above all the things you need to do for a regular listing.

Again, congrats!!

[dorizavala]

Thanks Jennifer for the quick response!  I will check out Craigslist to see what I can find.  In my market, I've seen both types of lockboxes.  While electronic Supra is definitely preferred, a lot of the short sales and REOs have combo lockboxes.  I'll have to see what I can find.  I think the electronic Supras are about $100 each....

Unfortunately I don't have any help on the listing.  Here in Phoenix it is rare to find a normal sale (and when it is, it's an investor fix and flip bought at auction).  I've done my own short sale and assisted clients (as a lawyer) with some negotiations and reviewing paperwork so I know the bank negotiation part and I know it's tough.  To be honest, I really didn't want to do short sales.  But I also know that getting a sign out there and doing some open houses will help me get my name out.  So, it will be an interesting experience!  I might be writing in for some help on the forums if it gets tough!  I'll keep you posted!!!   

[Jennifer Allan]

Yeah, just get a manual lockbox - they're $27 new at Lowes (or something like that). When I left real estate in 2009, I sold all ten of mine and the agent who bought them got a killer deal!

Do you have Sell with Soul? I talk in there about Your First Listing, complete with a checklist... Might be of some help but definitely ask us for help as you need it!

[RealtyRon]

Congrats! Do you work for a broker who supplies that stuff? In my case, my principal broker supplies the signs (I have to pay for the installation of a heavy wood one), and also supplies the lockbox aproved by our MLS service. Might want to ask other agents where they get their stuff, they might have a good supplier. Just a thought.

[Jennifer Allan]

Dori - are you saying there's no one in your office to help you with your first listing???

[dorizavala]

Thanks guys for the input.  I'll have to ask if my broker supplies signs - I haven't heard anything about it, but I haven't asked.  To be honest, I don't know anyone at my brokerage.  I'm on a team with some friends of mine that encouraged me to get my real estate license and they just switched brokerages so I went along with them.  On the short sale, I guess if I got to the point where I needed help I could try to find someone to ask but I'm not really sure who?  The team that I'm on handles almost exclusively luxury homes and they don't do short sales.  I'm not sure how brokerages usually work, but at this one (and the last) I never had anyone assigned to help me out or contact me to see if I had questions or offer to help.  I didn't ever go in for any trainings either though so maybe that's my mistake?  I'm not really sure how it's supposed to work so I've just been kinda trying to muddle through on my own.   

[Jennifer Allan]

Dori - this is crazy. Muddling thru is NOT a good plan. If there isn't someone to go to when you need help, you are in the wrong office. Not that any office is perfect, but you will need help. If you don't have anyone to go to... that's really bad.

Let's talk.

[TxFred]

Here in Texas i"ve been told if you are part of a team it is assumed by the broker that your team will provide the mentoring normally offered through/by the broker. Check with the team as far as supplies and walking you through your first listing stuff; then ask your broker if there's someone in the office that might be willing to help you with the short sale aspect.

There's a couple of guys out of Phoenix that did some training on branding and Facebook at RainCamp here last month. They specialize in short sales and seem to be willing to help agents as well as homeowners. Google their blog and youtube stuff for information on them and the process. Kevin Kaufman and Fred Weaver are known as the flip-flop guys of Group 46:10; I think Group 46:10 is the best search term. (NOT an endorsement of them as agents or their short sale products - assuming they have them - just felt very helpful during their three-hour presentation. )

Keep us informed.