Special offer
Dennis Swartz, MBA, GRI...experience counts! (Full Circle Property Management)

Spam prevention
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

I don't feel the need to tout my experience; it does its own horn-tooting when revealed. But I know that wasn't really your question. Strictly a moving target. Some people take to this business like a duck to water and are extremely resourceful (which is probably the greatest skill that you can have). Others, it's not 30 years of experience--but one year repeated 30 times.

Dec 02, 2017 03:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I say year 7. You missed it by 13 years.

Dec 02, 2017 05:29 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I am with you, it could have been at about 20 years in. Before there was no need to. People would actually call, come in and speak to you and could easily see who was and who was not experienced. With the Internet, consumers could see hundreds if not thousands of agents in a market with no way to tell them apart or if there was a difference from one to another. Many companies have wide nets to gather up buyers and sellers and assign to the next agent in line, not be experience. In this day and age experience matters more than ever. Which is why i love to share stories so consumers can see there is a difference. 

Dec 02, 2017 05:24 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,823
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Day One!

The first day I had my license I had 6 months of training behind me and 10 years of investing backed by 17 years of property management. Not to mention all the other business experience I had. I think unless this is your very day of work, you have experience to share.

Dec 02, 2017 08:55 AM
Ambassador
5,230,113
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I don't tout me - I simply share the data, straight from MLS. The numbers don't lie...but, people do. 

When applying for a job with any client, they don't want to hear about your years of experience, they want to know what you can do for THEM - that you can sell their 'unique' property. Period!

Dec 02, 2017 07:25 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I've been promoting it forever. And even when I was new in the business I promoted my previous 20 years of experience in negotiations and dealing with financial issues. With the average agent having barely 3 years experience prospective clients get that over 25 years I've seen it all, fixed it all, negotiated it all and survived all kinds of markets. That is a powerful message if expressed correctly.

Dec 02, 2017 04:30 AM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

To be honest, I think buyers and sellers just need to know you can do the job. Length of time in ANY career sometimes means lack of new ideas as well. I've only been in real estate full time for five years. It's rare that a client asks how long I've been in the business, although they might ask how many houses I've sold, or whether I've ever sold one like theirs.

To answer the question directly, I have no plans to use years-in-business in any promotions. I might think about using types of homes, or numbers of homes instead.

Dec 02, 2017 03:11 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

No one has ever asked me. The presumption from day one was that I had been in the business a long time.  My very first buyer client thought that. 

I love what Kat Palmiotti said .... "Length of time in ANY career sometimes means lack of new ideas as well" 

 

Dec 02, 2017 08:48 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

At certain ponts, be careful...they may wonder why you haven't retired...

Dec 02, 2017 07:34 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Dec 02, 2017 07:06 AM
Rainmaker
758,035
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

When I meet with a short sale seller I promote my experience because I have closed more than anyone in the area & have never let anyone slip into foreclosure who has used me. That's pretty impressive along with my 2 inch thick folder with all my Short Sale Approval Letters. I probably have 20 or 30 approvals from whoever their bank is. Works wonders in establishing a successful track record. On straight sales me & my partner bring our sales data- there's a lot of sales to show & I don't want to  be a secret agent. 

Dec 02, 2017 06:43 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

Never, as I am always learning something new!

Dec 02, 2017 05:51 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

It could backfire with the youngin's as that you may not be "hip" with their technology.  I think 15 or 20 is a good point to start.  We advertise 30 in business and combined of over 60.

Dec 02, 2017 10:18 AM
Ambassador
6,393,494
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Depends on how much you have grown in the time you are in business.

Been a very long time since I was just getting started in business, and each new phase of the business has been more of an expansion than a new thing.

Dec 02, 2017 08:28 AM
Rainmaker
599,274
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

I don't bother with it and probably never will. I know people that have 30+ years experience and they're still as crooked as a dog's hind leg.

Dec 02, 2017 07:26 AM
Ambassador
5,049,450
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

I think consumers are more concerned about how you can help them, and the problems you can hsolve, not the # of homes sold or how long you have been doing it.

Dec 02, 2017 07:09 AM
Rainmaker
177,849
Dr. Karen Lewis, Broker 954-2489149
Align Right Realty K1 Group - Fort Lauderdale, FL
No Compromise When it Comes to Our Clients!

I think you should share your experience but most important customers really want to know how you can help me so don't leave that out...

Dec 02, 2017 06:13 AM
Rainer
150,416
Michael Thacker - Re/Max Real Estate Center - Louisville
Re/Max Real Estate Center - The Thacker Group - Louisville, KY
Your best friend who just happens to be a Realtor

I would think about the 3 year mark, with the caveat that you would have to be full-time in the business. You would also have a strong background, with substantial successes in the niche you are working in. 

Dec 02, 2017 06:11 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Do folks ask? VEry few do.

Do folks understand that experience comes from doing and the more you do the more you learn.  You bet!

However, such a statement works best when the stage is set properly.

I don't know that folks hire an agent because the agent could not find a better paying job (i.e. I've been stuck here for 25 years). However, they do BUY solutions. I do believe experience and solutions are related.

The moment and agent really sees the solution(s) they possess, that is a good time to puff up the experience line.  The problem is most agent simply regurgitate the 'expereince' others told them they have.

Time does not equal expereince. Solutions do.

Dec 02, 2017 05:21 AM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

After the first closing, it was a trip.  Never had one like it since

Dec 02, 2017 04:59 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Early on if I remeber correctly!

Dec 02, 2017 04:29 AM
Ambassador
2,161,048
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Only every once in a while someone will ask how long I've been in real estate, usually people are just looking for someone who can get the job done!

Dec 02, 2017 04:12 AM
Rainmaker
542,913
Sean Casey
Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate - Newark, DE
Greenville, Hockessin, Newark & Bear Homes

I don't think I would "promote" my experience.  I think stating your experience is enough.  

Dec 03, 2017 04:22 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

3 years - at the point we both became Associate Brokers

Dec 03, 2017 03:24 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I crossed 10 yeas, so now I'm using the number, but it is just one of the many other benefits of working with me. 

Dec 02, 2017 09:45 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,620
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I did the day I received my license! I already had decades of successful sales experience under my belt Dennis Swartz .

Dec 02, 2017 02:19 PM
Rainmaker
1,751,129
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

I rarely share how long I've been in business. People get the feeling right away that you know what you're doing, or you don't know what you're doing. 

Dec 02, 2017 01:51 PM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

  Not so much in years, but in sales, closings, and battlefield experience.

Dec 02, 2017 11:12 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,139
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I never needed to promote it. 

Dec 02, 2017 09:17 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Dennis,

I did not feel the need to do that. A

Dec 02, 2017 08:14 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

day #2....

Dec 02, 2017 07:37 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Dennis Swartz I think I've only had one person ask me and that was an attorney. I don't tell anyone how long I've been in the business. They'll know after the first meeting.

Dec 02, 2017 06:19 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

On the second day!

Dec 02, 2017 05:54 AM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

After I had some success...

Dec 02, 2017 10:45 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I started promoting my strengths and expertise as I mastered them, one by one.

Dec 02, 2017 09:56 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I did the first year

Dec 02, 2017 09:16 PM
Rainer
130,857
Steve Penner
Royal LePage Dynamic RE / Pro Ledger Bookkeeping Software - Winnipeg, MB
REALTOR® / Pro Ledger Online (owner)

I have never promoted it... But as a new Realtor, I would not promote for example 3 years experience... would have to be 8 to 10 for it to have an impact I would think.  Enjoy the comments!

Dec 02, 2017 05:20 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

24 hours after I got my license in the mail.  I'd been an assitant to a broker for years prior and that was a great experience edge I had over other new licensees

Dec 02, 2017 05:20 PM
Rainer
225,526
Bob Betel
Allstar Home Mortgage, Inc. - Sweetwater, TN
President, Allstar Home Mortgage, Inc

For me it was 5 years, however I knew what I was doing long before that. In this business it doesn't matter how long you've be doing it, just how good you have been doing it. With changes in the industry happening every month, the 30 yr guy has the same experience as the 5 year guy. I've never been asked how much experience I have, because when I talk to people they will know

Dec 02, 2017 07:50 AM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

I don't really promote it, but after a decade I felt more comfortable with it. -Kasey

Dec 02, 2017 07:47 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

At this point when I speak at seminars I do say that I have specialized in investment real estate for 27 years.

Dec 02, 2017 06:35 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

probably 30-40 years had to go by before I actually stated expertise

Dec 02, 2017 05:52 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

When someone asks you the question, answer honestly.

Dec 02, 2017 04:47 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,554
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Clients want to know you have knowledge and most often they don't care how many years you have.

Dec 05, 2017 01:32 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,705
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Wow, I started at 10 years.

Dec 05, 2017 11:04 AM