As for the photos, I would have went room to room and at least cleaned up the clothes on the bed, tucked the TV wires behind something (or out of frame), and asked them to move the dishes on the stove and sink. I let too much slide because I was too excited. I knew better than this as I had been reading photo articles since I can remember on AgentGenius and elsewhere. I have learned to accept that some homes can’t be photographed perfectly, but they can at least be made to look a little better. In all fairness to me, the gas meter shot wasn’t used in the MLS.

I would have (as I do know) prepared them for my visit – asking them to make sure certain things were done because I was taking photos that day. My most recent listing didn’t have photos for 5 days, because the seller and I took time to discuss what she needed and wanted to do to make the house look its best. She had some painting projects to finish, some mirrors to hang, etc. We had a plan and it took a few extra days, but it was well worth the wait.

Louise – I encourage everyone to submit their worst. It’s actually kind of refreshing to have the monkey off my back now. “Ok, I admit, they weren’t the best.” – Just makes me feel like I finally got it off my chest and I am free of the photo-demons that once haunted me.

Diane – I have a lot of thoughts on the concept of new vs. experienced. Although I know I can learn a lot from the experienced agents out there (and do), I also know there’s a lot of experienced agents out there, who for lack of a better word…suck.

Lani – You and Benn brought me on board to show the honest picture of what life as a new agent is like. I thought it only fair that I keep to that pattern. Plus, Chris is hysterical and I couldn’t wait to see what kind of comments she’d have for me. She even asked me if I wanted to remain anonymous, but I knew that by doing that I would be breaking most of what I stood for.

Chris – I can’t come to the phone either, I’m in therapy for agreeing to do this.

Benn – On a serious note, theses photos are a lot of fun, but they did help whip me into shape quickly. I was shaking when I signed the listing agreement, my mouth was dry, and I couldn’t wait to get back to the office and brag about my new listing. The lesson of “if it’s worth listing, it’s worth waiting to get it right the first time” is a good one that everyone should learn quickly. One of the big obstacles I have encountered in listing property is that there is so much to tell a seller and you want to get it all in there, but you also don’t want to bore them to tears either. Trying to balance those two has been one of my tougher challenges at times, especially since each time, you’re dealing with a different seller with a different personality. Learning how to handle that can be the difference between getting a listing and frustrating a seller to the point that they wouldn’t list with you just because they don’t want to be trapped in a room with you for five seconds.

One of my big frustrations as both an agent and a normal every day guy is the idea that “you need to spend money to make money” (there’s a million ways to phrase it). It is true, but the fact is not everyone can. Some sellers can’t afford to spend a dime, much like some agents can’t. I often find the people that tout the theory the most are the one’s sitting on the largest pile of cash. Much like when we’re being offered the latest product, technique, or gadget in real estate – we’re told we can’t afford to live without it and we need to invest in ourselves. Being realistic is more important than investment into yourself if you ask me. There are plenty of great investments an agent can make, but if you make them all with $0 in your pocket and they don’t pay off quick enough, you may have just dug your own grave.

Diane, I agree whole heartedly.

Lani, I can’t come to the phone right now … I am currently in therapy crying about my childhood.