Below are Ms. Vardiman’s answers:
There are so many rewarding aspects of this career. From helping first-time home buyers accomplish what they once thought was impossible all the way through helping people navigate some of the most difficult times in their lives, such as selling their parents’ home or moving when they really do not want to. It is a privilege to stand side-by-side with all my clients (buyers and sellers) and know that they trust me enough to help them at whatever stage of life they are in.
Another highlight is serving on the Wyoming REALTORS Association Board of Directors. I get to work with other real estate professionals from across the state to provide support, tools, and a network for all REALTORS.
This is a people industry, and in my brokerage we believe it is a service industry. Many people believe it is a sales industry. The challenge we run into is trying to reframe the beliefs of the public so they understand that we are not there to sell things. We are there to help people navigate buying and selling.
There are many misconceptions out there, and trying to work hard, build the reputation that refutes those misconceptions, and keep the most important thing—the people—first can be a challenge.
When we were purchasing our house, the broker who helped us asked if I had ever considered it. I have always loved real estate, but it never crossed my mind as a career until then. It took two more years after that to be able to make the change, but it was worth it.
Most people do not understand how little I influence sales prices, deals, etc. While I use data, help with strategy, talk through issues, and help with problem-solving, at the end of the day it is up to the clients to make all the decisions. I do not decide much other than who I want to work with and who I might pass up.
As a Responsible Broker, I also decide what agents to bring on, what training to provide, and what expectations I will require of them. All agents are independent contractors, so I have to treat them differently than an hourly or salaried employee.
Requirements:
Additional Training:
As a real estate agent, even when working for another broker, you are running your own business. Any amount of business training—from marketing to bookkeeping, time management, and goal setting—will be helpful. Training in communication, negotiation, working well with others, and understanding people will also be very useful and can be developed over time.
