From the outside, being a real estate agent looks glamorous – easy even. Just pull up to a house in a suit at an appointed time, open a few doors, turn a few lights on and next thing you know, you’re cashing that sweet commission check and meeting friends for lunch at Bistro 31. Right?
So, so, so wrong! Thanks for nothing, Selling Sunset.
Anyone just starting out or who’s years into a productive career will tell you – it is hard work, seven days a week. A strong foundation is … well, foundational to success.
The Ebby Halliday Companies is renowned for its high standards when it comes to training and educating agents and has launched thousands of them into the D-FW market.
Denaige Pizzutello, Professional Development Officer for EHC, joined the company right before COVID hit but seized the opportunity to make some enhancements.
The intensive 7-week program comprises both individual and Coach-directed activities designed to launch careers and provide newer agents with real-time experience. While not based solely on the popular Ninja Selling, some of its principles are interspersed throughout the program.
“Obviously, like everyone else,” Pizzutello says, “we were forced to adapt to new ways of doing things. And as you often find out on the other side, the extended pause of our in-person gatherings allowed us to retool and streamline what we’ve been doing. One of the initiatives coming out of that season was a new Coaching Program, which goes even deeper than our new agent training.”
Jill Reagor Smith runs the Coaching Program and has been a top-producing Realtor in the Dallas area for the last 22 years. Because she is still actively selling and serving her clients, she is able to effectively coach and mentor new agents who are entering the business during this “interesting” time in our market. She has already seen phenomenal results from the first class of agents who have been through.
“So far, these agents have really differentiated themselves from other new hires,” she says. “They made a huge time commitment and have learned to hold themselves accountable for their daily activities – something many self-employed people find difficult. They’ve also built life-long connections across North Texas and across brands, and have become so close, they’ve created their own closed social media groups. It’s exciting to watch!”
Betsy Cameron, Ebby Halliday Companies’ Vice President of Business Initiatives, adds, “I’m thrilled to see our Professional Development Department launch new programs to support our agents’ growth, not only for our newly licensed agents but for our experienced agents as well. Staying relevant in supporting our agents is of utmost importance. With innovations such as our Coaching Program, our agents receive the support they so deserve and feel valued in the process.”
The second class is on track to graduate on May 21st. Quotes from recent graduates of the program include:
I had several surprising takeaways. The first was the amazing depth of the training. I feel supported and know I have positive, knowledgeable people I can turn to with any kind of question. The second was the morning routine and how it really grounds you and sets your business up for success. And third, connecting and building relationships with other business-minded individuals all over D-FW. Tiffany Lawson | Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, Park Cities Office
I would enthusiastically recommend the program because it helps frame your perspective as you build your business. So much training is based on transactions and traditional sales tactics. Our program helps you see the big picture and implement the core values of putting people first. Kristin Early | Ebby Halliday Realtors, Frisco Office
The nuances of a transaction, and of working with buyers, sellers and other industry professionals, are not taught during licensing education. It’s hard as a new agent to learn the ‘ins and outs’ without field experience. The coaching program gave us a chance to collaborate, ask questions and solve real problems together. We became a cohesive and supportive team, and that was an unexpected outcome for me. Kathryn Ernst | Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, Lakewood Office
A coaching program like this keeps you motivated, especially in this market. Listening to the terms, strategies and other agents’ experience at every stage and practicing the skills together is a great start. It’s easy to get frustrated, but we were taught to stay patient, and as they say, if you follow the system the system will work for you. Just a few weeks after the program, I was already at my first pre-listing appointment. I have also been working with buyers and am able to submit offers. Priya Sachi | Ebby Halliday Realtors, McKinney Office
