EXIT REALTY PRESS: Creating My Own Economy By Transitioning to Full time Real Estate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Vincent Koo
Broker / Owner
Exit Kingdom Realty
718-268-8868
vincentk@exitkingdomrealty.com

Creating My Own Economy By Transitioning to Full time Real Estate

By Erica Siegel

Forest Hills, NY (Grassroots Newswire) April 7, 2010 -- On March 30, 2009 I quit my job. The job that paid my rent, the job that put the food on my table, and the clothes on my back. The job that paid ALL of my bills! I, Erica Rose Siegel, a single female with virtually no savings made a choice. That choice was the BEST decision I have ever made in my life! March 30, 2010 marks my one year anniversary of being a full-time real estate salesperson with Exit Kingdom Realty in Forest Hills NY.

Most of my family, friends and associates were taken aback when I shared the news. They wondered: “Why would I leave a job with a steady income? A job with health insurance? A job that I could count on?” And the biggest question of all: “Why would I ever take that risk when the real estate industry was experiencing its absolute worst market since the Depression?”

Here is a little background about me. I joined the Exit Family in July of 2008 after being laid off from my job at the American Cancer Society. Vincent Koo was the volunteer team captain for Exit Kingdom Realty, and raised more than $8,000 that season. He rallied a team of 100 agents, family and friends to raise funds for 2^nd annual Relay For Life of Forest Hills. His office had just celebrated its 20^th year in business and most certainly was a neighborhood landmark. I approached Vincent with my bad news, hoping that with all of his contacts, he could find me a good job. His response, “Come work for me. You would be great at selling real estate!” At first I thought, this was the line he used to recruit all his agents, but after a two plus hour appointment with him, I realized he genuinely saw a future for me and I was sold.

Two weeks later I joined the Exit Kingdom Realty team. Like most people who start out in real estate, I needed money and I needed it fast! I was nervous about working on commission and did not really trust the system. Quite honestly, I didn’t even give it much time. I spent the majority of my day looking for a full time job while dabbling in a little bit of real estate and wondering why the money was not flowing my way.

In November, 2008 I landed a full time job as a headhunter, aka recruiter, which seemed like a much better opportunity then being a full time real estate agent at that time. It gave me steady income, health benefits, regular business hours and all expenses paid with the opportunity to make more money based on my production. By the end of 2008, I had sold one house, and it was to my brother’s best friend, who thought he was doing me a favor by working with me.

From November 2008 to March 2009, I dabbled in a bit more real estate. In those five months I listed only two properties, but refused to go on these appointments on my own since I did not have the confidence or skills to secure the listing. Thank goodness Vincent paired me up with a more experienced agent in our office who was more than willing to help.

The turning point for me was the 2009 EXIT NYC & LI Regional Convention. One after the another, I met and heard from people that inspired me. They made me realize what Exit can do for my life if I let it. I will never forget Linda Lifsey, a legally blind real estate agent from Utah speaking of her frustrations and success as an agent and I thought to myself, "What real obstacles do I face?" I heard Valerie Reyes share her story, single mother of three kids, the number one sponsoring agent in the country and under the age of 35. Again my thoughts, “I have no kids and no excuse. Why can’t I do the same?”

The key note speaker was Floyd Wickman. With just a 9^th grade education and a military background, he went on to average 86 real estate transactions a year for six years and developed a staff of 8 associates who collectively averaged a listing a day and 23 closings a month for 4 consecutive years. “With my background of managing over 1,000 volunteers and raising more than half a million dollars for American Cancer Society in just under two years, isn’t it possible for me to be successful like Floyd ?”

Then I heard Alex Szinegh, Senior Regional VP of Exit Realty International speak. Armed with just a 10th grade education and English as a second language, Alex sold more than 2,500 homes in a 25-year career as well as consistently producing $500,000 annually in commissions. I thought to myself, “I wish I could be on stage one day!”

I was surrounded by hundreds of agents who all shared a common goal; to support and motivate each other and learn how to be the best real estate agents and leaders in the industry. Even though I was only a part-time agent, on this day I felt like I was part of a family, the Exit Family.

Now as a full time agent I am beginning to feel the real potential in my career.With Exit, my income potential is unlimited. Not only can I make my own hours, control my own income, I can also benefit from sharing my knowledge and experience with others through sponsoring. With the Exit system, agents benefit from helping each other. In my previous jobs there were no rewards or benefits for exceeding my goals. Now, I feel truly rewarded for being the kind of agent customers would hire and other agents would like to work with.

In this difficult market and in less than one year of being full time, I have grossed more than $100K, including a leave of absence for a month. I am excited about what the future has in store for me.

The word “Exit” by definition, means a safe passageway out and I cannot think of a more appropriate name for this company. Not just for sellers, or buyers, but for agents, too! I did it, it was scary, but if you are thinking about a real estate career or are having doubts about the company that you are working with right now, I encourage you to take the leap of faith!