Sales Agent Career Guide and Counseling

Question: what the the fastest way on becoming a real estate sales agent? i am interested in becoming a real estate sales agent, what are the skills need other than sales technique? Also will i need a license or certificate to become one? What are the commission rates? How long will it to get a license or certificate?

Answer: First you will have to take a real estate class approved by your state real estate commission, the length of time depends on the state and the amount of hours per week the class runs, can take from two weeks to a month or so then once you pass, you sit and take the state license, once you pass then in most states you look to find a real estate office that is willing to let you hand your license on the commission it is usually work out between you and the broker, can be any where from 50/50 to 70/30

Question: What is the starting salary for an agent/sales position in new york life? I am doing some research about salaries for a Sales Agent position in New York life, I currently work for another insurance company and the salary is 40K, is NYL paying more or is it more commission based. Thank you

Answer: Life insurance covers lots of different things. Since I'm from South Dakota I'm not familiar with the New York laws and regulations, so I recommend you visit a nearby life insurance agent. http://www.easylifeinsuranceguide.com/New-York-Life-Insurance.html They will be able to assist you.

Question: Why do you want to become an insurance sales agent? Do you know a good answer for this questions? I have a job interview tomorrow for a position as sales agent.

Answer: Becoming an insurance agent opens the door for all kinds of possibilities. The best recommendation is to take the required class for your state, which can range from 40-200 hour classes, and pass the state exam. Once you do this, you should not have a problem getting a job that IS NOT commission based. The class can range from $200-$500, with the test $50-$150, but is WELL worth it! Don't go in knowing nothing, take the class and show them what you are offering!

Question: What is a business to business sales agent? I just applied for a job, as a business to business sales agent. Firstly, I do not even know what this is. I fulfill all the requirements and stuff, but that's it. Please telll me

Answer: Hey first of all Congratulations for being selected. We can classify all business sellings into three broad categories, these are 1. B-B (Business to Business) 2. B-C (Business to Consumers) 3. C-C (Consumers to Consumers) B-B sellings are those in which an organization directly sells its products to another organization. For example any Automobile ancillary industry will be selling its products to another organization, it could be assembler or the marketer. B-C sellings are those in which a organization targets end user as their consumers. for example FMCG product requires B-C kind of selling approach. C-C is when at both ends only consumers are involved. Like selling of used goods through any mechanism. This mechanism could be Internet when both the consumers comes in direct contact without any mediator in between. I hope this explanation is sufficient for you to understand the difference.

Question: Is now a good time to become a real estate sales agent? I am about to turn 24 and was thinking of becoming a real estate sales agent. With all the problems with the economy right now, do you think this is a bad time to get into the real estate business?

Answer: Wait. I used to flip houses, now is awful. Unless you are with a firm that is buyin and remodeling. That also isn't in a hurry to sell.

Question: When selling a home, is it acceptable to use more than one sales agent? I'm preparing to put my home up for sale with a real estate agent, and wondering if I need to pick just one after meeting with the short list i have created, or if its customary to let multiple agents try and sell your place for you at the same time. Is there a standard I should follow, or actual legal rules? Thanks.

Answer: You probably won't be able to do that. When you pick a real estate agent, the agent will have you sign an exclusivity contract with him or her that would forbid you from allowing anyone else to represent you in the sale of your home. Usually, you would contract to this exclusivity for a certain period of time -- say, 3 months. At the end of the contract period if the house is still without a buyer, you would have the option to sign an extension for another period of time or you could walk away and find another agent to represent your home. If you broke the contract, you could face a law suit and if the agent won, you would have to pay him or her what they would have made from the sale of your house -- this could be tens of thousands of dollars.

Question: How do I get a Key as a California Real Estate Sales Agent? I just passed my California Real Estate Sales Agent exam. Now I would like to get access to MLS listings that only real estate sales agent get access too. How do I do this? Who do I contact? I am not affiliated with any broker

Answer: You have to have a license. Passing the test does not give you a license. You need to get under a broker, join the board he is on, pay the MLS fee and pay for your own key. You can not get a key until you are set up in the MLS, you need your ID number.

Question: how do i become a successful insurance sales agent? i have just been offered a job at an insurance company as a sales agent and i would like to get a little insight and of course help in how to become successful.

Answer: Always do what is right for your clients and give them good service. Do lots of networking and don't harass people to buy....you'll go out of business fast by doing that. That will be the easiest way to get referrals and will save you from hours of wasting your time on cold calls and working at trade shows like most unsuccessful advisors do. focus on service and not sales...the sales will fall into place. Also, make sure that you own your block of business as well if it's straight commission. IF you're working for a company that doesn't allow you to own your block that's a huge risk....straight commission and nothing to show for it if you leave/fail. Not a good scene at all! If you're sallaried, then it's all good...you're still getting a paycheck.

Question: What is a good company with an Independant sales agent program? I am not looking for a no name company, I would like a recognized company that has a good reputation, who utilizes indipendant sales reps to sell based on commission. Examples include Aflac, or Met Life. Any industry is good as long as the product sells with hardworking agents. Anybody know of a good selling product.

Answer: Mary Kay

Question: Do newly licensed sales agent have to find a broker before july 1, 2008? I already completed the course and passed the state exam. But haven't found a broker yet. July 1st is around the courner. After july 1st those who want to be a sales agent have to take a longer course. but does the new regulation also include finding a broker before july 1 too?

Answer: Don't know what your state laws are, but I wouldn't think so if you have already passed the state exam.

Question: Trying to become a Insurance Sales Agent? I am trying to become a Insurance Sales Agent I'm doing a pretty good job but I would love to have some one who's doing to same thing for help and support.If thats you respond or just send me an email thanks allot.

Answer: it depends on which Insurance company you are working for? Direct writers or as an agent/broker. There are differences in pay, job duties/functions, and environment of those two types of sales insurance agents. If you are sales agents for direct writers like GEICO- then your book of business is owned by GEICO therefore you don't earn any commissions or addition income from your customers. The benefits: you work for an organization that is reputable with excellent benefits and flexible working hours. They pay for training and licensing fees along with your renewals. The low side of it: like mentioned above you don't earn commissions since the company owns the book of business so income is limited to whatever you were hired for. its a good career if you are focused and really good at it. If you work for State Farm, Farmers, Allstate, AAA, Mercury these companies are not direct writers so you are their agent. You have lots more of potential but you have to work harder for your money since you are building your own book of business. Benefits are excellent as well with the non-direct writers company. However, the environment for each of the companies are different and they have more products to sell as well so besides property & casualty license you might need a life & health license or annuities- it just depends on which company you work for. Also make sure that you have proper training to acquire the necessary skills to be the best insurance sales agent. You have to: 1) be a people person 2) know your products and services 3) be honest and straight to the point 4) don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't know it -it will only help you 5) have a training on successfully closing the deal and building rapport with your customers 6) create a separate goal-create a personal goal if one is already provided by the company 7) have action plans and steps on how you can achieve your goals 8) put a time frame when you need to achieve your goals 9) always stick to your promise- if you say you will call them back make sure you do (words of mouth travels faster) 10) make sure that your goal is achievable and realistic 11) don't give up or get discourage if you work hard on someone or something and it didn't fall through keep going at it and always have a positive outlook *when creating your goals make sure you divide them in baby steps, daily goals, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly.**** I hope this helps.

Question: How do I find a sales agent to sell my marble tiles in America? I am a supplier of high quality marble tiles of the following varieties: Inca Gold Sahara Beige Michelangelo I can also source marble tiles of other varieties. I am interested in making an agreement with an agent located in America, who would work on a commission basis. I am willing to pay up to 50c per square foot of marble tiles sold. On a conservative forecast of 20,000 square feet per month, that comes to $10,000 per month for the agent.

Answer: You will have to high a sales agent

Question: How do you become an Insurance Sales Agent? i read this article online about the jobs that pay $20 bucks an hour. and im 19 turning 20 this month and i make like $11.75 now and i thought maybe i could get a job as an insurance agent, how do i become one? any ideas plaease thanks!!! oh i live in VA if that matters. what about auto insurance do u need a license for that?

Answer: In every state I know, one must be licensed in order to sell insurance, or even to make a quote! Go talk with an Independent Insurance Agent and get information applicable to your state.

Question: are there any good real sales agents left in Detroit . I need an agent to do a short sale? I know the housing market in Det. is bad, I can't seem to find a good agent. My home is located in a soild community?

Answer: If your question is whether you need an agent to do a short sale, the answer is no. You may want to use an agent to help sell your home at a discounted price, however. It is possible for you to do your own short sale, you just need to find a buyer to be able to submit the contract and settlement statement with the package. All of this is outlined in The Complete Short Sale System available at http://www.theshortsalegoods.com. Best of luck.

Question: What is the difference between Sales Agent and Sales representative? who has more rights, what rights, and if the other side is the Principal, then what is the difference for the relationship?

Answer: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/519086/sales-agent http://www.wisegeek.com/what-does-a-sales-representative-do.htm

Question: what does an insurance sales agent do exactly? I don't know much about this field. I have a meeting with someone from Bankers Life and Casualty company. Is this a good company to work for? If not what are other good companies out there? Do you get paid by commission or how does it work? Is this an easy career and are there opportunities for advancement in this field? Any info that you can give me will be appreciated. Thanks.

Answer: Well insurance is a tough industry to break into but can be VERY rewarding if you are hard working and persistent. An agent will provide their clients with professional advice on which types of insurance to buy, what limits to buy, and then they obtain quotes and provide them with their options. In this case you would only be representing Bankers Insurance. (Bankers is the insurance company) you are a representative acting on behalf of Bankers. There are pro's and con's to working for one direct company: Pro: you can learn the products and coverage very well as you work with the same products day in and day out. Con: You work with the same product day in and day out Sounds stupid but an independent broker (what I do) has access to multiple and often times dozens of different insurance companies to shop to on behalf of their client. So I can go out and get mutiple quotes from various insurance companies and more often then not find the solution for my client. If Bankers does not offer the solution your prospect is looking for...then what? You don't get the sale thats what. I would recommend being an independant broker over a direct agent but thats just my opinion. As for your pay, if you decide to get into the lucrative insurance industry ask for a base salary. This is guaranteed money and you are not working off commissions up front. They might offer you a draw which is similar to a salary but you are paid based off your performance and/or the amount of policies you sell and if those policies cancel you owe that money back (don't go this route). I have a friend that worked for Bankers they paid him off commissions only. right now this is a tough tough way to survive. Good luck