Dickerson & Nieman Real Estate Careers

So, you want to be a real estate agent? Successful agents have certain traits in common—skills that make them better at what they do. Some can be taught, and some come naturally. How do YOU stack up?

Is a Real Estate Career Right For You?

• Are you flexible? Can you adapt to changes quickly? You'll need to in this industry. Working with buyers and sellers...anything can happen. You need to be able to handle a variety of changes on a day-to-day basis. Real estate sales do not always go smoothly and practitioners must routinely deal with set-backs and disappointments, as well as success.
• Are you comfortable with English language comprehension and proficiency? Real estate practitioners play a fundamental role in ensuring that documents are correctly prepared and properly reflect the wishes of the parties. You'll need to be comfortable with and be able to understand, draft and explain real estate agreements, listings and other forms common to the profession.
• How are your math skills? Basic math fundamental skills are required. Multiplication, division, fractions, and factors are used when measuring structures and land, as well as appraising property and arranging mortgage financing.
• Are you organized? Do you have the ability to organize your personal affairs as well as conduct business activity in a logical and efficient manner? These qualities are needed in obtaining listings, showing properties, handling offers and conducting negotiations.
• Are you comfortable with research? Do you know how to locate, read and understand legal documents? Are you familiar with basic document structures? You will need this skill when researching materials concerning property ownership.
• Do you have good problem-solving skills? An ability to address difficulties and arrive at plausible, practical solutions given conflicting interest of parties involved. This attribute is especially useful in listing and selling properties. Often the success or failure of a real estate transaction will hinge on this skill.
• Are you comfortable with new technologies? An understanding of computer hardware and software is necessary. Computers are commonplace in internal brokerage operations, property searches and marketing. Your long-term success is directly tied to technological competencies.
• Negotiating ability is an important factor in any real estate transaction. Salespeople are routinely called upon to negotiate on behalf of the buyer and/or seller to arrive at mutually agreeable terms.
• Interview techniques. A basic understanding of questioning methods. Real estate success often depends on asking the right question at the right time. This skill is most valued in situations involving buyers and the determination of their purchasing needs. It is becoming more important in dealing with sellers who may be on the brink of foreclosure, or might only be able to sell with lender participation (short sale).
• Rapport is the hallmark of the successful salesperson. Individuals must establish a trust level with buyers, sellers and other real estate agents. Rapport involves respect, good communication and listening skills.

A lot of these skills can be taught to a new licensee—the math required, researching, technology and interviewing and negotiating skills and techniques. What cannot be taught are the ethics and morals involved. Real estate agents are held to a higher degree of honesty in the handling of their business…do it right, or don't do it at all. We swear to hold up the high standards of the REALTORS® Code of Ethics in dealing with the public and each other.

Real estate is a people business, involving one of the biggest, the most emotional and the most expensive decisions buyers and sellers will make. Liking people—wanting to help people—having patience and energy are good steppingstones for a successful real estate career.

Real estate agents need to be available when their clients need them—at night, on weekends and / or holidays. The mind set here is: entrepreneur, not employee or salesperson. Learn the product (know the market). Take time to become familiar with concerns potential buyers might have including crime statistics, school information, healthcare, neighborhood amenities, etc.

Real estate offices are different. Some are franchises, some are multi-offices, and they go from one agent to hundreds. The best advice for choosing an office? Go where you can get the best training. Commission splits and advertising should not be what you make your decision on. If you have the right training, everything else should fall into place for you. Interview agents at open houses and talk to the broker for the office. But make your decision on where you get the training.

Why Choose Dickerson & Nieman? Just Ask Our Agents!

"I joined the Dickerson & Nieman family in 2005. I knew several agents, so making the decision wasn't difficult. One of the many reasons for choosing this company was the fact that the training and learning didn't stop when I passed the REALTOR® exams. D&N gives its agents support through a very experienced management team. They provide a training/mentorship program that not only helps you transition into the industry but provides ample opportunity to grow your new business.”

“From the first day, I felt like I was part of a large family. The President of the company makes the rounds in the office. He asks questions and provides industry wisdom. His open-door policy and willingness to help is the reason this company is Number 1!”

"I am so happy to be at Dickerson & Nieman for many reasons. First—as far as my business—I always have a confidence when dealing with a customer that we have the most to offer them as our client. Next, regarding the inner workings of the company itself...I am very glad to be with a company whose agents value each other; staff who always help us (even in a pinch) with grace and a smile; managers who offer their expertise and guidance with positivity; and last but not least...ownership who is always supportive, engaged, and something that many times gets overlooked today...genuine. I am proud to be able to say I work for Dickerson & Nieman Realtors."
- Christi Steines, Broker

"I have been a licensed REALTOR® for over 30 years, and have worked for four different companies during that time. I have found my experience at Dickerson & Nieman to be the most rewarding both career-wise and financially. The support the agents receive from top down is great. The ownership is always willing to go the extra mile to help the agents succeed. The company offers constant training to better prepare their agents to perform their duties in a professional and knowledgeable manner. The atmosphere I have experienced is one of a caring family of agents that are always willing to lend a hand. I plan to finish my career with Dickerson & Nieman and enjoy every day. I would highly recommend this company to any agent who is looking for the best real estate firm of all."
- Mike Long, Broker

Dickerson & Nieman works with each sales associate on an individual level. We pride ourselves on offering our agents cutting-edge technology through the use of our website, continuing education courses and workshops, and 100% administrative support and recognition.

Our sales associates are the best in the business, and it shows! If you would like more information on joining our team, call (815) 239-6225 or contact us to submit a request form for additional information. We look forward to hearing from you!