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How ActiveRain Has Helped with My Recruiting Efforts as a Broker

By Jason Crouch

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Austin Texas Homes, LLC 453249

June 23, 2008 04:57 AM

I am the broker and owner of Austin Texas Homes, LLC. We currently have about 14 agents licensed with our company, and I have hired a few additional agents recently that are due to start this month and next month. One of these new agents with our company is a member here at ActiveRain and she contacted me because of my profile and blog.

I also wrote a post awhile back which discussed the fact that I was looking for agents. While it didn't generate anything directly, the process of writing it helped me to better clarify my thoughts for an ad that I placed on Yahoo HotJobs. In the ad, which is relatively long and allows links, I referenced this post of mine, which was my first featured post on AR back in August 2007:

View from the broker's desk - what makes a good agent?

I also included this line in the ad:

Please note that "sense of humor" is on my list. Don't contact me if you are missing this gene, because I can virtually guarantee that we won't get along. :-)

Interestingly, almost everyone that has interviewed with me as an agent has mentioned this tidbit.

One agent told me the "sense of humor" part was the exclusive reason that he came to meet with me.
One of the guys who came by mentioned that he had read through much of my blog. This, of course, is encouraging to me. If he liked what he saw there, we will likely get along very well.
Another person mentioned that almost every ad that he saw was dry and boring, but mine stood out to him.

I learned how to make my writing interesting and compelling (and transparent) by blogging here on ActiveRain, so I am thankful for this experience.

If you are interested in seeing the entire ad, here it is:

My Ad Looking for Agents

I hope this is helpful for those of you who are actively involved in recruiting. Thanks!

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Jason Crouch

Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX

Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

VICKIE - I am glad that you found this helpful. I just thought it was worth sharing.

PENNY - I never enjoyed writing/composing resumes, so I don't require them of others. Thanks for your input!

RONDA - Thanks for your terrific comments and for the compliments, too. Incidentally, I may be in Boerne on July 6th checking out a church with my pastor, who is preaching there as a guest speaker. We are starting a church in Georgetown this fall.

Jun 23, 2008 12:26 PM

Leslie Stewart

Oregon Licensed Broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Professionals - Stayton, OR

Realtor, ABR, CRS, Oregon Licensed Broker

I have always thought that sense of humor should be on everybodies hiring list. But no!

In our office you have to have a sense of humor or you won't make it down the hallway through the barrage of rubber band fire in the trenches.

Jun 23, 2008 01:04 PM

Debi Ernst

St. Charles County, Missouri - Prudential Alliance Realtors - O'Fallon, MO

GRI, e-PRO, Broker/Sales Associate

That's great, Jason. I wouldn't have thought of adding a "sense of humor" in an ad. It really is a great idea. Thanks for sharing! :)

Jun 23, 2008 01:19 PM

Deb Brooks

Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas - Wichita Falls, TX

Jason, I need a job. I need to sell real estate. Would you hire me? My name is Deb. People think I'm crazy but only because I am. I sell a lot of real estate. I want to run away. Will you take me in?

Later in the rain~Deb

Jun 23, 2008 03:38 PM

Jason Crouch

Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX

Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

DEB - You are hired already. Didn't you hear? That's why you are coming in August, to receive your signing bonus.

Jun 23, 2008 03:48 PM

Jeff Belonger

Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ

The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

Jason... I totally agree.. let your personality shine through, no matter if it's a blog or an advertisement such as yours.... people want to see this and read it. Glad it's working out...

Now, on another note... I didn't know that you were the broker/owner Is this something that just took place not to long ago? Or have I been sleep walking... lol Hope all is well... it's been a while.

jeff belonger

Jun 23, 2008 04:08 PM

Lisa Hill

Florida Property Experts - Daytona Beach, FL

Daytona Beach Real Estate

Congratulations on your new agents. And I'd get along great with the one who responded to your comment about having a sense of humor. Why are so many real estate agents and managers so darned uptight?

Jun 23, 2008 04:40 PM

Susie Blackmon

Ocala, FL

Ocala, Horses, Western Wear, Horse Farms, Marketing

Hi Jason, it woujld be great working with someone like you! And I'd have great inspiration for blogging ideas, and fun too.

Jun 23, 2008 07:15 PM

Hope Goss

Ventura Property Shoppe - Ventura, CA

Ventura Real Estate

Maybe if I hang out here reading and posting I'll get better at expressing myself through my writing, too!

Jun 24, 2008 01:55 AM

Diane Aurit

LKN Realty, LLC - Mooresville, NC

Lake Norman Real Estate

It has to be subtle like your approach. I hate it when brokers write hard-selling ads for their company exclusively. You truly earn their respect!

Jun 24, 2008 07:23 AM

Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe

LivingInBirmingham.com - Birmingham, AL

Jason, I think it goes without saying that time on here can be beneficial. Obviously, you have learned and grown from it. I think what is more important than that thoughm is that you have given back. Leadership, as you know, is not a position of being on top, but rather on serving.

Jun 24, 2008 08:52 AM

Tom Plant

WINEormous.com - Murrieta, CA

Jason - What a great ad. If I lived near Austin, I'd certainly love to work in your office. I guess I have to work on that humor "gene", though!

Jun 24, 2008 09:13 AM

Larry Bettag

Cherry Creek Mortgage Illinois Residential Mortgage License LMB #0005759 Cherry Creek Mortgage NMLS #: 3001 - Saint Charles, IL

Vice-President of National Production

Nice post Jason....I've received so many deals, but I also can see the ability for recruiting. You've given me great ideas. Watch my posts in the future...thanks for the encouragement.

Jun 24, 2008 03:52 PM

Natalie Langford

Realty Negotiations - Winchester, VA

Winchester, VA Real Estate

I can see why you wrote what you did. If I lived in your town, I wouldn't want to work for anyone else. I feel I already know you and I can tell you all have fun and value your families. Other brokers have the opportunity to share the same way. It looks like they like your idea!

Jun 24, 2008 04:31 PM

Anonymous

Not Yet Licensed

Please note that "sense of humor" is on my list. Don't contact me if you are missing this gene, because I can virtually guarantee that we won't get along. :-)

Hi Jason,

I like how you think. A sense of humor can definitely help in this business! :)

Jun 24, 2008 04:46 PM

#29

Karen Anne Stone

New Home Hunters of Fort Worth and Tarrant County - Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth Real Estate

Jason: What a great post. And... your website is just awesome. One of the best I can remember. Congratulations on your success... and thanks for sharing with us. Take care...

Jun 24, 2008 05:01 PM

Katerina Gasset

The Gasset Group & Get It Done For Me Virtual Services - Provo, UT

Amplify Your Real Estate & Life Dreams!

Jason- We are also looking for good agents to hire. I am curious of fee structures customary in different parts of the county. What do you work out with your agents?

Jun 24, 2008 05:41 PM

Jason Crouch

Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX

Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

ADAM - I wish you had been right. This is not my month for features, apparently.

PADDY - We do have fun at our office. Thanks for your kind remarks!

AMANDA - I know you are all business, all the time, as it should be. No reason to enjoy our profession in any capacity. Keep it serious - that's my motto.

LINDA - I appreciate you saying that. It means a lot to me. If you know anyone in this area looking to make a switch to a new company, keep me in mind.

BRIAN - I would actually like nothing better than an "ActiveRain All Star" office.

MEL - Glad to be of help. Thanks for your email from yesterday.

C - I am happy to hear that this provided some good tips/ideas for you. Have a great day!

LARRY - Feel free to bookmark this post and use whatever you can in your efforts. Thanks!

KEITH - Did you want me to forward it, or were you going to? I would be happy to send her a link.

JER - That is nice of you, but this one didn't get featured. You know what they say about not assuming!

MISSY - Cool! I am glad that it gave you some ideas/inspiration. Have a good one -

LESLIE - It sounds like you should be receiving hazard pay on top of your commissions!

DEBI - I am pretty straightforward and down-to-earth when it comes to hiring. I don't overpromise, and I think I have done a good job so far of setting expectations with our agents. Have a great day, and thanks for your comments!

JEFF - I have been the owner of my own company since late 2004 - I was at another company for eight years before that. I guess I didn't realize that you didn't know this. Maybe I need to write more from a broker's perspective.

LISA - That is a great question. I have come across so many agents who are just wound too tightly for their own good. I honestly wonder how they make ANY money in this business.

SUSIE - Thanks! That was a really nice thing to say. Have a terrific week!

HOPE - I think if you spend enough time reading and writing here, it is simply inevitable.

DIANE - I am also not a fan of the "hard sell" ads that I have seen. We are just upfront and we attract the type of agent that we want.

STEPHEN - I agree completely. Teaching and sharing are the important parts of life, and it's no different here on AR.

TOM - I think you have the gene already. Anyone who is willing to hide on the floor behind a couch to surprise me is okay in that department.

LARRY - I am happy that this provided some measure of inspiration. Go for it!

NAT - I appreciate your comments so much. Wanna move to Austin anytime soon? :)

NOT YET LICENSED - Agreed. It is essential in my opinion.

KAREN ANNE - Good to see you, my friend. Thanks for your compliment about the website. We just launched the new design about a month ago. So far, it has been receiving rave reviews! Have a great week -

KATERINA - We have had a pretty traditional split (75/25 for agent business - capped at $18K to the company, then 50/50 for leads we give them), but I am moving to a monthly fee and a higher split this summer for any new agents we hire.

Jun 25, 2008 04:01 AM

Susan Davis

Austin, TX

Excellence Advocate

Jason,

You make me want to move to Auston just so we work together! The world of RE needs more Broker/Owners like you!

Susan

ps. I owe you a phone call! Sorry I missed the last one I was going to make! Forgive me?!

Jun 25, 2008 04:11 PM

Jeff Belonger

Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ

The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

Jason.... well, I know you have talked about your partner, but I thought it was like a team.... good to hear. We'll talk later. And yes, maybe you should write a little more about it, as Lenn Harley does.

jeff belonger