Regardless, here's the email correspondance including her ad that was somewhat misleading (I think.... but i could just be holding a grudge). Not to fear! Won't/haven't given up yet.... next is meeting with an agent friend of my father's who can hopefully point me in the right direction. Well, at least i hope he can point me in any direction, really.
- Craigslist Ad: (and for the record, yes... I think Craigslist is the epitome of sketchy) ... i added my own thoughts in [bold brackets] ;)
I am a commercial real estate agent who specializes in helping businesses find commercial space. I’m looking for a licensed assistant [just fyi, I'm about to sign up for classes] to work with my clients to lease and buy space, primarily in Alexandria and Arlington. You’ll get to impact commerce in these areas by helping to decide which new businesses will open. You'll be working with new businesses plus businesses that are expanding, opening new locations, or moving.
I'll provide all the clients and will teach you the ropes. You can work primarily from home, but we will meet clients in one of my offices (usually in Old Town or Arlington). This is a daytime position, so no evenings or weekends are required. If necessary, you can have Mondays off. Please note: this is a commission-based job, so it's crucial that you are able to pay your living expenses (or have a part-time job) while you're starting out. [Part time job - check. Living expenses - check.]
You must have a Virginia real estate license (or be getting it soon) [SEE! I saaaaid I'd be getting one soon!]. A D.C. real estate license is also nice but not required. Major real estate experience is not necessary, so newly licensed agents are welcome [coughs]. However, since the focus of my business is commercial, you must be willing to learn and specialize in commercial real estate. Image and excellent communication skills are key. You must present a sophisticated, modern, and put-together image while being able to relate to lots of different types of people. [not trying to brag, by I've gotten many-a-compliment on my appearance in my day...]
Either send me a resume or provide a description of your relevant skills, job history, and experience. Be sure to tell me about your interest in the retail industry and how you're active in local commerce. I look forward to hearing from you!"
- My Response:
I just finished reading your ad on craigslist with regards to an assistant position for a commercial real estate agent. The position described really interests me.
I am currently working part-time at G.D. in the IT/Finance department, but I would really like to focus more on commercial real estate. As stated in the ad, you would prefer someone with a part-time job so maybe this could work out nicely.
I currently do not have a real estates license, but I would certainly not be opposed to getting one as soon as possible. I am very willing to learn and would love to have an experienced someone to teach me the ropes.
Reply if you are interested in learning more about what I do, and maybe we could see where it goes from there.
Thanks for your time,
H Miracle"
...hey, I thought it coulda been a scam. Give me a break.
- Her Response to My Response:
Thanks for your email about the licensed commercial real estate assistant position. I am interested in finding out a little more about your background and interests.
Have you looked into any real estate licensing courses? For your Virginia license, you would be required to complete a 60-hour course then pass the state exam. How quickly would you be willing to do this?
Do you have any interest and/or experience in the retail sector?
How well do you know Arlington and Alexandria? How much time would you say you spend there, and do you keep up with new stores, restaurants, and general retail development in these areas?
Are you involved at all in local small business organizations, economic development groups, or chambers of commerce? This is a major source of my clients, so it would be very beneficial to have someone else on my team who can network with some of these groups (particularly in or near Arlington and Alexandria).
Let me know about the above items. Hopefully we can talk more this week or after Thanksgiving weekend.
Take care, and happy Thanksgiving!
Anne"
Holy - crap - load - of - questions! Anyways, here's my attempted response..... meh...
- My Attempt at a Response:
"Anne,
So sorry for the delay! It is great to hear back from you.
Now to answer some of your questions - Yes, I have looked into real estate licensing courses through Allied online educational classes. I’ve contacted a representative and the only remaining step it to pay for the actual course. To be honest, I am not very familiar with commercial real estate or how extensive the course may be, but I am a quick learner and I doubt a 60-hour class would take long to complete.
I am actually planning to meet with an agent who is a friend of my father either this week or next so that I can gather as much information as possible before signing up for the class. The meeting will hopefully better prepare me for the classes.
With regards to the retail sector, I have actually not had experience in things such as retail sales if that is what you are referring to. I am, however, always interested in that market.
I spend most of my time in Fairfax and McLean between classes and the part-time job at GDIT. My father actually owns a high-end Kitchen and Bath remodeling company and they have recently purchased a building in the Falls Church/Alexandria area. I occasionally help out with marketing for his company so I will definitely be spending more time out in those areas and as a result I hope to frequent many of the near-by venues.
Aside from connections via my father, I do not think I participate in any of the organizations listed; however, I enjoy any chance to network and attempt to do so as often as possible.
I hope I was able to answer as much of your questions as possible. I would certainly like to hear your feedback!
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving break!"
Hey, I thought it wasn't too bad!
- And Here's Anne's Response - lettin' me down nice 'n easy *sigh*
"Hi Heather,
I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for getting back to me about my questions. It sounds like you have a lot of interesting things going on and are quite busy!
I have been talking with a few people in the past week and am meeting with 2 candidates this week. They would be a better fit for my business right now because they have been active in the real estate market for a number of years. [Um.... so what happened to the "no experience required"!?] They are transitioning from the residential to the commercial sector but have had some experience with commercial transactions. They're looking to do real estate full-time and are already licensed in Virginia and the District, so they would be able to start doing licensed activities for my clients right away. While I am not at all opposed to training someone from the ground up, given the option of taking on an experienced agent, it would be more advantageous for me to work with someone who is licensed and more established in the field. [Bitch doesn't know what she's missin' ;) i kid, i kid.]
Do you want me to get back to you in case it doesn't work out with one of these candidates? [Um.] I know you're busy now and I don't want to waste your time, but I'm happy to keep in touch in case things change on my end. Let me know. [I thought she ended it well, and i'll more than likely keep in touch... who knows! I'm not one to burn bridges]
Thanks again for your email, and enjoy the rest of the week!
Anne"
So, I actually found this kind of embarrassing to post. I really do hate rejection, but I said I'd keep ya'll posted and here I am, keeping my word. I looked the chick up on Linkedin and take heart in knowing she's not even that cute.... lol. Let's hope this next guy has some enlightening information I may be able to pass on.
Either way, I really just need to sign up for the dumb real estate class! Daddy dearest is holding me back for whatever reason (reason probably has something to do with him wanted me to spend the rest of my life at the "great opportunity job" I do not enjoy). We shall see!
Goals:
- Meet with Commercial Agent.
- Sign up for Classes
- Take over World.
Believe me, I'm positively drowning in rejection e-mails at this moment in time, I could write the best stock template for one ever in existence! But all one can do is keep heart and keep on applying and trying, n'est-ce pas? Good luck :)
Awe! Hilarious way to look at it! Best of luck to you too! Hey, in time, you and I will probably both be CEO's of our companies ;) you'll see...
If not, maybe there's money in writing rejection templates? I'm seeing a future business here! LOL
Shhh, we don't want anyone to nick our business idea. It'll be a multinational business by next year :)