Sell with Soul

by Jennifer Allan-Hagedorn

Even in so-called boom markets, rookie real estate agents almost always find their new careers to be harder than anticipated. Statistics quote figures ranging from 70% to 95% dropout rate for first year agents and it s common knowledge in the industry that only a small percentage of the licensed agents are making enough money to live on.
Why is the failure rate so high? Is it a matter of unrealistic expectations? Maybe. A lack of enthusiasm? Probably. A lack of support and training? Definitely.

What agents need is good solid training on how to competently sell real estate and Jennifer Allan-Hagedorn's book Sell with Soul offers just that. The book takes on the tough issues of survival in a slowing housing market and provides a blueprint for success to help new agents navigate the critical first year and beyond. Sell with Soul comes complete with checklists to help agents keep on top of listings and contracts, step-by-step guidelines for building a thriving real estate practice as well as anecdotal examples of real world real estate dilemmas and solutions to them.

Yet the book is so much more than a rookie survival guide. The author discusses such touchy subjects as commission discounting (she s all for it), buyer agency (don t push it), prospecting at open houses (do so with caution) and generating bidding wars (it s your duty). Practical advice is offered on everything from building a loyal client base to marketing listings to negotiating inspections and even handling pricing objections.

Sell with Soul focuses on helping new agents become competent at their craft, so they can be confident with their prospects and clients. This confidence enables them to stay true to themselves because they will have no need for the Old School prospecting strategies and aggressive closing techniques that force many new agents out of their comfort zone.

Readers consistently praise the readability of Sell with Soul, commenting that it reads almost like a novel instead of just another business self-help book. The book is written in a casual voice, with a relaxed style that is noticeably different from the more authoritative voices of the competition.

Genres: Business, Self Help

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 11, 2008

Reviews

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad I read this! After taking a break from the industry, Jennifer has reminded me there's no need for me to follow those God-forsaken sales tactics that are so against my personality. As I read it, I kept thinking: "I knew it! I knew it!". I'm now really looking forward to working as a agent again.

[Denise Russo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read many of the Law of Attraction books I was intrigued when I came across a real estate book based on the same premise while trying to help my daughter, who is in real estate streamline her efforts. From the first page the author gives you hope that you don't have to be part of the Old School mentality and that you can be yourself and still be successful. I would recommend this to anyone in or thinking about getting into real estate.

[Cameron Campos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished this one that was lent to me. I realized while reading that I’m not the target audience. This is more of a “training manual” for new real estate agents (I probably should’ve read the summary on the back before starting 😅). I’m not claiming to know all but as a 9 year seasoned agent in my market I have a good idea on what I’m doing but also I’m always open to learning & adapting. I agreed with about 70% of the advice given in this book. Some of the advice I blatantly disagree with. I will note though that the real estate business differs by state & changes over time so some of the practices mentioned are dated/out of touch with the current times & actually may not be allowed in every state. I was initially going to give this 2/5 bc I was bored with most of the content but for newer agents there’s some good perspective so I bumped this to 3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Honestly, the best thing you can do as a newer agent is find a good mentor in your market & work closely with them. That will take you farther than any training class or manual.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Allan-Hagedorn's stye is rather similar to mine and I much of what she says is what I have found to be true too. However, the information offered is really basic. The books is rather drawn out for such basic information.

[Sally Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful book especially for new agents. Glad to see that the author opposes the annoying tactics often used by salespeople and that she has become successful by avoiding them.

[Lizlemon70 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish I read this when I first started in the industry. But a great read for anyone in the business who is turned off by cold calling, condescending scripts, and doing other things that annoy people. It's good to know I don't have to do these things to be successful.

However there were a few recommendations I absolutely did not agree with such as agents should be on call 24/7 and new agents should show a house even if the buyer already has an agent. I don't think so. Waste of time, not to mention pissing the other agent off. Boundaries are very important in this business to keep you sane and preserve your relationships. The divorce rate is high in the industry and my family comes first.

But overall a great book that really spoke to me. Can't wait to read the others in the series.

[Jill Rumley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good advice about following your heart in a business that can eat you alive. I don't agree with some things she says, especially when it comes to blowing off Commission mandated forms regarding Agency. The law is the law, you can lose your license if you don't do it. Justin sayin'....

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much of the book is spent quoting other authors. The rest of it is Allan-Hagedorn emphasizing that she never listened to any advice from other agents and was only successful because she didn't do what "Old School" agents did.

[Garret Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually felt like this was a 3 star book, but I gave it 4 stars because I am not the target audience as I have already been a Real Estate agent for a few years. I do think it's a good read for new agents.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat basic but something I think every new real estate agent should read.

[Claire Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good practical advice and lots of reassurance you don't have to turn into a sales monster to be successful.

[Messyjessie32 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read!

Any agent needs to follow Jennifer's lead. Stop wasting your money and just be the best you can be to your sphere of influence. That's the gist of the book.

[EVIE JOHNS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

Great information for new agents and seasoned agents and brokers ! Selling is
not always cold calling door knocking read the book and see what I mean it will

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful resource for new agents! I will return to it again and again.

[David Teachout · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a humorous, informative and utterly human portrayal of the Real Estate business, then this is for you. Great ideas throughout and shared with an honesty that is refreshing.

[Andrea Cochran · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better books I've read in my first yr of real estate.