Bill Barrow

Times were tough. In November, I saw a link to the ACRE® web site, I clicked on it, and started reading the introduction and it sounded so much like something I needed to kick off my business.

I did not even start the class until March, my life is hectic. We have two-year-old triplet boys. My wife teaches special ed. Full-time. My dad had a really bad fall and my mom could no longer leave him alone to assist with our daycare. I was elected to fill in since my wife's insurance covers all of us and we really needed it. Finally, after we got the boys in an acceptable daycare, and my deals all slowed to a dead stop. I knew that I needed to get on the ACRE® site and finish what I started.

The material was not difficult. I made a 100 on the test!! However, I'm still kind of new at this, and my Broker was not very receptive of this brave new form of marketing that merely says: "Shouldn't I get paid for my work just like everyone else expects to? Isn't my knowledge and skill worth something?" Of course it is. Hence, if you want to take advantage of my skills and abilities so you can be successful, without spending unnecessary money- but without leaving yourself up the creek without representation. Then, we need to talk.

I have just recently taken advantage of the generous offer of another ACRE® who has been very successful- Merv Forney- to try and realistically set my prices to fit my local market. I have not yet presented my fee schedule, but have already mentioned it to several potential clients. They have all agreed to pay traditional commission instead. However, when I start competing with all the other agents here for FSBOS- the competition will be stacked in my favor. Why wouldn't a "penny pinching" FSBO jump at the opportunity to use my services? All the other regular agents have to offer them is their worn-tired-traditional full percentage commission. I have a smorgasbord of premium options which either stand alone or fit into a full package. Justifying my fees will never be difficult again!!!

I of course will need my Broker's blessing, but that seems very close to happening due to our very dead traditional market. Soon they may even be asking my advice instead of me asking theirs. We still do compete for business and Broker price opinions do not really pay the bills nearly as well as the smallest parts of my packages will! I am not sure what the market is going to do. Consequently, I'm very glad that I have found the ACRE® certification along with the great web and phone support from the ACRE® Council!! I really do not believe that I would make it through the next year otherwise. So come on and try it for yourself. You won't regret it. Everyone can use another success tool.