At the beginning I was sort of put off by Mr. Edwards "this is why you would fail" attitude but as I got through more of the specifics in the individual chapters I realized that he was setting up a dialog of what to do as well as what not to do. There are TONS of realistic, specific ideas about how to get yourself off to a great start during what can very easily be a very difficult first year in real estate sales.

Since I purchased the book I have taken my licensing class, taken my salesperson's exam and found a firm to work with. I think this book and one other are why I made my way through that process so smoothly. The other book I'd highly recommend is Dirk Zeller's "Your First Year in Real Estate".

14 of 14 found the following review helpful:


Awesome supplement to RE licensing course  Jan 25, 2004
Once this book arrived in the mail, I could hardly put it down! I am currently taking the course, and was looking for some of the more specific details of the business that the course fails to teach. The author does an excellent job of separating his personal opinions, but still uses an honest approach to sharing his personal experience. Also, the text goes a little more in depth about agency - really helps as an aid to studying for the licensing course. This book doesn't lead a new agent to dangerously believe that he or she will make a lot of money in the first year - and actually tells you what will cause you to fail in your new career. Although I would have liked to see more information about careers in real estate besides simply being an agent, overall I must say this book is tremendously helpful to a new agent.

11 of 11 found the following review helpful:


The Perfect Primer for the Real Estate Novice  May 05, 2004 By Jim Rake
After checking out Ken's book at the local library, I, like another new agent in our office, decided to buy it. And, was I glad I did! This easy to read primer is full of good information from beginning to end. The author's organization made the reading easy, and, for a new agent, it was a sensible step by step approach in how to get started in real estate. The "real life" real estate stories, and their use as "lessons learned", have been invaluable in my first few months in the profession. By reading some of these, I've avoided more than one rookie pitfall. Finally, while Ken provides important real estate advice, he also sprinkles in a bit of common sense guidance for success. This "golden rule" advice of serving others and keeping one's priorities in order is a good reminder of the importance of character values in a people business like real estate.
For those considering a career in real estate, or those who want to get back to the basics of what is fundamental to success in the business, Your Successful Real Estate Career is just the book to turn to!

11 of 11 found the following review helpful:


Great overview of real estate for potential agents  Feb 08, 2001
I just finished reading the book and am in process of ordering 2 copies through Amazon, one for me and one for my brother-in-law real estate agent, either for his personal reference or more likely for potential agents he mentors. I am semi-retired and this was just what I needed to see in very practical terms concerning what a real estate agent can expect. Mr. Edwards speaks from experience and has been down the road. I was delighted to learn that he lives in the same town as I and so his experience has a personal immediacy. However, he writes the book in a way that has strong application to real estate universally. I'm also looking forward to the real estate agent licensing course he teaches, if he's still teaching. Lots of appropriate humor throughout the book. And I appreciated his constant emphasis on the real estate agent's best opportunities for long-term success being in focusing on serving the the customers and dealing openly and honestly with them.

10 of 10 found the following review helpful:


More than helpful  Sep 13, 2004 By Linda J. Makwinski
I hadn't gotten my state results when I was in border books looking for the right book to help me get started in real estate, when I came across Dr. Edwards 4th edition. I had been thumbing through a lot of books, but when I found this book I knew it was the right one. A few days later I did receive my results and passed. I continued to read his book and had some questions. So, I decided to email him and get his thoughts on somethings that I was undecided about and within half and hour he emailed me back. I have to say that I recommond this book to anyone who is in the business or want to get into the business. He just doesn't talk to you on paper and disappears he will help you if you ask for his help. I do hope you try this book you will not be sorry. Linda

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