*This profile originally appeared in the March EXIT Southeast Newsletter.  Click here to see the newsletter, rankings & awards info in its entirety.I’m in for the long play explains EXIT Real Estate Property Solutions owner Scott Steger who shares some best practices and amazing news from his 76-year-old floor rep.“The first week of December, I received an incredible call from one of my agents, Joe Schomer, Jr.  On December 5, it would be his final closing of the year and he would hit six figures!  Joe’s previous career was selling aircraft.  Today, he exclusively works for the floor for us taking walk-ins only.  So no past clients or referrals, he earned this success coming in three or four shifts a week!” shared Scott.[caption id="attachment_4259" align="aligncenter" width="447"]
EXIT Real Estate Property Solutions owner Scott Steger with floor rep. Joe Schomer.[/caption]
As the saying goes, 80% of success is just showing up says Scott.  It is important to me to find people who show up and are excited.  “I look for coachable, trainable people. If I put you with a mentor, are you going to learn and use this time wisely?  I want people who wake up energized, excited and ready for the day.  If not, real estate might not be the best choice.  It’s more than a paycheck.  You are starting a small business.“ Scott points out that being a real estate agent requires the least amount of start up costs required with the most potential income.  However, you are still a small business and you have to treat it that way. “You are a small business even if you are an agent by yourself,” he explains.  “You are an owner and have to be present.” And, Joe credits his success on the floor to the marketing and support of his franchise owner.One of the ways Scott says he is growing his business is by being involved in the community and earning that respect"I’m very involved in the community including serving on the Chamber of Commerce Board, business associations, active participation with eh board of Realtors, and several non profit boards – giving back to my community while representing my brand.  I also attend city commission meetings and know the mayor, commissioners, city manager, and most department heads in the cities that we serve.  It makes a difference for my agents.  It makes a difference for our business by building this community respect.  It has taken five or six years.  It is definitely the longer road.  If you are looking to be in business 10, 12 or 20 years, it is important to be a visible part of your community,” Scott said.One of his biggest tips for owners, “hire slow and fire fast.  Make sure the person is the right culture fit for your company.  I’ve really changed my perspective from the early days.  If you choose the wrong person, they will blame you for their failure.  I try to determine if I believe they have what it takes to be successful with realistic outcomes and goals.  I had a mom come in and wanted to make $250,000 the first year.  This isn’t realistic.”[caption id="attachment_4260" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Scott Steger, EXIT Real Estate Property Solutions, earned EXIT Southeast FL Broker of the Year.[/caption]After coming from the nonprofit world, Scott knew he wanted an opportunity he could grow for his lifetime.“I researched and looked at all the models.  I come from a nonprofit background.  I was looking for a company that said helping people pays off in the end.  My team works hard and loves what they do.  We back each other up.  It is why I choose EXIT because this is my philosophy.  We support people in their growth and then they will support you. When I met EXIT Realty Corp. International’s accountant, who was so excited about her job, I knew this was what I wanted to create in my community,” Scott said.Ultimately, Scott says his growth has been slow and steady.  “I’ve been in business for six years.  There have been a lot of lessons learned and I would recommend get all of your systems in place before you begin to grow.”
We wanted to reiterate, during this difficult time, please know we support you as does all of EXIT.  We know you’ve heard by now that EXIT Realty Corp. International has released a stimulus package. Click here for more information.We also want you to know we see how hard you are working, adapting and adjusting to this new and unusual workflow. We are so proud of EXIT Southeast/FL and want to continue to be a resource and support which is why we wanted to work with Annette on this upcoming training session.  Annette also sees we’re unified, determined and will make it through all of this. We think her session will be a big help to so many agents.The real estate industry is essential in so many ways for our communities and country and you are all key to this!  Know we stand with you today and every day.  #AllInForEXIT
