As a managing broker, Christopher Tenggren wanted to be a more effective mentor to new agents in his office. So, when he had the opportunity to mentor two up-and-coming pros while he was participating in this tournament, NAR SpireA real estate mentorship program launched in 2021 by the National Association of REALTORS®, Tenggren used it as an opportunity to teach as well as learn.
The experience gave ABR's Tenggren, who works with Weichert, a REALTORS® in Rochelle, Illinois, a refresher on basic sales and marketing skills and a better understanding of where new agents are in their work. It taught me how to understand things better.
“Being a mentor at Spire has made me think and even rethink some of the ways we train new agents,” he says.
Mentorship is an important part of helping the next generation of real estate professionals succeed and contribute to the evolution of the industry. But the mentee isn't the only one in the relationship who stands to gain a new perspective on their business. Mentors can also learn new skills and test their leadership abilities through the mentoring process. And while real estate coaching typically occurs at the brokerage level, NAR Spire broadens the horizon by connecting brokers and brokers across the country.
“I used my own discoveries and experiences, both good and bad, as learning opportunities for my mentees,” says Realister agent in Beavercreek, Ohio, and 2023 NAR Spire says Christina James, one of about 800 participants. My mentors have helped me grow as a leader. Not everyone learns the same way, but being a mentor has helped me become more attentive and patient, both at work and in my personal life. ”
NAR Spire pairs experienced agents and brokers with those studying for a real estate license, starting a business, or looking to grow. With mentor support, mentees can set clear career goals, develop actionable plans, and navigate market crossroads with more clarity and purpose. Program guidelines recommend that mentorship pairs meet two to four times a month to explore questions and ideas that emerge from the educational sessions and help direct the mentee's career path. .
NAR Spire's mentor Kay Thompson, principal broker at Best Real Estate Company in Bartlett, Tennessee, was so impressed with the program's structure that she recreated it as part of her company's onboarding process. Thompson said she matches experienced agents with new hires to work on topics not typically covered in real estate courses, such as organization, time management and lead generation.
She helped her first mentee grow into a niche by working with a real estate developer. “I was able to help her take a step toward finding her own groove in that world, and she sold millions of dollars of real estate in her first year.” Thompson says. “Currently, I have two mentees, both of whom are growing because they are practicing what I teach them to run successful businesses. We have completed one transaction and are working to accelerate the growth of our business.”
Aaron Gray Sr., SRS, an agent with Century 21 Advantage Gold in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, says participating in a formal, accountable mentorship program increases the visibility of real estate professionals. While serving as a mentor at NAR Spire, he helped mentees transition. From working with home builders to more traditional sales activities. Mr. Gray advocates his NAR and his Spire programs as part of the industry's commitment to professionalism.
“When I first became a real estate licensee in 2008, I wasn’t provided with enough training or the right tools,” Gray says. “When I joined my current brokerage firm in 2015, my days and nights were like this. , which brought together people from all aspects of the business, including volunteering as keynote speakers and trainers. It became my mission to improve the image of the industry as a whole by improving the professionalism of my colleagues. .”
Vinson Bracey, ABR, GRI, broker with Crye-Leike, REALTORS® in Memphis, Tenn., works with two college students seeking a career in real estate and a recent college graduate who has just earned a real estate career. Paired with Keidra Anderson. Real estate license. Ms. Bracey said she worked with Ms. Anderson to develop an exit plan for her post-NAR Spire goals, including attending important events at her local REALTOR® association. “She's doing well in her job and her plan of action is set in stone,” Bracey says. “Her main benefit is that her next steps will be more intentional.”
But he admits there are side benefits as well. “Sometimes teachers become students. For example, my two college students respond to meetings very quickly. They also remind me that I need to arrive early for a client. We’re all learning from each other.”
