Creating an Extraordinary Career in Real Estate without Losing Your Friends

Directed toward the beginning agent, Jennifer Allan approaches a well explored subject from a very different angle. I gleaned several gems from her book's unique perspective that I could easily apply to my own emerging real estate business.

The author answered every question that I had about becoming a real estate broker. I was fearful that I would lose my own identity once I began selling homes, but reading the author's experience makes me feel confident that this does not have to be the case. I would highly recommend this book to anyone considering becoming a real estate broker.

The author answered every question that I had about becoming a real estate broker. I was fearful that I would lose my own identity once I began selling homes, but reading the author's experience makes me feel confident that this does not have to be the case. I would highly recommend this book to anyone considering becoming a real estate broker.

Horrible real estate advise for beginner or any agent at that. She puts down methods that work time after time. Methods that are free like door knocking. If your new and don't have money to spend taking everybody you know out to lunch door knocking is a great way to spend you day. No matter what works for you it is what works for you and you should not degrade other methods.

The book is very motivating. I absolutely love lots of good advice that I will definitely be implementing in my daily and work routine. The only downside I noticed was the strategies that the author doesn't use herself were described in very neglecting way. Nevertheless, I will rank this book at 5 stars because of not only great inspiration, but of the real practical suggestions and step-by-step success instructions for improving your Real Estate business. Thank you!

Jennifer's prospecting tips only apply if you already have a wide circle of friends and an unlimited wallet for those lunch dates or real estate is just a hobby. Some of the bad advice includes showing a buyer properties who is already under contract with another agent and working for free (then it really is a hobby). I know top producers in my office that make 3 times as much as her that still do 'icky' things such as cold calling and door knocking. While having a sphere of influence is important (and I intend to grow mine), don't knock the time tested methods that the big gurus use - because they work!

Although I have tried, really tried, to read other books about sales, particularly RE sales, I find myself struggling to find anything that resonates, much less inspires. When I started reading this book, however, I couldn't put it down! It is so jam packed with solid, soulfful ideas, I stopped using my highlighter on passages I particularly liked because the entire book was turning yellow.

This is THE handbook for any agent, whether first day rookie or more experienced, who wants a highly satisfying and FUN - yes, fun! - career of which they can be proud.

If you were already established in the industry and making tons of money...I still think you should be reading her book, why?
because you will find some ideas that contrary to what you have been being taught all these years! and I have the gut feeling that you will find yourself agree with what Jennifer says!

I am not an agent yet. But I plan to be one, getting myself ready in 2 years... or maybe more.

Jennifer 's book confirmed my gut feeling that being a successful real estate agent has to be an honest, hard-working and smart individual in the first place.

Simply put:

#1 you can not fake it, because other people are not stupid. not with the amount of money involved, mind you
#2 cold caller are all parasites and should be treated so, if you can not make it other than harassing other people, don't even get into the business
#3 being rejected again and again will depress you, I am 100% sure it will happen to all of us, NO EXCEPTION
#4 don't waste your money marketing yourself here and there - if you do then DO it with ALOT of money. Or just read #5
#5 be honest to yourself, don't do others what you don't want to be done to yourself, be hardworking and then you can do it
#6 it takes time... sometimes A LOT time - so be patient... and consider giving yourself a well-deserved break when business is slow, take some tai-chi class!

So many people in sales and, in particular, real estate sales, follow the same old processes and then complain about the lack success. Jennifer provides a direct, sometimes in-your-face, look at the points that so many other books miss. Direct is good and I appreciate this perspective and candor, even though I know there will be readers that may struggle that she does not candy-coat the world.

If you are looking for a book with shortcuts, the ones in this book are do not circumvent work but they do help you avoid wasted efforts. Maybe that is not really a shortcut as much as a time-saver, but isn't that the point of a short-cut?

I believe successful sales requires work, candor, honest and true relationships. So, does Jennifer and she provides a great book for those that want to do the work required and need a fresh, candid perspective to guide them.

Sell with Soul is a lively, well-written and refreshing change of pace from ANY sales book you've ever read. Jennifer's no-nonsense approach to developing SOI's (Sphere's of Influence) is like nothing I've ever heard before. The book is organized in a clear-cut, well defined, and easy to read format. Jennifer's great sense of humor and her skillful use of illustrative anecdotes and blog stories will gently pull you through every page. Her style is guaranteed to bring a smile as you look at a whole new way of doing business.

If you enjoy time with friends, like to relax at parties, or if you just enjoy chatting with your buddies on the phone, you can incorporate those very past times into a cohesive and systematic way of doing business that will bring you returns for years.

Jennifer takes you to the heart of the matter in the very first chapter. Once that's established, she spends time with the nuts and bolts of listing, presenting, answering objections and other not-so-traditional ways of thinking and working through `traditional' issues.

If you like Real Estate (or any other kind of) sales and want to have more fun making more money, then you will LOVE THIS BOOK!

Well, it was actually its predecessor, but the idea is the same, only updated for today's 'interesting' market. After wondering if I'd make a good real estate agent (#1-later in life, and #2-because I'm shy, and #3-because I'm not a salesy person) I bought the original Sell With Soul, read it...and soon signed up for real estate classes! I got my license in July of 2007 and have clients and referrals...and am having the time of my life! No door-knocking, no cold-calling...no pestering strangers. Just living by the Golden Rule (which I've taught my kids for nearly 20 years) and being a "soulful" person.

Thank you, Jennifer, for the reminder!!

This book is like no other. You will immediately feel that Jennifer is speaking right to you. Her info and experiences are informative and entertaining, as well as extremely detailed and thorough. She answers all those (not so little) questions and doubts that have been nagging you in the back of your mind, but you would never dare to ask your broker. You will come away with a renewed sense of confidence, knowledge and pride. Your fears will melt away as she walks you through the entire process of being the best real estate agent in town. You will be crystal-clear on the Value you bring to your clients, and what a great trip it is to be a realtor! You will find yourself so excited that you just can't wait till you meet with your next client, and after you learn from `the Jennifer', they will be lucky to have found you. Jill W, St. Louis, MO.

Down to earth, no nonsense advice for anyone thinking of going into real estate, or even if you're an agent now. No foolin' around, just tells it the way it is in a way that gets you pumped up to sell and great ways to do it even if your not a "salesperson". She taught me that you're not "selling", you're an advisor. .. which gives it a realistic perspective and takes the "weight" off. Great book!

I just stumbled across a website about two weeks ago that had a few excerpts from this book. I was intrigued, so I ordered a copy. I could not put the book down! It resonated deeply with me and since then I have noticed a huge change in my business. I've been a realtor just over a year, and of course was trained in the Old School methods of farming, listing postcards, etc. - tried and true, but just not right for me. I surely am not one to do cold calls or knock on doors - but I DO like to have fun!

Right away I knew these teachings were right up my alley, and I implemented several of the suggestions right away. You would not believe how many clients have magically dropped in my lap since last week! And the lunches with friends - oh, yeah!!

My whole paradigm has shifted and it's all due to this book and the refreshing new way of approaching real estate. I actually bounce out of bed each morning and can hardly wait to get to work. Jennifer's book has changed my outlook on life!

Written in a conversational style, Jennifer Allan's Sell with Soul is a wonderful resource for new and experienced agents alike. She offers solid (even if some of it is unpopular) advice on how to run your business so that you continue to reap the rewards for years to come. Her "Sell With Soul" philosophy of being a wonderful Real Estate Agent by doing your job well and doing what is right by your CLIENT speaks to all agents and encourages a high level of dignity and respect in all your business practices. Follow her advice, and you'll have an army of satisfied clients bringing business to YOU.

Sell with Soul was an incredible book! I was finished with it in two days and was sad I was done so quick. I wanted to read more, but unfortunately, all good books must come to an end. For new agents, such as myself, this book gives you plenty of good ideas and even lets you in on little secrets many veteran agents won't tell you. She gives you plenty of scenarios you may run across and sticks to the "trust your gut" grind of the work you are about to do. I've tried to read many other books on beginning a career in real estate and so far, this is the only one that gives you all the details on how to start your new career without making you fall asleep. Much thanks to Jennifer Allen and I know I will be reading all of her detail-oriented and great advice giving books!!!

I was so incredibly happy to find Jennifer's book at the beginning of my career! I was truly amazed that there was someone else out there in the real estate world that feels exactly like I do! I was also completely relieved to find out that I didn't have to employ all the cheesy techniques that I learned about in my first broker's training sessions...phew!! Thank you Jennifer! You have no idea how much your book impacted my life & career and I will be eternally grateful.

Sell With Soul is a refreshing, straight forward, step by step book on how to be a great Realtor. I have read many books and this is THE BEST! Jennifer is enjoyably candid and relates real world experience that's invaluable if your desire is to be a great realtor and have clients instead of customers. This book should be required reading for getting your license!

Jennifer is a life saver! Her outlook on this industry is refreshing and she doesn't dangle an imaginary carrot in front of you. She explains what you should or should not do and why-and she provides step by step instructions on how to complete the task. If you are looking for a fresh new take on real estate sales, and you believe in working for your client not just a paycheck-this is the book for you! As a brand new agent, this is a lifesaver!

Great book, but it is basically for new agents. I wish it contained less 'beginner how to' and more substance for seasoned agents.

Jennifer is a good writer and funny, but you may want to skip if you have been in the business a long time.

Everything I was thinking and feeling to be the case, in the face of contrary opinion, has been confirmed in this "guide". If you are a person of integrity and find yourself embarking on a real estate career, do not despair! If you buy only one book, make it this one. It is money and time we'll spent.

My appreciation and gratitude go out to you Jennifer!

Easy and fun to read....AND the author has answered many of my emails/questions after I finished the book. Long, thoughtful, helpful responses. I highly recommend picking up this book and connecting with Jennifer.