Eric Little talks about his Business Crossroads Real Estate which has offices in rural La Harpe and Macomb.
The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Eric Little talks about his Business Crossroads Real Estate which has offices in rural La Harpe and Macomb.
What was your experience in real estate before starting your own agency?
I started at Century 21 Purdum Epperson in Macomb. In Illinois, a new agent is required to work and learn under a managing broker for at least 2 years.
How long have you been a real estate agent?
I studied, tested, and got my Illinois real estate license in 2015, and my Managing Broker license in 2019. I am also a RealtorŪ which signifies a higher level of ethics training. Not all real estate agents are RealtorsŪ.
What did you do before becoming a Realtor, and how did that experience shape your approach to this job?
I owned & operated our family mechanical contracting company - Little Brothers, Inc - for 13 years. I worked in the HVAC & Electrical field for 25 years all together.
I have also farmed all my life. This gives me a unique knowledge of and perspective on homes, land sales, and commercial properties.
When did you decide that you wanted to start your own agency and what was the process like?
Once an Illinois broker has been licensed and sponsored for 2 years, they can study, test and get licensed as a Managing Broker.
I chose to do so and to start my own brokerage as I was already used to running my own business. I wanted the financial flexibility and independence to focus on serving clients with the highest level of honesty and integrity.
I have also built a team of agents and enjoy helping them when questions arise and celebrating with them when they help someone buy or sell a home or other property.
How many clients have you helped buy or sell?
My agents and I have helped over 400 buyers and sellers of land, residential, and commercial properties.
How has the industry changed since you started, and what lessons have you learned from those changes?
New laws in 2024 changed the paperwork at initial showings, which solidifies the client relationship even sooner.
Otherwise, when I started in real estate a lot of convenient, current technology and laws were already in place.
My cell phone, internet based searching, and e-signature capabilities are a huge help and save many miles for me and my clients.
What communities do you serve?
I have sold properties from the Illinois River to the Mississippi River and North to South from Quincy to Galesburg. Most of my clients are in Hancock and McDonough Counties.
How can a potential client contact you?
I am always available on my cell phone - 309-333-3581. Our website www.YourCrossroads.net includes all our listings and we are on Facebook as well - Crossroads Real Estate - Eric Little.
What advice would you give to someone who is wanting to become a real estate agent?
Starting out in real estate, income can be slow at first. Like many careers there is ongoing continuing education and some investment to be part of a local MLS (multiple listing service).
Otherwise, the startup cost is fairly low. If you are passionate about helping people, enjoy detail oriented work; find a knowledgeable, helpful managing broker to sponsor your license.
Expect and plan for some ups and downs in the real estate market and you can be successful.