Real estate agents learn a lot in their pre-licensing course, but nothing fully prepares anyone for their first day on the job. Some things can only be learned through firsthand experiences, and new agents don’t want to risk stumbling or making little mistakes when they’re trying to find their footing in a competitive market.
This new real estate agent checklist can help agents stay on track. If you know how to effectively manage your daily to-do list, the chances are slim that important details will slip through the cracks.
Begin your career by adopting the best practices, and you’ll be more likely to stick with them over time.
1. Make Learning a Part of Your Everyday Life
Real estate is dynamic. The basics, like laws and regulations, typically stay the same for many years. Market trends, effective lead generation strategies, and buyer attitudes can change from day to day. If you aren’t on top of it, you won’t know how to generate leads as the market and technology changes or how to best serve your clients.
Real estate agents often spend a lot of time in the car, and the car is a great place to listen to podcasts. Allow yourself to blast your favorite upbeat motivational power ballads every once in a while, but incorporate real estate podcasts into longer commutes. You can learn while walking or driving, and it won’t monopolize any of the precious time you need to tend to your daily responsibilities.
2. Build Your Scripts and Roleplay With Yourself
Real estate agents have to be strong communicators. They often face objections from people who don’t believe they need the help of a real estate agent to sell their property or purchase a new one. They’ll often meet suggestions and negotiation strategies with resistance.
Quiz:
Please choose one answer:
1) I am ready to join EXP Realty.
2) I am interested in EXP Realty and need more info.
3) I am not interested in EXP Realty.
Key:
* If you answered “#1” congratulations. You are about to join the fastest-growing real estate company in the world. Tim and Julie Harris are inviting you to join them at EXP Realty. Text Tim directly for the next steps: 512-758-0206. (text only please)
* If you answered “#2” please watch the videos and check out the other intel on this site. http://whylibertas.com/harris .
* If you answered ‘#3’ no worries. You will want to check out whylibertas.com/harris so you can at least know what EXP Realty is and why so many agents are moving to EXP.
It’s critical to remember that you shouldn’t take it personally. Most people don’t understand exactly how complicated the work of a real estate agent really is. They don’t know the amount of planning, and they can’t anticipate the complexity of contracts. They might not understand the amount of work they’re in for if they choose not to work with an agent.
Your job is to explain your merits and talk about what you do. Give potential clients a clear understanding of why working with you will dramatically simplify their lives and help them buy or sell much sooner.
Talking through scenarios in your head and considering objections can help you preemptively prepare informative and polite responses to rebuttals or questions you may receive. If you have a friend or family member who would be willing to help you practice, that’s even better. Treat them to dinner to show your appreciation.
3. Find a Lead Generation Strategy That Works for You
Your ability to make a salary solely depends on your ability to generate leads. You can’t help someone sell or buy a house if there’s no one willing to buy or sell.
Since the average person will only purchase three properties in their lifetime, valuable leads are very hard to come by. You’ll need to find a lead generation strategy that works with your personal style and reaches people in your area.
Many real estate agents find that becoming active participants in their communities naturally helps to draw more leads. When you play golf or tennis, take yoga classes, frequent popular lunch spots, or attend charity events, you’re bumping elbows with people from all walks of life. Inevitably, some of them will need a real estate agent.
Introduce yourself. Build bonds. Talk about what you do. Hand out some business cards. The people you meet may eventually become leads, and even if they don’t, they may feel inclined to recommend you to their friends or family members who need a real estate agent.
4. Choose a Sustainable Marketing Strategy
As a real estate agent, the product you’re selling is your direct help. Marketing yourself and your services are one and the same.
You’ll only fetch valuable clients if they understand the value of working with you specifically, not the other real estate agents in the area. Most people don’t inherently realize there will be a difference in their experience depending upon the agent they choose to work with.
You need to decide what kind of agent you want to be. Many real estate agents pick an area of expertise. Some agents specialize in affordable single-family homes, which is a valuable specialty in middle-class communities where parents want safe homes in good school districts. Some real estate agents specialize in selling properties for clients during divorce proceedings. Pick what you want to do, and craft an image and slogan that plays to your strengths.
You’ll use this image to post on social media and create advertisements. Remember that consistency is key. You should always be sending the same message in every format.
When people meet you, they’re expecting the person you portray yourself to be. Make sure your brand is authentic to who you are and what means the most to you.
5. Find the Right Real Estate Brokerage
Every real estate brokerage is a little different. Some brokerages encourage real estate agents to exclusively self-manage. They aren’t team-oriented environments, and they don’t offer much mentorship. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
People who are motivated and ambitious sometimes prefer to find their own way through, only asking for help when they’re truly stumped.
Many new real estate agents will prefer a teamwork environment. They want to be able to utilize the resources of their brokerage and accept tutelage from experienced agents. Some agents may prefer to work as part of a team when they’re still establishing themselves.
Consider what you want, and choose a firm that will best support you in reaching your goals.
6. Continue Your Real Estate Education
Your course gave you the basics but not the nuts and bolts of real-life practice. Your instructor’s sole role was to teach you the things you’re legally required to know before becoming a real estate agent. The nuances of marketing, lead generation, handling objections, finding the right mindset, and making money moves are completely different.
Harris Real Estate University takes an all-inclusive approach to teaching agents everything they need to know to find success in any market. One-on-one calls with a real estate coach can help to keep you accountable. Our Harris-certified coaches can also provide you with direct and actionable advice you can use to grow and thrive.
This knowledge can give you an advantage over established agents who utilize outdated strategies and repetitive formulas. You’ll understand multiple approaches to the same situation and gain unique insights that can help you compete.
You can schedule a free coaching consultation with a Harris-certified real estate coach to discuss your goals. The invaluable guidance and mentorship you receive can help you hit the ground running and find success in the real estate industry.
Sources
5 Super Effective Ways to Become a Great Communicator | Inc.com
5 Ways To Build Your Personal Brand At Work | Forbes
How to Tell If a Company’s Culture Is Right for You | Harvard Business Review
