Succeeding as a real estate agent can be a challenging job. In fact, it is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. Believe me, I’ve been doing this for over almost 20+ years. To succeed as a real estate agent, you need to have a lot of patience, be extremely organized, and be able to handle a variety of situations.
Succeeding as real estate agent involves a lot more than just selling houses. You need to be able to sell houses, you need to be able to answer questions from buyers and sellers, and you need to be able to close the deals. Most importantly you need to be comfortable with selling yourself.
Here are a few of my most basic tips for succeeding as a real estate agent :
1. Write a plan for success and stick to it.
Once you’ve decided on a real estate broker or agency, you’ll need a plan for how to be successful. You should set goals and develop a business plan. Most real estate agent business plans cover activities for attracting new clients. There is way more to this than meets the eye.
Here are some additional helpful tips when writing your business plan:
- Write one or two sentences about what could make you compelling to potential clients. This is your unique selling proposition. This will ensure efficient use of funds for the right reasons.
- Develop a budget and focus on activities that have the greatest return for the money invested (ROI). This will help you make the most of the resources available to you.
- Creating a calendar helps you plan for marketing and networking events. Email blasts, social media, trade shows, print mailers, and paid search all have dates – you’ll want to make sure you’re scheduling accordingly.
- Build the perfect work life balance by creating an activity schedule that matches your lifestyle and helps you achieve your business goals.
After you develop your plan, hold yourself accountable to it.
2. Get out of the office and talk to your customers. See what they really want. Then deliver it.
Succeeding as a real estate agent when you’re a beginner of course it is necessary to focus on sales or purchases. But as you gain experience, don’t forget to ask your clients what they really want. If you give them the information they are looking for, you will develop a reputation for being the go-to real estate agent in the community and people will begin to trust you. You can also reach out to other market experts and get information on how they approach their business and advice on how to get better at it.
You should use social media to promote yourself or offer a live presentation to clients or prospects – think YouTube or Facebook Live. You could even get into a column in a local publication or online magazine.
3. Social Media is a MUST.
You can’t afford to be absent on social media in the 21st century. Make sure you’re engaging with your clients and prospects on all the top-tier networks, including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Snap and post a lot of real estate pictures, including houses, neighborhood activities, and local events, to help interact with other users interested in your area and to promote your properties. Don’t forget to comment on what your sphere members post, too.
4. Get out of your comfort zone. Networking is the best way to reach your goal.
Succeeding as a real estate agent includes the art of networking. This does not need to be daunting, it can be fun and rewarding. All it takes is knowing where to network as a real estate agent and following a few simple rules for networking. When you go to an event or meeting, be sure to know what to expect and keep these handy tips in mind. Make sure you dress professionally and appropriately. If you look sharp, you make a good impression. Listen more than you talk. That conveys empathy and concern. People appreciate it when you help them. Don’t ask for referrals. Just slip people your card at the end of a conversation. Take the cards of everyone you meet. You never know when a contact might help you or become a lead. And enter your leads right away into your Customer Relationship Management software or CRM.
5. Two words: Follow Up.
Prospecting is a crucial part of succeeding as a real estate agent. Always follow up with your prospects after they have visited a property, and follow up until they decide either to buy or sell. If you have hosted an open house, follow up by calling or emailing the leads on the sign-up sheet a day or two later. If someone mentions an interest in buying or selling, make a note of their names and get back in touch a short time later to find out how things are going.
As I stated earlier, the best practice for follow up is utilizing a lively and engaging CRM. I understand the struggle is real when it comes to writing the right emails and drip campaigns – check out my drip campaigns to help real estate agents succeed.
However, on the other end of that spectrum, be respectful. If your prospect or client is not ready, don’t be a nuisance. Let them be and you can always use a re-engage campaign in your CRM later when the time is right.
More great information…
Succeeding as a real estate agent takes time and effort. Don’t give up because your dreams can come true! I have a number of resources to help that are useful for succeeding as a real estate agent. Please visit my fully stocked blog, “Drip & CRM Tips” for more tried and true tips to assist as you either embark or continue to embrace your career as a successful real estate agent.
• Contributing Editor – Andrea Hendrix
