How does it feel to pass your real estate exam and start your career? Fantastic! I know you’re excited to find your first client but, until you do, take time to establish a fundamental base so you can succeed faster. Let’s look at five no-cost and some moderate-cost tips to help you grow your business so you can stand out as a new real estate agent.
Having a strong work ethic will help you start strong in your real estate career. Be in the office every day, especially during your most productive hours. As you get clients, be there when they need you (after regular business hours, on weekends). Please do what you say you’re going to do and do it quickly. No one wants to hear from an agent five days after meeting them at an open house when the agent said they would call them the next day (another agent has claimed them by then). Try to think like the lead or customer and how they would want to be treated.
Do the most unpleasant tasks first. Hate to return calls to random leads? That’s the first thing you’re going to do. Love studying the market, selling/buying trends, and new construction -- that’s your reward for having done the less desirable tasks.
Having a place to store all of your leads, prospects, and clients is essential in real estate, and therefore a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) program is a must. Most CRM’s will provide a means to create drip campaigns and track analytics. You can start with a free, reputable CRM program or pay for one, starting at approximately $500 per year. You’ll look like a real estate pro when you utilize the perks of a CRM program, beginning with the following:
A CRM program will not only help you manage your contacts, but you’ll be able to make lasting impressions as well. Imagine how dazzled your client will be when you remember their daughter’s college graduation by sending a card!
Find a mentor who has had great success in real estate and is happy to share how they grew their business. Don’t take it personally when an agent doesn’t want to help you. Many see you as competition and someone who will take away business. Move on.
A real estate agent coach is another great option to help you grow your business faster. One of the greatest assets of a coach is to help you create goals and keep you accountable so you can achieve them. Real estate coaching fees vary, starting around $400/month. Check out this list to find real estate coaching options.
Podcasts can be an excellent alternative to hiring a real estate coach, and they’re free. Consider the following podcasts to get your real estate career started on the right foot:
When building a successful real estate business, please start with the basics and build on them without spending a lot of money. When you’ve got a CRM system in place, you know how to communicate effectively, have hired a coach or mentor, and above all else, you’ve got great work ethic, you are setting yourself up for a successful career in real estate.