Your first few months as a new agent are probably filled with excitement and anxiety. Starting your own business and helping people find the homes of their dreams is exciting, but you might also be wondering how you’ll navigate contracts, commissions, and clients.
Well, never fear! Listed below are a few tips that will help you succeed as a real estate agent, which can be a hilarious (and exciting) field.
1. Never go without a tape measure.
Having a measuring tape handy can come in handy whenever you need to figure out what distance the kitchen is from the living room, or the height of the ceilings.
Plus, you’ll be able to give a potential buyer an accurate description of a room if they ask about dimensions while showing them a home. And don’t forget to reset the tape measure to zero before leaving the property, or you may end up with some questionable measurements (see what I did there?)
2. Make sure you invest in good shoes.
Taking clients to open houses, houses, and neighborhoods is all part of your job as a real estate agent. You will be putting a lot of miles on your shoes, so make sure they are comfortable and durable.
Having a pair that looks professional but also has some personality (such as red Converse sneakers, for example) will be a bonus.
3. Be comfortable with your awkwardness.
Let’s be honest – showing a home to a stranger can be awkward. You’re walking into someone’s personal space, pointing out features and selling them on the property.
Awkwardness can be a good thing, though! When you’re comfortable in your own skin, you can handle awkward silences (which are inevitable). So use the awkwardness to your advantage by embracing it.
4. Get in the habit of loving small talk.
Your bread and butter will be small talk as a real estate agent. You’ll be interacting with clients, other agents, and potential buyers. It’s all about learning to love it!
Find common ground by asking questions, and listen to what people have to say. In case all else fails, you can always talk about the weather. Cliche or not, it’s a proven and tested conversation starter.
5. Learn the art of hosting an open house.
Open houses are an excellent way to gather leads and find potential buyers. You may find them intimidating at first, especially if you are new to the game.
For a successful open house, make sure you have plenty of flyers and business cards available, and consider offering refreshments. The key is to be friendly, approachable, and helpful – when you leave a good impression, people are more likely to remember you.
6. Be creative.
It’s true that the real estate industry is a little traditional, but that doesn’t mean you can’t think outside of the box.
Don’t be afraid to be creative and come up with a unique marketing strategy or a creative way to close a deal! The only way to find out if something works is to try it.
7. Maintain a good sense of humor.
Being able to keep your sense of humor during times of stress is crucial in the real estate industry.
Don’t take yourself too seriously, and don’t be afraid to laugh It’s okay to laugh at yourself (or at some of the properties you’ll be showing). When it comes to building relationships and diffusing tension, a little humor can go a long way.
8. Develop a thick skin.
You’ll inevitably deal with rejection and disappointment from time to time when working with clients. So developing a thick skin and not taking things personally are important. Focus on the positive aspects of your work and remember that it is just business.
9. Understand your audience.
Understanding the needs and motivations of your clients is important, whether you’re working with buyers or sellers. Make sure you do your research and tailor your approach accordingly.
First-time homebuyers, for instance, should be patient and informed about the process. On the other hand, if you’re working with a savvy investor, you’ll want to focus more on the numbers and returns.
10. Everything can happen at any time.
When it comes to real estate, you never know what will happen next. The seller may refuse to make any repairs before listing her property, or the client may want to view 50 houses in one day.
Don’t be surprised if things don’t go as planned. Have a Plan B (and maybe even a Plan C) in case things go wrong.
11. Ask for help if you need it.
There are a lot of questions you’re going to have as a new realtor. It’s okay to seek help from more experienced agents or your brokerage.
There is no such thing as a dumb or basic question – the more you know, the better you will be able to serve your clients.
12. Utilize technology to your advantage.
Keeping up with the latest tools and platforms is essential in the real estate industry. The use of technology can transform your business, whether you use a CRM system, a virtual home staging app, or a social media platform.
13. Connect, connect, connect.
Making connections and building your network is important in the real estate industry. Consider attending industry events, joining local real estate associations, and reaching out to other agents for advice.
14. Never stop learning.
Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices is essential in the real estate industry. Become familiar with industry news, read trade publications, and participate in continuing education opportunities. You’ll be more valuable to your clients if you know more.
15. Have a blast!
The real estate industry can be challenging, but it can also be extremely rewarding. Have fun along the way and don’t take yourself too seriously. The fact that you’re helping people sell their house and achieve the American dream should make you proud!
16. Learn how to deal with difficult clients.
It is inevitable that you will come across difficult clients as a real estate agent. Keeping your emotions in check is critical to maintaining professionalism. Be cool and try to come up with a solution that works for everyone.
Whether you encounter a few bumps along the way or not, the ultimate goal is to help your clients achieve their goals.
17. Become an expert.
In your role as a real estate agent, you’ll be expected to have a thorough understanding of the local market, property values, and various laws and regulations pertaining to real estate. Be knowledgeable on these topics and ensure your clients will receive accurate and helpful information.
18. Take action.
In order to generate leads, generate business, and close deals, you must do the work as a real estate agent. Rather than sitting around waiting for business to come to you, go out and get it!
