Real estate agents know the business is all about creating and cultivating personal relationships with their clients. It’s meeting someone new and forming relationships with them that last through purchasing this home, selling it later, buying a new one, and working with their friends and family. When you have a relationship, you’re the first realtor people recommend. New Realtors don’t have that advantage, and it sometimes takes many months or even years to build a clientele like this. The business is competitive, and people want to know how they can get ahead in the game as a new realtor. Good business is easy to create, but a great reputation takes time. It’ll happen organically, but there are a few things you can do to help yourself grow. Let People Know What You’re Doing You won’t find business if you don’t make sure people know where you are and what you’re doing. There is a fine line, however, between being pushy about it and being excited about your new role. Be excited. Put it on social media, offer help to anyone who needs it, and be present when people are discussing new homes and selling. If people don’t know what you’re doing, they’re not going to ask you to help. Know Your Stuff If you want to get ahead in the real estate market, understand you must always learn more than you know. You will never know everything about the real estate market, and you must never allow yourself to become complacent. Trends, homes, locations, neighborhoods, wants, and desires change often, and it’s your job to know what’s changed, how it’s changing, and what is in right now versus what’s in yesterday. When you allow yourself time each day to catch up on what’s new and learn a few things, you’ll always be ahead. Learn to Network It’s time to get out of your shell and meet new people. Join the local Chamber of Commerce, the local YMCA, and attend local events. Network with other business owners, share your knowledge and advice with people who ask for it, and try to meet at least three new business contacts each week. One important piece of advice to remember is not everyone can help you directly, but everyone can help you indirectly. As a new real estate agent, you should get to know and become friends with a local repair service company so you can offer their repair service plan to buyers when they move into a new home. Get to know the local landscapers so you can recommend them to buyers or sellers. Get to know the local painters so you can recommend them to clients. You might think it sounds a little one-sided, but forming these relationships and recommending these companies provides you with an edge. They’ll do the same for you when they meet new people. That house the landscaper takes care of on the lake might be owned by a family looking to downsize now that the kids are gone. When they mention to the landscaper they’re looking to spruce up the yard because they want to sell, he can recommend you for all the favors you’ve done for him. Becoming a new real estate agent is starting from the bottom and working your way up. It’s imperative you learn that you will make mistakes, but that each one is a unique learning experience you can use to grow. When you’re willing to learn from others as well as your own mistakes, you’re going to grow faster and more organically. At the end of the day, the best thing you can do for your clients is be yourself and utilize your strengths. Knowledge is power in the real estate industry and entering the game as a new agent.
David Glenn is a home improvement expert. He occasionally freelance writes about home maintenance and DIY home repair. He’s also knowledgeable about topics like how to improve social presence and building a reputation online.
