Funny story: When my husband started out as a sales agent (many moons ago), I looked at his professional photos and commented that he looked too young and that maybe he should have dressed to look a little older. And now, he recently took a photo and I thought he looked too old. What could he do to look more youthful?
I’ve always been one of those people who abhorred the agent that said things like “I’ve been in the business for 30+ years and been a top producer since [fill in the blank here].” And yes, that can be rather annoying. But, admittedly, you can learn something from everyone and there are definitely things that you learn from experience. To that end, we’ve culled some information and are providing you with 5 bits of practical advice for newbie agents.
5 Practical Tips for Newbie Agents
Come in with some savings.
When agents or future agents come into our brokerage to have a chat about their future plans, we always tell them to make sure to have enough savings to float them for 6 months. It probably will not take six months to start earning some money selling real estate, but you never know. Right now, there is a limited supply of homes across the U.S. and a very high demand, so agents are writing tons of offers before a single one gets accepted. So, if you do not have funds to cover you while you amp up or in turbulent times, unfortunately you may not last. Developing your recent license into a career with a six figure income takes time—sometimes years—so you need to be prepared.
Prepare for emotional ups and downs.
I’m not painting a pretty picture here, but I’ve seen hundreds and possibly thousands of agents in online groups commenting about this—so I know it is not just me. There are tons and tons of emotional ups and downs in real estate. You get excited about someone you met at an open house that wants you to write up an offer, and then you learn that they went with another agent. You went to a listing appointment and then the sellers decided to hire another competing agent who they thought was a better fit. You just learned that your best friend hired someone else (not you) to represent them. This is real estate. It is about being able to continue moving forward no matter the situation that comes your way—and to avoid drama at all costs. Be like a boy scout and be prepared. This is going to happen to you.
Find a mentor.
The best way to get yourself into a good position when you start your real estate career is to find a mentor. Someone that will go with you to listing appointments and show you how to write offers. Someone that will allow you to shadow them when they go about their daily activities. This is by far the best way to learn the business quickly. Make sure your mentor is someone who is fairly active in real estate, has at least 200 closings under their belt, and is wiling to put in the time. Perhaps your new brokerage can recommend someone?
Make sure you sign up at the right brokerage.
If you are already thinking that you signed up with the wrong brokerage, cut bait and start again. Newbie agents need a brokerage that provides LOTS and LOTS of training. A brokerage that has someone available every day to answer your questions and take your calls. Online training is great, but it is important that the brokerage has a training program of a minimum of 40 hours that will get you up and running. Without that, you may not know where to start when a viable buyer or seller comes your way.
Get your tech and tools in order at the very beginning.
Before you really go out and pound the pavement (so to speak), you need to make sure that all of your tech is set up and all of your tools are working properly. You should also make sure that your online presence is all buttoned up and none of the crazy late night party and tattoo videos are on the forefront of IG and other social media sites. You’ll need a good laptop and phone, and also possibly an iPad. You’ll also need to have all of your dues and memberships paid and understand how to use the MLS and your contract software or portal. Once your tools are all up and running and you understand how each works and what they do, then it is time to start working with your mentor.
There are so many things that new agents will learn once they pass the licensing test. You may have more to add to the list. If so, feel free to share in the comments down below!
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