There were many reasons why people choose a real estate career. Many wanted to be their own boss, be in control of their future, have many available career paths, and a flexible schedule. However, now that you are looking at an empty screen where your business plan should be, suddenly all of those choices and complete autonomy seems overwhelming. Once you begin to ask yourself how to be a successful real estate agent, the next question is “Where do I start?”
Tips to start a successful real estate career
Set Goals
Figure Out a Target Market
Create a Plan
Ramp Up Your Social Media Efforts
Build Relationships
Become an Expert in Your Market
Find A Mentor
Set Goals
Did you know that only 20% of the population sets goals (that’s not just in real estate, but any industry or situation). That leaves an amazing 80 percent of the population “goal-less”. What is worse, is that only three percent of the people who do set goals have those goals written down somewhere. That is a real shame, because research shows that if you actually write down your goals, you will be 42 percent more likely to achieve them. While in real estate school, be sure to Set up Study Goals.
Trackable, realistic and measurable goals are important for all real estate entrepreneurs who want to succeed, and there is never a better time than when you are getting started. Be sure the goals have a timeline. A goal without a timeline is just a dream.
Figure Out a Target Market
It’s easy to think “Everyone is my target market!” But, there is an old adage: if you are attempting to target everyone, you are effectively targeting no one. Of course, you will be happy to work with everyone, but who is your target market? First time homebuyers? Investors? Buyers? Sellers? Don’t miss: What Does a Typical Day Look Like as a Real Estate Agent?
Create a Plan
Once your goals are chosen, set up a marketing plan to achieve them. In today’s world, many of the tasks can be automated and help to keep you on track and there is technology at your disposal. Be sure to employ a good CRM (customer relation management) software to help you with your customer relationships. You might like: Can I Start Real Estate for Just “Extra” Income?
Ramp Up Effective Social Media
One of today’s best resources is social media, and many real estate agents find that they can turn their love of social media into a successful career.
Facebook: Facebook has over two billion users. It can be a great resource for presenting listings and broadcasting your services. It is also a great way to “friend” past clients to keep up with them, and even learn from other agents on what seems to be working for them.
LinkedIn: LinkedIn is like Facebook for business. It is a great and convenient way to network with professionals in your industry.
Instagram: Instagram is a photo and video platform that was created for mobile users, and consequently is more mobile friendly than Facebook. If you are looking to reach a younger audience, such a first-time homebuyers, then Instagram might become your best friend. Instagram tends to be a little more creative, and allows you to do things like upload interior and exterior shots from your open houses.
Twitter: Twitter is a way to stay connected through quick frequent messages. You can post photos, videos, links and texts, and information can be searchable in Twitter search. Enjoy social media? Learn Ways to Make Money with a Real Estate License (Without Selling a Home)
Build Relationships
For the most part, real estate is a people business. Certainly, gaining buyers and sellers is based on creating relationships with these people. But, relationships are important in other ways as well.
Networking is a great way to gain clients. This is done in community events, joining organizations, hosting parties, working with local charities, schools, etc. But once you have joined these groups, you must attend events, meet people and build relationships.
But that is not all. Relationships are important from a business perspective. Relationships are important to get a business group together that you can count on, including mortgage company representatives, inspection companies, and a variety of other vendors. Check out: What are the Skills Needed to Become a Real Estate Agent?
Become an Expert in Your Market
Whether your focus is a town, an area or a farmed neighborhood (a neighborhood you are “farming” leads from), you need to become an expert in your market. Luckily, information can be found online. However, let’s face it, your clients can find that, too. So, you need to know it immediately.
Once you know the market, consider using social media to show it off. You can create short videos, blogs, podcasts, etc to make sure everyone knows you are the expert. Find other Low-cost (and no-cost) ways to grow your real estate business
Find A Mentor, Coach or Team
In real estate, there are many people out there that can help you. Your Managing Broker could be a good source, or your brokerage might have a mentorship program already set up. If you join a team, you will probably have a few built-in coaches. Read more about What Is It Like To Be On a Real Estate Team.
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