Some people say a great real estate agent is born, while others say the skills you need can be learned. However you become a great agent, it’s hard to be successful if nobody knows about you, and getting your name out there is all about marketing, planning and strategies.
We’ve put together our best tips for new real estate agents that will get your career off to a great start.
1) Plan your approach
Every successful business starts with a well thought-out business plan, and a career in real estate is no different. You have to think of yourself as a one-person company and lay out your sales goals, an advertising and marketing plan and your unique service proposition (USP).
Have a look at what your competitors are doing and work out how you are different to them. Your point of difference is what you need to convey when you’re marketing yourself.
2) Find a great real estate company
Building your own identity and growing a brand is going to be hard when you don’t yet have a reputation, so starting your career with an established company will get you the experience you need. It’s as simple as deciding who you’d like to work for and asking for a meeting with them.
Once you have some experience under your belt it will be easier to go solo and establish yourself as a brand.
3) Find a mentor
As a new agent, the world of real estate can be complex and cutthroat. Even if you have qualifications and a licence, nothing helps you progress more than a mentor.
If you work for a company you might be lucky to have a more experienced agent take you under their wing. If not, you’ll need to seek out a mentor. Look for someone who’s had success in your area, and don’t be afraid to approach them because often the mentor benefits from taking on a student too. A mentor will show you the ropes and this will include how to market yourself.
4) Find a niche
You might think you’ll have more success and make more money if you take on any and every property, however specialising in a niche is a better option in the long run. Becoming an expert in one particular area allows you to grow into a more in-demand agent. You’ll also be able to target your marketing efforts on clients who fit within your niche.
5) Network
Relationships and networking (which is a form of marketing) will be the key to your success, both online and offline. Spend some time each day connecting with your community online, meeting people face-to-face and building rapport with potential clients. They are more likely to use the services of someone they know and trust.
6) Cater to your clients
Delivering an outstanding service to your clients is the ultimate way to establish your reputation and win more clients via word of mouth and referrals. The best forms of marketing are the ones your clients can do for you! The way you treat your first few clients can make or break your career, so treat them like gold.
Getting started in real estate is easier with the right approach, and having a plan to market yourself via a few different channels will set you up for a successful and rewarding career in real estate.