It’s the beginning of the decade! Are you turning over a new leaf? Maybe you’re thinking about becoming a real estate agent?
If that’s one of your goals for this year, I’ve got some tips for you…
These come from my own experience. I’ve been licensed for 2.5 years.
The “startup” is fresh in my mind. I remember all the feelings. I remember the insecurities and confusion that hits you when you’re first diving in.
However, I’ve been to the closing table 100+ times now, so I’ve learned a few things.
Here’s some advice…
1. Find a mentor who makes a living selling real estate right now.
This business is rapidly changing. You don’t want to waste time on what worked 10 years ago.
You need to witness someone actively working on their craft.
2. Network with other agents.
It’s hard to explain, but this is essential for new agents. There’s still a lot you can’t read on the internet.
By getting to know other agents, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the business. They can help you navigate the various organizations you’ll be a part of (Brokerage, MLS, AREC, etc.)
3. Focus marketing to your “sphere of influence”
Marketing to people who love you is easy.
Marketing to people who don’t know you is way harder.
Memorize this… “Before anyone will use you as an agent they have to know, like, and trust you.” Say it every day!
If you can market to people who already know and like you, then all you need is trust.
Character + Competency = Trust
Hopefully you have good character. But what about competency??
4. Build and communicate your competency for real estate
Talk to everyone about real estate. Go preview listings. Hold open houses. Annoy FSBOs.
Post about it all on social media. They need to see your competency growing!
Learn how to speak the language of real estate. Attain fluency. Then speak it often.
5. Get active in an organization you enjoy
Any organization will do. Just show up consistently. Volunteer for leadership if you can.
It’s a fun, rewarding, and low pressure way to grow your sphere of influence.
6. Leverage technology
Social media is huge. Video is huge. Blogging worked for me. CRMs can do some crazy awesome things these days.
Utilize it all. But remember, at the end of the day, their purpose is to build real relationships. This will eventually lead to real business being done.
7. Think long term.
The first thing you’ll notice about real estate is that everything goes slower than you want it to. EVERYTHING.
They say it doesn’t really get good until your 3rd year. I’m finding that to be true. Half way through my 3rd year, it’s really getting fun.
So stay the course! Find a way to survive until year 3, then DM me and tell me how right I was. 😉
— Rob Drum is a Real Estate Broker and Certified Mentor at eXp Realty in Birmingham, AL
Send me an email at robert.h.drum@gmail.com