5 Steps for Getting Started in Real Estate

It’s exciting to get your real estate license! The information presented in the pre-licensing classes can be a bit overwhelming, but it’s all part of the coursework. You study and stress, stress and study, then pass your licensing exam. When you learn that you’ve passed the test, you are elated and can’t wait to get started … but you learn fairly quickly that you don’t know where to start.  So here are the five things you should first do:
Select a broker.

Broker selection is critical. Your broker is the one who will help you map out your path to success.

You’ll want to interview a few brokers to compare what each of them has to offer in terms of compensation, knowledge, leadership and training. It may be tempting to sign with the broker offering the highest compensation package, but the other three traits are much more important to consider. If you don’t work with a knowledgeable broker who has strong leadership skills and who offers training, then you are less likely to reach your goals because you won’t learn the skills it takes to be a successful real estate agent.

Do more listening

As a new agent, you have a lot of questions about what to do and how things are done. You have thought about how you want to work and where your business will come from, and all you want to do is get started. Because you don’t know what you don’t know, talk to your broker to see whether they have a fast start program you can follow to get your business up and running. Although you may be anxious to share your ideas, try to listen more than you talk. Your ideas could be interesting but ultimately unrealistic. Listening to advice from your broker and other successful agents in your office about how to start your business is invaluable.

Get the word out

Now that you’ve become an agent, you’ll want to get the word out. You need to let anyone, and everyone know you are in real estate.  One of the best ways to start is by sending those on your list a handwritten message. It can be a simple three-sentence note simply letting your friends know that you have become a real estate agent and would appreciate it if they would keep you in mind for future business. Before you say that a handwritten note wouldn’t work for your people, give it a try. Because handwritten notes are so rare, recipients will be extremely receptive and appreciative.

Find opportunities to learn

Everything you do is an opportunity to learn.  Take the time to learn from every experienced individual on your team.  Everyone has their strengths or skillsets that set them apart.  Some people are great at scripts and dialogue, others give great buyer presentations, or maybe someone has honed the art of negation.  Spend time with these individuals and see what valuable nuggets you can learn from them and what skillsets you can acquire.

Be patient

The average real estate agent sells four to five properties a year in the business. About 80 percent of new agents fail in their first two years and get completely out of the business.

It is important to understand that you are building a business, and it takes time. Every successful agent you see had to start in the same place you are starting.  Continue to work on your business every day. Be patient.

Here at The Ryan & Brian Team we provide the leads, training and support necessary to afford our agents a minimum of 2 transactions per month.  If you are interested in hearing what The Ryan & Brian Team has to offer give us a call today to set up an appointment with me at 956-307-4544.  I look forward to hearing from you.