As a new realtor in the industry, I thought I would pass on a few tips for those of you who are thinking of becoming a realtor. This business is not as easy as the consumers think- although by the number of Realtors, one would think just about anybody with a name can make it. No way...if you don't have a business mentality or entrepreneur spirit, I believe you may slip through the cracks or be one of the hundreds who let their license become inactive or expire. I have learned by researching, reading articles by real estate experts, talking with other real estate agents and keeping my eyes and ears open. (Don't get be wrong, I am far from being an expert on the subject, I am committed to being a lifelong learner.)Here's my two cents:
1. Approach it like a business, not a sales job. Write a simple business plan and follow it every day. Never waiver from the schedule. When in doubt, always do what you planned to do. Never forget that the goal is to build a referral business focused on building and maintaining an ongoing portfolio of property listings.
2.You are paid for your knowledge and your time. Commit to life-long learning. Education is a process, not an event. Budget at least two hours everyday for training and education. Everyone that is already licensed in your marketplace has more experience than you do, and there is so much more to learn than you ever imagined.
3. Learn financing. Forget that baloney about the three most important things about real estate being location. (However, that is still very important here in QAC). They are in fact, leverage, utility, and tax-free profits. Leverage is the most important of all. If you want to increase your income and have a better relationship with your clients, you must master financing.
4. Understand the importance of personal growth and development. See the business as an arena in which to use your experience to build a better you. We are all works-in-progress. As you are the heart of your business, as you improve, so will the quality of the people and opportunities you attract.
Strive to maintain and nourish your business passion and share the excitement, and ups and downs of building your own business. And last of all, smile, smile and be nice- you never know who could be a referral.
Strive to maintain and nourish your business passion and share the excitement, and ups and downs of building your own business. And last of all, smile, smile and be nice- you never know who could be a referral.
