Real estate is a way to make a living. However, the process can be difficult and bring you financial and professional rewards that are beyond your imagination. We’ll help you take the necessary steps to reach your goals by recommending the best brokerage and guiding you in choosing the most effective technology.
Smart marketing and name recognition are key to getting from zero to hero in a new area. Zillow will give you exclusive listing rights and allow you to place your contact information in the listings of other non-Premier agents in your area. Get started collecting commissions and making your brand famous on the largest online real estate marketplace.
These are the steps to becoming a successful agent.
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1. 1.
It is important to carefully consider your options when choosing a brokerage to join. Although commission splits are important for any brokerage, it is not enough to have a fancy name on your resume. You should pay particular attention to the mentoring and training it provides.
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There are three types or brokerages available: virtual brokerages, boutique brokerages and franchise brokerages. Each has its pros and cons. As a new agent, it is important to understand what each company can offer. For more information on how to choose the right real estate company, you can refer to our article.
Virtual brokerages can be operated entirely online. Virtual brokerages are completely online. This means that you don’t need to pay desk fees to operate in a physical office. However, you will still have a managing broker and team. Virtual brokerages such as Real have higher commission splits, access to the most advanced tech tools, and are a great option for new agents. Real can help you to become a successful real-estate agent by providing information on their website.
2. 2. Strategically Choose a Profitable Farm Area
The farm area is where you will practice real estate. It can be a crucial part of your career. There are some states that offer more opportunities than others. A successful real estate agent will research the behavior and demographics of buyers and sellers to create a highly targeted and laser-focused marketing strategy.
It is crucial to determine the best farm area in which to start your real estate career. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the process.
3. Create a business plan
As you work to become a successful agent, a solid business plan is a valuable tool. You are setting the foundation for your future by establishing goals and budgets. You can find more information and download a template here.
Tip: Make sure you account for any additional expenses such as continuing education courses that are required by state licensing requirements. A good idea is to keep a portion of your monthly revenue aside to help you attend conferences and other events.
4. Make use of technology & automation tools
Real estate technology should include websites, CRM tools and marketing software. The right technology can pay for itself many times over. However, a mistake in judgement could lead to you being locked into long-term contracts that drain resources. You will need to have a lead generation tool, a real estate website, CRM, accounting software, and other tools to market your brand.
These are the three most helpful options to help you get started.
Lead Generation: Zillow Premier Agency (2-30 Cents Per Impression).
Zillow Premier Agency allows you to place ads in your ZIP code. It does two things:
- As a Premier Agent, you are displayed on the listings of competitors who are non-Premier agents.
- You become the exclusive agent shown on your own listings, which increases the possibility of buyers contacting you.
Your future career will depend on past client referrals. You can expand your brand recognition and get leads as a new agent by increasing your brand awareness. The cost of Zillow Premier Agent depends on your ZIP code and the market conditions in your area. Your area may affect the cost of an impression. It can vary from 2 cents to 30 cents.
You can increase your agent profile and get client reviews, then start advertising on the biggest real estate marketplace online with over 160 million page views each month. For more information on the Premier Agent program, please see our article How Zillow Premier Agent works.
Real Estate Website: Placester (Free)
Placester is a free website for real estate agents that generate leads. This gives you the ability to:
- Drive leads
- Establish your brand
- Easy develop a beautiful, mobile-friendly site
- Integrate CRM and lead generation features
- For $99 monthly, you also get IDX integration, lead capture, blogging ability, and so forth
Tip: Most real estate agents will change brokerages over their careers, so it is important to make sure your domain name and brand do not include any brokerage but capitalize on you. For example, if your name is Jonathan Peters, be sure that your domain name is not “RE/MAXJon.com” or some other variation but rather “RealtorJon.com” or even simply your name “JonathanPeters.com.”
You want your website to reflect your brand and reputation. If you are looking for ways to be a successful real-estate agent, take a look at what models you see online and on real estate blogs. Ryan Serhant and Josh Flagg are just a few examples of the name recognition that you need to consider when designing your website.
CRM: Freshsales (Free)
Freshsales is a powerful CRM that allows you to stay in touch with clients and nurture leads. Freshsales’ free version includes the following features:
- Call, text, and email logging
- Lead capture from Gmail and webforms
- Tasks, appointments, and notes feature that syncs to your calendar
Communication is key to being a successful agent in real estate. A reliable CRM is essential for scaling your business. Freshsales offers several package upgrades starting at $15 per monthly for additional features such as sales pipelines and workflow automations.
For more information, see our review of the best real estate CRMs.
5. Make sure your online brand is consistent
A consistent online brand will help clients find you on different platforms and establish you as a professional. Online realtors are now easy to follow, interact with, and look at listings. Clients can also contact them via various social media outlets. It is crucial that clients remember this when you post photos, videos, or content.
These are some of the top tips to help you build a strong online brand for a real estate agent:
Use the same approach across platforms
For consistency and easy identification, use the same username and the same headshot across all platforms. If you’re known on your website as “LancasterJon”, it will help clients find you elsewhere.
Use appropriate and interesting content
You can increase your online visibility by using funny memes and inspiring real-estate quotes. Posting to social media sites should show that you are both a professional as well as someone they would like to work with. Your brand is represented by everything you post online. It’s best to avoid controversial topics like politics and instead focus on your interests or real estate information.
Get in touch with your followers
Interaction is key to building relationships. Respond to comments and leave direct messages (DMs), open for private conversations or inquiries. Our staff has even chosen to use Instagram to find an out-of state real estate agent. Social media interaction is a win-win situation.
6. 6.
Print materials allow you to reach every household in your area, and can help increase name recognition and leads. There are many printed materials that you can use to reach your future clients, including door hangers, postcards and monthly newsletters.
These are the most popular print materials today:
- Postcards Real Estate postcards measure 5.8 by 4.1 inches. They are glossy and printed on both sides.
- Door hangers: Doors hang from door handles and provide information about the agent and services they offer in the area.
- Flyers Real Estate flyers measure 8.5 by 11 inches. They can also include newsletters. Flyers can be used to promote local properties and provide information about the farm market.
It is important to keep your name in the forefront by knowing how to create mailers that are specific to real estate. ProspectsPLUS! offers templates that agents can use. It can also save time with direct mail services. You can even put some of your marketing automation on autopilot. Their “Done for You” newsletter system, for example, generates content at your discretion and sends them out on a schedule that suits your needs for less than $2 per newsletter.
Mailing Tips
Although it may seem a little old-fashioned, real estate mailers continue to be successful because of their solid return on investment (ROI). These are some tips to make sure your mailers work for you.
- Be consistent. Make sure you’re always there so people can remember who and what you are. Try to be there seasonally, if not monthly.
- Provide useful content: Both existing homeowners and potential homeowners want to know more about their market. Talk to both.
- Get their attention: Homeowners get a lot of mail information. You want to make yours stand out. You can do this by using compelling images, colors and headlines that stand out from the rest.
- Add a call for action: Encourage people to get in touch with you. Give them multiple options to reach you, whether it’s a seminar or a home valuation.
7. You must work on your business, not just in it.
Real estate agents who are successful make time for lead generation every day. They also plan regular times to review their business plans or to learn about new best practices. Your coffers will be empty if you spend all your time with active clients.
These are our top tips for using your calendar effectively
Block time for lead generation
You should set aside at least one hour each day for cold calling, blogging and nurturing leads. It can be intimidating at first but most successful realtors start in their own area and then work outward. These are just a few of the many activities you should consider.
- Family members can receive emails about your new job.
- Blog about your neighbourhood and the local housing market
- Take business cards with you to the coffee shop where you frequent.
- Talk to your parents at the school where your child is enrolled.
- Post a flyer or card at your place for religion
- Your CRM already has nurture leads
- Zillow and other platforms offer ad management
- Participate in gallery or restaurant openings using your cards
- To swap referrals, schedule conferences
- Refer to other networks
- Register for leads on FSBO and expired listings as well as preforeclosures on REDX and other providers
- Cold calling leads is a great option
- Find local groups that are interested in house flipping or real estate investing.
Our in-depth guide provides more information on the best ways to generate leads.
Revisit your Business Plan Frequently
Regular evaluation is essential for the success and growth of your real estate company. Your business plan should be a living document that changes as you learn and grow. Planning and agility are key to success in real estate.
These are areas to be revisited and revised regularly:
- Marketing fees versus ROI for specific marketing platforms
- Cost of living and business expenses versus commissions
- Standing and goals for lead generation
- Client expenses
- Pipeline status
- Technology subscription expenses
Invest in professional development courses
Each state may have its own continuing education requirements. However, it is possible to pursue a higher education. You can learn valuable information and tools through professional development courses about the real estate industry and how to serve clients.
What does it mean to be successful in real estate?
Your success is not determined by how many listings you sell or how many sales you make. You can measure your success as an agent by the results you achieve for clients, the income generated, the hours you work and the time it takes to reach income milestones and sales. The location of your business, your strategies and work ethic will all impact how much you make as a real estate agent.
While your strategies and income may vary, you can still be a successful agent regardless of where you live. You can grow your network and master your lead generation techniques, helping clients reach their goals, and you can do this by continuously growing your network. You will be rewarded with many leads, strong reputation and a substantial income.
How to become a successful real estate agent Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
How can you get into real-estate?
Prelicensing coursework is required before you can become a real estate agent. Real estate licensing requirements and coursework can vary by state. Make sure you check with your state’s real estate licensing commission to find out the current guiding policies.
What is the average time it takes to become a licensed real estate agent?
To become a licensed real estate agent it takes approximately four to six months. This includes accounting for the coursework and licensing exam. You may find that online schools of real estate are more flexible than traditional programs. This could allow you to complete your requirements quicker.
Are you able to make a lot of money as a realtor?
The amount of money that you make will depend on your market turnover, home prices, and how many transactions you are involved in. You are compensated by commission. This means that you will earn a percentage on every transaction you participate in.
Bottom line
You’ll need to prioritise your tasks and be open for adjustments when you learn how to succeed in real estate. These tips can make a big difference in your career.