Becoming a Real Estate Agent Tips
The easiest part is getting the license:
While many people stress out over the studying and the test for becoming a real estate agent, their focus is really on the wrong end of the problem. Pay attention to the items that follow, as you’ll pass the test if you try, but you’re likely to be in the large group who fail to make it in the business if you don’t plan ahead.
Have a backup income source:
Either have some money saved up to make it for maybe six months or more without a commission, or keep your day job for a while. While becoming a real estate agent part time may not have been your plan, you need to have the ability to pay your bills while you get started. Unless you have some family members or friends ready to buy a home, you can go for many months without an income when becoming a real estate agent.
Get a mentor or choose a broker with good training:
The test isn’t what you need for success when becoming a real estate agent. You need it for the license, but you need a lot more to make this business a success. Get a successful agent or broker for a mentor, or offer to assist them in their deals. There is much to learn about the process, and it’s not all about “selling.” You’re going to need to understand and explain surveys, title insurance, liens, encumbrances, deeds, and much more. You’ll feel much more capable if you’ve at least seen these documents in the course of a few real estate deals.
Start building your “book of business:
Some call it working your “sphere of influence.” Becoming a real estate agent is just the very first step in a long (you hope) career of working with buyers, sellers, investors, appraisers, loan officers, mortgage brokers, inspectors, title companies and others. Start out right by finding a good contact management system in which you’ll enter all of these contacts and prospects. You’ll want to follow up over time, and you’ll need an efficient way in which to locate information you’ve filed away on prospects and contacts.
Start out right with technology and the Internet:
No matter what some of the “old-timers” may tell you, you NEED the Internet to market in today’s real estate world. While some with many years in the business can continue to succeed due to referrals and past business over the years, you’ll need to use your website and social networking to get a foothold with today’s buyers and sellers. Budget for a good web presence, though it really need not be expensive.
Becoming a Real Estate Agent Isn’t Just Getting a License:
Learn from peers, your mentor or your broker about all of the important documents involved. Try to avoid being asked basic buyer or seller questions you can’t answer, as it could cost you the prospect. Either ask for past transaction folders and study the documents, or ask to assist an experienced agent in their next transaction. There’s no substitute for actual deal experience.
The real estate business can be fun, exciting and a very satisfying career. However, you have to make it through that first year or two to make it all happen down the road. Have a plan, build a database of prospects, and work hard to find the keys to success at becoming a real estate agent.