Ever wish you could go back in time and tell yourself things to prepare for your future in the real estate industry? Well, that is not something in the realm of possibility. However, we have compiled a list for you to review featuring pieces of advice most agents wish they had when they first start. It might be what you already know, but reviewing them again can strengthen the foundation of your skill set.
1. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
Setting a schedule and sticking to it can save your sanity in this industry. It's easy to be tempted by the prospect of an anxious buyer with cash in hand asking questions about a property at 10pm on a Sunday night...but if you have good time management skills and maintain a "closing time", you will have enough time for yourself. So you can relax a little.
2. Hard Work Pays Off
Don't ever stop what you are doing. It's hard to stay motivated sometimes...but in the end, even if experience some failure you can never take away the work you put in to build up to where you are. That is something that can never be taken away from you! Always keep grinding!
3. Always Keep Prospecting Even If You Don't Have To
Perhaps you have already put in all that hard work, and no longer need additional business? Preposterous! Consistency is the key to success. There are ups and downs in the market, and regularly prospecting is a way to ensure you stay afloat. Don't be afriad to call your database a few times a year to ask for referrals. Set aside some time to call FSBOs! Utilize your CRM to send out email campaigns.
4. Get a Great Mentor
All the classes, books, and certifications will teach you all about real estate. However, you need a mentor to help you build a business. Even professional athletes have a coach to help guide them. Tiger Woods still has a coach to help perfect his swing. You should too.5. Stay Humble
Don't let success get to your head. Not everybody will clap for you, and that's okay. It's easy to feel entitled to things because you've worked so hard and had so much success. All of us are still human, and treating everybody as equals can go a long way in building rapport, getting testimonials, and strengthening your referral side of the business.
6. Relationships matter more than leads
Working and building a database will make you more money than anything else will. Good database habits from day 1 will save you on day 1,000. Sometimes money spent on marketing could be better spent on the client experience. Being responsive to lead inquiries can go be more effective than a post on Facebook.
7. Get a System to Keep in Touch
A great way to combile the previous 6 items is to get a system that will help you do it. A good CRM will help you save time and follow up with leads for you until they are ready for that personal touch. Building a contact database from the beginning will be highly beneficial for you, and will be profitable in the long run.
