Starting your career in any sort of field can be an intimidating experience. For starters, you will be at the beginning of your journey and will not have all the expertise as your colleagues. Moreover, the first few challenges the role poses can be somewhat challenging. These are temporary issues that can be overcome quite quickly.
Real estate is an industry in which new agents can initially struggle somewhat. However, that does not mean that you cannot succeed in an expedited fashion. There will be multiple action items on your to-do list, which can be handled in due time.
Here is what you should do first if you are a new real estate agent.
1. Education and Licensing
Before joining a team, you must complete the required certification processes. This process will also involve gaining an education at a post-secondary academic institution. Your location will have varying requirements depending on where you live. It is crucial to satisfy all these requirements before practicing in real estate.
Typically, a license can be obtained after you pass a real estate regulatory authority’s exam. Then, once you receive your official license, you can research where you want to work. There will always be a real estate business to try your hand at working with. It all starts with getting your certification first!
2. Practice Soft Skills
Every single position in real estate has a hard list of qualifications you should possess. For example, your license should be gained, and you may have proficient language skills. Do not let this be the only set of skills you possess, as soft skills are just as crucial. Fortunately, these are skills that you can practice on-the-job, or be taught directly.
Communication effectively remains an incredibly important skill to have in your toolkit. Clients will want to work with real estate agents who know their market inside and out. By taking difficult concepts and breaking them down into simple subject matter, you will be good to go. Take the time to work on these during your free hours, and you will shine under pressure.
3. Reading Contracts
Every client you interact with will have to review a contract at some point. Whether you work with a buyer or seller, this document is crucial for many reasons. Working with these contracts will be an important part of your new real estate agent job. The contracts for some properties may be extensive, especially for luxury homes for sale. It’s imperative you get all the contractual details right to do due diligent for your buyers and sellers.
After drafting the contract, you may have to edit or read over what is being presented initially. A senior real estate agent or broker will have a lawyer create the contract for the client. Then, before it is presented, you should familiarize yourself with how it is presented. Speak to the lawyer above, and request that these contracts be reviewed. Then, you will ensure everyone in the prospective deal is on the same page.
4. Listing Photos
Another key aspect of a real estate agent’s day-to-day job is setting up an open house. Before the home is ready to showcase, a listing must be put on a requisite site. Then, the right listing photos must be uploaded to show the interior and exterior. It may be your responsibility to ensure both of these aspects appear pristine.
You may be tasked with ensuring a home’s interior and exterior look great in photos. Speak to third-party organizers, such as designers or photographers, if you require assistance. These professionals are at the top of their craft and can make listing photos look impeccable.
5. Marketing
Real estate marketing has seen various changes over the years. While the promotion has become more personalized, the marketing process is meticulous. To do this effectively, you must use various digital marketing tools. Social media is a great start, as many clients use these channels to conduct their research!
6. Client Support
While a deal is ongoing, you may be tasked with supporting a client involved in the process. It is a common aspect of any job, and you must ensure their questions are answered thoroughly.
7. Look for Mentorship
Working in real estate means that you will not be a rookie for long. To grow your skills as a developing professional, look for ways in which you can be mentored. Many networking events in the sector should also be attended when possible. When a veteran professional allows you to flourish, your short and long-term goals will be accomplished!
