10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Real estate agent

As a new real estate agent, there was a HUGE learning curve. From how to get clients as a new REALTOR®, what to look for in a brokerage, to developing my marketing and sales skills. While I can’t go back and redo my first 3 years in the real estate business, I CAN help you to avoid my mistakes and grow your new real estate business faster.

Own your domain and email address

Most real estate brokerages are going to offer your a domain and email address through the brokerage domain. Although this is included in your brokerage dues and fees, you do NOT want to use these.

If you EVER leave that brokerage you will no longer have access to your website and email address. It’s a little bit more work and an out-of-pocket expense, but it will be worth it to have ownership and control over your website and email address.

organize your database from day 1

Your database (contact list) is CRITICAL for your long term success. If you don’t have a CRM at first, you can be really effective using a spreadsheet or an online program like Trello or Monday.

Start putting ALL of your contacts into your spreadsheet from day one so that you can stay in contact with them consistently.

tailor advice to your goals

There’s a TON of advice out there for real estate agents. And while that gives you access to more resources for success, you need to tailor any advice your receiving to YOUR goals. Not everything works or aligns for every single agent. Take the advice and filter it through your goals and success plan before jumping all in.

network for success

They say that your network is your net worth, and that’s true when it comes to real estate. The more people that know you are a real estate agent, the more real estate opportunities you will have. As a new REALTOR®, spend time networking and building your relationships. This will help you to develop necessary relationships for a long real estate career.

P.S. There are MANY ways to network that don’t include traditional BNI/Networking groups. One way that I LOVE to do this is by building out a community Facebook group.

I teach this strategy inside my membership. Join The Breakout Agent to get access to this masterclass.

your environment as a new realtor is key

The people and environment you are surrounded with can play a vital role in your success. If you can find a great brokerage and/or team, it can be a factor in finding your footing quicker as a new agent. Trust me when I say, I learned this the hard way. Fortunate for YOU, I can tell you now that I learned a lot about what being in a poor environment looked like and how that was holding me back, so that you can just go ahead and skip that!

master sales skills as a new real estate agent

Real estate is a sales career. If you’re suddenly filled with dread hearing that you need to learn sales skills, I want to provide some resources for you. Sales is a vital skill (that we ALL use daily). Reframe your mindset around sales and build out this skill so that you can become great in the real estate industry.

These podcasts and videos are some of my favorite:

Overcome Sales Anxiety with the Salesgirls

Persuade for Good

develop strong habits

Having great habits and discipline can help you tremendously in both your personal life and your real estate business. Develop strong habits and routines for:

1. Physical Health
2. Mental Health
3. Personal Development

If you need some books, The Compound Effect is one of my favorites! Atomic Habits is also a great one.

*I’m currently reading What To Say When You Talk To Yourself. I’m only half way through but it’s my favorite book of the year and I believe can help anyone that wants to work on their inner thoughts and belief patterns.

give yourself time to grow

It’s easy to start comparing yourself to “overnight” success stories that you may see online. I want to encourage you that building the foundation for a sustainable real estate business does take time.

When you commit to building real relationships and a business that lasts, that means that you’re committed for longer than 3-6 months. You should know that many agents don’t sell their first home until 6-9 months in because it takes time to build relationships and trust. And with real estate being such a big transaction, your clients need to take the proper time to prepare.

Your results are going to be a delayed result of your actions. Focus on learning, growth, lead generation, and lead nurture, and soon enough you will see the results in your transactions.

There is so much opportunity in real estate. I also believe that starting a real estate business will require you to grow and expand in multiple ways. Find a community of agents, commit yourself to learning, and focus on PEOPLE. You’ve got this!