How to Get Started in Real Estate
I get an email or Facebook message about once a day from people interested in getting into the wonderful world of real estate. I'm still not entirely sure how to do it but here's what I've learned along the way and what works for me as an agent. Feel free to use any of my tips, tricks or strategies in your own business and comment below with any questions you have. Again, this is just me, (a random 26 year old named Molly) sharing my perspective and story on how the hell I got started in real estate. Follow along below.......
First things first....Passion. Find what you're passionate about. If it isn't something along the lines of homes/running your own business/unpredictable income/emotional rollercoasters/people/lots of wine... then maybe stop here and really think about what it is that makes you want to get into the business. Passion is the one thing that keeps me going when I find out I didn't get the listing, my clients fell out of escrow or I have to tell my buyers ``we didn't get the house." If this resonates with you then keep reading.
I always had a weird interest in houses/remodeling, never saw myself working for someone else and enjoy things competitive in nature, so for me this career really fit the mold. Prefect....Real Estate School... "Where do I sign up?" I attended Arizona School of Real Estate THREE times before I even made it to taking my test. The schooling is mundane but you can be licensed in a third of the time it takes to go to cosmetology school...(no joke)..... and be a licensed realtor for under the amount of money I spend on Postmates a month.
Once you cross the line from student to an OFFICIAL licensed Realtor is where the fun really begins. Here's where I will give you my tips and tricks on how to get started in the business and how to make it through the first year in real estate.......
Choose a Brokerage With Support, Training and Mentorship: I started at Keller Williams ( a larger chain brokerage). I loved the training and support they offered as a new agent but didn't love the commission splits. I ended up switching to an AMAZING smaller brokerage called My Home Group a year into my business and found that it was the best place for me to be because I didn't have to sacrifice the majority of my paycheck, and found myself with the same training and support as before. (More info on my wonderful brokerage here www.myhomegroup.com)
Interview Multiple Brokerages Before Choosing One: Ask any and all questions that you think will be important to have a successful business. Find someone who encourages you to build your own brand instead of being a sector of theirs. Ask about broker support, technology support, training, education, fees, splits and any other information that's important to you.
Find "Your" Way to Get Business: Whether it's calling expired listings, open houses, coffee with friends, social media or door knocking. Find what fits you and stick to that. My old brokerage pushed cold calling and I absolutely hated that. I've always wanted to work with people who wanted to work with me so, organic connection is super important to me.
Stick With it. Real estate is one of the hardest businesses to get started in. It's really easy to get discouraged when 100% of your business comes from you. It took me about 6 months from the time I got my license to when I closed my first deal. The next full year of business I did over $3,000,000 in sales. If you put in the work and stick with it success will come.
Tell Your Story. I still have people reach out to me and ask if I help people buy and sell houses (facepalm). Just because YOU know you do real estate doesn't mean your friends and family keep you top of mind when thinking of buying or selling. Remind people, ask for business, share what you do.
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: I remember crying when I heard that one of my sellers decided to list with someone else. The wonderful world of real estate is filled with ups and downs. Learn to cope with things that are out of your control.
Social Media, Social Media, Social Media: Social media today has given us such an advantage in business. Provide a way for your clients to view your work through multiple platforms. When it comes to staying connected, be sure to take advantage of the many ways to assist your current or potential clients. Paint a picture. It is TOTALLY free to start an instagram account and share your life with people. (My do's and don'ts of social media will be saved for another post).
Fake it till You Make it: I used to go to the office and just sit and listen to people talk on the phone to their clients so that I could learn how to speak the language. Surround yourself with people who know the business and work hard. Intern for free, be a sponge, absorb it all, or even sit open houses with seasoned agents.
Be Kind: My first listing I ever got, I swear to you, was because I left chicken noodle soup on someone's doorstep. My very first listing appointment I went on was pushed back due to the seller being sick. I swear to you I secured my very first listing because I dropped off a note, flowers and chicken noodle soup on her doorstep. This is a relationship business. Care about your clients.
Well that's all I've got for now. Click the link below to stay in touch!
