Becoming a real estate agent is more than just closing deals. It’s about leading people to the home of their dreams. Sure, there are tons of good real estate agents out there, but to become a great agent requires more than just a silver tongue and convincing arguments.
Here are some recommendations on how to elevate your game:
Be Honest, Get Licensed, Get Accredited
We’ve all heard horror stories about unscrupulous agents selling a lemon house to wide-eyed first-time homeowners. Don’t be that guy. Despite the number of real estate agents in the country, the industry is a tight-knit community, and any form of dishonesty will not go unnoticed or unknown–and this could hurt your reputation.
Don’t lie to your clients just to make a quick sale. Be honest and upfront about the property you’re selling, and while you want to close a deal quickly, don’t do it at the expense of a potential homeowner’s happiness.
One of the best ways to prove that you’re an honest agent is by getting your realtor’s license. In SC, being a card-carrying member of a reputable real estate agent’s association goes a long way in proving that you follow high ethical standards and professional behavior.
Suggest Solutions, Instead of Just Presenting Problems
We get it: not every property you’re assigned to is going to be easy to sell. In fact, a majority of the properties you’ll be handling will be fixer-uppers for the potential buyer, with multiple repairs and renovations required before it can be usable.
A good real estate agent will explain the property’s shortcomings, but a great one will work with their clients to come up with solutions and brainstorm ways to turn a run-down property into a dream home.
If you’re just starting out, many of your clients will be first-time homeowners who are looking for a place that they can settle down in so they can start their lives. Give them solutions, not problems.
Respect the Hustle
Like with most things, being a successful real estate agent requires hard work, tenacity, and resilience. Basically, if you want to make it in the real estate game, you’re going to need a whole lot of hustle. That means chasing down leads whenever they pop up, aggressively (but tastefully) marketing properties any chance you get, and just generally providing for your clients, whether they’re looking to off-load their property or looking for a new one.
If you work hard, work smart, put in the hours, and put in a whole lot of elbow grease, your efforts will be rewarded.
Be a Subject Matter Expert
Knowledge is power, and in real estate, being updated in everything related to your industry is crucial to success. It’s not just about knowing recent market prices. It’s also about knowing architectural details, historical facts about a property, and discerning between what your clients want, what they actually need, and whether it fits their budget.
For you to sell something, you need to know everything there is to know about the property, then inject your own insights and suggestions. Most clients appreciate a bit of advice within being pushy. Talk about the architecture, the history of the area, market prices, benefits of the neighborhood, and nearby facilities or amenities. Be the expert clients and prospects can rely on.
With these four tips, you can jump from being a good real estate agent to a better one, or even the best. Being a successful agent goes beyond having the skill to sell. Sometimes, it’s the relationship you create with your leads and clients that keeps you on top of the game.
