Special offer
Ashley Alred

Spam prevention
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

It's all about the client.  Never act like something is too small or beneath you.  Work your butt off.  Put everyone in a data base and send them something monthly.   Take every class you can.  Save 1/3 of your commissions for taxes.  Save part of the remaining commissions for an emergency fund.  Live on less than you make.  Other than that, this is a piece of cake!

Mar 16, 2015 12:13 AM
Rainmaker
1,432,649
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

Get my own domain name and e-mail address that will follow me when I move to a new brokerage.    The other thing I would have done was picked my first broker better.  I would not have focused on the commission split so much as training and leads provided by the broker.

Mar 16, 2015 04:20 AM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

I wish I had started in my early 20's.  Word of mouth is the best way to get business.  Keep in touch with past clients, because they are your lifeline.  You will end up with everone they come in contact with, that wants to buy or sell a home. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Mar 15, 2015 01:42 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Treat your clients luxuriously regardless of the $$$ they are spending.  This is their biggest purchase.  A

Mar 15, 2015 03:50 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Consider everyone a prospect. Don't give up ever and even when you are told no again and again. There is always a next time and your perseverance will win you new business.

Mar 15, 2015 12:29 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Tell everyone you meet that you are a Real Estate agents and hand them a card.  en the next time you meet them tell Them that you are a Real Estate agent and give them a card.  when they have about 10 of your cards give them another one every other time.  PEOPLE FORGET!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Mar 15, 2015 11:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,027,602
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Seriously, the one thing I wish I had known in the beginning was that it was OKAY to schedule nail and hair appointments and NOT feel guity when I wasn't available for clients.  I got lucky and started off busy, which I was not expecting for which I was not quite prepared.  I should have set up a database immediately.  I should have figured out sooner I could order groceries at night and delivered when I was not home.  Don't let the business run you - be sure to put yourself and your family first, and run your business.  

Mar 15, 2015 02:39 AM
Rainmaker
1,767,614
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Hi Ashley, the advice I wish I'd gotten when I first started out was this: "Never let go of a past client."

I wish I had started a database with the first client and kept mailing to them from then on. Most agents don't do this. In fact, Nina Hollander just wrote a post revealing that 91% of all agents don't follow up with past clients.

They can be your gold mine - but not if you let them forget you! 

Mar 16, 2015 03:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,251,755
Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR
Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA
(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Ashley Alred 

Do not spend a lot of time advertising on bus benches, billboards, and in magazines. Instead meet the people, farm by walking or sending postcards and if you want to spend money advertising, do it on the internet.

Mar 16, 2015 03:02 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Ashley, make sure you have a business plan set up for the year. More importantly, don't make one and forget about it. A business plan should be a living document and constantly updated with new goals and objectives as you progress through the year.

Mar 16, 2015 02:32 AM
Rainer
41,485
Carl Schumacher
CIDM Real Estate - Grand Rapids, MI

Don't ever trust what a lender says. Don't ever take on a lender as a partner in your projects unless your projects are in the multi-million dollar air. No matter how nice your contact at any lender seems. Always use private investors for small projects. If you can't find any, then pass on the project.

Mar 16, 2015 02:24 AM
Rainmaker
969,888
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

One of the lessons I tell all my agents today is to Market your self. Let the world know you are a Realtor. Here's another fact to keep in mind when your thinking this might not be for you. The average agent only closes 6 deals a year. So set your goal. 

Mar 16, 2015 12:25 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and make calls to everyone, whether you know them or not.  

Get out in your community and let them know who you are and what you do.

Mar 15, 2015 05:15 AM
Rainmaker
2,817,671
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

I think you'll find this article will come in handy.  It really applies to most any business.  This is from Lori Ballen, and I thought it was a great article.

 

43 lessons every real estate agent should learn early

Mar 15, 2015 01:51 AM
Rainer
243,701
George Kiefer
The Kiefer Group - Austin, TX
Broker-Owner, GRI, CDPE, CLHMS in Austin Texas

Copy other high producing agents in your office. Research in detail what they do and how they lead generate. Google them and find every website they use. Try to find one or more of them to mentor you. In return for their help, you could offer to do open houses for them, and/or cover for them on their days off and/or vacations.

Mar 16, 2015 06:34 AM
Rainer
57,915
Vicki Temple
O'Fallon, IL

Always have it on paper. You aren't their friend but their friendly prosfessional. Give them information and let them decide, always let them decide then document. Succces for me begins when I know they trust me. The answers I see here are really great. I'm in a meeting (at dinner with my family) have an appointment(getting my hair cut) are just as valid as showing homes and closings. After all you are running your business and your life!

Mar 16, 2015 04:10 AM
Rainer
38,154
Laura Hallam
Keller Williams Heritage - New Braunfels, TX

Great Question!  I always love reading this advice.

 

Mar 15, 2015 12:55 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

The first thing would have been for you to define your business and create a plan.

The second thing would be to select the right broker(meets the only criteria that is of importance to you)  whose mutually aligned interest to your pretends success.

The third thing was exploiting the resources you bring to get into the 90 day market.

The fourth thing was creating a 'how to get new business' strategy while cultivating your resources.

The fifth thing is revise your business plan to reflecting your existing reality.

The sixth thing is to identify your 'thing.' Hopefully something that delineates you but that is NOT so important. Chances are, whatever your 'thing' is you can out market those around you.(that comes up in a minute) If you notice all the BIG companies are only promoting one feature of the product whether it is 'name your price' or "I'll be there," or for the iPhone c, color skins. Pick the horse you want in the race and ride it.

The seventh thing, if your business is still not getting traction, give yourself an shot of adrenaline and spend the time to create a MODELING profile. No, this is not a new career, but a strategy called MODELING. (I would advise newbie agent to do this step number 3.) They will find themselves on par with their best agents in the area really, really fast.

As you can see, none of these 7 things are actionable without knowing the details. None of them may be applicable to you since little is known about your situation.

Above all, my advise to you, that you really, really, really need to take to heart is to be good to yourself. Make sure that in your life you have regular exposure to physical exercise, new experiences, educational growth, spiritual growth, social activity, and do not fall prey to the shame triggers that make women behave crazily. Be very slow to respond when the thought "I don't wanna do that' crosses your mind. It's a biggie.

Mar 15, 2015 05:35 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Put everybody you know in your database and make sure they know that you will appreciate their referrals. Constant contact will keep you name at the top of minds. 

Mar 15, 2015 01:42 AM
Ambassador
6,393,404
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I had been playing in this game for 30 years before I became an agent, I had a good idea what I needed to do.

Dec 20, 2019 10:02 PM
Rainer
279,878
Dipti Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
On a team with Praful Thakkar

Good luck.

Jul 25, 2018 11:52 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Just keep on generating leads.

Mar 11, 2018 09:20 PM
Rainmaker
630,251
Ajay Pandya
e-Merge Real Estate Unlimited - Columbus, OH
Realtor Ajay Pandya

Generate leads - simple.

Mar 07, 2018 08:51 PM
Rainer
305,560
Tammy Adams ~ Realtor / Podcaster
Maricopa Real Estate Co - Maricopa, AZ
A Maricopa Agent who Works, Lives & Loves Maricopa

I think the key is doing something everyday and knowing that if you do it everyday it will begin to show a difference. - Specifically marketing. It takes time and we all "want it now". ... Good luck!

Mar 28, 2015 06:51 AM
Rainmaker
248,771
Dale Taylor
Re/Max 10 New Lenox Illinois http://dtaylor.remax.com - Frankfort, IL
Realtor = Chicago Illinois Homes Townhomes Condos

A part of every day requires prospecting for new Clients, and promoting yourself as a successful seasoned Realtor.  Try numerous forms of prospecting, then narrow it down to 3 or 4 activites you look forward to doing daily to prosper your business.

Mar 20, 2015 05:13 PM
Rainer
359,046
Nina Rogoff
Boston, MA
Wix Websites for Real Estate Agents

Hi, Ashley...you sure are getting a lot of great advice here! Here's my two cents:

1. Create good work habits such as immediately entering contact information and notes into a database; planning the frequency that you will use to update all of your social media sites 2. Set up a schedule to make calls to your friends, family, past work colleagues just to say "how are you doing..." or "how has the winter been for you..." Then tell them you are a Realtor with (X) and do they know of anyone who is thinking of selling or buying a home. If they don't know of anyone right now, make a note on your calendar to ask them again in a few weeks. Tell them you value their referrals if they ask why you keep asking! 3. Always write a thank you note (by hand) to anyone who gives you a referral. Some people include a gift card with the note. I prefer to wait to see if the referral results in business and then follow up with a second note with a gift card included ($25 or $50, maybe...depends on size of transaction.) 4. As so many others have said, keep in touch with past clients. Once you've gotten to know them, ask them for the birthdays and anniversaries in their family. Tell them you want to be their REALTOR for all their future moves, too and you'd like to stay in touch. If they have a child graduating from some school, send a congratulations. You can drop off a pie at Thanksgiving, or make a donation in their honor to Toys for Tots at Christmas, etc. 5. Learn from every transaction. Ask yourself what you could have done better. Did you need to stay in touch with your client more frequently? What could you have done to make things go more smoothly. 6. Find a good mentor. Not every long time agent is a good agent or a good mentor. Find out who has good common sense, who is successful in your office, who is respectful in the way they speak about others (colleagues, buyers, sellers). 7. Learn how to do a great Listing Presentation. There may be agents in your office who will share their ideas, but if not,  you'll find that information on ActiveRain. 8. Have your admin. or your broker right out the different stages in each type of transaction (selling and buying). 9. Never be afraid to tell someone you don't know but you will find out. No one expects us to know everything. When we're new agents, we're so fearful that someone will find out we know nothing. 10. Wishing you the very best!! 

Mar 19, 2015 03:16 PM
Rainer
48,786
Shuchi Agrawal
Kanam Realty Group/Kanam Commercial - Flower Mound, TX
Serving Dallas / Ft. Worth

Ashley, thanks for posting this question.  I've just learnt a great deal from all the answers myself.  I'll echo almost all the comments.  Debbie Gartner, thanks for sharing Lori Ballen's 43 steps.  One thing I wish I would have focused on more is daily lead-generation - spending a few hours everyday doing something that would generate more leads so that I had a steady pipeline.  

Mar 17, 2015 03:54 PM
Rainmaker
582,106
Eric Kodner
Madeline Island Realty - La Pointe, WI
CRS, Madeline Island Realty, LaPointe, WI 54850 -

Build an online reputation for yourself and not just for your brokerage. That means working to build your own SEO and personal branding.  If you spend all your time building SEO for the company and forget to market yourself, you will see the result when you change firms or go independent and realize you gave everything away in exchange for a desk and a few business cards.

Mar 17, 2015 04:44 AM
Rainmaker
1,562,386
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

Know what a fiduciary is.  Know what representing a client is all about.  You are in a legal relationship when representing a client.  You are their fiduciary.  Do you know what that means?  

Mar 17, 2015 04:34 AM
Rainer
187,583
Rick Snow - Selling El Paso TX
EXIT West Realty - El Paso, TX
Cool Deals on Hot Real Estate in El Paso, Texas

Start by developing a farm area and market there every month forever. If you are consistent you will own the area before long and it will be a constant source of new and repeat business. Do your research upfront to make sure it's a good area to farm and then go to town and don't stop.

Mar 16, 2015 10:12 PM
Rainmaker
750,057
Rob D. Shepherd
RETIRED - Florence, OR
RETIRED

As mentioned earlier, get your own email not the company one. Keep in touch with your past sales clients they repeat plus they have friends and relatives that will need your services at some point. At holiday time send  "Seasons Greetings" or Happy Holiday" cards. Unless you know their religion these are safe ideas for cards.

Mar 16, 2015 09:56 PM
Rainmaker
870,537
Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

Prospect, prospect and prospect....the key to longevity in this business

Mar 16, 2015 08:40 PM
Rainmaker
1,107,863
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

It's important to identify people who are knowledgeable and willing to take the time to answers your questions and give you guidance.  Active Rain provides thousands of resources!

Mar 16, 2015 02:21 PM
Rainmaker
2,194,668
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

Answer your phone and always do what you say you will do.

Mar 16, 2015 11:45 AM
Rainmaker
1,139,819
Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239
Real Estate One - Commerce, MI
Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com

Work at finding the best way to get business.  Be consistent, answer the phone at all times, and put in the hours and work needed.  Step out of your comfort zone. 

Mar 16, 2015 10:58 AM
Rainer
135,577
Geoff Grist
Mosman Neutral Bay Realty, Sydney Australia - Sydney, AU
Author of Sold Above Market book

Start the relationship today, collect names and numbers, use a great CRM, send thank you cards, join local business clubs, put your name out at every occassion, leave business cards with local shop keepers, read books and talk to as many agents as you can to be connected!

Mar 16, 2015 09:42 AM
Rainer
557,375
Kimo Jarrett
Cyber Properties - Huntington Beach, CA
Pro Lifestyle Solutions

Annette Lawrence has a concise list of do's that IMO is so essential for an agent to succeed. All the best to your success.

Mar 16, 2015 05:23 AM
Rainer
293,277
Ron Aguilar
Gateway Mortgage Group - Saint George, UT
Mortgage & Real Estate Advisor since 1995

Many good replies that I upvoted. You are a Marketer 1st and a Realtor 2nd.

Mar 16, 2015 02:29 AM