Become The Agent of Choice. The Rest Follows!
Starting out in real estate was the direction I knew was for me. Advertising and marketing for a home-builder in the past afforded an opportunity to witness excellent building standards. It also lent to discovering how important the role a real estate agent plays in a sales transaction.
What do you wish you had known the very first year you were in the business that cost you lost business or income?
The biggest thing was: Prepare and then expect to be tested. Due to a background in advertising and marketing, I designed beautiful 4-color listing presentations, specifically for home owner's. I focused too much on the advertising end and not enough on marketing statistics and trends in local neighborhoods. I was sharply chastised during my first listing presentation by a savvy businesswoman who pointed that out quickly.
The mistake cost me that listing and many more because she owned several homes. Buyers and sellers expect nothing less than a higher level of professionalism and I missed out on an opportunity to be the agent of choice. From that point on, I fully prepare, checking all boxes necessary so buyers and sellers are able to make an informed decision to hire me.
Was there ever a time you questioned whether you had made the right choice of being a real estate agent? What events caused you to stick with it and succeed?
When first getting my license, I wanted to be an on-site salesperson. The project developer of an upscale community hired me but the new broker wanted to hand-pick his agents. He instantly disliked me.
Knowing I was soft-hearted and an easy target, he'd yell, berating me in front of others, trying to get me to leave. One day he went too far, I was in tears and my husband showed up, going toe-to-toe with him.
That experience and a few others toughened up the emotional muscle, giving me more desire to stay in real estate. Instead of getting intimidated, I now step back, evaluate and take a breath before proceeding.
After leaving on-site sales I partnered up with a fellow Realtor who had quite a bit of experience in sales. We were very successful together and that furthered the belief that I was meant to be in the real estate industry.
What are 3 things you have learned along the way that have positively affected you and helped improve your real estate business? 
1. Finding a brokerage that is upbeat, forward thinking and positively motivating is key to a productive sales environment and career.
2. A broker who stands behind you when issues arise, instills a higher level of confidence, knowing someone really does care beyond the numbers.
3. Pushing through fear creates successful outcomes and has encouraged me to thrive beyond boundaries, to be a better agent and person.
The real estate industry is ever-changing and evolving and I am glad to continue helping my clients realize their home dreams. A happy ending as an agent for life is my biggest goal with smiles all around, of course!
This is an entry to the challenge by Activerain Contests: Advice for New Agents Getting into Real Estate.
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Buying or selling a home in southern Utah? Call me at 435.632.9374 or contact me at wanda@buynsellutah.com to help because Wanda Can!
A portion of every successful real estate transaction goes to Bed 'n' Biscuits to help fund Switchpoint, a local homeless shelter.
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