Simple Advice for New Agents

It has been noted on this forum numerous times that real estate is an easy profession to get into, and in many ways that is true.  It's expensive, but if you can sit through the pre-salesperson classes and pass the tests leading to state license testing and finally state testing and licensure, it's pretty easy.  But, then what?  What should be your licensure 201 courses?  Let me offer a few suggestions for new licensees entering the business.

• Read good books about your craft.  Before you go on a book buying spree, ask around.  There are a lot of books out there that really don't add much to your new knowledge.  Scan the real estate section of Amazon.com.  It provides reviews of books by previous buyers.  Pay attention to their comments because they can save you a lot of money.
• Avoid certifications, initially.  At some point in your long walk as a Realtor you will likely want to get certified in some area of your profession, but until you have a little experience and become more familiar with the language of your new job, you will likely be spending money that could better go to pay the light bill.  A lot of certifications are just fluff.  Take your time and learn which ones really add to your roll as a professional.  And remember, home buyers really don't care how many you have.  They don't know what the acronyms mean, and they are unlikely to ask you.  So, when the time comes, get certifications that strengthen your craft.  Don't waste your time getting certifications that will not impress buyers and sellers.  Get the ones that will make you a better Realtor.
• Get a good looking business card made.  Places like VistaPrint.com can give you a great card at a bargain price.  They can also assist you with other printing needs, but business cards are a must.  Start there and hold off on other printing expenses.
• Start surfing other Realtor websites.  Don't buy one yet, but surf.  There are a lot of things to look for in a website, but all that glitters is not gold.  Learn the language of online web-marketing and web-presence creating. Take your time to find the right fit for your personality and your budget.  Here again, ask around.  What kind of response are some of the more successful agents in your area getting from their sites?  Ask them.  Don't be afraid to call an agent in another state who has a site you like.  Talk to your Active Rain contacts.  Many agents are pretty willing to share their success (to a point).
• Don't assume everyone in your new profession is nice or nasty.  Just like any profession you will find all types.  Don't let a few bad early encounters sour you on the profession.  In like manner, don't assume a few great encounters in the early days is the way it always is.  Real estate is no different than any other job.  It is what you make it, good and bad.
• Link to a visionary brokerage.  You'll want to make sure you hang your license with a brokerage that can help you learn the mechanics of real estate.  You'll also want to be in an office where the broker will oversee your work as you get more comfortable with all of the forms and techniques of real estate.  You will also want a broker who will challenge you to exceed your goals.  You can accomplish more than you realize, and you may need a good broker who can see a greater potential in you than you see in yourself.  It really doesn't matter if it's a big name brokerage, or a boutique office.  Good leadership can make all the difference. 

I've seen a lot of young Realtors dropped behind a desk with no idea what to do next.  It would great to link up with a great agent who is a willing mentor.  It takes time to become proficient in this field, but a steady input of good information can help a new agent overcome some of the bigger hurdles faster.