My One Piece of Advice For New Agents

My advice for 'newbies' -- new agents in the business? Here is the one piece of advice I wish I had received when I started:

Establish yourself online and in the neighborhood where you live.

As a new agent, you are busy previewing homes, learning how to write contracts, sending out cards, attending inspections, shadowing other agents. Worthwhile activities for sure. You have to know the mechanics of the business.

However, this is also the time to investigate and set up your own website, including a blog. Be sure to post your listings, and also info about those homes where you have represented buyers. Write a friendly, informative bio about yourself for the site. Be sure to talk about some personal interests. Post a great photo--nothing real formal--look approachable. Potential clients will google you--so get yourself out there, even in the beginning when you are still learning and hungry for business. Post testimonials to your website. Establish yourself on Zillow and Trulia. Be consistent about posting and updating all of your social media activities.

Also, focus on really getting to know your own neighborhood--and/or the area you want to specialize in, which is usually where you live. Advertise in the neighborhood newsletter, write blogs about the local merchants, try some direct mail, sponsor a local school sports team, establish relationships with contractors in your area (electrician, plumber, handyman--you will use these people!). Walk the neighborhood and be visible. Become active in your children's school/church/HOA/nearby volunteer organization. Do lots of open houses in your target area. After a while, people will recognize you, your name will become familiar and you will be able to honestly say you really know the neighborhood. People like to do business with those they trust and feel that they know, even if they have never met you--they will get a first impression of you online.

When I first started, I was on a team with other agents--my name was nowhere on the yard sign or ad materials. Although I learned so much from my teammates, it wasn't until I decided to go out on my own and promote my own name as an agent that I started getting  more business. Every year it amazes me how many people say "I found you online' and then decided to contact me. Referrals are important-- but also know you can capture even more buyers and sellers by establishing an online presence.