Real Estate Newbie Jumpstart

There has been a lot of discussion on what real estate newbies can do to get started in this business on a number of online sites over the past few weeks. I've blogged about it on Active Rain in past, but it's something that always bears repetition.

One of the biggest challenges for newbies is the starving reflex. Nobody wants to starve, and if you don't have any business, starving suddenly looks like an option. To avoid starving, it's easy to grab for all the brass rings that are out there, and they are numerous. With little to no experience, it's easy to get taken advantage of. That only puts the newbie deeper in the hole. So, let's look at a few simple steps that might make a new start-up easier.

• Make sure to have business cards created early. Vista Print and a few other companies can provide 250 cards for less than $20. Often, you can double that number for less than double the price. Make sure you are compliant with the real estate board in your state as far as what needs to be on the card, but also make sure to have your cell phone, email and website (if you have one already) on the card. People need to know how to get in touch with you. 
• Send a personal note to friends, family and neighbors with a business card. Let them know you're in the real estate business and you would appreciate their business or any referrals they could send your way. Make it personal and engaging.
• Remember, the people who are most likely to use you in the early days are in your Sphere of Influence contacts. Talk to people you know, call them, visit them, ask for their business. 
• Create a Facebook business page. Make sure you have a personal page first, and then syndicate your business page material to your personal page. Keep the business related material professional and helpful to potential clients. No politics or material that some might find offensive. You really need to think before you post. Good topics might be, local information, home improvement tips, local sales information, your listings (when you have them), local events, market reports, neighborhood information, local photos, etc. You want to help your clients see you as a local information resource.
  
• Blog. I can't say enough about blogging. It opens the world up to your thoughts, ideas and expertise. Blog about your local market. How do you get the information? Use the MLS to learn what is selling and at what percentage of list. How many days are homes sitting on the market? What type of homes are selling the fastest? You can blog about individual neighborhoods, areas, types of homes, amenities like homes with 3 bedrooms - 2 baths, etc. Also, blog about local events. My most read blog is about a little local weekly newsletter that sells just about everything imaginable. Make sure your blog has a signature line with your name, real estate board compliant information, and your contact information. Also, link previous blogs to the bottom of your blog. Five to ten is plenty.
• Speaking of blogging, set up a blog-site for your business. I use Word Press and I've been very happy with it. It's easy to manipulate and you can syndicate it to your Facebook, Linked In, Google+ pages with the click of a mouse. Take local photos to show readers the beauty of your local area and use them as your background, header, etc.
• Read online discussion boards. There are a lot of boards online with agents who are sharing their experience. Active Rain is a great place to start. There is a wealth of information on these sites, and there are a lot of great agents sharing their wisdom. One of the benefits of Active Rain is that you will get to know other professionals that you can reach out to with questions. I've never seen one yet who wasn't glad to help. 
• Don't waste money on programs. You're not ready to spend money on the lasted greatest get rich quick program. Keep your resources for living expenses. Every real estate guru and his brother, mother, sister and cousin are willing to sell you "Three steps to real estate riches," "Four must do things to become a top producer," "Twenty-one days to 30 listings," "Free chicken at Popeye's," (OK, just threw that in there to see if you were still reading). You get the point. You're not ready to know what's good and what's not. Talk to other agents. What have they tried, and what worked? What didn't? 
• Link up with local real estate attorneys. Bankruptcy attorneys also have clients who need to sell. Local accountants, banks and lenders all have clients who are looking to buy or looking to sell real estate. Call them and make an appointment to sit down and ask for their business.
• Find a real estate office with a mentor program. 
• Don't be afraid to do rentals in the early days. It's not glamorous,  but it is quick income and if you do 4-5 a month, you'll make enough money to keep you afloat while you're learning the ropes. Besides, it will get you out into the market to see what is out there. Knowing where homes are and what the neighborhoods are like will come in handy when someone calls looking for a specific type of home.
• Take a breath. Success comes in stages, and you are at stage one. There will be many more over the years, but realize that you've got a lot to learn, and as you learn, you will become more successful. 
• Be humble, be helpful and be grateful.
• Have fun. It's a great business, and if you do it well, it's a great life. It's not all about dollars and sense. It's about building something that will grow and create good everywhere you go.

Think about it. The only thing that has cost you any money in the previous start up steps is business cards. Until you are comfortable with the mechanics of the business, stick with the free stuff. You'll be surprised at how far it can take you. Contact with others is your best tool for success. No matter how that comes about, it will be the path you travel over and over, and it will lead to your success. 

 

1. Buying your first home in Winchester VA

2. Winchester, VA Real Estate Market Update - 1st Quarter 2016

3. Ten promises I make to every real estate client.

4. Winchester, VA - The best bedroom community for the Washington, D.C. area

5. Passion is contagious - Infect somebody!

6. Winchester, Virginia is a great place to buy a house at great discount!

7. This simple electrical test could save your life.

8. Turn setbacks into springboards

9. Reduce your mortgage by pre-paying principle and eliminating interest

10. What can I do to sell my home more quickly?

********************************************************************************

Give me a call, or email me for all your real estate needs, and let's make something amazing happen. 

mikecooper@cbginc.net, 888-722-6029

Cell: 540-336-5522

 

Real Estate Sales and Property Management         

 

 

(Disclaimer:  All grammatical mistakes, punctuation breakdowns and misspellings are purely for your amusement and entertainment.   Feel free to cackle.)