If you’re a new agent, you’re no doubt anxious to connect with that first buyer or listing client.
You may later decide to focus exclusively on becoming a listing agent or a buyer’s agent, but at this point, you may not know which you will prefer. Because listings are harder to come by than buyers, many new agents begin their careers working with buyers, but do stay alert for listing opportunities.
The first step is to let everyone in your sphere of influence know that you are now an agent – and that
you’d appreciate their business.
I’ve talked to many agents who were afraid to tell people about their new career. They felt somehow ashamed of becoming a sales person. Since that’s how they felt, I thought perhaps they had chosen the wrong career, but that’s another story.
So first – be proud of what you’re doing.
Send a “You now have a friend in real estate” announcement to everyone who knows and likes you. If you don’t have such an announcement, visit http://promotemyrealestatecareer.com/ . Scroll down to “Announce Your New Career to Your Sphere of Influence” and follow the instructions to get a free copy of one I wrote.
Then tell everyone you speak with in person.
Who is “everyone?” The people in your organizations – be it the PTA, your book club, your bowling league, or a non-profit where you volunteer. Then there are your friends and family members – and your family member’s friends, if you happen to know them. Next, think about the people who serve you – your hairdresser, your garage mechanic, and your favorite waitress or grocery store checker.
Remember – you’re excited about this and proud of it!
Offer to be their real estate resource, and also ask for their business. Don’t be afraid to ask them to introduce you to anyone who is planning to buy or sell. If you think someone is a likely prospect, but is hesitant about using a new agent, begin sending them my New Agent To Sellers or my New Agent to Buyers letters.
You might think that just telling people that you’re an agent would be enough, but it isn’t.
You do need to let them know that you’d appreciate their business. It’s not much different from fundraising – where simply telling people about the need isn’t enough. Tests show that most people only give if you come right out and ask them to give. (Remember that if you’re involved with a non-profit that needs funds.)
Keep going – and before you know it you’ll have that first buyer or first listing.
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and starting on the first one.” Mark Twain
“The only thing that stands between you and grand success in living are these two things: getting started and never quitting!” Robert H. Schuller
What else can you do?
Begin prospecting for listings in your own neighborhood – or one nearby. (Before you choose, do take time to do the research and make sure that there’s a sufficient turnover of homes each year.) These Geographic territory prospecting letters can help you.
Buyers come from different places and situations, so check out the buyer prospecting letters at: https://copybymarte.com/prospecting-for-real-estate-buyers/.
Offer to sit at open houses. Since summer is a busy time, seasoned agents might welcome your help with an open house or two.
Attend open houses yourself – so you become more and more familiar with the homes for sale in your territory.
Spend some time each day learning – about your community, about your forms, about the needs of different groups you hope to serve, etc.
Volunteer where you’ll meet new people. You’ll make yourself feel good while you help the cause – and you’ll expand your sphere of influence.
Start blogging on Active Rain – put your emphasis on localism posts that will attract those who are interested in moving to your community.
Update your information on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Make sure your current bio is focused on your current career. If you don’t even have an agent bio, get one written!
Stay positive!
Keep your focus firmly on the success you want and expect to have. Never, ever grouse to anyone about the business you don’t have yet.
Graphic courtesy of stuart miles @ freedigitalphotos.net
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