Finding the Best Real Estate Agent

Getting started as a new real estate agent can be both exciting and intimidating. You’ll likely be working alongside experienced agents who are closing deals regularly, wondering how long it’ll take you to get there. While it usually takes some time, you can fast-track your path by heeding the advice of those who have gone before you. Not sure where to start? Here are five tips on surviving your first year of real estate.

1. Find the Right Sponsoring Brokerage

An important first step is to choose the right brokerage to sponsor you. Brokerages vary in their commission splits, levels of experience, reputations, cultures, and more. For example, one may immediately match you with an experienced agent to show you the ropes, while another may leave you to fend for yourself.

To find the best fit, research different brokerages before picking one. You may even want to ask agents working at different brokerages about their experiences. Erin Hybart, a real estate agent at Client’s First Realty, advises that you look for a brokerage that charges a low fee and provides you with mentors to lean on.

Brian Coester, a real estate agent and the CEO of Real Estate Connection, suggests finding a brokerage with access to databases.

“I’d look for a broker that operates like one large team and that lets you play a role in lead conversion or working an old database,” said Coester. “The databases are a goldmine for an agent, and generally, the more experienced agents don’t want to do the calls.”

2. Have a Financial Cushion or Alternate Income Source

As a real estate agent, you don’t get a reliable paycheck every two weeks. Instead, you’re strictly paid for performance — earning commissions when you make sales.

As a result, you may want to start working in real estate part-time until you can make enough to support yourself. While Realtors with 16 years of experience earned a median income of $80,700 in 2022, those with two or fewer years of experience earned a median income of just $9,600, according to the National Association of Realtors.

“You need to have an alternative source of income to start,” said Coester. “Personal training is a great one — anything you can do part time that’s flexible.”

Other possible options include leveraging the income of another household member, relying on savings, or getting financial support from a brokerage.

3. Build Your Network From Day One

As you get started, you’ll need to focus on building and tracking your network.

“In real estate, build your network from day one and store it in a CRM or database,” said Hybart. “It’s about relationships, not just sales, so working your database is key to success. Choose tech that follows you across brokerages so you’re never tied to a brokerage that doesn’t support your business.” That way, you’ll be able to leave a brokerage without losing your client base.

Coester echoes the importance of network building.

“Best advice…contact 10 people before 10 a.m., seven days a week,” said Coester. He also recommends creating or putting yourself in environments where you can find leads.

4. Be a Proactive Learner

Once you finish your education and licensing requirements, you’ll have a solid foundation for your new real estate business. However, there’s still much to learn from working in the field.

“Be eager to learn, and don’t wait for someone to train you,” said Hybart. “Dedicate and schedule the time to learning and perfecting your craft.”

One way you can do that is by picking the brains of experienced agents.

“I suggest a new agent do an information interview or have a conversation with as many other agents as possible,” said Hybart. “Ask about their tough deals, real estate horror stories, and the usual issues they encounter. Find out how they overcame the challenge or situation. There are many things to learn in real estate, so the sooner you learn to anticipate the hard stuff and handle the tough scenarios or deals, the more success you will find.”

5. Build Your Personal Brand

While you’ll be selling homes, you also need to sell your value as an agent. People need to know and trust you before they hire you to help with one of the biggest purchases they’ll ever make. While it can take time to spread awareness, build relationships, and develop a reputation, you can fast-track the process with the help of a marketing strategy.

Take some time to identify your strengths and what sets you apart. For example, you may be a great negotiator, awesome with client relations, or an expert on fixer-uppers. Once you know your differentiator, plan messaging that will help people get to know you and what you do. You can market online through a website, social media platforms, a blog, and a recurring newsletter. Additionally, you can market offline by attending local networking events and spreading the word through your social circles.

“Make your face known,” said Hybart. “Stay consistent on social media with one recognizable profile picture that never changes — unless your entire look changes. Your visibility grows as people recognize you.”

Build a Successful Real Estate Business From the Ground Up

The early stages of any new business are difficult. You’re not just selling homes, you’re building a brand and network of clients from the ground up. It will take time and consistency. However, with the proper expectations, a tried-and-tested strategy, and guidance from other successful agents, you can survive your first year and streamline your path to success.

If you don’t have your license yet, we can help! Enroll in Aceable’s pre-licensing courses to fulfill all of your education requirements before taking your state’s licensing exam.

Want to get your Real Estate License? Begin your Pre-Licensing Course today! Get Started Now!

Updated 1/25/24