It does not really take much for a person to become a real estate agent in the housing market. However, the question is: What would it take to become the best real estate agent?
First of all, who is a real estate agent? And what does he/she do?
Real estate agents are professionals who help home buyers and sellers in their real estate transactions. Mostly, they work either for other brokers or realtors. Their income is based on commissions, which means that the more deals they close, the better income they have.
Related: How Do You Become a Commercial Real Estate Agent?
Real estate agents’ job is to actually arrange all the transactions for real estate properties, and their tasks vary depending on which party they are working for. If they are working for people who are interested in buying a real estate property, they are expected to help look for properties for sale that fall within the price range the buyers are willing to pay. On the other hand, if they are working for the sellers, they provide them with advice on pricing, further improvements, and marketing. This is in order to speed up the selling process. Still, this does not mean that they can’t work for both parties at the same time since there aren’t any restricting regulations on the matter.
Now, in terms of how to become a real estate agent, you need to go through the following steps:
- Research: Do some research on the matter. It does not matter whether you read books, or internet blogs and articles, or even talk to active real estate agents. Find out all you need to know about becoming a real estate agent and make sure that it is a good career choice for you.
- Take pre-licensing courses and apply for the exam: Apply for pre-licensing courses, and proceed with the necessary preparations for the exam. After you have done that, you can apply to take the licensing exam.
- Find a brokerage: Passing the exam does not mean you now have your license. Now, you must find a brokerage that you are going to work on behalf of. You are supposed to fill the paperwork required for the licensing authorities together with your real estate broker. Once you have done all that, you are now ready to have your license.
Keep in mind that obtaining the license and becoming a real estate agent is not all. A lot of agents fail in their career because of thinking that it’s only about the license. However, your goal is to succeed and to become the best real estate agent on the market. So, here are some pointers on how to become the best real estate agent:
Step 1: Personality traits
To become the best real estate agent, you must have some personality traits that will be the determining factor in your success or even failure. Honesty and integrity are very important in order to build a trusting relationship with your clients. Motivation is crucial as well. Having good communication skills is also as important. You have to be able to deliver information in the easiest way possible for your clients. They need to understand where they stand in terms of the deal. Another important trait is the ability to listen. You need to listen carefully to your clients and pay extra attention to their demands.
Step 2: Marketing
In order for you to become the best real estate agent that you wish to be, you should do effective marketing. There are so many ways of marketing. You can even find cheaper ways to do so. Just do it! Your aim is to sell yourself to others. Make people choose you instead of other real estate agents.
Step 3: Choose the right broker or Realtor in order to become the best real estate agent
You can either ask around or interview brokers or realtors personally. Just make sure they have a good reputation and have a good work record. Remember, they are supposed to be your mentors, so choose one that is actually going to help you establish your career as a real estate agent. Do not forget to ask about their work. What are their plans? What kinds of properties do they work with? Check the feedback on their work. This will determine whether this brokerage is suitable for you.
Related: The Pros and Cons of Hiring a Real Estate Broker
Step 4: Keep up with technology
As you already know, everybody has access to all kinds of information on the internet. Make sure you come up with unique work strategies that will attract clients to you. Use technology, since it eases communication and marketing. Do not do old-school records and communication. This will throw clients back. Make it easier for them to contact you. More importantly, always answer phone calls and reply to emails as soon as possible. Clients do not like real estate agents who don’t answer or are hard to reach.
Step 5: Create a plan and stick to it
The best real estate agent is the one who creates action plans for him/herself. This helps you stay organized and on track. Also, create a plan B in case something does not go as originally planned. The plan should have all your future moves in detail. All you have to do after is to actually stick to your plan. Plans are there for you to have a clearer vision for your future. So, put your vision on paper and work on it.
Step 6: Build connections
Now, to become the best real estate agent in the local housing market, you have to build connections. The more the better, of course. As a real estate agent, you will have to deal with all kinds of people in the real estate business. Your contact list should have real estate investors, sellers, buyers, inspectors, appraisers, and many others. So, make sure you add their contact information to your list.
Step 7: The Best Real Estate agent Doesn’t turn down deals
Even if the commission on a certain deal isn’t as good as you want it to be, do not turn down deals. It is going to bring you more clients in the future. It isn’t hard to become the best real estate agent in the market. The more deals you work on, the better you get as a real estate agent.
Related: How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make?
In conclusion, it all depends on your personality and your will. Just follow these steps and you will become the best real estate agent in no time.
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