How to Be a Successful Realtor

Realtors sell homes and lease properties.

A Realtor is a qualified real estate agent who is affiliated with the National Association of Realtors. This association provides additional training and support to real estate agents. A Realtor helps buyers purchase homes, sellers sell homes and businesses with the same transactions. In most situations, a Realtor is a employee paid straight commission and is often his or her own boss. To be a successful Realtor, you must be organized, motivated, honest and diligent.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Organize your day into segments. Spend part of each day connecting with current clients and part trying to get new clients. Set up a schedule where you connect with each current client on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis depending upon their situation. Work to find ways each day to prospect for new clients, be it through networking with other agents, meeting new people through charity work or finding new avenues of advertising.

2. Provide top-level customer service consistently. Anticipate clients' needs. Meet their criteria in searching for a new home or business location. Listen to their comments and take notes to better understand their situation. Create solid relationship with other business providers, such as lenders, building inspectors and appraisers to ensure that any recommendation you provide to your customers is top-notch as well.

3. Build your business through strategic marketing. Target small-scale mail and email campaigns to potential clients. Ask for referrals from satisfied customers. Offer referral fees to business associates and friends who bring you new clients. Advertise in local publications that target your potential customers.

Tips & Warnings

• Know your local real estate market and understand the price differentials with different neighborhoods and areas around town. Know which areas are zoned for each school. Have lists of nearby restaurants and shopping for newcomers to your town. The more knowledgeable about your market, the more beneficial your relationship with your clients will be in the long run. Happy clients refer their friends, while unhappy clients tell everyone about the lousy service.

• A job that pays straight commission is not right for everyone. Consider the fact that your income may fluctuate before taking a job as a Realtor. If you are disciplined, it could be great. If not, it may spell financial disaster.

References

• Realtor.org: 90 Days to Real Estate Success
• Realty Times: Seven Principles to Successful Real Estate Goal Setting

Resources

• National Association of Realtors