Real Estate Agent Best Practices

Based on how the real estate industry grew internationally during the beginning of the new millennium, it’s safe to say that it’s one of the fastest-growing industries where financial growth is more likely to occur faster than ever before, creating a more stiff competition between those who want to be part of it.

Luckily nowadays, it can be anyone's game. So long as you keep up with the latest trends and practices, you'll always have an advantage, along with securing your licenses of course.

Do and Dont’s of real estate agents

The Do’s 

Stay on top of the latest trends and news in your industry

The best way to stay current is to read local articles, attend seminars or trade shows, and interact with other professionals within your industry. You can also do this virtually by using a couple of social media platforms with features designed for real estate professionals.

Ask for help when you need it

Remember that you are a professional, and if you ever have questions about how to do something or what steps should be followed, don’t hesitate to ask! The most successful real estate professionals know that they need help from time to time, so make sure you keep an open line of communication with your clients and fellow professionals.

Be creative when marketing yourself online

The internet has become an increasingly important tool for promoting business in every industry today, so why not use it? Use social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram in order to connect with potential clients; create blog posts; create videos; write articles; and create infographics about your business.

The Don'ts

Don’t alienate your previous clients

Clients are valued way more than you think. It’s not smart to leave your past clients out of the picture when there can be a lot of opportunities for them and their connections to continue working with you in the future. There are various things you can do to keep them in the loop; sending out emails or invites they might be interested in, if they were your buyers, catching up, and asking how they’ve been adjusting would be a genuine way to keep in touch.

Don’t show insincerity

This one might be a little hard to figure out, seeing as what seems sincere to you might offend someone else. But simple gestures like checking out your phone from time to time or showing no enthusiasm will greatly influence how your potential clients perceive you. Minor but fatal.

Don’t play hard-sell

Potential clients don’t want to deal with agents who seem to care only about how much money they will get out of the transaction. They get this impression when you become too forward or aggressive when it comes to talking about money. The ability to strike the right balance between letting them feel the urgency of buying the property and not caring too much about the buck is something you can learn with experience.

Secure Trainings and Certifications

By law, all real estate agents must be licensed. This is a legal requirement, and it's one of the easiest ways to ensure that you are up-to-date on all of your responsibilities as a member of the real estate industry.

Licensing usually involves taking a state exam, which tests your knowledge about local laws and regulations for real estate agents in that state.

If you're an inexperienced agent, make sure you secure training and certification from NAR (National Association of Realtors). NAR awards designations and certifications that acknowledge real estate agents for their showed excellence. 

C2EX (Commitment to Excellence)

In 2018, NAR established C2EX (Commitment to Excellence). This program can evaluate, enhance and showcase an agent’s highest levels of professionalism. They also added that it's not a course, class, or designation, but instead an Endorsement that realtors can promote when serving clients and other realtors. 

When you're starting or running a business, establishing a good reputation is essential.

Other NAR Designations and Certifications

Accredited Land Consultant / ALC

Securing this will put you among the most trusted, knowledgeable, experienced, and highest-producing experts in all segments of land.

Graduate, Realtor Institute / GRI

NAR provides realtors with the GRI designation and is trained in legal and regulatory issues, technology, professional standards, and sales processes. Earning the designation is a way to stand out to prospective buyers and sellers as a professional with expertise in these areas.

At Home With Diversity / AHWD

This program allows an agent to keep up with the diverse market present in the industry. The At Home With Diversity certification by NAR trains real estate agents to effectively execute their business plans with clients in mind.

To see the full list of all the designations and certifications you can secure from NAR, check this link out and find out what you should be taking up next.

Tips on How to be successful as a real estate agent

There are a lot of things that real estate agents can do to make their careers work for them, but there are a few tips that stand out above the rest. Here are some tips:

• Be organized and diligent with paperwork

• Know your market (specific neighborhoods)

• Get to know your clients' personal goals and dreams

• Follow up with clients regularly to check in on progress and ensure they are satisfied with the transaction-closing process

• Make sure you're always on top of your game by continuing education courses, getting training on new technologies, reading industry publications, etc., which will help you stay updated about changes in the market

Final Thought

The real estate profession is a challenging one. It's important to stay on top of trends and best practices, but it's also important to stay true to your own values. You need to find the balance between making money and serving your clients.

Wanted to connect with other real estate professionals? Download the SetSchedule App today and get the most out of our business networking tools.