Essential Tips for Beginner Real Estate Agents

Starting out as a new real estate agent can feel overwhelming. After all, now that you’ve gotten your real estate license, you are being tasked with running your own small business, likely for the first time.

In an effort to make the transition easier, we’ve created this list of essential tips for beginner real estate agents. Read them over to give you a better idea of how to get your real estate business off the ground, begin lead generation, and find potential clients quickly.

Beginner real estate agents: 5 tips for getting started

1. Find a mentor and build strong relationships.

Our first tip for building strong relationships is to find a mentor who has been successfully working in the business. Reach out to experienced real estate agents or mentors in your area and ask for recommendations on networking events. They may have insights into valuable gatherings you might not be aware of.

While you are looking for a good mentor, you’ll want to:

• Attend local networking events, community gatherings, and industry conferences to meet potential clients and other professionals
• Create a strong online presence through social media platforms. Engage with your audience by sharing valuable content and participating in discussions
• Consider joining local business groups or chambers of commerce to expand your network beyond the real estate industry

If you have trouble finding a mentor, you can invest in a real estate coach on a one-on-one basis. Be sure to check out their ratings and ask for references.

2. Join a real estate team.

If finding someone who can personally mentor you about the real estate market is too difficult, you can always consider joining a real estate team. In real estate, a team is a group of agents who work together and share commissions. Typically, teams are headed by a more experienced agent. Then, each real estate agent under the team leader is given a specific role to fulfill.

Typically, you might see a team that includes buyers agents, listing coordinators, and licensed assistants. However, each team is run in its own manner and may have its own structure.

When you’re first starting out, joining the team can be a great way to get started in the industry without having to deal with the stress of running your own business. Put simply, you can rely on your team members to help you learn as you go along.

3. Tap your current contacts and continually grow your network.

If there’s one thing that every real estate agent needs to feel comfortable doing, it’s networking. In this case, your family and friends will likely end up being your first clients. With that in mind, as soon as you join the real estate business, you’re going to want to make sure that everyone in your immediate circle knows about your new career.

While it’s one thing to make new business cards and to update your LinkedIn profile, it’s another to make sure that you come to the forefront of your family and friend’s minds when they think about buying or selling a home.

You’ll also want to use online and offline forums to grow your network, consider:

• Meetup: Visit meetup.com and search for real estate or business networking events in your local area. You can filter events based on your interests and location
• Eventbrite: Explore eventbrite.com for real estate networking events near you. This platform allows you to search for events, view details, and register online
• Joining local and national real estate associations such as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) or your state’s real estate association. These organizations regularly host networking events, conferences, and workshops.
• Check with local chambers of commerce, business associations, or economic development organizations. They often organize networking events that bring together professionals from various industries, including real estate

Particularly when you are first starting out in the real estate business, you’re going to want to take every opportunity to let your network know that you are in the business and ready to work. You should absolutely not hesitate to ask your connections for referrals.

4. Invest in marketing efforts.

Unfortunately, though, not every transaction that you do will be a referral. To that end, it’s important to step up your marketing game when you are trying to get your business off the ground and find prospective buyers. Ideally, you should try a mix of approaches, including the following:

• Cold calling: Calling people on the phone and asking if they are looking to buy or sell their home in the near future
• Direct mailing: Mailing people a postcard or letter that advertises your services
• Email drip campaigns: Building an email list and sending subscribers curated emails to get them ready to use your services
• Social media marketing: Maintaining a dedicated social media presence for your business is key for any digital marketing strategy
• Content marketing: Blogging or otherwise creating content that home buyers or sellers will find useful and will help drive them toward your website and increase lead generation

5. Stay motivated. Pace yourself.

As a new real estate agent, staying motivated and finding the right pace can feel like mastering a tightrope walk. Here are some tips to help you achieve both:

Mindset & Motivation:

• Remember your “why”: Remind yourself why you chose real estate in the first place. Whether it’s financial freedom, building a legacy, or helping people find their dream home, keep that goal at the forefront.
• Celebrate small wins: Don’t wait for the big sale to pop the champagne. Every lead generated, successful open house, or client connection is a step closer to your goals. Celebrate these milestones to keep your spirits high.
• Visualize success: Take time to envision yourself achieving your goals. See yourself closing deals, smiling clients, and building a thriving business. This mental visualization can fuel your motivation.
• Embrace the learning curve: Real estate is a constant learning journey. Embrace new challenges, attend training sessions, and network with experienced agents. Growth fosters excitement and keeps you energized.
• Seek inspiration: Listen to podcasts, read books by successful agents, and follow inspiring personalities in the industry. Their stories and strategies can spark new ideas and reignite your passion.

Pacing & Productivity:

• Set realistic goals: Don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to become the top agent overnight. Start with achievable goals like making a certain number of calls or attending X open houses per week. Celebrate reaching them and gradually increase the difficulty.
• Create a daily schedule: Structure your day to include essential tasks like lead generation, networking, client follow-up, and marketing. This will help you stay focused and avoid procrastination.
• Learn to say no: While every lead is valuable, prioritize activities that align with your goals and skills. Don’t hesitate to politely decline tasks that drain your energy without offering significant return.
• Take breaks and recharge: The real estate hustle can be relentless. Schedule time for self-care, hobbies, and activities you enjoy. A refreshed mind and body are more productive and resilient.
• Connect with your network: Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you and understand the challenges of your new career. Sharing your journey with others can boost your morale and offer valuable insights.

Remember, success in real estate is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself, celebrate your progress, and stay true to your “why.” With hard work, dedication, and the right mindset, you can build a fulfilling and rewarding career in this dynamic field.