Night after night of endless studying, and you’ve finally passed your real estate license. Looking to hit the ground running as a newly minted agent, you might be thinking ‘now what.’ There’s no shortage of things to do when you’re just getting started.
Here are 21 Things You Should Do After Getting Your Real Estate License.
Join a Brokerage
To find the right fit, you might have to interview a few brokerages before making your final decision. Be sure and consider the brokerage’s training program, ongoing education, mentorship opportunities, and commission split. To find out what Westmar Realty can do for you, contact us today.
Change Your Voicemail
After joining a brokerage, be sure to change your voicemail to reflect your new career. Be sure to list not just your name but your brokerage too.
Start Building a Database
You might know lots of people with many sitting in the contacts app on your phone, but you’ll want to build your database by starting to add people like previous colleagues, classmates, neighbours, your kid’s friend’s parent, etc.
Reach Out to Your Sphere of Influence
Your sphere (as it’s called) is a group of people upon which you have some influence just because they know you. Your sphere of influence (SOI) includes friends, family, people you do business with, club associations, etc.
Improve Your Wardrobe
If you want to be a professional, it’s probably a good idea to look like one. Research men’s or women’s capsule wardrobe to help you select high-quality items you’ll be able to mix and match.
Set Up Social Media Accounts
You can’t be all things to all people, so it might be too overwhelming to exist on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Tik Tok, etc. Consider starting with one or two social accounts as you get started.
Write a Bio
Your bio might be a prospective’s clients first introduction to who you are. Take the time to write a compelling bio and ensure it’s posted on your website, your brokerage’s website and your social media accounts.
Get Headshots
Similar to a bio, your headshot might be a client’s introduction to who you are. Good headshots are essential in offering a quick snapshot of your professionalism. Ask your colleagues to recommend a great photographer.
Draft a Budget
Your real estate course likely helped you gain a greater understanding of agency and legal matters. Still, you’re often left empty-handed when it comes to running your own business, including managing your finances. Read YNAB’s tip for budgeting to help ensure financial success.
Host an Open House
COVID-19 might’ve slowed the opportunity for open houses, but that shouldn’t stop you from offering to host virtual open houses for your colleague. Follow these tips for Virtual Open House Success.
Find a Mentor
Aligning yourself with a mentor might be among the fastest ways to expedite success in the real estate business. Speak with your managing broker to find a real estate mentor within your brokerage.
Order Lockboxes
Offering easy access for showing, you might need a few lockboxes for your future listings. Speak to your brokerage or the real estate board to order lockboxes.
Order Business Cards
An incredibly personal form of marketing, a business card is the fastest way to give your professional contact info to another person. Speak to your brokerage about ordering business cards.
Build a Website
While it might sound a little daunting, real estate websites can be simple to set up and economical. Speak to your colleagues for a referral to a website building company.
Hire an Accountant or Bookkeeper
Managing your finances might be the most crucial component of any successful real estate business. Helping to file and track GST and income tax, accountants and bookkeepers will help keep your money on track.
Set Goals
If you plan to achieve something, you should make a plan in the form of a goal. Use these tips for setting and crushing your real estate goals.
Start Networking
To remain top of mind, it’s essential to network. Connecting through recreational activities, clubs, volunteer functions, children’s activities, and networking will help you solicit more business.
Choose a Niche
Increasing your expertise within specific geographies, neighbourhoods, client types, or property types will offer incredible business benefits. Use this article to help identify your possible niche.
Order Signage
You’ll need a few for sale signs and directional arrows too. Although it might take some time to get your first listing, it’s better to have signage ordered and on-hand before you need it.
Subscribe to Podcasts
Allowing you to educate yourself while walking, jogging, or cleaning the house, real estate podcast options are endless. Here are some of the top business/real estate podcasts you should start listening to.
Refine Your Listing Presentation
Although it’ll take time (for most new agents) before landing your first listing appointment, it’s best to start practicing your listing presentation now. Here’s how you can create an unbeatable listing presentation.