Oh, Real Estate!
Welcome to the world of real estate—an industry often glamorized by reality TV shows, where dreams of driving fancy cars and living in high-rise condos seem within reach. But let’s be real: it's not as easy as it looks! In this blog, I'll share the essential lessons I wish I had known when I began my journey in real estate.
My Background
I started my career in Augusta, GA, a city known for its prestigious golf tournament and as the hometown of the legendary James Brown. Growing up, I juggled jobs as a waitress and bartender, working countless late-night shifts while bills piled up. College wasn't for me—despite my Papa’s unwavering belief that I would make a fantastic real estate agent. His success in the industry served as a powerful source of motivation as I set out to carve my own path.
Back in his day, house-hunting involved flipping through a binder of MLS listings—can you imagine? Fast forward to today, I had no clue what I was getting into. All I knew was that I wanted to escape the late-night grind. So, I took the last $500 I had, enrolled in classes, and jumped in headfirst. Little did I know, this journey would feel like cramming a year’s worth of law school into a few months! With my hospitality background and limited college experience, I lacked a structured study method. It was tough, but I persevered and finally obtained my license after five attempts. I still remember that cloudy day driving to Macon, stopping at an old country store by the river, taking off my shoes, and feeling that today was my day. And then, boom! 💥 I passed!
Here Are Some Essentials You Should Know:
1. Find a Good Broker
Look for a mentor who genuinely has your back. Ask questions and keep the lines of communication open. I was lucky—my first broker had worked closely with my Papa and was always there to guide me. Take your time and do your research; the right broker can make all the difference.
2. Get Your Financials Right
This is crucial! I wish I had organized my finances better for tax season right from the start. A messy financial situation can lead to headaches down the road. Invest in a trustworthy CPA—they're worth every penny.
3. Mindset Matters
I can’t stress this enough: if your mindset isn’t right, neither will your business be. A strong mindset inspires trust. Clients can sense your confidence (or lack thereof). Remember, you’re the pilot guiding them through one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives. A book that impacted my journey is "Change your Brain Change your Life." Dr. Amen is a neuropsychiatrist who thoroughly explores the concept of mindset.
4. Implement a CRM
A Customer Relationship Management system is essential for managing your network. You can start simply with an Excel spreadsheet. Structure is key! Collect names, phone numbers, birthdays, addresses, and emails. Staying engaged with your contacts keeps you top of mind. If you're ready to invest, consider platforms like Bold Trail or Boomtown for effective relationship management and follow-ups.
5. Professional Communication
Make eye contact, be intentional, and communicate directly. Standing tall and offering a firm handshake can change how people perceive and treat you—it goes a long way! Also, look into the concept of "mirroring" to build rapport; people are naturally drawn to those they like and trust. “Presentation Ready” by Terri Sjodin was a game changer for me.
These insights are just a glimpse into what I wish I had known when I started in this exciting industry. If I can do it, so can you! Remember, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! If you found value in my blog and want to stay updated, subscribe to my newsletter for the latest market data and insights.
---Disclosure StatementAs a real estate agent and writer of this blog, I want to be transparent with my readers. This blog contains affiliate links to products and services offered on Amazon. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.Please note that I only recommend products and services that I believe will be beneficial to my readers. My opinions are based on my experience and research, and I aim to provide valuable insights into real estate and related topics.
Comments