Being new to the business means the ability to introduce a new perspective on an “older” industry. However, us “newbies” would be remised if we overlooked the years of experience and the wealth of knowledge that can be tapped into from those that have been in the business for long enough to deem them “experts”.
I am fortunate to not only work alongside and be mentored by a very influential REALTOR® in both organized real estate and in my community, but I also have a plethora of industry experts to turn to when I need advice. It may not seem like much but these are the nuggets of wisdom that I have found valuable in my business thus far:
Always listen to your clients.
Even though you may think you know what your clients “need” it may not necessarily be what they want. A long time industry leader in my community told me early on that I should write down every last detail of our initial conversation, as you will always have it to refer to. This way when you’re struggling to remember if they hated pools or loved them – you can look back and continue being the stellar communicator that you market yourself to be!
However, you can always be creative with the information they give you. A buyer may say that something is a definite MUST HAVE and you show them every house on the market that offers this, only to find out that they may over look the lack of it if the home or offer meets every other criteria and gives them an added bonus. And the golden rule when it comes to clients – when a client calls or emails you, it is in your best interest to respond as promptly as possible because they will quickly overstep you to find their answer from someone else.
Tap into and use the knowledge from your colleagues.
It has never steered me wrong to approach a fellow REALTOR® who has been around the block a few times to bounce a problem or run an offer by them or find out history on a home. They always have a tid bit of information or gem of wisdom to impart. I leave feeling better prepared for my clients. However, I have learned in the last few years that this philosophy works both ways. Veteran REALTORS® have told me that they are able to gain just as much information from chatting to us as we are with them. Being fresh out of school may mean a heightened knowledge on new rules and regulations and also new technology and marketing techniques. Also, make a point to be in the office even when you are not meeting a client, covering a duty time or using the copier. By just being in the office you are able to listen for potential new listings, a complicated buyer that would be perfect for your hard to sell listing or just banter over the newest RECO case. This helps to keep you up to date on your market and therefore better service your clients.
Find a healthy work/life balance that meets your needs and those of your family’s.
In this business it is very easy to become obsessed with that new listing, new buyer or new marketing plan and quickly become isolated from those that support you and help grow your business. By stepping away, you may gain a fresh perspective when you return and have the energy needed to tackle that tough file that earlier may have sent you heading for the classified section. It was my own mentor that said – being out in the public is where business happens. Even with all of today’s technology this will remain a “people business”, no matter how much texting, tweeting or tagging we do.
Love what you do every day.
Source: tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest
Clients notice when you’re just going through the motions. A friend and colleague told me that when you love what you do it shows and gives you passion for your industry and the proper incentives to finish that transaction.
I am sure that everyone reading this blog has had a mentor or some form of a “go-to” real estate expert that they have learned invaluable industry tools from. This information cannot be taught in a textbook, it is formed by pure experience and years of tackling the daily in’s and out’s of this business and living to tell the tale.
Jennifer Aunger, Vice-Chair, OREA YPN Committee & Guest Blogger
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