Most real estate agents
dream of becoming successful. However, not all are lucky to achieve this dream.
To succeed in real estate, you need to have a good network, work hard and
combine this with excellent customer skills. Most real estate agents opt to do
real estate on a part time basis while also doing other businesses.
The real estate industry is Kenya is constantly
changing and we need to find
ways as agents to go an extra mile in order to stay
current and ahead of the competition. Nowadays, customers are more informed and expect
their agents to deliver top
notch experiences. If you are not up to date on the
latest trends and technologies, you
will end up making very few sales and disappointing your customers. To ensure you
succeed, the tips below are invaluable give your
business the edge it deserves.
1. Have expert local
knowledge: when selling land and
any property, you need to have an in depth understanding of the local market.
As the saying goes, real estate is local. Within your area of expertise,
understand how prices have been moving in the neighbourhood, upcoming
development, government initiatives that are coming and any initiatives by the
county governments. Buyers are quick to judge if you have the right experience
and lack of it can be a deal breaker. Additionally, this additional information
that you provide to customers can determine if they will buy a property or not.
2. Set Goals: Most real estate agents do not set goals. It
is important to set goals so that you have a way to track and measure progress
on whether you are in the right track. If you review and see you are not on the
right track, then you can make the necessary changes. When setting goals, be as
specific as possible. E.g. if you need to network, have a specific goal like join a networking group for real estate. For the number of sales, have an
estimated goal of total sales you plan to make and the commission you intend to
make. Be very deliberate about what you really need to achieve within the year
and have the same in writing. Sett goals for yourself or your company that are specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and time-bound. While this does not guarantee success, it sure
helps you get close.
3. Be Tech
Savvy: To succeed, you need to be
up to date and using the latest technology. This includes apps, social media, devices, software, and other tools to help you stay ahead of the competition. Ensure that you buy enough data bundles so that you
are always available online. Data helps you also in your research. Use
technology to help you understand how
to utilize social media and digital marketing tools. You can maintain your online presence using posting
on social media, LinkedIn and having a well-done website. Understand
technology and utilize it to find multiple
ways of generating leads.
4. Networking: - Ability to network with other real estate agents is
just as important as ability to interact with customers. Have a network of
customers who rely on you for their real estate transactions. These customers
will form the basis of getting referrals for your business. remember, being a
real estate agent is not all about buying and selling of property. You need to
also have a network of other professionals like surveyors, contractors,
conveyancing lawyers who you can always work with as needed.
5. Tenacity: -Most customers will love you if you show tenacity.
Whenever something needs to be done, follow-up quickly on action points. If you
needed to send options like houses for sale, do it as soon as possible. In case
you need to have any documents cleared with county governments, have this done
quickly. Remember it's not only about speed of doing things. Its putting the
extra effort and going the extra mile. Work smart and always find ways to help
customers overcome challenges so that they know they have peace of mind.
6. Believe in
Yourself: - You need to believe in
yourself so that clients can believe in you. If you show hesitation, you
will be unable to inspire trust and confidence from your customers. If you make
excuses every time, this can be interpreted as a red flag and lead to potential
clients looking elsewhere for another agent.
7. Respond
Promptly: as an agent, you need
to reply promptly in case you want to show yourself as a reliable agent. When
enquiries come through from customers, be on top of the same. In case you need
more time, kindly alert the customer of this. Remain reachable on communication
avenues whether on text message, phone calls, emails, text messages, or social media.
8. Be Professional: - Maintain a professional appearance. Be well groomed
and show professionalism. Have a business card
so you can easily give it to potential clients. In case you need to have an office, ensure you have one that looks
professional. Also ensure your name on social media pages is professional.
Business relies a lot on how you have branded yourself. So, if you want to be
taken seriously, show professionalism and that way you will betaken seriously and will
help in getting referrals from people.
9. Passion: - You need to show an ability to go the extra mile to
obtain properties for your customers within
their budget and preferences. Real estate is tough. To
avoid becoming frustrated, you need to have a passion for real estate. This
passion will help you through the hard times. Good real estate agents
are enthusiastic about what they do.
10. Utilise Social Media: - As a property
agent, consider the internet your friend because, the larger your network, the
wider the number of people you will be able to reach. Social media sites
like Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, and LinkedIn are powerful tools in the hands
of a real estate agent.
11. Make your Health and Wellness
Priority: -With all the running around
needed in real estate, you need to be fit. Always
have a strong baseline of health by getting enough sleep, exercising, and
valuing nutrition, that would give the energy or inclination to tackle another
day.
Many new real estate agents never make it
through their first two years. Knowing when to pursue new tactics will
help you create a successful real estate career. We hope the above tips help.