Make Sure Word Gets Around
First of all, you need to make sure that you have a great social influence and that word gets around about you being a real estate agent. When people find someone that they are impressed with, they tell others. So, you need to make sure that your name is getting around by word of mouth. Not only should friends and previous clients be saying your name, but even those who are in the industry, such as a real estate broker should be saying your name. If you are not making an impact on others in the business and previous clients, then you are not going to be successful as an agent. This is very important if you are going to get business from consumers who are interested in selling or purchasing real estate.
Have Influence in Your Market
It's also very important that you have influence in your market as a real estate agent. Often people pick their agents just from seeing them so often in the market place. Make sure that you have plenty of signage up, and work to get signs up in great neighborhoods. If you have no influence in the market, consumers are not going to be convinced that you are a great option for their needs and they may turn somewhere else, such as to real estate for sale by owner, instead of going through you for the help that they need.
Develop a Great Reputation
When you are working with consumers, especially as a real estate broker or a real estate agent, then it's very important that you develop a great reputation. Reputation is not only going to be word of mouth, but it can also involve your reputation on the web as well if you happen to have a website. Consumers want to know a variety of different things about you. A great reputation should show that you have knowledge in the market, experience working with real estate, that you are established as an agent, and that you work well with consumers. Having a great reputation can carry you a long way towards success.
Ensure that Clients are Comfortable with You
If you are going to be successful as a real estate agent, then your clients need to be comfortable with you. You need to make sure that they will be comfortable with you on a personal level, since you'll be working with them for some time if you are going to be their agent. Do everything you can to make consumers feel comfortable. Be personable, take time with them, and show that you really are concerned about their best interests.
Always Be Honest with Clients
Honesty with consumers is imperative. Consumers want to know that you will tell them the truth, always be straightforward, and respect any wishes that they have. This means that you should also be very honest about your priorities and your workload as well. Not being honest with consumers can ruin your reputation and your career as a real estate broker or agent.
Tips for Being an Active Listener with Clients
Actively listening to your clients as a real estate agent is one of the most important things you can to, in order to make sure that you both get the most out of your meetings. In order to make sure you are listening actively, here are a few tips to help you be a more active listening with your clients.
- Tip #1 - Don't Act Preoccupied - First of all, you should not be acting preoccupied. Sure, as a real estate agent you probably have a lot on your plate, but you have to take the time to concentrate on what the client you are working with right now is saying to you. Don't let the rest of your business keep you from really listening.
- Tip #2 - Don't Interrupt - You should not be interrupting your client either. Active listening includes you letting them say what they have to say. Then you can talk. Don't interrupt them. It will be frustrating and can ruin your reputation.
- Tip #3 - Ask Questions - As you are working to listen to the client, make sure that you ask questions. Reflect back through questions what your clients are saying so you are sure that you understand and they realize that you are really listening to them.
- Tip #4 - Take Notes - Take the time to write down some notes. Since you are busy, you may need to refer to them later. Also, if you are taking notes while you are listening, it shows that you really care about the information.
