Advice For New Agents
Realtor · Los Angeles · Member since 2021 · 21 posts · 12 votes
Advice For New Agents
Most Popular Reply
Michelle CrochetBusiness Member
Realtor · Burbank, CA · Member since 2019 · 81 posts · 62 votesHi Joshua! I agree with all of the comments here. Here are some additional notes:
My number one tip for you is to focus on building relationships with people. Real estate is a people business, and the more people you know and build relationships with, the more opportunities you'll have to grow your business.
Here are a few more tips:
-Attend local networking events and introduce yourself to people
-Reach out to your friends and family and let them know you're a real estate agent
-Offer to host a seminar or workshop on home buying or selling
Remember, building relationships takes time and effort, but it's worth it in the long run. Good luck, Joshua!
17 Replies
- Investor · UT · Member since 2021 · 53 posts · 20 votes3y
Congrats on making it this far! I am in the same boat being a newer agent. So I'll share two quick stories that may help in your journey as it has helped me.
One, I had no idea what broker I wanted to be apart of. Thankfully I had a good friend who showed me the company who he's with. I gained immediate support and have continued (key word continue) to receive such support. So, find an awesome team to work with, it's a great way to hit the ground running and have mentors at your side.
Two, recently I have immersed myself in the Bigger Pockets podcast. As I have listened a lot to David Greene I have learned what investors say agents aren't doing and what they would like them to do. That is helping me to become the best agent, to become the "1% Agent"! So try to immerse yourself in real estate content.
I would be happy to connect and keep chatting if you would like to :) Good luck!
- 3yErik EstradaBusiness MemberLender · Member since 2022 · 6k+ posts · 1k+ votes
Quote from @Joshua Acosta:
Hello everyone,
I'm a new agent here in Los Angeles looking to network and chat with all of you.
What advice can anyone give to new agents, where to get started, how to lead generate, etc. Thank you in advance!
Focus on a niche and dominate it.
If the goal is listings, be strategic on the properties you door knock, (IE owners that have lived there for 30 + years, have second or third mortgages, are delinquent in taxes, or anything that gives reason to sell.
If the goal is buyers, Open houses, your sphere, and forums like this are key.
Learn about lending so you can guide your clients in the right direction. And be up to date on programs, or laws that will save homeowners or buyers $.
LuxePrivate Investments LLC 572 Reviews - 3yMichelle CrochetBusiness MemberRealtor · Burbank, CA · Member since 2019 · 81 posts · 62 votes
Hi Joshua! I agree with all of the comments here. Here are some additional notes:
My number one tip for you is to focus on building relationships with people. Real estate is a people business, and the more people you know and build relationships with, the more opportunities you'll have to grow your business.
Here are a few more tips:
-Attend local networking events and introduce yourself to people
-Reach out to your friends and family and let them know you're a real estate agent
-Offer to host a seminar or workshop on home buying or selling
Remember, building relationships takes time and effort, but it's worth it in the long run. Good luck, Joshua!
- New to Real Estate · Chattanooga, TN · Member since 2023 · 5 posts · 4 votes3y
Soon to be agent here.
I am new to my city, Chattanooga, and have been putting networking and relationship building at the top of my priorities. One thing I have found incredibly valuable for me so far is searching for in person meetups in my city using Facebook and Meetup. There are a ton of different groups that meet regularly that I have been attending to expand my sphere. I am sure in LA there are tons of group meets to attend.
- 3yAdrienne RammohanPro MemberInvestor · Washington, DC · Member since 2022 · 121 posts · 143 votes
All incredible strategies that have already been laid out. My best advice for new agents is always remember that it's ok to say "What a great question. I don't know the answer to that, and I'll find it out and get back to you."
So many times I see new agents in the marketplace who are "afraid to look like a new agent", so they pretend to be an expert and provide incorrect information to a client. We all started out as new. Study the market, don't assume your office is going to teach you everything (this is YOUR business so do your own research!), and have fun. Lead generation is part of everyday--so make sure you choose strategies that you don't dread because then your "business" is going to feel an awful lot like a job!! - Real Estate Broker · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2023 · 38 posts · 37 votes3y
Welcome Joshua!
I have been training agents and managing a brokerage for quite some time now, and I've noticed that many new agents often fall prey to avoidable pitfalls. I’ve found the following pieces of advice to be key to new agent success:
- Develop a solid plan and stick to it. Create a business plan that works for you and commit to it. Many agents begin with a lead program, their sphere of influence (SOI), or a combination of tactics, only to abandon them after 3-6 months. Avoid pivoting in your first year unless necessary, as changes in your business plan, brokerage, or location can halt your momentum.
- Understand and respect timelines. Most clients won't transact until 6-12 months after providing their information. You will likely need to work an additional 2-3 months to develop and hone the proper skill set and nurture campaigns for each program. It's crucial to be patient and allow for the proper nurturing time. Consistently switching strategies, such as from Facebook leads to cold calling, restarts the learning curve, and hinders your progress. Instead, A/B test everything and work to improve, not abandon.
- Consistency is key. How you handle one task reflects is how you handle everything. For example, if your database cannot rely on you for timely newsletters, they likely won't trust you with their financial decisions. I recommend "The Compound Effect" by Darren Hardy and "The Talent Code" by Daniel Coyle.
- Consider joining a team for 1-3 years. This experience allows you to learn from their methods, build your business with their leads, and ask for referrals to expand your network. Analyze what the team does well and identify areas for improvement that you can implement in your biz when you go solo.
- Show results before asking your SOI for business. People want to be part of a success story, and they will likely observe you from a distance initially. Demonstrate your achievements before reaching out to your SOI to increase your conversion rates. Asking for business after a few successful deals communicates confidence and capability, whereas asking without experience may come across as desperation.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
PS. The Inman news conferences have been great places to get outside of industry groupthink. They bring thousands of agents together from all different RE brands. I'd encourage you to check them out.
- Realtor · 08844 · Member since 2023 · 2 posts · 3 votes3y
Hey Josh,
As a fairly new agent myself I can relate. As a new agent, we are bombarded with shiny objects to chase and it can be overwhelming. There is a lot of great info shared in the thread.
My strategy was to niche down. I picked a market segment that fit my personality and wrote a basic business plan on how I was going to work my plan. This is important as being an agent means you are self employed and you need to have a plan to stay that way. As was mentioned, SOI will get you rolling. Staying consistent to your plan keeps you focused and your support system around you keeps you accountable.
I would be happy to connect as well.
- 3yMackaylee BeachPro MemberReal Estate Agent · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 492 votes
Congrats Josh and welcome to BP!
Stay consistent and don't give up.
Never stop learning - The market is always changing. BP has lots of great tools to offer and help expand your knowledge.
Best of luck on your new endeavors!
- Realtor · Los Angeles · Member since 2021 · 21 posts · 12 votes3y
Quote from @Mackaylee Beach:
Congrats Josh and welcome to BP!
Stay consistent and don't give up.
Never stop learning - The market is always changing. BP has lots of great tools to offer and help expand your knowledge.
Best of luck on your new endeavors!
Thank you so much for your kind words. I will definitely use BP as resource. Much appreciated!
- Realtor · Los Angeles · Member since 2021 · 21 posts · 12 votes3y
Quote from @Warren Moser:
Hey Josh,
As a fairly new agent myself I can relate. As a new agent, we are bombarded with shiny objects to chase and it can be overwhelming. There is a lot of great info shared in the thread.
My strategy was to niche down. I picked a market segment that fit my personality and wrote a basic business plan on how I was going to work my plan. This is important as being an agent means you are self employed and you need to have a plan to stay that way. As was mentioned, SOI will get you rolling. Staying consistent to your plan keeps you focused and your support system around you keeps you accountable.
I would be happy to connect as well.
This is something I've been trying to figure out. Which niche I should tackle. I never thought about finding one that fits my personality. I will keep that in my mind. I've never wrote a business plan before or started a business. Definitely challenging, nonetheless that's the thrilling aspect of it all. Thank you for you advice.
- Realtor · Los Angeles · Member since 2021 · 21 posts · 12 votes3y
Quote from @Chris Evans:
Welcome Joshua!
I have been training agents and managing a brokerage for quite some time now, and I've noticed that many new agents often fall prey to avoidable pitfalls. I’ve found the following pieces of advice to be key to new agent success:
- Develop a solid plan and stick to it. Create a business plan that works for you and commit to it. Many agents begin with a lead program, their sphere of influence (SOI), or a combination of tactics, only to abandon them after 3-6 months. Avoid pivoting in your first year unless necessary, as changes in your business plan, brokerage, or location can halt your momentum.
- Understand and respect timelines. Most clients won't transact until 6-12 months after providing their information. You will likely need to work an additional 2-3 months to develop and hone the proper skill set and nurture campaigns for each program. It's crucial to be patient and allow for the proper nurturing time. Consistently switching strategies, such as from Facebook leads to cold calling, restarts the learning curve, and hinders your progress. Instead, A/B test everything and work to improve, not abandon.
- Consistency is key. How you handle one task reflects is how you handle everything. For example, if your database cannot rely on you for timely newsletters, they likely won't trust you with their financial decisions. I recommend "The Compound Effect" by Darren Hardy and "The Talent Code" by Daniel Coyle.
- Consider joining a team for 1-3 years. This experience allows you to learn from their methods, build your business with their leads, and ask for referrals to expand your network. Analyze what the team does well and identify areas for improvement that you can implement in your biz when you go solo.
- Show results before asking your SOI for business. People want to be part of a success story, and they will likely observe you from a distance initially. Demonstrate your achievements before reaching out to your SOI to increase your conversion rates. Asking for business after a few successful deals communicates confidence and capability, whereas asking without experience may come across as desperation.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
PS. The Inman news conferences have been great places to get outside of industry groupthink. They bring thousands of agents together from all different RE brands. I'd encourage you to check them out.
This is really helpful information. Set things into perspective. Really appreciate you taking the time to reply and help out us newer agents. Best Regards!
- Realtor · Los Angeles · Member since 2021 · 21 posts · 12 votes3y
Quote from @Andrew Schlemmer:
Soon to be agent here.
I am new to my city, Chattanooga, and have been putting networking and relationship building at the top of my priorities. One thing I have found incredibly valuable for me so far is searching for in person meetups in my city using Facebook and Meetup. There are a ton of different groups that meet regularly that I have been attending to expand my sphere. I am sure in LA there are tons of group meets to attend.
Hey Andrew, good luck with your studies and the exam. You got this!! I will note what you said and look for meet ups. On my to do list!
- Lender · 92703 · Member since 2022 · 326 posts · 538 votes3y
Congrats Joshua! Happy to connect with you I'm in orange county and we host monthly RE meetups in Anaheim where you meet other like minded people. New and experienced investors are welcomed. No need to be and investor to come by but its a good place to meet other realtors as well to connect adn ask them for some tips on how to succeed in this Real estate market. Dm if interested and I'll send you our link.
- Member since 2018 · 4 posts · 1 vote3y
Just got passed my RE license and not even sure what brokerage to go with. Any recommendations? In the Orange County Area. Thx Joshua for creating this thread.
- Realtor · Los Angeles · Member since 2021 · 21 posts · 12 votes3y
Quote from @Andrew T. Nguyen:
Just got passed my RE license and not even sure what brokerage to go with. Any recommendations? In the Orange County Area. Thx Joshua for creating this thread.
Congratulations on getting your license! Anytime, just hoping this brings value to agents looking for assistance out there.
Research different brokerages, interview them well, I went for a brokerage that has a good reputation and provides good training for those getting into the field
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