There is no secret to the topic of what to know about being a real estate agent. Your success depends on you, how well you plan, and how you set yourself apart. The reality, especially in residential real estate, is that you might have to work weekends. Be fearless; a career in real estate is rewarding. 

You Decide How Successful You Are  

One of the questions to ask about a real estate career is how successful do I want to be? But what is success for you? Is it just financial, to sell as many properties as possible? Is success finding clients the homes they love, not just like? 

When you start working as a real estate agent, and decide to work for yourself, you are essentially an entrepreneur. You are ultimately responsible for the success of your business. If you are part of a small team or a larger firm, the choice to be successful can be influenced by external factors.

One way to start on the road to success is to find a mentor, ideally one with a number of years’ experience in real estate . The purpose of a mentor is to guide you on your career path and give advice when needed. Another way to success is the decision to be different. To learn from your mistakes, be a leader, know yourself, and don’t be afraid to take action when needed.     

You’re Going to Need a Plan   

The best real estate careers are built on planning. While you are studying for your Utah Sales Agent Pre-License online course, start setting business goals. Develop a business plan that includes a marketing plan, and once you start working, adapt the plans. What must these goals look like?

  • Clearly defined and uncomplicated
  • Set a short-term and long-term strategy for your business
  • Ambitious and achievable.

To set these business goals, you must evaluate your business, what you want to achieve. Analyzing your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) is helpful.

Strengths. What is working in your business?

Weaknesses. What needs to change in your business?

Opportunities. What are the factors that can help your business grow?

Threats. What are the challenges to your business success?

You May Have to Work Some Weekends

The reality of a realtor career is that you may have to work on weekends, especially when you specialize in residential real estate. People look for homes during their free time, generally in the evening and over weekends. And they expect their real estate agent to be available for meetings, showings, and open houses. 

When you work hours that are different from standard business hours, communication and planning are a necessity. Sometimes you will have to say no to a family member or a client. Due to showings over weekends, you might not be available for a family event. Or you might not be available to a client on a date and time they want. Saying no takes practice but is part of a successful real estate career.   

You Need to Set Yourself Apart

Things to know about a real estate career is that you need to set yourself apart. One of the ways to do so is to build a personal brand by promoting your skills and reputation through websites, networking, and social media. You essentially create your digital business card. One benefit of building a personal brand is that you are deemed an expert in your field.

If building a personal brand is not for you, there are other ways to stand out. Become a member of a professional real estate organization where you can network and get credible information. Read widely and do more than the required real estate continuing education (CE) courses. Be an active member of your community and share your expertise free of charge where appropriate. 

When you do the Utah Sales Agent Pre-License Online Course through the Institute of Real Estate Education, we share things to know as a real estate agent. We also offer mandatory, core, and elective topics for your continuing education (CE). Are you wondering what to know about being a real estate agent? Contact us today.