Here at BHHS Homesale Realty, we understand that starting out in the real estate business presents a lot of unexpected challenges. That's why we make every effort to help our new agents along the way, which includes avoiding some of the most common obstacles that new agents face. 

Mistakes to Avoid as a New Agent

With your new real estate license in hand, you're driven, determined,and ready to strike out into the real estate world and make a name for yourself. That desire to be successful is healthy, but there are some things you should know.

The first thing to understand is that most real estate agents don't quite make it. Some studies suggest that 93% of the deals are done by only 7% of the agents. It's a shocking statistic, but one you can learn. To get your career off on the right track, start by avoiding these six common mistakes that new agents often make:

1. Not having a plan. Going by your gut has its place, but you need more than that if you want to succeed. You need a plan. Real estate is as much a mathematics and analytics game as anything else, and you need to have a plan that consists of defining your goals, performing a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats), and defining your marketing plan.
   
   
2. Not utilizing social media. From sharing online listings to promoting your own personal brand--always assume your clients will check you out on Facebook--social media has reshaped the way real estates do business. Failing to harness the power of social media is a major rookie mistake.
   
   
3. Failing to communicate. Clients don't always go with the agent who has the most experience or can get them the best price; they often choose the agent with which they have a good relationship. And that relationship can go south in a hurry if you don't communicate well. Always respond to clients promptly, listen carefully to their needs, provide all the relevant information they need, and let them know that they are a priority.
   
   
4. Burning out. Being a real estate agent isn't the kind of job that starts at 9 am and ends at 5 pm. You don't always get to "switch off" on evenings and weekends. That's the nature of the job, and there's nothing wrong with that, but it is essential to find a way to block out time for yourself and your loved ones; otherwise, you risk burning out.
   
   
5. Not building relationships with other agents. While it might seem natural to view other real estate agents as your competition, that's not a very healthy or helpful outlook. So much of the real estate business is about networking and making personal connections, and that includes building strong relationships with your fellow agents.
   
   
6. Missing the big picture. The fact is, not every negotiation will turn into a deal, not every deal will turn into a sale, and not every sale will turn into a happy customer. Things happen, and mistakes get made. The key is to learn from those mistakes and focus on your long-term goals. 

Why Homesale Realty

BHHS Homesale Realty is a leader in the Baltimore and South Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania real estate markets. We offer top-of-the-line training and the tools and support you need to succeed in your real estate career.

Contact BHHS Homesale Realty today to learn more about how to become a real estate agent with BHHS Homesale Realty.