Advice For New Real Estate Agents

The following question was submitted to "Ask Donald Trump" by Helen G.:

I am really feeling at a loss as new agent in real estate. I have not been able to land one deal and am not sure if it’s me or what it is, for the most part. I don’t have the right people around, everyone claims they have already bought. Am I that late in the game?

This is a tough time for real estate, even for seasoned agents. Instead of becoming discouraged, use this time to learn as much as you can about what you’re doing and about the industry as a whole. Trump University has some excellent books about real estate investing and business, and you might find your interests are broader than you had thought. People will still be buying real estate, just remember that it tends to run in cycles and this is a difficult time but there are still opportunities out there. Don’t give up, just resolve to learn more and keep at it.

Some specific points to consider are: 

• Learn your area from the inside out. If you don’t know the neighborhood you’re trying to promote or sell, you are doing yourself and your clients no good. What businesses are doing well? Which aren’t? How are the schools? Playgrounds? Crime rate? The best grocery stores? Hardware stores? Restaurants? Parks? Transportation? What makes the neighborhood desirable? Undesirable? Be honest. Point out the negatives. Even desirable areas have what can be considered drawbacks. One neighborhood I know of was considered to be ‘hotel row’ even though it was apartment buildings because there were none of the typical amenities like grocery stores within a short distance. It didn’t provide anything that would make it seem like a neighborhood. To some people, that would be fine, to others, it wouldn’t. Clients are wary of a glowing report because it sounds too much like a sales pitch. Give an honest assessment. If you don’t live in the area yourself, talk to people who do.
   
• What kind of broker would you like to have? Be that kind of a broker.
   
• Build a list of potential buyers and sellers. Don’t try to sell them anything if they aren’t interested, but give thought to their needs anyway. If you can find out what people need and what they want, you will have some satisfied clients in the future.
   
• Interview electricians, plumbers, repair people, painters, landscapers, etc. Build a list of trusted vendors. Then offer to connect them to potential customers. You are building a network that will benefit everyone.

Related Posts 
The Think Big Approach
Donald Trump Will Now Take Your Questions