New Agent Bootcamp
So…. you’re thinking about getting your real estate license? Or maybe, you’re fresh off the North Carolina licensing exam. Either way, congratulations are in order! Real estate can be one of the most rewarding (and challenging) careers in the market. We love the versatility offered by obtaining this certification. To help you create your game plan for joining the industry, we assembled a few helpful pointers you don’t want to forget:
Interview brokerages to find the right fit - don’t forget that YOU get to pick where you work! Make sure you take your time to compare desk fees, training opportunities, agent culture, and resources provided.
Find a mentor who will allow you to learn from them. A worthwhile trade might be hosting open houses or providing transaction coordination in return for valuable guidance and experience.
Get in a routine of constant learning - some of our favorite resources are podcasts, the NCREC weekly bulletins, and training courses offered at the local board of realtors or MLS!
Create a non-brokerage related e-mail. That new brokerage you just joined? It may or may not be home forever. Make sure your data and contacts are portable.
Interview partners in the industry (attorneys, lenders, inspectors, etc.) to get a well-rounded view of how a transaction works. Not to mention, these are the people that can make or break the deal!
Create a budget (and stick to it!). Not only will you likely need to pay a monthly fee to your brokerage, but you’ll have marketing costs, board dues, and a need to pay your own bills. Outline this up front and adjust accordingly.
Network, network, network. Sometimes it’s not what you know, it’s WHO you know - AND how you make them feel. There’s no replacement for genuine care.
SCHEDULE your post licensing classes. The last thing you want is to lose that license you worked so hard for, just because you got busy “doing the work.”
Decide how you will stay organized - electronically or paper. Making this commitment can help you keep up with thoughts and ideas - and never miss following up with a valuable client or opportunity!
Surround yourself with encouragement and positive people. There are daunting statistics out there about how many folks quit real estate within their first few years. Keep good energy around you.
And, bonus tip - call Atlas Orange when you need help with your first closing! That’s our specialty. ;)
