How to Become the Best Real Estate Agent You Can
Embarking on the journey to become a highly successful real estate agent involves navigating a multifaceted landscape, where expertise and insights from industry leaders play a pivotal role.
In this extensive list, we’ll delve into the best tips on real estate success from distinguished experts such as Tom Ferry, Gary Keller, Kevin Ward, and myself.
If you don’t know me yet, my name is Robert Newman. You can learn more about my expertise in the digital real estate lead generation space.
Whether you’re initiating your real estate career or looking to refine existing practices, these expert-driven insights will illuminate the path on how to become a successful real estate agent.
If you truly develop yourself according to the advice in this article, success is just a matter of time.
Let’s explore the essential principles that can empower you to thrive in the dynamic and competitive real estate market.
Don’t take my word for it. Here are 10 reasons you need to focus on Google Business Profiles right now.
It’s an extremely exciting time for agents to leverage hyperlocal SEO. It can be free, generates high-quality inbound leads, and InboundREM has discovered algorithm hacks that will blow even the strongest competition out of the water.
Start the process by checking out these articles:
2. Build Confidence in Your Worthiness
Keller emphasizes the importance of self-belief. Confidence and a positive mindset are crucial for overcoming challenges, handling rejections, and building a successful real estate career.
He echoes what many highly successful people have been saying for a long time. Agents who earn their success believe in themselves. Compared to others, they think of their futures in a more limitless way.
Take a note from Keller. Fantasize about a future as a successful realtor, and remind yourself that it’s 100% possible. Because it is.
Jannatpour stresses the importance of a customer-centric approach. Building trust and prioritizing client satisfaction leads to repeat business, referrals, and a stellar reputation in the industry.
Besides being a more human way of doing business, this is also a highly effective foundation for lifelong success.
My own company, InboundREM, prides itself on having several client-first policies that the rest of the industry lacks. For example, our clients OWN their websites.
Other real estate website companies make you lease the website you paid to build, and if you end the contract, everything is lost.
Over the last years, we have grown by leaps and bounds while the rest of the industry struggles. Much of that has to do with putting our clients first.
Ward underscores the significance of effective communication and negotiation skills. Mastering the art of persuasion helps agents secure deals, build relationships, and thrive in the competitive real estate market.
Here are some of my favorite tips for winning people over.
1. Have a mutual acquaintance make an introduction.
You get the value. It’s like an “Advance to Go, Collect $200” card.
2. Give freely, and trust in the psychology of reciprocity.
That includes advice, time, and resources like our eBook, 300 Ideas to Sell Your Home Faster.
3. Discover “uncommon commonalities”.
So much of business comes down to “I (don’t) like that guy.” Don’t be contrived about finding shared interests, like some greedy sociopath.
But when you find unique ways to connect with someone, you immediately become “co-conspirators” in a way. That kind of bond makes your career more enjoyable and rewarding.
The REEA stresses the importance of incorporating technology into your work. They are really onto something.
Do you want to know something important? The real estate niche is about a decade behind in leveraging technology to get results, compared to many other industries.
Because established real estate professionals often rely on referrals, there’s a decreased pressure for the best agents to find cutting edge solutions to remain competitive.
Enter you, equipped with that information. If you want to get started on the lead generation strategies of the future, focus on:
- Hyperlocal SEO (Google Business Profiles)
- SEO-focused Real Estate Websites
- YouTube Marketing (like Neighborhood Tour videos)
- Highly Effective CRMs and lead nuturing tools (IDX Broker Review)
- AI-powered real estate email marketing tools like the Robly platform (Our Robly Review)
- InboundREM Real Estate Technology Reviews
Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on real estate technology.
Keep Updated on Real Estate Technology
SEO content marketing means providing highly-valuable, no-strings-attached content as a way of warming and capturing inbound leads. This article itself is an example.
Building an SEO-focused website takes time to get snowballing. It’s not for brand-new realtors or those who might change their career in a couple of years.
If you do have the bandwidth to invest in real estate SEO lead generation, it’s the best method to set yourself up for explosive, life-changing, long-term success.
The leads come to you already impressed, so conversion becomes far simpler. Plus, once you’ve set up this lead generation machine, it can bring a steady stream of low-maintenance leads for years to come.
I highly recommend you start with your Google Business Profile if you can’t afford a proper SEO-focused website.
Cliff emphasizes the significance of a strong listing presentation. Crafting a compelling pitch that highlights your expertise and marketing strategies can set you apart and attract potential sellers.
Blount highlights the necessity of proactive prospecting. Successful agents consistently seek new opportunities to maintain a healthy pipeline of potential clients.
Feel free to check out 60 Prospecting Ideas for Real Estate Agents.
Briscoe encourages the use of Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals. This strategic approach helps agents stay focused, motivated, and on track toward achieving long-term success.
At InboundREM, we recommend using SMART goals as part of our Real Estate Marketing Plan, Strategies, and Calendar.
Realtor Magazine emphasizes the importance of utilizing social media platforms. Establishing a strong online presence and engaging with potential clients on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn can enhance your reach and visibility.
Like Google Business Profile campaigns, social media can be a free marketing and lead generation technique.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, check out 150 Powerful Social Media Content Ideas for Real Estate Agents for fresh ideas.
Yes, I’m talking about property tours and drone videography. Properties with virtual tours have 87% more views.
But what I’m really talking about is YouTube marketing. I promise it doesn’t have to be scary, and it can easily revolutionize your business.
One of the absolute best videos you can create to generate clients is the neighborhood tour. Your face doesn’t even have to be on camera. Check out these guides to the highest-converting YouTube videos for success in real estate.
Then expand your knowledge with these guides:
- Housing Market Report Videos: Scripts, Tips, and Examples
- Real Estate Agent Bio Videos: Strategies, Tips, and Scripts
Finally, check out our complete list of YouTuber Spotlights, where I dissect the strategies used by the most successful real estate YouTube agents in the nation.
Zillow emphasizes the importance of a strong online presence. A well-crafted website, professional profiles on real estate platforms, and positive online reviews contribute to building trust with potential clients.
- 66% of real estate agents have a website.
- 63% of real estate agents use social media.
- 20% of agents claimed their Google Business Profile.
And guess what? Most of them are misinformed, underinformed, or simply not doing digital marketing well.
Digital marketing is the FUTURE of real estate, and the majority of agents are doing it poorly or not at all. That spells opportunity for you.
If you’d like to have an exciting, no-strings-attached conversation about how your online presence can skyrocket your success, click below.
Schedule a Meeting
Let’s chat about how an SEO-focused website that YOU OWN, Google Business Profile Campaigns, or Custom Email Campaigns can generate high-quality leads and exceptional long-term ROI. If my services aren’t the best move for you, I’ll gladly point you in the right direction
Realtyna Blog emphasizes the need for differentiation in marketing strategies. Agents who creatively showcase their unique value propositions and market expertise stand out in a competitive landscape.
If you can’t answer what makes you different from your competition, your clients certainly cannot either.
That leaves a very awkward pause when someone asks, “Why should we hire you?”
If you can’t answer that question at the drop of a hat, it’s time to reflect on your Unique Value Proposition.
Lesniak advises agents to specialize in a particular market or niche. Specialization establishes expertise, making it easier to stand out and attract clients looking for a specific skill set.
Check out our 50 Real Estate Niches, including a bunch of expert money-making tips to go with them.
Realtor.com emphasizes the value of honing negotiation skills. Effective negotiation can lead to favorable outcomes for both buyers and sellers, establishing an agent’s reputation and contributing to long-term success.
NAR emphasizes the importance of strategic networking. Building relationships with other real estate professionals, attending industry events, and joining relevant associations can lead to valuable partnerships and insights.
If you want to go the extra mile, one great strategy for becoming a successful realtor is hosting your own networking event. I can give two big tips if you want people to show up.
One, go for adult-friendly (aka boozy) over family-friendly. Don’t forget great food. Two, include activities to minimize the need for awkward mingling and small talk.
Inman Connect highlights the benefits of attending conferences. These events provide a platform to learn from industry leaders, stay updated on trends, and connect with like-minded professionals.
Here are some of the greatest hits:
NAREB emphasizes the value of building lasting relationships. Prioritizing client satisfaction and maintaining connections with past clients can lead to referrals and repeat business.
As you probably know, people buy a home every 5-7 years on average.
Of course, there are some families keeping their home for decades. It’s less likely you’ll come into contact with them because they aren’t searching for realtors.
So while the average American buys a house every six years, your average client will probably purchase more often.
"Treat every closing as a beginning, not an ending, and you'll find yourself becoming a more successful real estate agent."
Kendall emphasizes the power of consistent and thorough follow-up. Successful real estate agents build relationships over time, and staying connected enhances client satisfaction and referral opportunities.
BiggerPockets highlights the importance of ongoing education. Staying informed about industry trends, regulations, and best practices ensures that agents remain competitive and adaptable.
Here are some great pieces to further your educational journey:
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Real Estate Coaching Radio emphasizes the significance of active listening. Understanding clients’ needs and concerns builds trust and allows agents to tailor their approach to better meet their clients’ goals.
The average person who hasn't worked to develop good listening skills is likely to understand and retain only about 50% of any conversation, and that's immediately after the conversation. 48 hours later, average retention drops to less than 25%.
Those statistics are great reasons to always take notes and develop active listening skills. Communication is one of the most often cited skills when clients leave reviews for successful real estate agents.
Plus, active listening skills will help your non-professional relationships as well.
Kaplan Real Estate Education emphasizes the importance of understanding contracts. Proficiency in contract negotiation and interpretation ensures smooth transactions and protects clients’ interests.
Forbes highlights the need for resilience. Rejections are inherent in real estate, and agents who can bounce back, learn from setbacks, and stay motivated are more likely to achieve long-term success.
For example, we did an interview with Krista Mashore, who overcame numerous setbacks to become a Top 1% agent. Check out her inspiring story.
REBI stresses the importance of community outreach. Involvement in local events, charities, and initiatives not only benefits the community but also enhances an agent’s visibility and reputation.
In our article 60 Prospecting Tips for Real Estate Agents, we recommend becoming your “Neighborhood Mayor” along with 10 other community outreach prospecting tips.
Grant Cardone emphasizes the correlation between work ethic and success. Hard work, dedication, and a consistent effort to go above and beyond are essential for building a thriving real estate career.
In my opinion, this is directly linked to how much you enjoy being an agent. The more you love your job, the more naturally work ethic will flow. That’s key to becoming successful as a real estate agent.
Tom Ferry highlights the importance of effective communication. Keeping clients informed, setting expectations, and promptly addressing their concerns contribute to a positive client experience.
Highly successful real estate agents became that way through round-the-clock availability. It’s usually not something that can be avoided if you want to make it to the top.
Udemy emphasizes the need for innovative marketing. Real estate agents who leverage new and creative marketing strategies can capture the attention of potential clients in a crowded market.
Like I mentioned earlier, real estate professionals tend to be 10 years behind other industries in terms of leveraging technology for their success.
That’s because top-performing agents usually rely on their referral pools, making it less necessary to find innovative lead generation strategies.
Again, here are some great places to start if you want to make this fact work in your favor:
- Hyperlocal SEO (Google Business Profiles)
- SEO-focused Real Estate Websites
- YouTube Marketing (like Neighborhood Tour videos)
- Highly Effective CRMs and lead nuturing tools (IDX Broker Review)
- AI-powered real estate email marketing tools like the Robly platform (Our Robly Review)
Realtor Magazine stresses the importance of a comprehensive business plan. A clear plan outlines goals, strategies, and actions, providing a roadmap to guide an agent’s day-to-day activities and long-term success.
Ryan Serhant highlights the significance of professionalism. Presenting oneself in a professional manner, from appearance to communication, enhances an agent’s credibility and trustworthiness.
That said, you don’t necessarily need to wear a tie or heels to become a successful real estate agent.
The way you present yourself is a matter of branding that should appeal to your target clients. Some of you should wear Italian leather dress shoes, while others should wear cowboy boots.
Or as Real Estate Uncensored emphasizes the importance of adaptability. Learning from mistakes, staying open to new strategies, and adjusting to changes in the market are essential for long-term success as a realtor.
This tip is another one that speaks to becoming successful in any area.
Maybe Michael Scott says it best, “Adapt. React. Readapt. Apt.” 😂
Realtyna Blog underscores the significance of a strong online reputation. Positive reviews, testimonials, and a well-maintained online presence contribute to building trust with potential clients.
Brian Buffini’s Success Tour emphasizes the importance of setting clear work hours. Establishing boundaries helps maintain a healthy work-life balance and ensures sustained productivity.
Placester highlights the effectiveness of video content in property marketing. Using videos to showcase listings provides a dynamic and engaging way to attract potential buyers.
The Tom Ferry Podcast Experience stresses the importance of financial literacy. Real estate agents who understand financial planning can make informed decisions for their business and personal financial well-being.
The Real Estate Rookie Podcast emphasizes the impact of exceptional customer service. Satisfied clients become advocates, leading to referrals and positive word-of-mouth marketing.
Breakthrough Broker emphasizes the need for a unique value proposition. Clearly articulating what sets you apart helps potential clients understand the specific benefits of working with you.
Real Estate Rockstars Podcast highlights the impact of market timing. Being aware of market trends and strategically timing listings or purchases can lead to better outcomes for clients.
One of the greatest recent real estate agent success stories comes from Will Friedner. He timed the market perfectly and was rewarded with over 1 million views on a single video. You can read our analysis of his YouTube success.
Realtor Magazine emphasizes the value of analytics tools. Utilizing data-driven insights helps agents make informed decisions, identify market trends, and provide valuable advice to clients.
Realtor.com stresses the importance of content creation. Whether through blog posts, videos, or social media, providing informative and engaging content positions agents as experts in their field.
To blow the hair back on your prospective clients, check out these resources:
NAR emphasizes the value of referral partners. Collaborating with professionals in related industries, such as mortgage brokers or home inspectors, can broaden your network and lead to valuable referrals.
For more information on referral fees and standard referral contracts, check out our Complete Guide to Referral Fees for Real Estate Agents.
Realtyna Blog underscores the importance of compliance. Staying updated on real estate regulations ensures ethical business practices and helps agents avoid legal issues.
Kevin Ward emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to lead generation. Consistently implementing proven lead generation strategies helps agents maintain a healthy pipeline of potential clients.
Dirk Zeller stresses the importance of proactive client education. Agents who provide valuable information and guide clients through the real estate process build trust and create positive experiences.
One great thing you can do is download our free eBook 300 Ideas to Sell Your Home Faster. It will help your turnaround time while providing value to homesellers.
You can use this in any way you want. Make it a downloadable resource on your website to help collect emails. Or send it to your email list to impress prospects and warm leads. Just don’t sell it, and we don’t mind.
FREE eBook
300 Ideas to Sell Your Home Faster
Use this extensive checklist of the smartest home improvements, listing process hacks, and more to help clients and delight prospects.
To purchase a branded version of this eBook with your name and logo, reach out to aubrey@inboundrem.com.
REBI highlights the need for adaptability to technological advances. Embracing new tools and platforms ensures that agents stay competitive in an evolving real estate landscape.
Patricia Cliff emphasizes the importance of self-care. Balancing work responsibilities with personal well-being contributes to long-term success and prevents burnout.
Jeb Blount emphasizes the importance of financial discipline. Successful real estate agents manage their finances wisely, including budgeting for marketing, professional development, and unexpected expenses.
Karen Briscoe highlights the value of consistent branding. Agents who maintain a cohesive brand image across marketing materials, online presence, and interactions build trust and recognition.
Check out our 2024 Real Estate Branding Strategies and Tips for Agents. It’s the best content from interviews with 7 different experts in real estate branding.
Inman stresses the importance of continuous market research. Agents who stay informed about local market trends, property values, and economic factors can provide valuable insights to clients.
The Tom Ferry Podcast Experience emphasizes the value of mentorship. Learning from experienced mentors accelerates an agent’s learning curve, providing valuable guidance and insights.
Udemy highlights the importance of a positive mindset. Real estate agents who cultivate resilience, maintain optimism, and view challenges as opportunities for growth are better equipped to navigate the ups and downs of the industry.
How to Become a Successful Real Estate Agent
In the dynamic realm of real estate, success is not just a destination but a continual journey of growth and adaptation.
By integrating the wisdom shared by experts like Robert Newman, Gary Keller, and Kevin Ward, you can develop a holistic approach to your real estate endeavors.
Your commitment to excellence and these expert tips will undoubtedly pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career in real estate.
Schedule a Meeting
Let’s chat about how an SEO-focused website that YOU OWN, Google Business Profile Campaigns, or Custom Email Campaigns can generate high-quality leads and exceptional long-term ROI. If my services aren’t the best move for you, I’ll gladly point you in the right direction
