The Best New Year’s Resolutions for Realtors

The new year is just around the corner, so it’s an exciting time to plan and strategize for success in 2019. 

A brand new start and a fresh beginning are on the horizon, so what steps will you take to improve yourself and your real estate business in the year ahead? Here are some smart New Year resolutions for real estate agents that will propel you past the competition in 2019:

Develop and follow a business plan.

In any industry, it’s important to have a plan and goals in place. While you may find that your plan changes as the year progresses, having a solid point of reference and a vision for what you want to achieve will keep you focused and productive. What do you want your business to look like at this time next year? Set clear, realistic goals for every facet of your business, such as sales, marketing, and client retention. Monitor your progress regularly to ensure that you’re on track.

Stay true to yourself.

At some point, you’re likely to find yourself overwhelmed by all of the potential niches the real estate industry has to offer. So many of these real estate specialty areas can seem attractive and lucrative. But straying from your chosen niche can quickly become a costly error. Remain true to your brand. Stick to what you love and know, and success will follow.

Get out and network.

The more ways you communicate with your past, current, and potential clients, the more business you’ll generate. That concept seems simple enough, but many realtors overlook this basic step. Expanding your sphere of influence can go a long way in growing your real estate business, and regular communication is the way to do it. To stay connected with as many people as possible, use social media to your advantage. If you’re not already, get active on social networks like Facebook, LinkedIn, Snapchat and Instagram. Add a blog to your website and post helpful articles on a regular basis. Attend industry events, reach out to friends and family, or utilize other forms of real estate marketing that suit your style.

Spend time on lead generation every day. 

At the end of the day you should always be able to answer the question, “What did I do to get more business today?” Whether you’re posting on social media, asking for referrals, or prospecting on the phone, allocate time for real estate lead generation each day. And remember, the only constant in life is that it is always changing. Someone who didn’t need your services today may find that they need you tomorrow.

Personalize your real estate services.

With so much competition among agents, it’s crucial that you set yourself apart from the rest of the pack. Personalizing your services will help current and potential clients to differentiate your services from other agents. Carefully selected client closing gifts are one great personalization method. Did your client mention that he or she loves a particular author? Order their latest book on Amazon and give it to your client, along with a personalized note. Is there an antique they’ve been trying to find? Find it on eBay and gift it to them. Listen carefully to things that are important to your clients so they know how much you value them.

Adopt a student mentality.

The real estate market is dynamic, so the way you serve your clients should be ever-changing, too. Learn about new legislation, real estate best practices, and industry trends and news. Subscribe to realtor blogs and newsletters, attend real estate conferences throughout the year, and enroll in training and development courses. Yes, there’s a bare minimum for continuing education, but what’s stopping you from taking advantage of these resources more often?

Manage your time more effectively.

Effective time management is a popular New Year’s resolution for most people, but it’s especially pertinent to real estate agents. Your clients are your most important asset, so sometimes meeting with them can take precedence over everything else, causing daily tasks fall by the wayside. Make sure to block out a few minutes every day to work on the tasks you were forced to neglect. Most importantly, resolve to make time for yourself.

Every January comes with the promise of a prosperous and happy new year. Let’s make that a reality in 2019. Here’s to a year filled with new opportunities and a bustling business year. If you have questions, or if we can be of help to you in any way, please reach out to us.

About Certified Title Corporation: Since 1994, attorney-owned Certified Title Corporation has been furnishing residential and commercial real estate stakeholders across the nation with robust title insurance, settlement, and escrow services. Renowned for their industry-leading reliability and exemplary level of service and quality, the Maryland-based company helps clients from all walks of life achieve their asset goals. To learn more, call (888)486-5511 or visit https://www.certifiedtitlecorp.com/.