TLDR; GRAB YOUR SOLO AGENT CHECKLIST HERE >>>>>
You’ve passed the test. You’ve metaphorically tossed the textbooks because you might need to look up how many square feet are in an acre one day. (Just kidding, it’s drilled into you for good.) And now you’re asking yourself the biggest question: Should I be a solo, independent real estate agent or join a team? If the idea of heading down this path on your own excites you more than a triple-shot espresso on a Monday morning, going solo might be the right choice for you.
But where do you start?
Step One: Realize You’re a Business Owner Now
First things first, acknowledge the fact that you’re a business. You’re an entrepreneur. You’re going to be wearing all of the hats that come with running a business, too. For the first little while, you may be doing everything yourself as you start gaining traction and bringing in the sales. You’ll be the marketer, the negotiator, the office manager, the lead generator, the negotiator, and sometimes the therapist (because, let’s be real, buying and selling homes can be emotional!) It’s thrilling, challenging, and yes, it’s totally doable.
Step Two: Brand Yourself to What’s True to You
Your brand is your promise to your clients. It’s what sets you apart from the crowd. So, what’s your niche? Luxurious condos for the rich and famous? Cozy starter homes for first-time buyers? Find your passion and make it your brand. Then, get yourself a catchy logo, a professional headshot, and write your mission statement to tie it all in. Grab the Write Your Mission Guide Workbook FREE download here!
Step Three: Get Technical
In today’s world, a smartphone and a solid internet connection are actual necessities to do your job properly. That’s a given. But so is a solid CRM. Invest in one to get your leads and contacts organized. Make sure you have a backup of it, too! You have no idea how many people switch CRMs or change brokerages and lose everything because they didn’t back it up. Embrace social media to showcase your listings and share real estate wisdom. Get a user-friendly website to be the digital front door of your business.
Step Four: Network Like There’s No Tomorrow
Real estate is as much about who you know as it is about what you know. Attend local events, join real estate groups, and don’t shy away from creating genuine relationships to come from value rather than being salesy. Don’t be a trojan horse and lock yourself away where no one can find you. Connect with others in the industry, in your community, and form real relationships with them.
Step Five: Knowledge is Power
The real estate market is like a river; it’s always moving. Stay ahead of the curve by attending workshops, webinars, and conferences. The more you know, the better you can serve your clients – and the more you’ll stand out in the sea of agents!
Step Six: Embrace the Rollercoaster
Going on this real estate journey as a solo agent means the highs are higher, and the lows can feel lower, but every twist and turn is a learning experience. Celebrate the wins, learn from the losses, and keep your eyes on the prize. Persistence and reliance are your best friends on this journey.
Choosing to be a solo real estate agent is kinda like deciding to climb Mount Everest. Not that I would know, I live in Florida and the highest point above sea level is our landfills (that’s not a joke.) But climbing this real estate mountain can be daunting and it definitely requires preparation. But the view from the top? Whewwwww, baby. Absolutely unparalleled. So, tie those shoes, grab this solo agent checklist, and start climbing. The world of real estate awaits, and something tells me you’re about to make a spectacular entrance.
