5 STEPS TO ACHIEVE

5 Steps to Achieve Long Term Success as a Real Estate Agent

Real Estate can have a reputation as an industry with a high turnover as far as agents go. Being a ‘people person’ with an entrepreneurial spirit is a great start, but what some fail to realize when starting out is that this is a business. So if you’re in it for the long haul, you need to treat it that way. Here are some key steps you need to take to have your own successful real estate business.

1FIND A MENTOR Once you get your license and hang your sign at a Brokerage, you’ll find that you’re pretty much on your own. That’s why it’s a good idea for new agents to find a large Brokerage that offers in-house training and mentorship or a boutique brokerage that has more seasoned agents who are eager to take a new agent under their wing. Being able to shadow a more experienced agent is invaluable and allows you to mirror what you’ve seen and run through the numerous scenarios that will arise when you are representing a client.

2CONTINUOUS TRAINING This is a business that is constantly changing, so it’s smart to always stay ahead of the curve when it comes to new technological innovations and systems. There are even numerous online resources, where you can keep up on your trade, such as blogs by top producing agents that are a treasure trove of information. A confident agent with an in-depth knowledge of the business is one that easily earns the trust of their client, leading to repeat and referral business, which will be the bread and butter of your business.

3BUILD A STRONG ONLINE PRESENCE Yes, referrals are the basis of your business, but building a strong online presence and marketing yourself to new clients is also important, especially before you’ve built up a strong referral base. Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and other social media tools are great way to get leads both for your listings and for yourself. It’s even a good idea to buy several domain names when you start, so that when you’re ready to build a website, you can ensure you have the names you want. Obviously the internet is also a great resource to find leads. Before you find a niche for yourself, it’s important to take advantage of every avenue there is. A lot of successful agents started off doing things no one else wanted to take on like foreclosures, expired listings or lower priced homes. But as you’ll find out, helping those who need it most is a great way to build a loyal client base, that will not only come back to you when they are ready to sell or buy again, but will be your biggest cheerleaders when it comes to referring you to friends and family.

4BUILD A SOLID FOUNDATION One thing you’ll find in this business is that doing a lot of work up top, will lead to a more successful outcome down the road. That goes for marketing plans for your listings, as well as your business as a whole. It might not be the fun part, but it will allow you to one day focus on what you do best, dealing with your clients. Set up your CRM and the other systems you want to use from the get go. Getting these things established before you’re hopefully a busy agent is the best time to really learn them and decide what’s best for you.

5SET GOALS Once you build a strong foundation and are establishing your client base, it’s important to continually set goals that help you implement your business strategy. You can even invest in a real estate coach if you need someone to hold you accountable. It’s also important to constantly reevaluate what you’re doing. Set up a monthly audit, where you go over what is and what isn’t working. As we mentioned above, this is a fluid business and things are constantly changing, the same can be said of your business. What worked a year ago, might be losing you money as your business grows.

DEREK & TAMYRA MANASCO

After Derek and Tamyra Manasco moved to Oregon from Texas, they met with a local agent regarding the purchase of local property. “She was great to work with and surprised us by asking, ‘Have you both ever thought about becoming agents? I think you’d be amazing!’ I responded, ‘Actually, it’s something that’s always been in the back of my mind,’” Derek says. “We didn’t pursue it right away, but it was something I kept thinking about. Then I attended a career night and that sealed the deal.” The Manascos got their licenses two-and-ahalf years ago and have never looked back. “I wish I had done this 10 years earlier,” Derek exclaims.

Derek and Tamyra formed MPACT Real Estate for Keller Williams in Covallis, Oregon serving the Williamette Valley. Derek reports that their business has more than doubled in its second year and is already at 25% referral clientele. “We have a passion to serve others,” Derek asserts. “The ‘PACT’ in our title stands for passion, attitude, community, and trust–our 4 pillars–and we make it our mission to treat every client as if he or she were members of the family.”

It’s not surprising that Derek receives stellar reviews for his esteemed work ethic. One client recently wrote: “Derek assisted me through my first home purchase. If I could give more than five stars, I would. Derek provided great insights to my purchase. Not only that, he set me up with very valuable resources that will help me maintain the property. It proves to me that he cares about his client and wants them to be successful in their purchases. Every step of the way, Derek went above and beyond. I knew I could count on Derek if any questions or concerns were raised. I’ll use Derek for all of my future purchases.”

The couple loves reaching out to their clients. In addition to texts, phone calls, a quarterly newsletter, and social media check-ins, they host in-person events. “Right now, we’re getting ready for our client pie-drive,” says Derek. “Around Thanksgiving, Tamyra and I will hand deliver 120 pies to our past and present clients to thank them for their loyalty.”

Derek is proud of the couple’s marketing strategy. “First we bring in professional photographers to best showcase each and every property,” he notes. “Then we push them out via ‘coming soon’ and ‘just listed’ campaigns, a newsletter push, and finally, a social media campaign.” Derek admits that this year, they haven’t had a property active on the market for more than 12 days.

Derek and Tamyra are strong believers in giving back to the community. In addition to participating in KW’s Red Day, they host area Facebook sites which offer fun and interesting things to do in the community; volunteers at their church; and participate in Christmas toy drives for kids in need.

As for the future, the couple plan to continue to serve the community that’s been so good to them.

For more about Derek & Tamyra Manasco, please call call (541) 231-2157, email dmanasco@kw.com, or visit https://mpactrealestate.kw.com

Alex Miller is proud to congratulate DEREK & TAMYRA MANASCO

on being featured for the State of Oregon in Top Agent Magazine!

Alex Miller, CPA office: 971.239.0967 | 877.659.1407 cell: 503.580.9703

7317 Canebery Ct NE, Suite 13 • Keizer, Oregon 97303