Are you ready to start enjoying a lucrative career in real estate? You’re in the right place! Studies show that North Carolina real estate agents earn an average of $40,000 to $96,000 per year. Of course, it takes some time to reach the top of this range, but if you’re willing to do the work, it’s definitely within your reach. First, you’ll need to take some steps to jump-start your new real estate career. These five tips will help you get started.
1. Build a Solid Foundation
To set yourself up for success as a North Carolina real estate professional, start by completing all necessary educational requirements. North Carolina requires real estate agents to complete a 75-hour pre-licensing course and pass a real estate exam.
You’ll also need to find a broker in charge who is willing to sponsor you before you can hold an active license. It’s a great idea to start searching for a brokerage while you’re working on your pre-licensing coursework, so you can begin working with clients as quickly as possible.
2. Differentiate Yourself
There are approximately 82,970 active real estate brokers in North Carolina. If you want to be successful, you need to figure out what sets you apart. Ask yourself what will make your brand memorable, how you’ll promote your listings, and which marketing methods you’ll use to attract new clients.
Our guide to your first two years as a real estate agent provides step-by-step tips to help you complete your business plan and sharpen your marketing skills.
3. Get Comfortable with Prospecting
Actively generating leads, also called prospecting, is key to building your real estate business. To jump-start your North Carolina real estate career, you'll need to spend a significant amount of your time making contacts and following up on leads.
One of the best ways to do this is to go out and meet new people. This may mean going to local business events, volunteering for a nonprofit, or joining other area organizations. In particular, two helpful organizations are the NC REALTORS and NC Chamber.
Prospecting may also involve hosting free seminars, sending out mailers, and cold calling. It can feel a bit awkward at first, but consistent prospecting is a skill all successful real estate agents eventually master. Practice every day, and you’ll be a pro in no time.
4. Build Your Online Presence
A website and a social media presence are no longer optional for real estate agents. Having your own website gives you credibility and provides a platform where you can share your knowledge and engage with your prospects.
Social media is also critical for real estate agents. In the United States alone, there are 302.35 million social media users — that’s 90% of the total U.S. population! If you aren’t using social media to promote your real estate services, you will lose prospects to agents who are.
5. Stay Consistent
Once you have your jumpstart plan in place, it’s important to follow through. Building a solid real estate business takes time and a lot of work, but it’s worth it! Don’t make the mistake of getting frustrated if your plan doesn’t create immediate results. As long as you stay consistent, your business will begin to grow. Trust the process and, eventually, you’ll have a solid stream of repeat business and client referrals.
Jump Start Your Real Estate Career Today!
If you haven’t already prepared for your North Carolina real estate exam, now is the perfect time! Aceable Agent’s North Carolina Pre-Licensing Course is an easy way to get started and allows you to work through the material at your own pace. Check it out today!