If you’re feeling a bit anxious over the direction of your real estate practice these days, you’re in good company. Many have seen flat or negative growth in the past year. But anxiety can discourage strategic career moves. I’d like to propose a different approach.
Instead of freezing in place, I suggest that this is the perfect time to reflect on what you might change moving forward. In that spirit, here are some questions you may have, and some possibilities to consider too.
“Am I Doing Something Wrong? If So, What?”
Of course, the answer for every agent and every deal is different. But think about critical moments in your sales process: the listing presentation, pricing, negotiating offers, and buyer and seller disagreements. To help with your specific challenges, perhaps it’s time to tap into an objective, engaged and collaborative opinion.
“How Can I Improve My Work-Life Balance and Job Satisfaction?”
Top agents know this: the entire day can be disrupted by myriad surprises that affect personal commitments and relationships. If that’s you, consider a better environment, one that encourages agents to cover for each other, team up on difficult listings, and develop complementary skills that can evolve into teams.
“How Can I Create More Awareness to Gain Leads and Listings?”
Ask yourself: Does your current firm understand your strengths, client niche and your geographical expertise? They should, because it’s key to your referrals from the company and fellow agents.
“Does It Really Matter Which Company I Work For?”
It does. Studies show that prospective buyers and sellers value local expertise over more generic national names. While there are great agents at most big firms, a well-managed boutique-size firm offers results that large firms with uneven agent performance cannot.
“How Can a Firm Help Me Win New Business?”
A great firm supports your entire process, beginning by developing trust with potential clients. Find a company where the broker or manager can join you on presentations and assure clients that their business is important. You should also expect high-quality, timely collateral material customized to meet your needs.
“How Can Technology Help Me Build My Business?”
Look for a firm that understands your market and makes it easy to manage your transactions. Examine how the brokerage tracks leads, listings, and buyer transactions, and how easily the systems work for your busy schedule.
“How Do I Remain Energized When My Business Is Uneven?”
Aligning yourself with the right brokerage isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving, regardless of market conditions. If you are confident of your management and proud of the people you work with, that positivity translates into more attention from your potential clients, and a more positive outlook about your career.
Changing to a New Brokerage—Final Thoughts
If you are considering joining a new firm, my best advice is to:
- Look for an office with a broker or manager solely committed to agent production, who can offer a sounding board when difficult situations arise.
- Consider not just what they offer today, but how they’ll help you grow tomorrow.
- Have candid conversations with current agents about their experiences.
- Observe how management handles challenges and whether the firm’s culture resonates with your working style.
Would you like to discuss this further? We’d love to hear from you.
