Sergio Hidalgo is an agent with United Real Estate working in Houston.
Every week, we ask a real estate professional for their Short List, a collection of tips and recommendations on an essential topic in real estate. This week, we spoke with Sergio Hidalgo, an agent with United Real Estate, who shared his top strategies for how new agents can succeed.
As a fairly new agent myself, about a year and a half into my real estate career, I see new licensed agents joining United Real Estate Houston’s office weekly, and I remember that I was in their shoes not too long ago. I am honored to say that some come to me for help or whenever they have a simple question. Therefore, here are some tips that have helped me along the way and hopefully they will help you.
5. Become a sponge. Why a sponge? Because you need to absorb all of the knowledge that you possibly can. If your brokerage offers classes, whether in the office or online, make it a “must-do” on your list to attend. Talk to the fellow agents in the office, befriend them and ask them any little thing that pops into your head that you are not clear about. Remember, they were beginners at one point too and most agents do not mind giving you tips. There is so much to learn about this business so take it all in.
4. Self promote. Do not be shy of telling or showing people what it is you do. No one is going to know what you do if you do not tell them. Call up all of your friends and family, even those that know you are a Realtor and remind them of your new profession. Ask them for referrals. I was in sales before I became a Realtor so what I did and continue to do is visit my old clients to tell them “Hey! You know I am no longer your sales representative but, I am going to be your Realtor.” I then hand them my new business card and keep that door open to future business possibilities. There are countless ways to promote yourself, your real estate business and word of mouth in my opinion is the best.
3. No limits. Do not limit yourself on what areas of the city you are wiling to work in. I have heard stories where people are not willing to go outside their “comfort zone” just because it is a bit further than what they are used to working. They end up losing out on a great client that buys multiple properties or ends up referring two or three other leads that close. Plus, this will get you out of the office, get you really familiar with all the great areas that we have in our city and surrounding cities that people want to make their home.
2. Lenders. You need to find good lenders that fit your needs. What I mean by “your needs”, I mean your “clients needs”. This is not a perfect world and we all do not have perfect credit. You have to find lenders that have different programs that can accommodate your specific client needs. The majority of the time you can ask your Broker to see if he or she has a list of lender that she has closed with that you can use. Or ask a fellow agent for recommendations. Make sure to call up the lenders and introduce yourself to them and let them know you will be sending them leads.
1. Lastly, do not be discouraged. This business takes time to build, takes dedication, takes patience, and mainly, it requires support. Support from your wife, husband, significant other, friends and loved ones. Keep steady and you will become a successful real estate agent. If I can be of any help, feel free to contact me.
Sergio Hidalgo joined United Real Estate in 2013 as an agent, bringing with him a wealth of previous sales experience.