How Many Real Estate Agents are There?
I don’t need to tell you that real estate is competitive. In fact, according the 2019 NAR Member Profile Report, there are 1.3 million realtors in the United States.
Let that sink in.
According to the report, from 2016 to 2018, there were a little over 100,000 new licenses issued in the United States. The median annual gross income for a real estate agent with experience of two years or less was $9,300. A seasoned agent made a median of $71,000.
Can you live on $9,300 a year?
Your answer better be “no”.
I’ve closed over five times that the first quarter this year. Now, even $71,000 seems a little low too, doesn’t it? Let me help you. One of the main reasons a new agent takes the pay cut is because they don’t follow the basic rules of sales. Let me break down a few for you to start implementing right now.
Meet clients at your office. Ask them questions about themselves. Dig into what their dreams are. Help them discover what they need instead of what they think they want. You have to build a relationship first.
At open houses, kill the pressure sales. You gotta give before you get, Friends. Listen to them. Demonstrate why you are the only realtor they should be working with by providing stats and information. By doing this, you are removing objections and questions the buyers have.
Be a full-time agent. Think about it. If I’m about to make the biggest financial decision of my life and had the choice to use a person who only works a few hours a week, or a full-time agent who is available to me and committed to developing their craft. Who am I going to choose?
Believe in yourself. It’s okay not to have all the answers. Be honest and say you don’t know, and then do the homework to source the information to find out for them. Your clients don’t need perfect. They need correct details, strong negotiating skills and follow up.
My first year in real estate I shattered that national average. It’s all outline in the book - Your First 365 Days in Real Estate. Pre-order it on Amazon. The audiobook will be available June 3rd, 2019.
I’d love to hear how things are going for you your first year. Tell me what is working for you or feel free to ask for some guidance. I’d love to help if I can.
Until then, keep your feet moving, chin up … and burn the white flag.
sz
Copyright 2019 - Shelley Zavitz Realty