While this list is by no means exhaustive, these strategies can help smooth your path:

 1. Subscribe to market insights.

As you've probably observed firsthand, this year's real estate market has seen some significant changes. One way to make yourself invaluable to your clients is by helping to answer their questions, often before they’ve been asked. This means educating and providing resources. An easy way to stay “in the know” is by subscribing to both local and national market updates—MBS Highway is one (paid) example.

2. Sign up for social media profiles.

The majority of real estate agents use Facebook, followed by Instagram and LinkedIn. Since fewer agents use YouTube, setting up a channel is worth considering if you want to expand your reach. Aim to start with one or two social profiles and branch out as you’re able. Having a social presence can increase credibility, making it easier for prospective clients to find you, while also promoting brand awareness.

3. Create a posting calendar.

Though recommended posting frequencies are always changing, they’re a good starting point. But what matters most is consistency. Create or download a free social media content calendar that works for you and then start plugging in content that you can post several times a week. If you’re in need of ideas, ask your Academy Loan Officer for some market-facing blogs, infographics, or videos you can share with your audience.

Connect with a local Academy Loan Officer for details.

4. Select a CRM.

The right CRM, or Customer Relationship Management system, will quickly become your new best friend when it comes to managing clients and leads. You can find reviews of the top real estate CRMs here. Most are paid, but some offer free, limited service to agents who’ve been licensed for less than a year. Mailchimp is also a viable and potentially free option if you want to dip your toes in the water before making a commitment.

5. Write a welcome email.

A well-written welcome email makes a strong first impression. It also has the highest open and click-through rates among all the emails you’re going to send. So, use this as an opportunity to share about yourself and open a conversation. Keep it concise and let your new lead know how often they can expect emails from you (ranging from weekly to monthly), as well as what they should do next (i.e., click to schedule an appointment).

6. Put together a listing presentation.

It’s one of the most effective tools you can have in your toolbox as a new real estate agent: A listing presentation offers you a way to pitch clients and explain what sets you apart from other agents. You can use a template or a training script to get started. Once you’ve created a presentation you feel good about, make sure to revisit it regularly so you can revise as the market changes and as you gain experience.

7. Set up a Google Business page.

These days, almost all consumers say that online reviews influence where they purchase, and Google is the main hub for online reviews. Creating a free Google Business page makes it possible to not only post your headshot, logo, address, hours, and contact information. It also helps you ensure there’s a prominent place for those glowing reviews to be displayed once they start rolling in.

8. Find your focus.

While you might not narrow down your niche right away, you can start keeping your eye out for specialties that may interest you as soon as your first day. Honing in on a specialty—particularly an underserved niche—is a way to help your brand stand out in a competitive industry, experienced agents say. Real estate specialties like commercial, rural, hospitality, luxury, and short sales are a few examples.

9. Get out in the community.

When you’re new to the game, you need to put your face out there. Online brand recognition matters—using your headshot on your social profiles, website, and emails—and face-to-face connection is impactful too. Look for opportunities to volunteer at local community events; connect with industry colleagues, like appraisers and contractors; and utilize good, old-fashioned door knocking to promote an upcoming open house.