I admit, I have never done all but parts of the below even though I'm in real estate for 3 years now (part-time). Since I am moving forward to full-time in 2007, I am taking these few months to revamp my business organization and structure. Please share with me what you think on the business-side I need to do (not necessarily in priority order)

1. Business plan - I never knew how impt this was.
2. Website (plan & content)
3. Market Me plan - include emails to family, friends, clients about the business, farm neighbhood - customize website for this.
4. Buyer's Packet (something to hand to client during our first Get-To-Know-You meeting)
- IBS (Info on Brokerage Services)
- Buyer's Rep Agreement
- Contact Info sheet
- Wish List
- Why Use A Realtor Brochure (Buyer)
- Listings, if applicable
- Steps Ahead (Buying Process)
- Mini mortgage application
- Form for credit check authorization
- Why Home Inspection
- What You Must Know Before Owning A House
(first-time buyer)


5. Seller's Packet
- IBS
- Seller's Exclusive Listing Agreement
- Property Input Form
- CMA
- Marketing Plan
- Why Use a Realtor Brochure (Seller)

6. Investor's Packet
- IBS
- Buyer's Rep/ Exclusive Listing Form
- Contact Info
- Services Provided
- Why Use a Realtor (Investor)

7. Lead sheet
8. Accounting spreadsheets


PS: I understand that I have to go out and meet people and launch my Market Me plan. Please contribute to this list. In the past, I kinda did stuff as I learnt - type of thing..... I think other new agents may benefit from this list as well.

oops... operator error.

You're overthinking this. There are really only 2 things you need:

1) find clients (thru marketing, meeting people, whatever)
2) have the necessary knowledge to facilitate transactions (know your local market, know the laws, know the forms, know the process)

You can't make this into a paint-by-numbers affair, you have to react as you go. Otherwise you'll be wasting time by creating lists and packages and checklists without actually doing business. Believe me, I know because I wasted a lot of time making lists like yours above.

Find the people who want to buy or sell, then work with them until they close or you cut them loose. That's it.

I have generated some of the above on a as-needed basis. I also usually like to have something to give them during our first meeting. I have worked till very late at night generating some simple stuff and I have received good feedback from clients that the packet I put together was helpful. (They were first-time buyers and really didnt know what to expect with the real cost of homeownership).

i think having all that stuff is a good thing. at least you will have it ready for when you do need it. if you wait until last minute, you won't ever get to it. that is sometimes my problem.

I agree with some of the posts above. Don't overwork this. It is best to jump in and learn from your mistakes. I remember my first year was pure fun and pure work (7 days a week). I was very sucessful but had to figure out how to make money and not kill myself in the process from the second year on. Enjoy it, you'll never forget it.