Hello!
As the subject says, Im waiting for my license to be approved. I am already signed up with a broker. I am also working on my website (use to be a webmaster).

In the meantime, what can I do to get things started ASAP! I am self employed, allowing me to have flexible hours to spend a good amount of time with real estate...which I hope to make full time soon!

What can or should I be doing while I still don't have my DRE number?

What can I do to get my first clients/prospects ASAP?

Any advice for a newbie would be great!

Thank you in advance!

Mel

Here's one suggestion: Work on your Sphere of Influence (people you know) and Business Development Area (your farm area, the geographic area you intend to focus on) databases. It takes a lot of time to get all the contact info together into a useable database. I use Microsoft Access and put the last name, first, spouse's name, second person's name, address, phone numbers (up to 3), and e-mail address (up to 2). I then convert into an Excel spreadsheet and download it to the printing company that sends out my Just Listed and Just Sold postcards. I also use it to print out labels for my newsletter. And I use it to keep all my contact info on people in one place, so I can easily update it.

Thanks for the reply! I greatly appreciate it!
Yes, you are right. I need to compile a list of all the people I know and let them know what I am doing and what I can do for them! I definitely need to know the areas I plan to focus on and it's communities.

Keep working on your website. Especially lead capture tools. I updated mine a while back and have noticed a 20% increase in my ability to capture visitors demographics with forms instead of mail:to links.

The advice above is sound advice and a must for any new agent, but building a quality web presence is a great idea. My website is not much to look at but I generate great traffic and several sales each month. My first sale was from the first person who visited my site.

Also, some folks find it profitable to sit in on open house days for established agents. They don't like to do it and you can snag a buyer or two when you don't have listings.

George,
Thanks for the advice!

Yeah, I am working on my website as we speak! I want to add some reports to download, but Im still trying to figure out where I can get some and which ones would be useful to visitors.

The open house idea is great!

What do you suggest for managing leads from my website and emailing them home updates?

Thanks!

To kind of answer your question about managing your leads (everyone has an opinion on this and who knows who is right!)you need to decide if you are going to do it manually or use software to track your leads. There are plenty of software compaines that will help you track, contact and market to your prospects.

I am blessed with a MLS that allows me to track prospects and email listings & updates internally. It also allows me to track when and how many times my emails and links are viewed. I also always ask my prospects how they would want home updates. When possible I set up auto emails to them that are daily so they get to hear from me daily without me having to email them.

Also, you have to develop a plan that you will follow regarding how and when to contact your prospects. Know in advance when you are going to email them or call them so you don't just do it whenever. Agents make the mistake of having leads pile up on their desk and decide on whims to work them.

Another tip about your website is to decide if you want tons of leads or motivated leads. Again, opinions differ on this but if you just want bulk leads then don't make your contact forms long with tons of envasive questions and required fields. If you want to limit your leads to more motivated leads require them to share their contact information upfront.

Either way get ready for plenty of bogus information. I get bad email addresses and phone numbers almost daily. I now track ip addresses and ban repeat offenders.

Wow! Thats is very helpful! Thanks!

Mel, Another thing you can do is to analyze your market and have the statistics down cold when people ask you whether sales prices are still rising and by how much, how many days on market, etc. Do this by different types of homes, e.g. sales prices are leveling off at the high end of the market in my area and inventory is building, but entry level homes are still hot and inventory is low. Have a system whereby you run the basic statistics for your area on a monthly basis. It provides great cocktail chatter and makes you look very knowledgable even before you start showing homes.

Also, start going to every Broker Open and public Open House that you can and learn about all the properties in your area. It takes a long time to get to know all the properties, so this is the time to start. I don't know if you can do Open Houses prior to getting your license, you couldn't do that here in Connecticut. So you should check on that.

Also go to your competitor's websites and compare their websites to what you are building. Your website could be one of the things that differentiates you from other agents and provides added value.

Thanks! I'll definitely try those!