If you are ambitious, hardworking, and smart, real estate might be an ideal path for you. Also, you can choose from various careers to complement your passions, interests, and goals, such as a real estate investor, developer, agent, broker, attorney, or consultant.
While the above jobs will differ from each other, they require professionals to possess many similar skills and traits to enjoy success in the market. Here's how to succeed in real estate as a career.
Be a Go-Getter
You must be a go-getter to enjoy success in real estate. If you want to work at home in your pajamas or work 9 to 5, real estate probably isn't the career for you. In addition to having a hard work ethic, you will need to understand the industry like the back of your hand, stay up to date with the latest real estate trends, network regularly, and learn from your mistakes.
Understand Your Customers
It doesn't matter if you are a real estate broker, agent, or developer; you must listen and cater to your clients or a community's needs. You might be tempted to prioritize your sales goals, but this is a mistake. If you listen to your customers or residents, provide answers to their questions, and deliver on your promises, you will enjoy much more success in the real estate market.
During a podcast with Chris Rising, CEO Jean Paul Wardy, a founder of one of the most active real estate developers in the United States, stated he focuses on building relationships from the beginning of a project. For instance, he and his team will take the time to understand what a city needs, what people want, and their vision for it, and they will then create a real estate project that caters to the community.
Create a Professional Image
Every successful real estate expert has a professional image, as it conveys professionalism to clients, investors, or a community. In addition to wearing professional clothing and appearing clean and groomed, you may need to work on your body language and eye contact, especially during face-to-face meetings. Also, you must be polite, engaging, and attentive to stand out in a person's mind.
Your professional image will extend to your phone calls, emails, and other forms of online communication. It is important to appear articulate, well-written, and courteous when talking to clients, investors, or community members.
Have Integrity
Integrity matters in real estate. The more open, honest, and direct you are with clients, investors, or a community, the more likely they will trust you will provide fair, ethical real estate deals, development projects, or opportunities.
Don't tell clients what they want to hear. Be candid with people, provide them with the facts, and don't be afraid to deliver bad news when you feel it is necessary. It will improve trust in who you are, your skills, and your promises.
Start with open, honest, and transparent communications. For example, discuss potential issues that may arise or possible project drawbacks, which will boost your credibility and help you build long-term relationships with clients or other professionals.