Christine Groves is a licensed broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Wheaton.

By Christine Groves

Whether you are a new agent or a seasoned agent, there are some key items to building and sustaining your business. We must always keep learning and developing in order to succeed – and making sure you have a strong presence in the community is always at the core.

1. Chose a sponsoring broker that will help you succeed!
By joining a team that will maximize your exposure in the market, provide training and continuous support, provide a fair commission split percentage and low fees, you will have a tremendous amount to offer to your clients and maintain an excellent reputation.

2. Host open houses every weekend (even every Saturday and Sunday)!
Ask other agents in your office if you can host an open house for one of their active listings. Open houses are a tremendous opportunity to meet potential buyers and meet some new contacts to build your business. Be picky with the listings you choose to showcase; select properties that are in good condition, easy to show and within an active price range and area you wish to focus on.

To prepare for the open house, do the following: maximize Internet and social media advertising; prepare attractive handouts with your contact information; have a guest sign-in sheet so you can gather information for follow-up contact; have offer contracts and disclosures ready; research other comparable listings in the area; use lots of signage; and lastly, make sure the home is beautiful and inviting. Personal follow-up with new contacts is crucial and offer a service of value (“Can I setup a free search for you on the MLS?”).

3. Sign up for floor time whenever possible!
Each brokerage has their own office policies on floor time. When eligible, sign up for floor time so you will be the designated “agent on duty.” This is an opportunity to meet potential clients that call-in or walk-in to your office – and the lead is yours.

4. Go on agent tours regularly to stay knowledgeable on active listings and be a presence in your area.
Clients always have questions about the area and specific homes, so when you have information to offer from staying current on listings, it shows your value and knowledge. You can also begin to compare the properties available to recognize trends, options, market pricing and familiarize yourself on different areas/subdivisions.

5. Get the word out!
Let anyone and everyone know you are a real estate agent ready for business and referrals. There is no need to advertise that you are new; in fact, operate as though you have been an agent for years, but always be forthcoming when asked about your experience.

Contact your “sphere of influence” regularly, utilize social media to give and receive information, join community and professional groups to network, make attractive marketing materials (business cards, flyers, web pages, etc.), post on free advertising sites and provide the highest level of service and integrity to any client, so that you can build your business on referrals. Build your contacts and stay in touch.

Christine Groves is a licensed broker/Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Wheaton. She can be contacted at:

Phone: (630) 346-3272
Email: Christine.Groves@CBexchange.com
Website: www.Groves-Realty.com