How to Become a Top Realty Agent

 In the United States alone, there are about two million real estate agents. This is according to estimates by the National Association of Realtors. Worldwide, the number of property agents is also rising rapidly. The reason is often that most people think being a real estate agent is easy, fun, and profitable. It can be fun and profitable, but it is far from easy. There could be truth to it, though. So how could any real estate agent like you beat the increasing and intensifying competition? Here is an effective and logical guide.

First, think of yourself as the business. As an agent, you could be working for any broker. Keep in mind though that at most brokerages you're an independent contractor, with no base salary. You should not rely on any other person to help you do your duties.

Adapt a planning attitude. Effective agents should know how to plan and to execute timetables and goals. Remember that in this industry, if you do not have your own plan, you could find yourself within somebody else's plan. Successful agents are those who do planning well, professionally and personally.

Research your market and be conservative with your numbers; it often takes longer than you'd expect to get your business off the ground. You are responsible for your very own expenses as an agent. Thus, it would be ideal to direct your research efforts specific to your own marketing plans, which should be within your strategies. What is the difference between marketing and strategic plans? Marketing plans are mostly data driven, while strategic plans are identifying who is doing what and by when.

Establish goals in sales. Go back to your strategic plans and establish sales goals. It takes patience to do so. Execution of plans also takes time, so it is important to be patient and persevering if you really aim to be a successful real estate agent. For beginners, it usually takes about six months before fruits of such strategies are realized and goals are met.

Create financial budgets. It is not surprising that budgeting is very critical especially because of the ups and downs in the volatile market place. Remember that the financial budget should always plan and cover your marketing costs, as well as any other additional expenses like education and even forecast income.

Prioritize your business and marketing activities.  There's never enough time in the day, so it's important to focus on the most critical aspects.. For you to be successful, you should learn how to effectively manage yourself specifically in time management. Consider getting a sales coach if you have trouble with accountability. Real estate is a 24/7 business. But never overlook your personal life (family, physical life, friends, others).

Find a Qualified Quality Real Estate Agent in Auckland

With the realty market in the nation's largest city starting to become a more viable option for investors, owners are more open than they've been in the past three years to sell property for top dollar. Auckland is currently seeing the highest level of activity in the country, sparking new, positive trends in the region with the market becoming more viable for everyone.

If you're looking to sell in the most competitive property region, you need to have the most competitive agent to get the best prices. Buyers have more opportunities than ever; getting the best price out of them means having quality real estate agents in Auckland on your team. When you're choosing an agent to work with, follow these tips to find someone qualified and successful.

Choose by Company

While some of the smaller agencies in an area will offer you better rates on commission and fees, realise that this is because of the lower level of experience and influence that the company has. Larger realty agencies have access to more resources, place better listings and attract higher quality agents to work for them. If you're looking to get the best price, finding the best agency is the first step.

Working with an agency also guarantees that your agent will be qualified and registered to practice. New Zealand qualifications in realty range from a Certificate in Real Estate Level 4 to a National Diploma in Real Estate Level 5.

Referrals

Ask friends, family and anyone else that you know whom they have worked with in the past and what their experience was. Referrals are a great way to find out information on which companies are performing well in your area and which aren't. Find out how long it took to sell the property, if the agent they worked with was professional as well as accessible and if the property sold for the expected price, more, or less.

Look Online

Google search the top agents in your area and spend some time researching the results. Find out which agency has the most listings, look up profiles of local agents and the company's that they represent and see who has the most effective listings for their clients. If you really don't have any idea where to start, a quick search online can give you a nudge in the right direction.

Remember that finding a quality realty agent to work with is the key to making the most from your sale. Look for an Auckland agent with one of the three New Zealand qualifications.

Certificate in Real Estate Level 4
Certificate in Real Estate Level 5
Diploma in Real Estate Level 5

Ensure that they are registered and currently practicing with an experienced and established agency. You'll then be guaranteed a high level of realty experience.

Becoming A NZ Real Estate Agent - Qualification Requirements And Rules

Realty sales people help buyers to find properties and arrange the sale of properties. To work as a NZ real estate agent, you need to be over the age of 18 years. You also need to have achieved a qualification from one of the relevant realty training providers in New Zealand before you can be licensed to sell property. Training courses are run through the following four educational institutions in New Zealand: Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, REAL ITO, Open Polytechnic and Unitec.

There are three levels of training: The National Certificate in Real Estate (Salesperson) Level 4, the National Diploma in Real Estate (Agent) Level 5 and the National Certificate in Real Estate (Branch Manager) Level 5.

Many people link in with a local realty company to work towards their certificate and licence and most people study for their qualification via distance learning. Once you have attained your certificate and worked for at least three years as a realty salesperson, you can become licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008. This Act replaces the 1976 Act and now covers all professionals who work in the industry in New Zealand, apart from residential property managers. Most sales people work as independent contractors, usually running their business from within an established agency.

The Real Estate Agents Act 2008 lays down the legal processes which govern how people operate in the New Zealand realty industry. The Realty Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) represents those who practice realty and all voluntary members agree to abide by the principles of the organisation.

The code of practice for realty sales people in New Zealand includes acting openly, ethically and honestly in their dealings, abiding by the requirements of professional and statutory bodies which oversee their work, giving a skilled and professional service to customers and acting in a way that brings credit to their profession. They must also have a sound knowledge of the legal requirements that affect their role, continue improving their skill level through professional development and act in the best interests of their clients. Realty sales people in New Zealand must also not be in breach of any of the relevant statutory rules such as the Fair Trading Act 1986 and the Commerce Act 1986.

The role of an agent requires someone with personal and professional integrity who can help clients through a process which is one of the most important decisions of their lives.