YPNDEN

Welcome to the New Year! 2023! A time when we all get to wipe the slate clean, breathe new life into our well-intended goals and clear the dust off any of last year’s unfinished resolutions. That’s the beauty of ringing in the New Year – it allows us to reflect on the previous year and make a choice; either we’re pleased with the direction we are headed and KEEP ON or we learn from our ways and CHANGE COURSE. As your new YPN Ambassadors, we want to challenge young professionals this year to just start where you are. Don’t call it a new year’s resolution or even a new start. If you have been a professional for more than one day, then just start today! Every day is a new day to evaluate what didn’t work and do less of it. Look at what worked and do more of it. Here are a few best practices that young professionals in real estate can employ:

Brittany’s Tips:

• Work Smarter, Not Harder – It’s easy to get carried away in the world of real estate and spend countless hours in front of the screen. Find ways to work more effectively so you’re utilizing your time wisely leaving more time to spend with your loved ones and doing what you love to do. It’s all about balance!

• What Works For One, May Not Work For Another

– Take every piece of advice you receive with a grain of salt. (Yes, even THIS!) No single method will always work equally as well for every single agent. That’s why there are different business models, CRM databases, website hosts, etc. Do your due diligence and weigh the options. Do what works best FOR YOU!

• Just Because Everyone’s Doing It, Doesn’t Make It Right – Over time, rules & regulations change, laws and restrictions change. That’s why it’s important to always stay up to date with the most recent news and revisions. With the ever-evolving world of real estate, keep in mind that just because you’re used to seeing everyone operate a certain way, does not necessarily make it the correct way of doing it. Trust your instincts and do your own research to ensure that you’re conducting yourself accordingly.

• Communication Is Key – Real estate is a relationship-building industry. We rely on those relationships with fellow agents, brokers, vendors, clients, etc. The most crucial thing to keep in mind is how important that communication between parties is. Have a question? Ask! Unsure about a specific detail? Ask! It’s always best to try finding out the answer rather than be left in the dark, for everyone’s sake. What’s more, a phone call is best for conversation and emails are best for confirmation.

• Know Your Contract and Forms Inside Out – The best thing you can do for yourself, your brokerage, and your client is to be well-versed when it comes to any real estate forms you need in a transaction. Make it a habit to read your contract once a week and I promise you, you’ll learn something new from it every single time. Read through all the disclosures, addenda, etc. listed in Florida REALTORS®, MLS and your brokerage. This will help you to be a more confident and competent agent!

• Paper Trail – While your office most likely requires you to keep a thorough file on everything, it’s best practice to go above and beyond what the minimum requirements are. Keep anything and everything pertaining to a transaction on the off chance it’s ever needed. It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!

• Real Estate Ebbs and Flows – As we all know, real estate can be a full-on roller coaster ride! Based on market conditions, your workload, and other variables, there are always going to be periods when business is booming and those in-between times. Word to the wise – be prepared for those slower periods. Learn to budget and save in anticipation of those downtimes rather than be caught off guard!

We are SO grateful to be kicking off the new year as your YPN Ambassadors! We cannot wait to see what success and blessings 2023 brings to all of you. This year we are excited about inspiring young professionals to achieve their goals. With your help, we can build each other up through networking, education, and community engagement. Get involved with YPN and let’s make a difference in the Tampa Bay area! Check back next magazine for Marcus' tips. Don’t forget to join us at our many upcoming events planned throughout the year either – get all the details by following us on our social media. See you soon!