​When the global pandemic took hold in early 2020, the customary way of doing real estate business
wasn’t an option anymore. And so, agents had to pivot almost overnight to adapt to the changes.
At first, the hope was that this was temporary. But it has since become apparent that this “new
normal” will stick around for a while. And if you are – or plan to become – an agent, you may be
wondering what you can do to thrive in this current reality and beyond.
Below, we share our expert take on ways to navigate being an agent in the wake of COVID-19.

Enhancing your capabilities is another way to stay ahead of today’s challenges. And thanks to an abundance of online opportunities, you can sharpen current knowledge or learn something new (or both) in the midst of ongoing restrictions.
For example, you can attend online webinars or take CE courses if you need continuing education hours. Or consider pursuing a certification or a broker’s license. We offer the broker pre-licensing course online, and our blog “Considering Making the Move From Agent to Broker?” provides a wealth of info on upgrading your license. We also offer an array of online CE courses covering knowledge areas that are critical to your success. Enroll today to continue growing your expertise.

Whether you have been a real estate agent for a short or long time, the idea of getting a broker’s license has probably crossed your mind.
 
Perhaps it’s the reason you got into the business in the first place. Or maybe the notion emerged over time as a natural next step in your career. Either way, upgrading your license is a move that can open new doors of opportunity.
 
It’s a big step, though. So, as you consider it, here are some things to know and keep in mind.
 
Benefits and challenges like these come with the role:




​A broker’s license gives you built-in bragging rights.
You may not have thought about it in quite this way. But the broker title commands a high degree of automatic respect as people know that earning it requires expertise well beyond the agent level and a certain amount of experience. It shows commitment to your career and supports your standing as an industry expert. And you can leverage that to up your marketability.
                                                                                                                                                              

You get more say-so over your career.
One of the biggest draws to becoming a broker, of course, is the autonomy you gain. You get to decide what type of broker you will be. Open your own firm if you like and hire a team of agents. Or be a sole proprietor and operate a firm of one.
 
But don’t forget about other options that you have too. You can be a managing broker and oversee operations of an existing firm or branch office. Or work as an associate broker – a great next step if you like sales but want broker status and more leverage to negotiate a higher commission.

You can earn more, but running an office costs more.
As you are sure to agree, keeping all (or more) of your commission (plus a portion of your agents’ commission) is a top benefit of being a broker. But if you are going out on your own, plan to take a long, hard look at profit potential, not just earning potential. You will be paying for most everything. And you may need to cover those expenses while your business gets off the ground.

As the boss, the buck stops with you.
With autonomy comes greater responsibility. As well as more administrative/managerial duties, you will also have more legal obligations. Even if you go solo, you are financially and legally responsible for your transactions. If you sponsor agents, you are legally accountable for their actions too. It is up to you to ensure they comply with all real estate laws, and you can be liable if they don’t.

You must meet the state’s eligibility and educational requirements.
To be licensed as a broker in the state of Georgia, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old (you can take the exam at age 20).
• Be a high school graduate or have an equivalent certificate.
• Pass a background check (it’s wise to get your background clearance early on).
• Have been licensed on active status for a minimum of three of the prior five years.

You are also required to do pre-licensing education.  Before you can take the broker exam, you have to meet the educational requirement. One way to do that is to complete a 60-hour pre-licensing course approved by the Georgia Real Estate Commission. A key thing to remember here is that choosing the right school is key to your success.
 
As you compare schools, we invite you to consider the long-standing track record of the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate, as well as our exceptional student support, high-quality course content, and convenient class formats. All these factors can set you up for success, plus our broker pre-licensing course is available online to start today. We would be delighted to welcome you to the class.

​Did you press the pause button on getting a salesperson license because of the uncertainty created by COVID-19? Are you still thinking of waiting it out to see what the future will bring? As you debate whether to go for it or to continue to hold off, consider these five reasons why now can be an opportune time to become a real estate agent.

​Before the coronavirus hit, many buyers and sellers were comfortable with the process and, for the most part, knew what to expect. Now that the pandemic has fundamentally shifted how real estate business is done, that has changed. Unsure of what’s different in the new normal, people have more questions and concerns than in the past. And real estate professionals will be in even higher demand to guide them through that.

​Like many people, you are likely staying home more as social distancing continues. And so, you have more time on your hands than usual. Taking the 75-hour sales pre-license course is a great use of that time. Keep in mind that we make it easy for you to do that at the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate. Our Silver and Platinum online course packages have everything you need to fulfill Georgia’s education requirement. And you can do so in the comfort (and safety) of your own home.

​While real estate is a competitive business in general, the competition varies based on what’s happening in the industry. In environments like now, for instance, when it’s difficult to predict what things might look like in the coming months or further down the road, the agent dropout rate rises. Some put their real estate career on hold. Others call it quits. This reduces the competition and presents opportunity for those who enter the business and rise to the challenge.

​You will have to learn the ropes of the business no matter what market conditions are when you become an agent. When you do so in a shifting environment, though, you hone/gain skills that better position you to successfully handle whatever comes your way in the future. Rather than preparing for ambiguity and adversity, you are working through both at the start of your career. So, when the next big change or downturn comes along, you can call on the skill set to handle it.  

​It’s a fact that the housing market is not what it was a short time ago. Nonetheless, it continues to weather the effects of the pandemic. Buyers are still looking. Deals are still closing. Mortgage rates are at near all-time lows too, and that’s a motivator for purchasers to buy sooner rather than later. Then too, with remote work becoming a long-term trend, there will likely be more prospects looking to move to meet work-from-home needs. All of this is business waiting to be had.

Final Thoughts: The sooner you take steps to get your license, the sooner you can launch your career as a real estate agent. So, ask yourself if you’re ready to be at the forefront of a changing market. If the answer is yes, let the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate help you complete your pre-license education as planned. Our online class is available today, and enrollment is just a click away.

​Even though you have the freedom to work in PJs all day, don’t. The simple act of getting dressed can put you in a productive mindset. You don’t have to put on business professional attire unless you want to or need to dress the part for a video call. Go for a casual, comfortable outfit if that works better for you. The key is to feel presentable. When you do, your mind shifts into work mode.

​Given, when you work from home, you have greater flexibility. And while you may be accustomed to a flexible schedule as an agent and consider it a perk, resist the urge to slack up too much when it comes to daily structure. Reinvent your routine for the new norm, and stick to it to help set the tone for the day and keep you focused and on track.

​Even with a routine, it’s unrealistic to think that you won’t indulge in activities that compromise your productivity even if your workspace is distraction-free. So, rather than setting expectations you can’t meet, schedule time on your calendar to surf the web, check personal messages, do housework, watch TV, and the like. This helps you to stay focused during the rest of your day

​Another good way to stay on task is to set goals and priorities and then use them to chart your progress. Make a daily to-do list and have weekly milestones. As you might expect, there are apps for that. Of course, you can always go old-school if you like and use pen and paper to make your list. Or write your goals on a sticky note and post it where you will see it every day.

Staying accountable to your goals increases your productivity, and you can hold yourself to task with commitment and an honest review of your performance. Sometimes it helps, though, to call in ​reinforcements. Whether you partner with one person or a group, knowing you have someone that you’ll be checking in (and celebrating successes) with can give you the extra push to follow through.

A surefire way to enhance your productivity is to boost your knowledge. Take advantage of virtual opportunities like real estate events, webinars, podcasts, and blogs. Also, consider taking an online class or two. For industry courses, we invite you to browse the comprehensive line of continuing education and broker pre-licensing courses offered by the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate. 

Also, thanks to technology, there are more ways than ever to stay in contact with others. It’s a given that you will check in on current and potential clients. But also make it a point to routinely keep in touch with fellow agents, team members, vendors, and others in your professional network. Doing so will keep you engaged and help you to keep business momentum going.

​Whatever else you do to positively impact your productivity, make a conscious effort to avoid burnout from working all the time. As an agent, it’s common to feel pressure to always be available, whether there is a crisis or not. But keep this top of mind: a commitment to unplugging from work and taking time for self-care is good for you, your productivity, and ultimately your business

​The impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to unfold daily across the globe, and we must all adapt to the change it brings. Stay-at-home orders and social distancing are the new normal as the battle to defeat COVID-19 goes on. Yet while the changing landscape affects the way that work gets done, professionals in every industry are still moving forward thanks to technology. 
 
The real estate industry already had a bit of a head start when it comes to tech before all of this began. And now, real estate professionals are leaning into those tech tools even more to conduct business. As that trend accelerates, consider the following tips on how you can adapt to the reality at hand and prepare for the “new” future.

​With social distancing and limited face-to-face interactions, many people are spending more time on social media than usual. So, the time is right to spruce up your social media game. Polish up your profiles, set yourself up on platforms where you don’t have a presence, and make it a point to actively post. For the latter, do so with a service versus a sales mindset. Also, keep an eye out for questions on local social media channels where you can showcase your neighborhood and real estate expertise. This is the time to shine as a trusted advisor and expert.

Now is also a good time to expand your knowledge and further boost your reputation as a go-to resource. Even if you’ve already completed the required continuing education, there’s nothing that says you can’t get ahead and position yourself for even greater success. And if you need to catch up on CE hours or want to start your licensing course, carving out some of your downtime to do so is a good idea too. In all these instances, the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate is here to help. Our online courses can be taken anytime, anywhere. Just click to browse and sign up.

It’s during times like these that your online presence matters more than ever. To be sure that your website is doing its job in light of the COVID-19 environment, consider pivoting your messaging to be more empathetic, current, and relevant. Improve user engagement if needed through chat, video, or other tools. Post regularly to your blog (or start one) and include resources and tips to help clients and prospects better understand how to navigate these fluid times and how you can help. Use your website to promote content that you provide through other platforms too.

Another tech tool that is good to revisit about now is your customer relationship management software. Be sure to use it to its fullest extent. Let it do the heavy lifting when it comes to reaching out to current and past clients to see how they are doing, to open a dialogue, and to offer to help if they need anything (real estate related or not). If you have not gotten around to integrating your CRM with your website, social media, and the like, do that now. Not using a CRM? What better time than now to research options (also check out our blog “What’s CRM and How It Help Me?”).

​Chances are, you already offer some type of digital home tour as part of your marketing efforts. If you’ve not made the leap to 3D or virtual reality tours, though, why not give them a look-see. Also, think about conducting a live-stream open house when it is a workable alternative to a traditional one. Take full advantage of video conferencing tools to stay connected with prospects and clients. And consider doing something fun like hosting virtual coffee hours to help people feel less isolated during the pandemic. The gesture is likely to be remembered well into the future.

​It’s great to have a mentor to guide you when you’re a real estate agent, especially when you are first starting in your career. A mentor can be invaluable in helping you learn the ropes and build your professional network. And even after you’ve gotten some experience under your belt, a good mentoring relationship can still help you grow your business and push your career to new heights.
 
Sounds good, right? But the question is: How do you know a good mentor when you see one? Here are suggested questions to ask yourself as you look for a great mentor who is right for you.

​You will want an established real estate pro with a wealth of expertise to be your mentor, of course. At the same time, though, recognize that an effective mentor knows that there is always something new to learn. Being committed to staying current and learning new practices in the field is a valuable trait in a mentor. And, in addition to being enthusiastic about sharing that knowledge with you, they should also be open to the possibility that you may know something they do not.

​As a real estate school that prides itself on having instructors with directly relevant experience, the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate can attest to how important it is to have a mentor who has walked the path you’re on. When they have gone through similar situations, they are positioned to help shorten your learning curve and help you navigate challenges. They can relate to where you are coming from and know what you need to think about, and what skills you’ll need to hone.

​You don’t want your mentor to be exactly like you, but it is helpful if the two of you have views and values in common. It’s like matchmaking. When you pair up with someone with whom you can quickly find common ground, the chances are greater that you’ll build a dynamic relationship. Look at the person’s supportive style too. Is their approach going to challenge you (in a good way) and inspire you to realize your goals and dreams? Think about what style brings out the best in you.
 

​Someone with a skill set similar to yours could help you sharpen your existing skills. And while this can make your strengths even stronger, it’s also important for a mentor to give guidance in areas where you are struggling. You’ll want them to supplement the skills you bring to the table too. These include hard skills (e.g., estate knowledge) and soft skills (e.g., communication).

​A quality mentor is both. One of a mentor’s core obligations is to provide crucial feedback to help you sidestep mistakes, increase your business, and more. Sometimes that feedback is corrective, and difficult to hear. So, look to find someone who knows how to constructively deliver feedback, and doesn’t shy away from giving you a respectful reality check when you need it.
 

​Great mentors are also authentic. They do not say one thing and do another. Rather, they lead by example, proving their talk and their capabilities with actions that match their words. They also know that an important part of being an authentic role model is the willingness to reflect on and share their journey and experiences – the good, the bad, and the ugly – with their mentee.

Some Related Advice
Choosing the right mentor is an important decision. Therefore, don’t be in a rush. Take your time and choose wisely. To make it easier:

• Identify what you need and want from a mentor. Develop a list of short and long-term goals, which will help you figure out what skills and knowledge your mentor should have.
• Prepare questions that will help you get an idea of what a mentoring relationship would be like with that person. Ask those questions at an informal meeting.
• Ask others for input on the people you are considering. This can help you narrow your list.

​Whether you are planning to take pre-licensing, post-licensing, or continuing education real estate courses online, be sure you are good to go before the virtual school bell rings to signal the first day of class. Being prepared helps ensure that things go smoothly and that you will get the most out of your studies.
 
What do you need to do to get ready for an online course?
 
We’ve called on our insider knowledge of the subject here at the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate to put together six simple tips to help you prepare. So, if it has been a while since you were last in school or you’re a newbie to online learning, keep reading for helpful hints.

Tip 1: Scope out study spaces.
While flexibility in where you study is a big part of the appeal of taking classes online, it helps to have a regular spot for doing your coursework. How so? You establish a routine that can boost your focus and productivity. Pick/set up a study space where you’ll be comfortable and ready to learn. At home, this could be anyplace from dedicated office space to the kitchen table or a corner nook. Have an alternate space too – perhaps the local library or a cozy booth at the coffee shop.

Tip 2: Test your tech.
Most courses don’t require the latest, fastest computer with bells-and-whistles software. You should nevertheless check beforehand (ideally before enrolling) to make sure your hardware, software, and internet speed fit the requirements. Check the school’s website for a list of the tech specs. Similarly, download any software or apps you’ll need ahead of time to avoid a last-minute scramble. Plus, test everything as far in advance as possible to make sure it works.

Tip 3: Make a study plan.
Since online courses typically don’t have a set time for you to attend class, it’s important to have a plan for staying on top of your schedule. Review the syllabus up front, check out any due dates, and make a study calendar. A quick web search will turn up an array of apps for that. Figure out how much time you need for classwork and assignments. Then schedule accordingly. Set aside a certain number of hours per day or week and be sure to leave some leeway for the unexpected.

Tip 4: Have a tech backup plan.
One of the things that you don’t want to happen is a scenario where your computer or internet fails, you have no alternate plan, and you have a quiz, test, or assignment due. Make a contingency plan for how you will complete coursework on time in the event of a technology glitch. Have Plan A and Plan B. Also, sign up for a cloud storage account if you don’t already have one (see if the school has suggestions) so that you have a strategy for backing up important files.

Tip 5: Gather important contact info.
There is no way to know if, at some point, you might need technical assistance or advice on an issue with your studies. And by its very definition, an emergency can’t be predicted. But, if one occurs, it could keep you out of class. So, find phone numbers, as well as email addresses and links for connecting with your instructor, technical support, and other services you may need. Don’t wait until you need help and then feverishly scroll the school’s website. Make a list before class begins.

Tip 6: Set up your support network.
By their very nature, online courses can sometimes leave you feeling a bit isolated and as if you are learning all on your own. Putting a support network in place can help with that. Ask family and friends to be a cheering section to encourage you to stay on track and maintain successful study habits. Reach out to introduce yourself and build rapport as soon as you get your instructor’s contact information. And visit the discussion forum early on to meet future study buddies.

One of the things we’ve taken notice of at the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate is that soon-to-be or newly minted agents are often curious about why a real estate CRM is important. Are you among those who have heard mention of customer relationship management software for agents and are wondering what the fuss is all about?
As a long-established real estate school with real-world knowledgeable instructors and staff, we can shed some light on that.
Here is a quick look at some basics of CRM software, and a more detailed look at seven of the ways a CRM platform can benefit you when you start out as well as later down the road.
​
So, what’s CRM software, anyway?
Simply put, customer relationship management software is a technology resource that supports your strategy for building and nurturing relationships with prospects and clients. Generally speaking, a CRM is a central repository for business data, a tracking system for interactions with potential and existing clients, and an analytics and reporting tool.
​

#1 Corral Your Leads
One of the challenges you’ll face as a real estate agent is organizing leads from scattered sources. With a CRM, you can consolidate info from multiple lead streams into one spot. And a good CRM platform will seamlessly synchronize with other technologies (i.e., websites, email, and social media channels) to allow you to transfer information. That makes it faster and easier to organize data. 

​

#2 Manage Client Intel
If you’re using a tool like a spreadsheet to keep up with prospects and clients, you’re limited in how much data you can easily capture and analyze. A CRM system, on the other hand, is designed to let you collect and track all manner of customer data that provides insight into behaviors and needs. It also allows you to slice and dice intel to improve decision making and up your service game. 

​

#3 Personalize Your Marketing
CRM software makes it easier for you to sift through contact information, segment based on contact profiles, and then tailor marketing messages accordingly. So, you get to bid cookie-cutter marketing farewell and connect with leads and clients on a deeper level to nurture relationships. You can also automate your marketing campaigns based on triggers within your CRM software. 

​

#4 Respond Faster
As an agent, you’re on the move – driving to listing appointments, showing properties, and the like. And so, responding to emails, voice mail, and text messages in a timely fashion can be difficult. With a cloud-based CRM, though, you can access the info you need wherever you are to get back with those who contact you. CRM platforms also allow you to create customized auto-responses to let leads and clients know that you received their message and will be back in touch shortly. 

​

#5 Stay on Track
The busier you are, the harder it is to manage things without dropping the ball. A good real estate CRM can help you with that. For example, set automatic reminders for calls to make and follow-up activities to handle. Set your CRM to remind you about special dates – client birthdays, purchase anniversaries, and such – and to send automatic emails. Plus, create automated checklists to help you stay on top of details associated with things like listings, open houses, etc. 

​

#6 Boost Your Productivity
Splitting time and attention takes a bite out of efficiency. Therefore, it follows that you can increase efficiency and productivity when you use software that lets you roll multiple activities into one system. The right CRM will integrate with other technology tools that you’re using – lead generation, email marketing, accounting software, and more. So, you can continue to use the tech solutions that work for you while spending less time switching between interfaces and devices. 

​

#7 Analyze Business Performance
A robust real estate CRM system – one that provides dashboards and detailed analytics about activities such as marketing, lead generation, and relationship building – helps you identify bottlenecks and other areas for improvement and devise solutions that address performance gaps. That means you can work smarter, not harder with the advantage of real-time data on what’s working and what’s not. 

​

Keep in mind: While there are advantages to using CRM software, technology is simply a tool that helps you nurture client relationships. To get the most out of that technology, you need a business approach for managing interactions with potential and existing clients. Coupled with exceptional customer service and in-depth real estate knowledge (check out how the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate can help you gain that), a CRM strategy can help grow your business and your bottom line. 

Remember that states license real estate agents. Therefore, the state must accept your coursework. If the school is not an approved provider, the courses don’t count toward the requirements for licensure. How can you confirm whether a school is approved? For Georgia, check the Approved Schools list on the Georgia Real Estate Commission website.
​

​One of the things you’ll want to do your homework on is the history of the school. Check to see how many years it has been in business. Is it relatively new or well-established like the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate? We are Savannah’s oldest real estate school, and one with a solid track record of preparing students for success in the profession.

​It’s to your benefit to pick a school where active agents or one-time active agents teach the courses. Not only do they know the material. They can also share real-life examples to provide context for that material. It’s a distinction that we take great pride in at our school. Our instructors HAVE SOLD real estate. As such, they can offer rich, insightful educational experiences.

​When you are looking for a real estate school, note whether the core curriculum keeps pace with the ever-changing real estate industry. A top-quality curriculum is current and relevant. It also incorporates practice questions and exams that test your retention and understanding of the course material, helping you to better prepare for exam day. 

Factor in your learning style, schedule, and lifestyle so that you can confirm the course format aligns with your needs. If you learn better in a traditional setting, weed out schools that only offer online courses. If flexibility is a must, so is an online option. Do the schools on your list offer only one type of course or both? As you compare, we invite you to check out our pre-licensing course, which is offered both in the classroom and online.

​You can narrow your choices by focusing on schools that fit your budget. Here’s a caveat, though. Don’t just look at price alone. Also, look at the value you get for the price. For instance, check which schools offer a choice of packages that enable you to meet the educational requirements to sit for the exam – and help you prep for taking the test. 

​If you have coursework questions or technical issues, you’ll want to get them resolved as quickly and easily as possible. Do the schools that you’re looking at have a support team you can reach out to for personalized help? How easy is it to contact instructors or technical support staff? Is the school staffed full time like the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate and do they offer live support? 

The school you choose should offer great content, of course. But, great content won’t do you much good if you don’t pass the exam. Check out the school’s exam pass rate (national and state-specific). Ask for data that backs up the school’s claim. Also, ask if their students typically pass the exam on the first try or after multiple attempts. 

Even when you are just starting in the profession, you should consider whether the school can help you meet future educational needs. Do they offer continuing education courses that you need to maintain your license? Is the broker pre-license course offered? With access to these resources, you don’t have to repeat the search process when you’re ready for the next step.

At the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate, we know that a referral from someone in the business is one of the highest compliments a real estate school can get. We routinely receive referrals from many different real estate companies, and we strongly suggest that you ask agents for their recommendations. Check out school reviews and read student testimonials too.