Starting a career in real estate can be a challenging and competitive. However, with the right mindset and strategies, you can navigate the market and build a successful career in the industry. In this article, we will discuss 10 tips for surviving your first year in real estate in Kenya.

1.    Get to know the market

To be successful in the real estate business, you must first research the area you intend to work in, including the types of properties in demand and average prices. Knowing the market will give you an understanding of what type of properties will sell quickly and at what price range, which can help you target the right type of clients and properties. Additionally, understanding the market will also help you stay competitive in the industry and keep you informed about any changes or trends in the market.

It’s also important to stay up to date on the regulations and laws that govern the Kenyan real estate industry, as this will help you navigate the market and avoid any legal issues. You can research online, attend seminars or training sessions, or connect with other real estate professionals to learn more about the market.

1.    Build a strong network

Developing relationships with other real estate professionals, such as agents, mortgage brokers, and home inspectors, can be extremely beneficial to your company. Building a strong network will provide you with access to a wider range of clients, properties, and resources, as well as keep you up to date on market trends, regulations, and laws.

Networking can be done through various methods such as attending industry events, joining real estate associations, or simply reaching out to other real estate professionals in your area. Building a relationship with other real estate agents in the industry will give you access to resources and information that can help you grow your business and stay competitive.

Having a good network can also help you win new clients, as well as referrals. Referral business is an important aspect of real estate as it’s one of the most effective ways to attract new clients. And since real estate is a relationship-based business, it’s important to connect with as many people as possible to build a strong network.

Read: Networking Tips for Real Estate Agents in Kenya

2.    Be prepared to work hard

Real estate can be a demanding and competitive field, so it’s important to be prepared to put in the time and effort to succeed. This means being willing to work long hours, being able to handle rejection, and being persistent in your efforts to close deals. The real estate industry is all about hard work, dedication, and persistence. It’s important to be ready to put in the work to build your business, and to be willing to go the extra mile for your clients.

Being adaptable and flexible can also help you survive in the industry. As real estate market is constantly changing, you have to be able to adapt and pivot as needed to meet the changing market conditions. This could mean being willing to learn new skills or trying new marketing strategies.

3.    Be accessible

Your ability to communicate with clients effectively and promptly will show your reliability and professionalism. Make sure to provide clients with your contact information and be available to answer any questions they may have. Having a professional email address, website and social media accounts that are updated and active will help you appear more professional and reach more potential clients.

4.    Be knowledgeable

Success in the business depends on having a thorough understanding of the real estate market, laws, and regulations. By staying informed about the latest market trends, regulations and laws, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the market, avoid any legal issues, and provide accurate and reliable information to your clients.

To gain knowledge and stay informed, you can research online, attend seminars or training sessions, or connect with other real estate professionals. Additionally, staying up-to-date with the latest market trends and regulations will help you stay competitive and increase your chances of success in the industry. It will also give you an edge over your competitors and establish you as an expert in your field. Furthermore, having a good knowledge of the legal requirements in your area will help you avoid any potential legal issues when closing deals.

5.    Be professional

As a real estate agent, it’s good to conduct yourself in a professional manner and be honest and transparent with your clients. This means being punctual, dressing appropriately, and maintaining a positive attitude. It’s also important to have a professional attitude when communicating with clients, whether it’s through email, phone, or in-person. Being professional also means being organized, keeping accurate records, and being reliable and dependable.

Honesty and transparency are also important in building trust and loyalty with your clients. Being upfront about any issues with a property or being honest about the current market trends will help to build trust and establish you as a reputable agent.

6.    Utilize technology

Using technology to your advantage, such as creating a website, using social media, and using real estate software to manage your business, can help you reach more potential clients and streamline your workflow. Having a professional website and active social media accounts can help you reach a wider audience, and make it easy for potential clients to find you online. Using real estate software can help you manage your contacts, listings, and transactions more efficiently, saving you time and energy.

Technology can also help you to showcase your properties in a more interactive and engaging way. For example, you can use virtual tours, videos, and photos to showcase properties to potential clients.

8.    Learn to negotiate

Negotiating skills are important for success in real estate, as it involves convincing buyers and sellers to come to an agreement on a property. Being able to effectively negotiate will help you close more deals and increase your sales.

To become a successful negotiator, you should learn to communicate effectively, understand the needs and motivations of your clients, and be able to find common ground. Also be prepared, do your research, and have a clear understanding of the property and market conditions. You should also practice your negotiation skills, whether in real-life scenarios or through role-playing exercises.

9.    Keep your finances in order

As a real estate agent, you will be responsible for managing your own finances, which includes keeping accurate records of your income and expenses, and creating a budget to help you manage your finances. This is important to ensure that you are able to pay your bills and expenses on time, and that you have enough money to invest in growing your business.

Keeping accurate records of your income and expenses will also help you with tax purposes. It will also make it easier for you to track your performance and make adjustments to your business strategy when necessary.

Creating a budget will help you to manage your expenses and income effectively, and to make better decisions about how to invest your money. A budget will help you identify areas where you can cut costs, and will also help you plan for the future and set financial goals.

10.  Be patient

Building a successful career in real estate takes time, so it’s important to be patient and not to get discouraged. It’s important to remember that success in real estate does not happen overnight, and that it takes time to establish yourself in the industry and build a strong client base.

Set realistic goals for yourself and to celebrate small successes along the way. This will help you stay motivated and focused, and will also give you a sense of accomplishment as you achieve your goals. Always stay positive, even when faced with rejection or setbacks. Remember that rejection is a part of the business and that every “no” brings you one step closer to a “yes.”

Conclusion

Real estate industry in Kenya can be challenging especially if you are new in the market. By following the 10 tips discussed, you can survive your first year and establish yourself as a reputable agent in the industry. Remember to stay informed, stay motivated and never stop learning!

Are you interested in learning more about the real estate industry in Kenya? Read our best articles. We cover a wide range of topics, from tips for surviving your first year to market trends, legal requirements, and more. By reading our articles, you can stay informed and up-to-date on the latest developments in the industry, and gain valuable insights that can help you build a successful career. Don’t miss out on these informative and actionable resources. Stay ahead of the game by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on social media to stay informed.