Amanda Cousino is my friend and colleague who is a new realtor on my team navigating her way as a real estate entrepreneur with a corporate job. Read her tips and her real take on what it takes to grow your business if you’re a realtor just starting out…even if you’re not a newbie - she tells it like it is and these are tips any real estate professional could hear!

FROM AMANDA’S POINT OF VIEW:

Truth drop! I have been in automotive advertising for the last 6 years, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say its a part of my identity at this point. I’ve been climbing that corporate ladder!

In May 2020, like the rest of the world, I lost my job. That’s when I really decided to take the leap into Real Estate, it’s something I always wanted to pursue so I went for it. Fast forward to October 2020, my corp job asked me to come back to my position. Conflicted between two jobs I LOVED, I decided, “Hell, I’m going to do both and see how long I can stay alive LOL”.

…..and here I am still livin! still pursuing my passions, finding purpose and flourishing in both! I got a raise in my corp job this week and in the last 5 months I produced more than 3M! I know what your thinking… she’s insane and has 0 time! Nope, just very organized, especially for the things that matter most to me! 🙃 I’m extremely type A and won’t let anything fall, including my clients! I’m here to SERVE YOU, and when I cant? My AMAZING team will!

The number 1 struggle of being a new(er) agent? LEAD GENERATION. Obtaining clients and keeping that flow is HARD for everyone. How do you set yourself apart from hundreds of other real estate agents doing the exact same thing your doing?

My advice? Be consistent. Be helpful. Be a human. Work your circle. & they will come!

WHAT I LEARNED IN MY FIRST YEAR AS A REALTOR

- Do not expect handouts. Your success is totally up to you and the opportunities/risks you take.
- GET A MENTOR, a successful one at that! (Thanks Erica and Abbey!)
- ABSORB EVERYTHING and write everything in the notes section of your phone.
- There will always be people who doubt you and people who whole heartedly support you.
- Do not take people and personalities seriously or to heart…(Shout out to all the listing agents who don’t pick up my phone calls! LOL🤣)
- Get a Instagram NOW and start posting. All my leads so far have been in my network, but have reached out via my Instagram.
- Find a niche, you cannot appeal to everyone, so pick an audience and frame up your ideal client. Ready set, Go find them.
- You’ll want to quit a million times, don’t. The breakthrough and reward is so worth it when it comes.
- Here’s a BIG one! You can several go months without making a dime. Especially starting out. Everyone’s situation is different, mine specifically, I was not in the financial situation to go without a paycheck for more than a few months. It’s OK to work multiple jobs, I currently work two and do real estate in my pockets of my time. Do I want to go full time? YES YES YES!

It definitely takes a bit for a new agent to get rolling, although I’ve had my license for a year, my business didn’t get going until May 2021. If anyone has any questions - feel free to DM me on Instagram and I’d be happy to try and help you or meet up for coffee! I’m always up for networking with other new agents and look forward to seeing what the end of 2021 brings…