Success in the real estate business is the result of teamwork. That's why knowing how to recruit real estate agents is so important. Established real estate agencies and independent agents alike struggle to attract and retain top talent, as it's these agents who set them apart from increasingly fierce competition.
Knowing and understanding how to recruit real estate agents requires implementing a method. Agents or agencies trying to build a high-performing team must create a value proposition that attracts the talent needed to take their business to a leadership position.
To achieve this, potential agents will need to find tools, knowledge, and experience that will allow them to advance their careers in the real estate sector.
The right technological tools and effective work methods are two essential elements for any agency that wants to learn how to recruit real estate agents. We share ten helpful tips on how to recruit real estate agents, find top talent, and retain them long-term
Agents represent the company to its clients. They are an extension of the brand, and they are the ones who close deals and create satisfied customers. But how do you recruit real estate agents with true talent and commitment?
There is a set of best practices for recruiting real estate agents that can also help retain these talents long-term within the company, ensuring knowledge transfer and the organization's growth alongside these professionals. Here are ten of those best practices:
1-Understand what the agent of a new agency is looking for
What motivates a real estate professional to leave or join a new agency? Money might be the most obvious answer. And in a way it is, but not so directly.
Of course, the agent expects to find in a new agency the tools, elements, and marketing resources necessary to make their work a bigger paycheck each month. Among other attractive points, a real estate agent will undoubtedly consider:
- Organization's brand image.
- Online presence.
- Digital marketing tools available.
- Transaction history.
- Satisfied customers.
- Opportunities for advancement and growth.
- Technological resources for real estate management. (CRM)
Some candidates will lean more towards one of these factors. This depends on their work style and experience. But the truth is that everyone, in one way or another, will assign value to each of them, and these values will have a significant impact on their decision to join the agency or not.
2-Do not make emergency hires
In many companies, across all sectors, emergency hiring when an employee leaves without notice is a common occurrence. In these cases, companies are forced to choose among the candidates who respond to the emergency call.
This is especially harmful in the real estate sector. Therefore, real estate agencies must adopt a smart approach and initiate proactive recruitment processes, contacting agents even before they consider leaving their current teams.
Proactive hiring is more than just anticipating a potential vacancy. It's about actively seeking out young talent, following up with them, and making early approaches to attract them and encourage their participation in the project.
3-Gather the prospects of interest
A social event, scheduled only for new potential agents, allows them to socialize in a stress-free environment with prospects, get to know them in an informal setting, and establish a relationship that, in the future, when required, will allow for a professional approach.
These types of events can be something like a "happy hour", a cocktail party, or simply a chat about general topics of interest to everyone.
4-Consider hiring at all levels
Experience is a valuable asset when hiring a real estate agent. But fresh ideas and the passion of a new agent are equally important. The key is managing diverse interests and expectations.
Real estate agents are drawn to an immaculate office and a modern, professional, and technologically advanced environment. Younger agents are attracted to challenges and opportunities for learning and development. Both are essential and will contribute significantly to the organization.
5-Create a strong online presence
We've made this same recommendation numerous times as a strategy for attracting new clients. But clients aren't the only ones looking for a real estate agency online.
Promising, proactive, talented agents who are always seeking new horizons do the same. Therefore, in addition to building a strong online presence, it's important to rank for keywords that attract top talent in the industry.
6- Look for sources other than LinkedIn
It's natural that the world's leading professional networking site is the first place a real estate agency looks for attractive professional profiles. But it doesn't have to be the only one.
A recruitment video, posted not only on LinkedIn but also on YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram, will yield good results. Sectors such as finance, insurance, or construction, which are closely linked to the real estate industry, can also be sources of valuable talent for agencies eager to recruit them.
7- Identify and promote the company's positive aspects
Salary and compensation packages are a key strength that no agent overlooks. However, this is an area where it's not always possible to beat other offers.
Showcasing and promoting the company's positive aspects, as well as offering some additional benefits, such as health insurance or flexible hours, can tip the scales in your favor.
8-Integrate and offer real estate technology
Modern real estate agents are drawn to technology and to agencies that offer it as an added value. Companies that have successfully integrated a real estate CRM with their website, social media, and other real estate portals are particularly attractive.
21st-century real estate agents know that having an integrated management platform streamlines workflow, eliminates repetitive tasks, and provides all the information needed to increase productivity.
An effective real estate CRM, offering specific functionalities, will undoubtedly be a great incentive for a young real estate agent. Among others, these functionalities may include:
- Customer and property management.
- Automatic matching of properties and customer demands.
- Integration of contacts from the web and real estate portals.
- Task reminder.
- Relationship between properties and clients.
- Business prioritization.
- Agent's agenda.
- Video marketing tools.
- Signage
9-Establish a strong brand image
Culture is the essential element upon which a real estate brand is built. Maintaining brand awareness and communicating it effectively is fundamental to business success, but it is also a decisive factor in retaining top talent.
A winning image, with a large client base and a proven track record, attracts top candidates solely through reputation. From an agent's perspective, their brand should reflect a place that satisfies clients and is conducive to closing deals. The best candidates will want to be where the most business opportunities are.
10-Support agents in achieving their objectives
Successful agents are ambitious and always look to the future. Many of them don't believe they'll be employed their entire careers. They have their sights set on starting their own businesses. This might seem like an unhealthy scenario, but it isn't.
Well-trained and qualified agents professionalize the sector and make the work easier for everyone. A large part of this success lies in the use of the right tools.
A modern, advanced, and efficient real estate CRM will be the ideal support tool for all leading professionals in the sector.
Cover photo: Pixabay.
