In our success-driven world, we often equate career growth with a hectic and demanding schedule. However, a packed and stressful calendar is not the key to growth–or happiness. Striking a balance between career achievements and personal fulfillment can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Implementing SMART goals empowers agents and brokers to not only achieve professional milestones but also savor the moments that truly matter in life.

Your business plan is critical to your success as a REALTORⓇ. Often, creating a business plan is not prioritized in the way it should be. One reason it can be pushed to the side is because creating a comprehensive plan is no easy feat. Basic business plan templates, like the ones that are found online, are one size fits all, not tailored to you and your business specifically.

In the world of real estate, success is often measured by the strength of your network. Agents who effectively build and maintain valuable connections find themselves with a steady stream of clients, referrals, and opportunities. In this blog, we'll explore specific networking strategies tailored for real estate professionals. Whether you're an established REALTORⓇ or brokerage, or just starting your career, these tips will help you take your networking game to the next level.

Take a moment to remember the last time you felt truly heard by someone. Listening, and specifically, active listening, forms deeper relationships and makes the people around you feel valued. This process is a crucial step in building trust, perhaps one of the most important aspects of a real estate relationship.

Embarking on a career in real estate as a rookie can be both exciting and daunting. While the field offers immense potential for success, it also demands dedication, hard work, and a strategic approach. If you're a rookie looking to make a splash in the industry, there are a few key principles that will help you build a solid foundation for your real estate career.

As an agent or brokerage, your success is closely tied to your ability to adapt to market changes, understand the latest industry trends, and connect with clients on a deeper level. This is where the concept of lifelong learning comes into play. Most agents work for themselves and therefore must have the discipline to stay ahead of the competition. Brokerages and REALTORs alike benefit from putting practices in place to continue learning and adapting as the real estate landscape changes.

Referrals in many industries, real estate included, can be the lifeblood of your business. These recommendations from satisfied clients and partners can boost your reputation and bring in a steady stream of new customers. At SMART Real Estate Consulting, we understand the significance of referrals and have developed a strategic approach to help our agents and brokerages stay top of mind.

In the fast-paced world of real estate, mistakes can be costly. Though no one is perfect, and no real estate transaction is seamless, there are common mistakes that can be avoided. A SMART real estate professional is committed to embracing tried and true strategies to give their clients the best outcome possible. Let’s explore a handful of common mistakes made by agents and brokerages and how to avoid them.

Real estate agents are always on the move—often managing multiple listings, clients, contracts, and normal life tasks simultaneously. In the world of technology we live in, we are constantly being bombarded with advertisements for technology and tools to make our lives easier. In my (Ivey’s) experience, many tools are nice to have, but only a few are truly essential to run your business.

A business plan is the roadmap all business owners need to navigate entrepreneurship. However, creating a business plan isn’t as common in real estate as other industries. Real estate agents often jump into the work of representing buyers and sellers and may be left feeling aimless when faced with inevitable obstacles in growing.

Years ago, when I (Ivey) first started my real estate career, I began my business planning for the coming year in late October or early November.

In real estate, as in life, it’s easy to stretch yourself thin. Often, as you strive for success, you try to be the expert in every part of your field rather than zoning in on your strengths. When you find the intersection of what sparks joy and what you're best at, you’re working smarter instead of harder. But how do you find that niche?

In today's competitive real estate industry, REALTORSⓇ are constantly working to stand out from the crowd. While helping clients buy and sell properties may be the focus of your business, investing in personal branding to establish a strong and memorable professional identity will set your business apart.

As a REALTORⓇ, one of the most challenging aspects of your job can be dealing with difficult buyers. These are the clients who seem resistant to any property you present, constantly questioning and doubting your expertise. However, don't let their skepticism discourage you. They have often entered the buying process too quickly or missed important steps along the way, leaving them confused about the process, market, or both.

As the saying goes, work smarter, not harder. However, at SMART Real Estate, we encourage both smart and hard work. Often, the most challenging part of being a REALTORⓇ or brokerage is keeping up with effective sales techniques in the ever-competitive world of real estate.

Success depends on a delicate balance of sticking to core sales organization & management techniques while still being adaptable to unique client needs and changing market conditions.

As a REALTOR® or brokerage, closing real estate transactions is the ultimate goal. It's the moment when all the hard work, negotiations, and paperwork come together to seal the deal. However, successfully closing a real estate transaction and earning future business requires careful attention to detail and effective communication. Five-Star reviews, repeat clients, and referrals all hinge on how good of a job you do for each client, hence why the SMART mantra is “Do Good.” Read these essential tips to navigate the closing process, ensure a smooth and successful transaction, and earn future business.

In today's digital age, agents and brokerages need to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of marketing strategies. Gone are the days of relying solely on traditional marketing methods. The digital realm offers immense opportunities to serve a wider audience and generate quality leads and grow a brand. Even if technology isn’t your strength, there are ‘SMART’ ways to digitally market yourself to help grow your business.

In the competitive world of real estate, going the extra mile as a REALTOR® or broker can set you apart and make a significant impact on your clients. However, new agents often receive a license after just a few weeks of school and have limited knowledge regarding how to go above and beyond for their clients and close major deals. Even experienced agents may lack nuance to navigate tricky transactions. This is where Ivey and SMART Real Estate Consulting offer a competitive advantage.

Summer continues to be a busy time for the real estate market, even as it evolves as a result of market conditions and ever-changing buyer preferences. In spite of rising mortgage rates and high buyer expectations, we expect steady growth.

Ivey Jacops, the founder of SMART Real Estate, didn't set out for a career in the real estate industry. In fact, her journey, like many successful people, has been a winding path.