REALTORS® serving Calgary and area

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April 26, 2021 | Geoff Geddes

How to determine if a real estate career is right for you

If success in buying or selling a home is all about location, location, location, success as a REALTOR® comes down to commitment, commitment, commitment. It's a career that demands a lot, but it also offers a great deal in return.

"It's not just about saying, 'So, you want to buy a house?' said Mary ann Turrie, real estate advisor with Engel & Volkers and specialist in luxury residential sales. "You must be passionate about the business to succeed."

That passion is needed to maintain your focus through some very long days. Agents like Turrie begin early, responding to email inquiries and providing feedback on recent showings to existing clients.

"I then scan listings through a variety of searches, looking for properties that fit my buyers' needs, and book showings for the ones that interest them," she said. "After booking, I send them all relevant documents for the properties, such as real property reports, tax assessments, drawings and measurements."
"For me, the ultimate satisfaction comes from building meaningful, long-term business relationships with people and feeling their gratitude when all is said and done." - Mary ann Turrie, Engel & Volkers

After the showings, Turrie follows up with clients to get their impressions and refine her search as needed. Throughout the day, she prepares listings, writes scripts for properties, books photoshoots and home-staging appointments, and stays active on social media.

Those best suited to such a career are dedicated to serving their clients, excellent communicators and able to think clearly in stressful situations.

"You must always be thinking of your clients and willing to put their needs above your financial interests," she said.

Though people come to the industry from a variety of backgrounds, an education in architecture, law or land development can be an asset. No matter your background, you must stay current on the latest technology and social media trends, as well as global economic and political developments that could impact the local market.

Success as a Realtor also requires a commitment to ongoing education and training to hone skills and stay on top of the ever-changing real estate landscape. In addition to specializations, which exist for everything from condos to green homes, agents can expand their knowledge through the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, SAIT's Leadership in Real Estate Certificate Program or CREB®'s diverse course offerings.

All these educational opportunities can put Realtors in a position to better serve their clients, which should always be the No. 1 goal, Turrie says.

"You have to make a true commitment to the client's best interests before, during and after the sale," she said. "For me, the ultimate satisfaction comes from building meaningful, long-term business relationships with people and feeling their gratitude when all is said and done."

Tagged: Calgary | Calgary Real Estate | Calgary Real Estate News | Calgary Real Estate News | Condos | courses | CREB® | Education | Engel & Völkers | Feature | green homes | luxury | Real Estate | REALTORS | REALTORS | SAIT | training


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