2008 Special Series:
Work Smart

Who doesn’t want to work smarter? REALTOR® magazine is helping you do just that, with a series of articles to help both new and experienced practitioners master the basics of the business.

Budgeting. In the first of our Work Smart series, experts offer advice on finding a process that works for you and sticking with it. Use this budgeting blueprint, and the accompanying budget tips, to get you started.  

Prospecting. To prevent procrastination and help ensure you’ll have a steady stream of new clients flowing into your office, you need a prospecting plan that you work day in and day out. You need to know whom you’ll prospect, what you’ll say to them, and when and where you’ll make your calls.  

Listing. What does it take to convince skeptical sellers that you’re the right salesperson to market their home? You need disciplined research and preparation skills to analyze the market, assess pricing options, and plan an effective marketing campaign for the home.  

Financing. In the new financing landscape, buyers need more support from you. Get a crash course in financing to learn how you can ensure buyers can come up with the money to buy the home they've chosen. Plus: Mortgage Math Made Easy

Referrals. From the day the deal closes, your follow-up plan to get referrals should be firing on all cylinders. Any top performer will tell you that ongoing cultivation of customers and clients is the key to long-term success in real estate. Plus: Referral Scripts