A smooth onboarding process for new real estate agents sets them up for success and brings numerous benefits to the brokerage. By providing the necessary documents, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, brokerages can ensure a seamless transition for new agents and foster a positive and productive work environment. Ready to learn how to streamline the new hire process for your real estate agents? Let’s dive into the essential steps of a real estate agent onboarding checklist.

Key Takeaways

Essential documents and setup for new agents create a professional atmosphere.
Comprehensive training programs equip real estate agents with the knowledge and skills to excel.
Brokerages should provide mentorship, shadowing opportunities, a networking support system, a customizable onboarding checklist & regular assessments of progress for a successful onboarding process.

Essential Documents and Setup for New Agents

Starting a new job can be overwhelming, especially when agents are expected to hit the ground running. Streamlining the onboarding process requires having all necessary documents, licenses, and materials ready for new agents. This includes:

An agent employee folder
Contact information
W-9 and other employment documents
Current and up-to-date licenses

Ensuring that all essential paperwork is in order reduces stress for the new agent and sets a professional tone.

During preboarding, new agents should be provided with detailed instructions on transferring their licenses and resources to aid in studying for the real estate exam. A training schedule should also be established to ensure they are adequately prepared for their role, considering their experience, sales abilities, and interpersonal communication skills. By setting clear expectations and providing support, brokerages can help new agents feel confident and ready to represent the real estate business.

Creating a welcoming atmosphere helps new agents feel supported and understand the brokerage’s protocols, procedures, and expectations. Providing practice scripts can also help them improve their communication skills with clients. A brokerage that emphasizes communication and agent success has a higher rate of agent satisfaction, which is crucial when agents transition to a new brokerage.

Comprehensive Training Program

Regardless of prior experience, new real estate agents benefit greatly from a well-rounded training program. Through onboarding, they should obtain all the necessary knowledge to perform their job proficiently, understand where to access information when required, and feel backed by the company. This includes training on the brokerage’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, marketing platforms, and listing and buyer presentations. By offering a comprehensive training program covering all aspects of the real estate business, brokerages can ensure that new agents are equipped to excel in their roles.

The training program should incorporate asynchronous and synchronous learning to cater to different learning styles and preferences. This allows new agents to understand the business and its various aspects, from office procedures to negotiation skills. The discussion will include in-house training courses, online courses and resources, and mentorship and shadowing opportunities, all supported by relevant training materials.

In-House Training Courses

In-house training courses are invaluable for new, real estate professionals and agents, providing them with hands-on experience and direct access to the company’s systems, programs, tools, and real estate-related topics. Let’s make one called “Crush It Basics” as an example of a course idea. This course spans three weeks and convenes agents twice weekly for training sessions. This comprehensive course covers a wide range of topics, such as:

Systems
Programs
Tools
Negotiation
Offer writing

While much of this is 101, it ensures that new agents have a solid foundation in their new roles.

For seasoned agents transferring to join the company, offer quicker training through the brokerage on understanding the systems and operations and introducing the available marketing tools. A tailored course ensures that experienced agents can quickly adapt to the new brokerage’s processes and systems, allowing them to hit the ground running.

By providing in-house training courses, brokerages not only equip their agents with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their roles but also foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among agents. This collaborative environment can be a driving force for the success of the team and entire brokerage.

Online Courses and Resources

Online courses and resources play a significant role in the professional development of real estate agents. They offer flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to quickly complete courses, providing agents with specialized knowledge to remain competitive. For new agents, here are a couple of platforms that could be a good option:

Kaplan Real Estate Education
The CE Shop
Colibri Real Estate
360training
RealEstateU
Cooke Real Estate School
Aceable

By supplementing in-house training with online courses, agents can learn at their own pace, taking advantage of the flexible online learning options. These platforms offer a variety of real estate courses that agents can access anytime and anywhere, with interactive materials, quizzes, and assessments to enhance the learning experience further.

Mentorship and Shadowing Opportunities

Mentorship and shadowing opportunities are integral to a successful recruiting and onboarding process for new real estate agents. By pairing new agents with experienced agents who have a proven track record, they can observe and shadow their mentors as they complete daily tasks, such as:

Interacting with clients
Exhibiting properties
Negotiating deals
Managing paperwork

This hands-on experience allows new agents to gain insight into the expertise and strategies of experienced agents and acquire valuable knowledge and practical understanding of the real estate industry.

Establishing a mentorship program in a real estate brokerage is highly beneficial for new agents, as it provides:

Continuous training
Development opportunities
Guidance
Support

Mentors assist new agents in cultivating their skills and increasing their knowledge, guaranteeing their success in the industry. Moreover, mentors can give valuable counsel and guidance to manage the difficulties and intricacies of the real estate market.

Building a Strong Online Presence for New Agents

Real estate agents need a solid online presence to have any chance of success in this market. New agents should ensure their online presence is consistent and professional by:

Keeping their website up to date with their most recent information and company details
Updating their Facebook page, LinkedIn, Instagram, and other social media platforms regularly
Showcasing their affiliation with the brokerage and building trust with potential clients

By maintaining a solid online presence, new agents can effectively showcase their skills and services to attract potential clients.

Assisting new agents in updating their online presence includes providing a branding kit encompassing logos, colors, fonts, and styles. The new agent should create their brand materials. Once ready, they can use them on social media accounts, real estate portals, and online profiles. Maintaining current email signatures is also essential to guarantee that all relevant information is up to date.

Helping New Hires Understand Commission Structure and Benefits

New real estate agents must understand the brokerage’s commission structure, benefits, and unique offerings. A clear explanation of these financial aspects ensures that agents comprehensively understand their new role and can make informed decisions about their career trajectory. Brokerages with a split commission typically offer benefits such as MLS access, insurance, and marketing materials. The typical brokerage commission rate in the U.S. falls within the range of 2% to 3%.

By clearly explaining the commission structure and benefits, brokerages can create a transparent work environment that fosters trust and loyalty among their agents. This transparency is essential for attracting prospective agents and retaining existing agents, as it demonstrates the brokerage’s commitment to fairness and support for their agents’ success.

Networking and Support System

For the success of new real estate agents, a robust network and support system within a brokerage is pivotal. This includes:

Organizing transactions
Facilitating communication
Aiding in the escrow process
Offering support and guidance

Other essential personnel in a real estate brokerage’s support system may include:

Sales assistants
Escrow officers
Title representatives
Home inspectors
Transaction coordinators

By fostering a strong network and support system, brokerages can create a collaborative and productive work environment where new agents can thrive and excel in their careers.

Customizable Onboarding Checklist

A customizable onboarding checklist significantly streamlines the onboarding process for new real estate agents. This structured and customized process for training and integration into the brokerage assists agents in completing essential paperwork, provides a roadmap to follow, and allows for personalization based on the distinct requirements of the brokerage.

A practical onboarding checklist should include elements such as:

Introduction and Welcome
Company Overview
Job Responsibilities
Training and Development
Policies and Procedures
Technology Setup
Marketing and Lead Generation
Team Collaboration
Performance Expectations
Ongoing Support

By providing a customizable onboarding checklist, brokerages can ensure a smooth transition for new agents and set them up for success from day one.

Monitoring Progress and Adjustments

Regular assessments of new agents’ progress during their initial 90 days are critical to their success within the brokerage. This includes monitoring key performance metrics such as:

Appointment to listing conversion rate
Controllable operating expenses
Customer satisfaction
Sales volume and revenue
Conversion rate and lead generation
Professional development and learning
Listings secured
Properties sold
Commission earned

By monitoring the progress of new agents and making necessary adjustments to their onboarding process, brokerages can:

Identify areas of improvement
Provide targeted support to help agents excel in their roles
Evaluate if the fit is suitable for both the agent and the brokerage

This ongoing evaluation ensures a mutually beneficial working relationship.

Using Brokerkit To Improve Onboarding

Brokerkit’s platform seamlessly integrates various aspects of the onboarding process, making it a far more automated solution for brokers. The software’s capabilities include:

Automated Communication: Brokerkit ensures that all onboarding communications, from welcome emails to essential document reminders, are automatic and personalized. This provides new agents with a consistent and engaging onboarding experience.
Retention Campaigns: Brokerkit goes beyond onboarding, offering retention campaigns vital for keeping agents engaged and motivated. From celebrating first closings to acknowledging annual achievements, these automated campaigns help build a supportive and appreciative culture within the brokerage.
Feedback and Assessment Integration: Brokerkit’s platform allows for the integration of regular assessments and feedback mechanisms. This helps brokers monitor the progress of new agents and provide timely support or adjustments to their onboarding plan.

BrokerKit not only simplifies and automates many of the time-consuming tasks associated with onboarding agents but also plays a crucial role in agent retention. Want to see Brokerkit in action? Book a demo here.

Summary

In conclusion, a streamlined onboarding process for new real estate agents is essential for their success and the overall productivity of the brokerage. By providing comprehensive training, ongoing support, and a strong network, brokerages can set their new agents up for success from day one. As the real estate industry evolves, brokerages must adapt and refine their onboarding processes to attract and retain the best talent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the onboarding process for agents?

The onboarding process for agents involves providing the necessary training, assets, and support to perform their role effectively and align with the organization’s goals and culture.

How do you welcome a new agent?

Welcome your new agent warmly, providing them with swag and an onboarding agenda outlining their start date, tasks to complete before starting, and the schedule they can expect to follow.

How do real estate agents stand out?

Real estate agents can stand out by being client-oriented, focusing on their needs and want without fear of making suggestions, and investing in branding to make their business more attractive. Realtors can set themselves apart by listening, remaining patient, and providing a fun home shopping experience.

What documents and licenses are necessary for new agents?

New agents should have an agent employee folder with contact information, W-9, other employment documents, and the necessary license(s) to start work.

What is the significance of offering an all-inclusive training program for new agents?

Offering an all-inclusive training program for new agents ensures they have the resources to succeed and makes them feel supported by the company, a value proposition which is highly significant.