I wanted to become a real estate agent many years before I finally did, and there were two reasons for that. The first is that I had young children and really could not commit to real estate full time. There are certainly people that can do so, I just chose not to for personal reasons. I got my license once my kids were driving and I was able to meet with clients as needed. The other reason though, was because I honestly don’t enjoy spending a ton of time with people.
Yep, the first thing my family asked me when I got my license was “um, you don’t like people, why are you going into real estate?” Haha, they know me so well. I do like people, I just like them in small doses! As an introvert, I get energy from being by myself. Right now I am writing this article from my bedroom because I needed a little quiet time, and yet last year I was #1 in my office in units sold. So how does that happen for an introvert?
Get Comfortable
You will hear that getting out of your comfort zone is what needs to happen to be successful, and that can be true, but getting comfortable with yourself is just as true! I know I am different from other agents that are extroverts. They are out networking, staying up late at conferences, throwing parties, that is simply not me. I see them at mutual events, I’m the wall flower and they are talking to everybody in the room. I focus on my strengths and try not to compare myself to them. I am better at content, websites, social media and listening while being straightforward, and clients that are drawn to those qualities will find me and like me.
Unique Marketing
I’ve found that introverts like different types of events, hobbies, and are involved in different groups than extroverts. If you can harness those differences you can attract clients without really putting yourself out there in a traditional advertising plan. For instance, starting a Facebook group for people in your city that enjoy reading a specific genre of books is unique and will get you in front of more people in a natural way that an introvert will be comfortable with leading. Or you can team up with someone that is more of an extrovert. For instance, I create videos with one of the lenders I work with, I am better at coming up with the content and she forces me to be more personable.
Your Strengths are Beneficial
Some core strengths of introverts are very much in demand in real estate. Having the ability to listen for long periods of time is perfect for working with the public. You are also able to concentrate and focus which will come in handy when writing contracts. Being able to be objective when there are issues between spouses or parties in a transaction helps introverts stay calm and break down the problem to find a solution. My favorite strength by far is coming in handy more and more, texting and email! Clients are beginning to prefer my style of communication so I find I can work with a lot more clients than if I have to be chatty Cathy and on the phone all day. Yes, I still have those clients that need more voice time, and it is difficult for me, but I use my time management skills to try to keep them in line so I can focus my energy.
I love hearing from other introverts, and those extroverts that meet me that say they would never guess I was introverted. I can turn on the charm, I just have to schedule my downtime in order to be able to continually do that for clients and building business relationships. So yes, introverted real estate agents are real, and we rock! (Quietly, by ourselves, lol.)
Misty Weaver
Misty Weaver is an agent in Virginia currently growing the Dream Weaver Team with Keller Williams all over the country. During her years of dreaming about becoming an agent she spent her time working in Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing as an affiliate marketer. She loves talking to people that want to become real estate agents!
Follow Me:
