When it comes to learning an industry, having a mentor can provide unmatched real-world guidance, support, hands-on education, and experience, especially in the real estate industry. Mentors can also open avenues for further networking and career development.
One should be on the lookout for many qualities when seeking a mentor to help nurture their real estate career future. Today, let’s explore just a few of our recommendations for what you should look for in a mentor.
1. A Proven Track Record Of Wins (And Losses)
When seeking a mentor, you will want to ensure that the person in question has successful experience within the real estate industry. Now, when we say successful, we, of course, mean a track record of incredible wins and closed deals, but also of losses, failures, or mistakes. Losses provide excellent learning opportunities, and if a mentor is comfortable sharing their losses with you, it allows you to learn from these failures and experience them second-hand.
2. A Leader By Example
It’s an age-old notion that the most successful leaders lead by example, not by force. A mentor should set the standard for the heights you seek to reach and surpass. And this should be true with all aspects of their guidance. Surround yourself with those that lead by example, and you’ll find yourself picking up great habits and even becoming a leader yourself.
3. A Willingness To Share Experience And Knowledge
Your mentor shouldn’t only be willing to share their experiences and real estate knowledge; they should be passionate about it. An unyielding desire to pass on one’s expertise and success to another is one of the most essential traits that a mentor should possess.
4. Available And Accessible
While the real estate industry is absolutely a busy, time-consuming career path, a mentor should be able to balance their time between working and mentoring. If you find yourself unable to reach your mentor consistently for real estate guidance, they may have a bit too much on their plate at the moment to give you their full, proper attention.
5. Values Honesty, Integrity, And Real Estate Ethics
The 2021 Code of Ethics & Standards from the National Association of Realtors states that, “When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client.”
An excellent mentor exemplifies ethical business in the real estate industry. However, following the guidance of anyone who does not adhere to ethical practices, honesty, and professional integrity is the quickest recipe for failure.
6. Delivers Praise When Deserved…
Everyone deserves to have their successes and their wins recognized. A good mentor will know how and when to deliver praise, encouragement, and positive feedback when earned. This way, you can add an extra layer of confidence to your learned real estate practices.
7. …But Is Also Critical When Needed, Never Cruel
According to business owner and motivational speaker, Gary Vaynerchuk, “the greatest job of a leader, whether that leader is a parent, a CEO, or a counselor–is to find a way to build self esteem without crossing into delusion.”
8. A Genuine Passion For The Real Estate Field
Ultimately, a genuine passion for teaching and the real estate field should be within the heart of every mentor-learner relationship. Above all else, passion is infectious and inspiring, spreading positivity wherever it is found. By surrounding yourself with passionate individuals, especially those in leadership positions, you’ll find yourself developing your own passions, leading to success.
Categorised in: Real Estate Tips