As the market ebbs and flows, any time is really the perfect time to invest in yourself and your real estate business. At HomeSmart, our agents are our priority, so we’ve created a list of simple ways you can dedicate yourself to advancing your skills and feel empowered in your real estate career in any market.

1) Ramp Up Your Training

If you’ve been putting off your continuing education (CE) credentials, there’s no time like the present to take some courses! Whether you’re searching for in-person learning or prefer a virtual classroom, there are hundreds of high-quality CE courses available that will satisfy your requirements and make your life easier—some can even be completed in the comfort of your own home. As you’re choosing the classes you want to take, just be sure that you enroll in courses that are required for your license renewal. There are several classes that are not required to renew your license, but these can still be fun to explore once you’ve completed your requirements.

If you’re just looking to stay up-to-date on the real estate industry and sharpen your skills to become a better agent, try attending online webinars to give you a competitive edge. HomeSmart’s business builder webinar series will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to build a successful brand and business no matter where you are in your real estate journey. Industry experts speak on a variety of topics, from digital marketing to winning every listing, so there’s something for everyone to learn. If you need something you can listen to while cleaning up the house or getting ready in the morning, get some quick real estate tips by tuning into a podcast, like HomeSmart’s The Real State Podcast.

2) Spruce Up Your Marketing

Now more than ever, it’s critical that you implement strong marketing techniques to boost your business and stand out. Even if the real estate market and consumer demand looks different right now, people will remember how you brand yourself during this time because thoughts of moving are at the top of mind for many.

First, think about how you want to be seen by your clients, especially now. Do you want to be known as the successful agent who makes tons of deals even in a turbulent market? Do you want to be thought of as the supportive agent with strong client relationships at the foundation of your business? Now is the perfect time to figure out who you want to be for your clients and use that to build your marketing plan. For example, let’s say you want to be known as a supportive, empathetic agent. This can drive something as small as the word choice in your messaging; an email to potential clients could say, “I’ll provide you with one-of-a-kind support at every stage of your journey.” You can also connect your purpose as an agent to new marketing ideas; if you want to help the community, you could host a virtual Q&A session about your market for the public to attend.

No matter how you want to brand yourself, don’t forget that how your marketing looks is just as important as what it says. HomeSmart agents have access to the Marketing Design Center, which helps them establish a professional brand presence with access to hundreds of templates to improve the look of their assets. However you choose to present your marketing materials, make sure that they speak to the type of agent you want to be.

3) Show Your Clients That You Care

One of the best ways to invest in your real estate business is to invest in your clients. By making the home journey less stressful for your current clients, they’ll remember you, spread the word, and open the door to future business.

One way to serve your clients and connect with buyers and sellers from wherever they are is to engage in virtual open houses and showings. Designed to offer flexibility and maximize time, virtual open houses and showings can be the perfect way to move your buyers and sellers forward in the process. Simple and effective, all you or your clients will need to get started is a smartphone and access to virtual meeting software, like Zoom.

Another way to support both past and current clients is to simply remind them that you’re here for them. You can do something small, like sending all of your clients a thoughtful email or postcard showing them you care, or you can provide a little more with a slightly more substantial gesture. Depending on your budget, you may want to purchase a nice gift basket or other item, or try a digital gift card sent directly to your clients’ inbox. No matter what, you should focus on supporting your clients rather than simply trying to build your business. If your clients feel supported by you, the business will come naturally.