7 Things That Should Be on Your New Real Estate Agent Checklist

Starting a career in real estate in Louisiana is an exciting opportunity, but it’s important to set yourself up for success right from the beginning. Deciding the right starting point will be crucial in determining the path your career takes. No matter what your goals are, having a clear plan is essential. Bob Brooks School is dedicated to ensuring you are set for success. To assist you, we have created a new real estate agent checklist to highlight the key steps and priorities every aspiring realtor should know. 

1. Secure Your Real Estate License

Before you can get started, you need to meet all state requirements and pass the necessary exams to become licensed. For Louisiana specifically, here’s what you must ensure you do:

• Complete 90 hours of pre-licensing real estate education.
• Pass the Louisiana Real Estate Exam.
• Submit your application through the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC).
• Pay all required fees.

Once you’ve checked these off, you’ll be well on your way to be a licensed real estate agent in Louisiana!

2. Understand Louisiana Real Estate Law

Knowing Louisiana’s specific real estate laws is key to becoming a responsible and successful agent. The Louisiana Real Estate Commission enforces laws specific to the state, and every agent needs to stay in compliance. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the state’s rules and regulations. An understanding of these laws helps build credibility with your clients and protects your real estate license. Courses offered by Bob Brooks School give you a deep dive into the intricacies of Louisiana real estate law. This will give you the foundation you need to start your career. 

3. Find a Sponsoring Broker

To practice real estate, Louisiana requires new agents to work under a licensed broker. Finding the right sponsoring broker can make a big difference in your early career. Look for a broker who offers resources for new agents and aligns with your professional values and career goals. Don’t hesitate to interview multiple brokers and ask about their training options, commission splits, and company culture before committing. After working in real estate for four years, you will be eligible to apply to be a broker. This would create incredible opportunities for your career and give you the chance to mentor other up-and-coming real estate professionals. 

4. Invest in Continuing Education

Your education doesn’t stop once you earn your license. Louisiana real estate agents are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education annually to maintain their license. But beyond the legal requirement, ongoing education helps you stay updated on emerging trends, tools, and strategies within the field. 

Bob Brooks School offers a wide variety of continuing education courses, including:

• Agency Relations
• Real Estate Ethics
• Fair Housing and Cultural Diversity

Training through reputable organizations like Bob Brooks School ensures you’re learning actionable skills to stand out in the market. Since these courses were developed by Brett Lancaster, you can be assured that they have been created to the highest standards. 

5. Build Your Professional Toolkit

Real estate agents rely on a variety of tools to stay organized and efficient. Here’s what every new agent in Louisiana should add to their toolkit:

• Business cards with professional branding.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software to track leads and manage clients.
• Access to Multiple Listing Services (MLS) for finding and promoting properties.

As a real estate agent, time will be of the essence when connecting with potential clients and closing deals. Investing in these tools upfront will save time and make your day-to-day work more seamless.

6. Create a Marketing and Branding Plan

Establishing your presence in the Louisiana real estate market is essential. Start building your personal brand by focusing on:

• A professional website to showcase your services and listings.
• Eye-catching social media profiles on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
• Customizable email templates for client communication.
• Hosting open houses and networking events to connect with your local community.

Your marketing efforts should reflect who you are and why clients should choose you to help them buy or sell their properties.

7. Join Real Estate Communities and Networks

Collaboration and networking with other agents can pave the way for new job opportunities and shared resources. Consider joining:

• The Louisiana Realtors Association (LRA) – a great way to access professional tools, attend events, and stay updated on market trends.
• Local networking groups or meetups where you can connect with agents in your region.
• Mentorship circles to learn from experienced realtors who’ve been in your shoes.

Being part of a supportive community helps expand your knowledge and build long-term partnerships, which are invaluable in real estate. Louisiana has a robust community of real estate agents to help you connect and grow. 

Fill Out Your New Real Estate Agent Checklist with Bob Brooks

Launching your career as a real estate agent in Louisiana can be both exciting and overwhelming. But with the right preparation and strategy, you’ll be on the path to success. Use this new real estate agent checklist in Louisiana to guide your first steps and establish yourself as a skilled and trusted realtor. Are you ready to take the next step? At Bob Brooks School, we offer comprehensive online courses designed for new real estate agents like you. Whether it’s pre-licensing education or continuing education, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today on our website or give us a call at 225-292-7277. We look forward to helping you start your real estate journey!