Consider this. Most litigious situations in real estate transactions arise from agents thinking they know everything. Most agents believe the customer expects them to know everything. This could not be further from truth. An RE professional knows what they know, what they don't know and knows the difference between the two. So when they know they share that information with their buyer and when the don't know something they should go check with their broker or get solid advice from a seasoned agent. Most consumers want to work with people that will get them the right answer no matter where it comes from.
Few real estate academy's provide training for real life situations. Most just cover the basics and don't dig deep in to real life situations that you may encounter. For the most part, transactions aren't time sensitive and therefore time can be taken to acquire the right answers to any situation by simply doing some research or verifying something. When getting started as a real estate sales person it's good policy to just be transparent with your buyer if you don't know the anser to a question and tell them you don't know that answer but you'll be happy to find out the answer for them.
Just as you would do in any profession, take action. Don't do minimal work and expect so much in return. A real estate career is just as much customer service as it is acquiring your educational qualifications. Don't forget that.
Time and again many new real estate agents believe that getting their license will provide them with a fruitful career. Any RE career takes time, effort and persistence.
Work long hours. When all other agents are resting at home during the evenings you should be on the phone cultivating leads and developing relationships with potential buyers. Get involved with community services. Volunteer for events and community outreach programs. Visit the local better business bureau and get on their radar. Introduce yourself at your local bank. Make strategic alliances in financial institutions and mortgage organizations. If others in the field see you are going beyond the call of duty then they are more likely to call upon you to provide a service to them as well.
One important aspect overlooked often when getting your real estate career started is that there are many moving parts to a transaction and many different experts are required to complete the transaction. Here are some of them. Home inspector, lender, termite inspector, lead based paint inspector, escrow company, title company, insurance, and, of course your buyer or buyers.
How to become a real estate agent is one part of the process. How to become an in demand one is a whole other deal. It's important to network, cultivate relationships and get out in the public eye. Putting in an additional 30 minutes to an hour every day will get you much further ahead in the long run.
Len Dietrich is a real estate agent and consultant and online marketer. You can learn more about enhancing your real estate career by downloading his free e-book by going to http://www.hudsecrets.org