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How to Start a Real Estate Business

9 min read

For those wondering how to get started in real estate, you should understand that a lot of hard work goes into starting a real estate business. Therefore, when you start pursuing this line of work, it’s imperative to know your expectations as you undergo the process.

As in any other industry, starting a business in real estate should consist of entrepreneurs logging many hours conducting research and crafting an intricate business plan. With this in mind, there is a process by which many entrepreneurs wondering how to start a real estate business follow religiously in order to be successful.

Keep in mind that starting a real estate business takes dedication, and that this process needs to be executed properly in order to garner the results that you want. This eight-step process will serve as your guide as you aim to create both a profitable and successful business.

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1. Consider Your Goals

First and foremost, be sure to dedicate a solid amount of time to prioritizing and evaluating your future plans and business goals. Always determine whether or not the goals which you set for yourself are obtainable. An unreachable goal with unrealistic steps will cause more harm than good. Always think through your professional, personal, and financial goals.

These goals will ultimately influence how you build and start your real estate business. Always begin by asking yourself where you want to be in 10 years. Then, work backward from that long-term goal and develop shorter and shorter steps that will help elevate you toward accomplishing your end goal. You’ll want to have tunnel vision regarding a clear path toward success (your end goal).

2. Conduct Your Research

Any successful business plan is always preceded by in-depth research into the real estate industry. Be sure to identify a specific niche, marketing area, and your potential competitors. If you have little experience in the industry, many first-timers often opt for wholesaling, which will allow you to learn the ins and outs of the industry before purchasing properties.

Your research should also focus on what marketing area is best suited for your niche. Be sure to consider median home values and rental prices, research neighborhood amenities, and never be afraid to look beyond your current location. You may find a diamond in the rough!

Conducting online research, attending networking events, and even seeking out a mentor can all be helpful steps in the process of conducting your research. Be sure to do your due diligence.

3. Organize Your Finances

If you’re wondering: “how much does it cost to start a real estate business?” or “how to start a real estate business with no money?” then don’t worry, you’re not alone!

Luckily, there are a multitude of methods to get involved in real estate with no money down. However, that isn’t meant to imply that you should avoid taking stock of your current standing financially.

When you approach a lender, they will want information regarding your financial history. It’s important to request a copy of your credit report and review any existing accounts or investments you may have prior to seeking a lender.

Depending on your strategy, there may be a wide variety of financing options that may be right for you. Traditional and nontraditional options are always available, just be sure to get your finances in order before receiving a government loan, crowdfunding, private loans, etc.

4. Develop Your Business Strategy

How to start a real estate business ultimately begins with developing your business strategy. Granted, there are some steps that precede it, but those steps are meant to help you craft the ideal business strategy.

Once you have conducted sufficient research, you should have already begun to formulate ideas in your mind regarding what exactly will help your real estate business succeed. Write out an organized and detailed business plan that also includes tools and resources that you plan to leverage.

5. Form an LLC

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) refers to a type of business structure that exists to aid businesses by protecting costs from interfering with an investor’s personal finances. The designation “LLC” essentially allows investors to purchase and own real estate without being personally liable.

Each state within the US features different fees and regulations associated with establishing an LLC, even though the overall process remains the same. After you form your LLC, you may be required to obtain a few other various permits before you can actually open yourself up for business. Be sure to confirm with your state what the requirements are, and then you’ll be ready to secure your first deal in real estate!

6. Create Your Marketing Plan

Successful marketing strategies go hand-in-hand with any successful business. Always consider what separates your business from the rest of the pack. It could be your unique culture, values, ethics, standards, maybe you do things a little differently than other real estate businesses… Just be sure to highlight what makes your real estate business unique and incorporate it into your marketing strategy.

Also, be sure to pay attention to current trends within the industry. Maybe one of those trends ties into exactly what your values and principles are. Be sure to express your distinct company culture and values. At the end of the day, people want to trust who they’re doing business with.

Choosing the right marketing outlets along with the right verbiage can foster trust for years to come.

7. Launch Campaigns

Once you have the specifics of your marketing strategy figured out, it’s time to implement it. Consider whether you are creating copy, visuals, direct messages etc., then base the marketing channels you’re going to use off of what kind of content you have.

For instance, visual mediums are best posted on websites, social media platforms like Facebook, or YouTube. Copy is best left on your website in the form of a blog, or redirected to your LinkedIn page. Copy can also take the form of a hyperlink in direct messages. Whatever the case may be, you’ll want to remain consistent across all of your marketing channels. Be sure to track your metrics and analytics and always follow up on your campaigns.

8. Build Your Website

Now that all the pieces are coming together, it’s time to make it official and create your website. Be sure to incorporate everything we’ve discussed in this process on your website. From branding to aesthetic, content to pricing, your website will be the face of your business and should be created based on your vision, and what has garnered success in the past.

Are You Looking to Start a Real Estate Business?

Now that you have this process ingrained in your memory, it’s time to put it into action!

Be sure to consider each and every step as serious as the last as you begin your journey toward starting a real estate business. If you need help with creating your website, marketing, or even tracking and measuring analytics, be sure to check out Ecwid today! Ecwid has all you need when it comes to starting a new business!

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About the author

Max has been working in the ecommerce industry for the last six years helping brands to establish and level-up content marketing and SEO. Despite that, he has experience with entrepreneurship. He is a fiction writer in his free time.

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