Austin Landers, an agent with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International.

Every week, we ask a real estate professional for their Short List, a collection of tips and recommendations on an essential topic in real estate. This week, we talked with Austin Landers, an agent with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International, about his tips for reaching top producer status as a young agent.

5. Know your stuff – As a young agent, it’s imperative to be aware of current market trends, price points for your area, and ballpark interest rates. At any given time, someone will ask you about these topics. Be on your a game at all times, it builds credibility!

4. Be Persistent – As a young agent, rejection is inevitable. Use that rejection to motivate yourself to a higher level, and don’t let it discourage you! Match you persistence with a level of patience and you’ll surely reap what you sow down the road.

3. Set goals and plan accordingly – In this business, it’s easy to be scatterbrained and disorganized when things get busy, but remember that setting goals is pivotal for long-term success. Be old-fashioned, write them down and put them in an important place so that you’re constantly reminded of your goals. Once the goals are in place, work with your broker and mentor to set a plan for achieving them. Then get out there and hustle!

2. Be polished and professional – Some clients will have a hard time trusting a young agent with one of their largest investments. I know firsthand, as I’m only 23, but that is all the more reason to hone your skills. Whether it be conversing on the phone or presenting your marketing plan at a listing interview, you need to pull it together smoothly so that people don’t need to question your age.

1. Surround yourself with successful people – I am fortunate enough to work at one of the top producing firms in Atlanta alongside some of the highest producing individuals and teams in our market and nothing motivates me more. I encourage other young agents to really have a strong network of lenders, attorneys, inspectors and other vendors who you can count on – we are only as good as the people around us.

Originally from Cartersville, GA, Austin started working at Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty as an intern during summer 2013 before becoming a full-time agent in May 2014. Austin serves on the Buckhead Business Association’s “Young Bucks” Board, the American Cancer Society’s Associate Board of Ambassadors and is involved in the University of Georgia’s Young Alumni Network. His closings volume is $5.7 million, and he is on track to close over $7 million by the end of 2015.