In this weekly column, real estate agents across the nation share stories of the lessons they’ve learned during their time in the industry.

As president and CEO of Fort Lauderdale’s World Renowned Real Estate, Neal Oates Jr. brings bespoke real estate services to high-net-worth clients from around the world.

As an instructor for the National Association of Realtors, he impacts the professional lives of agents all over the country. However, the true secret to his success lies in the relationships Oates cultivates with clients and colleagues.

How long have you been in the business?

I entered the real estate industry in 2005 as the client care manager for one of South Florida’s prominent real estate teams at the time. Our primary clientele were global buyers from the European region looking to invest in high-end real estate in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. 

I earned my license in 2007 and moved into the sales side of the business with that team, specializing in global client relations and retention.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years I will be doing more of what I am currently doing, simply on a larger scale. As a brokerage, we will have greater market share in more areas to better provide world-renowned real estate services to a wider array of clients. 

A daily goal is to retain my integrity so my leadership impact is lasting and creates new opportunities for more minority brokers.

Five years from now, I want to be able to see a positive fingerprint that I’ve left on the industry as a whole while delivering memorable service to my domestic and international clients.

What advice would you give to new agents?

The best piece of advice I have ever received, and that I continue to share, is to “know your numbers.” There’s so much information available to every agent that we often get overwhelmed and actually forget to learn the vital few. 

As a new agent, knowing the months’ supply of inventory, median days to contract, days on market and list-to-sales price ratio will position you to know more than the majority of seasoned agents in your marketplace.

These vital metrics will allow you to have intelligent conversations with buyers, sellers, or colleagues when asked, “How’s the market?”

Do you want to be featured on an upcoming “Lesson Learned” column? Reach out to us here!

Christy Murdock is a Realtor, freelance writer, coach and consultant and the owner of Writing Real Estate. She is also the creator of the online course Crafting the Property Description: The Step-by-Step Formula for Reluctant Real Estate Writers. Follow Writing Real Estate on TwitterInstagram  and YouTube.

new agent
Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×