The real estate market in Massachusetts is white-hot right now with realtors facing a whole host of challenges that make succeeding a steep uphill climb. That's not to say it's not possible, however, with the best in the business continuing to bring in new listings and clients to the envy of those lower down the ladder.
But what are these top players doing differently? In a seller's market like what we have now, there must be ways to still attract new clients? What follows are a few of the most sound ideas and approaches we've given our clients over the years that have consistently delivered results in terms of quality listings.
Marketing Ideas for New Listings
Getting involved in your community
It sounds like a cliché, but realtors who are active and well-liked in their communities have an edge when it comes to attracting new listings. People want to work with someone they know and trust, so get involved in local events, volunteer at schools or charity organizations, and generally be a good neighbor. You never know when someone might be thinking about selling their home and you'll be the first person they think of. To that end, creating local marketing assets like a neighborhood blog or website will go a long way towards connecting you with local business owners and homeowners.
Leverage social media
Social media is a powerful tool that can help realtors connect with potential clients who might not be reached through traditional marketing channels. Use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to showcase your listings, give buyers and sellers updates on the market, and offer helpful tips. You can also use social media to build relationships with other realtors in your area, which can lead to referrals down the road. A good way to get this done even if you don't have the time or the experience to handle it on your own is to work with a local digital agency who have experience in handling locally-based social campaigns.
Stay up to date on technology
In today's digital age, it's more important than ever for realtors to be technologically savvy. Use online tools to your advantage such as e-mail marketing, online listings platforms, and real estate-specific apps. You should also be comfortable using video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Skype to conduct virtual showings and meetings. Here again, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming, but the trick is to focus initially on the essentials and then gradually expand as the business expands.
Offer unique services
There are a lot of realtors out there vying for the same listings, so it's important to set yourself apart from the competition. One way to do this is by offering unique services that other realtors in your area don't. This could be anything from drone real estate photography to home staging to virtual tours. If you can offer something that no one else does, you'll be more likely to get the listing.
Be responsive
In a fast-paced real estate market, buyers and sellers don't have time to wait around for days or even hours for a response. They want immediate gratification, so realtors must be available at all times of day and night. This means being responsive to phone calls, e-mails, and text messages promptly. If you're not available when a potential client needs you, they'll likely go with someone who is. Luckily, there are a multitude of options including Virtual Assistants or VA's who can help with this around the clock. With prices varying depending on the requirement and experience, it's fairly straightforward these days to never be unreachable.
Provide great customer service
A continuation of the previous point and one that should go without saying is that providing great customer service is essential for any realtor who wants to succeed. This means being friendly, helpful, and always putting your clients' needs first. If you go above and beyond for your clients, they'll be more likely to use your services again in the future and recommend you to their friends and family. A good way to make sure this happens is by being prompt and keeping track of conversations and requests.
Stay organized
One of the keys to success in real estate is staying organized. This means keeping track of your listings, client contact information, open houses, and showings. There are a lot of moving parts in the real estate business, so it's important to stay on top of everything to avoid missing out on potential opportunities. A good CRM (customer relationship management) system can help with this by keeping all your important data in one place.
Have a positive attitude
Last but not least, it's important to have a positive attitude in the real estate industry. This doesn't mean that you should be naively optimistic; rather, you should approach every situation with a can-do attitude and a smile on your face. Potential clients will be more likely to work with you if they see that you're upbeat, so make sure to put your best foot forward at all times. The best way to ensure this happens all the time is by working with partners who share your enthusiasm and your passion for the business. Remember, it's a mistake to try and do everything yourself, but surrounding yourself with capable partners is the best way to make your mark on the industry.