The amount of caution surrounding COVID-19 has recently increased, and as a realtor, it is important to understand that everyone has different comfort levels. Common methods used by real estate agents in the past (for example, door knocking) may not work during today’s restrictions.
Open houses have changed as well, with a limited number of people able to enter the house at a time. It is key to take this opportunity to make a personal connection, get to know what the buyer is looking for, and answer any questions they may have while walking through the house. This is a great way to make a long-lasting good impression, and you never know which buyers do not have a realtor to represent them yet.
Helpful tips:
- Be pleasant with everyone you come across – it can go a long way
- If you do not know something, never leave it at, “I do not know.” Always promise to find out the answer and follow up with them
- This is also a great way to get their contact information!
Real estate agents have had to adopt new strategies to reach more clients. One of the biggest opportunities in building a database and a following is by going virtual and reaching your target audience online.
What should agents be doing online in the next couple of months?
The first step is to get started: begin learning and creating content around topics you are passionate about, and who you want to be or what you want to do in the future. The more you share during this downtime, the more benefit will come from it. Experiment to find out what social media platforms or mediums work best for you – do you like video, blogs, Twitter?
Understand that you are not perfect and try to push past the insecurities that come with trying something new. Get comfortable being uncomfortable! Continue to produce content and if the message is genuine and helpful, your audience will enjoy it. With practice, you will gain confidence and authority in that field.
Analyze what you want to be known for:
- Educate:
- Certain property type
- A specific community specialist
- Know the OCP, zoning, how it is changing, building applications
- Common issues of homes built during a certain period
- Entertain
- Quirky property videos with fun intros
- Market yourself and show your personality
This process takes time, but the pay off is worth it when clients start noticing. Channel your focus into one thing and do it consistently well. Once you have become an expert in a certain niche, your followers will trust you and will continue consuming your content. It is this support that will have people sending you business from your channel and when it is time for them to sell or buy a property, you want to be the first person on their mind.
Listen to The Garbutt+Dumas Real Estate Podcast: The Importance of Having an Online Presence as a Realtor episode to listen as James and Denny share how they started growing their brand online and what they have learned throughout the process.
Do you have questions regarding gaining authority in your field, using social media and other platforms to reach your target audience and the power of videos in getting your brand out there? We would love to hear from you – contact us and we can help you with some of the specifics.