Everyone needs a place to live and as the population grows, so does the desire to buy a home. Real estate is a finite resource because the land isn’t increasing, and for those who want to own their piece, a real estate agent is there to handle the transaction.
Having a real estate agent career is enticing because you get to be your boss, and it is financially rewarding. It also is competitive. You can be a wiz with the paperwork and a real person, but drumming up business is challenging.
Working as a real estate agent can be a tough haul. Your income depends on performance, and you can’t buy or sell properties without clients. Be genuine and helpful to everyone you meet because people can spot a sleazy salesperson a mile away. Work hard for your clients, and they will help build your career. This is a people business, and the more you build your loyal audience, the more successful you will become.
So what’s the secret to being successful? How do you get clients in real estate? Here are five methods on how to get clients in real estate:
Influence your real estate connections
The easiest way to get clients in real estate is through people you know. This is approaching friends and family because they already trust you. By tapping into this personal network, you give the people you know a personal touch and build a solid base.
As you help people out with their purchases, they will recommend you to their SOI, and the ball can start rolling faster. Word of mouth spreads quickly, so take good care of those around you, and they will help build your business. Once you find potential leads, use CRM for real estate agents to manage your professional relationship. The CRM is a platform that real estate agents can use to collect, organize, and analysis information about their business.
Network with your community
While we all should be involved in our communities, you can generate leads by being part of local events. Join industry associations and attend conferences and workshops where you can meet people. Volunteering is another great way to gain exposure and help out simultaneously.
Talk to your doctor and dentist and the people you meet in the coffee shop. Even the gym is a good place to make contacts. All you have to do is be friendly and introduce yourself. You’ll be surprised how receptive people are when they know you live in the community.
Establish an online presence
We live in a digital age, and most people turn to the internet for all the information they need. This includes buying real estate. Now more than ever, people use technology to communicate and make purchases.
Start with a great website so people can see who you are and what you are currently selling. Make sure there is the content they can look at, like pictures, videos, articles, industry information and a blog. Introduce yourself and tell your story on the landing page, so people virtually meet you right away.
Get active on social media and direct the traffic back to your website. Places like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn work well to post and engage with others. You can even use YouTube and Instagram to inform and entertain. Show people your fun side, too, so they feel comfortable working with you.
Build your real estate brand
You need to become an expert at marketing yourself. Building a brand helps you have long-term success because you sell yourself regardless of what broker you work for.
Identify your strengths and go heavy in that direction. It could be first-time home buyers, investors or pet owners because you want to be known as the go-to person for that niche. Create a logo and pick colours that people will identify with you. Make sure it is consistent on all your advertising, including your website, business cards and other marketing material. Put it on giveaway swag to keep your brand expanding with free advertising.
Above all, be memorable, so potential clients know what they get when working with you.
Hold impressive open houses
Everyone likes to walk through homes when looking to buy real estate. Online pictures only go so far, so make sure you do many open houses.
Make your open house a different experience. Have food and drink and make it a more casual event to feel comfortable and linger longer. This gives you a chance to work the room. Know your house info well to give them all the details they need. This isn’t only about selling the house you are showing. It is meeting face-to-face with potential clients. Give them an event that creates a buzz and one that they remember.
Other ways you can help build your client list:
- Facebook and Google Ads You want to pop up first when searching for real estate agents.
- Email marketing Create an email list and send them engaging and informative content.
- Produce Videos Having a visual aid to help sell property is great. You can also have a personal video introducing yourself on your website.
- Create a Newsletter This is another way to keep people in the loop about local real estate and give you another chance to market to them.
