As a new real estate agent, you are most likely fighting the uphill battle of securing listings. Every real estate agent goes through this starting out, but intelligent agents use specific methods to maximize their ability to establish connections effectively. The best real estate professionals swear by the following strategies to help win listings and start careers.
Expand Connections
The first and most crucial step for any new real estate agent is expanding their connections network. Simply speaking, the more people you communicate with, the more potential clients you will have. Seasoned agents have been networking with their community for years, maybe decades. Therefore, to bridge this gap, a new agent needs to use every tool at their disposal to establish lines of communication. Some of the most effective methods of networking include:
Personal Connections
These can include neighbors, family friends, people you volunteer with, etc. Many new agents express hesitation in contacting friends and acquaintances, worrying that they will be perceived as an annoyance. However, in reality, most prospective buyers and sellers view the real estate process as daunting, and they would greatly appreciate the help of an expert.
Social Media
In the internet age, successful agents need a solid online presence. More potential sellers and potential buyers are turning to social media for information. By establishing an online presence and remaining active, a new agent can drastically expand its reach. When posting on social media, you should have a clear aesthetic or brand that you are presenting.
Developer Relationships
Forming relationships with developers in the area can benefit new agents in the short term and the long term. A developer can help you get your foot in the door for new listings, but they can also help you form relationships with other developers throughout your career.
The real estate business is built around the ability to create connections. Networking is essential to securing listings, especially for new agents just starting. Although casting as large of a net as possible is vital, so too can be the skill of focusing on specific target groups.
Potential Buyers
When hunting for buyer leads, divorcees and renters are often lucrative target groups. Typically, in divorces, at least one party will be in the market for a new home. In many cases, divorced couples will want to sell the current home, and both will be in the market for new real estate.
In many cases, renters are not aware of the financial benefits they could receive in the long term. By discussing the benefits of ownership with them, many renters become interested in changing their living situation in favor of increased outside space, storage space, privacy, etc.
Potential Sellers
Specific groups can be targeted when searching for seller leads. For example, real estate is often transferred in inheritances. In many cases, those inheriting the property would rather sell the property than have to deal with the stresses of managing another piece of real estate.
Listing Appointments
You want to contact that family when you have a potential seller lead and set up a listing appointment. A listing appointment is crucial because it helps determine the practical information about the home and property. It can also help you as a realtor determine if the seller is, in fact, a motivated seller. As a new agent, your time is precious, and you do not want to waste time on a prospective seller who is not truly ready to enter the market.
Luxury Listings
For a luxury listing lead, additional factors should be considered. One of the best ways to secure a luxury listing is to adequately show the owner that you understand the many variables that constitute the worth of the property. Displaying confidence and competence in your ability to handle a luxury home is vital.
