Real estate is a business like any other, and you’ll want to stand out from the crowd in order to get noticed. What separates you from the many other real estate companies buyers have to choose from? It may be the way your business is perceived by potential customers.
Do Something That Is Unexpected
According to the National Association of Realtors, there are approximately 106,000 real estate brokerage firms in the United States alone. This being the case, it can be difficult to differentiate your company from the many others vying for buyers. But there are ways to stand out.
Some out-of-the-box ideas include:
● Outrageous placards. Humorous real estate signs and ads get attention and show you are approachable.
● Create a YouTube channel. Although you’ll want to be professional, a little levity never hurts.
Have an Open House
Invite people from the community in to have a chat, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be about buying houses. Talk with them about things going on in the community. How do they feel about the schools? Even the weather’s fair game. The purpose is to get to know potential customers and to let them know you’re a part of the community. And don’t forget to provide some sort of gift for customers to remember you by.
Because buying a home is such a personal experience, potential buyers want to feel as if they have a personal relationship with their realtor. This all begins with the real estate company’s image and getting buyers in the door.
Hire a Good Real Estate Photographer
You might think any old photo will do when it comes to real estate photography, but nothing could be further from the truth. Keep in mind that often a potential buyer will decide on whether or not to view a home based on photos alone. The photos you present could be the difference between selling a home and losing a buyer.
People are highly visual, so presenting good quality photos is a must. If you’re to cut corners anywhere, make sure it’s not in how you present homes for sale.
Make Use of Video Walkthroughs
Video walkthroughs are another great tool for realtors when it comes to presenting a home. Even more than photos, a video tour can give potential buyers an idea of just what to expect from a home. It’s important to remember that it’s not unusual for potential clients to view homes from out of state and even outside the country. A visual tour is about as close as someone can get to viewing a home without being there.
Use the Internet to Your Advantage
Chances are your company already has a website, if not, build one or have one built. Having a presence on the web is essential. According to a 2020 survey, 97 percent of people looking for homes in the U.S. used online tools. That’s practically everyone. So you’ll want to have a company website, and you’ll also want a presence on sites like Facebook and Zillow.
Don’t Forget About Reviews
Because the relationship between realtor and home buyer is a special one, chances are the potential buyer will want to know what other clients think about your services. This is why it’s important to solicit reviews from happy customers. Good reviews on sites such as Yelp lets a potential buyer know that they can trust their real estate agent with what’s likely to be the biggest purchase of their life.
Making a mark in the real estate business can be a challenge, but there are ways to stand out from the pack. This will depend on gaining the trust of potential homebuyers. Although it’s never easy for a business to build a reputation that draws customers, it is possible through the right type of marketing, a strong online presence, and a good relationship with the community.
