We all know the world is changing, especially in real estate. Open houses are cancelled, we can’t meet with our clients, sellers are nervous and buyers suddenly have uncertainty with their income. This amount of change all at once is unprecedented, and it’s challenging to imagine what’s going to happen next.
You, like many agents, may be asking yourself. When will this be over? How can I prepare myself for what comes next? We’ve all been watching the news and trying to stay ahead of the latest trends in our industries, but it can be overwhelming.
While it’s hard to know what the future will bring, now is a great time to reinforce your brand and solidify your value in an unsure marketplace. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 5 things all agents can do today to stay relevant, so you can make sure you’re ready and available when your clients need you. Best of all, you can do all of these for absolutely free.
1. Remind yourself who you are and that what you provide is valuable.
Remember, as an agent you aren’t just there to show houses and file paperwork. You are an expert in helping people solve any problems that relate to their home. Think about what this means to you and to the clients you serve. Always keep this in mind when you market yourself and when you are speaking with clients. In this time of uncertainty, customers are looking for a voice of confidence.
Consider if the current pandemic might change how you position your service and values. Agents are now more important than ever as they help people navigate this new terrain. Make sure you have a clear and confident message. Then make sure your clients hear it.
If you’re delivering your message through social media, make sure you are sharing your message on a consistent basis. Postamo’s social media scheduling tool, which you can access through your existing Postamo account, is perfect for making sure your message is delivered on a regular basis. Planning your social media outreach in advance gives you more valuable time to work directly with clients.
2. Be the local expert.
Stay aware of which businesses in your area are still open and those that may need your support. If local businesses are closed, see if you can find out when they reopen. Nobody should know your market area better than you, especially during this time of crisis.
Think ahead about how the changes may affect your local economy and how this may affect your clients and housing in your area. With so many businesses closed, clients will rely on you to paint a picture explaining why the neighborhood is perfect for them.
3. Be available, not just to clients, but everyone.
Let all your clients know you are there and available to talk about anything, not just buying or selling. Your clients are just as stressed out as you are, and you never know what challenges they might be facing that you can help with.
Make yourself accessible.
Social media, email, sms, phone, LinkedIn etc.. Make sure you are reaching out often and responding quickly. Start building that trust whenever you can – that means across social media, email, sms, phone, LinkedIn, etc. Give customers every opportunity to get into contact with you.
You can keep your Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts up to date in just a few clicks from your Postamo Dashboard. We recommend holding an open Q&A session, inviting questions from potential clients
4. Stay current and share your knowledge.
If there is one thing you can provide your clients right now its guidance and knowledge. Even if they aren’t ready to transact, they need you to help them think through their options.
Keep track of local, state and national policies that may affect your clients and prospects.
In addition to keeping track of your local market trends, stay aware of other opportunities your clients may ask about. For example, tax returns, stimulus packages, special loan programs, deferred rent or mortgage relief etc. You should know what the government is offering so you can inform your clients of options they may benefit from. If you were able to be a source of knowledge during a time of crisis, customers will be sure to think of you when things return to normal!
5. Stay positive.
Just hearing the words “stay positive” might make you nauseous, and its okay if you don’t really feel that way! However, its important to keep your gripes and complaints out of your discussions with clients, and especially your online posts.
Worried clients are looking to you to be a voice of confidence and stability. Everyone knows that times are tough now, so use this time to be a force of positivity. Instead of doom and gloom, it is up to you to project a message of hope and possibilities!
6. Plan for the future.
The first day that people are able to leave their houses should not be the first day you start to market yourself again. Get ahead of the curve, have a strategy, a list of clients that need The first day that people are able to leave their houses should not be the first day you start to market yourself again. Get ahead of the curve, have a strategy, potential clients, and strategies already in action to promote your listings/brand.
People will know ahead of time when quarantine is scheduled to end. Make sure that you are able to hit the ground running, and give them something to look forward to.
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