
Real estate refers to the buying and selling of properties, including land, the buildings on it and its natural resources. When starting out as a real estate agent, you may find it difficult to get buyers or sellers. Being a newbie and not having the benefit of an established network or client base could make it harder to get new clients.
Fortunately, there are ways you can get go around this and slowly build up your client base. Try out these six most creative ideas on how to get clients in real estate:
1. Hold open houses & real estate showcases
This is one of the best strategies for getting new clients. In real estate, open houses provide an opportunity for clients to view your home so they can decide to buy it or not. Usually, open houses are held over the weekends when most people are not at work. Open houses have immense benefits for both the homeowner and the real estate agent. For instance, they attract interested buyers and make it possible to alert the realtor in case of issues with the home.
They are also a cost-effective way of hosting many potential buyers in the same space and on the same day. Besides, open houses create positive competition among potential buyers since anyone can make an offer at any time. They also allow one to have a lived-in experience of the home. Once the day’s activities are over, interact with everyone who attended the open house and give them your business card.
2. Build a strong online presence
Today, no business, including real estate, can do without digital media. Digital media encompasses a lot of things, from websites, social media and even blogs. You could choose to either create your own website as a real estate agent or use that of your agency. To improve your Google rankings and on other search engines, use the correct keywords. This way, whenever clients are looking for real estate agents and properties online, your brand or agency will be among the first search results.
Also, update your website with sufficient and relevant information on what you do and the services you offer. Doing this introduces you to potential clients even before the initial direct interaction. Uploading free guides on your websites such as “why overpricing your home can cost you in the end” is also a great way to attract clients to your site.
3. Connect with clients on social media
One of the most significant benefits of social media is the fact that it allows you to interact and form connections with people. Social media has been an effective way on how to get clients in real estate. It facilitates real-time communication and sharing of content with a large number of people, all at the same time. While most businesses have social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, they miss out on one thing; consistency.
To maximize the benefits of social media and grow your online following, be consistent in your social media postings; be it photos, videos or audio. Then share them with everyone you know. If you lack excellent photography/ videography skills, it may be wise to hire a professional photographer to produce the content for you.
4. Involve friends and family
For newbies in the real estate industry, friends and family are the most probable sources of clients. If this is you, just message all the people on your contact list and ask them to help you spread the word around. Some will say no, but a majority will say yes. This way, you will definitely get contacted by people seeking to move, even if it’s just a handful.
Statistics suggest that about 14% of the population move houses every year. This implies that 15-30 people in your 100-200 phone contacts are likely to move house or know someone planning to move.
5. Stay in touch with former clients for referrals
Satisfied clients are one of the most valuable assets you can have as a real estate agent. This is because they can recommend your services to other friends or family. As such, keep track of previous clients’ contact information and occasionally communicate with them just to find out how they are faring, or if they need help.
You could also go the extra mile and send them automated emails during their special anniversaries or holidays.
6. Put yourself out there as a real estate agent
Network, network, network. To succeed in business, link up with other people in the same area of specialization and cross-promote each other. Inform everyone you know that you are a real estate agent. Walk around with your business cards and always be ready to pitch to anyone.
If you come across community or industry events, attend them and actively engage with other members in your community. This is undoubtedly among the quickest ways of earning their trust. Lastly, look for professional bodies or organizations that are relevant to your profession and take membership as soon as you can!