Leverage Your Listing
Every agent knows – to grow your business you need listings. But what do you do when you are short on listings? You seize the opportunity!
Double purpose, maximum value
If you have just ONE listing, leverage it. You’ve told your seller you will market their property so give them the advertising presence they deserve while using the opportunity and available space to sell yourself.
When people aren’t actively buying or selling, they are still paying attention. A recent Homes & Land survey tells us that readers are looking 6-12 months before they jump into the market to sell or buy. They are studying the market – that includes which agents they see the most.
All agents sell property.
What sets you apart is your service and expertise, your rapport, hard work, and desire to do your best for your client. So, keep promoting – especially if all you have to market is yourself. One agent used her ad space to wish everyone a happy holiday. It was nicely done and stuck in the reader’s mind as, “oh, that was nice.” What did she just sell? She sold the impression that she is a thoughtful person. Often, we remember how someone made us feel more than what was actually said. The agent left a positive impression with a simple gesture, encouraging the reader to remember her.
How to get more real estate listings:
- Make your listing stand out. Use LARGE photos. Mention interesting features about the property in addition to the expected bed/ba/price musts of a smaller ad space. But, keep the remarks short and to the point.
- Promote your website, use Text, or include QR codes where the buyer can go for more information. If you don’t have a personal website, Homes & Land offers a website to agents who advertise in our magazines.
- Spotlight yourself. Reserve space for information about you. Have you earned designations – what do they mean to the consumer? Do you have lenders or home repair/improvement specialists that you trust and can refer? If you are a full-service agent, define it. Do you specialize in certain communities or types of property such as horse property, historic or luxury homes? Let them know. You may be exactly who they are looking for. (See a sample half-page ad at the end of this article.)
- Spotlight community awareness. Do you support the local animal shelter or cancer fundraiser? Promote an upcoming event in your ad space. Keep giving readers a reason to think of you! They have many reasons for selecting an agent and a personal connection is one.
- Use testimonials from past clients to talk about the great service you provide.
You spend money for your seller expecting a return on your investment. Isn’t your personal brand worth investing in as well? Leverage your knowledge and expertise consistently to keep your momentum going.
