Oversaturated markets give consumers an abundance of options, but make it difficult for brands and vendors to stand out. With so many choices in a competitive playing field, real estate agents really have to differentiate themselves to stand out from the crowd – and become a powerful player in the market for the long-term.
Here are the seven essential ingredients that lead to a successful real estate agent.
They return calls immediately
Responsiveness is the Holy Grail in the world of real estate, and there is nothing more unprofessional than an agent that is slow to return inquiries or calls from a client. Top agents are the ones that get a lead and never let it go. They also understand what it feels like on the other side of the phone when a prospective client is bringing you business – only to have that inquiry fall on deaf ears. In this digital age, it’s wise to mirror a client’s communication style on whatever device they feel more comfortable with, whether it be text, phone, video chat or email. Overall, great customer service is about two things: knowledge and authenticity.
They pull in leads every way they can
Similar to a detective with their inquisitive mind, top real estate agents broaden their scope and are always looking at pulling in new leads. They focus on what’s working, how to sharpen it and how to optimize their process for more conversions. The best of the best know how to pull in leads while they sleep. With IXACT Contact’s Automatic Lead Capture functionality, you will immediately receive an alert to allow you the opportunity to respond quickly and even auto-assign them to your mailing list and e-Newsletter to nurture them effectively.
They have a powerful network
Just as Malcolm Gladwell described, real estate agents are great connectors – because they thrive on making new acquaintances and building off the ones they have. The top agents all have the support around them as a team to help provide their expertise in all aspects of real estate, so there’s never an area they can’t address for a client. However, this growing rolodex shouldn’t just stay written down on yellow sticky notes all over the place, centralize all of your contacts in one easy-to-manage database to keep the most current information at your fingertips even when you’re on the road.
They let their clients know every step they take
It can understandably be a very stressful situation to buy or sell a home. There’s a lot at stake with big money in play, and especially if you’re new to the process, it can be unnerving to go through. Top agents are always transparent with a client and never keep them in the dark during the entire timeline. Having a platform in place to schedule follow up reminders, important dates and notes on the most recent touch point allows for a seamless end-to-end experience. This is one of the biggest decisions of their life, and they want to be informed and included on every step being taken.
After all – it is their money and future on the line.
They are organized
Being unorganized is a terrible habit that destroys your professional credibility and portrays a smell of apathy. With contact data being scattered all over the place and meetings being missed, having a CRM in place helps you manage all your transactions and keeps you in control so you can manage your business no matter where you are.
They are never short sighted
Top real estate agents are always looking through a long-term lens, meaning they take care of a client all the way through a close to make sure they feel comfortable and confident with the process. This entails following up after the dust has settled, checking in, making yourself available should any inquiries come up and congratulate your new homeowners with gifts. There’s nothing worse for a buyer or seller to see a glazed over look an agent gives where they’re already onto the next account. The top agents understand that the work they do now can set them up for a prosperous long-term relationship with a client along with many potential referrals over the years.
The top real estate agents learned long ago they need a powerful CRM in their corner to help make a positive impression on new clients – and stay in touch with their current ones.
Start your FREE 5 week free trial of IXACT Contact now.
