Selling houses isn’t just about showing properties and making deals. To be highly successful in this field, you have to stand out in the market, connect with clients, and understand how to close sales efficiently and effectively.
But what makes some agents more successful at selling houses than others? Let’s explore some of the biggest keys – and how you can learn from their success to begin selling more houses yourself.
- Cultivating a Strong Online Presence
In the digital era, having a strong online presence isn’t optional – it’s a requirement. Your potential clients are likely to start their property search online before they ever step foot in an open house. The question is, are you there?
Creating an impactful online presence begins with a professional website that showcases your listings and offers valuable information about the buying and selling process. You’ll also want to include customer testimonials and insights into the local market. (Think of your website as the cornerstone of your digital identity – a reflection of your expertise and professionalism.)
Beyond the website, optimize your online presence for search engines through strategic use of keywords related to your listings and local real estate market. This makes it easier for potential clients to find you when they search for homes in your area.
- Crafting Eye-Catching Listings
Your property listings are often the first interaction potential buyers have with you. High-quality, professional photos are non-negotiable – so don’t be afraid to spend a little on this. Your pictures should capture the best features of each property and present them in a way that draws buyers in and captivates their senses.
In addition to professional photos, you’ll also want to include compelling, detailed descriptions that highlight the unique attributes of the home and the lifestyle it offers. Descriptive language that evokes emotion is really the key here. It’s easy to assume that home buyers are using logical thinking when putting in offers on properties, but research shows that people buy on emotion and then later confirm that choice with logic (not the other way around). Use this to your advantage by really playing to their senses.
- Networking and Building Relationships
Real estate is inherently a relationship-driven business. Successful agents understand the importance of building and maintaining relationships not only with clients but also with other real estate professionals, including agents, brokers, lenders, and appraisers. These relationships can lead to collaborations, referrals, and shared market insights that can be invaluable to your business.
Attend industry events, join real estate associations, and participate in community activities to expand your network. You might even want to invest in a referral program, like HouseJet, which gives you systems to consistently onboard new leads into your funnel and turn them into clients. Having automated and repeatable processes like this can amplify your networking abilities.
- Leveraging Social Media and Digital Marketing
Social media platforms are powerful tools for real estate agents. They offer a way to showcase your personality, market your listings, interact with clients and prospects, and build your brand. Do your best to share engaging content regularly. This might include virtual tours, success stories, homebuying tips, and local market updates.
Ultimately, the goal isn’t to turn every follower into a client. Instead, you’re trying to keep your audience engaged and informed so you come to mind next time they want to sell a house, buy a house, or know someone who is in the market for an agent.
While a little more sophisticated than just posting content, you can also use social media advertising to target specific demographics and expand your reach to potential clients actively searching for real estate. As your income increases, it may be beneficial to devote a few hundred dollars per month to Facebook advertising.
Additionally, email marketing campaigns can keep you connected with your contacts, providing them with valuable information and keeping you top of mind when they’re ready to make a real estate decision. Tailor your content to address the needs and interests of your audience, whether they’re first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or somewhere in between.
- Mastering the Art of Staging and Home Presentation
The presentation of a home can significantly impact its saleability. Staging a property to showcase its potential can make it more appealing to buyers, often leading to quicker sales and higher offers.
Effective staging goes beyond cleaning and decluttering. You also have to be skilled at creating an inviting atmosphere that highlights the home’s best features and helps buyers picture themselves living there. If you’re not experienced in staging, consider partnering with professional home stagers who can transform spaces and enhance your listings.
Putting it All Together
If you want to sell more houses as a real estate agent, it starts with understanding what other top agents in your market are doing. And if you study their strategies, you’ll find that they do exceptionally well at each of the items listed above. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel – do as they do!