In today’s tough housing market, running a successful real estate agent business is not easy. In fact, many agents have left the industry entirely. If you’re still in the field, you may be struggling to find new clients in your area. Although each real estate agent is different, there are changes you can make that may help you find new families who are interested in buying a home. If you’re in a slump, try one of these changes to energize your business:
1. Diversify your marketing. If you’re primarily taking out ads in the newspaper or putting up signs, consider starting a website. If you already have a website, think about writing a real estate blog. You can find new clients just by switching up your marketing channels – the types of people who find a real estate agent in the newspaper are different from those who search online when buying a home.
2. Reach out to former clients. Are you still in touch with people you’ve helped in the past? If not, you may want to consider reaching out. A simple birthday card or follow-up mailing a few months after their closing shows that you care – and it may lead to referrals. Because people often ask their family and friends for recommendations when buying a home, it’s important to make sure you stand out from the rest, even after the transaction is complete.
3. Make yourself a resource. Real estate agents are a big part of the community. As an agent, you help people make major life decisions. Add some credibility to your business by being a community resource. Whether you put together information about your city for first-time home buyers or you run free seminars on buying a home, you can make yourself a valuable, trusted resource.
4. Build a community network. Chances are, you’re already focusing on making relationships in your area. However, there are always new opportunities to gain referrals. Consider going to town meetings, or reaching out to bankers, insurance agents and other members of the community to find new clients. Continue to foster your current relationships, but try to diversify your networking venues.
Finding new clients can be challenging in today’s market, but it’s not impossible. Making a simple change or two may be just what you need to jump-start your real estate business.
