Ways Real Estate Agents Can Pivot in 2021
The pandemic isn’t the only reason real estate practices are shifting to leverage more technology. 51 percent of home shoppers use YouTube as their number one destination for research. Buyers are finding easier, more cost-effective ways to browse. A new home is just another item they’re adding to their list of things to shop online for.
Cue “Alexa, find me a new home.”
Technology is the medium in which real estate agents can implement pivots in their lead generation and growth strategy. We’ve put together a few ways agents can thrive in an evolving industry. As a bonus, look out for advice from Don Peebles III, Chief Of Staff and Director Of Development, on the topic.
Add Value
This may not sound like an earth-shattering pivot, but it’s one that can make a world of a difference for today’s home buyers. With plenty of disruption to the rest of their lives, being a calm and positive presence can make the process much more attractive and less stressful. Whether you’re communicating online, on the phone, or in-person, ensure both buyers and sellers you’re there to help. This may not be added value in the traditional sense, but it’s something we all need a little bit more of these days- positivity. Being an agent is more than selling homes, it’s facilitating a milestone in a buyer or seller’s life.
There are more tangible ways to provide value as well. As an agent, you can help buyers determine a sensible value for their potential purchase and strive to create a win-win deal for buyer and seller. Integrate how you add this value into your marketing strategy.
Adding value as an agent will make you less susceptible to being negatively affected by changes in the industry. In an interview with our President Gino Veneroso, Don Peebles III says his biggest piece of advice to agents in the process of establishing themselves is, “to learn to never make the same mistake twice.” He adds, “My father always says that someone could have 30 years of experience, but relive the same year over and over again. In any sort of endeavor, mistakes are endemic and natural and when you aspire and when you strive, missteps happen all the time. What’s important is that you don’t make the same mistake twice and you don’t fall into the same trap more than once.”
Start adding value and continue to evolve as an agent.
Use Video to Make an Impression
Real estate video doesn’t simply provide good visuals, it subconsciously appeals to a buyer’s mind. Research shows video is stored in our brain’s “long-term memory bank,” which has more storage than our short term. It’s likely video makes a longer-lasting impression. Most industries operating online have caught onto this. Now, it’s important to have a quality long-lasting impression. Drone videography and photography can boost your listing and help it stick out from competing properties.
In a recent study by Zillow, 36% of Americans are more likely to try to buy a home with the process entirely online. Video can be applied to your listings, social media presence, website, and more. Start with optimizing your listings to include video today.
Continue Networking
This isn’t the time to slow down on expanding your network. Attending networking events, such as those put on by RedConnect, will contribute to establishing your reputation and expanding your knowledge of the industry. Being social is a part of the job. Networking events also give you palpable practice in navigating good conversations.
Peebles III touched on this in the interview mentioned earlier. At RedConnect's 2021 Real Estate Networking Event in Miami, FL, he said, “always be in the mix.” He added, “What you do need are great social skills and an understanding of where you want to get with people and not just spreadsheets. Getting in the mix and meeting the right sorts of folks at events like this and joining organizations like Red are essential in getting where you want to be as a real estate developer.”
Networking will also give you the opportunity to provide value to others in the industry. You never know when you may cross paths again. There’s room for everyone.
Leverage Technology
Lead generation shouldn’t be overwhelming. 48% of real estate agents consider keeping up with technology one of the greatest challenges of the field. The Close put together a great list of some of the best lead generation websites for agents such as PropertyBase, Real Geeks, Placester, and more.
Pay attention to buyer behavior. Many are still wary of attending in-person showings, and it seems Millennial buyers are going to get comfortable with the online home buying process. Virtual reality and 3D technology have made it possible for buyers to still have a 360 experience. For international and out-of-state buyers, a virtual tour included in your listing is likely to make it much more attractive. This will also strengthen your leads. Not every home may require this level of technology, but as we’ve discussed, good visuals are in demand.
Laptops, tablets, and smartphones aren’t going anywhere. You can use each of these strategies to appeal to buyers and sellers on the devices already glued to their side.
Contact us to schedule a consultation. Start your pivot toward growth.
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