By Gyawu Mahama
March Madness is here, but it’s not just the players getting competitive. Independent real estate agents and agency owners are competing for clients as spring – the most popular time to buy a house – springs into action. This time of year, it’s more important than ever for these business owners to stay competitive in a crowded market.
Hiscox has outlined ways for real estate agency owners to stay competitive during the “madness” of their busy season:
- Reconnect with former clients: Remember that young couple you helped to find an apartment to rent a few years ago? Maybe they’re looking to buy a house now and need an agent. Or, perhaps some of your past clients now have grown children who are in the market to buy themselves. Never stop networking and marketing yourself.
- Engage with your community: Sponsor a local youth sports team or organize a workshop in town for new home buyers. When choosing a real estate agent, people have many options. Make sure that your agency is the first that comes to mind.
- Be mobile and responsive: People are using their mobile devices 24/7, and they expect that you are, too. Searching for a home can be stressful, and people want information and answers immediately. Since you’re always on-the-go showing properties, make sure that your phone is always with you and consider keeping your laptop and a portable, wireless Internet adapter on hand. Not to mention a charger!
- Take advantage of social media: Previously unconventional ways of searching for houses are becoming the new norm. First off, make sure your agency’s site is mobile-friendly so that potential home buyers can see what’s on the market when they’re away from their desktop. Good photos are the best way to entice those in the market for a house – make sure they’re not just seeing them on your website – Facebook and Instagram are great ways to start expanding your social media presence.
Spring is also a great time to ensure that your business’s liability insurance is up-to-date. This will give you the security to focus on selling homes rather than a potential lawsuit if someone trips and gets injured while looking at a house.
