Check out any major city, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more crowded industry than real estate. The allure of a significant income opportunity (and doing it on your terms) has attracted a sea of sales professionals over the years. There’s no doubt that the top agents, the ones who really make it happen, reap massive rewards. But in an industry where the differences between agents can seem so minor, how do you stand out? Here are four ways to attract attention for all the right reasons:
1. Know the Inventory
Do you know what’s out there and what it’s worth? In the crowded marketplace that is Washington DC real estate, Crystal Crittenden from JLC Team of Compass Real Estate knows that knowledge is the key to standing out. “I recommend taking one to two days a week to preview properties,” Crystal says, “Make it a goal to visit 10 to 15 properties per week, even when you don’t have a client in mind.” She recommends tracking the sale and prices of these properties along with others in your focused locations. This way you have a strong knowledge base to work from when talking to clients.
2. Be a Local Expert
Get involved in your local community. Attend neighborhood meetings. Be aware of the upcoming city or county projects that could impact your real estate market. Frequent local businesses and meet the owners. You want to be everyone’s go-to person for all things local. This local insight adds to your arsenal of selling points with prospects. Real Estate Express offers some great ideas on becoming a local expert.
3. Network, Network, Network
When you build relationships with top producers, you can get access to exclusive listings or insider knowledge of listings before they hit the market. Crystal Crittenden says, “Because of the relationships I’ve built with other agents, I routinely get access to listings that other agents don’t.” How do you build these relationships? Crystal recommends attending broker’s opens. “Since they are often have smaller attendance than public open houses, the hosting agent appreciates you for coming and has time to chat… it’s a chance to build a relationship and share industry knowledge.”
4. Give a “Thank You” Note
In today’s digital age, there’s no better way to stand out than a handwritten “thank you” note.
No offense to that bottle of wine or fruit basket that you might give as a closing gift, but sometimes
there is just no substitute for a genuine note of appreciation.
Lux Metal Card makes custom metal “thank you” notes that re sure to make a big impression. They are fully customizable and nearly impossible to forget.
