Maybe I'm anal. (Ok, I know I am.) Maybe I'm obsessive. (Yep, I am that .) But it constantly amazes me at how little some agents do, yet seem to consistently get listings (which of course sit on the market forever because they aren't actively being marketed). Am I jealous? A little. But I know, in the long run, my over-achieving nature will continue to build my reputation, while the lazy agents build their own reputation. Here's a few things I do to make myself stand out from the crowd, what do you do? How are you "special?"
- I use a professional photographer to photograph EVERY house for the MLS and advertising purposes. It's my biggest pet peeve to see cr*ppy pictures of a house on the MLS - it's even more irritating when it's a million dollar listing. Geesh people, put some effort into it! :o)
- Each listing receives their own website with a rider on the sign so interested parties can take a look before wasting my clients time (and hopes). If they're still interested in the house after they've seen the website, then we know they're actually interested in the property if they want to come take a look at it.
- If I have a listing, they are placed in my monthly ad (no less than a quarter page). I'm willing to spend the money to get the house sold. A year ago, if someone told me I'd be spending an average of $1000-1500 per month on print media, I'd have laughed in their face. However, I think this is why my DOM average is consistantly MUCH lower (my last listing sold in 12 days vs. the 90+ average for every other house on the street). I also think it's the reason my business has exploded in the last 6 months. Lucky? Maybe, but I'm not chancing that!
- I'm not opposed to putting some $$ and physical labor into it if necessary. As an example, my out-of-state clients had a house that had been vacant for a few months - and it looked like it. Overgrown weeds were everywhere, bugs on the porch, no hanging plants, the house was all dusty, etc. It took 2 days, but with the help of my husband, the clients brother, and myself, we got that house shining. Pulled all the weeds, mulched the planting beds, cleaned the house, put down runners on the new carpet to protect it, and, out of my own pocket, paid for hanging plants, planters and staging materials (about $1400 in total). This is the house that sold in 12 days. People may think I'm crazy, but I can write off the plants and the staging stuff can be used again (as well as be written off). Not to mention...3% opf $525,000 was well more than that. I'll pay to get my paycheck more quickly.
- Oh...and I answer my phone. I'm amazed at how many agents don't answer their phones. Did I mention one reason I got this listing is because I was the first agent to actaully answer my phone even though it was "after hours."
- I make sure to put my degrees after my name on everything I do. It may not be relevant to many people, but to clients who understand and care about what goes into getting an MA and a JD (usually those with the same education), it gives me an edge.
What do you do that makes you stand out from the crowd?
Comments(5)