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The secret to listings.

By
Real Estate Agent with Island tradition Properties

So what is the so called "secret to listings" because I dont like secrets.  It seems I call every expired I can without them being on the do not call list and I still get nothing.  I send numerous emails to FSBO's with no response.  I even pass out flyers.  So what am I doing wrong?  Should I just pick up a phone book and start cold calling from A to Z or is there a better way.  The calls that come into the office aren't really people looking to sell their home, they are people who might want to possibly buy a new home down the line.  So back to the original question, what is the secret to listings?  I refuse to be cast out of the kitchen because the pot of listing stew has been devoured.  I would like nothing more than whip up another batch and get my fill, but how?  What is the best avenue to take for this endeavour?

Comments (4)

Nettie Carnett - Kennedy
Nettie Kennedy - Pastel Artist - Picayune, MS

Farm an area consistently until you have name recognition and recognition of being an area expert they say.

Apr 13, 2011 08:47 AM
Cherie L. Gottshall
Ramus Realty Group - Frackville, PA
Realtor

First of all be patient.  Sometimes you just have to be in the right place at the right time.  

Try networking, getting involved in your community, wear your "R"ealtor pin wherever you go.

Start up a conversation in line at the grocery store.  You just never know who needs a realtor!

Apr 13, 2011 08:48 AM
Happy Grasshopper
Happy Grasshopper - Tampa, FL

Networking is a great place to start.  When I started my first business I was young and didn't know anyone.  The people I met networking did a lot more than just help me get business.  I recommend trying to find a BNI or other referral based group.  These groups are a lot more structured than traditional networking and will really help you establish yourself with a group of about 50 business owners.

Start building a contact list, you can use a CRM, Outlook, or even a spreadsheet.  Keep track of every single person you meet and start following up with them about once a month.  Don't ask for listings, just send them a quick note checking in with them and seeing what they need.

Start blogging about your community. Pick an area you are going to prospect in and then make a list of all of the restaurants and entertainment venues in that neighboorhood.  When you write the blog make a point to print it out and drop it off with the business owner.  Introduce yourself. Restaurant owners know a lot of people and they will appreciate the good will.

When you do get a listing, do a great job.  Take awesome pictures, create a fantastic flyer, do a great job on the listing, email it out to all of the people you have been databasing letting them know you got your first listing and thanking them for their part in your success.  The real secret to getting referrals is doing an amazing job - the more times you do it the easier it will get!

Apr 13, 2011 10:52 AM
Mike Mayer
Mike Mayer, Broker/Owner - i List For Less Realty, LLC - Lafayette, LA

There's already been some great suggestions posted. I would simply add that I find the PERSONAL approach works best for me. I NEVER call, email or mail marketing information; those are COLDand impersonal approaches.

I actually SHOW UP, knocking on the door and introduce myself. You'll have to be FULLY prepared, armed with information and have thick skin. I find folks are more receptive to a face-to-face meeting and I do more listening than talking.

Apr 13, 2011 06:32 PM