They say the definition of "Insanity is: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." (Albert Einstein) . As a Realtor, like many of us, finding buyers and sellers is always an interesting task. Most of my business in recent years has been personal referrals which are the very best type of clients.
For the first time I find myself without any listings which is very unusual for me but such is life and still continue to work with buyers. Obtaining new buyers can be a challenge for a variety of reasons.
Loyalty for one is not a major attribute that buyers have. Sure they want their agent to be there 24/7 but when it comes to them making a commitment by signing a Exclusive Buyers Contract...forget about it! They really think that by having a few agents at their beck and call they will be getting different information on homes.
Since 99% of agents belong to the same Multiple Listing Service this seems like a waste of time when you look at the process logically. Unless you give each agent a different criteria you will get the same information since the same database from the MLS is being used.
So how does an agent find new clients? Well, after trying the usual farming techniques...direct mail, buying leads, facebook, etc. I decided a more direct approach. Back to basics, where would I get the most exposure for the least amount of money?
On August 16 & 17th, I was an exhibitor at the Festival of the Horse & Drum. Was it house related? No! Would my competition be there? No! Would I stand out? Yes! Would I get a lot of leads? Who knows? So why did I do it? Because I rather be the only representative from the real estate market than trying to compete with 50 other agents at a local house related show. Along with a mortgage broker, we dove into a one of a kind experience!
People who did not know who we were saw both our company names, stopped and picked up our cards, wondered why we were there. The festival was for horse lovers and had food vendors, music and of course horses! Many of these people, of course, own homes and sometimes they even get tired of boarding their horses and are ready to buy "horse properties".
I got a few solid leads which I am following up on and exposure to a segment of the home buying public that I did not have before! They will remember the agent who was at the horse show and know that I love horses and the people that own them!
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