Special offer

Do you know where to find your next client?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Malfi Marketing Solutions ~ for real estate professionals

This is Part 1 in a series that will focus on strategies to find home buyers and attract more sellers.  Now I know many of you know these things and are doing them already but just thought I would remind us all of the tools we already have available to us.  Reminders are good right?

By now you must realize that the way you conducted your business just a year ago is different than the way you conduct business today.  The market is different, the customers are different and the way they go about the home buying process is different.

According to NAR: 90% of all home buyers utilize the internet in their search for a new home.  (I know this from personal experience - I was one of these people!)  

Recognize that you are dealing with home buyers who are far more knowledgeable and who have high expectations of their Realtors and the information they are provided.

So here are some ways to show potential buyers that you have what it takes to be their Realtor:

  • Make sure you have a great website and make sure it has an IDX feature so they can explore all homes available in the market - not just your listings.
  • Have something of value to give the visitors to your website to compel them to want to work with you and provide you with their information.  Track your visitorsand follow-up with them immediately and see if you can send them some information.  Once you have a potential buyers information, followup with them.  Add them to your CRM.  Decide how often you will stay in touch with them.
  • Do you have your listings posted everywherepossible on the internet?  Realbird, Postlets, ClassifiedFlyerads, Realestateshows - the list goes on.  (Note: this will help you have a higher ranking so that YOU are easily found on the internet)
  • Show them you are an expert Realtor.  How?  Provide them with helpful home buying tips.  Tell them what you know about a particular area they are interested in especially schools and points of interest.  If they are relocating provide them with a package that shows them all about the area (don't have one - no worries I can create one for you!) 

Other ways to find potential buyers:

  • Why not email your sphere of influence with your New Home Listings and ask them if they know anyone who is looking for this particular type of home.  Why you're at it forward them a link to your Activerain blog so they can see what you're up to and what's going on in the real estate market and their area.  
  • Invite some past clients to lunch or for coffee - perhaps you will learn some valuable information and perhaps they will know someone that may need your services.

  • Don't forget about your clients once you've sold them their home.  Stay in touch with them with emails, cards an occasional phone call as they can be a valuable resource with referrals.

When you have Open Houses do you have great looking marketing pieces, helpful information, your brochure and business cards to give out to potential home buyers?  Do you have them signing in and leaving you with their address, phone and email so that you can follow-up with them?

This list is certainly not all inclusive of the things you can do to attract more clients.  It is simply just some of the ways to get you thinking about how you can attract more buyers and increase your business. 

Would love to hear your ideas and suggestions for how you find potential buyers - hey, I'm giving you a chance to brag so why not right?

Stay tuned: Part 2: Home to get more sellers and show your expertise    

Should you need assistance with developing systems of follow-up, creating a relocation package, newsletter, brochure or anything to highlight your services please do not hesitate to contact me via my website.

  

Posted by

If it's not evident to you by now, consumers are very knowledgeable and computer savvy and are using the Internet to not only search for homes but for real estate agents and real estate professionals who they feel are like minded and can lead them to the results they are looking for.  

As we all know, there are only 24 hours in a day to get it all done...are you focusing on the right stuff to grow your business and meet your client's needs? Contact us today to get started!

Ready to take your Marketing to new levels? Anne Marie Malfi ~ Malfi Marketing Solutions.com ~ Copyright 2011

 

Share

 

Lets Connect and Stay Connected:

Anne Marie Malfi on Facebook  Anne Marie Malfi on LinkedIn  Anne Marie Malfi on Twitter  Subscribe to Anne Marie Malfi's Blog Annr Marie Malfi on Google +

Charles Stallions
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL
850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

What a teez I wanted to see te seller part. Some great ideas though. I have never thought of e-mailing to SOI but I do now. Thanks for the heads up. Look foward to the seller one though.

Sep 16, 2008 01:01 PM
Cindy Leiterman
Resource One Realty, LLC - Green Bay, WI
Green Bay, WI

Another approach you might want to try with existing clients is offer an updated market analysis on their home every year.  They might be thinking of selling but it's a great way to get some of their time and reacquaint them with why you should continue to be their agent.  It's also a good way to get referrals.

Sep 16, 2008 01:03 PM
Erica Muller
The Flamingo Group - Davenport, FL

Great Info. Thanks!

Sep 16, 2008 01:05 PM
Jim Curry
Long & Foster - Frederick, MD

Thanks for the information and/or reminders.

Sep 16, 2008 01:23 PM
Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239
Real Estate One - Commerce, MI
Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com

Great ideas for all of us whether we are new to the business or been here a long time

Sep 16, 2008 02:08 PM
Anne Marie Malf
Malfi Marketing Solutions ~ for real estate professionals - Yardley, PA
Real Estate Marketing Consultant/Virtual Asst, Bucks County,PA

Suzanne - Happy you stopped by and that you liked these "reminders"  It's great that you're doing all these things already and I'm sure your business reflects that.  Yes, always room for improvement and the most important thing is to remember to be open to doing things differently.

Sharon - I have always contacted my realtors sphere of influence and actually got a buyer from doing that for a listing that she had.  So go ahead and try and see what it brings.  Let me know if I can help in any way.

Mike - thank you and hey, you're supposed to say "I just thought of something Anne Marie can do for me" LOL  Just teasing and I hope you were able to get that thing done!

Vickie - you're so welcome and thanks for stopping by.  Staying in touch and having that plan in place is so very important. 

Kelly - happy you stopped by for the reminders and hope your business is doing well. 

Brett - I do have some suggestions of things I've come across with realtors I work with which are: discount coupons for services they can use in their home, free market conditions reports, realestateshow complimentary "We're Moving Announcement"(will be sharing more about this in another post) a way for clients to share pictures of their new home with friends and family, Home Warranties, quick tips on Staging, Selling - Preparing your home, Buyer Tips - these are just some that I have come across. 

Michael - happy you stopped by - reviews and reminders are always great! 

Brad and Angela - thank you so much. 

Catherine - So happy they were helpful.  Yes, I know buyers are looking on the internet and going to their realtor with homes they have picked and want to see - I say this because I did just that last year.  And you're right - an educated buyer helps you help them. 

Sonja - You're so very welcome.  400 woman!  Whew that's a lot and I applaud you for getting in touch with them and staying in touch.  Don't ever hesitate to call for help if you need it.  Networking is key and does pay off - maybe not right away but eventually... 

Patricia - that's fantastic and yes I'm going to get over there and check it out.  Well done. 

Charles - Ha, Ha - you're too funny.  Hey, it's my way of bringing you back and having you visit more.  Actually I'm still putting the final touches on the blog so stay tuned.  Happy you liked the ideas and looking forward to your next visit. 

Cindy - You are so right and I thought about putting it in there and for some reason I didn't.  You can only put so many ideas in your blog before it becomes 10 pages long.  I may have to rethink that though and edit it to include your comment with credit of course.  Thanks again and please visit again to share more of your great ideas. 

Erica - Thank you for stopping by. 

Jim - you are so very welcome and thank you for stopping by to comment.

Russ - thank you for stopping by and you're right these ideas can help anyone new or veteran.  Hope you'll stop by again.

A final note to all who visited my blog today:  This blog is special for 3 reasons: 1) you all stopped by to visit and I met some great people who I fully intend to visit their blogs and sites so thank you. 2) I got to share some ideas and reminders which I hope will help all of you to focus or refocus on your business goals. 3) My blog was featured - my first one and I so appreciate you visiting and hope you will stop by again.

Should you feel we have similar business goals I invite you to add me as an associate.  If you feel that my blogs are helpful and want to see what comes next I invite you to subscribe to my blog and I look forward to future chats with you.

Of course if I can ever be of assistance to you or anyone you know please visit my website to see how I can help you.

 

~ Anne Marie

Sep 16, 2008 02:13 PM
Emily Lowe
RE/MAX Homes and Estates, Lipman Group - Nashville, TN
Nashville TN Realtor

Thanks for great reminders!!!

Sep 16, 2008 02:54 PM
Jim Crawford
Long & Foster - Fredericksburg, VA
Jim Crawford Broker Associate Fredericksburg VA

The answer is easy!  The Internet!  We've been creating over 80% of our business directly from the Internet each year for over 10 years.  Does someone seriously think someone will pop into their office as a walk-in?

Sep 16, 2008 02:57 PM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

It is important to keep marketing all the time.  It is really about building relationships when you get right down to it.

Sep 16, 2008 03:00 PM
Stacey Pierce
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson - Manhattan, NY

Hey neighbor! I live in Newtown but work in NYC...great post, thanks!!

 

Stacey~

Sep 16, 2008 03:04 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Anne Marie - this is great refresher information.  I do experience resistance from potential home buyers when asked to sign in and provide their address, phone and email. I simply do not push this - those who do provide their information I typically do end up working with.  

 

Sep 16, 2008 03:43 PM
Wayne B. Pruner
Oregon First - Tigard, OR
Tigard Oregon Homes for Sale, Realtor, GRI

Those are good tips and ideas. Thanks for the reminder.

Sep 16, 2008 03:58 PM
Roland Woodworth
Blue Cord Realty - Clarksville, TN
Blue Cord Realty

Ann Marie... Great post and with great tips and of course reminders too.

Sep 16, 2008 04:00 PM
Harrison K. Long
HomeSmart, Evergreen Realty - Irvine, CA
REALTOR , GRI, Broker associate, Attorney

Annie Marie ... Thanks for your article.  I like your invitation and asking for follow up.  Here's a line: "If you want information about homes and properties, let us know.  And don't hestitate to contact me by email or visit our website. We need to invite our clients and not be afraid to ask for the business.  Best wishes. Harrison

Sep 16, 2008 04:43 PM
Greg Dallaire
Dallaire Realty - Green Bay, WI
Green Bay Homes

Anne Marie, 

It's all about asking for the business in a professional manner and you hit the nail on the head.

Congrats on the featured post as well!

Sep 16, 2008 05:12 PM
Jessica Bigger
Bigger Communications - Reston, VA
Freelance Real Estate Business Writer

Great Blog Anne Marie - one more addition - Know your market.  If you want to be known as the expert in your market you need to walk the walk and talk the talk.  (Know what homes are selling for in your market, general market trend, what ammenities are in the neighborhood, etc.  Jennifer Allan reminded me how important this one is.

Sep 16, 2008 06:01 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Anne Marie, Great Post, I can not remember who said it but if you do one or two basic lead generation methods, but do it consistently and well you will, succeed.

Sep 16, 2008 06:21 PM
Ritu Desai 703-625-4949
Samson Properties - Chantilly, VA
Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor

Simple yet effective way to stay in business. Contact SOI has always worked for me. Great post

Sep 16, 2008 06:26 PM
Evelyn Panning
Property Connections Realty Inc. - Alturas, CA

With the extreme downturn in activity in our market -- it was a good refresher for me to read your post.  Thank you. ~ Evelyn

Sep 16, 2008 06:41 PM
Anne Marie Malf
Malfi Marketing Solutions ~ for real estate professionals - Yardley, PA
Real Estate Marketing Consultant/Virtual Asst, Bucks County,PA

Emily - thank you for stopping by and happy that I could provide you these reminders. 

Jim - You're right - the Internet is the way.  These days no one just walks into an office anymore and if they do they don't own a computer - LOL.  

Joan - You said it - consistency and networking in all forms is key.  It's so important to not forget your previous business.  I know that some people have let that happen and it's so hard to get a client back.  If you forget them they will forget you. 

Stacey - Hello right back neighbor - you're the first local person besides a NJ friend to reply to my post.  My husband also commutes to NYC to Wall Street so I know the commute.  Perhaps we'll have to meet up some day in Newtown at Starbucks for a coffee and talk "networking."  Thank you for stopping by and for the compliment. 

Kathleen - happy you stopped by.  Believe me I know what you're saying - I think for some realtors that works and for others it does not.  In my opinion it's best not to push and just do what works for you.  I merely offer it as a suggestion because as I said it does work for some - not quite sure how but it does. 

Wayne - you're very welcome. 

Roland - thank you. Sometimes simple reminders go a long way. 

Harrison - you're very welcome.  Glad you liked my invite for follow-up.  I do think it's important to share and network that way everyone benefits.  I also have a special fondness for Coldwell Banker agents since I work with many so thank you for stopping by and I hope you'll visit again - how was that for an invite? LOL 

David - thank you on both accounts.  Yes, my first featured blog and I'm beside myself with that news and with all the great people I've met today.  Being fairly new to blogging sometimes you hit it right and sometimes you get nothing either way I'm ok with it - just doing my job and meeting people. 

Green Bay Homes - You said it - professionalism is key.  And thank you for the congrats - I'm quite pleased and hope I can live up to that gold star and perhaps get another some day - but happy with my one. 

Jessica - thank you and what a great addition to the blog.  I will edit and add and give you credit - I appreciate a collaborative effort - that to me is what AR is all about! 

Endre - thank you and you're right - get some things going, find what's working and keep doing it. 

Rita - So true -  often times the SOI is forgotten about because the deal is done.  So happy to see you keeping alive and making it work for you and your clients. 

Evelyn - So happy you stopped by for the refresher.  Sometimes we just need someone to put it in front of us even though we already know it. 

 Thank you all for stopping by and contributing your great tips and ideas.  That's what I love about AR - sharing ideas and collaborating together so that we all benefit and grow our busineses. 

I am also very excited today to be celebrating my achievement of 10,000 points which I didn't think was possible when I first started.  Thank you all for contributing to my blog and my experience here. ~Anne Marie

Sep 17, 2008 02:20 AM