In today's market we're all aware that buyers are gold and listings may perhaps be a dime a dozen and hard to sell. I've heard of many agents leaving the business, getting part-time jobs and desperate for business. I'm curious to see where the future is going nationally and locally. The agent of the past had set ways and standards for obtaining customers and achieving sales. They mainly included:
- Open houses
- Floor Time
- Cold Calling
- Sphere of Influence
- Sign Calls
- Postcards or mailings
- FSBO or Expireds
The newer agent or at least newer meaning the last 7 years or so has begun a new system. Sites like Homegain, Realtor.com, HUD, Housevalues, etc. have made a mint off of us and have given back some business they achieve through their own marketing. It's a time saver but comes out of pocket no less. The newer agent seems to be focusing on slightly different means of new business exploration. They might include:
- Paid Internet advertising (Lead generation sites)
- PPC on Search Engines
- Developing their own websites
- Joining teams that are aleady established
- Hiring more help to make calls and follow-up (PA's)
- Blogging or networking via the net with other agents for referrals and recognition
- New ways of marketing; Podcasts, video, Texting, VT's etc.
How many are still using the older ways vs the new ways? How many are still using the older methods of gaining buyers and sellers? What's the ratio today of old and new? My personal ratio is about 10% old and 90% new. I've been an agent for 5 years and I'm 30 years old. I started off 100% with the standard older techniques which still work. What are you in your market doing to be creative or hold on in this tough time? We all stand to benefit form each other especially in totally different locations and markets. Let's share ideas and tricks we've learned to better our business and industry. What's your ratio?
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