Now Is The Perfect Time To Get Back Into The Business

It's no secret that real estate agents' income is directly tied to the health of the housing market. When the real estate market tanked back in 2008, many agents were forced out of the business. But, now, the rebounding housing market is creating new opportunities for displaced agents. If you are an experienced agent, new riches may await you in the upcoming housing boom. 

Making the decision to re-enter the industry is just the first step. Here's a winning formula for hitting the ground running, and getting back to full speed as soon as possible. 

Announce Your Return

The best place to start generating new business is with your old sphere of influence. The average homeowner moves every 5-7 years, which means the people that were buying and selling from you when you left the business may be ripe to buy and/or sell again over the next year or so. Assemble a phone list of the clients you worked with prior to leaving the business and call them to offer free market evaluations to help them understand their options in this accelerating housing market. 

Get Social

Social networks like Facebook provide an unparalleled opportunity for generating new business. You can begin with a simple status update to announce your re-entry into the business and a request for referrals to people who may be looking to buy or sell soon. It only takes a couple positive responses to get you started, and it will allow you to transition seamlessly into more sophisticated social networking techniques, such as starting a professional page and posting images of hot listings. 

Facebook is the most trafficked social network, so it makes sense to focus your initial efforts there, but you may find even better traction on networks that are less trafficked (and therefore less competitive). Pinterest and Instagram are two networks that are becoming increasingly popular, but are rarely utilized effectively by Realtors. Blaze the trail by using these networks to promote your business. The key here is to use the networks in the way they are intended, but in a way that is relevant to your business. For instance, use Instagram to visually document your re-entry into the market--post pictures of your new business cards, your first open house, your new signs, etc. Or, use Pinterest to pin photos of top design trends for new homes. The more people associate your name with issues relevant to the industry, the more likely you are to receive a phone call from a potential buyer or seller. 

Enlist the Support of Your Broker

If you really want to accelerate your re-entry into the market, enlist the support of your new broker. At Keller Williams, you can make use of top-notch marketing consultants who can help you understand your options for promoting yourself and generating new prospects. You will also have immediate access to industry-leading technologies like eEdge and myMobile App. 

Now Is The Perfect Time To Get Back Into The Business