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Back to the Basics

By
Real Estate Agent with Re/Max Whatcom County

This may seem a little redundant but I am absolutely astonished that with the amount of agents struggling to get business. I know things are tough right now.  I still see agents sitting around and waiting or expecting that something will come their way and thinking they can't do anything because it is just the kind of market we are in. 

For the last handfull of years real estate was almost like an order taking business. Clients were lined up and waiting. We are on the other side of the cycle now. Everyone seems to be aware of this fact but that is all. I am sick and tired of listening to the agents who say things are so hard right now yet they have yet to change the way they do their business. The hardest part of your job now is prospecting and getting those leads. Most of you on Active Rain are well on your way because this is an amazing networking opportunity. I think we all know the people I am talking about though. 

Technology is a huge edge in today's market but I think that there are still a few things we can all work on to increase our success. It is all about going back to the basics. Are you constantly in contact with your sphere of influence? How long has it been since you sent an email or made a phone call to your past clients? Right now is such a great time, things are slower, the holidays are around the corner and the year is coming to an end. I like to call and if nothing else, tell my friends, family and clients that I am working on my 2009 business plan. Part of that plan is contacting evryone I know and finding out how they are and what their situation is. I also ask whether they may know of anyone who may be in need of my services in the future or would simply enjoy receiving my monthly newsletter. People feel honored that they play a part in helping with your "plan", that they were important enough for you to call and get their imput.

Pop Bys are also a great tool at this time of year. Stop by the businesses you frequent and know the employees just to say "hi" and bring small things of apple cider, candy corn or something else festive. They love it! 

Remember, there is a huge lot of agents out their to chose from right now that are dying for business. Customer Service and a friendly smile go a long way. It is time to put the personal apect of Real Estate back in the equation. Thank you notes are important and just a kind note to say hello. If you don't keep your name in their forefront, someone else may. Be persistant, persevere and let your personality shine.

 

Lewis Beynon
CENTURY 21 Triangle Group - Raleigh, NC
Lew B Realty

I fell into this hole a couple months ago, then the light bulb went off.  I have gone back to the basics.  It works people.  Writing another contract Saturday, picked up two new buyers this week, and got 3 calls from my COI on Monday.  Things are building!!!!!!

Oct 23, 2008 05:23 AM
Loren Johnson
White Bear Lake, MN
CMPS

Great post....things like this need to hit me over the head to remind me what I need to do! It's all about networking...and working!!

Oct 23, 2008 05:31 AM
Associate Broker Falmouth MA Cape Cod Heath Coker
https://teamcoker.robertpaul.com - Falmouth, MA
Heath Coker Berkshire Hathaway HS Robert Paul Prop

Sometimes seeing your self as repetitively, redundantly, redoing, the same thing over and over is enough to right the course.

Oct 23, 2008 06:08 AM
Tony & Darcy Cannon
Aubrey and Associates Realty - Layton, UT
The C Team

Janaya, good advice, I like the pop by idea!

Oct 23, 2008 06:10 AM
Harriet Maj
Classic Realty Group - Orland Park, IL
Professional & Caring Real Estate Services

I agree, too many people got into the business because it was sooo easy and the money just rolled in.  I wrote a similiar post to yours a bit back, I tell agents, take a course, expand your knowledge, you'd be surprised how sometimes just giving yourself a bit of self confidence improves your ability to market yourself more.

Oct 23, 2008 06:11 AM
Ryan Shaughnessy
PREA Signature Realty - www.preasignaturerealty.com - Saint Louis, MO
Broker/Attorney - Your Lafayette Square Real Estate Partner

Absolutely agree with your post - you got to make your breaks.  It isn't that an agent who is struggling isn't a good agent - they need to get back to work and get their message out.  I loved the "order takers" comment.  Place a sign in yard and voila - 3 offers by 5 p.m. In the go-go market, even average agents were superstars.  Now, we see who really has the entrepenurial spirit and can sell.

Oct 25, 2008 05:15 AM
Karen Rivard
Carlson GMAC Real Estate - Londonderry, NH

I agree as well.  Its not the time where you could sit and wait and the next buyer or seller would call or knock on the door...you have to get out there and get the business yourself, whether from your sphere or farm or elsewhere, but it has to be done by ourselves if we are to have any business in the near future.  I find too that the basics are key but stepping out of the box at times is a great business generator as well.  I have a message on my home phone stating that if someone needs to reach me for my real estate business to please call my cell phone, I leave my business card with the tip on the table at the resteraunt, I do the Pop Bys and leave a stack of my business cards along with freshly baked cookies or brownies...  Its all about being creative, resourceful, and just working it!  Best of luck out there!

Oct 25, 2008 05:24 AM
Russel Ray, San Diego Business & Marketing Consultant & Photographer
Russel Ray - San Diego State University, CA

Sales have been up here for four consecutive months. There were something like 3,800 homes (I think it was) sold in September. There's no reason why any one Realtor can't get at least one of those escrows since there are two sides, or room for 7,600 Realtors to be involved in those sales. Those just sitting around probably won't be with us as Realtors next year.

Nov 05, 2008 12:34 AM