Direct Successful Video Meetings
Sales that involve long-distance transactions have increased, so more agents are arranging video meetings with buyers, sellers and other involved parties. Common topics include contingencies, pricing, and closing and move-in dates. It's also an ideal time to encourage participants to bring up any concerns as this can make shared decisions easier.
However, not everyone likes video meetings. Some worry about using the app properly, especially if they rarely use them. Others are uncomfortable being on camera.
Here are some tips to encourage 100% participation, and a successful video meeting.
- Prepare a clear agenda and share it with everyone ahead of time. This should include topics that need to be resolved for a positive outcome. Be sure to frame it as a win-win for all parties.
- Encourage nervous participants to practice using their video app. Send them some tips that include how to preview and change their look, including their app's backgrounds.
- If you think you'll only need 15 minutes to achieve your goal, don't be afraid to schedule 15 minutes. Try to avoid any meeting over 30 minutes as this reduces participation.
- Offer to record the meeting and share detailed notes of the discussion, including the outcome.1
Why April Means It's Time To Network with Builders
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is currently celebrating New Homes Month. Although new construction isn't out of the woods yet, builders are beginning to express optimism, especially in areas where there are shortages of existing homes.
If you haven't yet learned how to introduce prospective buyers to builders, now is an ideal time. While some builders are concerned about paying commissions – especially those who employ their own sales agent – a confident agent can convince a builder that they can increase sales when you bring prospective buyers. Offering to help promote New Homes Month can be your foot in the door, especially with local builders.2
Upgrades That Sell More Homes
Many 2023 sellers spent time and money upgrading their homes during 2020-2021, especially during extended lockdowns.
Here's a list of features that are especially popular with today's buyers – and something for your "would be" sellers to keep in mind:
- Kitchen upgrades, especially steam and pizza ovens, came out on top.
- Back yard improvements, including "she sheds" and newly-fenced yards, have also helped sell homes.
- Looks are important to buyers, too. Homes with soapstone, quartz or hardwood features scored big on buyers' hit lists.
- Homes resembling modern farmhouses, or incorporating mid-century design, were especially appealing. So were homes with doorbell cameras.
- Hurricane or storm shelters, high walkability scores, and gas-fired furnaces rounded out the buyer-attracting features.3
Don't Forget Your Hashtags
When hashtags were first spotted on Twitter over 15 years ago, there was a flurry of interest. There were also questions: what are they, and how do they work?
If you're already a hashtag ninja, great! If not, here's a primer (or refresher course).
Hashtags are made up of relevant keywords and phrases that interested surfers can easily search and follow. For example, if someone is shopping for a condominium in Tampa, they may search for #Tampacondo, #CondosinTampa, or similar. If they're just getting started, or want to find the right agent, they may search with hashtags like #Tamparealestate or #Tampahomesales.
If you're still wondering which hashtags to use, start with your location, such as #DesMoinesRealty, #Clevelandrealestate or #AbileneHomeSales. Got a new listing? Try #justlistedNashville or similar. Ideally you'll put one or two tags within in your Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and other social media posts, and list ten or more additional hashtags in a comment.4
Three Steps To a Smart Slogan
When your marketing materials feature your personal slogan or tagline, it can be your secret weapon...if it's the right one.
A truly memorable one should instantly tell others about your vision, values and unique talents. Being catchy doesn't hurt either – that's why Ryan Serhant uses Sell It Like Serhant. While the right slogan usually takes a few days to finalize, these rules will help you keep on track:
- Tell others about your Unique Value Proposition. Also known as a USP, this tells others that you can do what other agents can't (or won't).
- Be sure your slogan resonates with your area. If you're the local expert in a town, city or even a popular neighborhood, you may want to incorporate this fact.
- Spend some time writing ideas or brainstorming with staff, then hit Save and don't look at it for a few days. Taking a fresh look often provides a new perspective, and your subconscious may have been brewing up a brilliant idea.5
Sources: 1theamericangenius.com, 2nahb.org, 3cnbc.com, 4realestatespice.com, 5theclose.com
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