Three Tips for Breaking Down Language Barriers
Building rapport is critical to success in the real estate industry. However, this can be especially challenging when a buyer or seller isn't fluent in English. Here are three tips for breaking down language barriers to communicate clearly and successfully with all your clients:
Partner with another agent.
Partnering with an agent fluent in your client's language may help your buyers feel more comfortable and get them to the closing table faster.
Understand cultural dos and don'ts.
Learning the cultural norms and customs of your new client will help you build genuine goodwill, even though you may not speak their language fluently.
Choose the best translation tools.
Real-time translation tools like Duolingo and Babylon, and apps such as Translate Me should become your go-to resources for overcoming communication hurdles.3
Be Aware of the New ANSI Square Footage Standards
Fannie Mae has recently adopted new national standards for square footage that were originally developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for appraisers. This means you'll begin to see differences in the living space reported by appraisers versus the public record.
For example, a Cape Cod-style home with a six-foot second-floor ceiling wouldn't meet ANSI standards for above-grade living space. A minimum seven-foot ceiling is now required. However, the square footage may be included in the public record. The changes apply only to single-family homes.
Fannie Mae stated that these changes were needed because there were multiple regional standards in use. The goal is for the new standards to cause less confusion for everyone in the long run.4
Communication is Key to Online Ads and Earning More
Experts say the best way to maximize your online presence is through Search Engine Optimization (SEO). In fact, there's no better way to drive high-quality leads and reach prospects who are planning to buy or sell a home.
Since a successful SEO strategy is based on getting more search engine "hits" – especially within the first 10-20 search results – you'll need to add the right words and phrases to your site that will result in increased traffic. For example, if you're selling condo units in a certain area, be sure to add words and phrases that potential clients will use during their search. These could include the name of the condo development, their size, price range, amenities, and location. Other SEO improvements: adding your business to Google My Business and other relevant directories, and ensuring your site looks good when viewed on a mobile phone or tablet.5
Sources: 1fool.com, 2ypn.realtor, 3inman.com, 4magazine.realtor, theamericangenius.com5
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