Real Estate Blog

#1: Listing Photos - Invest in a professional photographer

Pictures are the first thing that people see when looking to buy or rent a property, so it pays to invest in hiring a professional photographer to capture your listed property/land. More often than none, low-quality, outdated photos are going to deter the typical client who may easily overlook your listing and go straight to another property showcasing better photos.  Poor representation can define your business and lead to less than positive reviews, costing you valuable leads with the use of Unprofessional photos. As much as we all want to turn to the quick, convenience of our smartphone cameras, no matter how far technology is advancing, it is still best advised to invest in a professional camera or hire a professional.

#2: Soft Skills - Communication is key

Communication is the most important in real estate so if your soft skills are not your strong point, you might want to brush up on strengthening them.  Real Estate is another form of customer service.  Your prime job is reliant on your interaction with prospective clients. 

It is important to know how to:

• communicate
• listen
• provide suggestions and
• decipher the information people provide.

There is an art in real estate and how you approach and communicate with your clients.  You have to be able to come off as enticing without sounding greedy or manipulative.  After all, you’re selling someone a home. which is likely the biggest purchase of their life.

#3: Mentors - Watch and Learn

Buddy up!!  You can never go wrong by taking on a mentor when you start your career. The best way to learn is by watching someone else and learning from what they do.  Find another agent in your firm that you have a good rapport with and ask if they wouldn't mind you Shadowing them.  See how they do their open houses, their transactions and closings.  Ask your mentor questions.  Key in on their terms and knowledge of home-selling.  Be a sponge! Find out what steps they took to close their deals and don't be afraid to ask them for advice and/or to share with you their secrets & life lessons they have applied to their success to get them where they are. Take note of their time management and marketing strategies. Just by watching what someone else does can set the footprints for you to follow, but ultimately it is up to you to create your own path. 

#4: Home Inspections - are not to be missed

Be present and attend every home inspection when performing a transaction. Learn that this is your time to negotiate for your client.   Often, many agents will make the mistake of skipping this part and it can come back around to bite them in the end.  What the inspector finds on the property will affect the closing terms, whether the damage is significant or small. Make sure to put these damages into perspective, so buyers know what’s normal for a home and what’s not. Wear and tear on the roof is reasonable, but puddles of water and corroded pipes aren’t — this signals major issues with the plumbing. so be aware and advocate for your clients to get the best deal on their home.

#5: Contracts - Your contract is everything

Learn your contracts!!  Real estate contracts contain a ton of jargon you may not recognize. You are not going to know everything right away but avoid leaving your clients with more questions than answers. Again, it is about educating yourself on the specifics of typical real estate contracts and what they include — timelines, financial terms, inspection details and more. Your buyers should trust putting their home-owning futures in your hands.  We, here at Sutter & Nugent, LLC,  from time to time will offer free training classes on contract laws and the breakdown of all that contract lingo that you cannot understand.  Look into what your company provides for you as far as samples and training notes... but don't rely on your company alone.  It is your job, as a realtor to know your business.

#6: Open Houses - Initial exposure for your listing

I cannot stress enough how important it is to attend and host open houses.  An open house is the initial introduction to getting leads.  This is gives you a chance to show your real estate knowledge while showcasing your listing. Scout for home sellers by advertising your services and surveying homes. Once you have a place secured, spread the word, and prepare the abode for incoming visitors. Experiment with methods such as virtual staging, live streaming and Instagram Story promotion to get more people in the door. There are all sorts of creative ways to make an open house successful.  And if you do not have your own listing to host an open house - then again, shadow another agent by attending theirs and learn from them. See how other agents to their open houses and find your own takeaway to help you with yours.

#7: Focused Marketing

Be wise about how you execute marketing. Advertise on multiple platforms for maximum engagement, but don’t overwhelm yourself with a bunch of unfamiliar techniques. Thoroughly study each medium and learn how it works — plus how you can make it successful — before tackling the next one. Rushed and ineffective advertising methods won’t land you many leads. Nail it the first time around to avoid wasting time on continuously rehauling your marketing campaign.

#8: Prequalifying clients

Prequalify your clients before showing them homes. Doing this will save you time and energy if they reveal they aren’t ready to buy or sell. You’ll spin in circles from not knowing the client’s financial situation or what amenities they want in the homes you display. The lender usually handles the prequalifying process, but ask your buyers questions to get a feel for what they expect and can afford.

#9: Niche Sectors

Many agents claim to know everything about the industry and offer to tackle all selling and buying needs. This diversity works for some, but consider targeting a niche market. Niche markets reduce the competition in a saturated industry, and they allow you to hone your skills in one area rather than dabble in several. These markets focus on distinct buyer demographics or geographical regions. Some examples of specific sectors include resorts, luxury homes and condos.

#10: Networking

Networking as a real estate professional is of the utmost importance. You’ll work with many different people while selling homes, including investors, vendors and inspectors. Keep their information, because you don’t know when you could need someone to provide sage realty advice. Most agents gain buyers from referrals, which demonstrates the importance of establishing rapport with colleagues. Contact buyers after their purchases to check how they’ve settled in — they’ll appreciate your consideration.