Frequently Asked Questions (And The Answers) about Marketing Yourself. For New Agents

 

If you are a new agent, just getting into the business, you may be wondering what kind off marketing and specializations will help you get a fast start and grow your business. Many of the suggestions I have, you have heard before. Some may be new information. I am going to answer some questions that I often receive from agents who are new or newer in the business.

Q. Do I need a website and if so, how much will it cost?

A. Yes, you need a website. Websites for agents have a huge range in cost and functionality. As you are interviewing for a brokerage to partner with, have them show you the website that comes along with your branding / technology package. These sites are usually just fine for getting you up and running. The main point here is that your prospective clients must be able to easily find you on the internet.

Beyond basic agent websites, there are highly functional lead capture websites. They get expensive but are worth it if internet marketing is where you want to focus your financial resources and time. To have and maintain a highly functional lead generation website you will need lead capture systems where you offer information it's not otherwise available so website visitors will provide a valid email address. 

Q. Do I want a niche or specialization? 

A. It can help especially if there is a specialization that you have an affinity for or established connection with. For instance, if you are a veteran, you may want to help Veteran’s find homes. If you are bilingual, and there is a resident population, court that group! Another specialization that may be an asset in the years to come is working with baby boomers who are downsizing (some of them to 55+ communities) First time home buyers is a good specialty area for newer agents. Some agents focus very successfully on clients who are relocating to, or from, the area.  You can have a areas that you can specialize in. 

Q. Should I hold Open Houses?

A. Since you will most likely be starting without listings you will need some homes to hold open. As you are interviewing at brokerages, ask if office agents will let you hold their listings open. If the answer is yes, it may be smart to zero in on which agents and which listings – especially if this is part of your start up plan to get some buyers in your pipeline. (Vacant listings are much better open houses for many reasons.) A motivated buyer is the quickest way to a paycheck!

 

Q. Do I need an iPad or other Tablet?

A. It sure helps! Yes, you can do many things on a smart phone in terms of searching the MLS. Where I use my iPad is when I want to show the screen to client. There are quite a few apps that I use in listing presentations. When showing homes to buyers, I use a compass app so we can see where the sun will rise and set.  Current feedback is that although the Android tablets may be better technology, there are many more real estate apps available for iPads.

Q. What other technology questions should I be considering?

A.  Being a “Paperless Agent” is not new but still an untapped frontier. With the right apps, you can have clients sign contracts right on your tablet.  In fact, my brokerage, Prudential California Realty just brought in an awesome paperless transaction management platform called SkySlope. It can be accessed from any web browser but there is also an iPad app (Android coming soon).

If being a paperless agent appeals to you, talk to me. In fact, talk to me if you have any questions. Let me know how I can help and thanks for reading my blog!