Today’s real estate market is up and down but despite that some agents are flourishing…Why?  What makes one agent different than another and how are they dominating the market?

The truth is that the agents that are succeeding right now are those that know and understand how to properly sell homes.  They understand current trends in marketing and the tactics used to get properties in front of potential buyers that actually want to see that home.

A top agent knows that they need to be out there.  They need to be on the phone doing follow ups and making sure the clients they do have are happy and at the end of a transaction are thrilled to give a referral.  Today more than anything an agent needs to go above and beyond the expectations of their clients.

But it is no solely about handshakes and smiles.  A lot of it stems from a solid and relevant marketing strategy.

Today’s successful agents are able to understand the current trends in marketing and how it can benefit their business.  For example, Facebook is obviously huge and being social is now a part of marketing a business.  What people may not fully understand is that social networks, websites and blogs require consistency.  You cannot start up a page and expect everyone to flock to you with listing requests and purchase offers.  To me I use social media as more of a means of keeping my name and information fresh and in front of past, present and future clients.  By consistently posting information about the market, listings, news articles, interesting events and so on, I make sure that I am consistently in front of my clients.  Doing this may not lead to a flood of leads but when someone is ready to buy or sell, then my name and information will be close at hand.

Today an agent cannot solely rely on one avenue for leads.  They must embrace the internet and create a presence that is consistent.  An agent should post blog articles on a regular basis, post updates to social media networks, create videos and tours with video sharing websites, have a solid website that is up to date with easy navigation and relevant information that is simple to find.

The internet strategy can also be complemented with physical marketing as well.  Sending out postcards and letters to clients is always smart.  Farming a specific neighborhood with market stats, interesting information or just an introduction never hurts.

Another thing that successful agents of today are is available.  When a client needs to reach you, you need to be available or be quick to respond with the answers they need.  You need to be a great listener as well.  Half of all conversations is listening to the other person…Remember that and use it.  By being a great listener you will gain knowledge and information that will let you understand your clients needs better than simply looking at a disclosure statement or  search criteria.

Being a successful agent is tough, no matter what the market is doing.  But being knowledgeable, available, and smart with your clients and your marketing strategy is what sets one agent apart from another. Having that understanding is really what sells homes.

Tim Brown
Owner/Broker, Realtor®, ABR,CRS,CDPE®
Auctioneer NCAL#8560
Hines & Associates Realty
TeamHeidi
Direct Line: 704-619-1008
Client Care Line: 704-815-3208
www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com