If you are new to the real estate game, or maybe
even if you are a veteran agent, I have some tips for finding leads where you
may have never thought about leads being found. There are ways of generating
real estate leads that many people dont realize are staring them in the face.
If you are one of the first agents to utilize one of these leads you may see a
large amount of business generated from that simple action.
One of the first things to do after you receive
your real estate license is to order your business cards. It is very exciting
for some people to see their name on a card with the word "realtor" stamped
right underneath. Dont make the mistake of only ordering 500 on the first batch
and keeping them safe and sound in your desk drawer until your first
anniversary of becoming a realtor. You should order 1000 or 2000 and hand them
out at free will. Who cares if they cost you ten cents each, one card could
generate a multi thousand dollar commission check for you. If you leave it in
the desk drawer, it will generate nothing by dust. You should have a great
desire to give them out like tootsie rolls on Halloween night. In other words,
generating real estate leads is as easy as giving candy to a kid.
Remember, you should never give away a business
card. Notice I said A Business Card. You should give away business cardS.
Whenever you feel the opportunity arise to give a card away, make it three or
four. If that person runs across someone who needs an agent, they are likely to
say "Here, I have a card of an agent I met," thus generating yet another lead.
You should give them to everyone you come in contact with Ð your kids
teachers, your doctor, your brother, your veterinarian, your butcher, your
baker, and your candlestick maker.
Also, think about the countertops you cross
everyday. There is a countertop at the dry cleaners, there is a countertop at
the electric company, the cable company, the doctors office, the bookstore, the
fast food joint, and nameless others. There are also the message boards in the
library, convenience stores, community centers, etc. where you can tack a few
for other people to grab as they are looking for a realtor.
Home building shows are a great place to start
with real estate leads. Many people who are interested in building their own
homes are also interested in purchasing the land on which to build the home,
and they will likely be ready to sell their home through you when it is time to
do so.
A website is a key element in todays world. If you
have a website that tells about you and your agency, you are more likely to
retain a customer than if you do not have a website. And if you hold a site
that has a listing or photos of the properties that you are offering, you are
even more likely to attain a client. It is easier for many people to "window
shop" from their home then call a realtor than it is for people to drive around
town and look for a home on their own. Also, when a person is ready to sell
their home, they take into consideration the fact that more people look at your
website than drive down their dead end street. All of these factors contribute
to generating a sales lead.
A real estate closing gift is something that some
realtors think is not their responsibility. To an extent, they are correct,
they are not a responsibility, however, they are important to repeat business.
These gifts do not have to be expensive, they can even be homemade. Some agents
are creative and can create a new floral arrangement or centerpiece for the
homeowner, some agents just prefer a gift card to the local home improvement
store or a quaint restaurant. Either way, the home buyer will remember that
token and likely spread the word to their friends, and if you are still selling
homes in five to ten years, they may even call on you to sell their home
again.
Realtors