When the global pandemic took hold in early 2020, the customary way of doing real estate business
wasn’t an option anymore. And so, agents had to pivot almost overnight to adapt to the changes.
At first, the hope was that this was temporary. But it has since become apparent that this “new
normal” will stick around for a while. And if you are – or plan to become – an agent, you may be
wondering what you can do to thrive in this current reality and beyond.
Below, we share our expert take on ways to navigate being an agent in the wake of COVID-19.
wasn’t an option anymore. And so, agents had to pivot almost overnight to adapt to the changes.
At first, the hope was that this was temporary. But it has since become apparent that this “new
normal” will stick around for a while. And if you are – or plan to become – an agent, you may be
wondering what you can do to thrive in this current reality and beyond.
Below, we share our expert take on ways to navigate being an agent in the wake of COVID-19.
Put service before sales
Yes, real estate is a sales business. That’s a given. And in challenging times, you may instinctively focus on sales. But real estate is a service business too. And that fact matters now more than ever.
Why is that? Recent national surveys show that, during the pandemic, buyers and sellers are relying on real estate agents more than before – and they are prioritizing trusted relationships. And here is what they say they value most: an agent’s guidance. So, to help set yourself up for optimal success, focus on service before sales, and reflect that mindset in your messaging and marketing.
Why is that? Recent national surveys show that, during the pandemic, buyers and sellers are relying on real estate agents more than before – and they are prioritizing trusted relationships. And here is what they say they value most: an agent’s guidance. So, to help set yourself up for optimal success, focus on service before sales, and reflect that mindset in your messaging and marketing.
Tie reassurance into
your marketing efforts.
With so much uncertainty swirling around, buyers and sellers are understandably nervous. They may have no idea what to expect next in the market or how to navigate the ongoing changes. You can help reassure them through your marketing communications.
How so? Inform and educate. Nurture a presence on multiple channels – email, social media, blog, and so on. Share pertinent information about the pandemic, the community, and the market. Also, let all your contacts know you are thinking of them during this trying time and are there to help. You can ease concerns and earn goodwill at the same time.
How so? Inform and educate. Nurture a presence on multiple channels – email, social media, blog, and so on. Share pertinent information about the pandemic, the community, and the market. Also, let all your contacts know you are thinking of them during this trying time and are there to help. You can ease concerns and earn goodwill at the same time.
Stay informed
This one may be a no-brainer, but a reminder to stay on top of factors that affect your business is worthy of a mention. New information is emerging daily. Pandemic-related mandates and industry rules continue to change. Client attitudes have shifted and so have their preferences and needs.
All of this translates into the need for an even more concerted intelligence-gathering process that informs your business strategy and provides useful insights to help you better serve your clients.
All of this translates into the need for an even more concerted intelligence-gathering process that informs your business strategy and provides useful insights to help you better serve your clients.
Fully embrace
technology
If there is one thing that we know about the pandemic’s impact on the industry, it’s that technology use has accelerated. From agents working remotely to video calls, virtual tours, and electronic closings becoming standard practice, the buying and selling process has gone digital. Based on consumer response, there is likely no going back to just the old way of doing things.
So, now is the time to revisit the list of must-have tech tools and decide if you would benefit from investing in additional technology. Specialty tools like video messaging software, CRM, virtual staging services, and 3D virtual tours are just a few of myriad considerations.
So, now is the time to revisit the list of must-have tech tools and decide if you would benefit from investing in additional technology. Specialty tools like video messaging software, CRM, virtual staging services, and 3D virtual tours are just a few of myriad considerations.
Upgrade your expertise
Enhancing your capabilities is another way to stay ahead of today’s challenges. And thanks to an abundance of online opportunities, you can sharpen current knowledge or learn something new (or both) in the midst of ongoing restrictions.
For example, you can attend online webinars or take CE courses if you need continuing education hours. Or consider pursuing a certification or a broker’s license. We offer the broker pre-licensing course online, and our blog “Considering Making the Move From Agent to Broker?” provides a wealth of info on upgrading your license. We also offer an array of online CE courses covering knowledge areas that are critical to your success. Enroll today to continue growing your expertise.
For example, you can attend online webinars or take CE courses if you need continuing education hours. Or consider pursuing a certification or a broker’s license. We offer the broker pre-licensing course online, and our blog “Considering Making the Move From Agent to Broker?” provides a wealth of info on upgrading your license. We also offer an array of online CE courses covering knowledge areas that are critical to your success. Enroll today to continue growing your expertise.
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