There are times when real estate is booming and other times when there is such a lull in the market that nothing sells. Not even the lowest priced single family dwellings are moving, some of which have had their asking priced reduced so many times that any real estate investor in his or her right mind should have jumped at the opportunity to buy them up for a quick sale (flip) at some later date. Whether you are experiencing the high times of real estate or the lean days of winter, you should always promote your agency with everything you have.
Customer Service Is Vital
No matter what business you are in, customer service is one of the most important elements to focus on. The one major complaint consumers have is that they are not getting the service they deserve as ‘paying customers’ and it’s wise to keep in mind that real estate is a high ticket item. If you are going to close the deal, you need to build a strong relationship with the buyer or the seller, depending on whom you are representing in the transaction and you need to keep that fiduciary obligation in mind. One lapse could not only sour the deal but could land you in very hot water with the State Board.
Services Above and Beyond Real Estate
Some real estate agencies also provide additional services for their clientele to make closing a deal that much easier. Not only does it help to ensure that your agents and broker get their commissions but also for the buyer or seller who may require other services beyond the actual transaction. Some real estate agencies offer notary public services and others have mortgage brokers on staff who can assist buyers in finding the financing they need to close the deal.
When it is a residential transaction, a real estate broker who either is also a mortgage broker or has one on staff is a real service for buyers – and actually for sellers as well. First time buyers in New Jersey, for example, may want to avail themselves of FHA loans NJ buyers can qualify for. Since real estate agents don’t have the professional or legal expertise to deal with loans, having a mortgage broker on the premises is an amazing service to offer.
Classes in Home Upkeep and Repair
When dealing with residential transactions, it is good to remember that many of your clients will be first time buyers and/or sellers. When properties need to pass inspection or are going to be appraised for valuation, sometimes a few minor fixes can bring the asking price up by thousands. Also, buyers who have never owned a home may not know all that it takes to keep drains from freezing in the winter, gutters from clogging and destroying a vital part of their roofing structure and just little things that need to be seen to. Some innovative real estate agencies around the country offer classes and seminars to help their clients after the transaction so that their property maintains its value and serves them for years to come.
A Current List of Qualified and Ethical Tradesmen
Another thing that buyers and sellers often have trouble locating is tradesmen to do repairs, remodeling or renovating on a property. From plumbers to roofers and general contractors, the phone book or Google + is nowhere to go if you are seeking a local tradesman with good standing in the community and who goes that extra mile for the customers they serve. Sometimes real estate offices keep a handout packet on hand with information regarding local tradesmen and other times they have business cards located in the reception area. In either case, this is a service that goes above and beyond what is expected from a real estate agency and goes a very long way for promoting goodwill in the community.
Bear in mind that all these little extras will have a positive effect on promoting your business. Word of mouth travels fast and by giving each and every potential customer that walks through the door the VIP treatment, you can ensure that you are going to get advertising in ways you never thought possible. Too many businesses act as though they are doing the customer a favor by serving them when in reality it is the other way around. Without those customers your agency wouldn’t be in business so give them all you’ve got, go that extra mile and you will be the go-to realtor in your area.
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