Real estate agents play a crucial role in the buying and selling process of properties. As an agent, one of the most important tasks is to find the best real estate listings to present to potential buyers. However, in every market, there seem to be those handful of agents who seem to get all of the best real estate listings.
So wouldn’t you like to know how they do it? How are they generating all these real estate listings?
With so many properties on the market, it can be challenging to know where to look for the most promising listings. However, by utilizing a variety of methods and sources, agents can increase their chances of finding the perfect property for their clients. In this blog post, we will explore 10 places where agents should be looking to find the best real estate listings.
1) Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
The MLS is a database of properties for sale that is only available to licensed real estate agents. This is one of the most comprehensive sources for listings and is a great place for agents to start their search. The MLS allows agents to search for properties based on a variety of criteria, such as location, price, and number of bedrooms. Additionally, the MLS provides agents with important information about properties, such as square footage, lot size, and number of bathrooms. This information can be crucial when it comes to determining the true value of a property.
2) Online Real Estate Marketplaces
Websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Redfin are popular places for buyers and sellers to search for properties. As a real estate agent, it's important to have a presence on these sites and to regularly check for new listings. Many buyers and sellers begin their search for properties on these sites, so it's important for agents to be able to provide them with the most up-to-date information and to be able to respond quickly to any inquiries. Additionally, many of these sites allow agents to advertise their listings and to connect with potential buyers and sellers.
3) Social Media
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and a strong Google Business Profile can be great places to find potential real estate listings. Agents can use social media to connect with potential sellers and to showcase their own listings.
Another important thing to stay on top of is client reviews. Reviews can make or break a client’s decision to go with you. When they’re making a decision of who to trust with their most expensive asset, you can bet they’re going to read some reviews. Calls made directly from reading online reviews- primarily on Google or Zillow- are one of the most powerful lead sources.
Video content is another effective way to increase your lead estate listings. Videos have been on the rise the past several years, leading to many sellers calling agents as a result of watching their videos.
Social media can be an effective tool for building relationships with potential clients and for promoting an agent's brand. Additionally, many social media platforms allow agents to target specific groups of people, which can be especially useful when it comes to finding listings in specific neighbourhoods or demographic groups.
4) Networking for more real estate listings
Building relationships with other real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and other professionals in the industry can be a great way to find new listings. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and staying in touch with colleagues can all help agents to find new listings. Networking allows agents to share information and to learn about properties that may be coming on the market soon. Additionally, many agents choose to form referral partnerships with other agents in order to expand their reach and to find new listings.
5) Open Houses
Attending open houses can be a great way for agents to find new listings. Agents can meet potential sellers and learn about properties that may be coming on the market soon. Additionally, open houses can be a great opportunity for agents to showcase their own listings and to connect with potential buyers. Open houses are often held on weekends, which can be a convenient time for many agents to attend.
6) Referrals
Agents can ask their past clients for referrals to potential sellers. Past clients are often a great source of new listings, as they may know people who are thinking of selling their property. Additionally, many agents choose to offer incentives to their clients for referring new business. This can be a great way to motivate clients to refer their friends and family to an agent.
Great referral sources can include:
- Sphere who decided to sell
- Past clients who decided to sell
- Referrals from sphere or past clients
- Older leads nurtured over time
- Circle dialing- reaching out to homeowners nearby homes you’ve sold.
Oftentimes, the best prospects are already right under your nose. Therefore, some important questions you should be asking yourself, is whether you are touching base with your database frequently enough. Also, are nurturing the old leads in your database or giving up on them?
7) For Sale By Owner (FSBO)
Some sellers choose to sell their property without the help of a real estate agent. Agents can find these properties by searching online or by driving around their local area looking for "For Sale by Owner" signs.
8) Public Records of real estate listings
Agents can search public records to find information about properties that are in foreclosure or that have recently been sold. This can be a great way to find new listings, as these properties may be coming on the market soon. Public records can be accessed through the county recorder's office or online through various websites. By keeping an eye on public records, agents can often be the first to know about a potential listing and can be prepared to make an offer as soon as the property becomes available.
Another thing an agent should never underestimate are expired listings. According to Tom Ferry, expireds are the sixth most-effective listing lead source! Just because the previous agent failed to sell the real estate listing, doesn’t mean you can’t. As the adage goes: one client’s expired real estate listing, is another agent’s treasure!
9) Direct Mail, or Geographic/Niche Farming
Sending out direct mail campaigns to a specific audience- either geographic or niche-based- can be a great way to find new real estate listings. This can be especially effective in areas where there are a high number of older homeowners who may be considering selling their property. Direct mail can be a cost-effective way to reach a large number of potential sellers, and can be a great way to build relationships with potential clients.
Agents can use mailing lists to target specific neighborhoods or demographics and to introduce themselves to potential sellers, allowing them to deliver value over and over again. Direct mail, email, geographic-based ads and more will keep your brand in front of people and establish you as the knowledge broker for your market.
Have you ever tried sending out a “yikes” mailer? These are mailers sent to homeowners who haven’t listed their property- they may not have even considered selling it- but you’re sending it to them because their property is exactly what your buyers are looking for. The headline could look something like: “Yikes, there are no homes on the market!”. Don’t underestimate the power of stirring up interest in an otherwise desolate area!
10) Online Advertising
By using online advertising, agents can reach potential sellers who may not be actively searching for a real estate agent, but who may be considering selling their property in the future. Additionally, online advertising can be a great way to build brand awareness and to position an agent as an expert in their local market.
In conclusion, there are many different places where real estate agents can find the best listings. By utilizing a variety of methods and sources, agents can increase their chances of finding the perfect property for their clients. It's important to stay up to date on the latest technology and trends in the industry, as well as to always be on the lookout for new opportunities. With the right approach and a little bit of luck, agents can find the best listings and help their clients to achieve their real estate goals.
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