Monthly Archives: January 2021

Similar to most other industries, marketing real estate can involve promoting to a target market. Your target market refers to the group that you believe is most likely to invest in what you’re selling. By identifying this group early on, you can develop media campaigns that will market directly to that group, hopefully resulting in a successful and speedy selling process. It’s important to remember that when targeting a specific group, you shouldn’t entirely neglect other areas of the market. All that this means is that you should continue to advertise your listings through multiple media channels, even if you are trying to appeal to a particular group.

Photo from https://www.companybug.com/determining-target-market-small-business/ , posted February 22, 2018

What goes into identifying a target market in real estate? There are multiple factors that can contribute to the process of narrowing down a target market. A good place to start is by analyzing your property. Consider elements such as job opportunity, location, home size, diversity, and community dynamic. Each of these factors play an important role in your buyer’s decision, therefore they should be on your mind too. Job opportunity/change is listed as being one of the top five reasons why Americans move. Analyze the job market to better understand who may have opportunity in that area then promote that as being one of the location’s features. For example, a property available in Hollywood can be advertised as being a great place for someone interested in pursuing an acting career. Notice how I identify a specific group without eliminating other potential buyers.

Location can be one of the most influential aspects of real estate. What are some things that are unique to the location? Even factors affected by location, such as weather, can be a persuasive marketing tool. Coastal properties oftentimes specify how far away the home is from a beach, by simply including this information, you’re advertising to beach goers, fishermen, those who like water sports, etc. The size of the property is another factor that buyers will take into consideration. To add some perspective, who do you think would be more comfortable in a two bedroom apartment, a young couple with their first baby on the way? Or a family large enough to be featured on TLC? Even by narrowing down these seemingly obvious factors, you’re beginning to create a target market. 

The community dynamic is another important factor that plays into identifying the best market for the listing. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out my, “How To Sell Your Community” for more information about how to spot the area’s best features. Think about the neighborhood you would like to live in, what factors play a role in this fantasy? Imagine you’re just starting to expand your family and you’re informed that the development you’re looking at has lots of young families with kids around the same age as yours. The buyer can start to envision how much fun it would be for all of the children to become friends and play together. What a great fit! Reflect on how diverse the community is. A family of immigrants, just starting their new lives in America, is going to want to feel welcome and accepted. It would be beneficial if there were other people in the area who perhaps spoke their language, or if there were international grocery stores or restaurants that could make them feel more comfortable. 

Posted by https://lionspiritmedia.co.uk/part-3-ultimate-marketing-strategy-target-market/ , posted on August 6, 2020

Once you’ve identified these factors, you’ll be able to start recognizing which groups of society the listing would appeal to the most. Next, figure out which platforms are going to be the most effective way to reach this group and begin your marketing campaigns. Again, it’s important to do your best to attract your target market without eliminating other groups who may still be interested in the property. Even if the other groups don’t feel personal intrigue towards the listing, they might know someone who would fall in love with the listing. Any way you do it, you’ll want to generate the most exposure you can for the property. 

What are some other factors that play into a buyer’s decision to invest in real estate? How can those elements be implemented into helping to identify a target market? Let me know your thoughts and opinions on these techniques in the comment section. Have a question for me? Send me an email or reach out to me through my social accounts, you can find all of this information on my website. I’d be happy to address any confusion or concerns in future blog posts. Be sure to like this post if you found it to be helpful and subscribe to my “Media Promotion Within Real Estate, a ‘How To’ Blog” to get updated when I post more blogs. If you’d like to help grow the ‘Mad About Real Estate’ community, then share this post with your friends and followers and encourage them to subscribe so that they don’t miss out on any online media promotion or real estate tips!

Resources:

Carmichael, M. (2020, April 09). Why Do People Move? Here Are the Top Reasons for Relocation. Retrieved January 09, 2021, from https://livability.com/topics/make-your-move/why-do-people-move-here-are-the-top-reasons-for-relocation#:~:text=The%20top%20five%20reasons%20why,%2C%20better%20neighborhood%2C%20etc.) 

Fairless, J. (2020, September 25). Guide to Selecting a Target Market for Real Estate: From Joe Fairless. Retrieved January 09, 2021, from https://joefairless.com/ultimate-guide-selecting-target-real-estate-market/ 

Once you’ve established multiple online platforms for your agency in the form of social media accounts, the real work begins! If you haven’t already infiltrated these media channels, go read my “How To Establish Your Agency’s Online Presence,” to get started. Social media marketing is on the rise and studies show that in 2018, eighty-four percent of marketers reported that they were able to increase traffic for their business by spending only a couple of hours a week on social media platforms. Throughout this post I am going to discuss three key ways to build up your online business using social media. I’ll be focusing on producing effective content and developing relationships with your audience, these tips can be applied to apps such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and many more.

I am active on the internet as well as multiple social media websites. My most frequented platforms include Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. My preferences may or may not match yours, and that is okay, but it is very likely that both of us follow our favorite celebrities, groups, or businesses that also have accounts on the app. Why do we do this if we don’t have a personal relationship or past transactions with them? It makes us feel connected, provides an opportunity to stay updated, enables us to interact with them, or maybe we just like their content. Think about why you follow who you do, then use that information to give people a reason to follow you.

Source: TheTalkInstitute.com/blog/Instagram , posted April 9, 2018

Is anybody really worth following if they’re not posting informative or entertaining content? First step: post frequently! The more that you post, the more exposure you’ll be getting and the higher your content will be ranked on search engines like Google. Step two: keep your posts consistent. Although you won’t be posting about the same content all of the time, your profile should convey a consistent message. This is applicable to media images as well, for example if you’re using Instagram, editing your photos the same way and maintaining high-quality images can be appealing to the viewer and make your profile look very sleek and professional. Step three: utilize apps’ different features when posting new content. Most social media platforms offer their users a couple of options when posting; statuses, photographs, stories, etc. are all beneficial when building your brand, so be sure to cover all areas when posting.

Once you’ve mastered the art of posting, you have to begin analyzing what methods are working best for you, what areas you need to improve on, and what your game plan is moving forward. Social media is centered around being interactive platforms, giving you the opportunity to gain insightful feedback from your audience through the same channels you’re producing content on. Getting feedback from your audience is one of the most effective tools that marketers use to strategize their next move. Luckily, each of these apps allow the audience to provide feedback, most even do this in multiple ways. Feedback is all around us within the world of social media, a like, comment, view, retweet, vote, favorite, etc. are all awesome tools that you can use to improve your online game. What posts are your audience most interested in? What do they interact with the most? What do they want to see? These are questions you can even ask your followers through custom polls. Once you’ve gathered the feedback and incorporated it to improve your social media practices, you’re going to be viewed as a more involved and receptive entity. 

Source: https://www.je-consulting.co.uk/social-media-essentials-feedback/ , retrieved January 8, 2021

Being receptive to consumer feedback is one of the most important things that every business should practice because it will help to improve public relations and further develop your relationship with the market. This includes not only your audience interacting with your agency, but also your agency interacting with your audience. People want to feel heard and to feel like their opinions matter. Responding to messages and comments is a great way to make them feel noticed and let your viewers know that they’re support is valued. The social media world can often be a pool of positive and negative reactions. Although we are striving for the positive reaction from the public, negative feedback is still important. Problems or concerns should be dealt with as soon as possible, it’s common for people to become more frustrated overtime especially if they feel they’re being ignored. Overall, be openly grateful for all interactions and take them as constructive criticism. 

Along with these benefits, social media is a cost effective and immediate form of advertising that can have a major impact on your agency’s exposure and growth. With social media on the rise, agencies have to implement these techniques to keep up with the technology and stay competitive. What social media platforms have you developed for your agency? Do you have additional tips on how to generate feedback through these media channels? Which of these platforms have been most beneficial to your business? Let me know about your thoughts, ideas, and experiences in the comment section!

Social media is constantly evolving and can at times seem intimidating. From a business’s standpoint you can imagine the difficulty of analyzing so much feedback and trying to find new ways to keep their audience involved. Therefore, if you have additional questions or concerns regarding this topic, don’t hesitate to contact me through my email or by reaching out through my social accounts that are all listed on my website. If you found this post to be helpful, don’t forget to like this blog and if you’re interested in learning more about how you can use media to better position your business, subscribe to my “Media Promotion Within Real Estate, a ‘How To’ Blog.” You can help to grow the ‘Mad About Real Estate’ community by sharing this post with your friends and followers!

Resources:

Chen, J. (2020, October 21). 5 actionable strategies for social media branding. Retrieved January 09, 2021, from https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-branding/ 

DeFranzo, S. E. (2019, May 21). 5 Reasons Why Feedback is Important. Retrieved January 09, 2021, from https://www.snapsurveys.com/blog/5-reasons-feedback-important/ 

Riserbato, R. (2019, October 29). 16 Effective Ways to Build Your Online Presence. Retrieved January 08, 2021, from https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/online-presence 

Smith, K. (2019, August 13). 15 Reasons Why Marketing Through Social Media Should Be Prioritized. Retrieved January 09, 2021, from https://www.lyfemarketing.com/blog/marketing-through-social-media/#:~:text=Marketing%20through%20social%20media%20is%20cost%20effective.&text=The%20good%20news%20is%20that,on%20social%20media%20per%20week. 

Did you know that over ninety percent of business purchase decisions initiate with an online search? Your website is the foundation for your business’s online presence and it can help you stand out amongst competitors. Did I mention that it is one of your most cost efficient forms of advertising? As I’ve discussed in previous blogs, you should be utilizing multiple media channels to brand yourself and grow business, each of these should convey a consistent theme and connect with your other business profiles. Not only should all of your social media accounts include links to promote and direct interested consumers to your site, but once they get to your page, you’ll want to keep them there. You want to express a clear message of who you are, what you do, and what you can do for them. There are many functions of a website, what you do to 

As a consumer, researching a business online is usually my first step when looking for new products or services. I can tell you, my experience with a website can either make me more interested in pursuing business, or can deter me from buying from that company. There’s nothing more frustrating than being excited about a business, only to have difficulties navigating or using their website. Additionally, there are countless amounts of companies and organizations out there that offer similar services or products, meaning that if I find your platform difficult, I’ll just take my business elsewhere. 

Your website’s design is crucial to your success. An attractive, organized, engaging page sends a message to your viewer that you’re operating a professional and well-managed business. If you’re not familiar with web design, don’t fret, there are many programs that can help you. Some of the top rated website building programs include Wix, Network Solutions, Web.com, Squarespace, and Site 123. Use an effective, easy-to-navigate design that allows you to use pages to organize your information. If you’re looking for references, take a look at some other realtor’s successful websites. Fredrik Eklund, Ryan Serhant, Katrina Campins, Jamie Tian, and Joshua M. Baris are listed as having the top real estate agent websites.

Screenshotted from Fredrik Eklund’s website, January 8th 2021

How long are you going to investigate a dull or weak website? Content is crucial to advancing your business’s online presence. Your website is your foundation and it’s where you should house all necessary information and more. Introduce your team and provide some background, why did you get into this industry? How many properties have you sold? Has the business expanded since its start? Of course you’ll want to offer media showing off any current listings available; this can be in the form of high-quality photos, videos, or house tours. Additionally, offering statements or reviews from past clients who you’ve helped can boost your image and give potential clients an idea of what to expect when doing business with you. Including this type of information is really informative for your readers and could be influential to someone who may be determining which agency is right for them. Most importantly, you’ll want to provide your contact information in an easy-to-find organized way. Remember that no matter how great your website is, if people don’t know how to get in touch with you, you’re at a disadvantage. 

I hope you found these tips to be useful for your own business. Have you ever designed a website? What techniques do you implement to maximize your site’s effectiveness? If you’re a consumer, what are you looking for in an agency’s website? I’d love for you to share your own experiences and ideas with the ‘Mad About Real Estate’ community in the comment section. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this topic, you can get in touch with me through my email or the social accounts listed on my website. I’d be happy to address any confusion within future posts. If you haven’t already read my “How To Properly Utilize SEO” or my “How To Establish Your Agency’s Online Presence” blogs, be sure to check them out to learn more about how you can maximize your business’s online efforts. Don’t forget to subscribe to my “Media Promotion Within Real Estate, a ‘How To’ Blog” and share this post with your own friends and followers!

Resources:

Hart, M. (2019, December 16). The 11 Best Real Estate Agent Websites of 2020 (Plus Tips for Designing Your Own). Retrieved January 08, 2021, from https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/real-estate-agent-websites#:~:text=A%20well%2Dwritten%20real%20estate,you’d%20like%20to%20share. 

Keller, C. R. (n.d.). Importance of Website. Retrieved January 08, 2021, from https://profitworks.ca/blog/297-why-having-a-website-is-important 

Liedke, L. (2020, December 31). The Ultimate List of Online Business Statistics (2021). Retrieved January 08, 2021, from https://wpforms.com/the-ultimate-list-of-online-business-statistics/ 

Sherman. (2019, October 06). The Importance of a Website for Your Business Success. Retrieved January 08, 2021, from https://www.lyfemarketing.com/blog/importance-of-a-website/ 

The Best 10 Website Builders – The Best 10 Website Builders. (n.d.). Retrieved January 08, 2021, from https://www.thebest10websitebuilders.com/charts/1/best-website-builders?utm_campaign=ma_thebest10_us_thebest10websitebuilders.com_e_cpc%5E69068108580&experiment_id=1745755903%5E%5E488977694625%5Eeasiest+way+to+create+a+website%5Ee&gclid=CjwKCAiA_9r_BRBZEiwAHZ_v17BaDdpOqt87mq_07eU03LvpsHPQjkgFByh0azI60GTQVcUJbTZZSBoCI6wQAvD_BwE

SEO is the commonly used abbreviation for “Search Engine Optimization” which refers to the process of advancing your content so that it is better positioned when being researched through different search engines such as Google. Have you ever tried looking for a product or business online, only to get thousands or even millions of results spat back at you after hitting the search button? Now consider how often you actually take the time to scroll through the third, fourth, fifth pages and so on. Studies show that nearly seventy percent of the clicks on google go to the top five results which is why it is extremely important to understand SEO, how it works, and how to use it to your advantage. 

If you’re like me, you’re someone who is using technology every single day. When I am looking for information regarding almost anything, the first thing I do is Google it. With the abundance of resources we all have at our fingertips, I find myself yearning for accurate and immediate results. That being said, I typically modify my search multiple times to try to find the most relevant content. I do my best to specify my word choice because keywords matter and can make all the difference. I consider retyping the phrases or wording as a time saving tool. Ideally, the algorithms designed for different search engines will list the links most relevant to your search at the top of the page. If I don’t find what I’m looking for within the first few options, I’ll try again rather than sorting through numerous pages to look at every result that popped up.

Screenshotted from Google Search Engine, taken January 8, 2021

Search engines function by using different algorithms that combine hundreds of factors such as word matching, credibility of the sources, location, usability, etc. The two main categories that web pages fall into when advancing their online content are white hat and black hat SEO. Black hat SEO is the strategy that people use when trying to get traffic regardless of whether or not the content they are advertising is relevant. White hat is better for businesses because these links tend to stay popular for longer by being honest in their labels and providing the consumer with the information they’re looking for. Of course some content creators will combine these methods, creating what’s known as grey hat SEO, but overall white is going to be the most beneficial for your brand.

How do you create a scalable link? By including more broad terms or phrases, you’ll be able to appeal to a larger audience. Identify your page’s focus and brainstorm what larger category it falls under, then use that to advertise your content. Next, you’ll want to ensure that the content you’re creating or promoting will continue to be relevant in the future. For example, if you’re a real estate agent who is building a website, advertising your brand as “2010’s Top Realtor!” may no longer be effective. Although it is a great achievement, you can surely find a more suitable location to list previous accomplishments. Get connected through backlinks. Backlinks hold massive weight in SEO because they associate your content with other similar or relevant links, resulting in search engines ranking your page higher. The more backlinks you have on your list, the greater chance you have as being featured as one of the top links.

Screenshotted from Google Search Engine, taken January 8, 2021

Now some people consider the use of backlinks, to fall under grey hat territory. This comes from the idea that links you deem as being ‘related’ or ‘relevant’ don’t completely comply with the notion of advertising your content as simply or specific as white hat SEO requires. However, I disagree and believe that you can still deliver honest and high quality information while utilizing similar content to boost your position online. The world wide web hosts millions and millions of data, in order to be a competitive force against the countless other links out there, you should utilize these tools and resources while providing consumers with sincere content. What is your opinion on the matter? Have you ever used backlinks? Let me know in the comment section!

SEO can be extremely beneficial by generating more traffic to your site and helping you to stand out in the deep sea of links that are out there. If you have additional questions or concerns regarding this topic, don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email or through my social accounts that are listed on my website. It’s important that I can address any confusion in future blog posts. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to my “Media Promotion Within Real Estate, a ‘How To’ Blog” if you’re interested in learning more about the real estate industry and/or the different ways that you can become a more effective online entity. Additionally, if you found this information to be helpful, like this post and share it with your friends and followers to help grow our ‘Mad About Real Estate’ community!

Resources:

Backlinks [2021 SEO]. (n.d.). Retrieved January 08, 2021, from https://moz.com/learn/seo/backlinks  

Google.com. (n.d.). Retrieved January 08, 2021, from https://www.google.com/search/howsearchworks/algorithms/#:~:text=These%20ranking%20systems%20are%20made,and%20your%20location%20and%20settings. 

Hudgens, R. (2019, January 18). How to Scale Your Link Building. Retrieved January 08, 2021, from https://www.siegemedia.com/marketing/scalable-link-building 

Patel, N. (2021, January 05). SEO Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Guide. Retrieved January 08, 2021, from https://neilpatel.com/what-is-seo/ 

That’s right, 2020’s favorite app can be used for real estate too! TikTok was officially titled last year’s ‘Most Downloaded App’ validating the company’s successful decision to reinvent itself. Formerly known as Musical.ly, TikTok was initially picked up by younger generations, specifically teens, who were able to explore millions of videos through the platform. As its database continued to grow, so did interest from older generations. This led to a much wider variety of videos being uploaded to the app, ranging from dance tutorials to political discussion, from paranormal activity to stand up comedy, and so much more. The platform has been able to entertain an extremely diverse population of creators and watchers, making it an awesome tool for realtors and sellers to spread the word about their listings.

You might be thinking, “How in the world am I going to show off my property in under a minute?” Well, there are a couple of different techniques that you can implement to generate exposure for your listing in these short videos. To start, keep an eye on trends. By utilizing popular sounds, dances, songs, and hashtags, your video can become more accessible to those who may have not initially seen your upload on their For You Page. Additionally, the success of these trends will help you to grab attention and boost interest right off the bat. Another way to do this is by naming your target audience, for example, by starting the video with “Attention House Hunters!” or “Calling New Homebuyers!” This helps your target market identify that this message is for them.

Video by @heider_realestate, retrieved January 8, 2021

Keep in mind that TikTok doesn’t cap the amount of videos that you upload; meaning what you can’t fit into a single video can always be posted in additional parts. Start off strong by featuring some of the property’s best assets to grow interest that could lure your viewers to your profile where they’ll be able to find the associated videos. Another strategy is to end the first video with a cliffhanger; by saying something along the lines of, “You won’t believe the backyard at this place, check out part two for more!” you leave your audience wanting more. When posting multiple TikToks, it’s a good idea to organize your content. Depending on the property, you may decide to split it up by floor level, inside then outside, or any other way that you see fit.

Similar to other platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, you can use TikTok to go live. Unlike other videos on the app, livestreams aren’t restricted to a minute or less and can be super helpful to interact with your audience in a more immediate way. If you’re a real estate agent, it’s smart to connect your online platforms, although this app is a great tool for real estate promotion, you’ll still want to include links that can direct your audience to your main website. At the end of your videos or in the caption, be sure to encourage your viewers to check out your website for more information. 

Uploaded by @heider_realestate, retrieved January 8, 2021

Have you ever used TikTok to promote a property? Are you one of the many who found their forever home on this app? Perhaps you’re someone like me who just enjoys scrolling through TikTok real estate, if that’s the case, what are you looking for during these house tours? What makes you want to further investigate the property? If any of these questions apply to you or if you have additional ideas about how to use TikTok to promote your listing, let me know in the comment section.

TikTok’s platform can be extremely beneficial for real estate when used properly. If you have any questions regarding this topic, don’t hesitate to reach out by leaving a comment or contacting me directly through either my email or my social media accounts. If you found this blog to be helpful, don’t forget to hit that like button! Subscribe to my ‘Media Promotion Within Real Estate, a ‘How To’ Blog” so that you can stay updated whenever I upload new posts. Do you know someone who could benefit from this information? Be sure to share this with them, your friends, and followers to help grow the ‘Mad About Real Estate’ community!

Resources:

Alpern, E. (2020, June 12). The Mystifying World of TikTok Home Tours. Retrieved January 08, 2021, from https://archive.curbed.com/2020/6/12/21287745/tiktok-videos-home-tour-mansion 

Hutchinson, A. (2020, December 09). TikTok was the Most Downloaded App in 2020, According to New Data from App Annie. Retrieved January 08, 2021, from https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/tiktok-was-the-most-downloaded-app-in-2020-according-to-new-data-from-app/591910/#:~:text=SMT%20Experts-,TikTok%20was%20the%20Most%20Downloaded%20App%20in%202020%2C%20According,New%20Data%20from%20App%20Annie 

Mohsin, M. (2021, January 05). 10 TikTok Statistics That You Need to Know in 2020. Retrieved January 08, 2021, from https://www.oberlo.com/blog/tiktok-statistics%20 

Tidy, J., & Smith Galer, S. (2020, August 05). TikTok: The story of a social media giant. Retrieved January 08, 2021, from https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-53640724#:~:text=It%20actually%20started%20life%20as,service%20in%20China%20called%20Douyin.

Did you know that ninety-seven percent of people today use the internet when trying to find a business? Simply passing out business cards isn’t cutting it anymore! Although this is a good strategy, as an agency, if you are not utilizing your online resources you are limiting yourself. Billions of people use the internet everyday, giving you the opportunity to get your name out there more quickly than ever before. By promoting your business through different media channels you’re able to build relationships with the public, show off your services, and gain access to a much wider audience. Next, I’ll be sharing with you some of the ways that are crucial to developing your business’s online profile.

Wix.com, retrieved January 7, 2021

One of the first steps that you can take to build your online presence is to develop a website. Regardless of your other forms of media, this is going to be your main information hub where people can learn about your services, background, contact information, etc. This is going to be somewhat of a foundation that all of your other media channels will link back to when researching your agency. Luckily, there are numerous website building software that can offer you the tools you need to create this platform on your own. Some of the highest rated website design programs include Wix, Network Solutions, Web.com, Squarespace, and Site123, each of these boast ratings of nine or above out of ten; making them some of the most resourceful and user-friendly web page developing tools out there. 

When determining what to include on your site, put yourself in the customer’s shoes, prioritize what they want to see and what they need to know. Provide examples of how you’ve helped your other clients; how quickly you were able to find them a home? What ways did you assist them to make the process go smoothly? Adding media such as photos or videos is a great way to prevent from having a boring website and it shows your viewers that you are tech savvy (a quality that is essential when navigating today’s real estate market)! If your agency has multiple realtors, including an image of them when introducing them can help your audience put a face to their name and make your business appear more friendly and approachable.

Getty Images, retrieved from bbc.com, January 7, 2021

Once you’ve created a website, it’s time to spread the word! Social media platforms are a great way to generate buzz about your agency. It’s best to develop business accounts for multiple social sites because each of them offer different benefits and appeal to different groups. The most commonly used forms of social media in 2020 include, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. To fully take advantage of these resources you’ll want to be active on your accounts and keep them up to date. On each of these accounts you should provide links that can direct the viewer to your official website which likely hosts more information. These media channels are awesome for connecting you to buyers because they can freely interact with your account through comments or by messaging you directly. Additionally, you can ask your previous clients to tag you in any of their posts which relate to your business with them, which can be great exposure for you and the tag will allow their own followers to easily find and connect with your account.

It’s my suggestion that you maintain a consistent media presence and image throughout each of these different platforms as well as staying active through posts, status updates, and responding to comments and messages. What are some of your favorite techniques that get your online audience involved with your agency? Which platform do you tend to get the most business inquiries on? What online platform has become the most popular for your business? Let me know in the comment section!

Mastering online promotion can be a process, so if you still have questions after reading this, reach out to me by leaving a comment or by contacting me directly through my email or social accounts so that I may address any confusion or concerns in future blog posts. If you think that your business could benefit from more online tips, then be sure to subscribe to my “Media Promotion Within Real Estate, a ‘How To’ Blog” to be notified when I post next. Do you have friends or followers who could be interested in joining our ‘Mad About Real Estate’ community? In that case, don’t forget to like and share this post with them.

Resources:

Riserbato, R. (2019, October 29). 16 Effective Ways to Build Your Online Presence. Retrieved January 08, 2021, from https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/online-presence 

Robinson, R. (n.d.). 7 Top Social Media Sites in 2020. Retrieved January 08, 2021, from https://spark.adobe.com/make/learn/top-social-media-sites/  

The Best 10 Website Builders – The Best 10 Website Builders. (n.d.). Retrieved January 08, 2021, from https://www.thebest10websitebuilders.com/charts/1/best-website-builders?utm_campaign=ma_thebest10_us_thebest10websitebuilders.com_e_cpc%5E69068108580&experiment_id=1745755903%5E%5E488977694625%5Eeasiest+way+to+create+a+website%5Ee&gclid=CjwKCAiA_9r_BRBZEiwAHZ_v17BaDdpOqt87mq_07eU03LvpsHPQjkgFByh0azI60GTQVcUJbTZZSBoCI6wQAvD_BwE

One could argue that selling your client on the community is just as important as selling them on a property. Yes, buyers are looking for a home, but they want somewhere that they can build a life. It’s important to educate your buyers about the community and all that it has to offer. Oftentimes, community assets can make up for the things that the property may be lacking. By better understanding your surroundings, you can begin to sell a lifestyle rather than just a building. 

This is something that played a critical role in my family’s decision making process when we were looking for a new home. The house was nice enough, but what really drew us in were all of the conveniences that the community had to offer. Most importantly, the house was only a block away from the schools that my sister and I were attending; my mother who was working two jobs at the time, was unable to pick us up from school or drop us off to the extracurriculars that both of us participated in, so this was a huge bonus for us. Additionally, we were within walking distance to a small store which was especially helpful prior to my sister and I acquiring our driver’s licenses. What made this property even more worthwhile for us was our home’s close proximity to the town park which hosts events throughout the year including fireworks, concerts, festivals, etc. The house itself is not very large or fancy, but it was perfect for us because of all of the external factors that still contribute to our satisfaction. 

Public Tennis Courts, Bloomsburg, PA , Madeline Smakulski

Access to community amenities can make up for areas that a house may be lacking. It’s important to identify which amenities are available to homeowners in that location and market those just as you would features of the property itself. Green spaces and parks are one of the most sought after features, as they bring a calming sense of belonging to people who may need a break from the hustle and bustle of cities or downtown areas. Trail systems are another great outdoor space that consumers find desirable because they can be great for exercises such as jogging, biking or even just going for walks. Community pools or golf courses are great selling points as well.

As great as these outdoor facilities are, people also fancy indoor amenities that they might not have the space or budget for on their own property. Many establishments such as gyms offer memberships that can be much more cost efficient than purchasing all of the expensive workout equipment. Research the new or different restaurants within the area, people get excited to try new cuisine or even just to have access to high quality take out. Although socializing is at an all time low currently, people still find value in downtown areas with small shops or cafes that add charm and character to the area. 

Downtown Bloomsburg, PA, Madeline Smakulski

Not only is it important to educate people about the different facilities and amenities that they’ll have access to, but also to inform them of the community dynamic. Imagine retiring to a new place, where you plan to relax and enjoy life’s little pleasures, and lo and behold you’ve accidentally moved to the same block as three frat houses. You want your audience to know the kind of relationships they may develop here and there are a couple ways that you can do this. By talking about friendly neighbors, local sports fanatics, or community outreach programs, people will be able to sense the vibe of the location and how well they will be able to adjust to that climate. A personal experience that made me value the community was after a disastrous flood had devastated our town. Some people hadn’t been affected, some people lost everything, but everyone, neighbors and even strangers, joined together to help clean up and restore what had been broken. This opened my eyes to what it means to be part of a community and made me feel proud to belong to such a public-spirited place.

One of the most effective ways that we can use media to promote a community is with the help of video technology. By developing somewhat of a trailer for your community, you can express some of the awesome aspects of the area while keeping your audience entertained and engaged with your listing for a longer amount of time. A short montage of clips featuring people enjoying these different facilities helps potential buyers envision what their life could be. Try to show some diversity within the video so that you can appeal to a wider audience as not every person will be interested in the same activities.

What are your favorite parts about your community? Do you find the amenities or the locals to be most impactful when selling a community? Which local facilities do you find to be most popular in your city? Head on over to the comment section where you can share your experience and thoughts on the subject! If you plan on utilizing this information in your listing’s marketing campaign make sure that you like this post. Don’t forget to subscribe to my “Media Promotion Within Real Estate, A ‘How To’ Blog” and join in on our ‘Mad About Real Estate’ community by sharing this post with your own friends and followers. 

Resources:

Knight, D. (n.d.). Top Community Amenities in New-Home Neighborhoods. Retrieved January 05, 2021, from https://www.newhomesource.com/learn/top-community-amenities 

Martel, J. (2015, January 05). Sell the community when selling a home. Retrieved January 05, 2021, from https://www.inman.com/next/sell-the-community-when-selling-a-home/

The most successful real estate agents get to know their buyers and utilize their knowledge of them throughout the selling process. Each buyer is unique, what is a necessity to one can be unnecessary to another. If you educate yourself on the wants and needs of your client, you can market the property specific to their interests. By making the search for a new home a positive and custom experience, you are increasing your effectiveness as a seller. Try putting yourself in their shoes. Ask questions that go deeper than their budget, ideal size, or location. Though these are all important, it’s not all that they are looking for in a home. Here are some questions that I believe are important when getting to know your buyers:

What do they do for a living? This question is essential to the process because it is likely that their job situation is a contributing factor to their decision as this is one of the most popular reasons to move. Perhaps they are hoping to shorten their commute or have recently switched jobs. If you know what business they’re in or what company they work for, you can inform them of the benefits that this location has compared to others. Something as simple as being able to avoid highway traffic or unpleasant neighborhoods on your way to work can significantly improve your clients level satisfaction with the location. This also applies to people who work from home. If that is the case, help them to generate ideas of how they can use different spaces for their specific needs. For example, what is now a small bedroom can be marketed as an office if that is more appropriately aligned with their needs.

Prior to being a home office, this room served as an unused dining space but was transformed to best meet the owner’s needs. Photo by Maddy Smakulski

Another area you should educate yourself on is their family life. Do they have a family that lives with them? Are they planning on expecting a new child in the future? Are the kids older and starting to move out? These questions are important in many aspects and the answers reveal crucial details such as how many bedrooms or bathrooms are needed for them to live comfortably. Do the rooms have enough space for bunk beds? A room that may be small for a teenager might be just right for a nursery. Don’t need a home gym? It can be transformed into a playroom! Maybe they’re not in need of spare bedrooms, but they talk about how much they enjoy their large holiday gatherings and require enough room to host these events. Each of these details can determine what a client needs out of their next home, so be sure to open their mind to any less obvious possibilities.

What are their hobbies? Although this may not seem like a major factor, it can really help you market to that individual. A room is just a room until you make it your own. A sunroom can make the most lovely yoga studio; built-in shelves are perfect for storing all of your crafting supplies; an unfinished basement is a great place for an indoor workshop! While you’re showing the property, take advantage of this knowledge by explaining all of the opportunities that these spaces can offer. This strategy isn’t limited to just rooms either, unique characteristics may offer more than you originally thought. An example of this could be a large window nook can be a cozy place to enjoy a book, pursue an indoor garden or watch your pets play in the yard. If you can apply your clients’ interests throughout the home, you’ll be able to create an emotional attachment making them more likely to buy.

A creative mindset is one of our most powerful tools! The possibilities are limitless if you put your mind to it. By offering ideas relevant to your clients needs, you’ll be able to show how much you’re invested in finding them their forever home. Do you have rooms in your home that were initially advertised for a different purpose than you’re currently using them for? What are some other versatile spaces that you can transform to your liking? Let me know your ideas in the comment section!

Whether you’re a first time seller or already a real estate agent, if you plan on implementing these ideas to benefit your client’s experience, don’t forget to like this blog. If you know someone who’s ‘Mad About Real Estate,’ share this post with them, your friends and followers so that they can join our community! Remember to subscribe to my “Media Promotion Within Real Estate, A ‘How To’ Blog” so that you don’t miss out on any updates or new posts!

Resources:

What are the top 10 reasons people move house? (2017, February 17). Retrieved January 05, 2021, from http://www.harradines.co.uk/news/what-are-the-top-10-reasons-people-move-house/ 

Top 6 Reasons Why People Move. (n.d.). Retrieved January 05, 2021, from https://www.allmysons.com/corpuschristi/top_reasons_why_people_move.aspx  

In today’s society, technology is constantly advancing and in particular, the use of drones has become quite prominent. Not only are drones used in the promotion of real estate, they are proven to enhance the buyer experience, especially in 2020-2021 where physical showings may be challenging. The two major types of real estate are residential and commercial; while both of these categories may use different strategies in their marketing processes, the use of drones brings a new perspective of the properties and structures available for purchase. Drones help create aerial views that optimize the quality of online listings due to their ability to quite literally capture a larger picture. Historically, promotional real estate websites offer pictures and video of the different areas of the building listed and some of the outdoor landscape, but drones now enable agents and sellers to combine those traditional shots and much more!

Steve Best, Big Fly Photo

There’s nothing worse than committing to a large investment then realizing that you got more than you’ve bargained for. Drones’ ability to capture unique angles of a property can benefit the buyer by revealing information about the structure itself, such as the condition of the roof, as well as by providing a closer look of the surrounding land or proximity to neighbors which can often be hard to determine through average photographs. This tool helps to put the buyer’s mind at ease by confirming the quality of the listing while ensuring that your property will stand out next to others on the market. The use of drones can identify potential issues because aerial views paint a more accurate picture for buyers who are in the process of making a life changing decision.

When using drones for residential promotion, features such as the outdoor scenery or amenities such as swimming pools, basketball courts, or even garages can be portrayed more precisely, allowing the viewer to gather information about the status of these aspects, their sizes, and the overall layout of the land. Traditionally, images posted for homes listed on the market were taken to resemble the perspective of someone on the ground viewing the home; while these pictures can still be massively helpful, including drone technology will further develop an engaging online listing. With the addition of drone imaging, aerial and panoramic views of properties create a different and more desirable perspective for potential buyers to gather their overall opinion of the property’s characteristics.

Commercial real estate benefits from the use of drones primarily through the technique of “mapping”. Mapping is the result of taking multiple birds-eye-view pictures above a property, and oftentimes its surrounding areas then combining them together to create somewhat of a blueprint or map. This view of properties enables potential buyers to gather a greater understanding of the entire area in which the property resides and any possible risks associated with that location. The maps created by drone imaging can further be utilized to pinpoint competitors that may affect your business later on. Residential real estate can also use these mapping techniques to point out local hubs within the community.

It’s my suggestion that agents and sellers implement the use of drone technology to create more advanced and engaging content for their listings. If you have access to a drone, educate yourself on their operation and how they function prior to take-off, as these machines can sometimes be expensive and fragile. Otherwise, investing in a drone pilot or videographer who is skilled in flying this technology can be massively beneficial. By incorporating clips, photos, and even panorama views taken by drones into video tours, you can better educate your audience about the property and its surroundings as well as add to your listing’s entertainment value. Industry professionals and businesses have already begun employing these techniques, to name a few, RE/MAX, Century 21, and Keller Williams are just some of the agencies taking advantage of this awesome technology. 

Has drone technology played a part in your real estate experience? Could drones have saved you time and money if they had been involved in your property by revealing damage that required costly repairs? Do you plan on featuring aerial or panoramic photos and videos in your listing now that you know the advantages associated with drones? Leave me a comment! I’d love to hear about how you involved drone technology into your listing and how it benefited your position on the market. 

If you found this post to be insightful regarding the ways you can utilize drones in online real estate then be sure to like this blog. Don’t forget to subscribe to my “Media Promotion Within Real Estate, A ‘How To’ Blog” if you’re interested in learning more tips and tricks that can help you sell your property in no time! Do you know someone who’s selling? Send them my way by sharing this blog with your friends and followers to help us grow our community.

Resources:

Dragicevic, N. (2018, July 18). How Drones Are Changing Real Estate And Taking It To A New High. Retrieved January 04, 2021, from https://torontostoreys.com/drones-real-estate-ultimate-high/ 

Nixon, A. (2020, September 24). The Complete Guide To Using Drones for Real Estate Marketing. Retrieved January 04, 2021, from https://bestdroneforthejob.com/drone-buying-guides/fly-it-or-buy-it-the-complete-guide-to-using-camera-drones-for-real-estate-marketing/ 

Pagliari, S. (n.d.). Using Drones for Real Estate: Benefits, Use Cases, and ROI. Retrieved January 3, 2021, from https://www.dartdrones.com/drones-for-real-estate 

Establishing curb appeal is a crucial step in getting your property ready for the market. In my previous blog, ‘How To Stage Your House To Sell,’ I’ve expressed the importance of creating an attractive and welcoming interior environment; this blog will focus on the art of staging your outdoor space in a way that will create the best first impression possible. The exterior of your property is the first thing that potential buyers notice, and this experience can make or break a sale. Oftentimes, within a minute of arriving at a property, buyers are able to determine whether or not they are interested in investigating the property further. In the following post, I’ll share with you some great tips and tricks regarding how to maximize your curb appeal to sell quickly and help you to increase the value of your listing. 

Sharon Knowles, Arrange the Change

The initial reaction to a property plays a significant role in the buyer’s decision making process. Upon arrival, people will analyze all aspects of the exterior environment; the yard, driveway, sidewalk, the house itself and the surrounding area are all major factors that help someone determine if this is the property for them. Even as they pull up to the house, they will likely already be scanning for any flaws or imperfections. Minor details that the current owners may have become used to or not even notice can make a client wonder, “What else needs fixing?” and “What problems don’t I see?” This avoidable doubt can put your property at an immediate disadvantage, when you really want their first thought to be, “Wow, I can’t wait to see inside!”  Remember that every little element can either lower or boost your listing’s value.

Sharon Knowles, Arrange the Change

A great place to start enhancing your property’s curb appeal is to fix up any surrounding landscaping and grass areas. By simply having a freshly mowed lawn, free of weeds or dead patches, you portray the message that general upkeep is an easy and doable task. One way to give the property a clean new look is by filling in any surrounding landscaped portions of the property with new mulch or stones. When dealing with bushes or shrubbery, you’ll want to make sure they’re trimmed and well-kept. Fallen leaves or branches should be cleaned up and disposed of prior to any house tours or promotional measures such as photographs, livestreams, and videos are publicized. The addition of a plant or flowers can add a welcoming splash of color to the property. However, it’s best to keep in mind that not everyone is born with a green thumb, so low maintenance plants can look great while not deterring potential buyers from the responsibility. Another option would be to use potted planters which hold little to no commitment at all. Lawn care can be a lot of work but if you need help, landscaping companies are pretty prevalent and shouldn’t be too hard to find.

Driveways and sidewalks are another area that will likely need your attention. Do an examination of these areas to determine if there are structural flaws such as cracks that must be filled or unevenness that should be addressed. If you have an unpaved driveway, adding more gravel can benefit the look and cross something off of a buyer’s to-do list. Pressure washing your sidewalk, fencing, or even the side of your house can make a huge difference and be a satisfying process to watch as you uncover the original color of these areas, free of built up dirt or staining. Once that step is completed, you’ll have the opportunity to touch up any chipped paint. This measure is crucial and should be applied to the house, garage, and even mailbox as well as anything else you see fit. Another great tip is to add new light fixtures; these are usually easy to install, stylistically appealing, functional, and make your home more welcoming. If your house already has awesome lighting features, just be sure to clean off any dirt or bugs that might build up, as many homeowners tend to neglect them.

If you’re working with a property that has a porch or space for outside seating, the incorporation of outdoor furniture can send a positive message to buyers. Even a small area has the opportunity to make a statement. This is the first chance that buyers have to imagine themselves in your space. Hanging a porch swing creates a friendly and whimsical aspect to the property, and other seating can further develop the image of a social neighborhood environment. Aside from advancing your exterior aesthetic, this is also a great place for potential buyers to sit and ponder their decision after a walkthrough of the house.

What other techniques can you implement to improve your property’s curb appeal? Are you a DIY stager, or do you find it more effective to outsource these services? Let me know by leaving a comment and any extra tips that you may have. If you have any questions regarding this topic, reach out to me through the comment section or by contacting me directly through my social media accounts or my email so that I may address your concerns in future blog posts. Like this post if you found it to be helpful and be sure to share it with your friends and followers so that we can continue to expand our community. Don’t forget to subscribe to my “Media Promotion Within Real Estate, A ‘How To’ Blog” if you’d like to learn more about how to get your property ready for the market as well as how to promote your property online and so much more. 

Resources:

BE MARKET READY! (n.d.). Retrieved January 04, 2021, from http://arrangethechange.com/ 

Bible September 6, A. (2019, October 17). 40 Simple Tricks for Boosting Your Home’s Curb Appeal. Retrieved January 04, 2021, from https://bestlifeonline.com/curb-appeal/ 

Ellis, D. (n.d.). The Importance of First Impressions in Real Estate. Retrieved January 04, 2021, from https://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/72940/real_estate/the_importance_of_first_impressions_in_real_estate.html 

Gibson, R. (2020, June 13). 10 Easy Curb Appeal Tips You Can Do On Your Own. Retrieved January 04, 2021, from https://www.lifestorage.com/blog/moving/diy-curb-appeal-tips-increase-buyer-appeal/