Agent’s Guide to Making a Great First Impression
First impressions are lasting impressions. If you’re a real estate agent, you know what we’re talking about. Since your success directly depends on your connection with prospective clients, you know the importance of first impressions. So, no matter if you’ve been in the business for years or you’re a newbie, every client is like a fresh start. That’s why you need to stand out from the competition and wow your clients from the first moment they see you. Unfortunately, you have only one chance to do this properly. Therefore, to prepare for your next meeting, read the following agent’s guide to making a great first impression, and you’ll be set up for success!
Agent’s Guide is Preparedness
One of the most important traits of a successful agent that will help you make a great first impression is being prepared. Before you meet with your new clients, you have to do proper research about who they are and what they’re looking for. This will show them you’re dedicated and that they can rely on you; thus, you’ll leave a good first impression.
So, always prepare a few talking points before meeting prospective clients so that you can lead an effective conversation with them. Focus on things you think are most important to them. Additionally, if you already had contact with them via e-mail, telephone, or social media, use the information they gave you for your talking points. Not only will this show them you listened to their wants and needs, but it will also convince them you’re a true professional, which is key to an agent’s guide to making a great first impression.
Making a Great First Impression
No client wants to work with a real estate agent who is unprofessional and unorganized. You have to show your clients from the beginning that you take your job and them seriously. When it comes to making a great first impression, this is what you’ll have to do:
Dress sharp: As unnecessary as this may seem, your clothes tell a lot about your work ethic. If you dress smart for a showing, it shows your clients you’re committed to your role.
Time management is crucial: Being late to your showing or an open house can be disastrous for you as an agent. No client wants to wait. As a matter of fact, you should come earlier and set the scene.
Show them your knowledge: As a real estate agent, you must know everything about the market and its current trends. Your prospective clients should see that you know your stuff.
We have one tip for you when it comes to showing that you’re knowledgeable about the real estate business – don’t be too technical with clients. They are not in the industry, so you’ll only confuse them. Instead, try to use everyday language. You don’t have to list the real estate market trends – instead, recommend the ones that are appropriate to their needs. For example, virtual tours are extremely popular nowadays, so giving them virtual home staging tips will go a long way. It will show them that you know your business and are familiar with their personal real estate needs.
Find common ground with your clients
Yes, professionalism is important. However, you have to remember that you’re supposed to build a genuine human connection with your clients to make a good impression. Therefore, you’ll have to be engaging and find common ground with them. How to do that? Well, people love to talk about their families, hobbies, pets, etc. So, try and find something that you both like, or simply listen to their life story and show empathy and understanding. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Believe it or not, these conversations can help you find their dream home. For example, if they told you they have pets, use that information and find them a house with doggy doors or a big backyard. This small token of attention will warm their hearts. So, be there for them as their real estate agent and as a human.
Honesty is the best policy
As challenging as a career in real estate is, the best thing you can do to stay in business is to always be transparent with your clients. They say honesty is the best policy for a good reason.
More often than not, clients have some unrealistic expectations. For example, many clients expect to sell their house quickly and for the first asking price. However, they don’t want to invest in curb appeal or other important things that will help with the selling process. On the other hand, people often have high standards when searching for a home but a pretty low budget.
In situations like this, a real estate agent has to be honest and transparent about every aspect of the process they hired you to do. The worst thing you can do is promise them you’ll do exactly what they want and need. That rarely happens. There are always compromises on both ends. Therefore, make sure your clients know that from the very beginning which is another key to an agent’s guide to making a great first impression
Online presence is important
We live in the Internet era, so why not use it for personal gain? Many prospective clients, especially younger ones, have a habit of searching for their real estate agent on the Internet. So, the first impression you’ll make is through your website or social media presence. Therefore, a rich portfolio is essential when it comes to making a great first impression online. In addition, positive testimonials from your former clients will go a long way with the new ones, so make sure to display them on your website or social media profile.
Clients love to know with whom they are getting in business. Therefore, a short but dynamic career history in the ‘about me’ section is always a good idea. This will help them get to know you better and make them feel safe about doing business with you.
Final thoughts
Building a genuine relationship with clients is a huge part of being a successful real estate agent. However, you can’t start in the middle. You have to wow them from the very beginning. Luckily, if you follow this agent’s guide to making a great first impression, you’ll ace your first meeting with every future client. So, read the article one more time and establish your moves. Good luck!
