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For over 30 years, Brian Buffini has been one of the most respected and trusted leaders in the real estate industry.Join his latest Bold Predictions broadcastto learn about the real state of the market and how agents can use that data to increase their listings and win market share. You’ll also hear from Dr. Lawrence Yun, the Chief Economist at the National Association of REALTORS®, for his insight, advice and predictions on what’s ahead.
In the world of journalism, a beat reporter is ajournalist who focuses on a particular neighborhood or subject for theirpublication or network. While their stories may be written at a headquarters,news station or home office, much of their work is done out in the field asthey immerse themselves in the community they cover.
In the world of real estate, it is a very similarsituation for agents. Your office is necessary for work that, much like areporter, must be done on paper or in front of a computer screen, but it isonly half of your workplace. It cannot bewhere you spend your whole day. A beat reporter that is always at their deskisn’t doing their whole job, and the same can be said for an agent.
Whether you’ve been in the business for years or you’re just getting started, getting out in the field is one of the best methods of real estate agent training. To learn the ropes and master your skills, it is essential for you to get out into the marketplace, especially during the holiday season where the social opportunities are plentiful. Implement the five strategies below to establish yourself in your marketplace, “own your beat” and train up your skills.
OwnYour Beat.
To own your beat, you need to put yourself out there. Sayhello to the neighbors and build relationships like a journalist would. Supportsmall businesses, walk down a busy local street and visit community centers.You will build your knowledge of the area and quickly become the go-to professionalfor all your community’s needs.
StudyYour Marketplace.
You may not be reporting on local news, but you are yourclient’s source for marketplace trends!The more you know, the more information you can provide toyour clients, thus increasing your value as an agent and standing out from thecompetition. Find out about the school systems, highways, places of worships,local concerts and festivals of their neighborhood, and be aware of homeinformation, such as average sale price, average days on the market, etc.You’ll learn much of this by getting out there and doing hands-on research inyour marketplace.
Establisha Local Presence.
Often used in the professional sports worldregarding sports arenas and stadiums, “naming rights” is a term describing themillions of dollars an outside company will pay to have its name or logo postedon the stadium. Believe it or not, real estate professionals have these sameopportunities! We gain “naming rights” every time we post our real estate signon the lawn of a home we are listing. The best news is that we don’t have topay $18 million dollars, or even $18. We don’t pay a dime! As a matter of fact,the homeowner pays us in commission. There is not a sweeter deal in thebusiness arena. The more listings you have, the more opportunities you get for“naming rights” in a concentrated area. You will cultivate an impactfulpresence!
ProvideExceptional Service.
Getting out of the office and providingexceptional service doesn’t mean you have to run in circles and exhaustyourself. Sometimes, providing exceptional service just means giving more ofwho you already are. The common denominator of all great salespeople is thatthey are also great givers. The “gifts” you distribute do not have to be monetary— often times the best ones can’t be purchased, like your time energy andrespect.
ManageYour Digital Presence.
Technology, as it has been for journalism, isone of the most confusing topics to arrive on the real estate scene in years.Facebook and Instagram are more scalable versions of a personal brochure. Justlike a brochure or postcard, these platforms hold value. The problem, however,is that they are passive attempts at connection. It is important to keep theproper perspective with social media. A reporter who only researches onlineprofiles lacks credibility. Because of its tremendous impact, you will want tomaintain a presence, but you shouldn’t invest all your time, energy and moneyinto it.
These tips will help you get the best realestate training when you get out into your marketplace. ThePathway to Mastery®—Essentials is our Buffini & Company realtor trainingprogram that guides you through this field work step-by-step. Sign up today andget started owning your marketplace!
