In a busy real estate market, how do you find new clients? Referrals are the most common way that realtors connect with new home buyers or sellers. That means realtors need to hustle constantly to stay connected with former clients and stay relevant on social media and within the industry as a whole.
A recent Close 2021 Agent Survey, revealed that “that 83% of agents found new clients through real estate referrals. Client referrals stem from providing such an exceptional client experience that your clients, friends, and neighbors are compelled to recommend your services to others.”
Given the large number of agents who gain new clients through referrals, let’s explore ways to strengthen and increase these connections and increase referrals overall.
Stay In Touch After Closing
Many agents feel like their job is done after the papers have been signed and they move on to finding new clients who have a home to sell or are looking for one to buy. Reminder Media thinks this is a mistake. “This is a big mistake since you are far more likely to earn a referral from a past client than to convince a cold lead that you are the right agent for their real estate transaction.”
Staying in touch could mean reaching out through a phone call to see how the move went or how they have settled into their new home. Or it could be through newsletters or posts on social media. The more you stay in touch, the more opportunities you have to stay top of mind and communicate your willingness to accept referrals.
Create Shareable Content
Most real estate agents connect with their clients on social media in some form, whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or even TikTok. Be sure to get your face and brand out there and make your content shareable.
Post valuable content that readers will want to share with friends that they know who are moving or looking to sell/buy. The more your name or content is read and shared, the higher the chance that a referral will come your way.
Host Gatherings
During the pandemic, many real estate agents found that they lost the ability to gather with their loyal clients whether at a company-sponsored outing or a more intimate setting like a coffee shop meet-up. Now is the time to reinstate these casual or more formal outings. You can encourage clients to bring friends or co-workers who one day may end up being your clients too!
One of the more direct ways to get referrals is to ask your former clients if they would mind mentioning your name if they know anyone selling or buying a home. If your client was happy with the stellar job you did for them, chances are the answer will be yes!
Categorised in: Real Estate Tips