Transcription
How to Get to Know YourCOMMUNITYas a Real Estate AgentA R E A L E STATE E B O O K F R O M
IntroductionWhen it comes to the real estate industry, relationships areeverything. You may have a solid mentor, a few colleagues,and perhaps a graphic designer on your team, but haveyou made a point to get to know your local community?Strong, authentic, and meaningful community engagementpractices differentiate a good agent from a great one, andcan help take your business to the next level.HOW TO GET TO KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY AS A REAL ESTATE AGENT PAGE 2
Why IsKnowing YourCommunityImportant?Community engagement can buildlasting relationships, promote creativeproblem-solving, and increase yourneighborhood’s livability overall. Whencommunity members, including realestate professionals like yourself, seekto understand their neighborhoodsmore deeply, everyone benefits.HOW TO GET TO KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY AS A REAL ESTATE AGENT PAGE 3
The Benefitsof CommunityEngagement Include:MOR E L E ADSAs you get out and about in the community, you’re sure to comeacross at least a few buyers and sellers.UNIQ UE VA LU E P ROP OS I T I ONReal estate professionals with local contacts, connections, andrelationships will stand out from the crowd.POT E N TIAL R E P E AT B U S I N E S SWhen you develop and nurture relationships within the community,clients are more likely to provide repeat business and referrals.So, how exactly can you become a fixture in your community?HOW TO GET TO KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY AS A REAL ESTATE AGENT PAGE 4
PRO TIPPatronize LocalBusinessesDeveloping a relationship with a local MortgageLoan Officer (MLO) can also give your businessan edge. Since the mortgage and real estateindustries are so closely intertwined, a genuinerelationship with an MLO can lead to a cycle ofreferrals: you can refer clients to them, and theycan refer clients to you!As a local entrepreneur yourself, considerstarting with small businesses. Makea point to develop a relationship withthe barista at your local coffee shop,a particularly talented contractor, andperhaps even the nearby florist. You’llgain new insight into the neighborhood,and you never know who might come toone of these contacts looking to buy orsell a home. Keep in mind, though, thatrelationships should be authentic andreciprocal. Refrain from simply droppingoff business cards or hanging flyers.HOW TO GET TO KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY AS A REAL ESTATE AGENT PAGE 5
“Walking into a small businessis like that warm feeling you getin a small country town whereeveryone smiles and says hello.”— CHUCK TODD, JOURNALISTHOW TO GET TO KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY AS A REAL ESTATE AGENT PAGE 6
VolunteerTo invest in your community, considervolunteering in your free time. You’llhave the chance to support localorganizations, make a difference, andgive back. While you can make businessconnections at volunteer opportunities ormarket your good deeds, try not to makethese rationales your goal. Instead, focuson finding a cause that you are trulypassionate about and commit to workingfor the community. Prioritize authenticrelationships first to allow businessopportunities to arise organically.PRO TIPNot sure where to begin?VolunteerMatch can help!HOW TO GET TO KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY AS A REAL ESTATE AGENT PAGE 7
Join a Boardor CommitteeIf you’re particularly interested inleadership roles or spurring changeon a larger scale, consider joining alocal board or committee that speaksto you. Your role doesn’t need to beparticularly large or time-intensive,but getting involved in one way oranother benefits everyone. Whetheryou choose to run for the schoolboard or sign up for the neighborhoodwatch, these organizations offer evenmore opportunities to make lastingconnections.HOW TO GET TO KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY AS A REAL ESTATE AGENT PAGE 8
“Alone, we can do so little;together, we can do so much.”— HELEN KELLER, AUTHORHOW TO GET TO KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY AS A REAL ESTATE AGENT PAGE 9
Join OnlineCommunitiesIn the 21st century, you can alsotake your community engagementefforts online. Consider joining localFacebook groups, neighborhood apps,and other community-building sitesto get your name out there, makeconnections, and contribute. Justremember that your online presenceshould always be respectful andprofessional, whether on-duty or off.PRO TIPIf you can’t find an online community that excites you, consider making yourown! From Facebook Groups to Meetup and beyond, there are a plethora ofoptions to help you get people together, both online and in the real world.HOW TO GET TO KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY AS A REAL ESTATE AGENT PAGE 10
Communityis EverythingEven the best real estate agentswould be lost without a strong,supportive community. Nomatter your local market, thereare endless opportunities forauthentic, meaningful communityengagement. Not only will you feel aserious sense of fulfillment, but yourneighborhood (and your business!)will benefit as well.HOW TO GET TO KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY AS A REAL ESTATE AGENT PAGE 11
About UsFounded in 2005, The CE Shop has become the leadingprovider of online real estate education. With industryleading pass rates and support from Pre-Licensing throughCE, our students are better prepared to set themselves upfor success.Our ever-expanding course catalog of Pre-Licensing, ExamPrep, Post-Licensing, and Continuing Education productsare trusted throughout the industry and offer agentsacross the country the education they rely on.With products available in all 50 states and D.C., we’redriven by a desire to constantly improve, both for ourselvesand our students.HOW TO GET TO KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY AS A REAL ESTATE AGENT PAGE 12
HOW TO GET TO KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY AS A REAL ESTATE AGENT PAGE 4 MORE LEADS As you get out and about in the community, you're sure to come across at least a few buyers and sellers. UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION Real estate professionals with local contacts, connections, and relationships will stand out from the crowd. POTENTIAL REPEAT BUSINESS
