The power of information

We started this newsletter not only because we knew how much agents could use sound information, but how much their clients could use it too.

Sharing information with clients is a great way to re-open conversations and generate leads, especially with buyers and sellers who have been on the fence.

Now that mortgage rates are going down (…finally), we suggest using that information to reconnect with clients. Start with three steps:

1. Make a list of buyers who were hesitant to buy because of rates

2. Call all old clients who bought a home in the last two years

3. Prepare a competitive market analysis of homes that were listed for sale and then taken off the market

There’s more useful information in this newsletter, so let’s get on with today’s Blueprint.

- James and David

CoStar CEO Andy Florence has responded to criticisms that Realtor.com Senior VP Bob Evans made about Homes.com, which is a subsidiary of CoStar. The dispute centers around whether Homes.com is helping or hurting agents. For multiple reasons, we believe Florence’s response is a must-read for all real estate professionals. We encourage all agents to read it in full. 

As you read the letter, keep these points in mind about Homes.com:

• It is now the fastest-growing real estate portal in America.

• In September, the site crossed 100 million unique visitors, placing it above Realtor.com and most of its other competitors.

• It is now the number 2 portal in the nation behind only Zillow

• It is positioning itself as the most agent-friendly portal in the industry

As we continue in our prep for 2024 series, today we’d like to offer some tips on how to get creative with listing presentations. One of the methods we like using in our pitches is the case study method. Using your past listings, it highlights the processes you use to showcase your expertise, thoughtfulness, and ability as an agent. Here's how to use it:

Outline and detail your listing process – You probably already have a process for getting a home ready to list. Outline this process. Be detailed and thorough, but don’t overwhelm your clients. The point is to show clients what they’re getting when they hire you by demonstrating the thoughtfulness, care, and intentionality you bring to everything you do as an agent. 

Collect data and document the process – This is how you'll show prospective clients why they should choose you as their agent. Collect before-and-after photos of previous listings, client testimonials, and the list and sale prices of homes you've sold. Show them your results and the difference you made. 

Put it all together – After you've clearly outlined your listing process and compiled data, it's time to take all of this information and package it beautifully. This can be a simple flyer or brochure, or a video to send to potential clients. The most important thing is to show potential clients evidence of your success as an agent, and how you can do the same for them.

For Blueprint subscribers, the course is 30% for a limited time. If you’d like to take our course to learn how to become the top 1% of your market click here!

That’s a wrap on this edition of The Blueprint!

We want to hear what you think! What’s your take on today’s stories and tips? Send us a note with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you back here on Friday!

- James and David