How to Advance Your Real Estate Agency

The real estate industry is booming right now. Last year the sale for previously owned homes in the U.S. surged to their highest level since 2006. Real estate became one of the few bright spots in the U.S. economy as the nation struggled after the COVID-19 restrictions.

The housing market soared due to the shift toward work from home arrangements and buyers taking advantage of the historically low mortgage rates. So far, the housing market has maintained this unprecedented growth in 2021. Home sales are up 20 percent from January to April 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.

In 2021 agencies are looking to continue this growth and focus on several essential aspects of the real estate market. There are many challenges in 2021, and there are signs the market may have reached its peak and slowing down. To build on last year’s success, your real estate agency needs to keep evolving.

Get Digital

The growing popularity of social media and other digital platforms has greatly influenced the real estate business. Social media has become an important part of scoring clients and closing deals. Around 47 percent of real estate businesses note that social media resulted in higher quality leads than other sources.

It is also worthy to note that 99 percent of millennials start their home search using online platforms. In other words, you have to go where your clients are and join them in the digital world. Social media is also the best way to do that.

You have to get the most digital exposure by advertising your business through these channels. Create an interactive website where potential buyers/sellers can view homes. You can also make use of social marketing platforms like Facebook, Linkedin, and Instagram.

Find Proper Insurance

Real estate businesses always have inherent risks. No matter how cautious you are in all your deals and transactions, there is still a possibility that lawsuits will be filed against brokerages and real estate agents. Therefore, your business needs to be protected because a setback like a lawsuit from a buyer could destroy the entire company.

Errors and omissions insurance is important in real estate. Errors and omissions insurance is a type of malpractice insurance that protects real estate professionals and agencies. It pays claims due to error, omission, or negligence related to a real estate agent’s duties.

Instead of paying the claims, your insurance will pay any settlement or judgment against the agent but subject to the insurance policy’s limits. There are also standard exclusions to the coverage, including claims from criminal or dishonest acts by the agent and claims related to polluted property.

Focus on Connections

The rapid rise of social media and other digital platforms has changed how Americans buy and sell properties. But even with this advancement in technology, many buyers still put value in personal connections. So do not get caught up in the business side that you forget about the human side.

To be a successful real estate business, you have to build personal connections. A large percentage of homebuyers in 2019 are millennials who use the internet and real estate agents when purchasing properties. So it’s no secret that you still need human touch, so your buyers know they are safe.

You also have to attend events and conferences to engage and network with other professionals in the industry. These conferences can help you meet new people and learn innovations and market information from your colleagues. Make connections with realtors in other geographical areas and share new ideas and strategies.

Make Your Agents a Team

To become successful in the real estate business, you need to surround yourself with a team of trustworthy and competent people. While agents often work on individual clients, they should still have a team mentality. In any business, teamwork is essential. Having a good rapport with your colleagues will often lead to success.