9 Ways to Enhance Your Reputation as an Agent

Creating a name for yourself in real estate is no easy feat. You are often competing for business among professionals who have been working in this field, in the same community, for decades. Though it can be a challenge, by being proactive and putting in some time, you too can become a major player in your local area real estate market. Here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Embrace social media  – Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter or Google+, the greater your presence on the internet, the more chance potential clients have of seeing you and making contact. It’s also a great way of communicating with your clients and displaying homes for sale, or even homes you’ve recently sold with client testimonials.

2. Advertise in local newspapers – While the readership of the local newspapers may be on the wane, the important thing to remember is that everybody who does see your advertisement lives in your area.

3. Attend fundraisers and charity events – An easy way to create a name for yourself in the community is to become involved in the community. By attending local fundraisers and charity events, you can meet members of the community who will be grateful for your support of their cause, and will remember your name.

4. Encourage clients to provide references and feedback – Your website or Facebook page will be all the more impressive if it contains actual reviews from satisfied clients. Try offering a gift card or some token in return for their review of your services.

5. Have a community presence – Attend events, become involved in the local schools, and support local groups. If your realty business is supporting a local cause, make sure to share this information on your blog or Facebook page to ensure your clients and potential clients know about it.

6. Support local businesses – As an agent, you are probably aware of how important community strength and support is. You also may have noticed how this is point number three about local community. This one is a different angle – if you want your clients to come to you when it’s time to sell their home, make sure you do the same and go to them when it’s time to buy a new car, shop for fresh vegetables, or have your walls re-painted.

7. Network – If there are any conferences or seminars relating to your work that you are able to attend, make sure you do so. You will learn valuable information to help you in your job, and also have the chance to meet others in your position. This is a great way to not only boost your reputation as a serious agent, but also make lifelong friends.

8. Really know your stuff – Being good at what you do will do more for your reputation than you could ask. Word of mouth is a very powerful means of advertising, and all it takes is a few satisfied clients to pass this on to their friends and family. Before you know it, you may end up with more work than you can deal with!

9. Go the extra mile – Read blogs and articles, research the houses in your area, keep up to date with market trends. All of these things will help you develop a reputation as a hard working agent who is willing to put in the extra time and effort to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients.

Kurt Jacobson is a surfing enthusiast with a background in real estate. Having moved 10 times in the past 7 years, he thrives on helping others learn from his experiences. When he’s not out shredding waves he writes about rental homes for www.rentfinder.co.