A practical guide for estate agents to bounce back after lockdown

If you find yourself stressed out, fearful about the future, or just frustrated by everything going on right now, I strongly encourage you to devote a few minutes to read through this guide and take inspired action!

What you do over the next 30, 60 and 90 days can make or break your brand…

They say there are two kinds of people – those who blame resources and those who are resourceful.  Now more than ever we need to be resourceful and do whatever it takes in line with legal, ethical and moral standards to serve our clients and keep moving our business forward…

While in lockdown:

• Plan for the Future
  Without a goal, you can’t score… So, what is your plan for the next 30 days?  Ultimately, keeping your business moving forward is the result of two things – being resourceful and being willing to adapt.  Take some time during lockdown to plan and prepare for the future, leaving enough room to make swift adaptions as things unfold.
  
  

• Educate, Inform and Serve your Clients
  When these times end, and they will, you want to be known as the agent that stayed in touch with useful information about the market, tips about health, safety, the economy, real estate and so on…. How beneficial do you think that would be for your brand and for the future of your business?  Here is a tip:  have empathy, avoid any drama, be a calming force and you can’t go wrong.

• • Avoid Opinion-Based Conversations

There’s a lot of fear and misinformation in these times, and things are changing on a daily basis. Move away from talking in generalities about the situation, and come to the table with data about the market to help prospects and clients make informed decisions.

After lockdown:

• The time has come to use Technology

After lockdown, most homeowners will need time to adjust to the new circumstances.  They might not be comfortable with letting buyers through their property just yet, even though they are motivated sellers.  The same goes for buyers.  Help them all to feel at ease by offering virtual showings using 3D Matterport Tours and videos.

Get comfortable with online video meetings.  At Meridian Realty we use Microsoft Teams as a collaboration platform which enables our agents to connect online with other agents, staff members and clients.  There are many other solutions out there, for example Slack, Zoom, WhatsApp video calling, Skype, Facetime, etc to name a few.  Use what works for you.

• Prepare to be COMPETITIVE
  You are not the only agent with extra time on hand to prepare during lockdown together with desperation to make up for lost time.  Make sure that you are able to offer unique services when it comes to the way you showcase your listings.  Cover the basics such as professional photography, using video and 3D Matterport Tours, featuring properties online for maximum exposure and add some extra elements to help you stand out from the crowd.
  
  

• Keep putting your client’s needs first
  Now more than ever, it’s essential that you show people you care.  We will most likely deal with a lot more distressed sales than usual.  Stick to factual figures and market research while taking the time to listen to your client’s needs.  Support them in whatever decision they want to make right now.  Tell them “I’m here for you. I have your back. What would you like to do?”  If they need to sell, be thoughtful and accommodate them where you can – even if it means negotiating a reduced commission amount.  The future referrals from thankful clients will make up for the temporary compromise you had to make.
  
  

• Stay flexible and adaptable
  The only thing constant is change.  Embrace it and keep an eye open for new opportunities rather than finding new problems around every corner.  None of us will see life through the same lens after this experience.  We have no idea what to expect at the end of the tunnel, but we have control over what we choose to focus on.  To you this might mean collaborating with more agents on shared deals, channelling your efforts to areas with a high turnover and being willing to do whatever it takes to finalise a deal – always staying in line with legal, ethical and moral standards.
  
  

• Free up your time to focus on Income Baring Activities
  Make sure you have extra support to take care of your admin tasks so that you can spend as much time as possible out in the field.  At Meridian Realty we have a highly skilled team who takes care of all your admin needs including even a deal tracking department.  Now is not the time to be stuck with admin when you need to hustle to make up for lost time.
  
  

One encouraging theme that’s emerged out of this global crisis is realising the need for compassion, empathy and person-to-person connections.  We are in the business of working with people and now more than ever you have the opportunity to solidify yourself as the agent of choice in your area.

At Meridian Realty we have worked hard to put efficient systems in place and we are proud to say that we have our workflow down to an art.  Our dedicated team of professionals have your back and are focussed on helping you to build an unshakable brand for yourself.

Curious to know more about how we can help you to take your business to the next level?  Give me a call at 079 386 4743 or send an email to [email protected] to arrange for a quick meeting online.

Visit this website for more information about Meridian Realty and what it is they stand for.