By Debbie Hanlon
Real estate is a unique profession. Where else do you see people both competing and co-operating with each other? While we all compete to get a listing, once it’s listed we all work together to try and sell it. Unlike other businesses that sell product, our product isn’t singular to any one company.
Let’s say you were selling Ford cars. You wouldn’t tell a customer that the Dodge dealership up the street had what they’re looking for and then escort them there and negotiate a deal for them. In real estate, that happens every day.
Because of that lack of barriers between agencies and the back and forth work that has to happen to close a deal, there are a million little things we, as agents, have to do over and over. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could do some of those little things faster and easier? Here are some simple tricks and tips that make the job of being a real estate agent a little bit easier.
The first thing you want to do after you finish reading this article (and if reading online, liking it, sharing it and leaving a nice comment on it) is to go and get a smartphone. They’re relatively cheap and will make your life a whole lot easier. It’s like carrying an entire office around in your hand. Next, get a signature app so that you can sign things digitally. I use PDF Expert but there is a wide range available – choose one you like. No more having to print something, sign it, scan it, fax it or send it. Using a simple stylus, you, your clients and other agents can sign away, no problem. That’s just scratching the surface of what these devices can do to simplify your job and cut hours out of your working week.
I remember, not too long ago, in order to get a copy of the client’s ID we would have to scan them or take a photocopy. Forget that. Using your trusty device, simply take a photo of the license. In fact, you can take a photo of most any paperwork you would normally have to scan or photocopy.
See a for sale by owner property, take a picture of it. Then get the graphic artist in your office, or do it yourself, to put one of your signs in front of it with SOLD on it and a headline that says, A Sign of Things to Come. Now print it and drop it off in their mailbox with a short letter of introduction. Call them a couple of days later. Trust me, they’ll be impressed and you’ll have gone that extra step a lot of agents don’t.
Here’s something I do that serves a double purpose – it reinforces my contact info and helps the property sell faster. I never end my prices in zeros. For some reason that scientists aren’t sure about, houses listed with zeros at the end of the price will not sell as fast as one with non-zeros. Honestly. You can’t make this stuff up.
I started to end the price with the last four digits of my phone number. A little subliminal advertising never hurts.
One last little tip for today’s lesson in how to lessen your workload: If possible, put offers on properties in on the first Tuesday of the month. The owner just paid the mortgage (again) on a property they’re trying to sell and will be more open to offers.
So, go get a smartphone or iPad, watch a few tutorials on YouTube and you’ll be a space age agent, wowing clients and impressing coworkers in no time.
People will wonder how do you do it and how you do it so well. Give them a little smile, a quick nod and answer, “I do it the easiest way I can.”
Try some of these tips. You will be amazed at how the tiniest of changes can make your life more positive, more productive and more profitable.
Debbie Hanlon is a real estate broker who has helped train hundreds of sales reps and brokered and managed a national real estate franchise. She also founded an independent real estate firm. Currently she coaches sales reps all over the world. She is the CEO of All Knight Inc, a global educational mobile company, as well as a published children’s author and the creator of the national I’m No Bully Show. https://www.facebook.com/missdebbieandfriends
Debbie Hanlon wears many hats (and sometimes a cape)! She is the award-winning Realtor, owner, broker and creative driving force at Debbie Hanlon Real Estate, based in St. John’s, NL. Debbie is also a very active city councillor, keynote speaker, published author and children’s entertainer. In her spare time she is completing an MBA and enjoying an active, happy life with family and friends at home in historic St. John’s. Contact her by email.
