How to Become the 'Go To' REALTOR in Your Town

Do you have a favorite pizza parlor? One that you naturally call on pizza night without even considering another place? Or maybe for you, it's a favorite bakery that you visit for every special occasion, or a preferred salon where your hair stylist knows you by name.

How would you like to be THE "go to" real estate agent in your neighborhood? The agent who is the first one that comes to mind when your contacts are in need of a Realtor?

Better yet, just like you likely sing the praises of your favorite pizzeria to your friends and neighbors, how would you like your happy clients to be actively recommending you to their network as the best Realtor in the area?

When you earn the loyalty of your past clients, you'll secure more referral and repeat business and establish yourself as the "go to" Realtor in your town.

Here's how to stand out as the best real estate agent in your area:

1. Offer a Homeowner's Check-Up

A homeowner's check-up involves meeting with a client to provide information about their home. It's often a service that Realtors will extend for the top 20% of your real estate clients who generate consistent referral and repeat business. The checkup could include a local housing market update, simple inspection of the house, review of the current mortgage, discussion of the client's home goals, and more. It's a strong way to keep in touch and offer ongoing value to your client.

2. Send Monthly e-Newsletters

Relationships are nurtured through communication, so what better way to stay top of mind than to send monthly newsletters to your contacts? Build rapport and establish yourself as a home expert by including relevant information for home owners and a customized message. Sending a monthly e-Newsletter will remind your contacts of who you are, and assure them that you're a knowledgeable, active Realtor. What a great way to stand out!

3. Home Seminars

A home seminar is an effective way to educate your real estate clients on a wide variety of useful topics about home ownership. In addition to building client loyalty, this type of event further positions you as a knowledgeable "home expert." You can conduct a seminar on your own, or invite another expert, such as a kitchen remodeler or interior decorator to participate with you.

4. Client Appreciation Days

Client appreciation days can strengthen your existing relationships as well as help you make new contacts. Try organizing a client appreciation day around a particular program, such as a movie, BBQ, bowling, bingo, fireworks, pumpkin carving, winter hay ride, and more. When people in your neighborhood are in need of a Realtor, they're sure to remember the fun family event you hosted.

5. Learn Their Goals

The next time you speak with your past clients, ask them about the goals they've set regarding their homes. Chances are some of them are planning to make some home improvements in the year. Take the opportunity to recommend a contractor or designer. Even if they don't take you up on it, they'll appreciate your offer of help.

6. Recognize special days

Most people really appreciate a birthday wish or home anniversary card. It's a thoughtful gesture that makes your client feel special and remembered. Enlisting the help of your real estate CRM makes birthday greetings a breeze.  You'll be reminded of your contact's special day, allowing you enough time to send a card, gift, stop by or give them a call.

7. Give Holiday Treats

Who doesn't love a gift? Holidays are a great opportunity to remind clients that you appreciate them and that you're around for any of their real estate needs. Drop off seasonal treats or token gifts like a welcome mat, baked goods, candles, garden supplies or a coffee table book. The size of the gift will vary depending on your relationship with that particular client. Remember, the more thoughtful the gift, the better!

8. Pick Up the Phone

When you cruise past a past client's home and see they recently did some landscaping or have gone above and beyond with Halloween decorations, give them a call! Let them know the house looks great and let that serve as a reminder that you are doing business in their neighborhood. It's a good practice to give your top contacts a call quarterly to remain top of mind and calling with a compliment is a great way to stay in touch.

9. Share Resources

When you work with someone on something as meaningful as purchasing a home, you're bound to learn a lot about their interests, hobbies, and lifestyle. Keep an eye out for articles that may interest them, new restaurants you think they'd like, or books and websites they'd enjoy. Don't hesitate to pass the resources along. A key way of staying on top of your contact's interests is by building a rich contact profile in your CRM, to remind you of the points they've shared with you.

10. Be Reliable

Of course you'll return a phone call or email if it's a hot lead, but what about less pressing inquiries from past real estate clients or "C list" contacts? A large part of your reputation depends on how reliable you are with every contact. Keep in mind that your loyal customers will refer you to their contacts, so be diligent about returning phone calls, emails and text messages in a timely fashion. It's a simple way to make your contacts happy and establish trust. Being a reliable communicator can have a positive impact on your reputation.

Building loyalty with your clients means building a relationship with them, and like any relationship, that can take some time. Stay in touch regularly and practice being a good listener and you'll be on your way to retaining more clients and making more real estate sales.

With the help of a powerful real estate CRM, you'll easily be able to follow the steps above and stand out as the "go to" Realtor in your town. By maintaining rich contact profiles (including your contacts interests and hobbies), automating monthly real estate e-Newsletters and reminders for birthdays and home anniversaries, you'll have the tools to reach out to your contacts more meaningfully and effectively.

To view the original article, visit the IXACT Contact blog.