5 Key Ways to Create Buyer Loyalty

For real estate agents, buyers are one side of the coin and sellers are the other. While you'd never dream of selling someone's home without a listing agreement, the buyer side of the coin is a little trickier. These days, buyers are hesitant to sign buyer agency agreements for a number of reasons.

So, what can you do to create buyer loyalty during and after a transaction?

Take a look at these five key methods.

1. Maximize the client experience.

Buying clients know there are hundreds of listings online that they can easily look up and sift through themselves. They're also particular (and rightfully so, since they're making one of the biggest investments of their lives, and maybe even searching for a forever home!).

Ask yourself: what's the value I provide and how can I maximize this person's experience working with me?

Pay attention to your buyers' wants, preferences and working styles. Move at their pace. Be accommodating and show you care. Respond quickly so they know you're there for them. Share innovative ideas about how they can achieve their goals and find the ideal property. Always do what you say you will.

2. Have a well-thought-out system in place.

Think of the lifecycle of a buyer from start to finish.

First, create and deliver a top-notch buyer presentation. Demonstrate your strong points, differentiators and specialties, and tell your potential client everything they can expect from working with you. Then, don't be afraid to ask them to sign a buyer agency agreement, and be sure to highlight the benefits if they do. Remember, if you never ask, you'll never get it.

Plan when and how you will stay connected to your buyer leads and clients. Use a CRM to stay organized and set up automated reminders, email drip campaigns for different groups, personal messages, specific property details, and information to help them feel prepared for the different steps of the process.

If you end up finding that perfect home for your buyer and closing the deal, don't forget about everything that comes after…

3. Show your gratitude for the business.

This is a brilliant added touch and one that always makes a new homeowner feel special and appreciative. It could be a handwritten thank you card, a follow-up call to see how they're settling in, a small house-warming gift, or a pizza gift card for dinner on you during one of those busy first-move-in nights.

4. Stay in touch.

It's still not over. That satisfied buyer is now one of your most powerful contacts. You've taken them through all aspects of your process, and you successfully closed the deal! As long as you've done a good job, this is a happy and satisfied client. If you play your cards right, that means they'll remember you, refer you and use you again if or when the time comes.

But you must stay in touch.

Far too often, real estate agents forget this part, yet an increasing number of studies are showing it's one of the most important. If you don't keep up the communication and stay in touch with your buyers, they'll likely forget your name or simply not think of you first when a new need arises.

A few of the best ways to keep in touch with past clients are cards or e-cards on their move-in anniversary, monthly newsletters, personalized check-in text messages, birthday emails, and handy referrals to trusted contractors and trades as time goes on.

And don't forget about the buyers who you didn't end up closing with. Maybe they're still looking, but the process is slower. Or perhaps you weren't the agent to find their perfect home this time around, but that doesn't mean you can't be next time. Keep in touch through personal texts, monthly newsletters and email drip campaigns that ensure you stay top of mind.

5. Don't dry up and become stagnant.

It's easy to get caught up with the everyday business operations that, during your busy times of year, can often feel nothing short of chaotic. Don't let that stop you from progressing, continually learning and educating yourself in the real estate space. Along with these ongoing efforts, come fresh and innovative insights on all aspects of buying, selling and investing.

When you're educated, well-informed and always on the cusp of the latest trends and industry movements, you're equipped with invaluable information to be shared with your contacts across so many different marketing and communication mediums. And that translates into you becoming an authoritative figure with current and trusted information in the industry.

Once you consistently earn trust, you consistently get the business.

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