It’s the start of a new year, which means a fresh start or maybe a refresh for you and your business. We all know competition is fierce – not only for REALTORS® to get listings, but also for buyers who want the homes. Low inventory has only compounded the issue since the start of the pandemic. Therefore, expertise and skills online and offline are necessary.
Here are some strategies three California REALTORS® are implementing in their business this year.
The Return of the QR Code
After sinking into obscurity, the QR Code has had a resurgence in popularity and is rapidly becoming a go-to for marketing services and businesses alike. Now, go just about anywhere from a restaurant to a ballgame and you’ll find signs with QR codes. In fact, in 2020 almost 11 million U.S. households used a QR code, an increase of more than one million uses up from 2018, according to Statista. Since the pandemic began, QR code use in the U.S. has increased by 11%. This makes QR codes a fast-growing opportunity to reach your audience and deliver a memorable experience.
Broker Rhonda Keliipio with SparrowLily Realty, Inc. in Rancho Cucamonga plans to capitalize on the popularity of QR codes. “QR codes have become common practice. We [REALTORS®] should adapt and leverage QR codes to our marketing strategy. I am adding them to my new business cards and will incorporate them on all marketing platforms.”
The Art of the Handwritten Note
In today’s digital world, it’s faster and easier to send a “thank you” text or an “I appreciate you” email, but let’s not forget the power of a handwritten note. A handwritten note is a better tactic for building deeper relationships. When done correctly, a handwritten note can strengthen relationships, add value and help you stand out with your clients.
REALTOR® Denisse Roldan Newell with Professional Realty Services in San Diego knows the value of a handwritten note and plans to add them as part of her business strategy this year. “I’m going to send handwritten notes to past clients and old acquaintances so I can reconnect with them. I think this personal touch will help to better serve my clients.”
Consumer Education is Key
As mentioned earlier, competition for homes is fierce and buyers are craving education about the real estate process. Not only do REALTORS® need to help buyers navigate the process, but they also need to help dispel myths that still exist among many would-be buyers – down payment assistance programs aren’t available to everyone, you cannot buy a home without 20% down, you must have perfect credit – the list goes on and on.
Knowing this, Broker Owner of Realty World in Napa John V. Pinto is refocusing his podcasts and video blogs to include more consumer education and real estate. “My podcast and vlog
cover a wide variety of topics such as cooking, nature, wine & spirits, health and product reviews, along with real estate. This year, I will continue to cover my varied topics, but will put more of an emphasis on real estate consumer education, the way I have for 47+ years.”
To read more about what other strategies REALTORS® are implementing in their business in 2022, read the new issue of California Real Estate magazine online, or the print edition which will be delivered to your homes this week.