When somebody hears the word “real estate” in your market, what do you think comes to mind?

For most Americans, it's instantly Zillow. They've taken over this position in consumers' minds, being the first place they go for searches and home values.

So, how do we compete against a billion-dollar company?

A lot of you have given up and said, I'm just going to start buying my leads from Zillow. Keep in mind that's a negative 32% ROI, meaning for every $10 spent, you lose $3.20.

So, how do you win against Zillow and take over “Mindshare” in your local community?

You can't do it entirely, but it'll come from getting close to your consumers and your community.

Why?

Zillow can't create relationships with specific people in specific communities. But you can… by developing relationships with your own audiences, showing expertise, and connecting with local businesses and charities. Highlight why you love your community through videos and social media.

When people think “real estate” in y...

Have you ever faced a bad review? If not, you will at some point in business. It's inevitable.

So, what's the game plan when it happens?

Here's a nugget: 94% of consumers, according to a recent study, let a bad review sway their decision to avoid a business.

You've probably done the same on Yelp or elsewhere. The key? It's not just the bad review itself, but how many positive reviews balance it and whether the business responded.

Surprisingly, 53% of consumers expect a business to respond to a bad review, yet 63% say businesses rarely do. Here's the kicker: 45% of consumers are still open to doing business with a place that got a bad review if the business responds.

The response is crucial.

So, how do you handle it?

Never argue, never say they're wrong. Instead, respond and swiftly take it offline.

For instance, "Thanks for sharing your feedback. Sorry your experience didn't meet expectations. Let's discuss this offline." Or, "Feel free to reach out with further comments. We're...

Hey, team, you're on prospecting calls today—reaching out to expired listings or for sale by owners, maybe marketing in a neighborhood. What if no one picks up? Do you leave a voicemail?

Before that, try this trick:

Hang up and call the same number quickly, twice. Imagine being on the other side—seeing a missed call, then the same number calling back. You're more likely to pick up.

Now, they still don't answer. It goes to voicemail. Should you leave a voicemail as a salesperson? Absolutely. The chances of circling back and calling again are low. Keep the message concise and to the point.

For an expired listing, I might say, "Hey, I'm Jim. Your property delisted today. Wondering if you're interviewing other agents. I have a 25-point marketing plan that works. Just sold a house nearby, 25 days, 5% over list price. Let's talk."

For a for sale by owner, a simple approach: "I'm J Man with ABC Real Estate. Saw your ad on Craigslist. Can I do a video of your property for out-of-state buy...

There's a fantastic book I read years ago called "Positioning" by Al Ries and Jack Trout. It delves into the concept that our brains, like a whiteboard, need a space. As marketers, our goal is to occupy that space in the consumer's mind. However, with numerous competitors in the market, the challenge is stiff.

I appreciate the idea that it's not about what we want to say; it's about what consumers want to hear and learn from us. Consider the top four things consumers seek from a realtor: finding the right home, assistance with paperwork (part of negotiation), negotiating price, and negotiating terms.

Reflect on these four aspects—finding the right home, negotiations on price and terms, and paperwork. Are we addressing these in our marketing and branding? Shift from what we want to say to what clients want to learn. This transforms marketing into something people want to pay attention to.

Now, let's consider what sellers want. The top four things a seller desires: an expert in pricin...

Hey folks, let's talk about the big picture in real estate—how long are you planning to stay in the game? Is it a year, two, five, ten, or even twenty? Are you testing the waters with just a toe in or is this a full-blown career for you?

Many agents tend to have a myopic view, making crucial career decisions based solely on today's market conditions. Yes, sales volume is currently at a 20-year low, but assessing your entire career based on a single down year is shortsighted.

If you envision being in the business for the next 10 or 20 years, one year of reduced sales shouldn't define your career. Recessions in real estate occur every 10 to 12 years, and what follows is typically a decade-long period of rising prices and increased sales volume. It's a market reset, not the end of the road.

For those considering exiting the industry for a "real job," think about the earnings over the next decade in that new job. If you're fortunate, maybe a hundred grand a year. Now, contrast...

Hey folks, I came across a fascinating study—it revealed that a whopping 74% of consumers base their business decisions solely on the brand!

Now, let's shift the focus to your personal brand:

Imagine stacking it against the top 10 agents in your community—just you, not who you're working for. How do you measure up? Does your brand stand out, exuding a modern and sharp vibe, or does it seem dated, like a relic from the '90s or early 2000s?

To make a mark, focus on clean, sharp lines. Forget flashy taglines and funky logos. Your brand revolves around a clean picture and a stylized version of your name.

Remember, you're a personal brand in the real estate space, akin to the likes of Michael Jordan or LeBron James. With countless agents in the field, the key is to separate yourself by having a consistent and clean brand integrated throughout your marketing plan.

Everywhere people look—your website, digital footprint, social media—it should exude the same consistent branding...

Hey everyone, I've got some thrilling news about a game-changing trend in the real estate industry.

Meet the "Silver Tsunami."

Get this: 51% of individuals aged 50 and above are gearing up to downsize. Brace yourselves because this wave kicks off in late 2024, gains momentum in 2025, and is expected to roll in for decades, unleashing an estimated 30 million homes onto the market.

Just to put things in perspective, we currently have around seven to eight hundred thousand homes available.

Now, imagine an additional 30 million hitting the market in the next 10, 15, or 20 years. That's a colossal opportunity!

So, the big question: are you targeting these silver tsunami sellers?

Take me, for instance. I'm 54 and just sold my home—right in the sweet spot. Many individuals like me, empty nesters whose kids have flown the coop, are looking to downsize. This demographic is about to create a flood of opportunities in our market.

Now, let's talk strategy:

If you're focusing on...

Folks, let's retire the F word - follow-up.

You know how often you've had salespeople call you saying, "I'm just following up" or "I'm just checking in." It's not the best approach. It sets the tone of being an annoying salesperson, and we don't want that. We should aim higher and see our services as valuable.

Instead of using "follow up" or "checking in," try these alternatives:

Start with, "As promised, I'm calling you because I have that listing you asked about."

Or say, "I was thinking about you today because something interesting came across my desk."

Or perhaps, "I'd love to get your opinion on a strategy I have for maximizing your home's value. I know you're not ready now, but it'll work anytime."

Another option is, "I had a little time between appointments, and I thought I'd give you a quick call. I only have about five minutes, but I wanted to ask you something." This way, they know it won't be a lengthy call.

These four techniques -

1. "As promised"
2. "...

I've noticed a common practice among the top performers in the country, and it's what I like to call an "Easy Exit Listing Guarantee."

The question for you is, do you have one, and are you effectively marketing it? And what exactly is an Easy Exit Listing Guarantee?

It's pretty straightforward: It means that if a seller feels you're not meeting their expectations, if they're unsatisfied with your service or marketing, they can exit the listing and hire another REALTOR.

Now, there are a couple of conditions to consider.

First, they need to give you a 48-hour window to address the issue. Some may prefer 24 hours or 72 hours, but there should be a timeline for addressing any perceived problems.

Second, they can't exit the listing if it's pending or close to closing.

Those are the two key caveats.

So when you're in a listing appointment, you can say, "I want my clients to feel completely satisfied with my service, so I offer an Easy Exit. If you're ever dissatisfied, ju...

Are you actively farming your own neighborhood?

It's a straightforward marketing strategy that many agents overlook. So, why should you consider farming your own neighborhood?

Well, it all comes down to the fact that people prefer doing business with those they know, like, and trust, especially when they share a common bond.

When you live in the same neighborhood, potential clients are more inclined to choose you as their REALTOR. However, this won't happen if you're a "secret agent" – someone they don't even know lives nearby and can serve them.

To get started, you need to establish yourself as a local expert.

How?

Begin by introducing yourself through a letter or postcard. Let them know you're a resident and express your interest in being their preferred REALTOR. Share your credentials and accomplishments to give them confidence in your abilities.

Next, demonstrate that you're an active agent. Regularly send updates about just-listed, just-pending, and just-sol...