Zero disrespect to the way things were done… The car magnets, newspaper ads, and door-knocking that came before us were the industry’s bread and butter. Those strategies laid the groundwork for where we are today. And who can forget the upside-down name badges? They were the hallmark of a time when personal connections were forged one doorbell at a time.
But times have changed, and so has the way I approach real estate. I’m grateful to live in an era where I can leverage technological advancements to provide my clients with a level of service that was once unimaginable.
Let’s take a look back at the real estate norms of yesterday and see how things have evolved.
The Real Estate Norms of Yesterday:
Hairspray. Lots of Hairspray.
Real estate agents of the past could be spotted from a mile away with their perfectly coiffed hair, held in place by copious amounts of hairspray. It was as much a part of the uniform as the suit and name badge, signaling professionalism and dedication. While appearances still matter today, the focus has shifted more toward substance over style.
Cold Calling and Door Knocking.
There was a time when cold calling and door-knocking were the primary methods of drumming up business. Agents would spend hours pounding the pavement or dialing numbers, hoping to connect with a potential client. This was the grind, and it worked for many. But in today’s fast-paced world, there are more efficient ways to reach prospective buyers and sellers.
Ads in Newspapers, Magazines, and Telephone Books.
Print advertising ruled the day, with agents placing ads in newspapers, magazines, and even telephone books. These ads were costly and often yielded mixed results. The reach was limited, and tracking effectiveness was nearly impossible. It was a game of chance that many played out of necessity.
One-Size-Fits-All Services with No Customization for the Client.
Real estate services back then often followed a one-size-fits-all approach. The focus was on closing the deal rather than tailoring the experience to fit the client’s unique needs. Customization was rare, and clients often had to fit into the existing framework rather than having services tailored to them.
Grainy, Half-Hearted Listing Photos and Lackluster Home Presentations.
Before the days of digital photography and virtual tours, listing photos were often grainy, poorly lit, and uninspiring. Home presentations were lackluster, with little emphasis on making a property shine. This was the norm, and buyers had to rely on their imaginations to see the potential in a home.
Clients Riding in the Car with You.
It used to be common for clients to ride along with their real estate agents as they toured homes. This was a way to build rapport, but it also meant spending long hours driving from one property to the next. In today’s world, time is precious, and clients often prefer more efficient ways of viewing potential homes.
Real Estate Approaches Embraced Today:
Utilizing Social Media, Online Listings, and Referral Partners to Reach a Wider Audience.
Today, I harness the power of social media, online listings, and strategic referral partnerships to reach a broader audience than ever before. The internet has opened up a world of possibilities, allowing me to connect with potential buyers and sellers across the globe. Whether through targeted social media campaigns or well-placed online listings, I ensure that my clients’ properties are seen by the right people at the right time.
Offering Professional Staging and High-Quality Listing Photos and Video.
Gone are the days of grainy photos and uninspired presentations. Now, I offer professional staging services and high-quality listing photos and videos that make every home look its absolute best. From drone footage to virtual staging, I use the latest technology to showcase properties in a way that captivates potential buyers and sets them apart from the competition.
Providing Buyers with Virtual Tours and 3D Walkthroughs.
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key. That’s why I provide buyers with virtual tours and 3D walkthroughs that allow them to explore properties from the comfort of their own homes. These tools not only save time but also give buyers a more immersive experience, helping them to make informed decisions without ever setting foot on the property.
Leveraging Local Data and Analytics to Understand Trends so My Clients Can Make Informed Decisions.
Data is the new currency in real estate, and I leverage local data and analytics to understand market trends and provide my clients with the insights they need to make informed decisions. From analyzing neighborhood trends to understanding the impact of local developments, I use data to guide my clients through the complexities of the market, ensuring they make the best possible choices.
But there’s one thing I gotta know… Are car magnets making a comeback??
