By: The CE Shop

The housing market was thrown for a loop in 2020 with dwindling inventory and booming demand for properties. As of April 2021, the median existing-home price in the U.S. was $341,600, a 19.1% gain year over year. Despite property prices skyrocketing, we are seeing more bidding wars and all-cash offers. This trend is continuing into 2021 as the market stays hot, inventory remains low, and homes sell at a neck-breaking pace.

This fast-moving market reemphasizes the need for real estate agents to help clients navigate the home buying process to make it as streamlined, stress-free, and memorable as possible. From a home buyer’s standpoint, finding the perfect real estate agent is a bit like searching for a wedding dress. There are many who fit the bill, but they’re looking for something (or someone) special. The question agents should be asking themselves is, “Why should home buyers choose me to help them find their home?”

Clients want to work with someone they trust to find their perfect abode, so considering what sets you apart from other agents is key to standing out in this housing climate. Your personality, work ethic, and skill set make you distinct, and that’s precisely what home buyers need in this frenzied market. Put your best foot forward by following the tips below:

1. Keep Your Client Top of Mind

Getty Images

As the saying goes, the client always comes first. Real estate agents exist to aid buyers in finding their perfect property and serve as the source of information about the ins and outs of the real estate market. Try looking at the entire process from the homebuyer’s point of view. What can you do to make this experience as memorable and uncomplicated as possible?

With a decision as big as purchasing property, clients want to know they can trust you. Take time to learn about their lives, their interests, and, most importantly, what they are looking for in a home. Try to anticipate their needs as much as possible, particularly given how hectic the home buying process has become in 2021, and provide them with the type of experience you would want for yourself. Take care of your clients from start to finish and wrap up the process with a thoughtful closing gift. Not only does a good closing gift strengthen the relationship with your client, but it also could lead to referral business down the line.

2. Find Your Specialty

Finding your specialty in the real estate industry is all about what you enjoy. Do you prefer helping families find their forever home, or are you more excited about selling commercial properties? You can shift your specialty over time, but start by working in the area that most interests you. From commercial to industrial to residential real estate, work to establish yourself as the top agent in your field. Once you’ve found your niche, dive wholeheartedly into it. Clients are continually looking for the “best of the best,” so make sure you take on that label with pride.

3. Network

The significant amount of agents’ success in real estate today relies on networking. “It’s all about who you know,” is an accurate statement. That sentiment should push you to continuously forge new connections. Networking not only expands your client base but can also help you meet other industry professionals such as builders, mortgage brokers, real estate investors, etc. Some ways to network include:

• Joining professional organizations, local REALTOR® board, YPN, and/or committees
• Attending real estate conferences
• Volunteering in your community
• Creating and maintaining an online presence
• Supporting other real estate agents

4. Utilize Social Media

Though social media rules the internet, we have become desensitized to a lot of its content. To find success on social media nowadays, real estate professionals need to create a variety of content that engages and excites clients. Set yourself apart from the masses by having fun with your posts, creating a memorable brand that communicates your core values, and taking advantage of the reach that social media offers.

Not only does social media give you the ability to grow your brand awareness and connect with others in real estate, but you also get to build lasting relationships with clients and professionals in other industries. While there is a myriad of social media platforms out there, focus on finding the right fit for you and your clients. Remember, real estate interests everyone in some way; even if someone isn’t in the market to buy or sell a property right now, they could be in the future—so build your brand online where they’re most likely to find you.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned real estate agent, remember that the keys to career success are in your hands. By keeping the client top of mind, finding your specialty, networking, and utilizing social media, you’ll be better positioned to stand out and succeed in this hot housing market.

This is a guest post written by the real estate experts at The CE Shop. The CE Shop is the leading provider of online real estate education with convenient courses available in all 50 states and D.C. To find out more about The CE Shop and the resources they provide, visit TheCEShop.com.