Get Feedback to Stand Out In the Realtor Crowd

VOLUME V

By Tyler Williams

There are approximately 1.5 million Realtors in the United States, as of February 2022. Meanwhile, the total housing inventory at the end of the same month totaled 870K units. With this much competition, real estate professionals have more competition, fewer home listings and an ever-increasing need to be seen.

Additionally, a 2019 report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) confirmed that 93% of prospects used a website in their home search. While this statistic is not surprising in the modern age, it spotlights the urgency of maintaining a strong online presence and reputation. This is why Realtors getting positive online feedback is a must.

First Impressions Make Lasting Impressions

A series of positive client reviews gives real estate professionals strong social proof, helping them stand out in a crowded marketplace. SearchEngineLand. com, a top digital marketing platform, reports that around 70% of consumers say that positive online reviews make them more likely to use a local business. Realtors are no exception, considering the growing competition they face.

Feedback also helped Realtor websites rank higher on search engines. When large numbers of users mention a professional’s name or business online, search engines take note, moving them up in the search rankings.

Where to Post Feedback

Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com are the most highly viewed listing platforms, according to Statista. Additionally, multiple listing services (MLS) can help agents collect customer feedback that they can share on their website or social media.

Why? Social media and the feedback section of a Realtor’s professional website gives them more control over which posts are highlighted, unlike third-party sites that may or may not be moderated to their satisfaction. In fact, real estate marketing website The Close found that 44% of Realtors gained a new client in 2020 through social media (ex. Instagram, Facebook and Twitter).

Although paid ads, yard signs and open houses are an opportunity for Realtors to gain new clients, as with most consumer marketing, word of mouth (in this case, online feedback) still reigns supreme.

The Ins and Outs of Working with Investors

While tenants of rental properties focus on factors such as property quality, location and monthly rent, investors may focus on one overarching factor: return on investment. Here’s what Realtors need to know about how investors generally decide whether they want to invest in rentals.

Rental Inspections: Don’t Wait Until Move-Outs Only

Move-in/move-out inspection and periodic inspections are important aspects of managing a rental property. By better understanding what to look for during inspections and how often to schedule them, it is possible for landlords to avoid common mistakes.

Creating a Go-To Contractor List

Agreeing to a contractual relationship, such as a service maintenance agreement, with a vendor could significantly speed up any frantic searches—especially during emergencies and late-night hours.

Navigating Out-of-State Rental Properties

Today’s housing market is a bit of a seesaw. In 2022, the Federal Reserve hiked its benchmark interest rate six times. Higher interest rates mean loans are more expensive for consumers. But no matter what happens with inflation, people need a place to live. This is leading property owners to look for a means of disposable income. And sometimes the real estate investor may choose a property from another state.

Is That Emotional Support Animal Legit?

It can be difficult for landlords to tell if someone has a legitimate ESA or simply a pet. Banning a tenant with an ESA could lead to legal action against the landlord. Fortunately, there are ways that landlords can fairly differentiate between the two to comply with the Fair Housing Act.

Repairs: Who Pays for What?

For a landlord, a rental property is an uphill battle against mishaps, calamities, the hands of time and sometimes nature itself. To guard their investment, property owners must plan ahead, maneuver tactfully and sometimes be prepared to cut their losses.