Being a professional in the real estate market requires gaining the trust of a wide variety of people from other agents to clients and business partners. Trust is rooted in credibility; without it, no one has any confidence that you will follow through as promised. Here are 5 tips to build credibility in the real estate market in .
5 Tips to Build Credibility in the Real Estate Market in
Straightforward and Honest About Background
There are few things that turn people off more than someone trying to inflate who they are. People are savvy to know whether or not you are experienced in real estate. That being said, being new doesn’t mean you are not capable. Quite the contrary: focus on the attributes and other industry experience that not only demonstrate professionalism but a willingness to learn, grow and find the right answers.
Even experienced real estate folks fall into the trap of feeling they need to give an answer without doing research because they are the professional. Often this leads to incorrect or misleading information. Your desire to get it done right will go a long way.
Find a Niche You Can Work
So many investors try to be a jack-of-all-trades, meaning they are doing single family home deals, commercial deals, land deals, and mobile home park deals. While you wouldn’t turn away any one type of deal, developing a niche helps you stand out among your peers.
Jump in and become the expert in everything regarding that niche. Take extra classes, get certifications and start to establish a network specific to that niche. Doing this develops a market network and clearly defines how to target your marketing strategies. Without a niche, you are just throwing mud at the wall and seeing what sticks.
Give Freely
You’ve heard the phrase, “Those who give, receive.” This is especially true in industries like real estate. Become the person who knows people and is willing to make introductions. This might be to loan officers or bankers. It might not even be real estate related; you may have a great resource for T-shirt printing that you can share with the local Little League coaches.
Go beyond just being a connector though. Share you expertise with local groups whether they are investment clubs, chambers of commerce or other business groups. As you give others insight, they see you as a thought leader in your community propelling your credibility to the top.
Have a Professional Profile in Places People Look
Professional profiles are everywhere from your websites to your LinkedIn and Facebook business pages. Don’t ignore the major real estate listing services either and public search sites like Zillow and Redfin. Take the time to make sure all information is correct, consistent and provides a well-thought-out bio describing you and your business.
Part of this is a professional headshot that is current. Make sure people can recognize you from your website or marketing pieces. It seems odd when someone uses a photo from 20 years ago and everything has changed from hair length and color to clothing styles and sizes. Be your authentic self to gain credibility.
Follow Through
Think about it. You like it when people get back to you in a timely manner, right? So much of your competition is so busy doing whatever it is they are doing (maybe golfing) to get back to buyers and sellers in a reasonable time frame.
Communication is key and timelines are critical in real estate transactions. If you aren’t accessible, how can any trust you will be able to meet these demands during the sale process?
It might be entirely true that you are too busy to take every call. Don’t let the prospect go elsewhere. Hire a virtual assistant to respond to phone calls, emails, and online inquiries. Then make sure you provide the service you promise.
Delivering the goods will ultimately get you the testimonials and reputation you desire: one of high credibility and top of mind for referrals.