In the fiercely-competitive world of real estate, securing valuable listings is not as simple as it seems — even the top real estate agents have to stay on their toes to avoid losing out on precious listing opportunities. Knowing how real estate agents get listings is essential for anyone looking to thrive in this fast-paced industry.
If you’re curious to know how to find listings as a real estate agent, this article will delve into some of the strategies employed by top real estate professionals to find listings effectively.
So, how do real estate agents find and get property listings?
Building a strong network
The first thing that any real estate agent worth their salt should know is the importance of building a strong network. According to a recent study, over 9 out of 10 real estate agents claim that networking is essential to their business — and there are a few reasons why.
Networking helps with listing acquisition in a number of ways:
- Meeting potential clients: A real estate agent’s relationship with a client doesn’t necessarily have to end once the business is completed. In fact, many real estate agents choose to maintain these relations with past clients in order to expand their network and meet potential clients that may be referred by them.
- Building relationships with other real estate professionals: The real estate industry is vast and complex — consisting of other occupations that service clients’ legal and financial needs. Connecting with mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, or even other real estate agents helps cast a wider net for prospective listings.
- Staying up-to-date on real estate market trends: The state of the property market can change frequently and dynamically, affecting everything from property values to market demand and legal requirements. Having a wide network to draw information from is how real estate agents keep abreast of the latest changes in the market.
Client referrals
As mentioned above, client referrals are considered by many real estate agents to be one of the most effective ways to get listings. Client referrals stem from providing exceptional service and building lasting relationships with satisfied clients.
By exceeding expectations and delivering exceptional results, real estate agents give satisfied clients more reason to recommend them to friends, family, or colleagues as a trusted provider of real estate services. At times, real estate agents may also proactively ask these clients for referrals, leveraging on the positive experience they have provided in the past.
The goal in mind is to establish a long-term relationship of trust and expertise with all clients — so that when opportunities arise in the form of client contacts with a listing, the agent will be the first choice for a referral.
Utilising local market knowledge
Another way real estate agents get listings is by utilising their extensive knowledge of the local market. Staying up-to-date on local trends, comprehending property values, neighbourhood dynamics, and offering valuable insights to potential clients are all part of the effort required to be seen as a trusted source of information.
Once they’re seen as a local expert, real estate agents can expect sellers to approach them for guidance, giving them an opportunity to secure listings.
Joining real estate associations
Joining reputable real estate associations is also how real estate agents can expand their listing opportunities. These associations offer numerous benefits, such as networking opportunities with fellow professionals, access to exclusive listings, and resources for staying updated on industry trends and best practices. The connections made within these associations can lead to valuable referrals and collaborations, giving agents a wider reach within the real estate community.
Additionally, being part of respected associations enhances an agent’s credibility, instilling confidence in potential clients seeking a reliable and knowledgeable professional. By actively participating in these associations, they can position themselves as committed experts in the field, attracting listings from sellers who value professionalism and industry involvement.
Other ways real estate agents get listings
Leveraging online presence
The rise of online marketing has also allowed real estate agents to seek listing opportunities through digital channels. It is not uncommon for real estate agents to have their own professional website or social media account detailing their latest successful cases, their unique selling points, and client testimonials — all of which build a sense of credibility while showcasing the ability of the agent in a tangible way.
The use of online advertising campaigns to strategically target interested parties also helps with lead generation efforts, creating more channels for listing opportunities.
Partnering with homeowners
Some real estate agents also get listings by going directly to the source — homeowners. Going door to door in target neighbourhoods, hosting engaging open houses, and offering complimentary home evaluations are some of the methods that real estate agents employ to actively reach out to homeowners.
By building rapport and providing valuable insights to homeowners, agents create top-of-mind awareness, making them more inclined to list their properties with someone who has already demonstrated a commitment to helping them achieve their goals.
Final thoughts
Whether real estate agents will be successful in getting listings in their high-risk, high-reward environment or not comes down to how well they can apply the approaches outlined above. By applying them in a strategic way, real estate agents can ensure a steady flow of listings for continued success (and wealth!).
At Entry Education, we offer real estate courses to empower aspiring agents with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this competitive industry. If you are considering a career in real estate, our comprehensive courses will provide you with a solid foundation for you to build your own network of clients and listings, as well as equip you with all the necessary accreditation to get started. Learn with Entry Education today and kickstart your journey into the real estate landscape!
