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Currently, the U.S. has the most reported cases of COVID-19 across the world, putting life on hold for millions of Americans. There is no doubt that life is changing very fast during the global pandemic, and many industries in the U.S., such as the real estate industry, are following suit. It is worth noting that new social distancing restrictions on American life, including nationwide closures of restaurants, schools and bars, are included in the efforts that surround the prevention of the spread of this virus.
This is why real estate brokerages around the country are adapting their businesses. They are also preparing and guiding their clients for what could be a chaotic and confused few weeks or even months ahead in the real estate market. It is worth noting that a general decline in confidence related to the overall direction of the U.S. economy, along with the unprecedented initiatives and measures to fight the spread of coronavirus, is bringing a lot of caution among homebuyers and sellers.
Real estate agents around the country are finding new and creative ways to market their deals and continue connecting homebuyers and sellers as the international impact of this crisis expands. Here are three great ways you can market your real estate deal during this worldwide pandemic.
1. Offer virtual tours and open houses.
We know that virtual property tours are increasing in popularity. Self-isolation and social distancing is resulting in the cancellation of many open houses and home tours around the country. However, if you are a real estate agent, you can still provide potential homebuyers with a similar experience digitally. Virtual tours and virtual reality provide a new way for homebuyers to continue their property search from the comfort and convenience of their homes.
For your available property listings (with permission from sellers), use your camera or phone to record walkthroughs. If you can, edit your videos, and post them alongside your listings. You can also share them across your various social media accounts, such as Facebook and Instagram, to market your deals.
Similar to a FaceTime conversation with your friends or family members, you also can easily connect with your prospective clients virtually and in real time. It is worth noting that besides virtual reality and virtual property tours that are already available on several listings platforms, you can use YouTube Live, Google Hangouts and Facebook Live to orchestrate virtual open houses.
And you will be glad to know that virtual tours are incredibly well suited to the luxury real estate market as well. This is because sellers want to capture the attention of homebuyers from all over the globe.
Because a majority of people use the internet for their property search to begin with, providing any additional information, particularly in a visual, fun and interactive way, is an excellent marketing tactic during this pandemic.
2. Deliver useful content that is easy to share.
Are you looking to do the most good and have the greatest impact as a real estate agent? If that is the case, then your content has to be easy and quick to share with others. For example, you can keep your real estate clients and followers updated on the impact of the pandemic on the U.S. real estate industry. While there is no doubt that videos are easy to share, so are lists.
You can create a valuable post listing a few of the local restaurants that are still open and offering takeout. You can also share a list of stores that have essentials like hand sanitizer and toilet paper in stock.
Compile a list of organizations in your area that are hiring or require some extra help. Offer tips for people who are working from home, such as how they can set up a productive home office. Keep in mind that lists are concise and simple to share. And if you make something simpler to share, people are more likely to send it to others.
You have to make the most of this opportunity to become a leader in the community at a time when it needs you the most. Do not make the mistake of making everything you do about selling real estate. Remember that it is not all about sales, particularly right now. However, if you manage to make an impact on your community and do good, people will surely remember you for a long time. At some point in the future, all the help you have been providing will eventually catch up to you, and your real estate business will grow as a result.
3. Leverage automation.
Note that between creating various ad campaigns for your clients and working on lead-generation tactics, marketing your real estate deals can take up a large chunk of your time. If you are busy juggling client needs, this may not bode well for your already hectic schedule.
If you automate your posts on social media platforms, you will be able to save time and focus more on the unique needs of your clients as well as the success of your real estate business during a time when many businesses are struggling. By offering your social sphere timely and ongoing updates, you can dedicate the valuable time you need to adapt to quick changes in your overall business strategy so you can close more deals.
You can free up your busy schedule with various automation tools to spend more time and resources on value-added tasks, such as message follow-up and writing engaging, fun and informative blog content.
Final Thoughts
It is no secret that this crisis has created many challenges for many businesses and industries, including real estate. However, it has not taken away your ability to adapt, evolve and leverage technology to market your deals. Implementing these marketing strategies can help your real estate business stay relevant and close more deals.