6 Proven Ways Consumers Find Their Agents

If you could predict the method by which home buyers and sellers found you, would you make more of an effort to be available and prominent on those channels? We know how they're finding you... you don't have to guess.

Every year, the National Association of Realtors® releases the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers report, which includes a wealth of information regarding where and how consumers find their agents. Recently released, this year's report unveils six undeniable ways that consumers find their agents – and the information gives agents and brokers the perfect roadmap for success. Here's what you can learn:

When you boil it down, consumers choose their agents thanks to two main agent efforts: marketing and relationship skills. Within both of these categories, there are some big winners.

Top Marketing Efforts

Within the marketing realm, your online web presence, open houses and signage are the three strongest players. What's likely happening here is consumers are starting their searches online and are then driving by the property or are canvassing their neighborhoods of interest to glean additional information.

This suggests you should shift your marketing online – if you haven't already done so – and also make sure you are really available on mobile, since searches go directly from online to the streets. Here are a few tips to amp up your marketing efforts in these areas.

1. Web Presence (50%): An easy place to start when trying to boost your web presence is to complete your free realtor.com® profile. With our newly released profiles, you can add recommendations and reviews to further increase your online authority and relevance in your local market. What's more, a Digital Ad Package can place your brand directly in the online search path of today's consumers – consider it your online yard sign.

2. Open Houses (23%): We know, not all agents love hosting open houses. Yet, if you're able to provide the consumer with something of value and follow-up quickly, you are more likely to convert them into a viable lead. To make your life a bit easier, check out Market Snapshot®. It allows you to give prospective clients the accurate, real-time data they require to make knowledgeable buying decisions.

3. Signage (23%): With these kinds of numbers, it's important to pay keen attention to sign calls – particularly your ability to follow-up immediately and personally – so that those driving by don't move on to another agent looking for timely and relevant information. Tools like FiveStreet can help you instantly respond to these calls, even when you're busy with other clients.

Top Relationship Efforts

Relationships are the core of many businesses, particularly real estate. Friends and relatives, past clients and other brokers are leading the pack here. What the NAR study tells us is that good follow-up and relationship building does not go out of style, but it is moving towards mobile – quickly. This requires some creativity to keep it authentic, personal and timely.

4. Friends/Relatives (66%): It's no secret that friends and relatives are a driving force behind many agents' businesses. Keeping an open line of communication is of great importance, as it's natural to build new relationships from referrals simply by staying in touch and letting your family and friends know you're still in real estate.

5. Past Clients (20%): Past clients' ability to speak first-hand regarding the experience they had with you is a key component of your reputation, and your ability to earn repeat and referral business. We know that you're busy and that keeping in touch can feel overwhelming at times. As such, we've been carefully streamlining Top Producer® so that it's not a big chore to connect with just five people per day. It's especially easy to do on mobile!

6. Other Brokers (8%): While referrals from other brokers make up just a small portion of the pie, we would be remiss not to mention the importance of staying connected with other industry professionals and mastering your online presence so when they search for you online, what they find matches your personal brand and professionalism.

Learn More About the Ways Consumers Find Their Agents

Ready to maximize your efforts in these six areas? Let our team recommend the solutions that best suit your personal business goals. Let's get started!