Picture this: you’re hiring a guide for an epic adventure. Would you pick someone just because they’ve got a flashy logo on their shirt? Or would you go for the one who knows every twist and turn of the trail, texts you updates, and promises not to ghost you after the trip?
Spoiler alert: buying or selling a home is that epic adventure, and buyers and sellers? They want a trustworthy guide who knows their stuff and sticks around when things get bumpy. Here’s what they’re looking for—and how you can step up.
- Social Proof: The Ultimate Confidence Booster
Let’s start with trust. Buyers and sellers want to know you’re the real deal, and nothing screams “I’ve got this!” like glowing referrals from people they trust. In recent years, 41% of buyers and sellers found their agent through a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, or relative. And most of them didn’t even bother interviewing a second agent.
Table of Contents
Here’s how you can leverage this:
Make it easy for happy clients to brag about you. Encourage reviews, ask for testimonials, and stay in touch with past clients. For example, Denver property managers often capitalize on their local reputation, turning satisfied clients into service ambassadors.
LA agents? They’ve mastered the art of social proof flex, leveraging influencer-style marketing. A simple Instagram post featuring a successful sale and a client’s glowing comment can work wonders. Your mission: keep your name buzzing in trusted circles.
- Personalized Communication: One Size Does NOT Fit All
No one likes cookie-cutter messages, especially when they’re making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Buyers and sellers crave communication that’s tailored to them—not just a generic “Hi [Name], here’s your weekly update.”
Make it personal:
Instead of sending mass updates, ask your clients how they prefer to communicate upfront. Text? Phone calls? In-person updates? Then, keep them in the loop their way. For instance, you can offer your clients one-on-one meetings to walk through property updates, ensuring they feel seen and heard.
A Denver agent might check in with sellers over coffee, while an LA counterpart could send a quick video update via text. Either way, it’s about showing clients they’re more than just another name on your list.
- Digital Marketing: Where First Impressions Are Made
Let’s be honest: buyers are practically glued to their screens. They’re scrolling through listings at midnight, dreaming about their perfect home. If your digital game isn’t on point, you’re missing out.
Here’s what to do:
Start by giving every listing its moment to shine. Think video tours, 3D walkthroughs, and professional photography. In Los Angeles, where buyers often shop from afar, digital marketing can make or break a sale. LA property managers here usually pair stunning visuals with social media ads to capture attention before buyers enter the city.
In Denver, property managers and agents embrace local SEO strategies to ensure their listings pop up first when potential buyers search for homes online. The goal? Make your online presence so compelling that buyers can’t resist reaching out.
- Step-by-Step Guidance: Be the Coach, Not Just the Player
Buying or selling a home is overwhelming. Clients don’t just want advice—they want a partner who will guide them every step of the way. From setting a competitive price to negotiating the best terms, they count on you to quarterback the entire process.
Show them the playbook:
Break the journey into manageable steps. For instance, ensure the sellers understand the value of staging and minor renovations. Don’t just suggest changes—connect them with contractors and oversee the work.
In Denver, property managers frequently liaise with owners, helping them handle everything from maintenance to tenant placement. Similarly, LA agents often double as renovation coordinators, ensuring homes hit the market in top condition. The key is to take the guesswork out of the process and confidently lead.
- Trustworthiness: The Non-Negotiable
Above all, buyers and sellers want to know you’ve got their back. They’re entrusting you with their dreams, money, and future. This isn’t just about closing a deal—it’s about building a relationship that lasts long after the keys are handed over.
Be the rock they need:
It’s not about waving goodbye at the end. It’s about being there when the light bulb needs changing or the sink clogs on move-in day. Be that agent who doesn’t vanish after the sale.
For Denver property managers, this might look like ongoing support for landlords navigating tenant issues. In LA, it could mean helping a buyer secure long-term rental income by providing property management referrals. The point? Stay connected, show you care, and be the trusted partner they’ll recommend again and again.
The Final Takeaway
Buyers and sellers aren’t looking for just any real estate agent. They’re looking for someone who can make the process seamless, communicates clearly and personally, and knows how to market a property like a pro. They want someone who’s got their back from day one—and long after the ink dries.
So whether you’re working the bustling neighborhoods of Denver or the sunny streets of LA, remember: success is about more than just closing deals. It’s about creating an experience your clients will rave about. And when you do that? The referrals will keep rolling in.