Obviously we have all had some time to think long and hard about our listing business during our time in lockdown. I have been rethinking a lot of my business strategy with San Francisco real estate and will be changing up a number of things.
And one thing you might consider while you’re thinking of your business/marketing strategy is to do more high-end listings, especially if you have not sold any high-end properties.
Here are some tips I can think of to get you into the higher end market once we get on the other side of this craziness (keep in mind I am not addressing pricing here since everyone’s version of “high-end” in their market is different):
. Most Unleashed listing agents know to dress the part. That doesn’t mean necessarily buttoned up in a suit or tie. In my market, a high-tech millionaire can come at you in jeans, tennis shoes and a T-shirt. So I dress casually, but step it up a notch.
. Network with private lenders and bankers. Find out who these people are in your marketplace and get to know them, take them out to lunch or coffee. These referrals can be invaluable.
. Network with your future luxury clients where they hang. Are there clubs where they hang out? How about coffee shops in that luxury part of town?
. Is there a luxury magazine or newspaper in your marketplace where you can write an article? We have such a publication in San Francisco and it’s always a great idea to pitch your ideas to the editor. You can do so even with your mainstream publications in your town.
. I can’t stress this one enough. Co-list, co-list, co-list. If there is an agent in your office that does high-end listings, can you hold their homes open? Can you co-list a listing if you get a lead on a luxury listing? Better to bring someone into co-list who has the experience so that you get the listing, half is better than nothing.
. Join a high-end luxury affiliation or organization. There are many around the world and chances are your company already has an affiliation with one. We belong to Luxury Portfolio International and they have conferences all over the world where you can network with other luxury agents and learn from them.
So here are some ideas to get you started if you’re thinking of restructuring your listing biz, if that is what you want to do.
Be strategic about it, but make it fun as well!
I have been a Realtor for 9 years and I am looking for my first million dollar plus sale. I have done pretty well but I have goals in the higher end sales of Real Estate. What helpful ideas can you provide to get me meet my goals?
Hey Frances, we should talk, email me at chris@christopherstafford.com. 🙂