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6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Realtor
Choosing the right realtor can be stressful and overwhelming, but it is important to work with a realtor that shares your goals and mindset when it comes to buying or selling your home.
Here are 6 things to consider when trying to find the right realtor for you!
1. Knowledgeable about local market
Having an agent who is knowledgeable about their local market will be beneficial whether you’re buying or selling. They might know some selling tips for your current neighbourhood or be able to advise you on your upcoming neighbourhood.
2. Experience
Knowledge is usually tied to experience, but what’s really important is the number of transactions. A realtor with less experience might have more transactions than a realtor with more experience.
3. Commission
If you’re selling your home, the commission you pay your realtor is negotiable, however, a lower commission might mean less services. So, if you’re looking for a realtor that offers professional services like photography, videography and staging, it will come at a price.
4. Compatibility
You want to trust your realtor and feel comfortable around them. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, it’s a big commitment, so you should be on the same page and have a good relationship.
5. Commitment
You want a realtor that is committed to you and your home buying or selling needs. This means being available to answer your questions and concerns, while also making time to show you new homes and bring buyers to your current home.
6. Marketing
Marketing is what attracts buyers, so your realtor should be able to market your property using professional photography and an alluring listing description. Check out other listings that they have on the market to determine if their marketing skills meet your standards. In today’s market, having an online presence is absolutely necessary, so ensure that the realtor that you choose is utilizing social platforms and other online advertising tools.
In terms of finding a realtor, ask your family and friends for referrals, check out ads and do some online research about the agent. Active listings can also tell you a lot about an agent by showing you what types of homes they currently represent and how long they have been on the market.
Information referenced from:
Why Women Are Natural Realtors
In honour of International Women’s Day this month, we wanted to touch on the impact that women have within the real estate industry. Women everywhere are influencing the real estate industry! In fact, in most countries throughout the world, more than 50% of Realtors are women and here in Canada, roughly 60% of Realtors are women.
Real estate careers for women have been growing in popularity as women are searching for more meaning in their careers and are seeking opportunities that promote a work-life balance. Workplace culture has become a top priority, especially among younger women. Some are leaving jobs where they feel undervalued or are experiencing a lack of culture, and are choosing careers in real estate or becoming entrepreneurs to have more flexibility or even work part time.
What It Takes to Be a Successful Realtor
Realtors benefit from having certain soft skills including communication, active listening, negotiation, high attention to detail, and patience. Every client is different, therefore the skills you need to work with each client need to be different.
What skills do successful Realtor’s have?
- Communication skills
- Understanding of real estate
- Knowledge of your local market
- Time management skills
- Negotiation skills
- Marketing skills
Why Do Women Make Great Realtors?
By nature, women tend to possess the skills that are required to be a successful agent. They are often good communicators, active listeners, and masters at managing their time. Women tend to have a passion for architecture and design, along with creating a space that feels warm and inviting. They also have the ability to empathize and listen intently, which are highly valuable skills when it comes to buying and selling homes. These skills allow for a relationship of trust which helps buyers to feel they are in good hands and that their needs are taken care of.
Why Do Women Choose Real Estate Careers?
We asked some of the women of Coldwell Banker Canada what motivated them to choose a career in real estate. The majority of responses were focused on the freedom and flexibility of business, income potential, and the ability to help people buy the home of their dreams.
A career in real estate allows women the freedom to work around their commitments and obligations, while building a career they are passionate about. With virtual showings, virtual tour features and everchanging technologies, being a Realtor brings a much more flexible work schedule than it has in the past.
Advice from other women in the industry?
- Build your own personal brand as a Realtor.
- Decide on the type of Realtor that you want to be and build it into your identity.
- Find mentors and allies.
- Utilize technology and adapt.
- Be authentic and be yourself.
Areas for Improvement
Even though women in real estate have come a long way, there are still areas that need improvement. While approximately 60% of Realtors are women in Canada, there is still a lack of women in leadership roles. Commercial real estate has a much lower ratio of women in the industry. Gender pay gaps still exist for women in real estate so don’t be afraid to negotiate commission percentages or salaries.
What can you do?
- Determine how your brokerage promotes inclusivity
- Are there equal opportunities for training and mentoring?
- Are reward and recognition given fairly and equally?
- Talk to other females at the brokerage
- Read reviews!
To all woman in real estate, we celebrate you and support you! Let’s all do our best to close the gender gap and promote diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
Information referenced from:
https://www.realtrends.com/articles/opinion-she-sells-more-real-estate-than-he-sells/
https://www.repmag.ca/news/what-is-the-average-age-of-a-realtor-334931.aspx
https://ottawamommyclub.ca/women-in-real-estate-dominating-canada/
https://www.theceshop.com/agent-essentials/real-estate-agent-encyclopedia/women-in-real-estate
https://storeys.com/real-estate-careers-women-work-life-balance/
https://www.theceshop.com/agent-essentials/real-estate-agent-encyclopedia/real-estate-skills
How Canada’s Foreign Buyer Ban is Impacting the Commercial Real Estate Sector
January 1 marked the beginning of the Prohibition of the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, a temporary ban to prevent investors from purchasing Canadian homes for two years. According to the Fall Economic Statement released by the Canadian Government in November 2022, the ban “is about curbing speculation and ensuring that houses are used as homes for Canadians to live in– and not used as financial assets for foreign investors.”
What started as an attempt to make housing more affordable for Canadians is now creating uncertainty surrounding the commercial real estate market. The Act now prohibits a broad range of commercial transactions and is forcing commercial projects to be put in hold.
How Canada’s Foreign Buyer Ban Might Prohibit your Commercial Transaction
The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Regulations states who is a “non-Canadian”, what constitutes a “residential property”, and what is a “purchase”, and it appears that the Act does in fact bar a range of commercial transactions.
First, a “residential property” is not limited to homes. According to the Regulations, it includes any land, vacant or developed, that does not contain any habitual dwelling, that is zoned for residential or mixed use, and is located within a census agglomeration or a census metropolitan area. This could include commercial assets, such as office buildings, shopping centres, industrial buildings, and farmland that meet the above criteria.
Second, the Regulations consider the “purchase” of residential real estate to include the direct or indirect acquisition of any legal or equitable interest (with some exceptions), meaning that the acquisition of a lease or mortgage in a residential property by non-Canadians could be barred. Since this applies to direct and indirect purchases, the ban may catch share purchases and asset purchases as well.
Lastly, the Regulations suggest that even a minor element of foreign ownership/control (3% or more) can result in a corporation/entity to be considered “non-Canadian”, even if it would ordinarily be thought of as being Canadian.
How Canada’s Foreign Buyer Ban is Forcing Commercial Projects to be Put on Hold
The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act has inadvertently put a halt on many commercial projects. According to Kevin Lee, head of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, hundreds of commercial real estate transactions have scuttled so far, with deals falling through daily.
The issue stems from the broad scope of the Regulations discussed in the above sections. Because of all three of those definitions, many commercial real estate deals have been cancelled or are on hold even though they have nothing to do with residential housing.
What Now?
Until more clarification is provided by the government, real estate professionals in the commercial sector should remain extra cautious with their transactions.
Breaching the Act is considered a criminal offence and those who violate it can be fined up to $10,000, so agents should exercise a heightened degree of caution and consider additional due diligence while we await further clarification from the government.
Information referenced from:
https://www.dentons.com/en/insights/articles/2023/february/7/does-canadas-new-foreign-buyer-ban
Welcoming Coldwell Banker Elite Realty to the CB Family!
COLDWELL BANKER CANADA CONTINUES TO GROW, ANNOUNCING THE OPENING OF THEIR THIRD NEW FRANCHISE THIS YEAR, COLDWELL BANKER ELITE REALTY!
Jay Gajjar opens new brokerage, Coldwell Banker Elite Realty, in Manitoba, to better serve the city of Winnipeg and surrounding areas.
(Winnipeg, MB – March 1, 2023) Coldwell Banker Canada is excited to announce the opening of their third new franchise this year, Coldwell Banker Elite Realty. Owner and Broker of Record for Coldwell Banker Elite Realty, Jay Gajjar, who has been in the industry since 2015, is thrilled to be taking this next step in his career. Gajjar specializes in new home sales and will be continuing to sell in Winnipeg and surrounding areas while he recruits new agents and sets up his new office, which is located at 5-172 St Anne’s Road.
Jay Gajjar has been in real estate from the young age of 19, has been a top-producing agent since 2018, and is now one of the youngest Brokers in Winnipeg. During his time as a real estate professional, his focus has been in the residential market, specifically as a new home sales representative for one of the largest builders in Winnipeg. As a strong critical thinker and influential leader, Gajjar knew it was time to open his own brokerage with Coldwell Banker Canada.
“I truly see and believe the vision Coldwell Banker Canada has for the future of their company. Their modern thinking will be revolutionary, and I want to be a part of it. The services they offer are unmatched, the environment they’ve created is warm and welcoming, their corporate team is extremely helpful, and the technology they offer to their network is truly exceptional.” – Jay Gajjar
Jay Gajjar’s initial goal for Elite Realty is to build a team of top-producing agents who he will work hard to train and support. He envisions his brokerage to be diverse and open to anyone willing to go that extra mile and intends to create a positive environment for all his agents. Gajjar believes anyone can be a top-producing agent with the right tools and guidance.
Kim Carmichael, Vice President of Franchise Development, is delighted for the opening of Coldwell Banker Elite Realty. “We’re most excited to bring on an expert in the Winnipeg market. Jay brings an ethical, motivating, and innovative knowledge of real estate to the CB Group. His ultimate level of service and mentorship programs will be a huge impact on his team’s success.” – Kim Carmichael
The sky is the limit for Jay Gajjar, who is extremely eager and motivated to grow his business.
About Coldwell Banker Canada: Founded in 1906, the Coldwell Banker brand is the most established residential real estate franchise system in North America. Fast forward over 100 years and the Coldwell Banker network is one of the most trusted in the world, with a global presence across over 40 countries and territories worldwide. The Coldwell Banker brand made its way to Canada in 1989 and has since gained a legacy of serving the real estate needs of Canadians from coast to coast for over 30 years. Since being acquired in 2021 by Canadian entrepreneurs Steve Houle and Karim Kennedy, the company strives to grow the brand’s presence on a national level. Coldwell Banker Canada is ready to make their mark in the Canadian Real Estate Market and transform the industry along the way.
For further information about Coldwell Banker Canada, please contact:
Summer Scott
Coldwell Banker Canada
Direct line: (780) 619-0664
summer.scott@coldwellbanker.ca
For further information about Coldwell Banker Elite Realty, please contact:
Jay Gajjar
Coldwell Banker Elite Realty, Owner/Broker of Record
(204) 952-5255
204sold@gmail.com
Coldwell Banker Essential Realty Celebrates 20 Years
Coldwell Banker Essential Realty celebrates their 20-year anniversary!
President & Broker of Record, Owen Crampsie
We are so excited to congratulate Coldwell Banker Essential Realty on celebrating their 20-year anniversary this February! This is a huge accomplishment and a very exciting milestone for Owen and his team, along with all of us at Coldwell Banker Canada. Paul Abbott and Hashim Arthur from our corporate team had the pleasure of attending the celebration and congratulating Owen and his team on this great success. This milestone along with a newly renovated office, has Coldwell Banker Essential Realty feeling a re-energized sense of pride in the Coldwell Banker Brand. Essential Realty has received the Premier Office Award multiple times, along with the Premier Office Gold Award. Owen believes that this type of growth and strength is all thanks to the quality work that is achieved by his exceptional team of Realtors.
“Very excited to be celebrating the 20-year Anniversary of our Brokerage, Coldwell Banker Essential Realty. I have been a Realtor for 28 years and my entire tenure as a Broker/Owner has been with Coldwell Banker. There have been many very high highs and some very low lows, but I have never regretted aligning myself and my office with the Coldwell Banker brand. For over 20 years now Coldwell Banker has been proven to be the highest character, highest integrity brand in the Real Estate business, and I plan to be part of it for years to come.”- Owen Crampsie
We wish Owen and his team at Coldwell Banker Essential Realty the utmost success and look forward to celebrating many more milestones!
Finding new purpose for office space
Since 2020, numerous office spaces throughout the country have been left empty or at a lower capacity due to many businesses adapting and committing to the work from home lifestyle. While several aspects of life have returned to their pre-pandemic ways, some companies have completely shifted the way they work. Remote and hybrid work has become the new normal, meaning that office spaces have either decreased their occupancy rates or eliminated them altogether.
“Businesses that are trying to attract a younger workforce have recognized that something their employees want is more flexibility, so they don’t need as much office space.”- Penny Gurdstein, professor at the University of British Columbia’s School of Community and Regional Planning
In order for office buildings to avoid losing money, their occupancy rate needs to be roughly 80% or higher, however, buildings all over the country are starting to drop below this threshold. As a result, office leases are not being renewed, meaning more and more potential for conversion. Transforming office spaces into apartments or condos has been trending for a while now, but the pandemic easily sped up the process. Since flexible work options have become the norm and residential rental prices surge across the country due to increased demand, there is a much greater need for more office conversions.
Not only will transforming offices spaces help solve some of the housing problems across Canada, but these conversions also offer additional environmental benefits because they save on building materials and create less CO2 emissions. Ken Toews from the Alberta-based Strategic Group estimates that after four conversion projects they will have saved 56,000 tonnes of building materials and 17 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions- the equivalent of taking 37,000 vehicles off the road each year.
Some cities have strict zoning or protection rules for office spaces, making it more difficult for developers to get permission for conversions, while some building conversions just don’t make economic sense. Steven Paynter, principal at Gensler Architecture and Design has studied over 500 buildings across North America and predicts that about 25% would qualify for conversion. Paynter and his team have developed a calculator that compares potential office buildings to their benchmark for residential buildings. In order for buildings to be considered for conversion they are scored based on location, floor plan, size, windows, elevators, parking, and any other electrical or mechanical needs. Then, based on these elements, the building must score at least 80 out of 100 to qualify.
Cities like Toronto are taking a little longer to jump on this trend as they are one of the cities with more strict zoning rules, but cities like Edmonton and Calgary have been trying to expedite the conversion process. The City of Calgary now offers a conversion grant of up to $75 per square foot as an incentive for developers. With the help of this incentive, the Strategic Group has completed three conversions with another one in the works between Edmonton and Calgary. These conversions have created over 200 rental units and counting, with the City of Calgary approving five additional conversion projects. If Calgary can achieve the 25% conversion rate that Paynter has predicted, they could potentially add 3,500 apartments at 1,000 square feet.
These conversion projects have the ability to create sustainable and environmentally friendly housing options in many of Canada’s major cities. Steven Paynter stresses the fact that cities will need to rely on government support and community planning in order to see office conversions be successful.
The next question is if these conversions will solve the housing affordability crisis? Time will tell.
Information referenced from:
https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/how-canada-s-empty-offices-could-get-a-second-chance-1.6091301
https://financialpost.com/real-estate/mortgages/working-from-home-housing-office-space
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/empty-offices-housing-1.6736171
7 Tips to Help you Fall in Love with your Home Again
Since today is Valentine’s Day, we thought we would highlight some useful tips to help you fall in love with your home again! If you’re starting to feel like your home needs an update or a refresh or maybe you just need some new ideas- we’ve got you covered.
1. Add a fresh coat of paint!
A simple way to learn to love your home again is adding a fresh coat of paint. You can give your walls a pop of colour, paint a new feature wall or even paint the ceiling if you’d like! Painting is such a simple way to breathe life into a space and make it feel new and exciting- without a giant price tag!
2. Refresh your cabinets!
Give them a fresh coat of paint, replace the hardware or both! You’d be surprised how much of an impact can be made by simply adding new cabinet hardware. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, there are plenty of creative DIY cabinet projects out there that can transform your entire kitchen!
3. Declutter and do a deep clean
Spring is coming and that means it’s the perfect time to clean and declutter! Get rid of items that you don’t use or store away items that you only use sometimes. Even if your home is typically very clean and tidy, there are always going to be spaces or areas that don’t get cleaned as often or as deeply as they might need. Once you’re done decluttering, try deep cleaning your mattresses, blinds, shower curtains, underneath appliances, baseboards and railings!
4. Add more storage!
Now that we’ve talked about decluttering and deep cleaning, it’s important to note that having enough storage is the key to keeping your home neat and organized. It’s amazing how adding some storage can make your home feel new and refreshed! Invest in some storage cabinets, baskets or extra shelving and label wherever possible! Once everything has a place, both you and your home will feel more organized, and it will be much easier to keep it that way.
5. Add an outdoor space!
Creating an outdoor oasis is a great way to make you fall in love with your home again! Bringing the indoors outside will make your home feel more comfortable and enjoyable. If the outdoors can act as an extension of your home, it will add to the square footage and make it much easier to entertain friends and family!
6. Thrift some new furniture!
Thrifting new pieces will help freshen up your home without the price tag! And an added bonus- it’s fun!! Maybe you’ll find the perfect vintage piece that’s been missing from your space, or maybe you’ll have the opportunity to upcycle some older furniture and give it new life! If you’re looking for some vintage or antique stores in your area, be sure to check out the list below!
Toronto Distillery District– Blackbird Vintage Finds
Downtown Vancouver– Community Thrift & Vintage
Halifax– Holy Roller Vintage
Calgary– Reclaim Vintage
Regina– Regina Antique Mall
7. Rearrange your furniture!
Sometimes all you need to do to fall in love with your home again is to rearrange a room! This can help to improve the functionality of a room or just make it feel new and exciting. And it’s absolutely free!
How will you fall in love with your home again?
Information referenced from:
https://www.hgtv.ca/simple-ways-to-fall-in-love-with-your-home-again-in-2021/
https://www.hgtv.ca/canadian-vintage-and-antique-shops/
Exciting News! Welcome Coldwell Banker Realty Specialists
COLDWELL BANKER CANADA THRILLED FOR THE OPENING OF THEIR BRAND NEW FRANCHISE, COLDWELL BANKER REALTY SPECIALISTS!
Tom Snow opens new brokerage, Coldwell Banker Realty Specialists, to better serve the town of Milton, Ontario and surrounding communities.
(Milton, ON – February 8, 2023) Coldwell Banker Canada, a growing real estate franchising system in North America, is thrilled to announce the opening of their brand-new franchise, Coldwell Banker Realty Specialists. Tom Snow, previous owner of Tom Snow Realty and current Broker of Record for Coldwell Banker Realty Specialists, is excited to join forces with the Global Brand to best serve his hometown of Milton, Ontario and surrounding communities with his team of experienced real estate professionals.
Tom Snow was born and raised in Milton, which is where he learned the value of hard work at a young age. He’s been in the real estate industry for well over a decade and opened Tom Snow Realty in 2015. By joining forces with Coldwell Banker Canada, Tom and his team gain access to wide-spread international network connections, a world-class technology suite, exceptional training & education, and on-going support from their growing corporate team.
“We are excited to announce that we will be opening the Coldwell Banker Realty Specialists brokerage. We have been in the industry for years and know that Coldwell Banker Canada is the best brand to represent our company. Our team of highly experienced real estate professionals look forward to providing Ultimate Service to our clients and helping them achieve their real estate goals.” – Tom Snow
Tom Snow plans to grow his sales team by recruiting 15 new agents in 2023. His vision is to provide a seamless and stress-free buying/selling experience for all residents in Milton, Ontario and surrounding communities.
“We have big growth goals here in Canada and finding incredible operators like Tom to work with is a huge win for our brand. We are excited to help Tom and his team grow their business and represent the Coldwell Banker name in Milton. We recognize the importance of partnership and support and know this is going to be a big year for our brand in Canada, so we are thrilled to add Coldwell Banker Realty Specialists to our family” – Summer Scott
About Coldwell Banker Canada: Founded in 1906, the Coldwell Banker brand is the most established residential real estate franchise system in North America. Fast forward over 100 years and the Coldwell Banker network is one of the most trusted in the world, with a global presence across over 40 countries and territories worldwide. The Coldwell Banker brand made its way to Canada in 1989 and has since gained a legacy of serving the real estate needs of Canadians from coast to coast for over 30 years. Since being acquired in 2021 by Canadian entrepreneurs Steve Houle and Karim Kennedy, the company strives to grow the brand’s presence on a national level. Coldwell Banker Canada is ready to make their mark in the Canadian Real Estate Market and transform the industry along the way.
For further information about Coldwell Banker Canada, please contact:
Summer Scott
Coldwell Banker Canada
Direct line: (780) 619-0664
summer.scott@coldwellbanker.ca
For further information about Coldwell Banker Realty Specialists, please contact:
Tom Snow
Coldwell Banker Realty Specialists, Broker of Record
(905) 691-4033
tom@tomsnow.ca
We’re Growing! Welcoming Coldwell Banker Dawnflight Realty
COLDWELL BANKER CANADA ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF ANOTHER FRANCHISE IN ONTARIO, COLDWELL BANKER DAWNFLIGHT REALTY!
Greg Dodds opens new brokerage, Coldwell Banker Dawnflight Realty, in Exeter Ontario, to better serve the communities from London to Kincardine, Grand Bend to Stratford, and everywhere in between!
(Exeter, ON – February 1, 2023) Coldwell Banker Canada is thrilled to announce the opening of yet another new franchise, Coldwell Banker Dawnflight Realty. Having been an agent with Coldwell Banker Canada since he first became a licenced realtor, Greg Dodds, Owner and Broker of Record for Coldwell Banker Dawnflight Realty, couldn’t be more excited to open his very own brokerage with the Global Brand as they continue to expand their presence here in Canada. Greg and his team are already busy selling in Exeter and the many surrounding communities.
Greg Dodds has been a top producing agent for five years, having won the Coldwell Banker International Top 30 Under 30 Award not only once, but twice. He has a significant amount of experience selling all types of property, including residential resale, new build construction, commercial real estate, farms, and leases. Opening a brokerage with Coldwell Banker Canada was an easy decision for Greg, who values the recognition he received throughout his years with the company, the national and global Gen Blue real estate conferences he had the pleasure of attending, the extensive referral network from all Coldwell Banker international affiliates, and the cutting edge back-end software offered through CB Ignite.
“I am extremely excited to finally announce the opening of Coldwell Banker Dawnflight Realty. Opening a brokerage has been a goal of mine for quite some time and I am happy to finally achieve that goal. It was a great moment seeing the Dawnflight name on our sign for the very first time. When I was younger, my dad ran a small business called Dawnflight Enterprises, so the name is a tribute to him, which makes this even more special.” – Greg Dodds
Dawnflight Realty currently has three additional agents: Pat O’Rourke, Ashlynn Read, and Steve Sararas, all of whom have excellent reputations and who each bring something unique to the table. Another integral member of their team is James Lloyd, their Administrator, who is always taking on new roles to help behind the scenes.
Paul Abbott, Vice President of Franchise Development for the Ontario region, is elated to have been a part of Dawnflight Realty’s onboarding. “I couldn’t be happier to see Greg take this leap and open his own brokerage with Coldwell Banker Canada. He is a powerhouse, and I can’t wait to see what he will accomplish in the years to come.” – Paul Abbott
Greg’s goal for Dawnflight Realty is to grow the brokerage by recruiting a mix of both established agents who know how to do business the right way and new agents who are hungry to learn and succeed. Greg strives to create a culture that promotes collaboration over competition, while always putting the clients’ needs first.
About Coldwell Banker Canada: Founded in 1906, the Coldwell Banker brand is the most established residential real estate franchise system in North America. Fast forward over 100 years and the Coldwell Banker network is one of the most trusted in the world, with a global presence across over 40 countries and territories worldwide. The Coldwell Banker brand made its way to Canada in 1989 and has since gained a legacy of serving the real estate needs of Canadians from coast to coast for over 30 years. Since being acquired in 2021 by Canadian entrepreneurs Steve Houle and Karim Kennedy, the company strives to grow the brand’s presence on a national level. Coldwell Banker Canada is ready to make their mark in the Canadian Real Estate Market and transform the industry along the way.
For further information about Coldwell Banker Canada, please contact:
Summer Scott
Coldwell Banker Canada
Direct line: (780) 619-0664
summer.scott@coldwellbanker.ca
For further information about Coldwell Banker Dawnflight Realty, please contact:
Greg Dodds
Coldwell Banker Dawnflight Realty, Owner/Broker of Record
(226) 377-2093
gdodds@gregdoddsrealtor.ca
Why is Social Media so Important in Real Estate?
Why is social media so important in real estate? We’ve broken it down into 3 categories to help explain the importance of having an online presence and why social media complements the real estate industry so well.
1. Marketing
Marketing for real estate professionals is essential in order to be successful. From the use of social media to the listing description, marketing a home in the proper way is very important. The wording you choose for a listing description should be based on the type of buyer that you are trying to attract. For example, luxury listing descriptions should be phrased differently than a starter home or fixer-upper listing. This is also known as a ‘positioning tactic’. For example, you can position a home- either as a rental property, family home, vacation home etc. So, how you position a home reflects how you will market it- both online and offline, and shows which type of buyer you are trying to attract.
Facebook and Instagram even give you the option to create ads for your listings. Ads can be targeted to specific cities or locations, and you can include different interests and demographics too! Facebook Marketplace has also become a popular place for listings. Both buyers and sellers start their home search online, whether they are browsing their dream neighbourhood or trying to determine the value of their current home, the process always begins online. As a result, using social media is a great way to have a connection point between buyers and sellers. Social media helps to build a reputation for many real estate agents and numerous deals are even done via social media as a buyer has seen a property advertised on Facebook or Instagram. Having a presence online also helps to boost exposure. Since the pandemic, being present and active on social media is more important than ever because home buyers and sellers are starting the process online. While marketing your listings is obviously highly important, social media acts as a channel where you can market yourself as well and show potential clients your personality. Marketing is going to be the future of real estate, and how you market not only your listings, but yourself, will be highly important.
2. Communication
Online and through social media is a great way to communicate and engage with your clients and customers. Social media can act as the perfect tool to network and gain new clients, customers, and even referral business. Ask your clients to follow you on social media and share testimonials and reviews if they were happy with your service! This will help you grow your network, but also add to your credibility and expertise.
Social media acts as a space where you can be authentic and showcase your personality. Buyers and sellers want to partner with real people, so be sure to let your personality shine through, even if your accounts are more real estate focused. The beauty of having an online presence is that you have complete control over educating your clients and customers. You can warn them about common real estate mistakes and provide insights on how to avoid them or share market insights and predictions. This makes you a trusted real estate professional and helps to prove why you are an expert in your field.
3. Presentation
The presentation of your listing can sometimes be a make or break. While some buyers have the ability to visualize the potential of a listing, most buyers won’t see past the clutter or imperfections- which is why staging and professional photography are so important when it comes to selling homes.
Staging focuses on highlighting the best features of a home and aims to depersonalize the space so that buyers can envision how the home will function. Most buyers already know what they are looking for in a home, so having it staged and presented well will tell buyers if the home lives up to their expectations. Staging also helps to move buyers from looking at the property online to actually booking a showing, and getting the buyers into the home can sometimes be the hardest part!
When it comes to photography, you want to have just enough photos to showcase the property, but not too many so that the potential buyer is getting annoyed. You want to make it easier for buyers to get a feel for the space, without taking too long to get to the next space.
Some best practices for real estate photos include:
- 5 exterior photos- 3 photos of the front of the property and 2 of the back- highlighting the backyard and any other outside structures
- 1 photo per room in the house and 2 photos for the kitchen, living area and master bedroom
- 25-30 photos is a good goal to set, however, this may vary depending on the size of the house or property
Video footage, drone footage, and virtual tours are becoming standard in the real estate world as it gives buyers a better idea of the size and layout of the home. With the number of Canadians that have been moving out of province or across the country- video is taking over the online space. Having video content of your listing, simply talking about your listing, or even just providing tips and tricks can really help to put a face to your name and make you more memorable and relevant. For both Instagram and Facebook, Reels are becoming the new norm- so you should familiarize yourself with how to create this type of content. They even have templates so it can be as easy or unique as you would like!
We know that the online space is everchanging, but so is the real estate industry! If you are able to adapt and pivot within the real estate world, you’ll be able to tackle the world of social media just the same!
Information referenced from:
https://inside.tru.ca/2022/03/07/the-value-of-communication-and-social-media-in-real-estate/
https://realtyna.com/blog/5-real-estate-marketing-ideas-help-increase-brand-awareness/
https://www.wishup.co/blog/using-social-media-to-promote-your-real-estate-business/
https://goiguide.com/blog/real-estate-photography-photos
https://www.moving.com/tips/why-staging-a-home-is-important/
