NO, I’m not talking about taking the big plunge, walking down the aisle and committing yourself to your soul mate. I’m talking about the other big plunge, as in engaging with today’s internet savvy consumers and getting them to become your next clients! That seems scarier to some than getting married!

In case you haven’t  noticed today’s uber informed consumers are hard to keep up with in subjects they are passionately interested in, such as buying a house when they decide they are ready to buy a house. They’ll take the time and research the heck out of the home buying and selling process as well as fixate on several geographic areas of town they are interested in.

QUESTION: How can you stay on top of what consumers want and still have time for your present clients and any sort of personal life outside your career?

ANSWER: Take advantage of what your local real estate association has to offer!

Take time to read the monthly magazine, either via hard copy, the online version, or both. Read the weekly 5 Minute REALTOR® online publication . PAY ATTENTION to what HAR is doing to help our members not only survive but thrive in this new era of consumer demands. Attend HAR conferences, meetings, events and educational offerings relevant and pertinent to your REALTOR career. Have a business plan. In other words, GET ENGAGED with your profession.

Last month we ran a full page ad about a new, one-day HAR conference set for Thursday, October 13. It’s called

The BIG e and it’s going to be awesome! More than 20 national industry experts have already committed to being there and share their wealth of ideas with you. Most are currently practicing REALTORS® or have been so at one time. They are the best of the best and the line up is impressive if I do say so myself. We’ve thrown in some MCE for those that want their credit hours but the main focus of the day will be on absorbing the knowledge these professionals will throw your way, including ideas you can implement into your business plan immediately.

Back to engagement, and knowing what the consumer wants. First of all, we are all consumers so put yourself in a real estate shopper’s shoes. What would you want, what would you expect from your REALTOR®? An agent with a smartphone who rapidly responds to either a text, email or phone call message for starters. This should be considered standard, non negotiable, equipment for any successful agent in the second decade of the 21st century.

An agent who specializes in the specific area of town where I am interested in buying a home or selling my house would be important as well. Someone who knows the ins and outs of the neighborhood, the nearby schools, churches, banks, grocery stores, dog parks, etc. Consumers crave information and you can supply it to them. They want to know what the asking prices are for houses in the area, what they are selling for and how much property taxes are going to be. Become the area expert and you will have people wanting to talk to you.

Consumers want to work with a real estate professional others have endorsed. They want to know how you rate as a REALTOR®. Do you currently participate in the HAR member ratings program? If you don’t, what’s keeping you from doing so? People research movies, restaurants, hotels, doctors, lawyers, even college professors by reading reviews through sites where their peers have given honest input. They want to engage a professional who will provide the type of service they want. It’s up to you to let them know who you are and why they should work with you.

Until next month, when I am going to talk about the second e of The BIG e conference, experience, I challenge you to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and get engaged with today’s consumer. Get noticed and get a new client!

Lori Carper, CMP
Director of Meetings
HAR

Through superior programming the HAR Meetings Department strives to offer exceptional opportunities to REALTORS® by sharing timely and important information beneficial to their career success.