Colorado 3-4-24

COLORADO EDITION

WHAT SELLERS WANT FROM YOU

Using Client Feedback to

Elevate Your Real Estate Business

As Their Real Estate Agent

1 Billion-Plus Reasons Why You Should be Active on Facebook

INCORPORATING CHARITABLE GIVING in Your Real Estate Practice

COVER STORY

KATE SWENSEN

COLORADO EDITION

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KATE SWENSEN

CONTENTS 4) What Sellers Want From You As Their Real Estate Agent

15) 1 Billion-Plus Reasons Why You Should Be Active On Facebook

6) Incorporating Charitable Giving In Your Real Estate Practice

20) Using Client Feedback to Elevate Your Real Estate Business

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WHAT SELLERS WANT FROM YOU AS THEIR REAL ESTATE AGENT

Although sellers’ individual preferences may differ, they often share a set of expectations and needs when it comes to what they seek in their real estate agents. Here are the top six things sellers often want: 4

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List Price Expertise and Market Knowledge

Sellers want their agents to have a thorough understanding of the local real estate market. This includes providing an accurate and realistic pricing strategy for the property based on current market conditions, comparable sales, and other relevant factors.

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Reliable and Effective Communication

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Strong Negotiation Skills

Sellers appreciate real estate agents who maintain open and transparent communication throughout the entire selling process.

This includes providing regular updates on the status of the property, relaying feedback from potential buyers, and being responsive to the seller’s inquiries.

Sellers expect their real estate agents to be skilled negotiators who can secure the best possible deal on their behalf. This includes negotiating the sale price, handling counteroffers, and navigating any potential challenges that may arise during the negotiation process.

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Marketing Knowledge

A strong online and offline marketing strategy is crucial for selling a property quickly and at a desirable price. Sellers value agents

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who can effectively market their homes through various channels, such as online listings, social media, professional photography, and traditional advertising.

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Strategic Guidance and Support

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Transparency and Ethical Standards

Sellers seek agents who offer strategic guidance throughout the selling process. This includes advising on the best times to list the property, suggesting improvements or staging techniques to enhance the property’s appeal, and providing insights on market trends that could impact the sale.

They value an agent’s ability to navigate the complexities of the real estate market, offering support and expert advice to make informed decisions and ultimately achieve a successful sale.

Trust is a key factor in the real estate relationship. Sellers want an agent who is professional, trustworthy, and acts in their best interests. This includes maintaining confidentiality, adhering to ethical standards, and demonstrating a commitment to providing excellent service.

Remember, individual preferences can vary, so it’s essential for real estate agents to communicate openly with their clients to understand their specific needs and expectations. Building a strong, trusting relationship is crucial for a successful real estate transaction.

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Incorporating Charitable Giving in Your Real Estate Practice

As real estate professionals, taking part in the community and serving others is central to a long-lasting practice. After all, agents are in the business of homeownership, building a financial future, and helping their clients begin new and fruitful chapters. With that in 6

mind, how might an agent deliver that spirit of service in a broader sphere?

The truth is, charitable giving offers nothing but upsides. Contributing to a worthy cause is a noble and meaningful endeavor, but it

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Contributing to a worthy cause is a noble and meaningful endeavor, but it also presents positive byproducts for the giver: tax write-offs, name recognition in the community, and the ability to expand your network.

also presents positive byproducts for the giver: tax write-offs, name recognition in the community, and the ability to expand your network. If charitable giving is an idea you’ve toyed with, or a practice you’ve engaged in only now and again, here are a few ways to make it a foundational element of your business and a win-win for all.

Find causes that speak to you.

Donating funds or resources can feel anonymous if you’re divorced from the organization you’re working with. While national and international charitable organizations are certainly effective and worthwhile, you might consider partnering with local chapters of those organizations, or identifying hyper-local organizations that address need in your state, county, town, or even your own neighborhood. The first step to establishing a charitable relationship is to find a cause that you genuinely care about. For many, animal rescue is a tangible cause where resources and volunteership are always welcome. For others, children’s health and advocacy is a calling. Regardless Top Agent Magazine

of your personal passion, participation can be big or small. From sponsoring a local youth sports league to partnering with an area animal shelter for their annual spay-athon event—there are all sorts of ways to make a difference.

Unite your team for the common good.

One way to make charitable giving a staple is to do it in arm and arm with others. Supporting a local cause is a great way to bring your team together in a unifying capacity. Hosting coat drives in winter, blanket drives for local animal shelters, or backpack drives for needy students at the start of the new school year— all are straightforward and highly useful, direct ways to give to your community as a team. It’s also important to set collective goals as a way of keeping people motivated and accountable over time. Offices are productive, but often hectic spaces.

Injecting a collective goal with a positive, tangible result can create an ambiance of goodwill and generosity—both of which are worthwhile attributes to cultivate as

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the leader of your team. Lastly, consider timely giving as a way of connecting your team to their community. Natural disasters, local fundraising drives, and improvement funds are all direct ways your team can contribute, while they themselves reap the benefit in the community.

Include clients in the process.

You’ve likely heard of charitable donations made in the name of your client as an alternative to the classic closing gift, but there are a few ways you might update this method of giving. For starters, consider including your clients in the selection process. Do they have a special cause that’s close to their hearts? Likewise, you might

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consider making regular, consistent giving a part of your routine post-closing. Instead of following up with your yearly poinsettia plant or pumpkin, you might find a cause in their neighborhood or township that you can support in their name. It’s wise to choose something apolitical, but a cause that’s hyperlocal to their area demonstrates unique thoughtfulness.

There are plenty of ways in which society as a whole can benefit from charitable causes that build goodwill in the world, support those less fortunate, and bolster a positive future. Incorporating charitable giving in your business model is a generous way to make this mentality a central tenet of your team and a defining characteristic for your clients to remember.

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KATE SWENSEN Top Agent Magazine

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“I love helping people find their perfect place, and I get to watch them build themselves up and reinvest in themselves and their communities. Being able to help someone provide their own comfort and stability really feeds my spirit.”

Kate Swensen of Denver, Colorado, combines her collectivist spirit with a penchant for networking and a passion for the great outdoors to lead the CORE Home Team with HomeSmart.

“I love helping people find their perfect place, and I get to watch them build themselves up and reinvest in themselves and their communities.

Being able to help someone provide their own comfort and stability really feeds my spirit.”

Before formally becoming a licensed REALTOR®, Kate explored the industry from numerous professional perspectives around Denver. “I started out in various assistant roles,” she recalls, “working with a broker and then a home inspector. That’s what sparked the love for real estate.” After she obtained her license in 2018, Kate began serving the Denver Metro area and found her niche working as a relocation specialist. “I started a Facebook group called Moving To Denver Colorado. I wanted to create a platform where people could share experiences and ask questions from afar, and it’s turned into a big community resource for those looking to relocate.”

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As her private and professional networks blossomed, Kate found herself pulled to share the spotlight with enterprising, like-minded agents. In 2020, she and her fellow real estate agent, Jesse Morrow launched the CORE Home Team, and in 2023, they were ranked

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the #1 team in their brokerage for nine out of twelve months, clearing $30 million in collective volume. “I like being able to give myself the space to succeed while also building others up,” she exudes. “A lot of my goals for this year are about helping my team members – it’s

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In 2020, Kate and a fellow real estate agent launched the CORE Home Team with HomeSmart, and in 2023, they were ranked the #1 team in their brokerage for nine out of twelve months, clearing $30M in collective volume. not competitive, even with other agents who are outside my brokerage – we’re all in this together. It takes a long time to build a book of business that can run by word of mouth, so most of the new leads I get I try to redistribute.” This team-centered approach has not undermined Kate’s individual performance: last year, out of the 26,000 agents in HomeSmart, Kate was ranked in the Top 50 nationwide.

With her position cemented in the industry, Kate is excited to broaden her entrepreneurial horizons by expanding into northern Colorado, and her newly launched Facebook group (Moving To Northern Colorado) has already cleared three thousand members. “I live right on the border between two MLS’s now, so I’m spoiled – I get to work both markets. A lot of clients who are relocating work remotely and don’t need to commute all the way downtown, and I get to introduce them to other possibilities.”

Despite her robust digital footprint, Kate insists that the tried-and-true approach to business is what sets her apart. “I’m just a people person – I like to be out there and be active!

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I love being able to connect with others and understand them, hear their stories or ideas, and try to help them get what they want.”

When she’s not growing her business, Kate spends time camping, going to concerts, hiking, and letterboxing. She is also a mainstay

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at local school events and fundraisers where her daughters are enrolled. “If I can get out of the house to spend time with my two girls, then I’m a happy camper! There is so much to explore out here, and I never get tired of sharing what I love.”

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For more about Kate Swensen, call 303-437-1784 or email realestatekate5280@gmail.com

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1 Billion-Plus Reasons Why You Should Be Active on Facebook

By Bubba Mills

The number is staggering and potentially career ending for REALTORS® who ignore it: 1,440,000,000. That’s the total number of monthly active users on the social medium Facebook.

That number alone is reason enough to use it regularly in your real estate business. But Facebook can also help turn you into the expert in your community. Just by sharing knowledge and relevant events about the community you can become the go-to source for all things local – a perfect way to capture the attention of prospective buyers.

Plus, Facebook advertising also gives you tons of targeting layers like age, location, recent life events and interests. Plus, it constantly adds new targeting filters and functions that help you reach even more niche prospects who closely meet your customer criteria. Talk about pinpointing a target audience.

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Another Facebook real estate ad tool is Website Custom Audiences that lets you create Facebook ads that target users who have visited your website.

And several apps specifically for Facebook have emerged. Consider these: • Heyo.com: Helps you host contests, showcase promotions and high-

light special offers.

• Woobox.com: Let’s you easily create quizzes and other fun tools for engaging content.

• Pagemodo.com: Helps you make your Facebook business page both sleek and stylish and tabs allow for easy lead capture.

But the latest offering is just as cool. It’s called Facebook Live and it lets you stream live video on the internet. I recently wrote about Periscope, another live video streaming app, but when you use Facebook Live you’re automatically featured at the top of Facebook users’ news feed. What’s more, statistics show that live video is viewed more than recorded video.

How can REALTORS® use Facebook Live?

Open Houses: Broadcast a walk-through of a new listing

and highlight all the great features.

Webinars: Host live webinars targeted to buyers and sellers. They can sub-

mit questions just like a real-life seminar.

Real Estate Talk Show: Offer the latest news in the industry plus share lo-

cal events and your newest listings. In short, become the Lester Holt or Diane Sawyer of real estate in your town with your own “TV” show!

Facebook offers these tips for using Facebook Live: Promote: Tease upcoming Facebook Live broadcasts for more viewers.

Plan better: Take time to plan what you want to do in the video, whether

it’s a few key talking points or to have a few questions ready ahead of time in a Q&A, in case incoming comments slow down.

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Invest in some equipment: A shaky live stream turns off viewers so con-

sider a tripod or other stabilizing tools, especially if you’re taking viewers on a tour of an open house. And check the shot before going live.

Get the lighting right: If you’re indoors be sure you have plenty of good

lighting and avoid a lot of light directly behind you because it’ll wash you out.

Sound good: A common mistake for beginners is overlooking sound.

Consider an external microphone to make sure your viewers can actually hear you.

And if the live option makes you a little nervous, you can also stream pre-recorded videos. Hey, that has worked like a charm for TV for decades. Some businesses promote their web series to “air” on Facebook Live at a certain time like TV shows. After they are streamed, Facebook Live videos function as normal Facebook videos. Some business owners believe videos may perform better if they begin as live ones.

NowThis, a news company that publishes entirely on social platforms, experimented by streaming a 38-minute compilation of its favorite viral videos via Facebook Live. The stream received over 20,000 views and over 500 comments, according to Facebook’s counters.

Yes, all the new-fangled internet tools, apps and options for REALTORS® can be a bit overwhelming. Just take it one step at a time and you’ll slowly be right there in the business-winning mix. E-mail me today at Article@CorcoranCoaching.com and I’ll send you more free information about how technology can help your real estate business.

Copyright©, Bubba Mills. All rights reserved.

Bubba Mills is the CEO of Corcoran Consulting and Coaching Inc. (www.corcorancoaching.com/programs, 800-957-8353), an international Real Estate, Mortgage, and Small Business coaching company committed to helping clients balance success in business, while building value in life. Bubba Mills is a nationally recognized inspirational and education speaker, coach and mentor to the top real estate agents and mortgage companies. To find out more about Corcoran Consulting & Coaching, call 1-800-957-8353 or visit us at www.CorcoranCoaching.com.

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USING CLIENT FEEDBACK

TO ELEVATE YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS For real estate professionals, publishing your client testimonials is a key strategy for establishing trust, enhancing your reputation, and drawing in new clients.

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client feedback, you can demonstrate your expertise and the exceptional value you offer in real estate transactions. Here are key strategies for maximizing the impact of real estate testimonials in your business:

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Diversify Your Testimonials Collect feedback from a broad spectrum of clients, such as first-time buyers, sellers, investors, and those facing unique challenges.

This approach offers a comprehensive view of your capabilities.

Promptly Request Testimonials Aim to obtain testimonials soon after closing a deal. Prompt timing ensures clients’ memories are fresh, enabling them to share detailed and impactful experiences.

Utilize Testimonials in Marketing Efforts Embed powerful testimonial excerpts in your marketing materials, including brochures and flyers, to catch the eye of prospective clients and underscore your track record.

Broadcast Testimonials on Social Media Publicize your client feedback on social platforms, using engaging visuals or property photos to accompany the testimonials.

Enhance Your Website with Testimonials

Innovate with Testimonial Videos

Develop a section on your website dedicated to client testimonials. Display them attractively, including clients’ names, photos, and specific transaction details if possible.

Elevate your client feedback with video testimonials. Short, engaging videos can make a lasting impression on potential clients by showcasing genuine satisfaction.

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Incorporate Testimonials into Email Marketing

Create Detailed Case Studies

Utilize testimonials in your email campaigns to underscore your expertise and encourage engagement from potential clients.

With client consent, develop case studies that explore specific challenges and your successful interventions, offering deep insights into your problem-solving prowess.

Present Testimonials to Prospective Clients

Highlight Testimonials in Your Online Presence

Integrate client success stories into your presentations to illustrate your track record and reassure potential clients of your ability to deliver favorable results.

Feature client testimonials in your profiles on key real estate and social media sites to bolster your online reputation and attract new clients.

Feature Testimonials in Your Blog

Promote Third-Party Platform Reviews

Share client success stories in blog posts, integrating testimonials to lend credibility and a personal touch to your narratives.

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Encourage clients to review your services on esteemed real estate platforms, enhancing your visibility and credibility.

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Engage Through Testimonial Events

Keep Your Testimonials Current

Host webinars or events where clients can share their experiences, providing a dynamic forum for potential clients to learn and interact.

Advertise with Testimonials Use testimonials in your advertising campaigns to spotlight positive client experiences and foster trust with your target audience.

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Regularly refresh your testimonials to maintain relevance and demonstrate your continuous commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.

By strategically publishing real estate testimonials across various platforms and marketing channels, you can build a compelling narrative that resonates with potential clients. Authentic endorsements from satisfied clients serve as a powerful tool for establishing trust and differentiating yourself in a competitive real estate market.

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