MODERN EMAIL

Modern Email Etiquette for Today’s Agents

In today’s tech-forward culture, consumers are constantly inundated with promotional emails, alerts, invites, and social media blasts. As a real estate agent or a loan officer, how do you stand apart from the noise? What’s more, how do you stay relevant in a digital landscape that’s constantly changing?

For starters, there are a few timeless techniques you can apply to up your skillset when it comes email and digital communication: asking questions that inspire conversation, politeness, and following up regularly—to name a few. Likewise, there are surely new tricks you can add to your arsenal to stay ahead of the curve. Let’s outline a few ways you can refine and update your email etiquette to compete in today’s virtual marketplace.

Make your subject line count

Too often, we labor over the content of our emails without giving much thought to subject lines.

Though email is no longer a new-fangled invention, there are certainly ways you can modernize its use and take advantage of its ubiquity.

However, these little headlines can go a long way in luring the consumer to open your email and ultimately click through to your website in search for your services. An enticing subject line should be short and sweet, ideally less than fifty characters. You might also include the name of the recipient, and be up front (though concise) about the subject matter of your message. Remember: the first thing a client will see is your name and subject line—be sure to make this prime real estate shine.

Think mobile

Research tells us that 79% of Americans check their phones within fifteen minutes of waking up. In fact, much of modern day correspondence occurs by smartphone. Accordingly, you’ll want to account for email readability on a mobile phone. For instance, incorporating paragraph breaks for each new thought allows information to be parceled out in a palatable way for readers utilizing small screens. Also, any sort of graphic flair or links within your email should be shortened and streamlined for mobile consumption. Send yourself an email every now and again and access it from your phone—you’ll be able to double-check that all the elements of your emails are working well on a mobile platform.

Incorporate email tools

There are excellent tools out there to enhance your email experience. With just a quick download, you can add spellcheck, a URL address shortening feature, or a delay option that holds emails for thirty seconds before they’re sent. Think about the possibilities! Haven’t you sent an email without including the attachment you intended, or realizing you sent correspondence to the wrong client? If that’s the case, a delay feature can help you save face and build in a window for error— just in case. Regardless of which tools speak to your email habits, there are plenty of add-ons out there that can revamp your digital correspondence style.

Use email to maximize your online presence

These days, there are plenty of ways to communicate—email, text, phone, apps, and social media. When you interact through email, consider it an opportunity to invite your client to follow you elsewhere online. Ensure that your email signature includes unobtrusive, streamlined links to your social media accounts, professional website, or review page. This will build in an opportunity for clients to engage with your brand, and you may even add an online follower for the long term.

Though email is no longer a new-fangled invention, there are certainly ways you can modernize its use and take advantage of its ubiquity. Keep these approaches in mind as you reenergize your email technique and fortify your communication in the digital era.

EMA & MITKO BOYKOVA

Husband and wife team, Mitko and Ema Boykova are the embodiment of the American Dream; setting goals, taking action, and working hard, they are making dreams come true for themselves—and others.

On May 20, 2000, having completed a two-year-long process to obtain green cards, Mitko and Ema arrived in Chicago with $200 in their pockets. Mitko began working in a pizza restaurant as a dishwasher, cook, and driver before transitioning into factory work, often holding two jobs at the same time. In 2006, Ema started working in real estate, hoping to earn some money while also having time to do things in her community. Soon thereafter, Mitko took a calculated risk, leaving a solid job with good insurance to work alongside his wife. As he says, “I had a dream. I had to put myself in an uncomfortable situation to learn and grow.”

Today, Ema and Mitko have their own thriving business, M & E Realty Group, which serves the city of Indianapolis and the surrounding area. On average, the agency closes between $10 and $12 million in sales per year, and nearly 60% of their business consists of repeat customers or referrals.

For each new listing, Mitko and Ema begin with placement on the MLS, Zillow and other portal websites through ListHub, and various social media platforms. They send out postcards in the neighborhood, hold open houses, and utilize reverse prospecting. In addition, they try to match buyers and sellers, reaching out to other agents and looking for connections within their client network. They continually build this network, staying in touch through mailings and phone calls. They also seek out creative marketing strategies, including things like prize giveaways for past and present clients during the holiday season. Early on, they made a promise to be available seven days a week and to always respond promptly. If necessary, Mitko will even help sellers with property maintenance issues that arise. Ema and Mitko are willing to “walk the extra mile,” to help people sell their home or find the home of their dreams because, ultimately, this is what they enjoy most about their job.

Outside of work, the Boykovas support a local high school’s Homecoming; contribute to a ministry in Africa committed to digging wells; and give time and resources to the Boaz Project, which serves orphans from Russia, India, and Kenya.

Mitko and Ema’s dedication to helping others also comes across when they talk about their long-term plans. They recently hired an agent to join them and three additional individuals are working toward obtaining their licenses with the intention of joining M & E Realty Group. As Mitko puts it, “My heart is full. This is beautiful, helping people to grow.” Eventually, he and Ema envision a firm with seven to ten agents working out of two offices. Mitko “knows more opportunities and challenges are coming.” He continues to dream big because he and Ema understand that “sometimes you have to take a risk. Take action. Get up and do something. You can’t just wait for the golden bird to land on your shoulder. When he does, you have to be ready to grab him.”

If you ask Ema and Mitko what sets them apart, they credit their flexibility and their commitment to meeting each clients’s unique needs with exceptional service. For more information on M & E Realty Group, visit www.merealtygroup.me, call 317-531-4022, or email ema.teamboykova@gmail.com

SHARON BYRD

Sharon Byrd is a different kind of REALTOR® because of her diverse background. Her goal in real estate is truly wanting to help people. She says as a REALTOR® she takes her oath very seriously. With her past experiences in customer service roles, she knows just how important it is to communicate with her clients and listen to their specific individual needs. She currently has her own company “DIVERSITY ONE REALTY” and serves clients in and around the triad North Carolina.

Sharon lives by the motto of “Integrity and Ethics” and values her constantly growing network of repeat and referral business that she has achieved in a relatively short amount of time. She is extremely perceptive of her client’s needs and her dedication to them has gained their trust. She is always ready to help and will patiently take them through the step-by-step process of selling or buying. The process of buying and selling a home is an emotional time for many people and Sharon does her best to alleviate any stress her clients might be experiencing. Her clientele is very diverse, and she goes out of her way to educate them on homeownership. “My favorite part of this job is helping people understand the process of purchasing a home in the United States, which is the ultimate American Dream.” She frequently stays in touch with her clients by taking time personally to visit them and their families. Sharon’s dedication and caring personality have made her successful in a short period of time. She utilizes social media such as Facebook and Instagram to help market her listings and give them a larger audience. When she is not busy working, she loves to work out, stay healthy and active. Her favorite personal hobby is plants, which she has plenty of at her home. She likes to dance and listen to different types of music.

In the near future, Sharon would like to have a diverse team to help give her clients the best service. She looks forward to growing her business but wants to do it on her terms. Not one to follow conventional roles, Sharon is taking an innovative approach. “I want my company to be successful, but I don’t want to be like everyone else. I don’t want the world to define me. I want to define what

I stand for.”

To learn more about Sharon Byrd email sharonbyrdrealtor@gmail.com, or call (336) 407–8256