Client-Focused Resources Reap Rewards

As printed in the News-Press March 6, 2010 -

Last year was a fabulous year for me. I had a lot of clients, both sellers and buyers, and there was absolutely no shortage of sales to be had. As a result of my successful year, I was recognized by the Bonita Springs-Estero Association of Realtors (BEAR) as a recipient of one of their most prestigious awards for 2009, The Golden Bear. Real estate agents achieve a Golden Bear by achieving more than $5 million in sales volume, or having more than 50 sales during the year.

Record sales don’t happen all on their own, though. My point is, in order to provide my buyers and sellers with the best possible service, I put a lot of hard work into being an agent. In particular, I offer a number of resources that help me to reach my clients and give them what they need.

One such tool is my Monthly Market Reports, which consolidate sales statistics for each of the neighborhoods I specialize in. For each sale in the neighborhood, the Monthly Market Report gives the pertinent details – property features, list price versus sale price, final price per square footage, and so on. Whether my clients are choosing a listing price for their home or deciding how much to offer on a property they want to buy, these reports provide a valuable resource by illustrating current trends in the neighborhood.

I also credit a lot of my success to my newsletter, The Coconut Point Press. Sent out every other month, my goal with the newsletters is to make them informative and useful. Each edition contains news, advice and tips for both buyers and sellers, home listings, and other items of interest chosen with my readers in mind.

In order to distribute Monthly Market Reports and The Coconut Point Press, I use an email service called Constant Contact. In addition to streamlining the mailing process, Constant Contact  tracks how often my emails are opened and what links are clicked on. This enables me to make sure I am always providing my readers with useful information. The email service also manages my recipient list and allows my readers to easily make changes to their subscriptions, including opting out if they no longer want to receive the reports or newsletters.

Another important tool I use is my exclusive Elite Seller Feedback System, which encourages potential buyers and their agents to provide feedback after a showing. Every time one of my sellers’ homes is shown, the system follows up with the agent afterward by email – sending as many as five emails in order to make a response more likely. Getting a potential buyer’s feedback helps my sellers by telling them whether their listing price is too high, and what the potential buyer thought of the home.

Potential clients will also find my website to be a sophisticated resource. A mapping feature allows buyers to browse by neighborhood and see where available properties are located. I also provide links to the Monthly Market Reports and newsletters, as well as to a blog that I update regularly with relevant information on Southwest Florida and the real estate market in general.

These cutting-edge tools make my services more accessible for both buyers and sellers. Not only can clients find me more easily, but also I can market my clients’ homes more effectively. Without the hard work I put into my business and the technology I utilize to better help my clients, I wouldn’t have the sales numbers I do for 2009. These are the resources that put the Golden Bears award within my reach.

I am a firm believer that the right tools help to sell a home – not just quickly, but also for the best possible price. If you would like to talk about how technology can help you sell your home, or buy a new one, please feel free to contact me. I am always here to help!