Tag: real estate agent

5 Must-Haves for High-End Buyers

Anne Hartnett Leave a comment

With more home gadgets being unveiled each year, there’s are now an overwhelming number of features that a home can be equipped with. This is especially true with luxury properties, as high-end buyers have more specific wants than a typical homebuyer. Here are the top five things that are on luxury buyers’ must-have list.

#1. Latest Tech

With technology becoming more accessible and advanced, it has also made its way from our pockets and into our homes. Systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Home serve as a voice command assistant. Another big trend has been digital, and even mobile, smart-home security systems such as the Ring Video Doorbell. These smart security systems can even be activated remotely from ones’ smartphone, creating not only simplicity but also a sense of security for homeowners.

#2. Privacy 

Along with added in-home security, high-end buyers are not afraid to pay more for their own privacy. This gives you an idea of how to set up home searches for such clients. Privacy features that these buyers are looking for include gated communities, ample security features, tall gates, barriers and privacy hedgerows around the property.

#3. Modern Kitchens

One of the main hubs in any home is the kitchen, so these areas must be up to par with buyers’ wants. High-end buyers want their kitchens outfitted with large white cabinets along with white quartz countertops. Stainless steel appliances remain king, along with a sizable kitchen island. Another trend in kitchens is dark hardwood floors and brighter LED lighting.

#4. Designer Names

There’s been a trend in residential towers, and that is the association of residential buildings with a major luxury brand. One example is the Aston Martin Residences tower in Miami, Florida. Amenities here include two cinemas, an art gallery, a virtual golf room and an exclusive yacht marina. These buyers aren’t afraid to spend more for luxury residences or their amenities, which also gives you more options for new construction.

#5. Fitness and Health

Luxury amenities don’t have to be all about the glitz and glamour. Many buyers have fitness goals or overall health concerns, which is why luxury home builders have taken note and incorporated amenities to check that box. This includes spaces such as yoga studios, spa lounges and even boxing rooms.

Almost every homebuyer has a checklist in mind when looking for a new home, and luxury buyers are no different. However, their checklist may vary a bit from the rest. These are five major points of interest for them, and they’re not afraid to shell out more money to get them. With that in mind, it’s key that you customize your home search process to align with the desires of higher-end buyers.

Learn more about how to better serve luxury home buyers with a seven-day free trial of AgentEDU and check out the “Representing Buyers” course.

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AgentEDU® is a platform where agents at every level can come to watch 10-minute video courses for the many situations that successful agents must master. From essential to advanced level and everything in between, AgentEDU® courses help agents become top producers with increased earnings and a plan for continued growth. For a 7-day free trial sign up here.

AgentEDU® is an Agent Publishing brand. For nearly two decades, Agent Publishing has been committed to providing residential real estate professionals with the information and training required to build successful and meaningful careers in their local markets. Agent Publishing’s influence extends to every career stage and reaches agents across print, digital, events and online learning.

How to Correctly Use Facebook as a Marketing Tool

Anne Hartnett Leave a comment

A marketing plan is key in both generating more leads as well as increasing exposure for your business. Given that the technology landscape is ever-changing, it also comes with its fair share of scrutiny and controversy at times. Here are a few best practices in utilizing Facebook as a marketing tool.

To mention Facebook is to also mention some of its downfalls. More recently in March, Facebook was charged with violating the Fair Housing Act by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In the suit, Facebook is accused of restricting who can view a housing-related ad, since Facebook allows users to customize ad campaigns to target certain people and locations.

Teachable Moment

The dispute with HUD and Facebook has created an opportunity for agents to adjust their marketing plans and educate their clients on the rules and regulations that come with marketing a listing. This means that when clients are asking for more social media engagement and bold ideas to get their property to sell, mentioning fair housing is key to being on the same page and clearing any confusion. This also calls for agents to check their marketing plans; if you use a third-party vendor it’s best to follow up on their alignment with the Fair Housing Act.

Make It Personal

It’s more than likely you’re active on some social media platform. Whether that’s Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube, you have the opportunity to reach out and create a brand image. With that in mind, creating content for your business profile doesn’t need to be pure real estate all the time. Adding in a personal touch — such as posting about what you do on your free time, with family, or on nights out with co-workers or fellow agents — creates more connectivity with your clients. It allows prospects to see you as a person, rather than just a business owner.

Engage

Another key component of any marketing plan is to be engaging with your clients through social media channels. Along with making it personal, this is another great way to connect with your followers and clients. Allocate some time, or even hire an intern to assist you, to write back to people who comment on your posts and take time to comment and like their posts as well.

Being a Dependable Source

With social media at everyone’s disposal, the issue of misleading information and confusion is also a problem. As an agent, building trust is an area you should always be working on, and this also means making Facebook a part of those efforts. Creating content that counters false information is a great way to become a dependable source. This can go hand-in-hand with educating your sellers in regards to the Fair Housing Act, but also it can be incorporated in marketing, such as showcasing your recent sales figures or the current state of the market.

In all, Facebook is a fundamental platform and needs to be a part of any marketing strategy you have. Incorporating Facebook in your business activities allows for more growth and exposure. However, as explained here, there are rules and regulations to follow and be aware of.

For more tips on how to create effective marketing, start your seven-day free trial of AgentEDU and gain access to the fundamental advertising track.

_________________________

AgentEDU® is a platform where agents at every level can come to watch 10-minute video courses for the many situations that successful agents must master. From essential to advanced level and everything in between, AgentEDU® courses help agents become top producers with increased earnings and a plan for continued growth. For a 7-day free trial sign up here.

AgentEDU® is an Agent Publishing brand. For nearly two decades, Agent Publishing has been committed to providing residential real estate professionals with the information and training required to build successful and meaningful careers in their local markets. Agent Publishing’s influence extends to every career stage and reaches agents across print, digital, events and online learning.