Property Collective
15 min read
5 Simple Ways To Keep Your Real Estate Business Humming Over Lockdown
New Zealand has been plunged back into level 4, again. These sudden restrictions have been an unwelcome but necessary development for workers in most industries, including real estate. And with real estate classed as a non-essential service, you might be wondering what you’re even supposed to be doing with your days, and in particular how you can keep gathering the momentum you've fought so hard to gain. Luckily, there are a few work-from-home activities you can do to maximise your lockdown time and keep growing your business - all from your own home. In this article, we explore 5 of the best ideas to help real estate agents make the most of lockdown and keep their business humming.
To make sure you’re following all the rules, it’s important that you know exactly what is and isn’t allowed at this stage. The Real Estate Authority has made it clear that any real estate activity which requires breaking the restrictions around non-essential movement is unable to go ahead.
This means buyers can’t move into their new homes, and sellers can’t move out of their old ones. Property viewings, open homes, rental inspections, and auctions also can’t take place unless they’re done remotely. And while you can talk to clients via phone, video, or email, in-person meetings are off the table.
The restrictions do pose some pretty major challenges for real estate agents. You already know that very few people are willing to buy a home based on a video tour alone. However, if you get creative, you might be surprised at how many ways you can use this lockdown productively. From working on your marketing strategy to connecting with previous leads, these 5 ideas can help you emerge from lockdown feeling like you took full advantage of your time stuck at home.
Your existing buyers and sellers are probably feeling pretty stressed, and looking after them should be a top priority. The Real Estate Authority recommends that all settlements be deferred until 10 days post-lockdown. Most people are willing to make compromises during these difficult times. But even so, the uncertainty around the situation may well be causing your clients some anxiety.
It’s a good idea to schedule video calls with your existing clients, so they get a chance to discuss their concerns with you. Before you speak with them, read up on the Real Estate Authority guidelines so you’re confident on the best way forward for each particular client. The things they have on their mind will vary depending on their individual situation, but try to use this call to alleviate as much stress as you can.
Your clients will definitely appreciate you offering to call and check in with them during lockdown. Even once the restrictions are lifted and their sale is complete, they’ll remember how good they felt to know you were there to support them through it.
You probably already have a marketing strategy - but when was the last time you took the time to really look at it? Most of the time, there’s always so much on the to-do list and your own marketing often doesn’t get prioritised. However, a good way that real estate agents can make the most of lockdown is to do a self-audit and make sure there’s nothing to improve on.
One of the main things you can look at is your website. Ar your brand photos looking a bit dated? Could you rework the text content? Do you have some new testimonials that you haven’t had a chance to put up yet? Take this chance to make a few tweaks.
You could also get started with a new aspect of digital marketing. Consider boosting your social media presence, work up your next years social media strategy, or start planning an email campaign. Maybe you want to look into pay-per-click ads to target a specific area? Lockdown is a hassle, but there’s no denying that it gives you a chance to look at the areas of your business you don’t always have time for.
The real estate industry is rapidly evolving, and there are always exciting new areas of technology to explore. Some great modern property tech tools include:
Just as you’re often too busy to update your marketing, you likely don't usually have time to explore these new technology options. However, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on emerging software that could benefit your business.
One of the best ways real estate agents can make the most of lockdown is to get in touch with leads from the last six months or so. Who knows - they might just be sitting at home, looking around, and thinking, “I wish we’d sold this place after all.” So if they get a call from you, and don’t have much else to do, they’ll likely be happy to have a chat.
Ask them about their plan, and discuss the possibility of a negotiated deal or even a discount. If they’re thinking about buying a rental property, highlight how property remains a good investment during these times of income uncertainty. Keep it a friendly, low-pressure call, and remember to follow up with an email. When you and potential clients both have some extra time on your hands, it’s always a good opportunity to foster these existing relationships.
Finally, remember that you’re not alone. Everyone in New Zealand is in the same boat right now. And while the effects of lockdown vary depending on personal circumstances, all kiwis are dealing with some challenges.
One of the best things you can do at this time is to keep engaging with your local community. While this can be difficult during lockdown, technology makes it easier. Video calling family and friends can help keep you connected. Using social media to check in with others and share messages of support is also a good way to spread some much-needed positivity.
Don’t be afraid to be open about the challenges you’re facing at this time. You might be surprised how many people feel the same way.
Lockdown’s tough for everyone, but there are many things real estate agents can do to make the most of these times. For more tips on working on your business remotely, check out the following posts:
5 Real Estate Technology Trends Of 2021 - And How To Use Them
Your Guide To Digital Marketing For Real Estate Agents
Or grab our FREE 50 page Ultimate Guide To Digital Marketing For Real Estate Agents
What does level 4 lockdown mean for real estate agents?
To make sure you’re following all the rules, it’s important that you know exactly what is and isn’t allowed at this stage. The Real Estate Authority has made it clear that any real estate activity which requires breaking the restrictions around non-essential movement is unable to go ahead.
This means buyers can’t move into their new homes, and sellers can’t move out of their old ones. Property viewings, open homes, rental inspections, and auctions also can’t take place unless they’re done remotely. And while you can talk to clients via phone, video, or email, in-person meetings are off the table.
The restrictions do pose some pretty major challenges for real estate agents. You already know that very few people are willing to buy a home based on a video tour alone. However, if you get creative, you might be surprised at how many ways you can use this lockdown productively. From working on your marketing strategy to connecting with previous leads, these 5 ideas can help you emerge from lockdown feeling like you took full advantage of your time stuck at home.
How real estate agents can flourish during lockdown
1. Support your clients
Your existing buyers and sellers are probably feeling pretty stressed, and looking after them should be a top priority. The Real Estate Authority recommends that all settlements be deferred until 10 days post-lockdown. Most people are willing to make compromises during these difficult times. But even so, the uncertainty around the situation may well be causing your clients some anxiety.
It’s a good idea to schedule video calls with your existing clients, so they get a chance to discuss their concerns with you. Before you speak with them, read up on the Real Estate Authority guidelines so you’re confident on the best way forward for each particular client. The things they have on their mind will vary depending on their individual situation, but try to use this call to alleviate as much stress as you can.
Your clients will definitely appreciate you offering to call and check in with them during lockdown. Even once the restrictions are lifted and their sale is complete, they’ll remember how good they felt to know you were there to support them through it.
2. Use this time to invest in marketing
You probably already have a marketing strategy - but when was the last time you took the time to really look at it? Most of the time, there’s always so much on the to-do list and your own marketing often doesn’t get prioritised. However, a good way that real estate agents can make the most of lockdown is to do a self-audit and make sure there’s nothing to improve on.
One of the main things you can look at is your website. Ar your brand photos looking a bit dated? Could you rework the text content? Do you have some new testimonials that you haven’t had a chance to put up yet? Take this chance to make a few tweaks.
You could also get started with a new aspect of digital marketing. Consider boosting your social media presence, work up your next years social media strategy, or start planning an email campaign. Maybe you want to look into pay-per-click ads to target a specific area? Lockdown is a hassle, but there’s no denying that it gives you a chance to look at the areas of your business you don’t always have time for.
3. Look for new business tools
The real estate industry is rapidly evolving, and there are always exciting new areas of technology to explore. Some great modern property tech tools include:
- Property data technology - Property analytics apps, such as Relab, make it simple to view and interpret data about your listings. You can easily assess a site’s subdivision feasibility, new building and resource consent approvals in the local area, and so much more. Clients who are looking to buy will definitely appreciate you sharing these advanced property insights with them.
- Automation - It’s 2021 - you definitely don’t need to be manually sending out open home reminder texts anymore. Good CRM software can take on all your mundane admin jobs, so you can spend your time on more important things.
- Artificial intelligence - A cut above automation, modern AI technology uses machine learning to match buyers with homes that suit their needs, forecast real estate trends for your local area, and even pre-fill contracts. AI is only just starting to take off, and soon will have even more capabilities. If you adopt it now, it’s a great way to get ahead of your competitors.
Just as you’re often too busy to update your marketing, you likely don't usually have time to explore these new technology options. However, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on emerging software that could benefit your business.
4. Reach out to past leads
One of the best ways real estate agents can make the most of lockdown is to get in touch with leads from the last six months or so. Who knows - they might just be sitting at home, looking around, and thinking, “I wish we’d sold this place after all.” So if they get a call from you, and don’t have much else to do, they’ll likely be happy to have a chat.
Ask them about their plan, and discuss the possibility of a negotiated deal or even a discount. If they’re thinking about buying a rental property, highlight how property remains a good investment during these times of income uncertainty. Keep it a friendly, low-pressure call, and remember to follow up with an email. When you and potential clients both have some extra time on your hands, it’s always a good opportunity to foster these existing relationships.
5. Engage with your community
Finally, remember that you’re not alone. Everyone in New Zealand is in the same boat right now. And while the effects of lockdown vary depending on personal circumstances, all kiwis are dealing with some challenges.
One of the best things you can do at this time is to keep engaging with your local community. While this can be difficult during lockdown, technology makes it easier. Video calling family and friends can help keep you connected. Using social media to check in with others and share messages of support is also a good way to spread some much-needed positivity.
Don’t be afraid to be open about the challenges you’re facing at this time. You might be surprised how many people feel the same way.
Lockdown’s tough for everyone, but there are many things real estate agents can do to make the most of these times. For more tips on working on your business remotely, check out the following posts:
5 Real Estate Technology Trends Of 2021 - And How To Use Them
Your Guide To Digital Marketing For Real Estate Agents
Or grab our FREE 50 page Ultimate Guide To Digital Marketing For Real Estate Agents
