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1,543,613
Everyone does the flyer-thing. As agents, we're bombarded with cold CALLS, FLYERS AND RANDOM E-MAILS. Be different: call us, send a personal note with your card, pop-by the office (call ahead) to say hello and introduce. I have one day per week set aside to network, so I'd be open to this approach-but I'm a net-worker. There's a lot of agents that "self-grandiose" and you'll "never" reach them, so you have to approach their gate-keepers. I have closed some deals where I never met or spoke to the listing agent. We're just Realtors, not rock stars, but some agents apparently believe they are celebrities. So be prepared to not connect with all, but have a plan to continuously reach out and don't let the "no's " discourage your efforts.
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Thomas J. Nelson, REAL...
La Jolla, CA
630,251
443,220
Offer discount cards to agents at member gatherings such as broker caravans, brokerage meetings and so on. One inspector I know did a brief talk at a broker caravan and handed out discount cards.
921,504
It really depends on what you have the most of, time or money?
Most who are starting out have an abundance of time.
The best option for you is connect with agents through their BROKERS.
Not a new idea, so you need to separate your message from the rest of the noise.
Here are your choices:
- Wait for the agents current inspector to 'go goofy' (they all do) and hope they call you.....4, 5, 6 10 months down the road. (note: your flier has been recycled by the city long before the event occurs.
- Deliver a flier every week for r, 5, 6 10 months. Good luck with the broker.
- Present a value proposition. Timely service, lots of images, 24 hour turnaround are required, not value added. Consider 50% off abbreviated, inspections for homeowner. $50 off first buyer inspection. Additional services such as 4 point inspections or WDO all done at the same time.
- Be keenly aware, your prime objective is to get into the agents cell phone contact list. You should have a QR on the back of your business card for easy import....or call the agent, using number on agents card while still in their presence.
I know I will eventually need another inspector. They all 'go goofy' after a time. You will also. So give me a reason to place you in my contact list.
Your second best option is going to those places where you KNOW a real estate agent(s) is present. This is your time to exhibit your skill in presenting your findings WITHOUT traumatizing the buyer or seller.
Again, you may want to approach the BROKER and offer to do a presentation(s) regarding SOLUTIONS to common or uncommon inspection concerns. Agents want to do business with solutions providers NOT problem finders.
If you are infatuated with your ability to create long lists of observations, your time as an inspector will be brief. If however, you PROPERLY prioritize your observations and clearly identify cosmetics from faults, the outlook becomes different. If you are tempted to use RED for anything. think long and hard.
Eventually, inspectors become deluded with the power they have to kill a transaction, assert power when they experience deminishing influence, believing they are doing some righteous service. It is at this time, agents go looking for a new inspector.
Focus your efforts on BROKERS. Have the BROKER send your value proposition to agents using their emial network. Agents DO open e-mail from their BROKER.
1,153,794
In larger offices there are usually monthly meetings that can get you in front of 50+ associates at a time. Talk to the Managing Brokers and sponsor one. Make your presentation no more than 10 minutes, telling and showing them exactly why they should choose you for your services. This works best with the one-time use of a discount and should get your foot in the door. Don't forget to gather their business cards for future follow up. Skip the flyers and make yourself memorable!
1,661,936
Call Realtors. Get your name, prices and what makes you stand out known.
6,392,929
4,319,419
5,828,538
We have several home inspectors who are affiliates of our Women's Council of Realtors as well as the local board. But they're not just members, they attend the monthly meetings, volunteer for events and sponsor some of the activities.
316,098
Consider joing the local Realtor Assn as an affiliate member. Same with the local WCR Chapter. Sponsor or conduct a local con ed session for your area of expertise and try to get it approved by your State as CE hours that count for re-licensing of Realtors.