About Beating The Real Estate Down Turn And Winning

Author: Theresa Baird, Remax Broker
Business: Remax Enterprises
Topics: Anti-Recession / Success Story

A number of Realtors ask me how I was doing during this tough times. It took me a few minutes to think about how to answer that question. November through January in the Port Credit, Oakville and Greater Mississauga regions were quiet as everyone held onto their money and listened to the bad news about the credit crunch and stock market turbulence. However, by quickly taking a number of critical steps, business has rebounded and after working 28 days straight I'm pleased to say the points below have me well on my way to another great year.

A major thing I explained to my colleagues, is that networking in the past year has truly made a big difference. I can contribute almost 50% of my leads from networking groups I participate in. The balance comes from advertising, repeats clients, referrals and sign calls. 
 
My re-branding has helped tremendously as I have people tell me all the time they see me everywhere.  That consistent look is working. Sol Solutions revamped my website and offline advertising and now I have a different image and message than other Realtors that gets the phone to ring. Here's what else I've done to turn things around: 

• I trimmed away expenses I could do without.
• I shifted focus to work within the price ranges my customers wanted to look at.
• Changed perspective and looked for buyers and investors as my primary audience.
• Advertising that wasn't bringing in results were canceled.
• Ads that were getting the phone to ring or open house visits were beefed up.
• Every person that came through an open house I asked how they found out about it. The answers included, 'the magazine ad, the signs on the street, my website or realtor.ca'. Thoose answers  truly pleased me. 
• Realtor.ca and my website www.tbaird.com have been great for attracting new customers.
• I continue to work with my second website that generates leads, www.portcreditliving.com, which offers free classified listings, a free community events calendar and much more.

New things I'm exploring to go to my next level in 2009 include:

• Starting to work with social media. I want to be where my customers are.
• Starting to utilize twitter and blogging to share valuable property tips and open house dates.
• Increased efforts at newsletter marketing (online and offline).
• Noting my twitter and blog address in test ads to generate more traffic and interaction.
• Continuing leadership roles in the community. I believe in giving more than I take.
• Exploring strategic alliances with more business and collaborating on cross-marketing.

I love what I do so I'm glad people are still wanting to buy, trade-up, downsize and invest. My plan is to be ahead of last year which put me in the top 1% of Realtors in Port Credit. Although there was a slow start to the year things are picking up and looking promising with the start of spring in a big way.

Contact - 905.278.3500