As a real estate agent, your reputation very much does precede you.  From recommendations to customer testimonials to performing the best possible service to your customers, there are a lot of factors that go into being an excellent real estate agent.  Even if you’re an experienced agent, you can always do a little bit more to improve your reputation as a realtor and further grow your client base.

Alternatively, if you’re just starting out in the business, there are some strategic steps you can take to establish your reputation.  We’ve put together some tips for improving your reputation as a realtor.

1. Customer Testimonials

Customer testimonials are likely your biggest asset when it comes to reputation building and management.  Granted, customer testimonials only highlight the good experiences and can sometimes be perceived as deceptive to clients shopping around, but they’re the lifeblood of your business.  If you haven’t already, leverage your existing customer base and ask them for a testimonial or recommendation.

You can choose to either compensate your customers who offer their testimonial with a modest gift or simply thank them with a well-thought-out handwritten note.  Whatever the case, make sure you highlight those testimonials across your social media platforms, website, and personal blog.  If you’re a content creator, then consider even doing video testimonials!

2. Gifts

Speaking of compensation through gifts, one way to boost your reputation as a realtor is to give thoughtful gifts to your clients as a way of saying “thank you” at various points throughout the year.  It’s probably a good practice to give gifts while you’re still top of mind following a real estate transaction, but gifts during the holidays are great as well.

Gifts can get expensive across a client base, but they don’t necessarily have to be.  The more thoughtful and personal your gift-giving, the more you can likely save in the long run; however, if your customers really are of value to you, then there’s probably no hard rule on your budget for gifts.  Always make sure to give with the best intentions for all of your clients, not just a select few.

3. Professionalism

It probably goes without saying, but your overall professionalism speaks volumes to both your ability as an agent but also for your overall conduct in business with your clients.  Therefore, make it a point to be professional in every way as you interact and conduct yourself accordingly with your clients.

Acting professionally and presenting yourself professionally go hand-in-hand.  Take the time to make sure you’re well-groomed, well-dressed, and in the most presentable condition to best assist your clients.  Remember, in all cases, you are their representative throughout their real estate transaction and very much are the epitome of who they are.

4. Go the Extra Mile

Improving your reputation as a realtor sometimes requires you to go above and beyond the call of duty.  Minor things from helping your clients find contractors to make needed repairs to more major tasks such as helping them finance their home are all part of the job when it comes to being an excellent real estate agent.

Maintain a list of contractors and resources you can use to help direct your clients to the right people.  Remember, your recommendation speaks a great deal to who you are as a person, so use only the best available.  When it comes to closing sales and helping with the financial side of the real estate business, get in touch with Tidewater Mortgage Services, Inc.  With over 20 years of experience, Tidewater has helped many agents improve their reputation!