Author: Suzy Lins

Your Holiday Party Survival Guide (for Real Estate Agents)

By Suzy Lins
October 21, 2025

With holiday parties just around the corner, you know it’s coming…the question every real estate agent gets asked: “So… how’s the market?”

Let’s make sure you’re ready with a confident, informed answer that positions you as the local expert – plus a few holiday party tips.

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Do Your Homework

Before you head to your next gathering, carve out some time to check your MLS for the latest market stats. Most MLS platforms let you pull reports by city or zip code showing New Listings, Pending Sales, Closed Sales, Days on Market, and Average and Median Sale Prices.

These reports help you spot trends and compare data year-over-year or year-to-date. If you’re going to a party in a specific neighborhood, reviewing the numbers for that area shows that you really know your stuff. (And honestly, this is great to keep up with all year long!)

Talk to Your Lender

Another question you’ll probably hear: “What are interest rates right now?”

When you check in with your lender, they’ll probably tell you, “It depends.” Rates vary based on credit score, loan amount, loan type, and debt-to-income ratio. Instead of quoting a rate, ask your lender for a good way to respond.

A great go-to answer:

“That really depends on a few personal factors — but I can have my lender reach out to you with the most accurate info.”

This keeps the conversation professional and opens the door for a potential lead.

Bring Business Cards (and a Digital Backup)

Before you head out, grab a few business cards, but remember a key piece of etiquette: wait to be asked before handing them out. It’s more natural that way and makes a better impression.

It’s also smart to have a digital business card ready on your phone. Apps and sites like Blinq, HiHello, or Online QR Generator let you create one quickly (and most have free versions). That way, you’re never without a way to share your contact info

Basic Party Etiquette

Good manners go a long way, both personally and professionally. Here are a few quick reminders:

  • RSVP promptly so the host can plan accordingly.
  • Arrive on time — generally within 15 minutes of the start time. Avoid showing up early!
  • Thank your host before you leave, and consider following up the next day with a quick text or, even better, a handwritten note.

These small gestures leave a lasting positive impression, which matters in a business built on relationships.

A little preparation and consideration can turn casual holiday conversations into meaningful connections. When someone at the party is later asked, “Do you know a good real estate agent?”, your name will be the first one that comes to mind.

Suzy Lins

About the author: Suzy Lins is the Communications Director for CENTURY 21 Discovery and a Business Etiquette Consultant. For more information about CENTURY 21 Discovery you may call (714) 626-2000.

Five Easy Ways to Stay Connected with Clients This Fall

By Suzy Lins
September 21, 2025

The month of September marks a natural reset for our schedules. Our routines get reestablished with summer vacations over and kids back in school as we look ahead to the holidays. Fall is a perfect time of year to reconnect with past clients and stay top-of-mind. Here are five easy ways to nurture those relationships.

Photo Courtesy of Canva Pro

Seasonal Check-In

Checking in with your past clients and sphere of influence does not have to be elaborate. A simple call, text, or email with a friendly “Hope your fall is off to a great start!” is a great place to start. Keep it personal. Ask how the family, kids, new home, etc., are doing. If the conversation flows naturally to your business, ask if they would like a market analysis of their home or offer a market update of their neighborhood. Providing value without “selling” will allow your relationship to continue to develop.

Back-to-School Community Connection

Fall is the perfect time to position yourself as the go-to person in town. Highlighting local school events, sports schedules, or fundraising efforts shows you are plugged in to the community. Consider becoming a sponsor for a team or event in the area. Your name on a banner or in a program is a great way to show your commitment to the community and also create an awareness of you and your real estate business.

Seasonal Home Maintenance Tips

There are other ways you can show your value beyond the transaction. Consider creating a quick checklist of seasonal home maintenance tips, such as gutter cleaning, HVAC service, or preparing your home for cool weather. This list can be in the form of a postcard, blog post, or a downloadable PDF that you can email or text to your past clients.

Client Appreciation Gesture

There are many low-cost, high-impact things you can give a client to show your appreciation and stay top-of-mind during the holidays. A pumpkin spice baked treat or a note with a gift card to the local coffee shop is a nice nod to the cooler weather of fall. Another idea to kick off the fall season would be to drop off a small pumpkin adorned with a festive ribbon with your business card attached. Simple gestures like these are often the most memorable.

Social Media Engagement

The holidays are the perfect time of year to ramp up your social media. Encouraging interaction and making light-hearted connections on social media is an easy way to engage with your clients and sphere of influence. Share a personal story or tradition your family does this time of year. A fun idea that shows your community spirit would be to spotlight a local pumpkin patch or coffee shop that sells fall-themed beverages. Another idea is to post fall-themed polls asking your followers to share their favorite things to do during the holidays. 

In the end, we all know that this business is about relationships. Small, intentional gestures this time of year will help that relationship grow. Choose one or two of these touchpoints that feel authentic to you and get going. Consistent connection with your clients and sphere of influence now will lead to referrals later.

Suzy Lins

About the author: Suzy Lins is the Communications Director for CENTURY 21 Discovery and a Business Etiquette Consultant. For more information about CENTURY 21 Discovery you may call (714) 626-2000.

The Real Estate Agent’s Guide to Using Your Phone Like a Pro

By Suzy Lins
July 21, 2025

A real estate agent’s most powerful tool isn’t a flashy website or a stack of business cards; it’s their mobile phone. It’s the lifeline of their business, connecting them to clients, leads, and opportunities at all hours. Yet, surprisingly, many agents aren’t using it to its full potential. In this post, we’ll explore simple and effective ways agents can optimize their phone habits to boost their business and present a more polished, professional image.

Answer Your Phone

As salespeople, it may seem obvious that agents would always answer their phones. Yet in reality, many don’t. Some agents rely solely on texting—and some even include that preference in the remarks section of their MLS listings. But in a relationship-based business like real estate, relying only on non-verbal communication is a missed opportunity. The tone, urgency, and emotion in someone’s voice can provide valuable context you won’t get from a text.

Then there are agents who won’t answer calls from unknown numbers. But how many potential leads are being missed simply because someone didn’t recognize the number? Most smartphones now label spam or telemarketing calls, so let technology work for you. A professional answers their phone, or, at the very least, returns the call promptly.

Your Outgoing Voicemail

When someone reaches your voicemail, what do they hear? Does it reflect the professional image you want to project? Take a moment to call yourself from another phone and listen.

A strong outgoing voicemail should include:

  • A friendly greeting
  • Your full name
  • Your brokerage name
  • A prompt for the caller to leave a message
  • (Optional) A timeframe for when they can expect a callback

Be mindful of your recording environment as well. Background noise can be distracting and sound careless. Avoid recording near busy streets, construction sites, or loud indoor spaces.

Your Voicemail Box

Few things are more frustrating than reaching someone’s voicemail only to hear, “This mailbox is full.” It signals disorganization and a lack of follow-through, two qualities you don’t want associated with your business.

Clean out your voicemail messages regularly. And remember: on many phones, deleted voicemails also need to be cleared from the “Deleted Messages” folder to truly free up space. Take a minute to test your voicemail and ensure everything is working properly.

Where Are You Making Your Calls?

Be aware of your surroundings when making or answering business calls. Background noise, whether it’s a sporting event, a crowded restaurant, or street traffic, can make you sound distracted and unprofessional.

If you need to take a call while you’re out and about, it’s okay to answer and politely ask to call back from a quieter location. This not only shows respect for your caller but also helps maintain the quality and focus of your conversation.

Also consider your client’s privacy. Avoid discussing sensitive details in public spaces or where conversations could be overheard. A little awareness goes a long way toward building trust and maintaining professionalism.

The bottom line is, your phone is more than just a tool for your business, it’s a reflection of your brand. Being intentional about how you answer calls, manage your voicemail, and communicate on the go will set you apart as a polished professional real estate agent. Small habits can make a big impression, and in this business, that impression could be the difference between winning or losing your next client.

Suzy Lins

About the author: Suzy Lins is the Communications Director for CENTURY 21 Discovery and a Business Etiquette Consultant. For more information about CENTURY 21 Discovery you may call (714) 626-2000.

Why Real Estate Agents Need a LinkedIn Account

By Suzy Lins
February 21, 2025

In today’s digital world, having a LinkedIn account is no longer optional for professionals—including real estate agents. While platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are great for showcasing properties, LinkedIn offers unique benefits that can elevate your business, expand your network, and establish your authority in the industry. Plus, people on LinkedIn have a different mindset than just the scrolling they do on other social media platforms. They have a business mindset. Here’s why every real estate agent should have an active LinkedIn presence.

Establish a Professional Online Presence

Your LinkedIn profile serves as your digital business card. A well-optimized profile helps you present yourself as a credible and knowledgeable real estate professional. Potential clients, referral partners, and other industry professionals can easily find and learn about your experience, specialties, and achievements.

Expand Your Network and Build Relationships

Real estate is all about relationships. LinkedIn provides a platform to connect with other agents, mortgage lenders, home inspectors, investors, and potential clients. Expanding your network opens the door to new business opportunities, partnerships, and referrals that can help grow your real estate career.

Showcase Your Experience and Achievements

Unlike other social media platforms, LinkedIn provides a structured way to highlight your professional accomplishments. You can display your successes, certifications, awards, and client testimonials, giving prospective clients confidence in your abilities and expertise.

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Position Yourself as a Thought Leader

Sharing market insights, home-buying tips, and real estate trends on LinkedIn positions you as an industry expert. Posting valuable content keeps your connections engaged and establishes your reputation as a knowledgeable and trustworthy professional in the field.

Boost Your Online Visibility

A fully built-out LinkedIn profile can help improve your search engine rankings. When someone Googles your name, your LinkedIn profile often appears at the top of search results, giving potential clients another avenue to learn about you and your services.

Leverage Endorsements and Recommendations

Client testimonials and peer endorsements add credibility to your profile. LinkedIn allows past clients, colleagues, and business partners to leave recommendations, which serve as powerful social proof that you’re a trusted and competent real estate agent.

Integrate with Your Other Marketing Efforts

Your LinkedIn profile complements your overall marketing strategy. You can share blog posts, link to your real estate website, promote your listings, and connect with potential clients in a professional setting. It serves as a central hub for your expertise and a way to direct traffic to your other online platforms.

Final Thoughts

LinkedIn is a powerful tool that can help real estate agents build their brand and grow their business. If you don’t already have a LinkedIn profile, now is the time to create one and start leveraging the platform to boost your career.

Suzy Lins

About the author: Suzy Lins is the Communications Director for CENTURY 21 Discovery and a Business Etiquette Consultant. For more information about CENTURY 21 Discovery you may call (714) 626-2000.

From Likes to Listings: The Real Estate Agent’s Guide to a Social Media Audit

By Suzy Lins
January 21, 2024

Are you ready to be audited? Not by the IRS, but by yourself. It’s time for a social media audit! A social media audit is a review of all your business’s social media platforms, looking at various factors. I will break down the process here.

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Make a List

Open a spreadsheet, Google Docs, or Notepad and write down all your social media accounts. List the name or handle of your account. The handle is your @[name of account]. It’s best to keep all your social media handles the same or as similar as you can. Sometimes that won’t be possible if your handle is taken on a specific platform. Consider changing any handle that does not match the others.

Brand Review

Next, write down how many followers you have and review the accounts for brand consistency. Look to see if you have the same information across all your profiles. This includes the profile photo, logo, bio, and any other information allowed in the profiles. Update accounts to create a uniform look across all your social media platforms.

Note any accounts that you do not post to or engage on. If you have an account you haven’t posted on in a while, consider deleting the account. If you’d rather not delete it, you can post to inform your followers that it’s not an active account and direct them to the platform where you are active. This allows you to keep the account handle if you decide to start posting to it in the future.

Content Review

Next up is to review the content of your social media accounts. Include the type of content you are posting and the frequency. Make note of the content that is getting engagement. This is not just the number of likes. Look at the comments and how many times a specific post was shared. Look for patterns. Are your video posts getting more engagement than a photo post, or is it the opposite? If you really want to see what’s working and what is not, take a deep dive into the metrics of each post to analyze the impressions, reach, and engagement.

Audience insights from an Instagram account.
Audience Insights

Audience Insight

Check the insights on your account to understand your audience’s demographics and what type of posts resonate with them. You will be able to see your audience’s gender, age range, and top locations. You can also see what days of the week and times they are most active.

Once you have an idea of your audience, create a “persona” of your ideal client. A persona is a fictional character that represents a target client. Personas help you understand your customers’ needs, behaviors, and pain points. This persona will guide you as you develop your social media strategy and the types of posts you will create.

Competitor Review

Take a look at what your competitors are doing on social media. Identify what types of content are resonating with their followers and see if you can incorporate something similar into your social media content.

Goals

Once you’ve got a handle on where you are right now in your social media journey, you need to decide where you want to go. What are you trying to accomplish with your social media? Below are suggestions for types of goals that will help your career. Pick the ones that will help your business and that you will actually do. Then, develop your social media strategy around those goals.

Build a Strong Personal Brand

  • Showcase your expertise and personality to stand out in a competitive market.
  • Establish trust and relatability with their audience.

Generate Leads

  • Attract potential buyers and sellers through engaging content.
  • Use targeted ads or organic reach to expand their network.

Showcase Listings

  • Highlight properties for sale or rent through visually appealing posts.
  • Use video tours, before-and-after staging photos, or carousel posts to engage potential clients.

Educate Your Audience

  • Share market updates, home-buying tips, and selling advice.
  • Post content that addresses FAQs, such as “How to Get Your Home Ready for Sale.”

Engage with the Community

  • Build connections by promoting local businesses, events, and neighborhoods.
  • Position yourself as the community expert.

Increase Referrals and Word of Mouth

  • Stay top of mind with past clients and encourage them to share content or refer others.

Establish Credibility

  • Share testimonials, reviews, and success stories.
  • Highlight certifications, awards, and years of experience.

Humanize Your Business

  • Post behind-the-scenes content to show the human side of your work.
  • Celebrate milestones or share personal stories to connect with the audience on a deeper level.

Foster Client Relationships

  • Use direct messages and comments to engage one-on-one with clients and prospects.
  • Offer quick responses to inquiries or questions in a professional and friendly manner.

Leverage Visual Content

  • Use Instagram Reels, TikTok videos, or Facebook Lives to showcase dynamic, short-form content.
  • Post high-quality images and videos to make a lasting impression.

Ideally, a social media audit should be done quarterly if not monthly. I realize that sounds like a lot of work, but now that you’ve done all the heavy lifting, it’s just a matter of revisiting your content to see if it’s aligning with your goals and performing. If not, you can make adjustments to optimize your strategy. Incorporating this into your workflow or delegating it to an assistant will ensure that your social media is working in your favor and those “Likes” are turning into “Leads”.

Suzy Lins

About the author: Suzy Lins is the Communications Director for CENTURY 21 Discovery and a Business Etiquette Consultant. For more information about CENTURY 21 Discovery you may call (714) 626-2000.

Email Etiquette for Real Estate Agents

By Suzy Lins
October 21, 2024

Mastering Email Etiquette for Real Estate Success

In the fast-paced world of real estate, email remains one of the most important tools for communication with clients, fellow agents, vendors and your support team. How you handle your email interactions can significantly impact how you’re perceived in the industry. From building trust with clients to coordinating with colleagues, mastering email etiquette helps ensure that your messages are professional, clear, and effective. Here are some key email etiquette tips to keep in mind as a real estate professional.

Response Time: How Quickly Should You Reply?

In real estate, time is often of the essence, especially when dealing with active buyers, sellers, and time-sensitive transactions. Ideally, aim to respond to emails within 24 hours. For inquiries regarding new listings or client questions, a quicker response—within a few hours—can make all the difference in securing or retaining business. If you need more time to gather information, send a quick acknowledgment like, “Thanks for your email, I’ll get back to you by [date/time].” This reassures your client that you’re on top of things and builds confidence in your reliability.

Crafting the Right Greeting for Clients and Colleagues

First impressions are key, especially when interacting with potential clients, fellow agents, or service providers. When emailing clients for the first time or addressing colleagues within your brokerage, a formal greeting like “Dear [Name]” or “Good afternoon [Name]” sets a professional tone. For ongoing clients or close colleagues, a more casual “Hi [Name]” is appropriate, but avoid overly casual greetings like “Hey,” as this can come across as unprofessional. Each interaction is an opportunity to reinforce your professionalism

Professional Email Signature: Make It Count

Your email signature in real estate serves as an extension of your brand and provides essential information. At a minimum, include your full name, title (e.g., Realtor®, Broker), the name of your brokerage, phone number, and a link to your website or social media profiles (such as LinkedIn or Instagram if relevant to your client base). You may also need to include your professional license number, depending on your region. Keep your signature simple and easy to read. Long, complicated signatures can overwhelm recipients, making important details harder to find.

Ending Emails with a Polished Sign-Off

Your email sign-off is just as important as your greeting. Common professional sign-offs in real estate include phrases like “Best regards,” “Sincerely,” or “Thank you.” These sign-offs convey respect and professionalism, leaving the recipient with a positive impression. Steer clear of overly casual or personal sign-offs like “Cheers” or “Take care,” unless you’re certain it fits the relationship you have with the client or colleague.

The “Reply All” Feature: Use with Caution

The “Reply All” function is often overused and can lead to unnecessary email clutter. In real estate, where many transactions involve multiple parties—clients, agents, escrow officers, lenders—it’s easy to flood inboxes with replies. Before hitting “Reply All,” ask yourself if everyone on the email chain needs to see your response. If not, reply directly to the necessary individual(s). Keeping email chains clean and focused can save time and avoid overwhelming your colleagues or clients with irrelevant information.

Conclusion

By following these email etiquette guidelines, real estate agents can ensure their communication is clear, professional, and effective, leading to better client relationships and smoother transactions. In an industry where time and trust are everything, mastering email communication can set you apart and contribute to long-term success.

About the author: Suzy Lins is the Communications Director for CENTURY 21 Discovery and a Business Etiquette Consultant. For more information about CENTURY 21 Discovery you may call (714) 626-2000.

5 Ways To Up Your Marketing Game In 2024

By Suzy Lins
January 2, 2024

Photo courtesy of Canva Pro

To enhance your marketing game as a real estate agent you can employ various strategies to attract clients and stand out in a competitive market. Here are five things you should consider:

  1. Create a Strong Online Presence:
    • You should have a professional and user-friendly website showcasing your listings, services, and expertise. It should be optimized for search engines to improve visibility. Through Century 21, our agents are provided websites that they can customize to their location as well as their own style.
    • Utilize social media platforms to share property updates, market trends, and engage with your audience. Consistent and compelling online content can help establish your brand and attract potential clients.
  2. Utilize High-Quality Visuals:
    • Invest in high-quality professional photography, virtual tours, and videos for your property listings. Visuals play a crucial role in capturing the attention of potential buyers. Clear, visually appealing content not only attracts more views but also helps in creating a positive impression of your listings and services. The photos an agent uses are a representation of their own “brand”. Poor quality photos do not enhance that brand in the consumer’s mind. Plus, your competitors may use that against you when they are competing with you for a listing.
  3. Implement Targeted Advertising:
    • Use targeted advertising to reach specific demographics and potential homebuyers. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer robust advertising tools that allow you to customize your audience based on factors such as location, age, interests, and more. This targeted approach can lead to more effective and cost-efficient marketing campaigns. Make sure to include funds for advertising as you establish your budget for the year.
  4. Build and Leverage Client Testimonials:
    • Positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients can be powerful marketing tools. Encourage happy clients to leave reviews on your website, social media pages, or other relevant platforms. You can also use testimonials in your marketing materials to build trust and credibility with potential clients. At CENTURY 21 Discovery we use a system called RealSatisfied that automatically sends a survey to the client at the close of escrow. Once the survey is completed, the agent is notified and then has the option to share the testimonial to their social media sites all with the click of a mouse.
  5. Offer Valuable Content and Resources:
    • Position yourself as an expert in your field by providing valuable content and resources to your audience. This can include blog posts, articles, or video content covering topics like home-buying tips, market trends, and neighborhood highlights. By offering useful information, you not only showcase your expertise but also attract and retain an engaged audience.

Remember, consistency is key in marketing. Regularly update your online platforms, engage with your audience, and adapt your strategies based on the evolving needs of your target market. Keep an eye on emerging trends in real estate marketing to stay ahead of the competition.

About the author: Suzy Lins is the Communications Director for CENTURY 21 Discovery and a Business Etiquette Consultant. For more information about CENTURY 21 Discovery you may call (714) 626-2000.

Helping Your Clients Have A Stress Free Move

By Suzy Lins

April 19, 2023

Moving to a new place can be a stressful experience for your clients, but with proper planning and organization, you can help them minimize the stress and make the process smoother. Here are some tips to offer your clients for a stress-free move:

  1. Create a plan: Before they start packing, help them create a plan for their move. Help them make a checklist of everything they need to do, including hiring a moving company, packing, and changing their address. Even better would be to create a checklist to include in your listing agreement.
  2. Declutter: Before they start packing, suggest they go through their belongings and get rid of anything they don’t need or want anymore. This will save them time and money in the long run. Have recommendations of organizations in your area where they can donate items they don’t need. 
  3. Packing Prep: Suggest they start collecting boxes early on to use for packing. If you have clients who have recently moved, ask them if their boxes can be reused by another client.
  4. Pack smart: Guide them to use sturdy boxes and packing materials, like bubble wrap, blankets or towels, to ensure their belongings are protected during the move. Suggest they put heavier items, such as books, into suitcases with wheels. Label each box with its contents and which room it belongs in. Using color coded labels for room destinations is a time saver when unpacking the moving truck.
  5. Hire a reputable moving company: Help them find a moving company with a good reputation. Have a few reputable moving companies you can recommend. Otherwise, encourage them to read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family.
  6. Stay organized: Advise them to keep important documents and items, such as passports and birth certificates, in a separate box or folder that they carry with them during the move.
  7. Take breaks: Moving can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Suggest they take breaks, stay hydrated, and eat healthy snacks to keep their energy levels up. Dropping off water and snacks for them the day before the move is a nice touch.
  8. Stay positive: Moving can be a new and exciting adventure. Remind them to focus on the positive aspects of their move and the new opportunities that await them.

By following these tips, your clients can reduce stress and have a more enjoyable moving experience.

About the author: Suzy Lins is the Communications Director for CENTURY 21 Discovery and a Business Etiquette Consultant. For more information about CENTURY 21 Discovery you may call (714) 626-2000.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year to Contact Your SOI

By Suzy Lins

December 21, 2022

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of year for real estate agents to contact their Sphere of Influence (SOI).

Real estate agents should call their SOI because it can be an effective way to generate leads and build their business. The term SOI refers to the network of people that an agent has a personal relationship with, including friends, family, former clients, and other professionals in their industry. These individuals can be a valuable source of referrals for the agent, as they are more likely to trust and recommend the agent to their own network of contacts.

At Century 21 Discovery, we teach our agents to regularly reach out to their SOI because it helps them stay top of mind and build stronger relationships with these individuals. Often, an agent will comment that they don’t know what to say when they make the call. Well, right now is the perfect time of year to reach out to your SOI because you have a good reason. Call to wish them a Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday. Who wouldn’t love to receive a call like that! Continue the conversation by asking about their family, holiday plans or plans for 2023. Keep notes about the conversation to refer back to the next time you call them. Which should be regularly.

If real estate is a new career for you, this is the ideal opportunity to let them know. It can open the door to a good conversation about the market because everybody has an opinion about real estate.

When you make the call be ready to answer questions about the real estate market, interest rates or homes for sale in their area. Be prepared! Staying in touch with your SOI can help you stay informed about potential real estate opportunities, as these individuals may be aware of upcoming listings or sales in the area.

These calls are ideal for staying in touch and if done consistently, can lead to more referrals, which can help grow your business and increase your income. Make time during the busy holiday season for these calls. Plus, getting used to making these calls will give you more confidence for the next time you pick up the phone.

Photo of Suzy Lins
About the author: Suzy Lins is the Communications Director for CENTURY 21 Discovery and a Business Etiquette Consultant. For more information about CENTURY 21 Discovery you may call (714) 626-2000.

Tools For Real Estate Agents To Work Virtually

By Suzy Lins
March 30, 2020

Most everyone is working from home at this point due to the Coronavirus, but with real estate you still need to talk to and interact with people. How exactly do you do that, especially if you’ve never done it before? Here are specific tools you can use to work virtually and keep your real estate career on track as you work from home.

Meet with clients virtually
Meeting “virtually” with your clients means to interact with them via apps and software that allow you to see each other and have conversations as if you were there in person. Here are a few different ways you can meet with your clients without leaving your house:

Video Conference Apps
These apps are perfect if you want to have a face-to-face conversation with a client or prospect.

  • FaceTime – This is an Apple app and only available on their devices. It comes pre-installed on your iPhone and iPad so it’s already at your fingertips.
  • WhatsApp – This is a messaging app that also supports voice and video calls. It’s available for Apple and Android devices in the App Store and Google Play Store.
  • Skype – This is a video calling platform available for Apple and Android devices. This platform requires the user to log in. This is a great option for computers and tablets.

Find out what kind of phone your client has to determine which app to use. Get familiar with more than one of these video conferencing apps so you’re ready for any scenario.

Video Conferencing Software/Apps
These platforms are an easy way to do a virtual property tour or hold a virtual open house. You log into a website and create a virtual meeting with your client. Once you send them a link, you both appear on the screen and are able to talk as if you were in person. To do this, both users need to have cameras on their computers.  Here are some of the most popular:

  • ZOOM – This is the one that we use and have had great results with our virtual meetings and agent training. There’s a free version that allows up to 40 minutes of video conferencing. Paid versions start at $14.99 per month. For personal meetings the free version should be sufficient. Find it here at Zoom.us.
  • GoToMeeting – This is another platform for video conferencing. There’s a 14-Day Free Trial and the paid versions start at $12 per month. Check it out at GoToMeeting.com
  • Google Hangouts – For this option, it’s easiest if everyone has a Google account. If someone doesn’t have an account, then the inviter or another invitee needs to have a G Suite Account in order for everyone to participate.

Show properties virtually
Once you have a chance to talk to your clients or prospects face-to-face you’re going to need some way to show them properties. By using one of the virtual conference software programs I mentioned above, you can share your screen to show them a virtual tour (video) or photos of the listing. They can ask questions and you can interact with them via the camera on your computer.

Virtual Showings
Select a day and time to meet “virtually” with your client and send them a link to the video conference. Have the property photos and virtual tours of the properties ready to go on your desktop. Share your desktop with them and give them a tour of the home with the photos and virtual tour.

Virtual Open Houses
Publicize the day and time you will be holding the virtual Open House and have guests request the video conference link. This gives you some control over who is coming and going at your Open House. If you decide to post the link publicly, take precautions to eliminate Zoom-Bombers coming to your Open House. A Zoom Bomber gets the public link to the meeting and once in the meeting wreaks havoc or displays inappropriate pictures on the screen. Don’t worry, there are several ways to prevents this from happening. Here are some reminders to keep those party crashers out.

During the Open House show the photos and video of the listing and answer any questions visitors may have. Depending on the length of the Open House, you’ll probably have to run the video tour and photo slideshow over and over again depending on how many people attend and when they pop in.

Video Conferencing Tips:

  • Set up your video conference in a room that has a distraction-free background.
  • Make sure the room is well-lit and that the lighting is not behind you. Back lighting will make your face difficult for them to see.
  • You’ll be on camera so make sure you’re dressed properly.
  • Look into the camera when you are talking to them instead of looking at their face on the screen.

I recommend that you practice using these apps and tools with a family member or friend before you use them with a client. A couple of practice runs and you’ll be open for virtual business.

 

About the author: Suzy Lins is the Communications Director for CENTURY 21 Discovery. For more information about CENTURY 21 Discovery you may call (714) 626-2000.