Provide New Resources to Give Additional Value to Clients

An Atlanta second-generation Realtor® is taking a unique approach to reaching out to her clients during the COVID-19 crisis.

Maura Neill, a national real estate speaker and instructor, sent a survey to her current and past clients, asking them what they needed to help feel connected during this stay-at-home order.

“We asked people if they would be interested in a variety of virtual gatherings – workouts, ladies’ night, cocktail-making class, whiskey and cigars or a dinner party,” said Neill, an agent with RE/MAX Around Atlanta. Maura’s husband Ben will be participating in some of the virtual gatherings, showcasing his passion to create custom cocktails and his love of working out.

“We also asked about webinars like finance, estate planning and real estate. We also asked if there was any other way we could help them and we found some did ask about starting the homebuying process, moving and we were able to set a time to follow up with them virtually,” she continued.

“I think the more we can do to stay connected, that doesn’t feel salesy, that shows we’re human and we’re all craving connection, helps us remain relevant to our clients,” Neill said. “People may be sick of seeing their spouse or roommate every day. Or they may be single and need to talk to someone else. It’s nice to see someone else’s face while we’re all sheltering in place.”

Neill reminds Realtors® that they are a resource. “We can be essential to our clients without having a face-to-face meeting. Put fresh content on your website, but focus on what types of resources people need now: homeschooling for parents who are working from home with their children or compiling a list of restaurants that are delivering or offering curbside service during the pandemic gives them information they need now.”

“Think about your clients who are on the front lines, medical personnel, emergency responders, police officers or firemen and deliver them donuts,” she added.

“Maybe you have a client who was single when they bought their home and reach out to see if they’d like to Facetime and have dinner together,” Neill said. “Use your cell phone and actually call someone and have a quick chat to check in. Ask what you can do for them right now. Maybe someone is elderly and needs groceries delivered, or maybe someone will share they have an immune deficiency and can’t leave the house and you can help somehow.”

Neill said now’s the time to do something you’ve been wanting to do like revamping your website. “We switched from one platform to another, so I’ve been updating content and creating new content. I’ve also found about a dozen blogs in draft form that I can finish. I’m doing the stuff that I didn’t have the time to do before,” Neill said. “Make a to-do list and prioritize. If you come through this feeling like you’ve achieved something, whether a business goal or a personal goal like starting a fitness routine, you won’t look back and see this as wasted time. And you’ll feel prepped and ready to come back on the other side.”

“This is truly an unprecedented time, no one has gone through a pandemic in our country before,” she added.