7 Creative Ways to Get Real Estate Listings

In the competitive real estate market, generating listings can be challenging. However, with the right strategies and a bit of creativity, you can stand out and attract more potential sellers. In this blog post, we’ll explore seven innovative approaches to help you get more listings. These tactics combine digital marketing tools, personalized outreach, and engagement strategies that can elevate your real estate business.

1. Leverage Your Google Business Profile

One of the most underutilized tools in real estate is the Google Business Profile (GBP). When optimized correctly, your GBP can significantly increase your visibility, especially in local searches. Here’s how to maximize its potential:

• Claim and Verify Your Profile: Start by searching for your business on Google. If your profile appears on the right-hand side, it’s already created, but you need to claim it. If not, create one at business.google.com and ensure there are no duplicates to avoid confusion.
• Optimize for Local Search: Include keywords related to your market, such as “top realtor in [Your City]” or “best listing agent in [Your City].” This will help you appear in local search results.
• Encourage Reviews: Once you reach a certain number of positive reviews (aim for at least 20), consider investing in Google Local Service Ads. These ads appear above organic search results, making your profile more prominent.

2. CMA a Day Strategy

A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is a powerful tool that not only provides value to homeowners but also positions you as an expert in their eyes. The “CMA a Day” strategy, popularized by Jimmy Burgess, involves sending personalized CMAs to homeowners daily. Here’s how it works:

• Start with Past Clients: Begin with clients who purchased homes 3-5 years ago. They’re likely curious about their home’s current value.
• Use Screen Recording Tools: Create a personalized video using tools like BombBomb or Loom, where you walk through the CMA, and include a Google Earth zoom-in on their home. This adds a personal touch and shows that you’ve put effort into your analysis.
• Email and Follow-Up: Send the video via email and follow up to encourage a conversation. This approach has been known to result in listing opportunities in 30% of cases.

3. Sphere of Influence (SOI) Farming

Your Sphere of Influence (SOI) is a goldmine for potential listings. By regularly engaging with your SOI, you can stay top-of-mind and be the first person they think of when considering selling their home.

• Send a Zillow Screenshot: Find homes in your contacts’ neighborhoods on Zillow, screenshot the Zestimate, and text it to them. Ask, “I was checking out home values in your area and noticed this. What do you think of your home’s current value?” This often sparks conversations that lead to listing appointments.
• Casual Postcards: Create a postcard using Canva that asks, “Would you sell for 10% more than this? Text me at [Your Number].” Drop these off in person or mail them to your SOI. This simple yet effective tactic can lead to significant results.

4. Become a Neighborhood Expert

Homeowners prefer working with agents who are seen as neighborhood experts. You can attract more listings by positioning yourself as the go-to realtor in a specific community.

• One-Minute Market Updates: Record short videos in front of prominent community landmarks or neighborhoods you specialize in. Share these updates on social media, focusing on home prices, market trends, and upcoming listings.
• Targeted Facebook Ads: Boost these videos with a small budget, targeting homeowners in the neighborhood. This not only reinforces your expertise but also keeps you top of mind.

5. Predictive Farming

Predictive farming uses advanced data analytics to identify homeowners who are most likely to sell within the next 12 months. This method allows you to focus your marketing efforts more effectively.

• Utilize Predictive Analytics Tools: Services like Offrs and Revaluate analyze multiple data points to score homeowners based on their likelihood of selling. This allows you to target your outreach to those most likely to list their homes soon.
• Direct Mail and Follow-Up: Once you’ve identified potential sellers, send personalized direct mail followed by a phone call. This multi-touch approach increases your chances of securing a listing.

6. Custom Audiences on Facebook and Instagram

Creating custom audiences on Facebook and Instagram allows you to target specific groups of people with your ads. This is particularly useful for staying top-of-mind with your existing contacts.

• Retargeting Campaigns: Run retargeting campaigns to engage users who have visited your website or interacted with your social media. This continuous engagement can lead to more listing opportunities.
• Upload Your Contact List: Export your contact list from your CRM as a CSV file and upload it to Facebook Ads Manager. You can then create targeted ads that appear in their feeds, reminding them of your services.

7. Instagram and Facebook Polls

Engaging with your audience on social media is crucial, and polls are a fun, interactive way to do it. Polls not only increase engagement but also provide valuable insights into your audience’s intentions.

• Real Estate IQ Polls: Create a weekly poll on Instagram Stories asking questions like, “How much do you think this home is worth?” or “What’s the average price in your neighborhood?” This not only engages your audience but also positions you as a knowledgeable expert.
• Lead-Generating Questions: Ask direct questions like, “Are you planning to sell your home in 2024?” or “Would you move if you got the right offer?” The responses can guide your follow-up strategy and lead to potential listings.

Bonus: Ad Transparency Research

Staying ahead of your competition is easier when you know what they’re doing. Both Google and Facebook offer ad transparency tools that allow you to see the ads your competitors are running.

• Google Ads Transparency Center: Visit ads transparency.google.com and search for your competitors. You can view all the ads they’re running, which can give you insights into their strategies.
• Facebook Ads Library: Similarly, the Facebook Ads Library allows you to see active ads on Facebook and Instagram. Use this tool to gather ideas and refine your own campaigns.

Success in real estate requires a blend of traditional methods and innovative digital strategies. By implementing these seven creative approaches, you can generate more listings, build your brand, and stay ahead of the competition. Remember, the key is consistency—choose a few of these strategies, execute them regularly, and watch your listings grow.

Be sure to follow Aaron and Tara on YouTube and Instagram for more real estate tips and tricks, and stay tuned for our next webinar on crafting a lead-generating online presence!

This post is a collaborative effort between Aaron Lacey & Tara Meier, MyHome MTDs and the collective Team Aaron Lacey.