What Social Media Tells You about an Estate Agent
In this three-minute read, we look at the critical role social media plays in estate agents reaching out to potential buyers.
When choosing an estate agent, it pays to channel your inner Miss Marple or Sherlock Holmes and do a little online research.
When you’re looking to hire an estate agent it’s important to look for someone with a strong community standing, good track record, and proven marketing formula.
Social media and Google reviews are great places to check this out.
We’re not suggesting you believe everything you see on the internet. But quick online research will provide plenty of clues as to how proactive an agent is, and whether they will be a good fit for you when selling your property.
Top tips for online research
Step into a buyer’s shoes
Even if you’re not a big Facebook or Instagram user, many people – including potential buyers – are, so peruse the social media of local agents and analyse what you see. The best agents are dynamic, professional, consistent and personable – qualities that should come across on their social media channels.
Presentation of properties
Compare how different agents market properties. Look for an agent who uses high-quality images or video footage of clutter-free rooms and informative and engaging property descriptions. It’s best to use agents who don’t use grainy snaps of darkened rooms. In our image-focused culture, poor quality pictures are a huge turn-off for buyers.
Engaging content
Top agents do more than just market properties on social media – they engage with the local community about a range of issues. Look for content about the area, shout-outs to sports clubs and charities, and articles about important topics of the day (these might cover property-related matters or more general talking points). Savvy agents use social media to build a following so that when they have a property to market, they have a ready-made audience.
Testimonials
Reviews and testimonials can give you an idea of an agent’s strengths and weaknesses. Feedback from sellers, buyers, and other professionals involved in the property chain, such as solicitors, can provide useful insight.
Do they have personality?
Ideally, an agent’s social media will give you some idea of what motivates and drives their business. Why does this matter? Selling your home is one of the biggest (and possibly most stressful) transactions of your life. Better to go through the experience with someone you feel comfortable talking to and whom you trust.