There's no doubt that 2020 has been a year of dramatic, unexpected change in so many areas of life, with everything from going to work to shopping for homes now happening from a distance. Real estate agents have had to adapt to the "new normal," with so much of the purchasing process happening remotely for both buyers and agents. Fortunately, the industry has adapted, and sales are still going strong. Why Homesale Realty? We can help you adapt to whatever comes next, starting with our 5 long-distance selling tips for new agents.

1. Dedicate Time to Getting to Know Your Buyers
   When a buyer is shopping from a distance, a strong, trusting relationship with their real estate agent is crucial to success. That starts with the very first phone call, when you'll learn about their wants, needs, motivations, and what they're seeking in a new home. But it doesn't stop there. As you get to know your buyer, you will be able to ask more specific questions and get feedback on the homes that you're showing them. Be sure to make it easy to stay in contact, by offering to communicate through whatever platforms they're most comfortable using.

2. Use Video and Virtual Tools to Help Buyers Find Homes
   While virtual tours and virtual open houses were used before 2020, they've seen a huge spike in popularity in 2020. These are some of your most important long-distance selling tools because they provide so much valuable information to buyers. If you want to successfully sell homes to long-distance buyers, taking advantage of technology to showcase homes is a must for helping buyers fall in love.

3. Know Your Market and How to Sell It
   Always remember that buyers aren't just shopping for a home. They're also shopping for a neighborhood and community that they'll love to call home. So you'll want to be able to tell them as much as possible about the market where they're shopping, from the attractions that they'll enjoy to the important services that will be close to home. The more you know about your markets, the easier it is to show buyers why those communities are such great places to call home.

4. Encourage Buyers to Plan a Visit If Possible
   Not every buyer will be willing or able to make a trip to tour homes in person during this unusual time, but an in-person visit can still have many benefits when possible. This is especially true for buyers who are uncomfortable making a purchase without seeing the home first-hand. If a buyer does choose to make a visit, make sure they're aware of any precautions in place in your markets so they'll know exactly what to expect when they arrive.

5. Find Out If They're Comfortable Making an Offer Sight Unseen
   While some buyers may be willing to visit in person, that won't be true for every buyer or possible in every market. So it's important to find out whether the buyer is willing to make an offer on a home sight unseen and adjust your plans accordingly. The more information you can provide about the home and the community where it's located, the more likely a buyer is to be comfortable making an offer from a distance.

Are you ready to take the next steps in your real estate career, with a team that provides the training, advice, and support that every new agent needs to succeed? Contact BHHS Homesale Realty to learn more about career opportunities and move one step closer to achieving your real estate dreams.