As we come to a close on the first week that most of us in the US are self-quarantining due to the COVID-19 outbreak (also known as coronavirus), we’ve already begun to feel the effects on the real estate industry.
Direct marketing, physical face-to-face meetings are very much being put on hold. Not all agents are making this switch, however. There are agents who are still very much taking the business-as-usual approach when it comes to their marketing efforts.
One agent we spoke to is still conducting open houses, but has made it a policy to keep all the doors propped open, in an attempt to keep people from touching doorknobs and spreading the virus. Other agents are limiting the number of visitors they allow into a home at any one time.
Digital Marketing In An Age Of Social Distancing
However, many other agents are turning to virtual tours to showcase their listings. A virtual walk-through gives visitors a chance to see the property without putting them at risk.
One of the tools those who are serious about creating a digital walk-through use is called Matterport – You can learn more about them from their website here.
Matterport is a high-end tool, however, you don’t need to break the bank to create an engaging experience for your clients.
Becoming A Source Of Information
There’s a lot of information out there about how COVID-19 is changing the real estate industry, and it’s getting harder than ever to know what to believe. Becoming an information source for your community is a great way to have a positive impact on your community and make yourself stand apart from the opportunistic agents out there.
Get information on hours of operation for nearby stores, including any special offers they might be running. Many stores are instituting a “senior hour” for older residents to shop before the general public is allowed inside.
Now’s The Time For A Real Estate Website
With less and less of a focus on going outside, digital marketing is poised to become a major player in the industry for months to come. Now’s the time to focus on blogging, strengthening your SEO and developing killer content.
