3 Ways to Enhance Your Brand as a REALTOR®
LOUISIANA REALTORS • April 18, 2017
Just do it. I’m loving it. What’s in your wallet? Nike, McDonald’s, and Capital One have this branding thing down. Whether you need new shoes, lunch, or a credit card, these major brands have created a way to stay at the top of your mind whether you are in the market for them or not. As a REALTOR® you can do the same thing; and in today’s technology driven and social media focused world, it’s never been more important.
Now you don’t necessarily need a clever slogan or catchy jingle to brand yourself; however, you do need to have the ability to be found. Roughly 75% of a REALTOR’S® business comes from referrals or word-of-mouth. When you make it easier for existing clients to share your information, and you make it easier for potential clients to contact you, you’ve enhanced your brand. Here are 3 tips to achieve exactly that.
1.) Embrace mobile:
Mobile is becoming a major part of everyone’s life. Access to communication and information is literally at anyone’s fingertips. This means that any and all of your digital efforts need to reflect this trend. Responsive websites, mobile optimized emails, and of course staying available for clients as you are out and about.
2.) Use content to become a thought leader:
3.) Be Social:
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Social media poses a huge opportunity for REALTORS®. The amount of data available allows you to target specific geographic locations as well as precise demographics. While maintaining a consistent presence is important, the real power of social media comes when you invest in a campaign or a boosted post. This is an incredibly cost-effective option that minimizes waste, allowing you to target and engage your ideal audience.
Building your own personal brand and discovering your niche as a REALTOR® is a key way to streamline your prospecting and grow your business. These are only a few ideas, but leveraging technology and embracing some best practices can make a significant difference. As a reminder, the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC) released and will enforce licensee advertising come June 1. View the Advertising Guideline and Checklist
and be sure that your efforts arecompliant with the rules and avoid being cited and fined.
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From the Louisiana Department of Insurance: During a press conference today with Governor Jeff Landry, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple announced that registration for the next round of the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP) will open at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 1, and will include 3,000 grants. The registration period for this lottery will be open for three weeks, closing at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19. During the press conference, Gov. Landry signed HB 1187 by Rep. Paul Sawyer, which will allow Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to transfer $50 million in additional Katrina bond assessment funds to the LFHP. Combined with the $30 million in funding the program will receive through taxes and fees on insurance entities, the LFHP will receive a total of $80 million this year. “By lowering overall losses, we can reduce insurance and reinsurance costs, draw more insurers into the market, motivate existing companies to write additional policies and lower insurance premiums,” said Commissioner Temple. “That is exactly what the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program is designed to do.” The list of coastal parishes that are eligible to participate is expanding to include Acadia, Jefferson Davis and Lafayette parishes. Additionally, homeowners who live in the portions of Ascension, Calcasieu, Iberia, Livingston, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Vermilion parishes that were previously not included in the program will now be eligible to participate. A map showing the full list of eligible parishes is available on FortifyHomes.La.Gov . “Louisiana is the fastest growing state in the country for Fortified roofs, and that growth is not by accident—it is the result of strong support from Governor Landry and legislators like Chairman Talbot, Chairman Firment and Representative Sawyer, targeted program design, and a clear recognition that strengthening homes is one of the most effective ways to reduce insurance losses,” said Commissioner Temple. “At the end of the day, this program is about more than just roofs. It is about protecting families, it is about strengthening communities, and it is about putting Louisiana in a stronger position—both physically and economically—to face the challenges ahead.” To participate in the lottery, homeowners must register during the June registration period. Homeowners who registered for a previous round but were not selected must register again to participate. People who register on the last day of the registration period have the same chance of being selected as those who register on the first day, so there is no need to rush to register as soon as the period opens. When registering, homeowners will need to upload their homestead exemption, insurance policy declarations page that includes wind coverage, and flood insurance declarations page if the residence is in a flood zone. Homeowners who need assistance obtaining a copy of their homestead exemption should contact their parish tax assessor. Homeowners can contact their homeowners and flood insurance companies or agents for a copy of their policy declarations page. Homeowners are required to create a profile in the LFHP system before registering for the lottery and may do so by visiting the LFHP website and clicking the Login button. Homeowners who previously created a profile may use the same one for this and future rounds. Once the lottery registration period closes, the LFHP will randomly select 3,000 participants and send email notifications to registrants about whether they were selected to participate. These selection notices will be sent via email beginning on Monday, June 22. There are several program requirements that homeowners should be aware of before registering. Those interested in the program are encouraged to review eligibility information and frequently asked questions at FortifyHomes.La.Gov to determine whether their home meets the requirements for the program. If selected to participate in the grant program, homeowners will be financially responsible for having the home evaluated by a FORTIFIED-certified Evaluator as well as costs for the roof upgrade including permits, inspections and construction costs beyond the amount of the grant The LFHP provides grants of up to $10,000 for homeowners to upgrade their roofs to standards set by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. The program helps Louisiana homeowners strengthen their roofs to better withstand hurricane-force winds.
Learn how real estate agents can educate buyers about Louisiana homeownership costs, including taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance.
