Key Strategies for Running a Successful Virtual Real Estate Office

Digital technologies have been no less than a lifesaver for many real estate businesses since the start of the pandemic, but many would argue that they would probably be around even if the events of 2020 had never occurred. Around 79% of repeat home buyers and 84% of first-time homebuyers conduct their searches via the Internet. Meanwhile, over half of all property buyers would not look at a property without virtual images. A similar percentage of adult Internet users have taken a virtual tour. Virtual real estate firms are making the most of current times by enabling buyers to make a shortlist of properties before viewing them. This saves time, is kinder to the environment, and costs significantly less than renting out an office. If you have a virtual real estate firm, however, it is vital to maintain a trustworthy, prestigious image. Do so by keeping the following tips in mind. 

Setting Up a Virtual Office Space

Real estate is all about prestige and trust. With so many real estate agencies covering the same areas as your agency, it is important to stand out in terms of the quality of the services you provide. A prime business address that you can use on your website and digital (and print) business cards are key. You should also be accessible to clients. Therefore, during business hours in which you aren’t available, you should hire the services of live receptions and/or live web chat services. Clients want their queries and doubts answered quickly. Otherwise, they may just decide to jump ship and obtain what they are seeking from your competitors. A virtual office service can also help you book meeting spaces for occasions in which you need to meet investors or deal with important clients.

Offering Properties at the Right Price

Keep buyers on your site by ensuring that featured properties are correctly priced. Statistics show that around 60% of buyers go for houses priced at the market value, 30% choose homes priced at 10% above the market value, and 10% opt for those priced at 15% above the market value. You may be working from home or a virtual location across the globe from where listings are located, but you will need to frequently reassess prices, so you can give vendors appropriate advice if they are selling too high or low.

Investing in Visuals

For virtual real estate offices to succeed, their website must be top-notch and contain high-resolution images and (if possible) video footage of featured homes. The images should be crisp, clear, and vivid in color and they should cover all rooms as well as exteriors (gardens and views). Investing in drone tech for your site is certainly worth the investment. Statistics indicate that properties with aerial imagery are 68% more likely to sell than those without them. If the properties you represent do not have this footage, suggest that sellers invest in a company that provides all visual services for a reasonable price.

Improving Your SEO

A report by The Digital House Hunt indicates that some 53% of home buyers start their search online. You should therefore invest in a thorough SEO strategy so that your business is easy to find. Steps to take include ensuring your site is mobile compatible, researching area-specific keyword phrases, regularly contributing to your blog, and requesting recommendations and reviews from clients. 

If you have a virtual real estate business, staying on the top of your game involves building and maintaining a reputation for trustworthiness and prestige. Invest in the right virtual office services, set up an appealing and informative website, and make sure properties are priced right. Finally,  invest in an SEO strategy and in great content that will lead others to share and gain you a positive share of linkbacks.

About Jackie Edwards

After taking a career sabbatical to become a mother, Jackie now writes full time on finance, business and managing money She has, in the past battled problems with anxiety and panic, and in her spare time she volunteers for a number of local charities that support people with mental health issues.