In an age where advertisements flicker in front of our eyes between 4,000 and 10,000 times a day, it may be difficult for advertisers to produce messages that genuinely spark consumers’ interest. This is especially true in the real estate industry, seeing as the latest group of potential buyers are members of the millennial generation.
It is a given that millennials love — and often spend their time using — technology. Therefore, many millennials desire a real estate agent who is relatable and focused on building unique, personal connections with their clients via social media — as opposed to one who simply blasts advertisements on the radio and plasters their face across buses or benches. By taking the time to refine one’s personal brand, they will attract millennial clients and seem more human than salesperson — a necessity when catering to a generation that views the hard sell as a satire.
Additionally, it is safe to assume that members of this generation are more likely to respond to online advertisements — especially those that are found on popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and even LinkedIn. Companies that neglect the online market lose out on countless opportunities to reach prospective clients — and rightfully so.
However, it is important that one does not forget the importance of face-to-face communication. In spite of millennials’ affinity for technology, recent studies show that they prefer hiring and collaborating with local real estate agents rather than finding one online. Therefore, striking the perfect balance between online and in-person communication is likely to facilitate greater client relations and volume for real estate agents across the board.
Lastly, remember to base all interactions on convenience. Millennials are nearly consumed with the desire to get what they want and get it quickly — a fact that is most often attributed to the availability of on-demand streaming services, next-day delivery, and high-speed internet access. Real estate agents can appease this desire in several ways, with the most popular being uploading copies of important documents to Dropbox or Google Drive, as well as investing in methods of automated communication (e.g., text alerts for new listings).
Building a client-base of millennials is not rocket science; all it takes is some research, patience, and the willingness to meet the demands of the up-and-coming generation of homebuyers. Failure to do so would only result in a loss of business: something that is detrimental to real estate companies and agents alike.