Repeat after me: What goes down must come up. In all aspects of life—relationships, economics, emotions, health, and everything in between. The same is true for our real estate market in Nigeria and the economy. Amidst this uncertainty, have faith we will survive, our normalcy will be restored, and with it, a renewed appreciation for the little things.

 

Running a business these days looks different for all of us, and in most states, restricted by “stay at home” orders.

 

 Some states  can  deemed real estate  “essential” service, depending on situation of the client or prospect whose old rent has expired and needs a new home urgently to be able to isolate in with their family, and in others, the distinction varies by state.

 But in many areas, agents aren’t allowed to show homes and properties. Because of that, there’s no universal blueprint to keep business afloat these days.

 

 

 

 

 

It’s more important than ever to keep your business in compliance. Contact your managing broker /Partner Company  or local board for additional insight on how to best work these days. In Lagos, Nigeria , we have not  been deemed an essential service, so we have to be  able to continue selling with a bit of creativity.

 

 

 

Check-in with your clients and sphere. People are doing the best they can, but these times aren’t without emotional and financial struggles. See how your sphere is faring. This isn’t a time to reach out and ask for business, but to be a resource. Send your sphere to credible sites for information on financial assistance and timely news updates.

 

 Spread positivity and honesty on your social media and community groups, organize meal trains for healthcare workers, and more. This is our time to shine as real estate professionals who care about people first and foremost. Let’s put the real back into real estate.

 

 

Embrace the uncertainty and take this time to adapt. Focus on your business strengths and evaluate weaknesses. We have the gift of time now more than ever before. While it’s easy to go down the rabbit hole of social media and news coverage, focus on productivity. Tap into virtual listing appointments (virtual tours) and buyer consults. Learn your firm’s tools, scrub client lists, even step-up your social media game.

 

 

 

 

Calling, texting, and emailing clients is more important than ever. Communication is key in this uncharted territory. As news emerged about the spread of the coronavirus,  I checked in on all of my  current and upcoming clients to see how they were faring and to offer needed reassurance from any our Partner company.

 

 Some are business owners who are facing the prospect of losing everything, others have vacant homes or were just about to purchase their first homes or landed property.  

 

Clients want someone who will listen and care. So that’s just what you should  do. You will also need to  continuing to reassure them of what we know, and reminding them that there will be an end to this. Business is still open, but it may be slower than usual for the foreseeable future. No open houses or site inspection  tours, and limited showings. It’s also imperative to understand and respect your clients’ comfort levels and adjust accordingly. Do sellers want private showings or to move to temporary status? Do buyers want to purchase or hold off? Respect their comfort levels and adjust accordingly. “Call me, beep me,” you better believe they know how to reach out . Ensure yours do too.

 

 

 

Since open houses and frequent showings and General Site inspections are off the table for most of us, it’s time to dig deep and get creative. Host a live video tour and virtual open house, send email blasts, or pay for professional virtual tours or video marketing for your active listings.

 

 Never have people been more confined to their homes. Those who are interested in buying are online searching for their next home or Landed Property. In some cases, quarantine made them realize having a home office or a basement is a necessity, or that a master bath non-negotiable. Capture those opportunities for your sellers with innovative online marketing.

 

 

 

As I have said time and time again, regardless of market conditions, people still need to move. Some clients’ homes who was sold and may need a new one in the next 30 -40 days.

 

 Another is for people relocating to a new  area for a new job. So  getting creative is necessary here.  With the listing Developer or Agent,  you can do  recording video of showings and Face-Timing your clients from inside the listings while wearing gloves and sometimes masks to keep your  health in check, too. Be sure to check with your firm or local board about hold harmless agreements for sight-unseen purchases. Most of the duds can be ruled out via video. This way, we’re reducing  face-to-face showings until they’re a necessity. Then we’ll be keeping our distance—no hugs or handshakes—and have gloves and hand sanitizer galore on deck.

 

 

 

Remember that overpriced listing you took? Me too. Now is the time to implement a price adjustment. This depends on situation ,value of some property may not increase so soon. Honesty is the best policy with your clients. Also, should your buyers be out looking if they don’t need to move for months? Probably not. Time is money, so do what you can to not waste people’s time or jeopardize anyone’s health. This is a different market—a shifting one—and you  must pivot to move your clients onto higher ground.

 

 

 

 While some of this advice may not be relevant to you yet, the majority can be applied to your business models. Take this time to absorb as much content as possible: videos, blogs, articles, and hone your social media. Host virtual open houses for your clients . It’s still possible to thrive in a difficult market. This is how true professionals are made.

 

 

 

It’s also okay to take some time and let it be. Meditate, walk, nap, read, organize your house. Although, I won’t hold it against you if you skip out on that last option. Take care of yourself, or you’ll be no help to others. Don’t put yourself in business situations or otherwise that compromise your health and safety. A deal isn’t worth more than you are. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay all the time. Don’t forget to make your physical and mental health top priority so you can care for your business and loved ones in the months ahead.