How To Prep For The Coming Summer Season

I'm no weather man, but I predict this summer is going to be hot - very hot. Sure, the temps will rise as they always do. But, of course, I'm talking about real estate.

The signs are all there: The National Association of Realtors reports pending home sales earlier this year surged to their highest level since June 2013, continuing the record highs set at the beginning of the year.

Builders signed contracts on more homes in February this year than any time since early 2008, according to HUD.

Plus, RealtyTrac® reports foreclosure filings are down nine percent from a year ago to the lowest level since July 2006.

And finally, insurance giant Nationwide says, from its survey of 373 metro area housing markets, that the housing market is at its healthiest since 2001.

All of this is terrific news for the real estate industry as we head into the summer season. So how do you take advantage of this news and boost your sales this summer? Here are some tips you can start using today:

1. Commit to get out of your office and stay out of it as much as you can. Summer is the time to be seen. Summer is when everyone is out and about. Be there with them. Become the master of real estate and own your farm neighborhoods: visit the yard sales, meet folks in their yards, face-to-face and complement them on their landscaping and flowers. Take a report of home values and what's selling for how much to leave behind with them. And be on the lookout for special summer events many neighborhoods hold during this season (i.e. swim meets, softball games, socials, etc.) and attend them. In short, get to know prospects on their own turf.

2. Have a summer appreciation party. This is a nice segue to tip number one. Summer is the perfect time for a barbecue appreciation picnic to bring past clients and others together to say thanks. If you feel your home isn't a good place for a party, get a spot at a local park. The key is to make it fun and not just about business. Focus on truly thanking those who've given you their business. And spice it up with some music; maybe face painting for the kids or other fun and games.

3. Give all your listings that summer feel. This time of year is perfect to make your staging stand out. For the outside, keep the lawn cut, trim bushes, plant flowers and keep the walk swept. For the inside, keep the natural light flowing and circulate as much fresh air as possible so that there's a fresh feel and smell. Finally, always have cold bottled water or soft drinks for open houses.

4. Stay focused on what brings in business. If I've said it once, I've said it a million times, the four activities you should always (and I mean always - and that means during the summer, too) be doing are: listing, selling, prospecting and negotiating. Inventory your time now and if anything other than these four tasks pop up, delegate it. And if you don't have someone to delegate it to, get someone. It'll be money well spent. The sun is starting to shine again on the real estate market and that's exciting news. If you're not already thrilled, get thrilled! Remember, enthusiasm is contagious and it'll help you attract more business.

Let me hear from you. How do your summers typically play out? Are you maximizing this time of year? If not, why do you think that is? What do you do to stay busy, especially during the heat of the summer?


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Bob Corcoran is a nationally recognized speaker and author who is founder of Corcoran Consulting Inc. (http://www.CorcoranCoaching.com/programs 800-957-8353), an international consulting and coaching company that specializes in performance coaching and the implementation of sound business systems into the residential broker or agent's existing practice. Contact Bob at Article@CorcoranCoaching.com.