As the real estate industry continues down the road to recovery—one paved with limited inventory and rising home prices—it’s more important than ever for real estate agents to establish themselves as the authority in their local market in order to truly stand out from the competition. “Real estate is area-specific,” says Doug Breaker, president and CEO of HomeFinder.com. “Low inventory markets, rising home prices and 2014’s new lending requirements mean real estate agents need to stand out locally in order to grow a successful business.”
By entering the HomeFinder.com Agent Makeover Sweepstakes, presented by PNC Mortgage, (all licensed real estate agents can now enter through August 15 at agentmakeover.homefinder.com), agents will gain the tools needed to navigate today’s rapidly evolving market. “HomeFinder.com and PNC Mortgage will provide the five lucky winners—and thousands of entrants—the necessary tools to establish their niche, and localize their marketing strategies to succeed in a competitive climate,” says Breaker.
Chosen at random, the winners of the HomeFinder.com Agent Makeover Sweepstakes, presented by PNC Mortgage, will be flown to Chicago from September 10-12, where they’ll receive a full business and style makeover, and where they will work on aspects of their business that they feel need the most attention. It will include SEO and digital marketing training; goal coaching and social media training. They will also receive a consultation with a personal stylist, a new outfit, a new hairstyle, a makeup consultation for the women, a shaving treatment for the men and a new set of professional headshots.
“2014 has been my most successful professional year,” says 2013 sweepstakes winner Josephine Ligato with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties in Avon, Conn. “The confidence I gained from the experience HomeFinder.com provided pushed me to push a little harder; my productivity has skyrocketed.”
Penny Hansen of CENTURY 21 Affiliated in Beloit, Wis., explains that winning the 2013 HomeFinder.com Agent Makeover Sweepstakes has helped to drastically improve her real estate business. “Last year, I made Centurian status again, after not having it for a few years,” she says. “I was able to do that thanks to hiring a part-time assistant and implementing the advice that was suggested.”
From learning how to successfully integrate technology into the mix, to the importance of setting business and personal goals, and strategies to effectively reach a target audience, the 2013 HomeFinder.com Agent Makeover Sweepstakes winners point to their weekend in Chicago as a pivotal moment in their careers.
“I wish every real estate broker could experience this opportunity,” says 2013 HomeFinder.com Agent Makeover Sweepstakes winner Jim Mackenzie with Blue Diamond REALTORS®, LLC in Ellettsville, Ind.
