9 Hacks To Maximise A Letting Agent's Time

Zahraa Valu

By Zahraa Valu

21 April 2016

Doesn't everybody wish there were more hours in the day?

These days, even the highly motivated and hugely productive among us are finding that they’re running out of time to accomplish their daily tasks.  Which is why more and more lettings agents are turning to streamlining software to make their processes more efficient (and, according to the Guardian, there's the added benefit of "breathing new life" into the high street agency experience).

 Most agencies are now managing their lettings processes through software systems, and seeing a massive boost to their efficiency.  Software systems, like Fixflo, streamline workflows, and help agencies save time and money, so they may focus their efforts and budgets on growing profits.

While there are dozens of reasons to look to new technology to revolutionise your work-life, the extra time that technology can generate will allow you to accomplish so much.  Here are nine ways to make those extra hours work for you.

1. More viewings

It may be obvious but that’s because it’s important – the more viewings you’re able to conduct, the more properties you can fill. Being able to take time off from comms, safe in the knowledge that your online system gives your tenants the luxury of instant contact allows you time for additional viewings. Which means more business!

2. Chase more leads

On the other side of the coin, extra hours in the day should help your agency to win more instructions, through its increased ability to chase client leads and fight for new business.

3. Get some feedback

One of the best ways to increase your instructions is to conduct client feedback – while you want to win new business, it’s also crucial to keep the clients that you’ve already got. Taking time to stay in touch, letting them know that you’re always accessible and asking for constructive feedback could turn a one-time client into repeat business, particularly as new landlords build their portfolios. And, you never know when you'll pick up a referral!

4. Take on some training

Better training for staff is the best way to make sure your team’s better than their competition and an effective online system should spare you the capacity to invest in more training. In addition to external courses, consider in-house role-play sessions and presentations to allow your staff to grow in confidence and share and build on their individual strengths.

5. Keep up with the fine print

With the continual changes in legislation, it's important to take a time-out to brush up on agent responsibilities. But why not go the extra mile to make sure staff are up to date on market trends, as well as being aware of what’s going on throughout the locality too!  Keeping up to date means you'll always be ahead of the competition.

6. Expand your profile

Successful agencies are constantly pushing their local profile and becoming a friendly face in the neighborhood. Maximise your extra time by developing your marketing and boosting your presence in your target areas. Smart agents sponsor local teams, playgroups, cafes or crèches, ensuring that they’re known throughout the district they operate in.  With a little work, you'll find a regular happy hello at the local coffee shop, which may turn into a new instruction down the line.

7. Stay social

Invest your additional time in increasing your social media presence. Instagram has definite pulling power when it comes to growing business (who doesn't love swiping through property pics?) and every company should make sure that their Facebook presence is up to date, informative and brand reflective. Plus, everyone loves an excuse to get on Facebook!

8. Lastly there’s leafleting

The old-fashioned door drop may not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but leafleting in your local area is actually an effective way to build your brand and get your name out there. With more and more consumers deleting their “junk mail”, leafleting your local area might actually reach more people than marketing emails – as long as your message is suitably engaging.
Best of all, with all these extra tasks accomplished well within your working day, there should even be a little bit of time left to knock off early and head to the pub.
 
Because nothing’s more important than number 9) TEAM DRINKS!
 
So, why not try Fixflo for free (no obligation, no credit cards required), and see what you can accomplish with your new free time?

 

CTA-1.png

BLOG DISCLAIMER

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have any questions related to issues in this article, we strongly advise contacting a legal professional.
These blog posts are the work of Fixflo and are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. In summary, you are welcome to re-publish any of these blog posts but are asked to attribute Fixflo with an appropriate link to www.fixflo.com. Access to this blog is allowed only subject to the acceptance of these terms.

Zahraa Valu

By Zahraa Valu

21 April 2016

Be the first to hear about new content for property managers

eBooks and webinars, always free

  • Data-driven industry insights
  • Compliance and legal updates
  • Property management best practices