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Razi Title offers tips on staying competitive in a shifting market

Written by Jonathan Delozier | Oct 17, 2024 11:42:16 PM

 

As the real estate market continues to experience fluctuations, title agents are facing new challenges in lead generation and client retention. With heightened competition and changing client expectations, agents are seeking effective strategies to stay competitive and grow their businesses.

“Adaptability is crucial in this evolving market," Razi Title stated in the white paper. "Agents who can adjust their sales and customer service strategies based on their market’s size and location see measurable success.”

According to Razi Title, agents in larger urban areas often benefit from having dedicated business development officers focused on lead generation and client acquisition, while agents in smaller towns find success through more personal, community-based outreach.

“In urban markets, it’s all about efficiency and volume," the report explained. "Having the right tools and personnel in place helps manage client acquisition on a larger scale. In rural markets, however, the approach is more personalized. Follow-up calls, personal visits, and direct mail help build stronger relationships that can lead to repeat business.”

Razi Title shared a case study illustrating how a regional title agency operating in both urban and rural areas tailored its approach to each market.

"In the city, they employed business development managers and CRM tools to manage high client volumes efficiently," the report said. "Meanwhile, in rural offices, they focused on building connections through community events and maintaining consistent follow-up with past clients. This led to higher client retention and repeat business in both markets."

Razi Title also emphasized the importance of investing in customer experience improvements to build trust and long-lasting relationships.

Customer relationship management (CRM) systems are becoming essential tools for title agents, but not all CRMs are created equal, Razi Title said.

Razi Title suggested agents look for CRM systems that allow for customization and offer automation features like client segmentation, automated reminders, and detailed analytics.

A mid-sized title agency implemented a CRM designed specifically for title and escrow companies, and the results were impressive, according to the white paper.

"The team was able to track client activity, schedule follow-ups automatically, and segment clients by region," Razi Title said. "This improved response times, strengthened client relationships, and streamlined sales operations, especially in high-demand urban areas."

In addition to CRMs, Razi Title highlighted the value of AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and Canva.

 "These tools assist in drafting client-specific messages and creating engaging visuals for emails or social media, helping agents maintain personalized communication at scale," the company added.

Razi Title pointed to AI and automation as game-changers in the title industry.

"Automation tools allow agents to streamline tasks like scheduling follow-ups, sending reminders, and monitoring client activity," the company said. "This frees up time for agents to focus on relationship-building and high-impact interactions.

“For example, if an agent sends out a newsletter, AI tools can identify the most engaged recipients and prompt the agent to follow up with those prospects. This increases the chances of successful conversion."

Practical AI tools, such as HubSpot and other CRM-integrated platforms, help title agents personalize communications and generate client-specific insights, the white paper added.  

"By using these tools, agents can stay updated on client preferences and focus their outreach efforts more effectively," Razi Title said.

One of the most effective strategies for increasing lead conversion is leveraging return business. Razi Title encouraged agents to reach out to new agents working on properties they’ve previously closed.

Title agents can use CRM filters to identify properties they’ve previously worked on that are back on the market.

"This approach helps agents focus their outreach on relevant prospects," Razi Title said. "By reaching out to real estate agents handling familiar properties and emphasizing your prior experience with the property, you can build instant credibility."

Razi Title shared a case study to illustrate this point.

"One of our agents discovered a property they previously worked on was back on the market with a new agent,” the company said. “They reached out, emphasized their familiarity with the property, and built a positive working relationship. This led to a smooth transaction and future collaboration."

Razi Title stressed the importance of consistent follow-ups.

"Agents can use CRM tools to automate follow-up sequences, ensuring regular communication with potential clients," the paper said. "Setting up automated reminders for touchpoints helps avoid missed opportunities and keeps agents on track."

Tracking key engagement metrics like response rates and conversion rates is also crucial.

"These insights help agents adjust their strategies in real-time," Razi Title explained. "And persistence is key. It can take multiple attempts to secure a response from a prospect."

Download the whitepaper here: The Evolving Landscape for Title Agents