When the pandemic started and we entered lock down, we knew the business of real estate was about to change. Our team came together to identify the areas that we needed to focus on and adapt in order to best serve our clients, and keep everyone safe, in the new COVID-19 business world. We created the concept of the 3 S’s: Students and Educators, Strategic Marketing, and Safety Protocols. We developed new programs and technology to safely sell homes during the pandemic; now home demand is higher than ever, and we continue to innovate to provide the highest level of service. What follows is an update on what we have been doing since we introduced the 3 S’s last year.
Students & Educators:
We continue to stay informed about the market, not only in Hawaii, but also in housing markets across the country. We are speaking to experts in many different fields from mortgages to commercial real estate and share these interviews in our Facebook Live video series that was developed to reach more people when we couldn’t meet face to face. We read information from the Honolulu Board of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors, and other Realtor organizations. It’s our job to know what’s happening in real estate so that we can share with you and help you make the best decision for your real estate and life goals.
After the initial decrease in market activity early in the pandemic, we have been seeing record-breaking median sale prices and immense buyer demand. The still-low interest rates and inventory have caused a very tight market and competition is unlike anything Caron and Doug have seen in their 72 years of combined experience in the business. Such a market requires expertise, knowledge, and guidance in order to be success and Caron B Realty International is here for our clients every step of the way.
Strategic Marketing:
We conducted a great deal of research to understand the best marketing plans for these times. Our marketing department compiled innovative ideas from a variety of sources and spoke with other agents to find out what was working best for their clients. We are exploring new channels to reach potential buyers, as well as expanding our presence in established marketing areas and networks.
Some of the improvements we implemented include:
- Expanded our databases to reach a wider network of potential buyers
- Joined a professional network to better market properties to mainland buyers
- Refined general databases to target specific potential buyers
- Leveraged technology across a variety of channels to create stronger engagement with potential buyers
- Created a client portal on our website for clients to more easily get updates on market activity and homes they are interested in
Safety Protocols:
Safety of our clients and agents has been of the utmost importance throughout the pandemic. The Honolulu Board of Realtors is requiring agencies to have safety policies for showing listings. The policies below are part of Tier 3 and were last updated on February 25th.
- In-person brokers open, open house, and showing occupancy limits have increased to 10 guests
- Virtual open houses and showings will continue
- Private showings are allowed by appointment only and with occupancy limits
- Legal short term rentals are allowed
- Business offices can reopen, following physical distancing measures
Students and Educators, Safety Protocols, and Strategic Marketing combine to create satisfied, successful clients. We feel very fortunate to have been able to help so many clients during such a challenging year and are grateful for your continued trust in us as your real estate experts as we celebrate our 20th year in business. Providing an exceptional experience for our clients is our top priority and are proud to share this testimonial from one of our international concierge rental management clients.
“Everyday you and your team remind me of what I have been missing for years.” – R.M.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions regarding selling or buying, the market, or the real estate industry in Hawaii. We can be reached by phone at (808) 593-9826 or by email at concierge@caronb.com.