Podcast Summary: "How This Agent Sold 40 Homes in a Tough Market—While Working LESS!", Ep. 924
Podcast Information
- Title: F.I.R.E.D UP with Krista Mashore
- Host: Krista Mashore
- Description: Empowering entrepreneurs with cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to dominate their industries and achieve Financial Independence Retirement Early (F.I.R.E.D).
- Episode Title: How This Agent Sold 40 Homes in a Tough Market—While Working LESS!
- Guest: Alex Mayer
- Release Date: February 13, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 924 of "F.I.R.E.D UP with Krista Mashore," host Krista Mashore welcomes Alex Mayer from Rochester, Minnesota. Alex shares his remarkable achievement of selling over 40 homes in 2024—a year marked by significant challenges in the real estate market—while reducing his working hours. This episode delves deep into Alex's innovative marketing strategies, his disciplined work routine, and the philosophies that underpin his business success.
Alex Mayer’s Journey in Real Estate
Alex begins by recounting his entry into the real estate industry in November 2016. Initially part of a team with a 50/50 split, he served as a buyer's agent for the first 18 months. Despite the initial setup, Alex had no regrets, viewing the split as tuition for acquiring essential industry knowledge.
In June 2018, when his broker dissolved the team due to profitability issues, Alex transitioned to an independent model, joining a brokerage with a 100% split and a desk fee. He maintained the effective half (50%) of his earnings by reinvesting the other half into marketing, lead generation, and coaching. This strategic reinvestment laid the foundation for his future successes.
Notable Quote:
Alex Mayer [01:02]: "I kept 50% for myself. And then every closing I had, I threw 50% into marketing, lead generation, hiring coaches."
Discovering Krista’s Marketing Strategies
In January 2019, Alex encountered Krista Mashore's work through her book, "Sell 100 Plus Homes a Year," and her pervasive Facebook presence. Determined to break free from the "hamster wheel" of excessive work hours and ineffective lead generation, Alex decided to implement Krista's marketing strategies.
Notable Quote:
Alex Mayer [02:00]: "I remember when I first hired you and saw the whole system click. I tell people, like, I'm going to be like the first man on the moon in my market because there's nobody doing this sort of marketing strategy."
Within six weeks of launching his ads, Alex witnessed a fourfold increase in referrals, underscoring the potency of consistent and strategic marketing.
The Lasso Strategy: Land, Air, Sea, and Strategic Operatives
Alex introduces his "Lasso Strategy," a multifaceted approach encompassing:
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Land Strategy:
- Belly-to-Belly Interaction: Actively engaging with the community by frequenting local restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and gyms. He utilizes his branded materials, such as custom T-shirts ("Coffee and Contracts") and a branded car, to maintain a visible presence.
- Authentic Branding: Alex emphasizes the importance of being personable and creating parasocial relationships, leading to spontaneous conversations about real estate.
Notable Quote:
Krista Mashore [04:00]: "When you pay for attention, you're paying for exposure, reminding new people about you, and nurturing existing leads."
-
Air Strategy:
- Digital Marketing Excellence: Leveraging Facebook ads with targeted video content. Alex invests minimally, akin to daily coffee expenses, to ensure continuous market visibility.
- Video Content: Focuses on real, on-the-ground stories and real-time transaction experiences, enhancing engagement compared to traditional green screen videos.
- Advanced Targeting: Utilizes retargeting techniques to maximize video watch time and reach, often surpassing industry standards with metrics like 40,000 to 50,000 views per week for listing videos.
Notable Quote:
Alex Mayer [11:52]: "There are agents that like fresh out of real estate school, say they're marketing experts. I'm like, yeah, there's really not a lot behind that."
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Sea Strategy (referred to as C Strategy):
- Tangible Marketing Materials: Distributing custom coasters with QR codes at local establishments to drive traffic to his online presence.
- Branded Vehicles: Investing in comprehensive car wraps that feature his branding, making his vehicles eye-catching and memorable in the community.
- Direct Mail: Sending targeted postcards to specific households using platforms like Wise Pelican, reinforcing his omnipresence.
Notable Quote:
Krista Mashore [16:53]: "He has a coaster, which is 6 cents a pop. And now they're seeing Alex. They're seeing his signs. Now they're seeing him when they go to the bar or to get some coffee or to the local restaurant."
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Strategic Operatives:
- Top Clients and Referral Sources: Maintaining strong relationships with his top 100 clients and referral sources through regular touchpoints like postcards, gifts, and personal acknowledgments.
- Community Leadership: Actively participating in local Facebook groups, ensuring his name is consistently mentioned as the go-to realtor in his area.
Notable Quote:
Alex Mayer [21:13]: "These are the partners, basically."
Work-Life Balance and Discipline
One of the standout aspects of Alex's approach is his ability to work fewer hours without compromising productivity. In 2024, he worked approximately 20-25 hours a week while closing over 40 deals. His disciplined routine allows him to balance work with personal time, including frequent vacations and road trips with his dogs.
Notable Quote:
Alex Mayer [06:08]: "I probably really only work about 20, 25 hours a week."
Digital and Physical Marketing Integration
Alex's success is attributed to the seamless integration of digital and physical marketing efforts. His video content not only boosts online engagement but also complements his on-the-ground presence. For instance, his strategic use of QR codes on coasters directs potential clients to his comprehensive online profiles, further enhancing his digital footprint.
Notable Quote:
Krista Mashore [13:22]: "When you tie it in with the other marketing strategies, everything is hitting things from multiple different angles."
Leveraging Community and Coaching
Alex highlights the importance of continuous learning and community support. Being part of Krista's coaching program has provided him with invaluable resources, peer support, and innovative strategies that keep him ahead in a competitive market. The community within the coaching program fosters collaboration and shared success, which Alex considers one of the program's greatest assets.
Notable Quote:
Alex Mayer [26:06]: "The community within what you've built...we are all learners, we're all go getters, we're implementers."
Effective Listing Process
Alex employs a thorough and personalized listing process that begins with a customized video introducing himself to potential clients. This initial engagement helps establish trust and showcases his unique marketing strategies. By demonstrating his ability to generate substantial online engagement for listings, Alex differentiates himself from other agents who may lack such sophisticated marketing prowess.
Notable Quote:
Alex Mayer [28:19]: "The online information isn't specific. I haven't been inside your house...people can see me interact and get to know my personality a little more."
Key Takeaways and Final Advice
In the closing segments, Alex shares two pivotal pieces of advice applicable to agents and business owners alike:
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Client-Centric Approach:
- Prioritize clients to ensure a positive experience, leading to referrals and repeat business.
Notable Quote:
Alex Mayer [29:48]: "Always got to make it about the Clients first. If you take care of the clients, they will refer you additional business."
-
Consistency and Discipline:
- Maintain daily routines and consistent efforts to build and sustain business growth over time.
Notable Quote:
Alex Mayer [29:49]: "You have discipline to do a little bit of work every single day. Consistency builds brick by brick."
Conclusion
Episode 924 of "F.I.R.E.D UP with Krista Mashore" offers a comprehensive look into Alex Mayer's successful real estate strategies amid a challenging market. Through his disciplined approach, innovative marketing techniques, and commitment to client satisfaction, Alex exemplifies how agents can thrive by working smarter, not harder. His insights serve as a valuable blueprint for real estate professionals aiming to elevate their business while maintaining a balanced life.
Additional Resources:
- Krista’s Coaching Programs: For more strategies on dominating your market, visit KristaMashore.com/Podcast for free downloads and resources.
- Alex Mayer’s Socials: Connect with Alex on Facebook @AlexMayer for updates and insights.