Real Estate Bio: 10 Tips & 20 Examples from the Pros
By J Gurner | Source: FitSmallBusiness
A real estate bio is the descriptive summary of your skills and abilities as a real estate agent, usually presented online or in print.
Creating a strong real estate bio gives potential clients confidence in your abilities and the assurance to hire you.
Here are 20 examples of real estate bios and the tips to learn from them to help improve your own, followed by a template you can use if you’re starting yours from scratch.
1. Showcase Your Community Connections
Leslie Woods, Sereno Group, Palo Alto
”Representing mid-peninsula homeowners and future homeowners specializing in the towns of Menlo Park, Atherton, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Mountain View and San Carlos; Leslie’s creative, enthusiastic, and caring nature is perfect for matching each client’s desires as well as skillfully featuring a home’s unique presence and character.
Raised on the Peninsula, Leslie understands the numerous intangible benefits of life in Silicon Valley with its unmatched weather, culture, and diversity. Leslie joined Sereno Group as her three children approached the middle school and high school years. Educated at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science and Nutrition in 1986, she returned to the Bay Area to work as a Diet Technician at a hospital and then went on to excel in pharmaceutical sales with Wyeth Laboratories, covering the Peninsula and San Francisco for ten years.
A very active and connected community volunteer with the Menlo Park-Atherton School District and Education Foundation, Leslie co-chaired several committees at the schools and served on the district level as a member of the Jeanie Ritchie grant committee, which reviews applications and approves grants for teachers and staff throughout the district to fund innovative programs for students, which have often become permanent parts of the curriculum. Leslie’s contacts and lifelong area residency leverage her energy and enthusiasm, enhancing her client dedication and ensuring satisfied repeat clients and referrals.”
Leslie showcases her homes on her website and utilizes a team of professional service providers such as a photographer, highly regarded staging companies, virtual tour providers, and graphic designers to assist in marketing her client’s properties.
Why This Real Estate Bio Works
Woods shows her community connections through a variety of channels that can relate to potential clients. For example, she includes that she was born in her farm area, she has three children who attend school there, and she is involved with the school district. Be sure to highlight your own connection to your geographic farm area when writing your real estate bio.
If you’d like more information on real estate farming, see our article on how to choose and dominate a farm area.
2. Underscore Locally-Valued Skills
Kim Fagerland, Douglas Elliman, Montauk
“Born and raised in Montauk, Kim Fagerland has witnessed the tremendous change and growth that’s transformed the area into one of the East End’s most sought-after destinations. Returning to Montauk after attending college, she has taken the knowledge learned in a career of management in the Hamptons, Coastal Carolina and upstate New York to segue into Real Estate and building fine homes. Her exceptional knowledge of the market from East Hampton to Montauk Point, coupled with her seasoned insider’s expertise having built, lived in and sold numerous properties throughout the area with her builder husband, make Kim the unequivocal go-to resource for all your real estate needs.
Whether you want a quaint vacation home in town or an exceptional luxury residence on the water, Kim knows everything there is to know about locations, value, property types, pricing, building requirements and zoning – not to mention every possible attraction to entertain you and your family. She thoroughly loves her work, and enjoys the fantastic people she meets every day – many of whom become her neighbors and friends. ‘I have the best job in the world. It’s like I’m in Vegas every day; you just never know what will happen when you go to work in the morning, and to me that’s very exciting.’”
Why This Real Estate Bio Works
As part of her real estate bio, Fagerland highlights her expertise in building in the area which is a relevant and distinguishing mark for her as an agent. Fagerland clearly knows her farm area when discussing building, given that Montauk has had a resurgence of building particularly in the area of summer homes and second residences. Think about what skills are valued in the area you practice, and be sure to highlight relevant expertise.
While building is certainly one way to make money in real estate, there are many others.
To learn more, here is our article on 35 ways to make money in real estate.
3. Prevent Other Agent Bios from Appearing on Your Listings with Zillow Premier Agent
A compelling real estate bio will get you more buyer and seller clients on Zillow. Be sure to update your bio on your website as well as your Zillow and Trulia profiles and leverage Zillow Premier Agent to make your name the only one that appears on your listings. As clients click through to discover more about you, your real estate bio will close the deal.
4. Showcase Your Achievements
Aaron Kirman, Aaron Kirman Partners, Los Angeles Area
“Aaron Kirman, President of the International Estates Division of John Aaroe Group, is one of the leading real estate agents in the USA and has repeatedly been named Top Agent in Los Angeles. With over $3 billion in sales, Kirman represents the finest estates across the globe and was ranked #13 in the U.S by the Wall Street Journal. He has an extensive client base featuring those who seek the luxury lifestyle, including heads of industry, celebrities, royalty, major lending institutions and foreign investors.
As a prominent figure in the luxury real estate market, Aaron has received international acclaim from the Architectural and Estate communities and represents some of the most exclusive residences across the globe, including: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House, Richard Neutra’s Kaufmann Residence, Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House, Liongate by Paul Williams, and the only Oscar Niemeyer in North America. Aaron’s vast knowledge and expertise in selling exclusive properties has helped him to procure some of the highest prices in Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills PO and Malibu. His most recent price record in Hollywood set the bar at $4,722 price per square foot, representing both the seller and buyer on Case Study 21.
Aaron attributes his success to his vast marketing and advertising strategies, partners, market knowledge, exclusive contact base and true love of luxury sales. He is sought by many developers to sell multi-unit projects, including a private island in the Pacific, Turks and Caicos, and the W Hotels. Many developers, architects and designers contact Aaron prior to construction and completion of their projects to take advantage of his long track record of success to insure the design, architecture and plan would appeal to the right high-end buyers. Aaron is often featured in various media outlets including CNBC, The New York Times, CNN, The Los Angeles Times, Variety, The London Times, E Entertainment and CBS. Media sources often call for information and quotes as he is a go-to source for current real estate insight.”
Why This Real Estate Bio Works
Kirman demonstrates expertise in his area of luxury sales by showcasing his many achievements in the area. When creating your own real estate bio, remember that you don’t always have to say you’re “number one” with the ability to impressively demonstrate your skill set.
If you’ve always wondered how to transition to luxury property sales, here are 21 tips to break into the luxury real estate market.
5. Assure Clients You Are on Their Side
Robert Perlin, Baird & Warner, Austin Area
”Robert Perlin brings his experience as a Special Education Teacher to Baird & Warner, Oak Park/River Forest. Prior to joining the Baird & Warner team, he taught students with special needs in the Chicago public schools. As an educator, he learned how to be patient, detail oriented, proactive and a strong advocate for all his students.
As your Realtor, Robert will be an advocate for you. Whether you are buying, selling or renting, he will work tirelessly to promote your best interests. If you are selling, he will work with you to get you the fairest price, in the least amount of time, by using state-of-the-art technology, team collaboration and Baird & Warner’s superior marketing materials. If you are buying, he will work hard to provide you with the best information and market data to inform and assist you so you can be a well-equipped buyer with the strongest possible negotiating position.
Robert understands that buying and selling real estate can be stressful. As a full-time Realtor, he will work hard to lower your stress level and make your experience as pleasurable as possible. He will accomplish this through constant communication and by being accessible whenever you need him.
Robert has been an area resident since 1999 and earned his master’s degree in Special Education at Dominican University in River Forest. He recognizes the unique characteristics and benefits of living and working in Oak Park, Elmwood Park, River Forest and Forest Park, as well as the Galewood and Monclaire neighborhoods of Chicago.
When not assisting clients, Robert enjoys spending time with his husband Jon and their family, entertaining their friends, and traveling and relaxing at their cottage in Sugar Creek, Wisconsin.
‘It would be a pleasure and an honor to work for you.’”
Why This Real Estate Bio Works
Perlin takes the wonderful approach of assuring buyer or seller clients that their needs will be taken care of, no matter who they are or what type of transaction they will be a part of. When writing your own real estate bio, think of the ways in which you can emotionally assure your potential clients, and unique variables in your own history which demonstrate a unique commitment to advocating for others.
When writing your real estate bio, consider how your clients will select who they want to work with. To give you some insight into their thinking, we interviewed 25 individuals on how they recommend choosing an agent.
6. Show Leadership in the Larger Real Estate Industry
Maura Neill, Associate, RE/MAX
“Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, CDPE, e-PRO, MRP, MA, REALTOR® is a second-generation REALTOR® who combines her love for the industry with her passion for education. A graduate of Florida State University (BA, BME, MA—go ‘Noles!), Maura is also a graduate of the Harvard Negotiation Institute at Harvard Law School. Before getting into the real estate business in 2001, Maura previously taught at The Florida State University, University of Phoenix, and Gwinnett County Public Schools (in the Metro Atlanta area). She is an active agent with RE/MAX Around Atlanta, leading her team and representing buyers and sellers on a day-to-day basis, and considers education—of both clients and other real estate agents—an important part of her role as a REALTOR®.
“In 2015, Maura was awarded Atlanta Board of REALTORS® REALTOR® of the Year award, chosen out of almost 7,000 real estate agents for the Board’s highest honor based on REALTOR® spirit, civic activity and involvement, and business accomplishment. In 2014, she was awarded the Atlanta Board of REALTORS® President’s Award and the Georgia Certified Residential Specialists’ (CRS) Member of the Year. Her biggest accomplishment, however, is her commitment to giving back to the communities in which she and her team work—giving a portion of every closing commission back to local and national charities on behalf of her clients.
“Maura is also the founder of Trick or Treat for the Troops, which is now in its tenth year and sends dozens of care packages to U.S. servicemen and women who are deployed and away from their families during the holiday season. A lover of all things Atlanta, Maura lives in Johns Creek, Georgia, with her husband Ben, their Beagles Charlie, Maddy, Jarvis, and Bebe, and one cat who wishes to remain anonymous.
“Want an easy conversation starter with Maura? Here are some suggested topics: bacon, shoes, social media, dark beer, karaoke, chocolate … and real estate.”
Why This Real Estate Agent Bio Works
Establishing leadership in the larger real estate industry will be valuable for some clients. Neill demonstrates continued involvement in the industry by highlighting her speaking engagements at various conferences. Listing real estate industry speaking engagements or workshop presentations can be useful in your bio to demonstrate a connection to and leadership within the industry.
7. Break Up Your Real Estate Bio for Readability
Jason J. Smith, President & Founding Partner, Colorado Real Estate
“Hi. I’m Jason Smith, how can I help you?
“There’s no place else on earth quite like Summit County, Colorado, and owning property here is one of the great privileges of life. I love this area and once I show you around, I’m convinced you will love it too and want to plant roots of your own in the mountains. When to buy? Where to buy? What areas should I avoid? How can I really make sure I’m getting a good deal? These are the questions I can help you answer. Give me a call today at 970-262-7890 and let’s get started!
“The Best Service, The Best Results
“I love the real estate business and have been a full-time broker since 1995. I have the experience and local know-how to help you make the best possible decisions. I also have specialized training in real estate negotiation, so having me on your side means you’re working with a real professional. I’d like to earn your business, so call me today and I’ll work extra hard to make sure your real estate transaction is a complete success!
“What makes Summit County, Colorado so unique?
“Summit County is home to the ski resorts of Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, and Arapahoe Basin. It’s also just about 20 minutes to Vail and Beaver Creek. It’s 90 minutes of scenic driving to Denver International Airport, and home to two 3,000- acre lakes for unique year-round fun.
“Did you know?
“Markets are always driven by supply and demand. Since Summit County is very small and it’s surrounded by national forest, future development is very, very limited and the county has nearly reached its build-out point. That means supply is very limited now and in the long term. Our ease of access from anywhere on earth and proximity to Denver assures that demand stays steady. This means that Summit County, Colorado, is a great place to make your real estate investment.”
Why This Real Estate Agent Bio Works
Readability will have your potential clients spending more time with your real estate bio. Note that while Smith’s bio has almost the same number of words as Neill’s above it, Smith uses subheadings to break up the text in his real estate bio with great results. When crafting your own real estate bio, consider using subheadings to break up the content and make it easier for potential clients to scan the page.