Ah, yes, the “About” page on your website. I believe writing a bio is a relative source of stress for most people, whether you’re gifted with words or not. There’s no doubt you’re an expert on yourself, but figuring out how to best detail your experience, accomplishments and general awesomeness in a couple of paragraphs can be daunting, to say the least. Most people dread writing about themselves, quickly become at a loss for words, don’t want to be overly confident, or too self-deprecating. I get it. I write bios for a living and still cringe when I have to compose my own.
To combat your bio writing anxiety, I encourage you to put yourself in your client’s shoes; if you were shopping for a real estate agent, what information would you want to read in your future agent’s bio? Perhaps instead of iterating a laundry list of accolades or accomplishments, focus on how you develop connections with your clients. What makes you particularly unique? What techniques or strategies do you use to create efficient and seamless transactions for your clients? Why do your clients keep coming back for more? If you specialize in a certain area or discipline of real estate (like condos versus single-family homes), say so. If your passion for kayaking the coastline has given you insider knowledge about selling waterfront homes, let your clients know.
In a time where everyone (agents and clients) is an expert, your task is to figure out how to distinguish yourself from the competition. My two cents: be really real, use humor (if appropriate) and be honest about yourself and your strengths in a way that only you can. Over my years of writing bios, I have developed a few tips to help make bios stand out. So, the next time you’re writing, rewriting or editing your agent bio, get excited! Not only do you get to revel in all the ways you’re unique and special, you also get to have a little fun.
5 Tips For Writing An Impactful, Engaging Bio:
Begin with the most important stuff. Attention spans are short these days so open your bio with the most relevant, catchy info
Write to your audience. If you’re a real estate agent, your goal is to acquire and retain clients; what kind of information will help you do that?
Talk yourself up. It’s okay (and encouraged) to call attention to your accomplishments, by all means, just balance them with your shining personality
Keep it personal. Many agents have similar accolades and skill sets, so insert some fun or quirky facts (bonus points if you can relate them to real estate)
Have fun and be creative! Bring your personality and humor into your bio; people want to connect with YOU, so show them all the ways you’re an awesome person AND a superstar agent
Agent Bio Examples
It’s always helpful to see things side-by-side for comparison’s sake. This isn’t a study in right or wrong or a bio-bashing session, just some examples to help get your bio-writing juices flowing.
EXAMPLE 1
Before
A real estate broker operating in the sprawling Phoenix Metropolitan area since 2013. He graduated from Colfax College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Entrepreneurship, giving him knowledge that was vital in helping set up his successful Realtor practice. Larry offers real estate services in multiple states, but specializes in the Phoenix area due to his comprehensive knowledge of the city and housing market.
As a member of Russ Lyon | Sotheby's International Realty and Gibson | Sotheby's International Realty, Larry has developed white-glove skills to cater to high-end clients. He has demonstrated his innate talent for realty once again by successfully handling complex and intricate luxury real estate market. His professionalism, immaculate manners and crisp charm has made him a favorite of the highest echelons in the city.
Larry maintains and enjoys a healthy lifestyle - either at the gym, the great outdoors and hiking the endless trails that Arizona has to offer.
After
As a longtime resident of Phoenix, Larry Jones has an exceptional understanding of the Phoenix Metropolitan real estate market dynamics and its diverse communities. His success is attributed to his dedication to go above and beyond for his clients, always striving to exceed their expectations.
Larry is a member of Russ Lyon | Sotheby's International Realty and Gibson | Sotheby's International Realty, and has developed the expertise to help clients buy and sell premier properties in a complex real estate market. Additionally, Larry is a savvy marketer with a keen understanding of what it takes to position a property locally, and paired with an award-winning residential brokerage with the international reach of Sotheby's International Realty brand, the exposure he offers is unparalleled.
Larry graduated from Colfax College in Massachusetts, one of the most prestigious entrepreneurship colleges in the United States. His education has been vital in helping Larry develop, cultivate and quickly expand his successful real estate career. When Larry isn’t helping clients, he enjoys an active lifestyle that often includes taking advantage of Arizona’s vast and beautiful terrain.
EXAMPLE 2
Before
The Finest in Northwest Living Sarah Smith epitomizes the true Connoisseur of Life. Sarah is passionately involved in the arts, entertainment and social events where she has earned much deserved respect for her generosity and enthusiastic approach to every venture she commits to. Sarah combines her passion for living with her dedication to residential real estate while staying current in the financial sector, keeping her clients best interests in mind. She is a top performing broker in the Greater Seattle Area ensuring her clients receive the best care and assistance throughout their entire transition in life. Sarah also enjoys the challenge of specializing in the luxury real estate market, representing a diverse range of buyers and sellers of waterfront estates, one-of-a-kind homes, and in-city penthouses. She has a strong understanding in that unique properties call for a unique approach, consistently exceeding her client's expectations with her commitment to creating success through the use of many focused marketing platforms and the unparalleled networking capabilities she has to offer. In addition, Sarah is often cited by local media for her experience with current markets including publications in the Puget Sound Business Journal and Seattle Times. Sarah's life experiences have included involvement in the music industry, entertainment, professional athletics, and celebrity productions backed by a third generation family business. Her diverse professions presented the opportunity to travel the world, creating valuable lifetime relationships from coast to coast; Los Angeles to New York and Hong Kong.
After
What do you get when you combine the loyalty of working in a family business, the thrill of traveling and exploring, a love of art and culture, and more than 20 years of premier, personalized residential real estate service? An agent who can connect with everyone, is passionate about the real estate process and who uses her life experience and expertise to overcome anything in her path.
Sarah Smith was born and raised in Seattle and worked in the family business, Smith Incorporated, for 25 years. She began her career in real estate in 2004, working her way up through Windermere Real Estate in West Seattle to become a managing broker and a top salesperson in the company. In 2010, Sarah shifted her career to Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty in Seattle, which was new to the area, and also catered to Sarah’s passion for art and art collection. For seven years, Sarah rapidly grew her real estate business, including her own rental property portfolio, along with creating recognition for the local Sotheby’s brand. Beyond helping clients buy and sell real estate, Sarah was involved in numerous philanthropic endeavors, one of her favorites being Dancing With The Stars (Seattle), where she won “People’s Choice” and helped raised over $100,000 for homelessness in Seattle; and she was also featured on the cover of the Puget Sound Business Journal.
In 2017, Sarah took a breather from real estate and traveled to Italy where she lived in Florence. During this time, she met the love of her life, married, moved back to the states and purchased her dream home in Walla Walla. She now splits her time between city living in Seattle and Walla Walla, where she loves her neighbors, the small town feel and fresh air. Her new company, Real Estate, LLC, combines all of Sarah’s passions and expertise and has boldly propelled her into a new phase of her life.
Thanks for reading! And, as always, if you prefer to focus on other aspects of your business, we at G Disain would love to help with your agent bio, as well as any other marketing needs.