Driving the Conversation
At KW New Orleans, we’re not just talking about real estate—we’re leading the conversation. And right now, the conversation needs to shift.
While many agents have been laser-focused on listings for the past few years, the reality is that we’ve entered a different market. If you want to thrive in 2024, buyers need to be your best friends. Why? Because there are more of them than you think, and they’re sitting on opportunities.
“Buyers are gold right now. We are long past the market where you can say, ‘I’m listings only, baby.’” — Cody Caudill, Team Leader at KW New Orleans
The Reality Check: What’s Happening in New Orleans?
Here’s the deal: A buyer’s market emerges when there’s more than four months of inventory. Right now? We’re sitting at seven to nine months of inventory in almost every parish.
For buyers, that’s a huge advantage. The competition is lower, sellers are more negotiable, and smart agents know how to make this work in their favor. The problem? Many agents are still focused on trying to convince stubborn sellers to adjust their pricing, while buyers—ready to make a move—are being overlooked.
Shifting Your Mindset: Buyers Aren’t a Headache, They’re an Opportunity
Let’s be honest. If we play a word association game and say “buyers,” a lot of agents instantly think, time-consuming, indecisive, liars (you were thinking it, weren’t you?). But that mindset is costing you deals.
“I want everyone to release all that negativity about buyers. Buyers are vital, and in this market, they’re the key to keeping your business moving.” — Jeffrey Doussan, Operating Principal & Franchise Owner at KW New OrleansInstead of resisting buyers, it’s time to create a buyer business plan—just like you would for listings.
The 3 L’s of Real Estate: Time to Balance the Scale
At KW, we preach Leads, Listings, and Leverage. Traditionally, we’ve focused on listings because they provide the most control over your business. But when listings take longer to sell, buyers become the fastest way to closings.
A buyer today can close in 45 days or less. Plus, they’re more likely to benefit from price negotiations, seller concessions, and even perks like new roofs or warranties—things that were unheard of during the pandemic market frenzy.
Your Next Move: Build a Buyer-Focused Strategy
It’s not enough to “hope” buyers come to you. That’s not a business plan. If your buyer pipeline isn’t strong, here’s where to start:
- Know Your Top 3 Lead Sources
Where are your buyers coming from? Sphere of influence, open houses, online leads, referrals? Identify what works and double down. - Track Your Conversion Rate
If you don’t know how many buyer deals you closed last year, it’s time to start tracking. You can’t grow what you don’t measure. - Create a System for Buyer Communication
Calling buyers only when they reach out isn’t a system. You need a structured follow-up plan that includes calls, texts, emails, and market updates.
The Myth of “Bad Leads”
One of the biggest mistakes agents make is giving up too early.
“90% of agents give up on a lead after four or fewer touches. But 70% of those same leads will transact within 12 months. Do the math.” — Cody CaudillTranslation? If you’re not following up consistently, you’re literally handing business to another agent.
The biggest teams in real estate don’t believe in bad leads—they believe in consistent follow-up. That means reaching out until you get a yes, no, or stop calling me.
Why KW New Orleans?
We’re not just adapting to the market—we’re leading it. At KW New Orleans, we provide our agents with the training, tools, and mindset shifts necessary to succeed no matter what the market is doing.
If your current brokerage isn’t having these conversations with you—if you’re not being given the strategies to win with buyers, listings, and lead generation—you’re in the wrong place.
Let’s talk about what your business could look like when you have the right support.
Interested in joining KW New Orleans? Let’s connect.