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Marc Austin Highfill has experience in the residential, commercial, and investment real estate markets in Richmond. His team, Marc Austin Properties at EXIT First Realty, has been ranked in the Top 10 sales teams (for units sold and sales volume) by the Richmond Association of Realtors since 2006. The team averages 5-6 sales every week. Marc is currently ranked the # 1 EXIT Agent in Virginia and # 4 agent in North America (for sales volume).

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Staying connected with your sphere of influence is one of the smartest and most effective strategies to grow your real estate business. The challenge is doing it in a way that feels natural and helpful rather than pushy or salesy.

The real key is not how often you reach out but how much value you provide when you do. When your communication is meaningful, staying top of mind becomes an ongoing, relationship-driven process that really strengthens your connections.

Let me help you avoid sounding salesy with these strategies for keeping your contacts engaged and interested.

1. Prioritize value over frequency. Sending more messages does not automatically lead to better results. The goal is to make every interaction count. So, instead of sending generic updates or promotional emails just because it is “time to reach out,” focus on providing content that your contacts will actually find useful. This could include insights about the housing market, local events, or practical tips they can act on right away.

For instance, if interest rates drop, that’s a perfect opportunity to send a short email explaining what it could mean for someone thinking about buying or selling. When your contacts see that the information you share is genuinely useful, they are more likely to stay engaged and view you as a trusted resource.

“Staying top of mind is about the value you bring, not how often you reach out.”

2. Mix up your communication channels. Not everyone prefers to be contacted the same way. Some people respond best to email, others to text, and many engage more on social media. Using different channels increases the chances that your message will be seen and received in a way that suits each person.

You could send a personal note on Instagram, share helpful content on Facebook, or drop a handwritten card for milestones like birthdays or anniversaries. Tracking each contact’s preferences in a CRM allows you to personalize your outreach and stay organized, which helps maintain strong relationships over time.

3. Be consistent without overdoing it. Consistency keeps you visible and relevant. It does not mean reaching out every day. Find a rhythm that works for you, whether that is monthly, every couple of weeks, or quarterly.

Even a simple monthly market update or a short check-in message can go a long way. A note like, “Hey [Name], just checking in to see how things are going. If you need any real estate advice, I’m happy to help,” can maintain relationships without feeling forced. These small, thoughtful touches build trust and show that you genuinely care about your contacts.

Staying top of mind is all about delivering value, using the right channels, and personalizing every interaction. This approach positions you as a reliable resource in your network. If you want to take your sphere engagement further, reach out by call, text, or email to schedule a free strategy call. I can help you put these strategies into action, so staying top of mind becomes simple and effective.

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