Could Telling Your Story Help You Win More Listings?

From the "Write Move: Books That Win Listings" series.

We all know sellers have endless options and opportunities to sell homes. As real estate agents, we spend years building our referral businesses to be at the top of mind when a former client wants to sell a property or a friend, family member, or business associate asks for a referral. 

The competition is fiercer when we try to attract new sellers into our sphere. We develop strategies for expired listings, foreclosed properties, short sales, cold calls, and networking. 

We may spend marketing dollars on flyers, postcards, pies, client appreciation celebrations, closing gifts, billboards, shopping carts, city benches, and more. We are constantly asking ourselves the same question:

How do I stand out to sellers who have endless options?

We know track records, marketing plans, and local expertise matter. But another piece of the puzzle is often overlooked: storytelling.

Consider that agents who connect most deeply with sellers are the ones who don't show stats or sales—they show heart. This is what we intuitively try to do. We talk about the benefits of helping families move through life transitions. Through our stories, we communicate that we consider the sale of your home a transaction and a heartfelt, deeply personal life event. 

Sharing our stories of helping families move through life transitions shows our intelligence. We are competent in communicating something personal and human while showcasing our expertise. We are wise to tell stories that illustrate we love what we do. 

Of course, it doesn't happen in every case. Some sellers are strictly numbers-driven. But more often than we realize, emotion plays a role in choosing a real estate professional.

A story is powerful.

Stories build emotional resonance and, therefore, connection.

When sellers think about listing their home, they make a financial decision and navigate a significant life event. It could be a downsizing, a relocation, a fresh start after divorce, or a bittersweet goodbye to a longtime family home. Perhaps it's not something they deeply talk about, yet they wonder:

Can I trust this agent with my story?

Do they understand what I'm going through?

Will they listen, protect my interests, and guide me through this?

When you've already told of your experiences through a blog, a podcast, a heartfelt post, or a book, you've answered those questions before they're asked.

Your stories become the bridge.

A book that speaks before you do.

Books are powerful yet underutilized tools for agents who want to attract more sellers. A book is more than a marketing piece—it is a conversation that continues long after the listing presentation ends.

It shows sellers how you work, what you care about, and how you've helped people. They relate.

You are positioning yourself as an agent who listens and leads with integrity, not just someone who closes deals.

And unlike a business card or brochure, a book doesn't get tossed aside. It endures. It sparks curiosity. It makes people think, "If they took the time to write this, they'll take the time to guide me."

It's not about bragging. It’s about belonging. 

Some agents hesitate to write a book because they don't want to sound self-promotional. But the right book isn't about you, but the seller.

You can share stories of past clients who've navigated similar transitions, answer common questions, and gently educate homeowners on preparing for a successful sale.

When written deliberately, your book becomes a guide—a reassuring voice during a stressful time.

Ready to begin?

If you're considering new ways to attract seller clients, consider the long game. Your next postcard might get a glance, and your book might get read, remembered, and shared.

You already have the stories.

You've already made an impact.

Let's bring it together on the page—so sellers can feel it before they ever meet you.

Want to talk about what your book could look like? I help real estate agents turn everyday experiences into interesting, seller-focused books that build trust and grow business.

You’ve got the insight. I’ve got the pen. Let’s create the book your business deserves.