With over 700 million active users, engagement rates on Instagram are often up to 10x higher than other platforms such as Facebook. Add in targeted hashtags and location tags, and brands can skyrocket their presence on the social network.
Today, Instagram has become an essential part of the social strategy mix for real estate professionals. Many agents are using Instagram to give followers a behind-the-scenes look at their business, to connect with them on a more personal level, and ultimately, to establish themselves as experts and attract new customers.
There are dozens of real estate influencers who have achieved incredible follower counts by posting inspiring, high-quality content and engaging their audiences on a consistent basis.
If you’re looking for inspiration, or some fresh ways to boost your own Instagram efforts, then take a look at some of the top real estate accounts that represent the best in the business.
1. Fredrik Eklund: @fredrikeklundny
914k followers
Fredrik Eklund was born in Stockholm, Sweden and owns his own brokerage business there; he is also the top broker at Douglas Elliman in Manhattan New York, where he is known for selling million dollar homes to celebrities and stars.
Fredrik Eklund might just be the most followed Realtor on Instagram. He tends to share photos of his millionaire lifestyle, including beautiful views from his penthouse in New York City, as well as sweet family portraits of him and his partner awaiting their first child. His bio on Instagram notes his successes as a real estate broker, TV personality, author, and wine-maker.
2. Josh Altman: @thejoshaltman
356k followers
Josh Altman is one of the most successful LA real estate agents, founder of The Altman Brothers real estate group, and a motivational speaker with his own TV show on Bravo.
Though he rarely shows off his listings on his feed, his Instagram is a great example of one tending toward a more personal, candid feel. He often posts photos of his baby and wife, along with pictures of himself at sporting events, and even videos of himself at the gym. He also posts screenshots of articles where he has been interviewed and featured homes being sold by the Altman Brothers group.
3. Barbara Corcoran: @barbaracorcoran
255k followers
This self-professed “NYC Real Estate Queen” and Shark Tank judge is also a huge Instagram personality. Her feed features photos of her many TV engagements, including Shark Tank and Dancing with the Stars, as well as candid photos of her with her fluffy dog, Max.
Barbara shows off the posed and the not-so-posed sides of being a big-time business woman in the United States by sprinkling her Instagram with an equal mix of humor and humble brags. As the founder of one of New York’s most successful real estate companies, she deserves it.
4. Luis Iglesias Real Estate @luisiglesiasrealestate
74.1k followers
Luis Iglesias specializes in luxury real estate in Miami, so his feed is dominated by stunning high rise apartments overlooking the ocean and modern mansions with infinity pools. He has sold properties to over 50 athlete and celebrity clients and is the founder of the Iglesias Realty Group. His Instagram exclusively shows off his listings, eschewing the candid or family photos that some of his competitors have used to personalize their accounts.
5. Joyce Rey: @joycereyrealestate
47.6k followers
Joyce Rey is considered the #1 Realtor in Southern California and has been featured on the Today Show, NBC, CNN, and on international news outlets. Her feed is largely made up of stunning photos of her most recent listings, from beachfront properties to vineyard mansions, with a sprinkling of photos of her speaking engagements, family life, and leisure activities.
Joyce Rey does not shy away from using video to showcase her listings, especially to show off the surroundings of the homes she sells. She specializes in selling elite properties in the LA and Beverly Hills areas, so she does not lack for inspiration in beautiful mansions to post for her followers.
6. Edward Hutchinson: @hutchjohnstone
19.5K followers
Edward Hutchinson was born and raised in London, where he spent his time working in the luxury property market. Along with his partner, David Johnstone, Edward now specializes in luxury sales and leasing in West Los Angeles.
In just one year, Edward established himself as one of LA’s top real estate agents, largely through social media and his personal brand. His feed provides an insider’s look at life on the Pacific coast as well as sneak peeks at the stunning open houses and million-dollar listings he has to offer in the city. He is also the face of the web series “Future of Real Estate.”
Real estate professionals who can find a unique way of identifying with their audience while building trust will find the most success on Instagram. Set aside some time to dig through these top accounts for inspiration and you’ll be on your way to establishing yourself as an industry leader in no time.
About the author: Adrian Fisher is the Founder and CEO of PropertySimple, a real estate technology company that allows agents to take control of their personal brand by automating social media posting. Follow him @adrian_fisher.