What is the importance of a biography? According to a study conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 52 percent of home buyers found their homes on the Internet. And, before they contact you about a listing, they'll want to know about your Realtor's qualifications and background.

Your real estate bio, like your business card or website, is an important part of your professional branding. But, if you're at a loss for where to begin, consider why you're writing one in the first place. Here are some of the main reasons why real estate agent biographies are important:

1. It explains who you are and why you are unique. Consider your real estate bio to be your first impression, and use it to share your education, experience, and personality (aka why you're the right person for the job). But keep in mind that a realtor bio isn't a shortened version of your LinkedIn profile.

Describe who you are and why it matters in your writing. You could, for example, write that you were born and raised in [X] area, but why does that matter? Because you are well-versed in the local market. Potential clients are drawn in by the inclusion of the "why."

2. It increases credibility. The majority of clients want an experienced agent. A fantastic reputation. Excellent negotiating skills. The list goes on and on. Use your real estate bio to highlight any awards, recognitions, or impressive statistics that support these abilities. Of course, there's a fine line between bragging and tooting your own horn, so proceed with caution. Concentrate on one or two noteworthy or relevant accomplishments.

3. It cements your connection to the community. Real estate is a local industry. Someone looking to sell their home in Texas would not hire a real estate agent in Hawaii. Instead, they want someone who is familiar with the local market. This is not to say that you must have deep roots in a specific community to succeed. However, you should position yourself as a passionate supporter of the area by explaining why you chose to relocate (or stay, if you're a native).