Our Top 10 Most-Read Articles of August

Labor Day has come and gone, and summer -- for all intents and purposes -- is over. But before we fully switch gears into fall, let's take a look back to see what RE Technology subscribers were reading during the final month of summer.

Scroll down to article #5 to learn about the value of "green" homes features, and then explore remodeling projects that can bring a higher listing price in #3.

Want to hear about the new eSignature feature coming to Google Docs? See our most-read article of August at #1. For marketing and advertising ideas, check out articles #8 and #9.

Want more? Check out the full list of August's most-read articles below!

1. Beware, DocuSign: Google Docs now offers eSignatures
DocuSign (and other web-based document management systems that allow users to securely and legally sign forms) might want to start watching their backs right about now. On Wednesday, August 9, Google introduced beta launches for a new native electronic signature tool that certain users can find embedded directly in Google Docs and Google Drive.

2. Are multiple-bidding situations inherently unfair for buyers?
Trying to help a client win in a multiple-bid situation is a big challenge, and it's frustrating for both buyers and agents. Multiple-bid situations can feel inherently unfair to buyers, especially if they've been bidding on homes for weeks or months, and they still are no closer to buying a house of their own. Recently, WAV Group conducted a survey of people who tried to buy a house, asking them questions about their experience as it relates to Fair Housing. Here are some early results from the study.

3. Research-backed Remodeling Ideas that Net a Higher Sales Price
Home remodels and upgrades have long been a way to increase the perceived value of a home. But belts are tightening in the current economy, and homeowners are turning away from big remodeling projects. But just because homeowners are spending less doesn't mean they're willing to spend nothing at all — especially when an improvement can result in a higher sales price. That's why we've rounded up a handful of remodeling ideas that, according to research, either offer a positive ROI, can be accomplished on a budget, or both.

4. The RPR mobile app keeps getting better
RPR (Realtors Property Resource®) has made major improvements to its mobile app to elevate its form, function and design so REALTORS® can get more done, and do it more efficiently, especially when they're away from their desktops. Here are some examples of how RPR has been doing just that.

5. How much are those 'green' features really worth? Ask Pearl Certification
I live in a passive house. Don't know what that is? Neither did the listing agent who represented the sellers when I bought my home in 2016, which is why the price was reduced twice before we made an offer (and purchased the property) for $55,000 less than what the sellers wanted for it. Concerned you might make a similar mistake? The professionals behind Pearl Certification want to teach you how to avoid it.

6. Try This Expired Listing Script to Win More Appointments
Expired listings can be a prickly source of real estate leads. On one hand, the owner clearly wants to sell, otherwise they wouldn't have listed their home in the first place. On the other hand, something went wrong during the for-sale period, and you don't know what. Learn just how to handle expired listings — and get a script that can help. After all, when approached with empathy and curiosity, expireds can be a profitable lead source.

7. Legal Tips for Using AI in Your Real Estate Business
ChatGPT offers real estate agents plenty of time-saving advantages, but it's not without its risks — especially when it comes to copyright issues. Watvj this short video, from the National Association of Realtors' "Window to the Law" series, to clarify AI's risks and limitations.

8. 8 Campaign Ideas for Finding More Listings
Realtors are always looking for more homes to sell. But in a tough market, how do you do that? The key is smart prospecting, and one tool can help you in this endeavor — your MLS's property data tool. You can use your MLS's property data tool to identify prospects, create mailing lists and even print out mailing labels for marketing campaigns. Need campaign ideas? We've got you covered! Here are eight marketing campaign ideas for drumming up new business.

9. 8 Real Estate Marketing Ideas for August
Summer: blink and you'll miss it. Real estate's busiest time of year may be winding down, but there's still time to drum up new business and promote your brand this season. To help you out, we've rounded up eight marketing ideas for August that are just right for summer's last blast.

10. 4 Tips for Working with AI as a Real Estate Agent
Tricia Stamper, director of technology at Florida REALTORS®, shares her top guidelines around how agents can (and should) be thinking about using AI, from how to write a prompt that works to how to keep your brand's proprietary information protected and private.