fbpx

You are viewing our site as an Agent, Switch Your View:

Agent | Broker     Reset Filters to Default
Tailor Your Message and Impress Your Clients with RPR's Commercial AI ScriptWriter
Commercial real estate can be complicated. And even though you have the experience and a deep understanding of the nuances of the market and the industry, it can still be difficult to explain all those details and numbers to your clients. Thanks to RPR (Realtors Property Resource), it's time to impress and not stress! Introducing RPR's Commercial AI ScriptWriter. This easy-to-use, data-focused tool will give you an instant edge and help you quickly tailor insights to match your audience. Whether it's a pitch outline for a city planner, a one-pager explaining the area to a prospective tenant, or a deep-dive report for an investor — it's all at your fingertips and in your hands in seconds. The brains behind the RPR Commercial AI ScriptWriter Before we get to the how-to on using the Commercial AI ScriptWriter, we want you to know a little background on what went into creating it for our commercial and resimercial users. RPR prides itself on providing a laundry list of data-based features for today's commercial real estate specialists, including Site Selection tools, Trade Area Reports, ROI analytics, traffic data counts, POI mapping research, commercial comps and more. In particular, RPR's comprehensive commercial trade area data enables REALTORS® to generate detailed summaries of demographics, economics and tapestry segments for specific areas. This breakdown includes a thorough analysis of community characteristics and residents' spending habits. After receiving feedback, it was evident that agents highly value the commercial trade area data provided by RPR. They appreciate the abundance of information available to them without any additional costs. And for the record, RPR sources much of this data from Esri, a leading provider in the industry, whose data is highly sought after by Fortune 500 companies at significant costs. And yet, even with all these great resources, REALTORS® who practice commercial real estate have expressed a challenge in finding the time to sift through the extensive data and tailor it to different client types, such as Economic Development Councils, City Planners, tenants, building owners and investors. Additionally, they struggle to adjust the tone and presentation to suit the unique preferences and relationships with each client. This process of customization takes considerable time and effort, especially when catering to clients with diverse personalities and varying levels of communication styles. Addressing these individual client needs and preferences takes a lot of effort and can be a huge time-eater. Enhance your pitch with RPR's Commercial AI ScriptWriter Enter the RPR Commercial AI ScriptWriter! This AI-powered, generative tool rapidly sorts through the robust commercial trade area datasets including population characteristics (i.e., daytime population vs. residents), income (i.e., average household income), housing (median estimated home), spending habits (i.e., high-end wine), and much more. And then it offers real estate professionals a streamlined approach to creating different formats for presenting the information, depending on the audience and the goal. With RPR's Commercial AI ScriptWriter, users have the following formats that are customizable by audience (i.e., city planner), tone (engaging), and data inclusion (i.e., population stats): Presentation outline/direction: Lay-out for a pitch session. One pager: Quick explainer piece that narrates the landscape. Detailed report: Deeper understanding of an area that can be presented to more data-driven clients or used as the foundation for a feature article to illustrate market knowledge. How to find and use RPR's Commercial AI ScriptWriter To find the Commercial AI ScriptWriter, you'll need to locate the Trade Area Information page in RPR. There are several ways to do this, but one way is through the Property Details. Simply type in an address or area and search for your property. Then select Trade Area. On the upper right of the Attribute Summary, select Create Script. Now is the fun part! You can tailor your content by selecting: Tone: Select the tone that matches your style. Audience: Select your target audience: City Planners, Business Owners, Tenants or Investors. Data Points: Select essential data points that resonate with your clients. Now, choose your output format: One-pager: A concise explainer that captures the essence of the area. Detailed Report: This gives a deeper understanding of an area for data-driven clients or as the foundation for a thought-leadership article. Presentation outline: This is an outline for a pitch session. Another game-changing, data-focused tool from RPR Analyzing market demand, understanding consumer behavior, and identifying target markets for clients just became much easier thanks to RPR's new Commercial AI ScriptWriter. This informative content machine effectively showcases detailed insights into the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of different areas, while freeing you up to focus on other tasks and areas of your business. RPR's Commercial AI ScriptWriter saves you hours, tailors reports for any client and helps you inspire client confidence. Take it for a spin today! To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.
MORE >
Friday Freebie: 60-day Trial of Constant Contact's AI-powered Marketing Suite
Spring selling season is here — time to fine-tune your marketing plan and execute it! Fortunately, that's easier than ever to do in 2024, especially when artificial intelligence (AI) can give you a hand. Don't know what to say in that marketing email? Let AI write it for you! That's just scratching the surface of how AI can assist your marketing efforts. And now you can find out for yourself: in this week's Friday Freebie, RE Technology readers get 60 days to try Constant Contact's AI-assisted email and social media marketing tools for free. How to claim your free 60-day trial of Constant Contact Constant Contact is a name synonymous with email marketing, but the solution offers so much more. Today, Constant Contact also offers tools to manage your social media all from one place (text message marketing is also available as an optional add-on). Even better, Constant Contact now sports an integrated AI assistant that can write your campaign messages for you based on just a few keywords (learn more in this article). Posting to social media? Constant Contact's AI can write variations of the same post for each social platform that you use. Your 60-day free trial of Constant Contact also includes: Email and social media marketing management in one solution Customizable automation workflows Built-in AI marketing assistant List-building tools and sign-up forms Integrations with real estate tools like WiseAgent, Zillow, dotloop, BoomTown, and more Pre-designed templates and a drag-and-drop email editor Comprehensive analytics to monitor campaign performance and help you fine-tune your marketing strategy And more! Make reaching out to your sphere easier than ever. Claim your FREE 60-day trial of Constant Contact today!
MORE >
8 Ways to Leverage the Magic of AI for Real Estate Marketing
MORE >
5 Tips for Better Email Open Rates, Plus PROVEN Plug and Play Subject Lines
As a marketing professional, I often leverage email for client outreach, invitations to webinars and events, educational communication, and prospecting. I'm often asked for advice on how to improve open rates and engagement, and I want to start with the most overlooked, but absolutely crucial part of the email…the subject line! A compelling email subject line is what's going to land you in the inbox, enticing your audience to open and engage with your content. Below are five proven tips for crafting effective email subject lines, as well a list of words and/or phrases that deliver results. 1. Personalization Using personalization such as the person's name or geographic location helps your email POP in the inbox and makes your emails feel more relevant and/or tailored to the recipient. Examples: John, here's your exclusive discount code. The hottest new listing just hit Willow Creek. 2. Urgency/Scarcity Subject lines that convey a sense of urgency or scarcity encourage recipients to open your email promptly, fearing they may miss out on an opportunity. Examples: Last chance! 50% off registration ends tonight. Need CE credits, Michael? 5 slots left. 3. Intrigue Questions in subject lines can pique your recipient's curiosity and motivate them to open your email to find the answer. Examples: Tanya, are you making this common staging mistake? Has your broker failed to share this important compliancy information? 4. Specifics Incorporating specific numbers or statistics in your subject line can make your content appear more credible and valuable. Examples: 10 proven tips to boost your productivity. 12% of Sarasota agents made this strategic move in 2023 5. Concise Email subject lines should be short, clear, and to the point. The longer or more ambiguous the subject is, the more likely it is to fail in capturing your recipient's attention. Examples: New Continuing Education: Register Today Exclusive Access: Listing Presentation Webinar And last, here's a list of words and/or phrases that can be combined with any of the above suggestions to help your emails stand out in crowded inboxes, increase open rates, and ultimately drive higher engagement. Happy marketing! Exclusive Exclusive Offer Inspire Discover Exciting Limited Update What?! Epic Epic Journey Limited Time Time Sensitive Action Required Breaking News Quick Tips Proven Strategies Inspiring Stories Essential Guide Exclusive Access Incredible Action Amazing Wow! Essential Unlock Why? Secrets Bondilyn Jolly is President of Marketing at WAV Group. Related reading 7 Emails You Need to Send to Real Estate Leads The Best Email Subject Lines: 11 Formulas to Use in Real Estate Build an Opt-in Email List: 8 Proven Tactics to Try Now
MORE >
How to Write Compelling Property Descriptions
MORE >
Price It Right: 3 Scripts to Guide Sellers Away from Overpricing Pitfalls
Have sellers who are intent on overpricing their home? There's an ancient communication hack you can use to steer sellers towards a more reasonable price point. When we say "ancient," we mean it! The Socratic method, created by ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, is a way to discuss topics by asking questions rather than telling or instructing the other party what to do. This is effective in pricing discussions because it moves sellers away from an emotional frame of mind to a more logical one. And, importantly, it helps sellers persuade themselves toward a more reasonable price — and it avoids making them feel like you're telling them what to do. By asking questions and having them rationalize their pricing motivations, you can guide them to see the potential pitfalls themselves. The key is using questions, examples and letting them arrive at the more reasonable pricing conclusion through their own logic. To help you understand what a pricing discussion using the Socratic method looks like, here are a few sample scripts. Seller Objection: "My house has valuable upgrades" You: I understand you want to list your home at [proposed price]. Can you help me understand your thought process behind that decision? Client: I think my home is worth more than comparable homes in the area because it has been updated and is in great condition. You: That's a fair point. Can you tell me more about the specific updates and condition? How do they compare to similar homes on the market? Client: Well, we updated the kitchen with new countertops and appliances a few years ago... You: Those updates do add value. Have you looked at what other homes with updated kitchens have listed and sold for recently? How does your asking price compare? Client: Not specifically, but I'm sure ours is nicer. You: Let's take a look at some examples to compare. What do you think might happen if we price your home significantly higher than similar recently sold properties? Client: I suppose it might sit on the market longer... You: Exactly. And what are some potential downsides of a listing going stale? Client: Buyers might wonder what's wrong with it and make lower offers. You: That's true! Overpricing can make it harder to generate interest and get a strong offer. What are your priorities — a higher price or a quicker sale? Seller Objection: "I want to maximize our ROI on our home" You: What factors are most important to you in pricing your home? Client: Getting the highest possible price. This is our biggest investment. You: I understand wanting to maximize your return. What concerns might you have about overpricing though? Client: Well, I don't want it to sit on the market forever. You: Right, going too high can deter buyers. What have you noticed about how long overpriced homes in our area tend to stay listed? Client: Several months at least from what I've seen. You: Exactly. And opportunity costs come into play too when a home lingers. What kinds of costs are we talking about? Client: Carrying costs like the mortgage, utilities, maintenance… You: Yes. So finding the highest price a qualified buyer will actually pay could make more sense financially. How might we analyze recent sales to find that sweet spot? Seller Objection: "I want to keep up with the Joneses" You: I know you have X price in mind for listing your home. What is your goal in setting that price? Client: I want to get a price 15% higher than the neighbors sold for last year. You: I see. What has changed about your home or the market conditions that leads you to value it that much higher? Client: Well, not much besides the neighbors selling when prices were lower. You: Understood. Buyers will be looking at very recent comparable sales though. If other similar homes seem undervalued compared to yours, what could happen? Client: Buyers might favor those other listings and ours could get passed over. You: Potentially, yes. What are some risks if we overpriced and it doesn't sell quickly? Client: It could hurt our negotiating position later if we have to keep dropping the price. You: Those are excellent points. How can we analyze trends to find the optimal list price and position your home strongly? Tips Be agreeable and allow the seller to express their opinion. Embrace silence as a tactic to allow the seller to express their thoughts fully. Self-persuasion is key to guide sellers to the right pricing strategy. The Socratic method lets them feel they're coming to the desired conclusion on their own. Lean on data to help persuade sellers. RPR's Refine Value Tool lets you take home upgrades into account when determining price. Related reading Pricing It Right: How Agents Can Show Value to Home Sellers Through CMAs Unrealistic Seller Pricing: How to Handle it Like a Pro [Podcast] You Don't Get to the Money If You Don't Get to the Core of Feelings, with Lynn Sharer
MORE >
How to Talk About the NAR Settlement with Clients and Prospects
MORE >
Hearing from RE Technology Too Much? Not Enough?
If you're an RE Technology subscriber, you likely get our daily newsletter in your email inbox each morning. But did you know you can adjust how frequently you receive our emails? Our Email Preference Center lets you choose how often you want to see our emails: daily or weekly (this option contains all our daily newsletter content compressed into one digest on Saturday). Aside from our newsletters, we also offer a "Membership Rewards" email that highlights special offers for our readers. This is sent out a few times per month. The Email Preference Center also lets you update your email address — helpful when you move to a new real estate brokerage — and change your password. Choosing the emails you want to receive means you'll hear from us on your own schedule, making it easier to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. Not currently receiving our newsletters? Go to the Email Preference Center and choose your preferred email subscription(s).
MORE >
[Podcast] You Don't Get to the Money If You Don't Get to the Core of Feelings, with Lynn Sharer
MORE >
6 Real Estate Scripts (and When to Use Them)
One persistent stereotype about real estate agents is that they're hyper-social creatures blessed with the gift of gab. While it's true that many agents are people lovers who like to talk, simply being talkative isn't necessarily a talent. Instead, knowing what to say and when to say is a skill that's learned — especially in business situations. Continuous improvement in communication skills leads to business growth! In the video above, Jimmy Burgess, CEO of BHHS Beach Properties of Florida, offers six scripts to help you keep honing your communication skills. Each script addresses a different scenario that you may encounter in your day-to-day business operations: Re-engaging buyers who have ghosted you Engaging homeowners in social settings to subtly inquire about their selling intentions Script for speaking with homeowners during calls and at open houses Leaving voicemails for home buyers who may be on the fence Leaving voicemails for homeowners to encourage callbacks Script for uncovering inventory for your buyers If you're hesitant to use a script for fear of the conversation seeming inauthentic, Burgess suggests rehearsing the script multiple times to make it flow naturally. Related Reading Your Complete Guide to Real Estate Scripts 5 Scripts to Bypass Objections and Land that First Meeting Real Estate Scripts and How to Use Them 5 Surefire Scripts to Win Real Estate Listings – Without Discounting Commissions
MORE >
How to Write a Real Estate Bio (Plus Templates to Get You Started)
MORE >
Real Estate Email Address Ideas: Get Creative
You did it. You passed the real estate exam, got your license, joined a brokerage, and are ready to start your exciting new career in real estate. But before you can start closing deals, you need something very important – a professional email address. Using an old aol.com isn't going to instill confidence in potential clients. You need an email address that says you're a serious real estate professional. This goes for long-time Realtors, too. If you've been in the business for a while, but are still using an unprofessional email, it's time for an upgrade. Here's how to find an email address that reflects your experience and expertise to help attract more clients. Why Your Email Address Matters as a Real Estate Agent Make a Good First Impression Your email address is often the first glimpse of your business savvy a potential client gets. A generic Gmail address like "[email protected]" screams amateur hour and may turn off high-end clients. An address with your full name and "real estate" in it reassures clients you're the real deal. Be Memorable In a sea of "john316@…" and "soldbyjane@…", a creative, memorable address stands out. Something like "besthomesinalabama@…" or "soldonsunsets@…" gives prospects an easy way to remember you and may even become your brand. Just make sure any cutesy address still contains your name and conveys your professionalism. Track Your Marketing A customized address allows you to track the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. For example, you can create "homes4military@…" to use specifically on ads targeting veterans and military families. Any leads from that address show that marketing channel is working. You can then double down on what's effective and drop what's not. Things to Avoid When Choosing a Real Estate Email Address Tacky or Unprofessional Addresses Unless you want to come across as the used car salesperson of real estate, avoid email addresses that scream "shady!" or "amateur hour." Steer clear of addresses like "bestdealsever@…" or "househunterpro@…." You're a professional, so present yourself as one. Unrelated to Real Estate Avoid email addresses that have nothing to do with real estate. While you may have had a previous email address for years, it likely doesn't convey your professional role as a real estate agent. Choose an address that communicates your line of work to prospective clients. Too Long or Complicated Keep it simple! Long, complicated email addresses are difficult to remember and type correctly. Aim for something reasonably short but still meaningful and professional. Examples of Professional Real Estate Email Addresses Your Name The simplest and most professional option is to use your full name, like "[email protected]" or "[email protected]." This straightforward approach conveys a personal touch for connecting with clients and customers. Your Name plus "Properties" or "Realty" Another choice is to include "properties," "realty," or a similar word in your email address, e.g. "[email protected]" or "[email protected]." This helps clearly convey that you work in the real estate industry. Using a domain name related to your brokerage or company further establishes your professional credentials. A Memorable Nickname For some real estate agents, a memorable nickname, like "homes4you" or "househuntress" can work well and be an easy to remember choice for clients and connections. However, nicknames can come across as less professional, so you need to weigh the pros and cons for your particular business and brand image. If you do choose a nickname, be sure to keep it relatively simple while still relating it to real estate. Location or Specialty Incorporating your location, region, or real estate specialty into your email address is another option to consider, e.g. "[email protected]" or "[email protected]." This approach helps define your geographic area of expertise or the types of properties you specialize in. However, if you end up relocating or expanding into other locations or types of real estate, it may require changing your professional email address, which can lead to confusion. Conclusion You see, there are so many options when it comes to real estate email addresses. The key is finding one that aligns with your personal brand and is easy for clients to remember. Don't be afraid to get creative! Just make sure it looks professional. At the end of the day, what really matters is that you're providing value to your audience through helpful content and resources. That's all, if you interested in knowing more and better tips and tricks, check out these articles: Real Estate Slogan Ideas Guide to Real Estate Marketing Terms To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.
MORE >
Friday Freebie: Scripts for Handling Objections, Lead Gen Strategies, and More
MORE >
Real Estate Slogan Ideas: Catchy and Creative
You've got the business cards printed, the listings loaded, and the open house signs ready to go. But there's still one thing missing – your real estate slogan. A good slogan is crucial for branding yourself and standing out. Whether it's on your yard signs, website, or TV ads, you need something catchy that captures who you are. In this article, we'll explore slogan ideas to inspire you. From clever to classic, bold to understated, we've got creative taglines to represent your brand. As a real estate agent, your slogan is often the first impression potential clients get. So make it count. Keep reading for samples, tips, and ideas to find the perfect real estate slogan to propel your business. What Makes a Great Real Estate Slogan? A memorable real estate slogan conveys your brand in a catchy, compelling way. The best taglines are: Short and snappy. Aim for 3 to 5 words that roll off the tongue. Brevity is key. Unique. Stand out from the competition with an original phrase. Avoid overused expressions like "Experience Matters" or "Your Best Move." Meaningful. Tap into emotions and highlight your value. For example, "We Turn Houses Into Homes" or "Your Perfect Place is Here." Versatile. A great slogan works across platforms – on your website, business cards, social media, and print ads. Keep it general enough to resonate in any medium. Timeless. Choose words and a sentiment that won't quickly become outdated or irrelevant. Avoid references to current events or technologies that may not last. Coming up with a catchy real estate slogan is challenging. Start by defining what makes you and your business unique. Think about your target clients and what will resonate most with them. Brainstorm ideas, get input from colleagues, and test options with friends and family. With some creative work, you can develop a memorable tagline that becomes your rallying cry. Real Estate Slogan Ideas Based on Your Personality Are you bubbly and energetic or more serious and professional? Your real estate slogan should match your unique personality and brand. If you're enthusiastic and personable, try something fun like "Making Dreams Come Home" or "Unlock Your Dream House." These capture your optimism and passion for helping clients. For a polished and professional image, consider "Experience Integrity Excellence" or "The Key to Your Next Move." Short and straightforward, these convey your competence and dedication. Creativity is key. Play with rhyming phrases like "Buy, Sell, Excel!" or alliteration such as "Homes Happen Here." Puns on real estate terms are always a win, e.g. "The Real Estate Agent with Real Appeal" or "Property Prodigy." You can also highlight your local expertise by incorporating your city or region into the slogan, e.g. "The Key to Palm Beach Properties" or "Navigating Napa Valley Neighborhoods." Location-based slogans resonate with people searching for an agent familiar with the area. Location-Based Real Estate Slogan Ideas Your real estate location is a key selling point, so showcase it in your slogan! Mention well-known landmarks, natural features, or neighborhood names to give potential clients a sense of place. For coastal properties, you could use: "Oceanfront Opportunities" "Beach Life is the Good Life" "Making Waves in Seaside Sales" In a historic area, try: "Where the Past Meets the Present" "Classic Homes, Modern Living" "A Legacy of Luxury" For rural listings, consider: "Country Charm and City Convenience" "Discover Natural Wonder" "Peace, Quiet and Mountain Views" In a trendy part of town, go with: "Where Style Lives" "The Height of Sophistication" "Life on the Leading Edge" Creative and Unique Real Estate Slogan Ideas Coming up with a catchy slogan is an important part of branding your real estate business. The right tagline can memorably capture your value proposition. Here are some creative ideas to get you thinking: Location-Based Play on your geographic location or notable landmarks. For example: "The Key to Key West Properties" "The Gateway to Orange County Real Estate "At the Heart of the Bay Area" Lifestyle Focus Highlight the lifestyle benefits of properties in your area. For example: "Live, Work, Play…We Have It All" "Find Your Place in Paradise" "The Good Life Group" Customer Service Oriented Emphasize your commitment to clients and customer service. For example: "Your Satisfaction is Our Success" "We Go the Extra Mile for You" "People. Partnership. Performance." Inspirational Choose an uplifting message to inspire confidence in your services. For example: "Experience the Joy of Home" "Together, We'll Find Your Dream Home" "Charting a Course to Home" Conclusion Think about your key benefits. What do you offer clients that make you stand out? Maybe you have years of experience, utilize innovative marketing techniques, or provide concierge-level service. Build your slogan around your main selling points. So there you have it, my friend. With a little creativity and thought, you can come up with a real estate slogan that captures your brand and stands out from the competition. The goal is to be memorable yet genuine. Don't try too hard to be clever or you'll end up with something cheesy. And please steer clear of the overused cliches that make eyes roll. Put your slogan out there with confidence, consistency, and a smile. This is your chance to define your business in just a few choice words. Make it count! Check out other related articles: 20 Engaging Content Ideas for Facebook Fresh TikTok Video Ideas from TikTok Influencers To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.
MORE >
How to Spark Real Estate Conversations with Friends, Family, Clients and Prospects
MORE >
15 Best AI Commands for Real Estate Professionals
As a real estate professional, you know that staying on top of technology trends can give you a competitive edge. And artificial intelligence is shaping up to be one of the most useful and exciting tools out there. So how can you leverage AI to boost your real estate business? This article will explore 15 of the best AI commands tailored specifically for real estate agents. We'll provide actionable tips on using ChatGPT, Google Bard or other leading AI assistants to help you close more deals, create better marketing content, automate admin tasks, and more. You'll come away with practical strategies to tap into AI's potential, saving you time while delighting clients. So read on to unlock 15 AI superpowers that can elevate your real estate career today! Introduction to AI for Real Estate Professionals As AI tools like ChatGPT become more advanced, they open up exciting possibilities for real estate professionals to work smarter, not harder. Whether you're an agent, broker, or team leader, AI can help automate repetitive tasks so you focus on high-impact activities. Here's a quick intro to how AI is transforming real estate: Lead generation – Use AI writing assistants to quickly draft listings, landing pages, emails, and social posts. AI can also identify promising leads by analyzing consumer data. Showing coordination – Automate scheduling, reminders, feedback collection, and other logistics around showings. AI scheduling tools learn your availability preferences. Transaction management – Upload contracts, organize supporting documents, and track progress automatically with AI transaction platforms. Get alerts for critical dates/tasks. Market analysis – Pull real-time, hyperlocal market statistics through AI market tools. Analyze trends and make data-backed pricing recommendations. Administrative tasks – Let AI handle meeting scheduling, calendaring, data entry, and other repetitive admin work that eats up time. The key is blending AI's efficiency with your specialized expertise for next-level service. Approach new AI tools with an open mind, patience through any hiccups, and creativity. The real estate landscape will continue advancing rapidly. AI can help you not just keep up, but get ahead. 5 Best AI Commands for Lead Generation As a real estate professional, generating leads is essential to building your business. AI tools like ChatGPT can help. Here are five AI commands that will supercharge your lead-generation efforts: 1. Write a personalized email for cold outreach AI can craft customized emails to prospects that sound authentic and compelling. Try: Write a professional yet friendly cold email to introduce myself to potential home buyers in my area, around 150 words. 2. Create Facebook ad copy Well-written Facebook ads can attract more clicks and conversions. Ask the AI: Draft 2-3 Facebook ad variations for my real estate services targeting first-time home buyers, include benefits and call-to-action, around 125 characters each. 3. Research contacts for targeted outreach Expanding your outreach list takes work. Let AI assist with research: Provide a list of 20 relevant contacts I can reach out to, including name, company, role, email, with a focus on real estate investors and developers in my city. 4. Optimize website content for SEO and conversions SEO-friendly website copy can increase site traffic and leads. Try commands like: Revise the homepage copy on my real estate website to improve SEO and increase lead capture, around 300 words. 5. Generate ideas for lead magnets Lead magnets incentivize visitors to share contact info. For fresh ideas, ask: Suggest five potential lead magnet offers I could create to attract buyers and sellers to subscribe to my email list. Experiment with different AI commands for your lead gen needs. Add your unique spin and insight to stand out. The key is optimizing your outreach for more conversations and connections. 5 Best AI Commands for Listing Copywriting When it comes to writing listing descriptions that capture attention and drive engagement, AI can be an invaluable asset for real estate professionals. Here are five of the best AI commands for optimizing your listing copywriting using ChatGPT or other natural language generation tools: Describe this [address] home's best features in an engaging, benefit-focused paragraph. This will generate a lively overview paragraph highlighting a property's most appealing attributes. Focus on benefits over features to better connect with buyers. Write three short, unique selling proposition statements for this [bedrooms] bedroom [city] home. Crafting targeted USP statements can help listings stand out. Ask for multiple options to find the best fit. Suggest a catchy, benefit-focused headline and subtitle for this [property type] at [address]. An appealing headline and subtitle will capture interest and communicate top perks. List 10 keywords and phrases buyers would likely search for a home like this one. Incorporating relevant keywords organically throughout listings can improve SEO and search visibility. What interior images would you recommend for showing off this home's best assets? Identifying key rooms and surfaces to highlight through photos can further emphasize a property's top features. Leverage the descriptive power and optimization smarts of AI to showcase listings in the best possible light. Generate multiple headlines, paragraphs, or real estate keywords, then edit and refine the best outputs to suit your needs. With practice, AI-assisted copywriting can help increase click-throughs and showings. 5 Best AI Commands for Market Analysis Provide a detailed market analysis for the single family housing market in [CITY, STATE], including average sales price, months of inventory, absorption rate, trends over the past two years, and predictions for the next two years. Compare the condo/townhome markets in [CITY 1] and [CITY 2], highlighting key statistics like median sales price, average days on market, list to sales price ratio, and appreciation rates over the past five years. Recommend which market looks more favorable for investment. Give the top five most important economic factors that can impact demand for suburban office space in [REGION], such as job growth, interest rates, and infrastructure development. Elaborate on how each factor influences demand. Analyze the retail rental market in [NEIGHBORHOOD] and provide the current average asking rents per square foot, vacancy rates, new construction, household income demographics, and retail sales growth within a 3-mile radius. Provide a one-page executive summary on current conditions and forecasts for the apartment market in [CITY, STATE]. Include information on occupancy rates, rent growth, new construction, demand drivers, and recommendations for investing or developing. Conclusion You now have 15 AI commands specially crafted to help streamline your real estate business and stand out from the competition. As AI continues advancing at lightning speed, staying ahead of the latest technology will ensure you provide unmatched value when serving clients. Implement even a few of these AI tools for real estate agents into your workflow, and you're sure to increase productivity while delivering next-level service. With the right technology, your possibilities are endless. Note sure to use which most popular AI tools? Check out ChatGPT vs Google Bard. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog. Related reading 3 AI Prompts That Really Work for Real Estate Agents Influencer Approved: 6 Game-Changing ChatGPT Prompts for REALTORS 8 Browser Extensions for ChatGPT
MORE >
Upcoming Changes to Google's DNS Policies: What you need to know
MORE >
Google Bard or ChatGPT: Which is better for real estate pros?
It's obvious that AI is involved in everything — no doubt it's effecting the real estate industry too. You've no doubt heard about the most popular AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard, but how can we use them? How do they benefit real estate professionals? In this article, we'll talk about the benefits and features of these two, and give you examples on how you can use them. Google Bard, with its ability to generate poetry, songs, and even interactive drama, offers a unique and creative way to engage with potential clients. Its natural language processing capabilities provide a personalized and aesthetically pleasing experience, making it an ideal choice for real estate professionals looking to connect with their audience on a deeper level. On the other hand, ChatGPT, powered by OpenAI, excels in conversational AI, allowing real estate professionals to provide instant responses and assist clients with their queries in a more conversational manner. Its versatility, adaptability, and user-friendly interface make it a valuable tool for managing customer interactions effectively. Both Google Bard and ChatGPT bring something unique to the table, making it challenging to determine which one is better for real estate professionals — until now! Let's begin: Features and Capabilities of Google Bard Google Bard is an AI language model that specializes in generating creative content such as poetry, songs, and interactive drama. With its natural language processing capabilities, Google Bard can provide a personalized and aesthetically pleasing experience for both real estate professionals and their clients. It lets professionals connect with their audience on a deeper level by creating engaging and unique content that stands out from traditional marketing approaches. Google Bard can also generate property descriptions, allowing real estate professionals to showcase listings in a more captivating and compelling way. By leveraging the creative power of Google Bard, professionals can create content that resonates with their target audience and helps them stand out in a crowded market. Furthermore, Google Bard's interactive capabilities can be used to create virtual property tours or immersive storytelling experiences, providing potential buyers with a more engaging and memorable way to explore properties. This can significantly enhance the virtual home buying experience and help real estate professionals differentiate themselves from competitors. Benefits of using Google Bard for real estate professionals By utilizing Google Bard, real estate professionals can: Engage with potential clients on a deeper level by creating personalized and creative content. Stand out from competitors by leveraging Google Bard's unique capabilities to generate captivating property descriptions. Provide a more immersive and interactive virtual home buying experience. Enhance their brand image and build stronger connections with clients through the use of aesthetically pleasing content. Google Bard offers real estate professionals an innovative way to connect with their audience and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Its ability to generate creative content and provide a unique user experience makes it a valuable tool for real estate professionals looking to enhance their marketing efforts. Features and capabilities of ChatGPT ChatGPT, powered by OpenAI, is a conversational AI language model that excels in providing instant responses and assisting clients with their queries in a more conversational manner. Real estate professionals can leverage ChatGPT to automate customer interactions, provide quick answers to frequently asked questions, and offer personalized assistance throughout the buying or selling process. ChatGPT's versatility and adaptability make it a valuable tool for real estate professionals. It can be integrated into various platforms such as websites, chatbots, and messaging apps, allowing professionals to meet their clients wherever they are and provide seamless customer support. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for real estate professionals to manage and customize their interactions with clients, ensuring a smooth and efficient communication process. Benefits of using ChatGPT for real estate professionals By utilizing ChatGPT, real estate professionals can: Provide instant responses and assistance to clients, improving customer satisfaction and engagement. Automate customer interactions, freeing up time for professionals to focus on other important tasks. Offer personalized assistance throughout the buying or selling process, enhancing the overall customer experience. Easily integrate ChatGPT into various platforms, ensuring a seamless communication process for clients. ChatGPT empowers real estate professionals to effectively manage customer interactions and provide timely assistance. Its conversational AI capabilities enable professionals to offer personalized support and streamline their operations, ultimately improving client satisfaction and business efficiency. Examples of Google Bard in real estate Property descriptions: Google Bard can generate captivating property descriptions that highlight the unique features and benefits of each listing. This can help real estate professionals capture the attention of potential buyers and make their properties stand out. Virtual property tours: By utilizing Google Bard's interactive capabilities, real estate professionals can create immersive virtual property tours. This allows potential buyers to explore properties in a more engaging and interactive way, even from the comfort of their own homes. Personalized marketing campaigns: Real estate professionals can use Google Bard to generate personalized content for their marketing campaigns. Whether it's personalized emails, social media posts, or blog articles, Google Bard can help professionals create content that resonates with their target audience and drives engagement. Examples of ChatGPT in real estate Automated customer support: Real estate professionals can integrate ChatGPT into their websites or chatbots to provide instant responses to frequently asked questions. This allows clients to get the information they need quickly and efficiently, improving customer satisfaction. Personalized property recommendations: By leveraging ChatGPT's conversational AI capabilities, real estate professionals can offer personalized property recommendations based on clients' preferences and requirements. This helps clients find properties that align with their needs and increases the chances of closing a deal. 24/7 availability: ChatGPT can be available round the clock to assist clients, even outside of regular business hours. This ensures that clients can get the information they need at any time, improving accessibility and customer experience. Choosing the right tool for your real estate business When deciding between Google Bard and ChatGPT, real estate professionals should consider their specific needs and preferences. Both tools offer unique features and capabilities that can enhance their business operations. Professionals should evaluate factors such as the type of content they want to generate, the level of personalization required, and the preferred mode of communication with clients. If real estate professionals want to focus on creating creative and engaging content, Google Bard may be the better choice. On the other hand, if streamlining customer interactions and providing instant assistance is a priority, ChatGPT may be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the specific goals and requirements of the real estate professional. It may even be beneficial to combine the strengths of both tools to create a comprehensive AI-powered solution that meets all their needs. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.
MORE >
Molding the Homeownership Message for Millennials and Gen Z
MORE >
Selling a Home? Here's 10 Ways to Craft a Captivating Listing Description
Selling a home can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. In today's competitive real estate market, a compelling listing description is your secret weapon. A well-crafted description can turn a casual browser into a potential buyer. Here, we'll dive into the art of creating a captivating listing that makes your listing stand out like a diamond in a sea of gems. 1. Start with a Headline that Pops Your headline is the first thing potential buyers will see. Make it catchy and memorable. Instead of a generic "Beautiful Home for Sale," try something like "Charming Oasis in the Heart of [Your Neighborhood]." Create intrigue from the get-go. 2. Tell a Story with Your Description Don't just list features; tell a story. Paint a vivid picture of life in your home. Describe the warm sunlight streaming through the windows in the morning or the cozy fireplace perfect for chilly evenings. Let buyers envision their future in your space. 3. Highlight Unique Features What sets your home apart? Whether it's a custom-built kitchen island or a secret garden in the backyard, emphasize unique features that make your property unforgettable. Buyers love homes with character. 4. Use Powerful Adjectives Words matter. Instead of just saying "spacious," try "expansive." Swap out "nice" for "immaculate" or "stunning." But be honest – exaggeration can backfire. 5. Create a Sense of Urgency Incorporate language that conveys a sense of urgency. Phrases like "rare opportunity," "don't miss out," or "limited availability" can motivate potential buyers to act quickly. 6. Mention Nearby Amenities Your home doesn't exist in a vacuum. Highlight nearby amenities like parks, schools, shopping centers, and public transportation. Location matters, so make sure potential buyers know the perks of your neighborhood. 7. Speak to Your Target Audience Consider who your likely buyer is and tailor your description to appeal to them. If your home is perfect for a growing family, mention the great schools and family-friendly features. If it's an ideal bachelor pad, highlight the trendy local hotspots. 8. Be Mindful of SEO In the digital age, your listing will likely be discovered online. Incorporate relevant keywords that potential buyers might search for. Think about what you would type into a search engine if you were looking for a home like yours. 9. Create a Visual Experience with Descriptive Language Help potential buyers visualize your home by using descriptive language. Instead of saying "spacious living room," say "inviting, sunlit living room with panoramic views." Paint a mental picture that stays with them. 10. End with a Call-to-Action Finish strong. Invite prospective buyers to schedule a viewing, attend an open house, or contact you for more information. A clear call-to-action encourages engagement and can be the nudge a buyer needs to take the next step. Crafting a captivating listing description is an art, not a science. It's about creating an emotional connection between the buyer and your home. The goal is to make potential buyers envision themselves living in your space, creating memories, and building a future. Remember, brevity is key. While it's essential to be detailed, nobody wants to read a novel when scanning through home listings. Capture attention with a few well-chosen words. Let each sentence pack a punch, leaving the reader eager to learn more. Now, let's break down these tips and see how they might come together in a real-life listing description: Charming Oasis in the Heart of Maplewood: Your Dream Home Awaits! Nestled in the vibrant community of Maplewood, this immaculate three-bedroom, two-bathroom gem is more than just a house; it's a lifestyle. Wake up to the gentle glow of sunlight streaming through the large bay windows, casting a warm embrace over the expansive living room. Our home is more than just a property; it's a story waiting to unfold. Picture yourself cozying up by the stunning fireplace on chilly evenings, the soft crackle of burning wood creating the perfect ambiance for relaxation. And when the weather beckons you outside, a secret garden oasis awaits, promising tranquility and a touch of nature. Step into the heart of the home – a kitchen that blends modern convenience with timeless charm. The custom-built island is not just a place for chopping vegetables; it's a gathering spot for friends and family to create memories that will last a lifetime. This residence isn't just a house; it's a canvas waiting for your personal touch. The open floor plan provides endless possibilities for creating the perfect space to suit your lifestyle. With ample room for both entertaining and quiet retreats, this home seamlessly combines comfort and style. But what truly sets this property apart is its unbeatable location. Within walking distance of Maplewood Park, renowned for its scenic trails and family-friendly amenities, and just a stone's throw from Maplewood Elementary School, this home is a haven for those seeking both serenity and convenience. Immaculate. Expansive. Inviting. These are just a few words that barely scratch the surface of what this home has to offer. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to make this charming oasis in Maplewood your own. Schedule a viewing today, and let the story of your future unfold in this captivating haven. Your dream home is waiting – seize the opportunity now! Now that you have these 10 tips and an example to work with, what are you waiting for? Craft that captivating listing description today! To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog. Related reading 4 Real Estate Listing Description Examples that Increase Sales Is Your Listing Description Turning Consumers Off? ChatGPT Hacks for Real Estate Agents
MORE >
5 Ways Technology Can Help You Keep in Touch With Past Clients
MORE >
A TikTok Trend to Revamp Your Pipeline: Tap Into the Triangle Method
Sometimes, your follow-up method with leads in your pipeline can feel a little rinse-and-repeat. There's nothing wrong with keeping your tried-and-true methods in place, but sometimes things can feel a little stale. What if you could shake your outreach style up a bit to breathe new life into your pipeline? You may (or may not) have heard about the triangle method for dating that's going around on TikTok, but it got us thinking about ways to implement a three-pronged approach to prospecting — because, after all, prospecting is a little like dating, too. Stay with us: it all comes down to communication, and building a strong impression to make a lasting impact. A 3-Point Communication Method to Keep You on Leads' Radar Consider this a three-part recipe for a well-rounded approach to communicating with leads in your pipeline and taking it up a notch. This approach also helps ensure you have a strong presence that's front and center every step of the way. Step 1: Make a Great First Impression To kick off meaningful communication with any lead, you want to show them what you're made of with a solid first impression. You also want to take the guesswork out of why they should partner with you. For this first part of the three-point communication approach, start by collecting as much information about your lead ahead of time — with as little questions as possible. Not only does this make sure you're researching everything you need to know about the lead, it shows them you've put in the legwork to learn about them, too. To accomplish this, use online databases as much as you can to get key info about things like where they're from, what they're up to, and what their current neighborhood is. Go beyond typical conversation starters and show you've done your homework. Step 2: Craft a Short Video Message You've already heard about drip campaigns and follow-up timing, but how about taking it up a notch and infusing a more personal approach? For the second part of this approach to communication, consider making a short video message, a great, no-pressure way to get face time in front of your potential clients. It also adds an extra personal element to any outreach you do, beyond just an email or phone call. Our pro tips to do a video message well: Include a bright, cheery greeting, and wear something colorful (yet professional) so you look put together and approachable Face an open window or other bright light source so your video quality is crisp and clear Do a few takes to get the nerves and stumbles out before the final cut As always, include a call-to-action that's clear about what you want them to do, and also include a way for them to call you back When your leads receive your video, it adds in the convenience of allowing them to watch your message whenever it works best for them — and still see you as a person. Step 3: Say Something Valuable and Send a Little Something Their Way Last but not least, our third point in the three-point communication approach to your pipeline. Think of this like the bow on the present, or the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae. This step wraps it all up neatly and helps you leave a lasting impression. You'll inevitably need to reach out to prospects multiple times, and that's okay. It's what nurture streams, follow-up plans (like this one), and outreach tactics are made for. In addition to sending your prospects key data, like market reports or trends in the ZIP they're interested in, you can also send a gift their way. It doesn't have to be extravagant; really, it just needs to be tangible. Go the classic route with direct mail and send a handwritten card, or even a kit with information on their area. If you're able to, you may also send a piece of branded swag their way, along with a brochure about your areas of expertise in the local neighborhood. By tying your communication approach together with valuable information and a nice little gift for them to enjoy, you can leave a lasting impression. Think about it: we all love getting surprises in the mail, no matter how big or small. Something as simple as sending a magnet with your name and information on it can not only inform them about your status as a real estate pro, it'll help keep you top-of-mind when they see it on their fridge daily. To view the original article, visit the Inside Real Estate. Related reading How to Follow-Up with Leads 450% More Effectively The Ultimate Guide to Email Follow Up Is Your Real Estate Lead Follow-Up Persistent... or Annoying?
MORE >
CRMs Are Sloppy. Details Make All the Difference
MORE >
3 AI Prompts That Really Work for Real Estate Agents
One of the most extraordinary things about artificial intelligence is how swiftly the real estate industry has embraced many new AI-powered tools. An industry known as a technology lagger has become an AI leader. 3 Best AI Prompts for Real Estate Agents Real estate agents are eager to harness the potential of AI. If you haven't taken the AI plunge, here are three top AI prompts when using ChatGPT that can dramatically improve your marketing and client communications efforts, saving you time and money. Note: For real estate content, there are alternatives, but ChatGPT and DALL-E, both by OpenAI, are the most popular and proven for creating real estate content, especially ChatGPT 4.0, the subscription service at just over $20 a month. 1. Teach ChatGPT to Write Like You Every real estate agent has a unique style of communication. By training ChatGPT to emulate your personal writing style, you can maintain your consistent brand voice across all platforms without investing hours into writing every piece of content. But with all outputs from ChatGPT, remember two rules: never cut and paste but use the output it provides for writing ideas and better descriptions; always verify any data or fact reference and remind it to write for you with fair housing regulations in mind. You are putting your reputation at risk if you don't follow these requirements. Prompt instructions: Step 1: Collect samples of your writing. This can be your previous newsletters, blog posts, property descriptions, client letters, emails, or any other text representing your style that is already public. Step 2: Input your writing samples into the platform. To do this, instruct ChatGPT that you want it to learn your writing style. Ask it to respond, "GO AHEAD," when ready, and you will submit writing samples until it has learned your style. When it has learned your style, tell ChatGPT to "STOP" and wait for instructions for what you want to write in that style. This will allow the AI to learn your writing nuances and patterns. Step 3: Test your new writing model by providing ChatGPT with prompts related to the real estate writing you need. See if the output matches your style. If not, remember iteration is the key: you can give ChatGPT more instructions to adjust and retrain as necessary. Example: Suppose your writing often includes a particular flair for describing homes in poetic terms. Once trained, when prompted with "Describe a beachfront property," the AI might produce: "Nestled where the horizon kisses the ocean, this beachfront haven promises serenity with every ebb and flow of its tides." Make sure you add to every prompt for property descriptions "meeting Fair Housing regulations," again, proofread carefully, and modify for accuracy! 2. Get AI to Organize Your Input in Columns As a real estate agent, you deal with vast amounts of data, from property specifications to client information. Organizing this information can be time-consuming. By using AI, you can quickly categorize and place data into structured columns, saving you time and ensuring accuracy. While at this time we do not recommend entering proprietary or sensitive personal information into ChatGPT, for information that is already public or generic, it could be very helpful. Prompt instructions: Step 1: In ChatGPT, input the raw data you wish to organize. This could be a list of properties with details, client queries, or even a list of blog topics, writing, and publishing dates. Step 2: Specify the columns and titles you want to create. For instance: "Property Address," "Square Footage," "Number of Bedrooms," "City," etc. Step 3: Let the ChatGPT process and organize the data, which will only take seconds to create. Review your results and make any necessary adjustments. Example: The key is letting ChatGPT know that you want the data you provide organized and placed into columns. To create a column-centric document, such as a content or social media plan and calendar, give ChatGPT a list of your blog or social post topics, description, writing deadline due date, and publishing date. Commas should separate the information you provide. It would look like this: "3 ways to maximize your curb appeal, Focus on landscaping – reducing clutter and value of free paint, 11/7/23, 11/9/23, Notes." ChatGPT can automatically place your content into columns and organize them automatically by date. You then can copy and paste the content into your Google Doc, Word doc, or Pages doc for final editing. 3. Use AI Prompts to Create Your Own Royalty-Free Stock Photos High-quality visuals are crucial in the real estate industry, but when you put a photo on your website, in a social post, or a brochure or other promotional piece, have you secured the copyright? Violating copyright law can be expensive, as the fines are steep. Buying stock images can be expensive. Even when you hire a photographer for a photo shoot, it doesn't always mean you have secured all the rights you need to use the images. AI has a solution: platforms. One free option is DALL-E, an AI model by OpenAI, creators of ChatGPT, that generates images based on textual prompts. With the proper AI prompts, DALL-E can develop stock-type photos, offering a cost-effective solution. Best of all, if you have a ChatGPT 4 account, you automatically have access to the power of DALL-E. Prompt instructions: Step 1: Access DALL-E at https://openai.com/research/dall-e, and if you don't have a ChatGPT account, create a new account with OpenAI. Step 2: In the description box, provide a detailed description of the image you want. The more specific, the better the results. Step 3: Let the AI process your request and generate an image. DALL-E will typically provide you with four different versions. Step 4: Review the images. Adjust your prompt and try again if they don't match your expectations. Example: If you're writing a blog post about luxury living, you might prompt the AI: "Generate an image of a luxurious living room with large windows, a modern fireplace, and gold accents." The AI will then produce an image matching that description, ready for you to use. Take the leap! While every real estate agent doesn't have to use AI, those who use AI correctly will be vastly more productive. Remember that the magic lies in the prompt! From crafting communication that resonates with your unique voice to organizing intricate data with ease and even creating striking visual content on demand, the possibilities of finding ways to use ChatGPT every day to improve your communications and marketing are boundless. But like crafting a Comprehensive Market Analysis (CMA), ChatGPT's accuracy hinges on the quality of the input. When creating a CMA, the more relevant and well-selected the comparable properties, the sharper and more reliable the analysis. Similarly, with ChatGPT, the more precise and detailed your AI prompts, the more dynamic and targeted the content you'll receive. Dive into the world of AI with specificity in mind, and you'll begin to unlock a tool that has the potential to elevate nearly every facet of your real estate business. Remember that even though your support team at Tech Helpline are not AI experts, we are here to help you with all of your technology questions and challenges. To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog.
MORE >
[Podcast] Leveraging ChatGPT for Content Creation with Katie Lance
MORE >
How to Use ChatGPT for Real Estate Community Page Content
In the bustling world of real estate, it's no longer enough to simply showcase property listings on your website. For real estate agents and brokers seeking to stand out from the crowd and compete against the giants of the industry, a shift in strategy is needed. Providing comprehensive community information within your website's community pages can be a game changer. This approach not only differentiates your website from competitors, but also positions you as a local expert about the communities you serve. By educating buyers and building trust, you're not just attracting site visitors, but creating lasting client relationships. This is the age of information, where knowledge isn't just power – it's a key to unlocking potential business opportunities. How AI Can Help Artificial intelligence (AI), especially models like ChatGPT, is revolutionizing the way we create and consume content, and the real estate industry is no exception. With their ability to process vast amounts of information and generate engaging, informative, and unique content, these AI tools can greatly enhance the community pages on real estate websites. Why? Because AI and ChatGPT are incredibly effective at transforming raw data into coherent and engaging narratives. Imagine feeding the AI a list of community features – parks, schools, local businesses, crime rates, and more. The AI can then use this data to produce comprehensive content that not only informs potential buyers about the community but does so in a way that is engaging and easy to understand. Moreover, using AI and ChatGPT for content creation doesn't require any technical expertise. There are plenty of user-friendly platforms available that make it easy for anyone to get started. You simply input your requirements, and the AI does the rest, saving you time and effort. In essence, by leveraging AI and ChatGPT, real estate professionals can provide their clients with valuable local knowledge, differentiate themselves from competitors and, ultimately, transform website visitors into potential clients. It's a powerful tool that's changing the face of real estate marketing, and you don't need to be a tech wizard to use it! Watch and Learn: Producing Community Page Content With AI We recently held a webinar with a special guest host, Michael Thorne of TMB Real Estate, in the Vancouver, BC area. Michael is well-versed in using AI and ChatGPT. In this webinar, you'll hear his story about why he decided to add custom content to the community pages on his team's website, and how incredibly fast and easy it was using ChatGPT. Michael also touched on the importance of adopting AI for everything you do to work far more efficiently, outsmart your competition, and have more personal time for your life outside of work. And who wouldn't like that? ChatGPT: Getting Started If you're new to ChatGPT, you'll find plenty of resources online for help and tips. Here are a couple of essentials: ChatGPT website – Free accounts are currently offered and the premium version offers more features for $20/month. How To Write ChatGPT Prompts To Get The Best Results – This article from Search Engine Journal explains how to get better results from your own ChatGPT prompts. To view the original article, visit the iHomeFinder blog.
MORE >
Real AI: Florida, Headlines and The Beatles
MORE >
How to Win Over Tough FSBOs (and a Script to Help)
Welcome back to another edition in our Tips and Tricks Tuesday series on "Finding More Homes for Sale." Last week, we highlighted a script for talking to expired listing leads. While those leads can be challenging, FSBOs are often a harder nut to crack -- and sometimes outright hostile to real estate agents. But with the right approach (and a thick skin), they can be a solid source of new listings. In fact, Realtor Chris Molenaar began his real estate journey by cold-calling For Sale By Owner properties to find potential listings. It took a year and a half, but finally Molenaar's efforts began to pay off when he listed three FSBOs in a single day. His secret? Establishing rapport and trust with FSBOs and using a script to build credibility and handle the inevitable objections. In the video above, Molenaar shares his strategy for turning tough leads into promising clients. Watch the video to learn: The questions to ask to engage FSBOs in a productive conversation Approaches for handling FSBOs' previous negative experiences with agents How to highlight the challenges in a slow market Tips for managing resistance and skepticism How to make FSBOs feel important and validated How to win over FSBOs And more! Related Reading Converting FSBOs to Clients: 4 Tips Are You Unknowingly Encouraging Sellers to List as FSBOs? True Confessions of a FSBO 184 Things You Do for Real Estate Clients (and they don't even know it)
MORE >
IAmA real estate agent: 25 Subreddits for you to bookmark
MORE >
How to stop worrying and learn how to love ChatGPT (and its uses in real estate)
There is a lot of excitement about the promise of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, and a lot of confusion about some of their (false) promises. There's also no small amount of anxiety about the future of the industry as automation becomes increasingly popular, widespread, accurate, and inexpensive. Do agents need to worry about their jobs? Or can AI be a tool for good? This article will attempt to answer some of these questions, with a (little) help from ChatGPT itself (but we can assure you, most of this article was written by a living, breathing human). What is artificial intelligence (AI)? Last year, we predicted that artificial intelligence was one of the top trends to watch in real estate tech. We couldn't have been more right. Since then, broad-scale application of AI has taken off, and innovative companies are finding novel ways to use it in every single industry. But what is artificial intelligence (AI)? Let's recap: AI uses the power of computers to do things that used to be reserved for humans: "seeing" and recognizing things from pictures, recognizing and processing human speech, making complex decisions, writing text, and even driving cars. AI relies on vast amounts of data, computer programming, machine learning, and deep learning. It is incredibly complex, and until very recently, was reserved for a select few and the scientists working on the models that power it. How can AI be applied to the real estate industry? Real estate is a data-driven industry, and artificial intelligence has the superpower of being able to sort through and spot patterns in data faster than any human ever could, and faster than computers traditionally could in the past, too. This means that there are dozens of applications for AI in the real estate space, including: Property search and recommendations: More accurate and more personalized property searches based on consumer preferences and needs. Market analysis and accurate pricing: AI algorithms can look at historical data to identify trends, current market conditions (when provided), and predictive analytics to estimate exactly what a particular property will sell for. Chatbots and virtual assistants: Chatbots can help brokers and agents serve consumers better by being available 24/7 to answer questions and provide support. The buyer or seller's agent can pick up where the chatbot left off when they log back in. Is AI going to put real estate agents and brokers out of business? Real estate has always been a relationship business. It's about who you know, who you can connect to whom, and how well you serve your clients. Tech tools are a great way to serve them better, but without human connection, your business will be sunk before it even sets sail. AI can help real estate professionals save a lot of time and think outside the box. It can speed up brainstorming, writing listing descriptions, editing text, finding higher quality leads, and more. But it is not a replacement for professional expertise. Not convinced? Here's what ChatGPT has to say itself: How can real estate agents and brokers use ChatGPT? There are many ways agents and brokers can use tools like ChatGPT to make their work easier. Here are a few that we came up with ourselves: 1. Listing descriptions Sometimes, the inspiration simply isn't flowing. In some offices, an admin writes all the listing descriptions being input into the MLS, not the listing agent, which means that during busy periods, an admin could be writing a dozen descriptions in a single day. By the tenth one, they're probably running out of things to say. A tool like ChatGPT can help write a great first draft. Our headquarters is in Newport Beach, California. To test this tip, we asked ChatGPT to write a 150-word listing description for an unlisted property down the street from our office. This is what it wrote (we have not made any edits except redacting the address): Introducing [address], a captivating residence nestled in the desirable Newport Beach, California. This stunning property offers a harmonious blend of modern elegance and coastal charm. The meticulously crafted architecture showcases a timeless appeal, while the location provides convenience and tranquility. Step inside to discover an inviting interior flooded with natural light. The open floor plan seamlessly connects the spacious living areas, creating a perfect environment for entertaining guests and enjoying everyday living. The gourmet kitchen boasts top-of-the-line appliances, sleek countertops, and ample storage space. Retreat to the luxurious master suite, featuring a private balcony and a spa-like en-suite bathroom. Additional bedrooms offer comfort and versatility for family members or guests. Outside, the landscaped backyard invites relaxation with its lush greenery and a serene patio area. Conveniently situated near pristine beaches, renowned schools, and vibrant shopping and dining destinations, this residence offers the epitome of coastal living. Don't miss the opportunity to call this house your home—an idyllic sanctuary in Newport Beach. Is this description perfect? Far from it. But it is a highly perfectible first draft that the listing agent or admin can customize with the relevant details. They can even ask additional questions or provide additional details (like number of rooms, featured amenities, etc.) to refine the description even more, or ask ChatGPT to make it sound more luxurious, more casual, or easier to read. 2. Nurture campaigns Nurturing new leads is one of the most important things real estate agents do. Considering that real estate leads can take months, if not years, to convert, keeping them warm is key. We've shared our own tips for effective nurture campaigns, and ChatGPT can be a helpful resource for designing a whole persona-based nurture campaign and even creating a first draft of the emails you can send. We asked ChatGPT to design a five-email nurture campaign for a first-time homebuyer, and here are the subject lines of the five emails it suggested: Welcome to the Exciting World of Homebuying! Discovering the Perfect Place to Call Home Let's Find Your Dream Home! Crafting a Winning Offer for Your Dream Home Closing Day Is Almost Here! A great nurture campaign is the foundation, but the most efficient, successful agents also have a real estate CRM to help them put their campaigns into action. 3. Social media posts Social media is a goldmine for real estate leads, but it can also be a tough medium to master. And while tips abound to help real estate agents get the most out of social media, sometimes, it's just too challenging to come up with relevant, readable content on your own. This is where chat ChatGPT can come in handy: type a prompt like, Please help me write three tweets to encourage potential homebuyers to visit my open house at noon on Sunday, and watch as ChatGPT helps you write and format three tweets, complete with hashtags. You can edit them, find the perfect listing photos to go with them, and schedule them to post throughout the week. Better yet, you can pair tweets that ChatGPT helped you write with an automated social publishing tool like Constellation1's Digital Marketing Suite, which puts your social media marketing on autopilot and generates relevant posts from your active listings, industry news, real estate tips, and more. We thought there must be other ways ChatGPT could help agents, so we asked it to suggest the top three ways it can help make brokers' and agents' work easier. Here's what it said (shortened from the original output, but not substantively edited): Lead Generation and Qualification: ChatGPT can engage with potential clients, capture their information, and qualify leads. Customer Support and Information Provision: ChatGPT can handle basic customer inquiries, provide information about properties, schedule appointments, and answer frequently asked questions. This frees up agents' time by automating routine tasks, allowing them to focus on more complex client needs and providing personalized assistance when required. Market Research and Insights: ChatGPT can be trained with up-to-date market data, enabling agents to quickly access information on property prices, market trends, and neighborhood demographics. As you can see, there are a lot of ways agents and brokers can harness the power of ChatGPT. However, the first claim about being able to generate and qualify leads is an interesting one. If you ask ChatGPT to elaborate on how to do this, it gives you a whole list of tasks that include finding a ChatGPT-compatible platform, training it on your lead criteria, setting it up with lead capture, teaching it how to qualify a lead, then integrating the platform with your CRM, and finally assigning leads to a nurture campaign. It's a lot! Thankfully for you, there are already lots of tools available that can help you capture and route leads with incredible speed and accuracy. Why not save time and effort and look into the best real estate CRM that already exists on the market? Some important warnings about ChatGPT for real estate There has been a lot of hype and excitement about AI in general and ChatGPT in particular in recent months, and given how quickly things are advancing, this hype is not going to die down anytime soon. Even still, there are well-documented issues with large language models like ChatGPT that all real estate professionals should be aware of: Hallucination: Hallucination is a phenomenon where the model generates responses that seem plausible (and confident) but are not based on factual information or have no grounding in reality and are in fact completely false. This could be about something as simple as a fact about the neighborhood a property is located in or something more complex, like disclosure requirements in a neighboring state. This is why your expertise as a professional is always important. Lack of Common Sense and Context: ChatGPT is predictive, it's "guessing" what the next likeliest word in a phrase should be to answer the prompt you've given it. It's not actually thinking, and it isn't "smart." This means that answers are based on statistical patterns, not intelligence. So, oftentimes, answers are completely nonsensical. Bias: Models are trained on data that was necessarily generated with some sort of bias, and therefore answers will always exhibit a certain level of bias, too. Looking at answers through this lens will help you identify and reduce bias in anything ChatGPT gives you. Ethical Concerns: ChatGPT has been accused of plagiarism, privacy violations, copyright violations, and more. Anything that you input into ChatGPT becomes part of the public domain, and so using it with confidential information can pose a potential legal risk to you or your brokerage. Avoid typing in any personal identifying information (names, phone numbers, etc.) or anything confidential. You may also decide to include a disclaimer identifying any material that was generated using AI, so readers know when they're looking at content that an expert on your team wrote, versus a tool like ChatGPT. Parting wisdom for real estate professionals who want to work well with ChatGPT Here are a few common-sense rules to help you add ChatGPT to your work while minimizing the risk of any issues: Take everything you read with a grain of salt. Don't assume anything is correct because ChatGPT said it is. The consequences could be serious. Put your own spin on it. Reword, paraphrase, add your own flair, whatever you need to do to make ChatGPT output sound like your own writing, in your own voice. This will help you sound authentic and personable, even when it's a computer helping you write. Perfect your prompts. Answers can vary widely depending on what you ask. If you don't get an answer that satisfies you, ask your question another way, or ask ChatGPT to refine its answer. You may be surprised what new nuggets you find. In the end, ChatGPT says it best: While ChatGPT can support real estate agents, it is important to note that it is not a substitute for the personalized expertise and guidance that agents provide. Agents should still maintain a hands-on approach in complex negotiations, building relationships with clients, and offering tailored advice throughout the home-buying or selling process. To view the original article, visit the Constellation1 blog.
MORE >
Try This Expired Listing Script to Win More Appointments
MORE >
The Power of Storytelling in Real Estate Listing Descriptions: How Agents Can Close More Deals
Welcome to the captivating world of real estate storytelling! As the saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words," but when it comes to closing deals in the competitive real estate market, a compelling story can be worth so much more. In this post, we'll delve into the art of crafting mesmerizing real estate listing descriptions that will leave potential buyers spellbound and eager to make an offer. Setting the Scene Imagine a prospective buyer browsing countless real estate listings in search of their ideal house. They happen upon a listing among the sea of uninteresting descriptions that takes them on a journey. The property, its past, and its potential for a fantastic future are all described in vivid detail. The magic of storytelling starts right here! The Characters: Home Features There are main characters in every great story, and in the world of real estate listings, the features of the homes serve that important function. However, use descriptive language to give the features life rather than simply listing specifications like the number of bedrooms or square footage. Engage the reader's imagination and help them picture their life in the home, for instance, instead of writing "4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms," say "An enchanting home with four cozy bedrooms, three luxurious bathrooms, and enough space for your growing family and cherished guests." The Plot: The Neighborhood A story's setting is just as crucial as its main characters. Buyers make investments in both the homes they purchase and the communities they settle in. Draw a picture of the neighborhood, highlighting any nearby services, institutions, green spaces, and tourist hotspots. Create an emotional connection to the neighborhood so that buyers feel like they are purchasing a lifestyle rather than just a house by saying something like, "Nestled in the heart of a vibrant community, you'll relish the convenience of strolling to charming cafes, trendy boutiques, and the lively farmer's market on weekends." Rising Action: Unique Selling Points Every house has its distinguishing features, those extra details that set it apart from the competition. Your rising action is provided by these features, which may include a stunning view from the balcony, a thoughtfully landscaped backyard, or a newly renovated kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances. To get your audience's attention, use a story to discuss these points. One example would be, "Watch the sun dip below the horizon from your private balcony, offering a breathtaking panorama of the city skyline — a view that will leave you and your guests in awe at every sunset." Climax: The Potential Future It's time to weave a story about the readers' possible future in the home and send them on an emotional rollercoaster. Help them imagine their lives and develop their own narratives for the environment. Use statements like, "Consider hosting happy family get-togethers in the roomy backyard, creating treasured memories that will last a lifetime." Buyers will find it difficult to resist the urge to submit an offer because the house has sown the seeds of a beautiful life. Resolution: The Call-to-Action Congratulations! It's time for the resolution, or the call-to-action, after you've built up the anticipation. With a clear and compelling call-to-action, the listing description should come to a close. "Don't let this enchanting home slip through your fingers. Schedule a viewing today and make this captivating story your reality!" would be a potent conclusion. To conclude, in the realm of real estate, storytelling holds the key to unlocking the hearts and minds of potential buyers. By mastering the art of crafting compelling listing descriptions, you can enthrall your audience and close more deals than ever before. So, let your creativity flow, engage the senses, and transport buyers into their own real estate fairy tale takes! Remember, when the power of storytelling comes alongside the world of real estate, the possibilities are endless. Happy selling! To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.
MORE >
AI for Content Generation: How REWpert Can Help Build Every Content Type
MORE >
[Podcast] Peek inside a Compass superstar's content generation machine
Amit Bhuta is a Realtor for Compass and ALL IN MIAMI. He's been a Realtor for almost 17 years after spending 11 years as a car salesman. In this episode of the Real Talk with Realtors podcast, learn how to market your real estate business through relevant content, cater your content to your audience, set up processes for creating content, share your failures, and convert through social media. This episode covers everything from hair transplants to GaryVee. Here's a small sample of what you will hear in this episode: Why is commercial real estate different than residential real estate? How would Amit define "content?" What is his secret sauce? How do you resonate with your avatar? Did marketing click immediately? Where does the conversion happen on social media? How do you share effective content with a low following? Real talk...not Real talk: TikTok as a platform for Realtors Connect with Amit at ALLINMIAMI.com. Check out the episode and show notes for much more detail. Listen on: Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Visit the episode homepage for show notes and more detail.
MORE >
4 Tips for Working with AI as a Real Estate Agent
MORE >
'How's the market?' Learn how to respond with RPR Market Trends
It's probably the question you hear the most frequently, especially by people who might be interested in buying or selling at some point in the near future. Answering it regularly via an email blast or social media posts, using data, can help establish you as a local expert and the go-to source for buying and selling advice. But those three words can trip up even the most experienced agent if you haven't practiced how to respond. RPR's Market Trends ScriptWriter is a ChatGPT-powered market analysis tool for real estate agents that can help you automatically write market updates, custom video scripts, social media content, and much more. Read all about how to use the RPR Market Trends ScriptWriter in your own business with a step-by-step guide. A How-to on Empowering Clients with RPR's Market Trends ScriptWriter Market uncertainty often creates confusion, leading to consumer apprehension. As a REALTOR®, you have an opportunity to educate and inform clients by offering valuable market insights and regularly sharing local updates. This not only helps consumers better understand the real estate landscape, but also alleviates fears associated with national or regional headlines. But does the thought of staring at a blank screen while trying to write a market update for your clients and prospects make you cringe? Maybe diving into data and metrics isn't your favorite topic, or your to-do list is piling up with other important tasks. Worry no more, as this guide will walk you through utilizing RPR's Market Trends ScriptWriter for a seamless and efficient experience in delivering high-quality content to your clients. Unlocking the power of RPR Shareable Market Trends and ScriptWriter RPR Shareable Market Trends itself cover a wide variety of data points. But the heart of any market update revolves around key metrics such as Months of Inventory, List to Sold Price Percentage, Media days in RPR and Median Sold Price. And that's exactly what the Market Trends ScriptWriter tool uses for its analysis. To harness the power of RPR's Market Trends ScriptWriter, follow these steps: Log in to RPR: Visit the RPR website (narrpr.com) and log in using your credentials. Go to 'Research': After logging in, locate and click on the 'Research' button in the main navigation at the top of the page. Select 'Residential Market Trends': After selecting 'Residential,' you will find several options; click on 'Residential Market Trends.' Define Geographic Area: Enter the geographic boundaries of the area you are interested in researching – this can be county, city, ZIP code or even certain neighborhoods. Create Script Button: On the Market Trends results page generated by your search input, locate and click on the 'Create Script' button. Customize Your Script: From the dropdowns, choose options for tone (e.g., casual, formal), audience type (e.g., existing clients, potential buyers). Now select the content to generate: The Market Trends ScriptWriter generates tailored content based on your selections—video script text, social media post ideas and messaging or analysis of Months of Inventory, List to Sold Price Percentage, Media days in RPR and Median Sold Price. Create Video Script Create Social Campaign Analyze Metrics Copy Text: Once finalized, select the "Copy Text" button to copy the newly generated text. Now paste this into a document where you can refer back and edit (i.e., Microsoft Word, Google Docs, etc.). Email Yourself the Content: Select "Email Content" to send a copy of this text to the account email address. Maximizing the potential of RPR's Market Trends ScriptWriter: a three-pronged approach Now that you know how to access the Market Trends ScriptWriter, let's dive into the benefits it offers. In this section, we'll explore three ways the ScriptWriter can boost your real estate communication strategies: by creating captivating video content, crafting engaging social media posts and interpreting metrics for informed decision-making. Creating Market Analysis Video Scripts with RPR's ScriptWriter Video offers a dynamic and engaging way for REALTORS® to deliver market updates to prospects and clients. However, getting started can sometimes be the biggest hurdle. Thankfully, with RPR's Market Trends ScriptWriter, you can generate personalized video scripts that effectively educate clients, build trust, and capture potential leads' attention while considering their preferences and expectations. After generating and customizing your video script, it's time to bring your content to life. Utilize the equipment you have at hand, such as your smartphone, webcam, or DSLR camera, and create a compelling video that highlights your local market. This data-driven video content not only enhances your credibility as a knowledgeable real estate pro, but also showcases your market expertise in a visually appealing manner. Ultimately, incorporating engaging video content into your market analysis updates empowers you to stand out and foster meaningful connections with clients on a more personal level. Crafting Engaging Social Media Content Consistently sharing market insights on social media platforms is important to keep your audience engaged and informed. RPR's ScriptWriter enables you to create tailored content focusing on local market metrics, ensuring that your message remains relevant. To optimize social media engagement, consider factors such as appropriate posting frequency, a balanced mix of educational and promotional content, and leveraging visuals like RPR's Shareable Market Trends charts and graphs. Analyzing Metrics for Informed Decision-making Metrics analysis is an essential component in guiding your clients through their real estate journey and determining your marketing and pricing strategies. RPR's Market Trends ScriptWriter allows you to review crucial metrics like months of inventory, list-to-sold price percentage, and median sold price while highlighting correlations and trends. Armed with this valuable insight, both you and your clients will be better equipped to make data-driven decisions and move forward with confidence. Leveraging Local Market Data for Better Client Experiences By using RPR Shareable Market Trends ScriptWriter to address consumer concerns, you'll be able to create a stronger rapport with your clients, solidify your expertise and differentiate yourself as a go-to real estate professional in your market. Here's how: Build credibility and trust: Providing accurate, timely and relevant local market data demonstrates that you are knowledgeable, professional and committed to your client's success. Becoming a trusted source of information fosters long-lasting relationships with your clients, leading to a loyal customer base and repeat business. Enhance communication and help clients make informed decisions: Consumer concerns can often arise from a lack of information or understanding of the real estate market. With RPR Shareable Market Trends ScriptWriter, you can easily communicate complex data in a digestible format, empowering clients to make educated choices about buying and selling properties. This will not only boost client satisfaction but also streamline your decision-making process, ultimately saving you time and effort. Generate leads and secure word-of-mouth referrals: Providing exceptional client experiences, backed by accurate market insights, turns your satisfied clients into enthusiastic advocates for your services. A happy client is more likely to refer your services to friends, family members, and colleagues, growing your network and expanding your potential for new leads. You are your market's resource. By effectively interpreting market data and presenting it in an accessible way, you can simplify complex concepts, promote understanding and empower your clients to make informed decisions. Try it today and happy script-writing! To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.
MORE >
ChatGPT Hacks for Real Estate Agents
MORE >
25 Text Messages You Should Send Right Now
Today, we're introducing a weekly series called "Tips and Tricks Tuesday" that highlights articles around a monthly topic. July's theme is "How can I make more money with my phone?" Read on to learn more about the latest mobile apps and innovations that can help you be productive from anywhere: As a real estate agent, you're probably next to your phone 24 hours a day, waiting for something to happen. Instead of doom-scrolling or checking your emails, start churning up opportunities by sending text messages! Texting is one of the most effective marketing channels available and is easy to start using. With 98% of SMS messages being read within minutes, there's no reason to exclude texting from your top marketing efforts! To help you, we've created 25 take-and-bake message templates you can use today. These templates cover various scenarios, from lead generation and follow-ups to appointment reminders and closing deals. Feel free to customize them to fit your personal style and business needs. Lead Generation Hi [Prospect's Name], I noticed you were looking at properties in [location]. I'm a local real estate agent specializing in that area. Can I assist you with any questions or provide more information? Hi [Prospect's Name], I can access exclusive listings in [location]. Would you like me to send them to you? Hi [Prospect's Name], I just listed a beautiful property in [location]. It has [key features]. Would you like to schedule a viewing? Hi [Prospect's Name], I'm hosting an open house this weekend at [address]. It's a fantastic opportunity to see the property firsthand. Will you be able to attend? Hi [Prospect's Name], I noticed you were searching for [property type] in [location]. I have a great selection available. Let me know if you'd like to see them. Follow-Up Hi [Prospect's Name], I wanted to check if you received the information I sent earlier. Do you have any questions or need further assistance? Hi [Prospect's Name], just following up on our previous conversation. Are you still interested in [property type] in [location]? Let's discuss your requirements. Hi [Prospect's Name], I recently came across a property that matches your criteria. Are you available for a showing this week? Hi [Prospect's Name], I noticed you've been exploring the market for a while. Have you found what you're looking for, or can I help you with more options? Hi [Prospect's Name], it's been a while since we last spoke. If you're still interested in real estate, I have some exciting new listings I'd love to share with you. Request for Referrals Hi [Prospect's Name], I'm glad we could meet your real estate goals. If you know anyone else looking to buy or sell, I'd appreciate a referral. Thank you! Hi [Prospect's Name], word-of-mouth referrals are essential to my business. If you have any friends, family, or colleagues who need real estate assistance, please let them know about my services. Hi [Prospect's Name], if you were happy with my services, I'd love to ask for a small favor. Could you leave a review about your experience working with me? It would be greatly appreciated. Hi [Prospect's Name], I'm always looking to expand my network and help more people with their real estate needs. If you have any referrals, I'd be grateful for the opportunity to assist them. Hi [Prospect's Name], my business thrives on referrals. If you come across anyone in need of real estate services, please keep me in mind. Your support is invaluable.Holiday and Special Occasions Hi [Prospect's Name], wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth and happiness. If you have any real estate-related questions during this time, I'm here to help. Hi [Prospect's Name], as the year comes to a close, I wanted to express my gratitude for your support. Wishing you a prosperous New Year filled with exciting opportunities. Hi [Prospect's Name], it's National Homeownership Month! As a homeowner, you play a vital role in our community. Thank you for choosing me as your real estate agent. Hi [Prospect's Name], happy birthday! May this year bring you success, joy, and new beginnings. If you're considering any real estate moves, let's chat! Hi [Prospect's Name], congratulations on your new home! As you settle in, don't hesitate to reach out if you need any recommendations for local services or contractors. Market Updates Hi [Prospect's Name], I wanted to share the latest market update for [location]. It's a great time to explore real estate opportunities in the area. Let's connect if you're interested. Hi [Prospect's Name], the real estate market in [location] is heating up. If you're considering selling, now might be the perfect time to capitalize on high demand. Let's discuss your options. Hi [Prospect's Name], mortgage interest rates have dropped significantly. It could be an excellent opportunity for you to refinance your home loan. Let me know if you'd like more information. Hi [Prospect's Name], I came across an insightful article about real estate trends in [location]. Would you like me to forward it to you? It might help you make informed decisions about your property. Hi [Prospect's Name], there's a new development project underway in [location]. It could have a significant impact on the local real estate market. Let's discuss how it might affect your property value. Don't forget to add the recipient's name and relevant details to these templates. With text messaging, you can connect with prospects, nurture relationships, and provide exceptional service. Try out different templates to see which resonates best with your audience. Happy texting! To view the original article and read more articles about real estate marketing, visit the Virtuance blog.
MORE >
Is Your Realtor Jargon Communicating the Full Value of Your Listing?
MORE >
Influencer Approved: 6 Game-Changing ChatGPT Prompts for REALTORS
In today's fast-paced digital world, staying ahead of the competition requires leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative strategies. One such way to stand out from the .COMpetition is leveraging a web address ending in .realtor™ or .realestate. Another tool that has been making waves in the real estate industry is ChatGPT, an AI-powered language model designed to generate dynamic and engaging conversations. This article presents you with six game-changing ChatGPT prompts specifically tailored for REALTORS. These prompts have been handpicked and approved by influential real estate industry voices who recognize ChatGPT's potential to enhance communication, generate leads, and provide valuable insights to clients. We understand that finding the right prompts can be overwhelming, which is why our get.realtor team has curated this list based on the recommendations of industry influencers who have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of ChatGPT. So, whether you're looking to streamline your lead generation process or enhance the customer experience, join us as we dive into these influencer-approved ChatGPT prompts that have the potential to reshape your real estate journey. Get ready to unlock a new level of success and stand out in the competitive real estate market with these game-changing recommendations. Marki Lemons Ryhal, Global Keynote Speaker and Podcast Host Topic: Lifestyle Marketing Campaign PROMPT: Construct a comprehensive marketing campaign that highlights the lifestyle and community benefits associated with homes listed in [Community] in [City, State] [Community] = A community in your city [City, State] = Your city and state ChatGPT RESPONSE: Bondilyn Jolly, WAV Group Marketing Division Leader and CEO, bcollective.agency Topic: Determining Blog Content by Local Market Interest PROMPT: I run a website about real estate in [Los Angeles, CA]. What are some sub-niches I should be tackling with my content? Give me the results as a table with a number between 1 and 100 sub-niche to indicate the sub-niche popularity. Jeff Lobb, Intl. Speaker, Sales and Marketing Coach, CEO at Coach52 and SparkTank Media Topic: Online Lead Conversion Strategy PROMPT: I want you to act as a real estate agent responding to [lead type] leads that came in from [lead source] and write [number] email responses that have the ability to convert to an appointment, using catchy email subject lines and a [tone of writing] tone. Katie Lance, CEO/Founder, Katie Lance Consulting and the #GetSocialSmart Academy Topic: YouTube SEO Strategy Write me a detailed SEO description about my YouTube video about [details]. The aim of this description is to rank #1 in Google for the keyword "Homes in [CITY]." Include keywords and a compelling call-to-action. Also include 3-5 ideas for a title for this YouTube video. Craig Grant, International Speaker and Educator, CEO of The Real Estate Technology Institute / RETI.us Topic: An Entire SEO Campaign in 4 Steps PROMPT 1: Identify 20 blog post topics a Realtor should create to increase their SEO score for [Desired Niche or Topic] in [City, State]. PROMPT 2: Now create a detailed outline for each of the 20 blog post ideas PROMPT 3: Now write a 500-1000 word blog post based on the outline of idea 7 (and then 8, and then 9, etc.) PROMPT 4: Now create a video script from the blog post created from idea 7 Elizabeth Koneru, Industry Engagement Marketing Manager at NAR Topic: Increase Your Search Engine Ranking on Your Website PROMPT: What are the steps to improve the search engine optimization on my website for the keywords "REALTOR® Richmond, VA"? Speaking of websites… Did you know NAR offers FREE websites with the purchase of any of their web addresses, both .realtor™ and .realestate? Best of all, if you're an NAR member, your .realtor™ web address is free for the first year! Looking to grow your community influence like in prompt 1? Get a web address like yourcity.realestate. Take your free website for a spin today! Visit www.get.realtor. Add your .realtor™ or .realestate web address to your cart, then select the professional website option that's right for you. Use promo code: CHAT20 to take 20% off the purchase of your .realestate web address. The .realtor™ web address is free for NAR members for the first year. PLUS, you get a free professional website for as long as you own either web address.
MORE >
How to Add Your Brand Voice to RPR's Market Trends ScriptWriter
MORE >
Keeping Up with Your Clients: The Magic of Consistent Text Campaigns
In real estate, communication matters. After all, it's the building block of any strong agent–client relationship. Of course, things aren't always so simple. There's a sweet spot between not sending enough messages to your clients and sending too many—and within that, each message should be valuable and keep from wasting the client's time. This is where best practices come into play. What does it look like? How and why should you keep in touch with your clients during the buying and selling process—and afterward? Let's dive deeper into why regular communications with your client sphere matters. Reason #1: It keeps you top of mind When you message your clients regularly, whether it's through text, email, phone call, or even snail mail, you're seizing the opportunity to remind them of your business. Keeping your name around means staying at the top of your past clients' minds, so they'll know who to look for when they're ready to buy or sell. The same goes for potential leads and current clients. With clients at any point in your funnel, it's important to make use of automated tools and platforms that let you stay in touch while also saving time—and support you with delivering high-quality messages that are engaging, memorable, and valuable. Stick around, and they'll find their way back to you when the time is right. Reason #2: It keeps you open and available For any of your leads and clients, staying open and available to any inquiries they may have will help immensely with furthering your credibility and reputation as an agent, as well as pave the way for a potential new deal to happen. When you use a platform that not only sends messages to your clients, but also gives them the option to message you back, you open a direct line that: Makes you feel accessible Makes it easy to contact you. Jumping into—or back into—the real estate game can be difficult and confusing, so clients will often opt for the easiest option. If contacting you isn't as easy as a text or email, they can be quick to move on to an agent or brokerage who is. All in all? Make sure it's easy for your clients to reach you for a conversation. Reason #3: It helps your clients stay updated With today's competitive market, listings are like gold. As a client, entering it can be overwhelming. As an agent, make sure that you're doing what you can to keep your clients updated and informed about their buying or selling journey in real time. And with today's technology, you can do things a lot faster than ever before. This can look like updates about: Listings that have just dropped Listings your clients might be interested in Listings they've already shown interest in And more. Take advantage of platforms that offer text updates for listings as soon as they hit the MLS. You can also customize how often these updates are sent, all based on your clients' preferences. When you make sure to prioritize keeping your clients updated and informed, they'll show their appreciation tenfold in return. To view the original article, visit the Lone Wolf blog.
MORE >
Real Estate Lingo: Are Your Listing Descriptions Attracting Buyers?
MORE >
Why You Should Slide into the DMs of Your Real Estate Leads
Sliding into someone's DMs isn't just for amorous suitors on social media — it's also a great strategy to employ with real estate leads. And it's as simple as sparking a conversation with interesting posts on social media. Did someone comment on your post about the local real estate market? Reply briefly to them and then take it to their direct messages to get more in-depth. That's the simplified version, anyway. In the video above, real estate leaders Katie Day and Ken Pozek get more in-depth with Jason Pantana about how they use this strategy in their business. Watch it to learn the specific ins-and-outs of successfully winning leads via direct message on social media. This video explores: The content that sparks conversations Calls-to-action that work best The importance of social media avatars Identifying leads in your DMs Managing your direct messages And more!
MORE >
Secrets for Streamlining Your Cold Emailing Strategy
MORE >
Who Owns Your Content: You or OpenAI?
You hear a lot of things at real estate conferences. A notion Marilyn Wilson most recently heard while at NAR REALTOR Legislative Meetings was that OpenAI, creators of ChatGPT, owns the content that you provide them. As someone extremely interested in most things AI, I immediately did some research. Where did I start? Naturally, OpenAI's Terms of Use – Section 3. The important details are summarized below: (a) Your Content. You may provide input to the Services ("Input"), and receive output generated and returned by the Services based on the Input ("Output"). Input and Output are collectively "Content." As between the parties and to the extent permitted by applicable law, you own all Input. Subject to your compliance with these Terms, OpenAI hereby assigns to you all its right, title and interest in and to Output. This means you can use Content for any purpose, including commercial purposes such as sale or publication, if you comply with these Terms. OpenAI may use Content to provide and maintain the Services, comply with applicable law, and enforce our policies. You are responsible for Content, including for ensuring that it does not violate any applicable law or these Terms. The blue portion very clearly states that the user owns both the input and the output. But it also says, "OpenAI may use Content to provide and maintain the Services, comply with applicable law, and enforce our policies." So what does that mean? Great question – it depends on where you live. OpenAI's ChatGPT has become an international sensation, so it really depends on your location and what the laws are in your area. Interestingly noted in this article on JDSupra, OpenAI may not have the right to assign all these rights to you. It should be noted that OpenAI only assigns all "its" right, title, and interest in and to the output to the user. However, if OpenAI does not initially own the rights, it cannot assign them. Another related issue is that other ChatGPT users can narrow the assignment scope. OpenAI's Terms of Use state that due to the nature of machine learning, many users may receive identical or similar outputs from ChatGPT.³ This leads to another set of issues, including determining original ownership rights (if available), the potential destruction of ownership rights over time, and murky usage rights in the future. Unsurprisingly, who owns the rights to the content is as clear as mud. But what we do know is that the content is probably not considered intellectual property (IP) if it was exclusively generated by AI. A certain amount of the content must be created by a human. Of course, this begs another question: what's the difference? For example, I took this article and had ChatGPT proofread it (oh, the irony). So most of this article was written by a human, but all of it is considered output. The key takeaway is simple: OpenAI probably has no rights to any content, be it input or output, when you use their platform. They may, however, use your content to make their services better. To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.
MORE >
Text Etiquette: The Do's and Don'ts When Texting
MORE >
Are You Leveraging Networking to Boost Your Business?
In the real estate industry, successful agents and brokers know that the key to long-term success lies in nurturing relationships and consistently engaging with their sphere of influence. After all, most future business for top producers comes from their closest connections. Moreover, in today's fast-paced and digital world, networking plays a crucial role in maintaining and expanding relationships. Here are some effective and proven networking tactics that can help you strengthen your connections, generate more deals, and enhance your local presence. As you review these ideas, think creatively about how you can make these your own or create something entirely new that also can help you boost your business: 1. Local Visibility and In-Person Networking Attend local events: Participate in community events, such as local fundraisers, sporting events and neighborhood gatherings, to build relationships and showcase your authentic commitment to the community. Participate in local business groups: Become a member of local business associations or networking groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce, or service clubs like Rotary Club, Kiwanis, or Lions, to connect with like-minded professionals who could be potential clients. Become a local sponsor: Sponsoring well-known local events or youth sports teams demonstrates your dedication to your community and can increase visibility and potential business. 2. Online Networking and Social Media Channels Build a solid online presence: Maintain an active and engaging presence on at least one primary social media channel like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter. The key to engagement is sharing valuable content, such as market updates with local data, home buying/selling hacks, and community news that helps position yourself as a trusted local expert. Participate in online communities: Engage with local online forums, Facebook groups, and neighborhood platforms like Nextdoor to answer questions and share insights. Never be "salesy," but position yourself as a go-to source for real estate information. Connect with industry influencers: Follow and engage with real estate influencers on social media to expand your network, learn from their expertise, and potentially gain referrals. Target other related professionals: On LinkedIn, connect with area trust and real estate attorneys, insurance reps, and financial advisers, as you likely will share many of the same clients, which can be mutually beneficial. 3. Leveraging Video to Accelerate Impact Create hyperlocal video content: Produce high-quality videos showcasing your community and neighborhoods. Or, regularly, share market updates, or create "evergreen" videos that offer specific and locally crafted advice to home sellers and buyers. Share your videos on your social media channels and website to engage your audience and boost your digital presence. Boost your video views on social media by uploading videos directly on each social channel, avoiding using a link to YouTube, as directly uploaded videos get more exposure. Host virtual events: Organize a webinar or a virtual Q&A session targeting specific groups like First-Time Home Buyers or First Time Sellers to connect with potential clients and provide valuable information. Promote these events on your social media channels, email, and website to increase attendance and engagement. Use video testimonials: Written reviews are great. Video testimonials are better. Ask satisfied clients to let you record a brief video testimonial with your smartphone or in a video conference call that you can share on your website and social media channels. This can help build trust and credibility among potential clients. 4. Hosting Special Events Organize an outdoor event: Host a picnic for your sphere, inviting past clients, prospects, and their families to a local park to enjoy a day of food, fun, and games. This allows reconnecting with clients and building rapport with potential leads. Rent a movie theater: Arrange a special movie screening for your clients and prospects at a local theater. This unique experience will leave a lasting impression and foster strong relationships. Host a reception at a local venue: Organize a reception at a local restaurant, event center, or brewery, inviting your clients and prospects to mingle and network in a relaxed, social atmosphere. Reserve a special section at a local event: Purchase a block of tickets to a local concert, sports game, or theater production and invite your clients and prospects to join you. This creates a memorable shared experience that strengthens relationships and increases the likelihood of referrals. The Bottom Line Embracing online and offline networking strategies is essential for real estate brokers and agents seeking long-lasting success in the industry. Finding the tactics that work for you – and your workflow – is the best approach. If you are a new agent, don't feel like you must do all of these, but focus on a few that will help you best move the needle to increase your business. By nurturing relationships with your sphere of influence and engaging with your community, you can create a solid foundation for future business opportunities. Whether you focus on ways to increase your local visibility, regularly engage on social media, create hyperlocal and interesting video content, or hosting special events, these are just a few ways you can effectively deepen connections, generate more deals, and expand your reach within your community. And continue to show your professionalism and expertise by using a digital transaction management system – like Form Simplicity – to help keep your current clients fully engaged and satisfied. Happy clients can help connect you to people they know, and that networking can also help you grow your business. You may also like: Facebook Turns the Table on Lead Gen: You don't go after leads — leads come to you How to showcase your professionalism in a virtual world Want to start a podcast? 4 things every agent should know Tricia Stamper is Director of Technology at Florida Realtors®, which owns and operates Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity.
MORE >
The 4 Types of People You Encounter When Cold Calling
MORE >
How to Handle These 4 Tough Conversations with Clients
As you help home buyers navigate the most significant investment of their lifetimes or help homeowners sell their most significant asset, you're not just dealing with the intricacies of transacting the property — you're also dealing with the complexities of people. And it's no surprise that tough conversations coming up can be inevitable. In addition to being a master at lead generation, marketing your brand, and knowing the buying and selling process like the back of your hand, you may also have to navigate tricky territories. But sticky situations are no match for you as a real estate expert, and we're here to highlight four tough scenarios that may arise — and how you can handle each one. Before we get started, we recommend your approach for any tough conversation is to make sure you listen, empathize, educate, and remind and reassure them that you're on their team and have their best interest at the forefront. Here are some uncomfortable scenarios you may face and strategies to help you overcome these challenges and easily navigate those tough conversations. Scenario #1: Your Buyer's Offer Got Denied… and They Blame You Arguably the most common tough conversation to have with a client, and one that never seems to get any easier. The best approach here is to let your buyer vent and listen actively. Empathy is everything: they're disappointed in losing out on their dream home. But little do they know you can help them find their next perfect property. Once they've gotten everything off their chest, reassure them that you're committed to their best interest and put your game face on. Remind the buyer that you're on their team and that you're relentless in the pursuit of their home-buying journey. Scenario #2: The Transaction Is Happening Due to an Unfortunate Event Sometimes buying or selling a home isn't taking place as a result of the happiest circumstances. Whether it's a death in the family, a divorce or a separation, or an unexpected change in their job, there can be painful reasons to change housing. This is where active listening and deep empathy towards your client's specific situation is key. Start with offering condolences or sympathy, and then reassure them that you have the tough stuff handled. Clients in these scenarios are very likely dealing with a lot at once, so knowing that they can trust you to handle the big picture — and finer details — of the home buying or selling process is crucial. Taking this weight off their shoulders can help establish trust, and make the process easier for everyone involved. Pro Tip: In particularly harrowing circumstances, consider a small gift. Not only is it a classy touch, it connects you to the buyer or seller on a deeper level by offering them comfort in their time of need and change. Scenario #3: Expectations Aren't Matching Up with Reality Ah, the starry-eyed, pie-in-the-sky buyer (or seller, but more on that in Scenario #4). They want it all, and they want it now, and with an unrealistic budget, of course. Perhaps online calculators have warped their expectations, or maybe they've got a surprise in the form of their mortgage pre-approval. Whatever the case may be, bringing these clients back down to reality requires you to ensure they have a gentle landing. Work with their budget and come to the discussion table armed with data highlighting the state of the market. Gather a list of their non-negotiables, and be patient in explaining the home buying process — and all of its intricacies — to them. By educating these buyers, and demonstrating your expertise and commitment to helping them find their home, you can gently guide them to the light – or rather, to a realistic home purchase. Scenario #4: Sellers Want to List Their Home for Way Too Much Data is everything in this scenario. Similar to our dreamy buyers in Scenario #3, these sellers love their homes and view them as being worth a top-dollar premium. Again, expectations are surpassing reality here, but armed with the right volume of market data, you can tackle this tough conversation with ease. Conduct an analysis of home values in their neighborhood, including recent sales. In combination with other macroeconomic factors like interest rates, and the volume of demand in their area, you can give these sellers a clear-cut view of what they can expect to sell their home for in its current state. To view the original article, visit the BoomTown blog.
MORE >
Real Estate Tips: Use Confident Body Language to Generate Business
MORE >
Should You Have a Chatbot on Your Real Estate Website?
Visitors always have questions to ask, no matter how detailed your website is. And as a skilled real estate agent, responding to them on time is vital, mainly because website visitors quickly divert their attention to something else if they think you can't answer their questions on time. And this might increase your website's bounce rate. You don't want that. Sometimes, corresponding with clients through email might not provide them with the immediate response they want. Thus, to keep up with the communication demands of your clients, a more approachable form of communication through artificial intelligence (AI), such as chatbots, can be handy. What Is a Chatbot? A chatbot is software designed to automatically engage website users to resolve their queries. It is built to replicate human speech and discussions. Sometimes referred to as virtual assistants, chatbots make live chats with clients or prospects more personalized, improving user experience and the overall performance of your real estate business. Benefits of Using a Chatbot on Your Real Estate Website One of the reasons real estate professionals add chatbots to their websites is to improve the end user's experience. To succeed in a competitive market such as real estate, agents have to provide their clients with only the best products or services. Fast response Speed and convenience are two of the most valued assets in today's marketplace. The automated system with chatbots makes responding to clients almost immediate, resolving their queries and answering all their questions. This is a valuable tool, especially for businesses with fewer human resources. Increase sales Not only do chatbots help create excellent customer support, but they can also easily be used to increase sales. For example, Realtors can use information about the users' questions, interests, and preferences to provide recommendations, advice, and offer home search suggestions. Reduced cost While they won't replace human interaction, they can help reduce operational costs by being available all day at no additional charge. In addition, real estate professionals can automate frequently asked questions and conversations for easy access to users. Lead generation Chatbots are designed to identify potential customers, initiate their interest in your products or services, and cultivate a relationship with them. Through the marketing approach used by chatbots, they can collect vital user information while offering business information, thereby generating more leads. 24/7 assistance This point is pretty self-explanatory. Users visit your website at different hours of the day, so having ready support for them at any given time is essential. This is what chatbots provide on your real estate website. All-day assistance offers accessibility and convenience to your customers, thereby reducing bounce rates. Other benefits of using chatbots on your real estate website include: Improved engagement Increased user experience Helps reduce errors Increases customer satisfaction Improves service personalization Versatility Bottom Line There are three main elements involved when using chatbots. They are built to collect information, facilitate human interaction, and, in some cases, substitute human-to-human conversations. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.
MORE >
5 Tech Tips for Improving Team Communication
MORE >
How Real Estate Agents Can Use ChatGPT
Real estate agents are always looking for ways to improve their business and stay ahead of the competition. One tool that can help them do this is ChatGPT, which is a large language model developed by OpenAI. Let's first discuss what ChatGPT is and how it functions. ChatGPT is a machine learning model that uses deep learning techniques to generate human-like text. It can be used for many different things, including responding to questions, writing essays, and even coming up with poetry. It can comprehend and respond to a wide range of questions and prompts because it was trained on a vast amount of text data. ChatGPT has become quite a powerful tool — as of January 2023, the model was said to have over 1 million users and counting, which is incredible considering it was launched on November 30, 2022. The future of AI is bright, and it will be a tool that is useful for people from all industries. In this blog post, we will discuss how real estate agents can use ChatGPT and the benefits it has for their business. Read on to find out more! The ability to save time The ability to save a ton of time is one of ChatGPT's biggest advantages for real estate agents. Agents can concentrate on more crucial tasks that call for their individualized attention and expertise by using the model for tasks such as responding to inquiries and creating property descriptions. The machine learning model can assist agents in boosting their productivity by automating routine tasks like responding to frequently asked questions, creating property descriptions, and creating social media posts. This can free up the agent's time so they can concentrate on more crucial tasks like showing homes and closing deals. In turn, it can also help to build trust and loyalty with clients, which can lead to more referrals and repeat business. The ability to create (in many, many different forms) Property Descriptions ChatGPT can also be used by real estate agents to generate property descriptions. Writing property descriptions can be time-consuming and challenging, particularly if you don't have much writing experience. ChatGPT can assist by generating accurate and interesting property descriptions, which may help draw in more prospective buyers. Social Media Agents can use ChatGPT to assist them in producing interesting content for social media as well! The model can produce posts that are both interesting and educational about the local real estate market, recent sales, and suggestions for home buyers and sellers. This can aid agents in gaining a social media following and drawing in more customers. With ChatGPT, agents can quickly generate high-quality, engaging content that will help them stand out in a crowded market. Improved Quality In connection with the previous two paragraphs, ChatGPT can help agents to improve the quality of their work. By using the model to generate property descriptions and social media posts, agents can ensure that their content is accurate and engaging, which can help attract more potential buyers to a property. Personalized Emails and Messages Additionally, ChatGPT can be used by real estate agents to generate personalized email and message responses to leads and clients. This can help agents to save time and increase their effectiveness in communication. This can be done by inputting information into the chat box within ChatGPT, then the model can make use of the said information to generate a personalized response that is tailored to the individual's needs and interests. The model can also generate emails that contain relevant statistics and information about the local real estate market, which can possibly help to establish the agent as an expert in their field. Additionally, ChatGPT can also be used to generate follow-up emails that are designed to keep the lead engaged and interested in the properties and services that are offered by the agent. This, in turn, can help increase the chances of the lead becoming a client and making a purchase. Talk about a powerful tool! That could be incredibly helpful to any agent who deals with a numerous amount of clients on a daily basis. Marketing Campaigns Agents can create individualized and successful marketing campaigns with the aid of ChatGPT. Agents can develop targeted marketing campaigns that are more likely to turn leads into sales by using the model to analyze data on customer behavior and preferences. This can aid agents in generating more income and expanding their clientele. Using ChatGPT to create personalized marketing campaigns can help real estate agents increase their revenue and grow their business. By targeting the right audience with the right message, agents can ensure that their marketing campaigns are effective and deliver the right results. The possibilities for ChatGPT are endless! We tried playing around with it ourselves, and asked it to explain to real estate agents in the voice of former president Barack Obama. Here's what it created: As the President of the United States, I have seen firsthand the potential of technology to improve our lives in countless ways. One of the most exciting developments I've seen is the rise of ChatGPT, a powerful language model developed by OpenAI. In the world of real estate, ChatGPT can be a game changer. It can help agents automate repetitive tasks and improve their overall efficiency, allowing them to focus on what really matters: closing deals and serving their clients. One way ChatGPT can be used by real estate agents is through natural language processing (NLP) capabilities. This allows agents to communicate with potential clients in a more human-like manner, whether it's through email, text, or on a website chatbot. ChatGPT can be trained to understand and respond to common real estate-related questions, such as property listings, pricing, and availability. This can save agents a significant amount of time and allow them to focus on more important tasks. Another way ChatGPT can be used by real estate agents is through its ability to generate written content. This can include property descriptions, listing descriptions, and even social media posts. With ChatGPT, agents can quickly generate high-quality, engaging content that will help them stand out in a crowded market. ChatGPT can also be used to improve customer service by providing instant answers to common questions and concerns. This can include providing information on local schools, transportation, and other community amenities. In the coming years, I believe we will see more and more industries adopt technologies like ChatGPT. And, I have no doubt that this will lead to a more efficient, productive, and prosperous society for all Americans. This is what I believe, and I will continue to support this kind of innovation and growth in the technology industry. Can you believe that? ChatGPT can even take on the voice of other people and write words on their behalf. How cool is that? In conclusion, ChatGPT is a powerful tool that real estate agents can use to improve their business. By incorporating the model into their customer service, property descriptions, social media content and personalized responses, agents can save time and improve the quality of their work. As the technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more real estate agents start to adopt ChatGPT and other AI-based tools to help them stay ahead of the competition. To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.
MORE >
8 Ways to Build a Successful Email List for Your Real Estate Campaigns
MORE >
How Realtors Should Speak to Their Clients About Home Concierge
Offering home concierge is one way that Realtors are distinguishing themselves from competitors. Even if you aren't familiar with home concierge, you've probably heard the term used in reference to hotels. True home concierge is a service that renovates homes, working with the client from start to finish. This can be a valuable tool for Realtors working with certain clients. Imagine that your client needs work done, but they settle for selling as-is because they've never heard of home concierge. By educating your clients about home concierge as an option to explore, you could be drastically changing their financial situation. In this article, we'll explore various ways to present home concierge services to your clients. Use a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) as the starting point The first step is explaining home concierge to a client without making their head spin. To do this, show them real examples of how it will positively impact their home-selling experience. You can do this by introducing a comparative market analysis with other properties in the area. Show clients that renovated homes in the neighborhood have an increased value which is going to open their eyes more. Afterwards, circle back to their own home and point out specific areas that could be upgraded. The truth is, most buyers are looking for a turnkey home where they could simply move in without doing work to their new property. It's much easier to transition into home concierge services that will take care of renovations this way. Explain how financing works Not everyone has the cash on hand to invest in renovations. Financing is one of the main reasons why a home seller might steer clear of making necessary upgrades that could increase their home's value. That's why explaining how financing actually works with a home concierge is an appealing conversation to have with a client. Home concierges front the renovation costs so that your clients don't need to burn through their own pockets. They know how to make cost-effective repairs in order to maximize the profit once the home sells. Concierge companies treat the process like a home flip. They have refined the rehab process over hundreds of flips, starting with estimates for the project, all the way through completion of work. Their experience gets the job done quickly utilizing their expansive network of contractors and project managers. Since they are financially invested in these flips, they are incentivized to finish flips in a timely manner, enabling them to save on holding costs. Hands-off project management Your clients are probably busy people, they don't want to spend their spare time renovating. It's common for homeowners to ignore necessary renovations because they simply don't have the time to complete a project. It's taxing to do research about the latest trends and learn about how much everything should actually cost. As a Realtor, home concierge is an opportunity to add value by giving your clients time back. A concierge service will manage the project while you build up hype for the newly renovated home. Your client experiences the upside of selling a renovated home without committing their own time to the project. Contractors are already vetted and have tight relationships with a home concierge. Clients don't have to worry about overpaying or making excessive repairs. The concierge company also maps out the budget for projects from start to finish. Everything from design and sourcing materials, to working as a liaison with contractors will already be done for the client. Sell for a profit Who doesn't love hearing about how much money they could potentially make? With a true hands-off experience, the homeowner gets to sit back while everybody goes to work for them. The Realtor does their job on the marketing side, including reaching out to buyer agents and creating before and after renovation pictures. The home concierge takes care of rehabilitation so the home becomes a turnkey property for potential buyers. The end result is a maximized profit for the client once the home is sold. Not to mention, you and the client get updates every step of the way. Provide the ultimate concierge experience Speaking to a client about home concierge services could create a win-win situation for everybody involved. Revive Concierge takes pride in democratizing the sale of homes for homeowners using our experienced renovation system. Revive makes it as easy as possible to map out a renovation plan, finance the project, and maximize profit for homeowners. If you're a Realtor, get in touch with us today and see how we can help create a turnkey home for your clients. To view the original article, visit the Revive blog.
MORE >
Tips for Effective Calls-to-Action on a Real Estate Website
MORE >
Texting Real Estate Leads and Clients: When is it Appropriate?
Text messaging continues to become more commonly used as a way to communicate with real estate leads and clients — but is it always appropriate? While sending text messages to real estate leads and clients can be convenient, if it's done in the wrong manner it can be detrimental to a working relationship or even appear to be lazy and unprofessional. Real estate agents need to be careful when deciding when to send a text message instead of emailing or calling leads and clients, so we've compiled some pros and cons to help you decide. The Pros Quick Response Time: If your day gets busier than you'd expected and need to follow up with someone quickly, text messaging can be a great way to let someone know you'll get back to them as soon as you can. This way you can also set up a good call time that works for both you and your lead or client. Nurture New Relationships: Using different channels to get and stay in touch with leads can help you nurture your relationships. Text messaging can make it easier for potential leads to communicate with you if they aren't yet comfortable with a phone call. Texting can also be very helpful in setting up a call time, checking in or even keeping in touch after a closing. Keeping up with Millennials: The millennial generation is a very tech savvy group of future buyers who rely heavily on their cell phones and mobile devices for communication. So if you're not comfortable with texting just yet — we suggest learning how to as soon as you can! Utilizing this form of communication will help your business in the long run. The Cons Miscommunication: One of the major downfalls of text messages is that often times messages can be misconstrued or come off in the wrong tone of voice. Be careful in how you write your text messages to leads and clients in order to come off professional and positive. If you feel like something may be misunderstood over text, it's probably best to set up a call. Informal Communication: Text messaging is a very informal way of communicating with someone. When working with leads and clients, be leery of the times you are sending text messages as well as their content, so as not to come off unprofessional. This is most likely the biggest financial transaction in one's life and should be treated as such by a real estate professional. Finding a good balance between texting, emailing and speaking with leads and clients on the phone will help you nurture your professional relationships and grow your real estate business. To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.
MORE >
12 Real Estate Email Marketing Mistakes Every Agent Can and Should Avoid
MORE >
How ChatGPT Can Help You Generate Real Estate Marketing Ideas
The future is here—and it wants to help with your real estate marketing strategy. Well, "wants" may be a strange word. After all, we're talking about artificial intelligence (AI). And while this AI may not technically "want" to do anything, it's certainly capable of helping you generate marketing ideas and even real estate copy. That's what innovative Realtor Jaime Resendiz has discovered. He uses an AI bot known as ChatGPT to, well, chat and have a dialogue that results in all kinds of marketing ideas. Jaime uses ChatGPT to come up with ideas (and some text) for: Social media Blog posts Video scripts Listing descriptions Real estate ads And more! Watch the video above to learn how you can leverage ChatGPT in your business—and work smarter, not harder in 2023!
MORE >
[Best of 2022] Is Cold Calling Still Effective in Real Estate?
MORE >
Realtor Lingo: Do You Know What You Are Saying?
What are you talking about? Every day you get ready to represent home buyers and sellers because you are a real estate professional. MLS listing protocols are second nature, determining a competitive listing price is easy with accurate measurements and writing up contracts is part of your routine. But how often are you using terms that you think you know but are not necessarily synonymous? Realtor lingo can confuse the consumer if you don't know what you are saying. Check to see if you are making any of these common mistakes with your listings. Schematic vs. floor plan Floor plans are essential when listing and marketing a property. Accurate measurements of every space help potential buyers understand the fit and flow of a home. Floor plans identify the location of doorways, partition walls, cabinets, and windows. When advanced measurements are included, you can measure distances between arbitrary points in 3D space. Are you using floor plans or just a simple schematic? What exactly is a schematic? So here's the thing. A schematic is a basic outline of the building with exterior or interior measurements around the perimeter. Think of a schematic as the "bones" of the home and the floor plan as the entire skeleton complete with all the connecting parts. To understand the function of the entire unit, a homebuyer must be able to visualize how they will live there—a task that is difficult at best with just a few simple lines of a schematic! Video vs. 3D virtual tour 3D virtual tours are must-haves for both showing the seller how you market their home and for the buyer to get up close and personal with each space. Virtual tours enhance the viewers' experience by allowing them to explore rooms as if they were physically at the property. Online access to 3D virtual tours lets the consumer enjoy their visit in their own time. Perhaps they forgot what type of finishing was on the floor or windows after their in-person viewing. Enter the 3D virtual tour to help refresh their memory, create a lasting image and form an emotional connection with the home. When you want to know if they lingered for a while, check your analytics to see the date, time and duration of all visitors. Real estate agents can host 3D tours as part of a virtual showing. Take control of the way the property is presented by adding commentary on important aspects of the home. Conversely, a video is just a video. Video is a mini movie created to entertain but without the ability to control where to focus your attention. Think of video as going to the theater. You want to see what is hiding behind the doorway, but you are not in the director's seat. Financing vs. mortgage Getting your buyer approved for a mortgage is important. Factors that influence the appraised value of a home are floor plan measurements, location, market conditions and comparable properties. Mortgage appraisals for Fannie Mae now require measurements to follow the ANSI-Z765-2021 for calculating and reporting gross living area. You can help speed up the process with an iGUIDE® that supplies everything you need to market a property and is ANSI-Z765-2021 compliant. Financing is often the largest hurdle a buyer has to get over before completing a purchase. But while financing can come in the form of a mortgage, financing is not just a mortgage. Buyers often choose alternative methods to purchase a home when they are not paying cash. Line of credits, personal loans and seller financing are a few other options buyers have. While a traditional mortgage is the normal course of business, regardless of how the buyer acquires funding for a home, they will benefit from floor plans, a certified appraisal and 3D virtual tours when applying for insurance or planning for any future renovations. Fixtures vs. chattels A fixture by real estate definition is something that is attached to the home. Fixtures can be seen throughout a 3D virtual tour and identified by whether or not they are physically attached to a floor, ceiling or wall. Attached items are things like cabinets, light fixtures, and items that are physically plumbed in. Real estate agents may refer to appliances as kitchen fixtures, but in reality, many of the appliances in a kitchen are easily removed by simply unplugging them from an electrical outlet. The rule of thumb is that an item that is not attached and can be easily removed from a home is a chattel. Why is this important? Permanent fixtures form part of the property and are to remain when the home is sold. Avoid a homebuyer being surprised on closing day when the kitchen chattels are missing by including the moveable chattels in the purchase contract. Knowing when to use the correct terminology and technology can go a long way in your real estate marketing. Winning listings is more than a little small talk, it's about communicating clearly. To view the original article, visit the iGuide blog.
MORE >
Buyer Leads Think You're a Tour Guide? Here's What to Say
MORE >
Leverage Your Inbox to Cultivate Leads and Repeat Business
We've all heard that staying engaged with past clients is a phenomenal way for real estate agents to nurture their real estate business. But what does that mean when it comes to your inbox? Email templates and a catchy subject line? Should you be sending your past customers constant emails about their dream home being listed, or just sending them a friendly celebratory email for their birthday? Maybe they have a friend or family member they've mentioned on Facebook or Instagram who's looking for a home — should you reach out just to see if you can help them in their search? Could you even send them a follow-up email about a school in their district that's holding a meet-and-greet event for new parents in the area? The answer is: Do it all. Reach out, even if nothing's going on As a real estate agent, you understand how imperative it is to build connections and keep them going. Staying in touch with your client base, even if they're settled in their homes and not searching for a change, is a great way to maintain a relationship and build credibility as a trusted source for all things real estate. By casually reaching out, you stimulate memory of the interactions they've had with you, reminding them that you helped them during an extremely stressful and pivotal time. Anyone within their immediate sphere of influence then becomes a prospective buyer or seller capable of perpetuating further lead growth for your business. Utilize real estate email templates Email templates are everywhere. Whether for real estate, general marketing ideas, proposals, newsletters for community events, etc., there's an email template ready and waiting. Use them. Not only do they save time, but they can have a fairly positive effect on your stress levels. In fact, using an email template set to a steady drip campaign can free anywhere from two to eight hours of your time per week, leaving you available for that last minute open house or to explore a new local market for a client. Specific email templates geared toward agents also give ideas on how to set up an open house invitation, present housing market data and generate buzz around your personal brand by using proven design and content strategies with your personal branding. It's okay to be human It doesn't matter if you use a template or craft an email from scratch, it's essential to connect with your clients on a human level. For example, if you had a past client who needed more nurturing reach out, try engaging with them on a gentler level by asking how they are, changing your punctuation usage and possibly adding a few emojis here and there. Showing empathy, even in an email, is a great way to build a positive connection with you and real estate, negating some of the more stressful facets of the transactions. If you decide to use a template, try adding general interest information about home design, the buying process, things to do at home or anything else that displays you as a thoughtful expert in your area. Your inbox is a simple yet powerful relationship online meeting tool. It's excellent for engaging established clients, prospecting new buyers/sellers and just staying generally connected with the homeowner community. There are also great learning opportunities that allow you to leverage your emails more effectively, displaying proven strategies and techniques to increase open rates, save money and thoughtfully engage with your contacts. Interested in more tips and tricks to master your email marketing? Dig in deeper with this FREE DOWNLOAD Your free AWESOME EMAIL MARKETING GUIDE will give you more ideas on how to use your inbox and email marketing strategies to stay in touch with past clients so you can create repeat business, as well as generating new and referral leads. Need help with leveraging email marketing to cultivate more business? Elm Street Technology does the work for you and offers solutions that help you stay in touch with past clients so you can generate referral leads and repeat business. Connect with an Elm Street Technology Success Coach today to learn more.
MORE >
What Should Be in a Realtor's Email Signature?
MORE >
7 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do with Gmail
Gmail is great for sending, receiving and efficiently organizing email. But did you know that there's a ton of baked-in functionality that you may not know about? For example, real estate agents can set up pre-written responses to quickly reply to clients and leads. And, a new Gmail feature lets you use layouts pre-designed by Google to make whatever you send out look as professional and polished as possible. Watch the video above to learn more about these hidden Gmail features and see simple tutorials for setting up the following: Pre-schedule sending emails Multiple email signatures Sync contacts to your CRM Create an email alias Create canned responses Use pre-designed layouts Send a newsletter Leverage these tips, and you'll soon be using Google's excellent email tool to its fullest!
MORE >
7 Email Marketing Campaigns for Your Real Estate Business
MORE >
New Study Reveals Increased Transparency on Commissions Leads to Increased Value in Consumers' Eyes
WAV Group's new Buyer Agent Commission Study reveals many insights from buyers about their awareness, understanding and appreciation of how commissions work when buying a home. Chief among these insights is the undeniable connection between transparency and perceived value on the part of home buyers. Those who indicated they were "totally clear" about the commission paid were 59% more likely to think their agent "completely earned the commission" than those who were unclear. In general, the large majority of buyers were satisfied with the services they received from their agent (88%). Buying a home in any market can be complicated. No two transactions are exactly the same, and something always comes up right when you think all is clear. With this many moving parts, buyers appreciate clear communication and prompt responses. As one buyer indicated in the open-end questions, "My agent showed me many many houses and answered every phone call and email and text quickly and with answers I was able to understand. She walked me through every step of the process." Buyers recognize how hard it is to successfully purchase a home, especially in the recent housing market. They are appreciative and grateful for the creativity and hard work their agents deliver to help them successfully purchase a home. Agents earn their commission, and home buyers recognize that. Get the full report now. To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.
MORE >
Follow-Up Is Still the #1 Reason Agents Lose Business
MORE >
How to Ask for Real Estate Referrals
Word-of-mouth marketing generates more leads than any other. As every Realtor knows, asking for referrals is crucial to boosting your businesses growth rate. In fact, 84% of Realtors we recently polled said referrals were the greatest source of increasing sales. But how do you ask for referrals in a way that is authentic and effective? Many people aren't sure how to begin writing a referral or know exactly what you are asking for. Providing them with examples or past referrals can help drive action and give them a template for tone, length, and content. And like many things in life, timing is everything. Send Periodic Follow-up Messages to Past Clients Perhaps the most crucial way to obtain real estate referrals is by staying in touch with past clients. There are probably plenty of people in your sphere of influence that would love to refer you to friends, but simply need to know your best contact information. This is where CRM software that can improve your communication with clients while keeping track of every customer in your greater contacts list comes in. Use Referral Cards and Run Referral Contests When sending a handwritten thank you note to clients, either at or immediately after closing, add an incentive in the form of a referral card that can be exchanged for a physical or digital gift card or gift certificate, ranging from Amazon.com to a local restaurant. Incentives drive action, and if the real estate transaction was favorable, clients are more likely to recommend you to a close friend, colleague, or family member. Some agents have had great luck (and great fun) with referral contests that reward clients with a tiered-level of incentives based on the quantity and quality of referrals they provide in person and on social media. Before implementing a referral contest, be sure to review your social media channels, website, and Google Business page and verify links are not broken and that your contact information is correct. Stay Involved in Your Community If possible, donate or sponsor community events like community theater, sporting events, or fundraisers. Not only are you helping to make the events possible and successful, you are building brand awareness for yourself and your business. While not asking for referrals directly at the event, you can promote and display your best referrals on promotional materials and your social media pages that promote and share the event in print and digitally. Use a Real Estate CRM A real estate CRM not only helps you get more referrals, but it also helps you track referrals more effectively, increasing your odds of converting them to clients – whether it's right away or down the road. What you do with your referrals, specifically how you manage and keep in touch with them, can make a significant impact on your business. To view the original article, visit the IXACT Contact blog.
MORE >
Real Estate Agent Instagram Bio Best Practices
MORE >
4 Top Communication Tips for Your Real Estate Clients
Real estate is a social industry. In this business, strong communication skills can carry you a long way. As an agent, a key strategy for converting leads and streamlining transactions with active buyers and sellers is to prioritize clear, efficient communication with your real estate clients. Why Is Communication So Important for Real Estate Success? As the industry continues to migrate online and more transactions are digital-first, it's becoming more important than ever for agents to improve their communication with clients. We've likely all had experiences where a stalling communication results in missed opportunities or slow-moving transactions. At the same time, you've likely also had an experience where saying the right thing at the right time was the perfect move — and you were able to land a deal, convert a lead, or win a negotiation for one of your clients. In many cases, communication is the "make it or break it" moment for real estate success. To mitigate the effects of poor communication and access the benefits of direct conversations, today's agents should spend some time honing their interactions with their spheres. Here are four tips that can help you enhance your communication and boost your business in 2022 and beyond. 1. Share Facts Buyers and sellers look to their agents to be a source of insight, guidance, and real estate knowledge. When you're communicating with your active clients, make sure that you're sharing valuable educational resources with them. Rather than simply advising your client on what next steps to take, make every interaction a learning opportunity by sharing the logic and thinking behind each strategy. For example, you might be advising a buyer client to include a personal letter, escalation clause, and earnest money in their offer. Instead of sharing directions, step into the role of a teacher by quickly outlining why these steps are necessary. In this situation, you might want to speak a little bit about the current state of the market and explain how the high demand may invite a multiple offer situation. Then, you'd want to define each offer-strengthening strategy so the client understands why they're doing what they're doing. This makes it easier for them to follow the transaction, and allows them to take part in strategic decision-making and negotiations. Pro Tip: Always have detailed and valuable market information at the ready! You need to know the facts to share them with your clients. Make sure that you're referencing up-to-the-minute market data and clearly communicating it to clients. 2. Improve Your Listening Skills If you want to provide the highest quality service to your clients, you need to understand them. Learning about your client's needs and fears will allow you to curate your decision-making and set the right strategy to meet the client's unique goals. You'll need to develop a trust-based, open, and honest dialogue with your clients. That requires active listening — where you don't assume you know everything, and instead, deeply listen to what the client is saying. In many cases, you may have to read between the lines to get to the bottom of what your client is expressing. Pro Tip: When speaking to a client, slow down and settle in. Don't plan out what you're going to say next when the client is speaking to you. Instead, drop your assumptions and simply listen. Remember, buying and selling a home can be an emotional journey. As an agent, you need to be able to support, guide, and counsel your clients through the experience. 3. Avoid Transaction Pitfalls Certain steps of a transaction introduce risks and issues that can be harder to overcome than others. Agents, always stay aware of common transaction pitfalls and take extra precautions throughout the transaction process to avoid them. Key Pitfalls to Watch: Property Inspections Appraisals Loan Approval Offer Making Negotiations Closing Walkthrough When approaching each of these key moments, make sure that your client is prepared and informed. Sharing best practices in advance of these pitfalls can help streamline the process and improve your client's transaction experiences. Pro Tip: Consider sending out an email before each of these major transaction events that outlines the upcoming process, shares tips, and tells clients what to look out for. This will both educate and inform your clients so they can take the actions required to drive success and mitigate risks. 4. Be Honest Agents need to maintain professional integrity. One of the most important things to consider when providing service to buyers and sellers is honesty. Never manipulate data to push a seller or buyer in a particular direction if you don't genuinely think that it's in their best interest. If you do recommend a certain strategy, but the client is resistant, be encouraging without being pushy. Communication between agents and clients should always be respectful, positive, and transparent. To view the original article, visit the BoomTown blog.
MORE >
The Phone: Friend or Foe?
MORE >
Do You Know These 10 Real Estate and Tech Acronyms? Test Your Knowledge.
"We need more real estate acronyms," said no real estate professional or consumer -- ever. Historically, the real estate industry has been a bastion of Alphabet Soup. Think about how long we have been saying "NAR" (50 years), "FNMA" pronounced as Fannie Mae (84 years), and "MLS" (~100 years)! Integrating technology into the daily lives of real estate agents has accelerated the proliferation of acronyms. Thank goodness for Google – but then again, some of these acronyms are sometimes even hard to Google because they are specific to real estate. So here is a modern little list of 10 real estate and tech acronyms every real estate agent needs to know: ARV: After-repair value. With the advent of a new category in real estate called "Concierge Services," the use of ARV is becoming commonplace. Concierge startups such as Revive Real Estate and Curbio can help sellers quickly renovate now and pay at closing to maximize their home sales. AVM: Automated Valuation Model. Zillow and its zestimates may have popularized the term AVM, but today, there are dozens of alternative online estimates. Some are leveraging computer learning and artificial intelligence to estimate home values better and inching closer to the values created from a full in-person appraisal. As a result, the term AVM will only get more popular. CoCR: Cash-on-cash return. The recent rapid increase in real estate values will likely result in more of your sellers becoming interested in real estate investment. In real estate, CoCR calculates the cash income earned on the cash invested in the property. This is a math calculation: divide the net cash flow by the total cash invested. Here's a great example of how it works on Investopedia. DeFi: Decentralized Finance. The metaverse, crypto, and blockchain may be down, but they are not out. Even traditionalists see value emerging from blockchain use, and DeFi is one of them. For example, instead of a traditional bank providing a loan to purchase real estate, DeFi potentially offers the ability to finance a real estate transaction, either paid by Bitcoin or providing a mortgage. The difference is that the review for approval and funding would be nearly instant. And unlike a traditional mortgage, one could potentially sell off fractional shares of their property to pay off the mortgage. That may seem far-fetched, but consider that the second home firm Pacaso is modeled after 1/8th fractional share ownership. Read more about DeFi here. LLC: Limited Liability Corporation. Real estate investors have embraced LLCs since their creation in 1977. Today, the term is becoming more mainstream as creative real estate startups are using the LLC structure to help sellers buy their next home before selling their current home. Other firms are using the LLC structure to create their 1/8 ownership model, allowing eight different sets of buyers to own real estate. NFC: Near-field communications. If you have seen others share their contact info with a tap of their phones, you have witnessed NFC in action. For real estate, NFC potentially has more opportunities than delivering a digital business card. For example, marketing-enabled NFC "smart signs" allow shoppers to interact with your For Sale sign from their mobile phones. In the UK, agents give out branded, NFC-enabled keyrings for a listing. Then, as they tour, the NFC technology can share floor plans, photos, and more – before they even leave the property. Think of it as a wireless thumb drive. NBIC: Nanotechnology, biology, information technology, and cognitive science. Researchers look at NBIC as "converging technologies for improving human performance." In a nutshell, advancement in these areas is overlapping more and more. NBIC's goals are to enable human populations to be stronger, healthier, and more capable. Relevance to real estate? Sustainability issues that impact housing and other real estate development. For example, the Bartlett School of Architecture at the University of London is modeling coursework for systems architecture that uses NBIC to address sustainability challenges. Among the direct impacts: a new generation of smart materials used to construct buildings and, eventually, homes. NOO: Non-owner occupied. Most agents are familiar with this lender classification, which means the owner does not occupy the property as a primary residence; it is considered a rental property. Effectively, risks are higher with non-owner occupied property, meaning lender interest rates are higher than those for a primary residence. The increase in NOO property, especially in single-family homes, has exploded with the growth of both individual and institutional investors. RESO: Real Estate Standards Organization. Think of these folks as real estate's "Rosetta Stone." RESO makes it possible for all the data collected from hundreds of different Multiple Listing Services to be standardized. For example, their work makes MLS data usable in the national mobile apps consumers use to search for properties. RESO is to real estate as the IEEE is to Bluetooth. RESO may be invisible to most agents and their clients, but real estate transactions are improving from the standardized data work that RESO volunteers – it's a nonprofit – are doing. SaaS: Software as a Service. You can thank the internet, or the "cloud," for the massive proliferation today of SaaS firms and the subscription services you now pay to use your favorite software. SaaS caused the death of the software CD. Today, the most popular software is delivered and accessed through the cloud. In real estate, most technology is SaaS, from transaction management platforms to Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) solutions. What's your favorite real estate or technology acronym? Please share yours with us for a potential future story by emailing us at [email protected]. And if one of tech-specific acronyms is causing you some difficulty, feel free to reach out and ask us for help at techhelpline.com. To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog.
MORE >
How to Create a Newsletter Your Real Estate Clients Will Read
MORE >
Textiquette for Real Estate Agents 101
More and more reports are showing that Americans prefer text messages to phone calls. In fact, The Chicago Tribune reported Americans spend a reported 26 minutes a day texting, compared to six minutes on phone calls. With mobile devices, the lines between professional and personal worlds get a bit blurred. And as a real estate agent, you may be wondering how your texts should look, sound, and when to send them. In this post, we'll get down to the do's and don'ts of texting as a real estate professional. The Do's and Don'ts of Texting for Real Estate Agents 1. Don't Get Sloppy Just because you are sending a lead or client a text, instead of a formal email, does not mean all proper grammar and punctuation go out the window. Pro Tip: If you are constantly fighting auto-correct in your text messages, turn it off from your phone's settings. You'll save yourself time and lessen mistakes if your spelling and grammar is already up to par. 2. Don't Text Late at Night Just because people bring their smartphones with them everywhere does not mean they want to be contacted whenever. Leave conversations via phone calls and texting for normal business hours (unless, of course, the contact states otherwise). 3. Don't Use Weird Emojis You don't need to use all 3000+ emojis just because you own a smartphone. Play it safe and use emojis that can be easily interpreted, such as a smiley face, thumbs up, or a house emoji. It can be difficult to read meaning through the internet, so play it safe. 4. Do Ask for Permission Before you begin texting your contact, ask if they prefer text, phone calls or emails. They'll appreciate you asking, and you will benefit from communicating according to their preferences. 5. Do Keep It Short Save lengthy messages for email. No one appreciates a long-winded text message related to business on their personal phone. It can be difficult to store that information for later and it involves stopping your day to read the message. To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.
MORE >
Friday Freebie: Scripts for Handling Objections
MORE >
The 3 Best Times to Ask for Real Estate Referrals
One of the best types of real estate leads to generate are referrals. That's because they're easy to convert compared to other lead sources such as Facebook or Google. Despite that, some agents are hesitant to ask for a referral in fear of inconveniencing their past clients, family, or friends. There's no need to fear! Here, we break down the top three best times to ask for a referral. 1. When You First Start Working with a Client You should ask early in the relationship when emotions are at their most positive. When a person decides they are ready to buy or sell a home, their friends and family know much earlier than a real estate agent does. They talk about it with their network, and even go on social media to ask for recommendations for agents. The early stages of your relationship with your clients are a great time to ask if they know anybody else who may be looking to buy or sell real estate. 2. When You Place a Property Under Contract Here is another highlight in your personal relationship with your clients. Once the property is under contract, you are almost there! Your real estate clients are (hopefully) happy with your level of service. Not asking for referrals is a missed opportunity. Don't miss out on business by always asking for a referral. 3. When You Close the Transaction Job well done! This should be the most obvious time to ask for a referral. Don't make this the only time, though. This is also a great time to ask for a testimonial, which can lead to a better online reputation. Getting into the habit of asking for referrals at EACH of these three opportunities can impact your business much more than asking just once. To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.
MORE >
Friday Freebie: Real Estate Call Scripts (That Actually Work)
MORE >
4 Free Virtual Editors that Can Improve Your Writing
Have you ever rushed to send a client an important email, only to realize you made crucial punctuation or embarrassing grammatical error right after hitting the "send" button? We've all faced that frustration. But there's a simple solution that technology can fix for you! Increasing in popularity, artificial intelligence-based virtual editors, such as Grammarly and others, can immediately identify errors as you type. As a real estate professional, do you realize the benefits of ensuring your communications are error-free? According to the National Association of Realtors, 95% of agents use email daily or nearly every day. In addition, email is the preferred communication method for 89% of all clients. More importantly, strong communications skills are crucial to what clients expect from today's agent. Using a virtual editor can save you from struggling with grammar and punctuation. Even if you're a talented agent with excellent writing skills, you'll know that everyone makes mistakes, and these new tools can help you catch a minor error you missed before hitting send. How virtual editors work A virtual editor is similar to a word processor as they both allow you to generate, edit, and save text documents on your computer. Powered by artificial intelligence, this new tool predicts the edits you make for your text based on your use of language and writing style. As it takes in the data of written work, the AI built into a virtual editor can understand Natural Language Processing (NLP) and can comprehend written words like a human does. The more writing you do with a virtual editor – because it uses machine learning ­– the more intelligent, more robust, and accurate it becomes over time. A virtual editor develops the ability to edit your prose by checking the tone of the writing and then offers ideas and alternative word choices to improve the clarity of your content. It basically becomes your full-time copy editor. The benefits of virtual editors Having virtual editing software is easy to add to any computer. Versions exist for both PC and Mac operating systems. First, a virtual editor doesn't just highlight your spelling and grammatical errors but also shows you how to correct them by providing solutions, and often more than one option, with a click of a button. Its error checking is faster than using a standard word processing program, offering revised sentences, different word choices, and corrected punctuation – all to increase efficiency and save you time. The second benefit of virtual editors is that they can help you improve your vocabulary. Virtual editors will point out if your word choice is weak or if you are using a particular word too often or are repeating one in the same sentence. It instantly suggests alternative words that improve your writing flow. Virtual editors can also "teach" you better writing skills by helping you avoid poor writing habits. For example, it highlights the weaker use of passive voice to suggest rewriting in the active voice. In addition, it offers alternative phrasing to shorten your sentence structure and tighten your communication. It also helps by providing absent transitions to improve the readability of your writing. Finally, virtual editors are user-friendly, and some offer options to work on mobile devices. They are also compatible with the most popular browsers, including Safari, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Others can work inside your email program to help you write crystal clear communications to customers. Lots of choices While the most well-known virtual editor program is Grammarly, and it is by far the leader in its category, there are other choices. Some, including Grammarly, offer a free version. Programs such as ProWritingAid function similarly to Grammarly, but it works to enhance the flow of your writing and provides stats based on sentence structure and vocabulary. In addition, ProWritingAid also contains several unique implements, such as a built-in thesaurus for offering different synonyms. Finally, it offers a free Chrome extension and more than 20 types of detailed graphics that help analyze your writing style. On the downside, the full versions of ProWritingAid are expensive and incompatible with mobile devices. There's also Wordtune, which is easy to use and is powered by an AI that will automatically show rewriting suggestions to improve the clarity of your writing. This virtual editor will also detect if your writing tone sounds casual or formal and centers on shortening or expanding your text when needed. It's a significant advantage: you can add it to your Chrome browser as an extension. That means it will work on Gmail, Google Docs, Outlook Web, and social media platforms. However, there's no desktop app, and it's not available for mobile or offline use. Another option provided is Readable, which like its namesake, works to improve the readability of your prose. By analyzing your text, it points out grammatical and spelling errors, along with signs of weak writing such as run-on sentences. Like Grammarly, it also scores your writing in real-time based on how easy it is for your audience to read your writing. Readable then explains how you can improve it. However, Readable does not offer a free version, so after a seven-day trial period, you'll have to pay to continue to use this virtual editor. Protip: Grammarly's premium and business versions can be expensive, but you can buy them at a significant discount through a website such as StackSocial, often offered at about half-off the standard price. A hidden bonus Perhaps the best thing about using a virtual editor is that you forget it is even there after a while, like autofill. You come to expect it to catch minor errors, and it's likely to help you correct some bad writing habits. In the end, by using a virtual editor, your clients receive clear and accurate communications from you. This matches what your clients expect when they hire a professional to help them with the most significant transaction in their lives. If you need help installing or setting up a virtual editor, contact Tech Helpline, and an analyst can walk you through what you need to know. To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog.
MORE >
Is Your Real Estate Lead Follow-Up Persistent... or Annoying?
MORE >
The Introverted Real Estate Agent's Guide to Networking
Everybody thinks that all real estate agents are outgoing, talkative, and lack inhibition (in a good way, of course). While that may be true about some of the population, real estate agents come from all walks of life. One demographic you might be surprised that exists in real estate are introverts—and you'd be surprised at how effective introverts can be at networking. Are you the type of person that is "shy until I get to know somebody," then you might be an introvert. Introverts might not be the best at commanding the attention of an entire room, but they are experts at building authentic relationships with their potential clients. If you are an extrovert, some of these tips may offer perspective or even give you an alternative strategy for networking! Don't Go to Networking Events Networking events are filled with people that want to meet as many people as possible for future possible collaborations. You might not thrive in this environment, because there are many people that come to these events to increase the quantity of their network, not necessarily the quality. Instead, you should attend events that you enjoy where networking opportunities are present. Meeting a lender at a networking event is great, but being in the same bowling league as somebody who happens to be a lender is even better. Wear Something You Get Complimented on Often Do you get complimented on that fancy red scarf? Or your floral necktie? Wear that more often! This will make it more likely that people will initiate conversation with you, instead of the other way around. Think of your fashion as a fishing hook. Once you get a compliment, reel them in with a short story. "Thanks, I'm wearing it because _________." Then continue the conversation from there! Get People to Talk About Themselves Getting people to talk is about themselves is a great tool to have in your toolbelt. This will help prospects become more comfortable in sharing information with you. As a person starts talking more about themselves, you will be able to gauge if that person is likely to move soon and thus become a buyer or seller! Some easy questions to ask are: What brings you here? What are you hoping to get out of this? What do you have going on right now? Be the Connector When it comes to networking, most people will be in it for themselves. It really stands out if you do something for others. After getting to know people on a more personal level, everybody else you meet is an opportunity to connect people. The more you are the connector, the more you become the connective tissue in this mini-community you inadvertently created. Everybody knows each other through you, so when one of their friends or family is ready to buy a home, you will be the first person they recommend. They will remember the value you brought into their lives by introducing that plumber, contractor, fellow sports fan, etc., into their life. Use Facebook! Social networks are a goldmine for introverts. By posting content that people can engage with, or engaging with other people's content, you can get to know people and build a stronger rapport for when you meet them in real life. A great place to start adding comments is on posts from your local news station about local areas. You don't need to comment about real estate, just your thoughts on whatever topic they are talking about. The more people see you, the more people you are engaging with, the more they are likely to work with you! To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.
MORE >
Friday Freebie: Get Sellers into the Game with this Cheat Sheet
MORE >
28 Topics to Theme Your Real Estate Newsletters
Real estate newsletters can be very effective in connecting and engaging with your lead database. Whether you send email or hardcopy newsletters, it's always important to give your readers valuable content, so they associate your name and brand with helpful information. Since inboxes tend to flood with emails on a daily basis, newsletters should be unique and catchy. When creating newsletters, you can use several tactics to make your message stand out, one of which is by theming your content or message. Here are some topics to help you brainstorm and get started! Real Estate Newsletter Topics: 2022 Real Estate Trends to Be Aware Of Predicted Buyer Profiles of 2022 Predicted Mortgage Rate Trends for 2022 Real Estate Scams to Be Cautious Of Safety Tips for Homeowners When Is the Right Time to Sell or Buy? Latest Trends in New Construction Local Real Estate Trends (TIP: Tailor your content to the local market to provide relevance) Local Community Events DIY Design Tips to Update Your Home Fix-It Tips For Small Projects Around the House DIY Tips for Landscaping Your Backyard Best Practices for Keeping Your Home in Good Shape with Pets What to Look for When Shopping for a New Home First-Time Buyer Advice Green Home Tips Selling Scams to Be Cautious Of Feature a Luxury Listing Interior Design Trends Moving Tips - Recommend any companies? Home Staging Trends Common Selling Questions and Answers Top Reasons to Move Open House Advice What to Look for in a Seller's Agent How to Increase the Value of Your Home Seasonal Tips for Selling a Property Holiday/Season Inspired Pro tip: Try creating your newsletter as a real estate infographic. Readers are drawn to images over text, keeping them engaged longer! Whether you're informing leads about real estate trends, DIY tips or buyer and seller insights, make sure to provide compelling newsletter content (like these!) that your readers will find valuable. To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.
MORE >
Friday Freebie: Scripts and Tips for Voicemails that Get Results
MORE >
Why Real Estate Agents Should Prioritize Meaningful Outreach
Not all follow-up is good follow-up! It's 2022 and consumer demand is high. People expect Amazon speed combined with boutique service. Your outreach needs to be specific, high-converting -- and never generic or impersonal. Creating Custom, Lead-Specific Outreach In today's market, you need to be "listening" to what your leads are doing online. You should know how they're engaging with your site, allowing you to send them a customized outreach based on their activity. For example, if you know that a prospect is spending more time on the landing pages with one of your property listings — continually visiting, scrolling, and spending large amounts of time on the page — you'd understand that they are favoring this property over competing options. Access to your website data can help you leverage value-driven outreach plans. When you do follow up with that lead, you can promote the listing that they have been eyeing and prompt them to set up an appointment with you to discuss their position further. Do This → You might send an outreach email saying: Hello! If you're planning on buying a home in X market, you should check out this listing. It includes all of the amenities and features that you mentioned you're looking for, and it's at a great price. To help us better understand your specific needs and circumstances as a homebuyer, would you like to set up an appointment? We can speak more about X listing and develop a custom strategy to see if purchasing that listing is a viable investment for you. Text or call me at (XXX) XXX-XXXX, or send me an email so we can book a quick meeting. Looking forward to hearing from you! Not That → Compare this targeted, hyper-focused email that speaks to the lead's existing preferences to a bland, generic email asking them to browse the listings on your site. Pro Tip: Always prioritize value. Your outreach needs to grab the attention of your website traffic and offer them something of real value. Including the address and photos of the listing that one of your leads seems to be interested in is more likely to increase the efficiency of your follow-up. By offering them the chance to speak with you about their ability to purchase the house, the lead has a lot to gain by making the appointment with you — and you're one step closer to landing a new deal. Using Meaningful Outreach to Build Relationships You already know that capturing a lead's business typically comes after multiple touchpoints. As you're moving your leads through the sales funnel, meaningful outreach will give you to chance to build trust, credibility, and provide a preview of your services. Let's say one of your internet leads is spending a lot of time online calculating a loan. If you're observing how your internet traffic is behaving on your website, you'd be aware of their focus on loan-related topics — giving you a strong edge to move forward with. When it's time for you to reach out to that lead, you can speak directly to their needs. Even if they are not yet ready to buy, you can offer them helpful tips and information about financing their upcoming purchase. Do This → You'd be able to send an outreach email saying: Hello! I hope your home buying preparations are going well. I wanted to share a few helpful pieces of information regarding mortgage loans and home financing. Did you know that there are loans with low down payment requirements and low-interest rates for qualifying buyers? I've attached resources with more information that may help you. I've also included a list of questions that you should ask as you're looking for a lender to work with. If you have any specific questions or would like guidance as you take the first steps to secure financing, I would love to assist you. Let's book an appointment to speak soon. I've copied my upcoming availabilities below. Let me know what works for you and we'll move forward. I'll bring additional loan resources to our meeting as they will help you moving forward. Not That → If you had just sent an outreach email about your home buying and selling services, you would have missed out on the chance to touch on a real, pressing concern of your lead. Pro Tip: Even when you share helpful resources and real estate guides in an outreach email, always offer more with the catch of booking an appointment with you. This will incentivize your leads to keep their appointments since they'll receive custom tips and information by attending. To view the original article, visit the BoomTown blog.
MORE >
9 Web Content Ideas for Real Estate Agents
MORE >
30 Real Estate Email Subject Lines that Entice Leads
Email marketing isn't dead, you may need to just revamp your current campaign. When buyer and seller leads are navigating through their inbox or spam folders, they're deciding in seconds whether an email is worth their time. In fact, one study found 69% of email recipients report email as spam, based on the subject line alone. Email subject lines are a huge component of successful email campaigns. Subject lines, if done correctly, will entice readers to open your emails, not mark them as spam. Use this list of real estate email subject lines to increase your email open rates: Personalization This list of email subject lines will help you get started with a successful campaign. Personalized subject lines are designed to make your audience think they have met you previously. When a reader thinks an email might be from someone they know, as opposed to spam, they'll be much more likely to open it. Quick Question "Insert Name" Referred Me to You Let's Meet Up for [Insert Activity] on [Insert Date] One More Thing Let's get together [insert date] I have to ask I called, you didn't answer I missed you last week You weren't home, so I left a message How about next [MTWTFSS]? I need your opinion [insert name] how have you been? Similar Interest These subject headers will entice leads due to the fact that they are currently looking for or selling a home. Including a lead's target market within the subject line will increase their interest, as they can work with a limited number of agents serving that neighborhood. I Heard You're Looking for a Home What You Should Know About the [insert target market] Housing Market Why other agents can't help you Prices are [increasing/decreasing] in [insert target market] Up and coming neighborhoods in [insert target market] Here's where you should buy/sell in [insert target market] I can help you [buy/sell your home] Mystery It's true that when you're unsure of who or where an email came from, you'll be more likely to open it. That email could be from a former colleague, a new job opportunity or a distant friend. Ambiguous emails entice the reader to find out who the sender is. [A Blank Subject Line] Where do we go from here? We don't know what's next We've got you covered It's better if you didn't know Here's Your Private Invite Urgency Urgency is used in many different marketing tactics—think of 24-hour sales or limited edition items. The email header should make leads feel like they might miss out on a opportunity if they do not open your email. Almost There's still time It begins today It ends today Things are heating up in [insert target market] Why you should buy/sell now in [insert target market] Another huge aspect of lead conversion from email campaigns is response rate. Studies show that leads are four times more likely to convert into a client, when you respond within the first five minutes. After the first 30 minutes, leads are 21 times less likely to convert. Happy emailing! To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.
MORE >
Lead Conversion for Real Estate Leads Not Answering Their Phones
MORE >
Friday Freebie: 67 Text Message Templates that Get Replies
Emails can be missed, phone calls can be screened, but text messages? With a 90% open rate, they have one of the highest engagement levels of any type of communication. But just because a real estate lead is likely to read your text doesn't mean they'll respond to it. How can you up your chances for starting a conversation with real estate leads over text? This week's Friday Freebie to the rescue! Today, we're highlighting a collection of 67 text message templates that are designed to reach leads and initiate a response. Read on to find out more. Free copy of 67 Text Message Templates that Get Replies from Real Estate Leads, courtesy of Zurple Here's the good news: Most text messages are read by recipients within 90 seconds. The bad? Not everyone is willing to respond to text messages from people they don't know—and real estate leads don't know you…yet. Zurple's text messaging guide aims to help you change that. The guide offers insight into why leads respond to texts, and provides text templates for various scenarios and lead sources, including cold leads, follow-up on free home valuations, referrals and more. Here's a brief glimpse at what's included: Text messaging tips that increase replies Text message templates for general leads Text message templates for homebuyer leads Text message templates for home seller leads And more! Ready to start engaging more leads? Download 67 Text Message Templates that Get Replies from Real Estate Leads now!
MORE >
Pet Peeves from a Real Estate Lead's Perspective
MORE >
How to Be Friendly, Yet Professional in Online Chats (Part 2)
In a previous article, we talked about the first four keys to making clients satisfied in online chats. In this article, get eight more tips to make your leads and clients feel happy in online chats. Check for Grammar and Spelling When talking to clients, you have to make sure that your sentences are grammatically correct and official. Do not use abbreviations such as ASAP, BRB, FYI, BFN, TY. A professional Realtor will always write the full words and avoid grammatical errors. Being too friendly and using slang will make clients feel like you are not very professional or, worse, they will not take you seriously. Although it might seem like hard work for new Realtors, there are several apps that will help you write content, such as Grammarly. Be Responsive If you are not a native speaker, communicating with clients can be stressful work for you, especially initially. Don't be afraid to send your messages right away. Proofreading your message can be a bit tiring and will keep your potential clients on wait, and they might lose interest in you just for delaying with your response. You might have grammatical mistakes or minor errors once in a while, but don't worry. You are a human being, not a robot, and your clients will understand a minor typo. However, avoid making them often. Save the Humor for Later Making jokes is a risky option, especially if you're unfamiliar with your clients' sense of humor. But being friendly is a must. Clients should trust you, but pay attention not to cross any lines and always remember that this is a business chat. Act in a way that satisfies everyone. Wrap up Conversations with a Positive Note At the end of the conversation, you should always make sure that you have answered all questions and solved the problem so that the client is truly satisfied with you and your services. Then you can end your conversation with a friendly tone. The end of the conversation is as important as the start. Your potential client should feel comfortable messaging again. At the end of the chat, ask if there is anything else they would like to know or ask. Never leave the client hanging at the end—make sure they know that the chat has come to an end. Use Active Voice Using the active voice is important. Using the passive voice all the time might sometimes make the message unclear and your client may get the impression that you are not that professional in what you do. Here are the benefits of using the active voice: Active voice is not confusing It's simple and direct It emphasizes and adds clarity to the sentence It's not always possible to have a conversation in the active voice only. Of course, you will have sentences in passive voice in your daily chats, but just make sure not to let it be frequent to avoid an awkward conversation. Give Fast Replies Never leave a chat unanswered. When a lead's message is left unanswered, they lose interest in your services and will straight up go to the next agent. Sometimes, they even text several agents and will go for the ones that reply fastest. So always be ready to accept the chats as they come. Ask for Feedback At the end of the conversation, especially if the client has reported an issue, ask for feedback. Problems occur in every real estate company. Asking clients for feedback will help you work with more efficiency. Every but of feedback will let you know what to do to be a better Realtor. The more you meet or exceed clients' standards, the more you will gain potential new clients. Avoid Misunderstanding If a client does not entirely explain their issue or explains in a way that might lead to misunderstandings, ask for further explanation. If it's not possible via online chat, you should give them a call to properly understand the issue. Misunderstandings can lead to bigger problems. Ask as many questions as needed to ensure that you understand what the client is asking. Final Word Knowing how to chat with clients and how to keep them happy with you and your services is crucial. The bottom line is that with successful communication techniques, you can keep both you and your clients satisfied and happy. Your clients are your key to your success. Make sure you show them the care they need. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.
MORE >
How to Convert an Internet Lead via Phone
MORE >
How to Be Friendly, Yet Professional in Online Chats
Have you ever been in the position where clients or prospects send you a direct message online, but you don't know exactly how to guide them or give them an accurate response? Well, don't worry. In this article, we will explain how you can make communicating easier with clients over chats or emails. Talking over chats with clients is such an important role, and you have to put in as much effort as you would if you met your clients in person. However, the challenge sets in when you don't know what tone to use. It is vital to communicate with your clients and prospective clients in a warm, friendly, but professional manner and avoid being too pushy. Now, let's dive in! Here are a few techniques on how to improve your real estate business by communicating better with leads and clients: Greet Clients Remember to always greet your clients with a warm and friendly tone. This way, they will know that they are welcome and will feel comfortable enough to have a professional bond with you. For example, you can write : Hi Ashton, Good morning. This is [your name] from [your company]. How can I help you today? Pay Attention As a real estate agent, chatting with your client requires a lot of attention and patience. Thus, when clients report a problem to you or explain their situation, you have to listen very carefully because missing even one word could make them feel misunderstood and unsatisfied with your customer service. Tell Them to Hold on Always be honest with your clients. Having them waiting for your response can be exhausting. If you don't reply to your clients' messages on time, you might lose them. It helps to have a team assisting you with your website chats for timely responses. Answering potential client inquiries on time is key to their satisfaction. Sometimes, it's okay if you don't have the answer to a specific question immediately. Just tell your clients to hold on so you can provide a suitable response to their inquiry. Offer Further Help Whenever you answer all your client's questions, ensure that they don't have any further questions. Offer additional help or explain more, if need be. So, at the end of each conversion, ask them the following questions: Is there anything else I can help you with? Do you have any other questions you would like to ask? End the Conversation Appropriately Always remember that a satisfied client will advertise your real estate business, so you have to be nice and welcoming. Also, make sure you provide them with suitable answers to their questions. Ending the conversation is one of the most important parts of communicating with your clients and prospects. How you end the chat determines how they will always remember you. Make sure you have answered all the questions and double-check if the conversation helped them or not. Ask to know if they were satisfied with your service and if there's anything else you can improve to make their experience with your company even more satisfactory. The end of your chat should look something like this: Did I answer your question? Hope to hear from you soon Before you go, is there anything else I can assist you with today? I'm happy to help. Is Using an Emoji Unprofessional? Using emojis in business chats is a debatable subject. Emojis are a way of communicating feelings. We only use them to let the person on the other side of the chat know how we feel. Customers are also human and have feelings too. So, using emojis is another way of making the conversation warm and friendly. However, not all emojis are appropriate for business conversations. Thus, make sure to use only business-friendly emojis in your chats with clients and potential clients. It is also worth noting that using too many emojis might throw the client off. So, keep your use of emojis limited. Final Words If your real estate business is online, then chatting with clients is your way of expanding your business. The more satisfied your clients are, the more referrals you'll get. Adopt a warm, friendly, and professional approach when chatting with your clients. After all, having a positive conversation with your clients will increase your chances of getting new leads and referrals! To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.
MORE >
How to Maintain a Positive Email Reputation
MORE >
Why Content is the Holy Grail of Your Marketing Strategy
If you're already familiar with the phrase "Content is King," then you are ahead of the real estate pack. This phrase has become a mantra repeated over and over again by savvy digital marketers across all industries. The most successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders have adopted the idea that digital content is vital. Blog posts, email newsletters, and social media posts are all central to a marketing strategy. Publishing fresh, engaging content over and over again on a consistent basis is crucial. It helps you establish authority, attract more website traffic and generate more leads. And who doesn't want more of that? The unfortunate truth is that many people won't stay on a page long enough to read a complete article. Yet, in order for your website to appear on the first page of Google's search results, you will likely have to publish carefully written SEO-optimized articles and email newsletters, on a regular basis, over the lifespan of your business. Therefore, with all the other things you need to do to keep your business thriving, this can seem a bit overwhelming. Every day, over two million new blog posts go live, and over 205 billion emails are sent. So, as real estate professionals, how do you stand out from the pack and keep up with that incredible pace?  Here are three innovative ways to design content for your audience: Lists A great piece of content could be something like, "10 Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Your First Home." The items on this list will be as relevant today as they will be a year from today. It addresses a long-term need. No matter what the year or season, there will always be a curious people who are planning on purchasing a home. If you can come up with a great list of tips for new homebuyers, you will have people coming to your site. Furthermore, it will allow the search engine ranking of your site to consistently grow stronger. Define Something Part of running a solid content strategy is to put yourself in the shoes of your prospective clients. What are they curious about? Try thinking of a niche topic that potential clients might need information on. Then, you can write an article that explains it well. For example, an article that explains the difference between a buyer's and seller's market checks two crucial boxes: it answers a question that people will always be curious about no matter when they read it, and it answers a question asked by people who are likely interested in buying a home. This is the kind of content that, if optimized correctly, can attract potential clients to your site while building credibility and improving your search ranking. How-To's Did you know that a simple Google search for "How to start looking for a home" yields 663,000,000 results? Some of the most common Google searches ever begin with the words "how to." Therefore, if you can think of topics that relate to your service or organization, you can develop some great, useful content to satisfy a lot of interested people. When your content addresses questions in an engaging way, it can work wonders for your web traffic. For example: How to give a perfect housewarming gift How to stage your home in 5 simple steps How to capitalize on a hot housing market It takes effort and time to publish engaging, high quality content on a regular basis. If you follow the tips above, you'll be well on your way to establishing a solid content marketing strategy. To view the original article, visit the IXACT Contact blog.
MORE >
5 Things Agents Hate to Hear (But Need To)
MORE >
10 New Tech Terms Agents Need to Know
An onslaught of new technology terms is making the news: NFTs, Web3, gas fees, crypto wallet, and the metaverse. You may not think it impacts real estate or what you do. However, tech and business innovators are trying to apply this new technology to the residential real estate industry, and in some cases, they are succeeding. Keep in mind that digital natives – Millennials who comprise the biggest segment of the home-buying population today and for many tomorrows to come – know and often use these new tech terms. That's why Millennials and especially the next group of homebuyers, Gen Z, are likely to expect their agents to at least be familiar with them. The trend of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and the metaverse is evolving, literally day by day. Tech Helpline, your go-to source of unmatched technical support to help you resolve your everyday tech problems, while not staffed with cryptocurrency experts, knows the value in gaining an early understanding of new and emerging technology. So, while remaining neutral on this tech trend and social movement, to bring you up to speed, here's a quick primer. 10 new tech terms and what they mean Blockchain: This is a digital, distributed, decentralized public ledger, meaning it is shared and duplicated across an entire network of computers that can record and track transactions with information that can't be altered (immutable). This article explores ways that a blockchain can be used in real estate. Cryptocurrency: This is a digital currency that is tracked and verified by records maintained on a blockchain, a decentralized system, using cryptography versus a traditional currency, backed by a centralized authority (e.g., U.S. dollars and the U.S. Government). Popular examples include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Binance, Tether, and Solana. Crypto wallet: You must have a crypto wallet to access your cryptocurrency. Unlike a regular wallet that you use to store your cash, a crypto wallet is where you keep your private keys – passwords that give you access to your cryptocurrency. With a crypto wallet, you can send and receive cryptocurrencies, depending on the currency you are using (e.g., Bitcoin or Ethereum). These wallets can be physical devices like a thumb drive or an online wallet accessible via an app or other software. You can learn more about crypto wallets, such as Coinbase, Electrum, Exodus, Ledger Nano X, MetaMask and Mycelium, here. DAO: This stands for "decentralized autonomous organization" and is how cryptocurrency and NFTs are governed: a community organized around a specific set of rules enforced on a blockchain. It is an entity with no central leadership as it is collectively owned and managed by everyone who is a member. Through a DAO, a group of people enters into a contract with one another to reach a coordinated goal, such as collecting NFTs or predicting stock market moves. Read more about examples of how DAOs work here. Gas fees: This is a payment you make to cover the computing energy required to process and validate a cryptocurrency transaction on a blockchain, such as Ethereum. Gas fees help keep a network secure, are a required compensation, and vary by the type of cryptocurrency used. Gas fees are calculated in real-time and can fluctuate throughout the day. Metaverse: This virtual reality space allows you to interact with others in a computer-generated environment. This simulated digital environment uses augmented reality (A.R.), virtual reality, blockchain and borrows concepts from social media to create an alternative, digital world. For example, one digital real estate platform, called "Next Earth," is marketing digital land in its metaverse, touting that they are cutting out the "middle-man." Another, Decentraland, just sold a $1.25 million digital property in its metaverse. And The Sandbox, an Ethereum-based NFT gaming metaverse, allows non-tech savvy users to create and monetize their own NFTs. According to CNN, someone recently paid $450,000 to move in next door to Snoop Dogg in The Sandbox. NFTs: Stands for "non-fungible tokens," meaning every asset is unique. These digital tokens are created on the blockchain, just like cryptocurrency. However, cryptocurrency is "fungible," meaning these assets, like all Bitcoin, are worth the same. Each NFT represents the ownership of a specific digital file, such as an illustration, photo, or video. Ownership is tracked and verified on the blockchain. While the digital art world – such as The Bored Ape Yacht Club – has dominated the sale of NFTs, real estate also is being tokenized. Many NFT projects have a real-world component that comes with NFT ownership. For example, Propy, a real estate startup, is merging real estate with NFTs. It recently sold a 2,100+ square foot home in Gulfport, Florida, for $653,000 with the NFT as the proof of ownership. Smart contract: This is an automated program stored on the blockchain that executes an agreement when all conditions are met. It eliminates an intermediary's involvement, expediting the contract process. Smart contracts can automate workflow with the next action triggered when certain conditions are met. You can dig deep into learning more about smart contracts here. Token: This refers to any cryptocurrency that resides on an existing blockchain. Tokens are used to store value, for investment purposes, or purchases. You can read more about tokens here. Web3: The internet you know and use every day is Web2. Major companies dominate how we share information on the web, primarily monetized by mining personal data. Web3 is entirely different. Web3 refers to decentralized apps that run on the blockchain; it allows anyone to participate and interact with others without monetizing personal data. You can read more about Web3, including its current limitations, here and here. Many of these new tech terms may be challenging to relate to your real estate business today. But if you are a veteran agent, think how different the internet felt when you first discovered it. Again, you don't need to be an expert about NFTs or the metaverse or have a crypto wallet with Bitcoin. It is just beneficial to become familiar with these terms and their meaning. After all, 12% of first-time buyers sold cryptocurrency in the fourth quarter of 2021 to save for their down payment, Redfin reported. And that's a trend that real estate experts say is likely to grow. Finally, if you have an everyday tech challenge that you have been putting off resolving, perhaps it's time to reach out to our friendly tech analysts at techhelpline.com. It's a free service available to members of participating MLSs, associations, and brokerages. Tricia Stamper is Director of Technology at Florida Realtors®, which owns and operates Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity.
MORE >
Is Cold Calling Still Effective in Real Estate?
MORE >
4 Real Estate Listing Description Examples that Increase Sales
The home is clean, the repairs have been made, and your client is ready to open their doors to prospective buyers. It's time to post a home listing. Writing and posting informative, engaging home listings has never been more important for agents. People are more likely than ever to start home searches online, and whether they decide to contact you to tour a property depends largely on what they see in the listing description you post. That means having a strong real estate listing description is a must. But preparing a top-tier listing description doesn't have to be complicated and is far from unattainable. Check out four listing description examples from Homesnap Pro agents that follow listing best practices. Then, incorporate these strategies in your own listing descriptions, drive up demand for your properties, and sell them more quickly and at a higher price. Listing Description Example #1: Tells a Story Many businesses and business leaders say that storytelling is the most valuable sales tool in their arsenal. As a real estate agent, you should think this way, too. Listing descriptions are strongest when they tell a story and allow clients to envision the kind of life they'll live in a home. Agent Cindy Rack of Keller Williams Realty in Bethel Park, PA, effectively told a story in her recent listing for a suburban Pittsburgh home. Consider how the listing highlights the potential for future activities and lifestyle. The front porch will be great for morning coffee or entertaining friends; the basement can be refashioned into a game room; the location is down the road from shops and public transportation. Overall, this listing description tells a story: Live here and enjoy a comfortable and convenient life. Listing Description Example #2: Uses Professional Listing Photos When it comes to home listings, words are only part of the story. Professional-quality staging photos also are essential to increasing consumer interest, and should be considered an integral component of your listing description. One agent who recognizes the importance of professional listing photos is Gloria Matlin of Compass in Glencoe, IL. Matlin's recent listings in suburban Chicago include professional-quality photos of the properties. One listing on Forestway Drive starts by saying that the home sits on a corner lot and features an "expansive property, fenced and professionally landscaped… [and] an updated eat-in kitchen featuring quartz counters and stainless appliances." To back up her words, Matlin included pictures of the property and the home's interior. The pictures are well-staged, reflect the home's natural light, and give consumers the opportunity to get a feel for the property before committing to a showing. When you prepare a listing, remember that a real estate listing description is only as strong as the photos that accompany it. Listing Description Example #3: Highlighting Unique Features Not every property is created equal, and not every buyer wants the same things in a home. In order to book more tours with high-intent buyers, make sure your listing descriptions highlight each property's unique features. In a recent listing for a Del Mar, CA home, agent Massimo Bettazzi mentioned features which signal to buyers that they are viewing a luxury property. An open floor plan, landscaped backyard, porcelain flooring, recessed lighting, quartz countertops – buyers who look at this listing know to expect a high-end, move-in ready home. The people who ask to view this home will likely value these amenities and be willing to pay to have a house equipped with them. Highlighting unique home features doesn't just make clear the value of your listings. It makes it more likely that the right kind of buyers will come to see your properties. Listing Description Example #4: Includes a Call-to-Action Telling buyers what they'll find in a home is good. Giving them a specific action to take is even better. Caitlin Platt, of RE/MAX West End in Falls Church, VA, included a succinct call-to-action at the end of a recent listing. After detailing the home's features, location, and accessibility, Platt wrote, "Schedule a showing today!" By including this call-to-action, Platt is providing consumers clear instruction on what their next step should be. Calls-to-action are powerful and boost conversions. Even when it seems obvious, finish your real estate listings by providing a tangible, direct call-to-action. Overall, an effective real estate listing description spurs the right kind of buyer to come and tour a given property. If you're a Homesnap Pro agent, you're in a position to post listings that do exactly this. To view the original article, visit the Homesnap blog.
MORE >