Second Century Ventures Announces 8 Tech Companies for 2024 REACH Scale-Up Program
Second Century Ventures, the strategic investment arm of the National Association of Realtors®, announced the acceptance of eight companies to the 2024 REACH program. Launched in 2013, this marks the 12th cohort focused on accelerating technology solutions for the U.S. residential real estate sector. "Through the REACH scale-up program, we're catalyzing transformative advancements at the intersection of technology and real estate," said Mark Birschbach, NAR's senior vice president, strategic business innovation and technology. "Our aim is to push the boundaries of what's possible, equipping agents who are Realtors® with tools and insights that foster exceptional client service and operational efficiency." Companies selected for the 2024 program represent a diverse range of solutions across the entire transaction life cycle, from pre-contract to post-close. Collectively, these companies have raised more than $55 million in funding and employ more than 300 individuals worldwide. "The eight companies selected for the 2024 REACH program are at the forefront of the industry's greatest challenges and opportunities," said Ashley Stinton, managing partner, NAR REACH. "Supporting real estate professionals and the clients they serve has never been more important and we firmly believe this group of innovators will have an immeasurable impact throughout the real estate, finance, title, mortgage and home services industries." Companies accepted to the 2024 REACH program are as follows: Chirpyest: a social commerce marketplace that empowers real estate professionals to earn cash back when they shop and share their curated finds. Final Offer: a consumer-facing, agent-driven negotiation platform for residential real estate, delivering clear, real-time offer alerts to all interested parties. Kukun: a real estate data, analytics and applications platform for homeowners and the industries that serve them. Notable: simple pay-at-close financing for everything a client needs to prep their home for sale and get the most out of it. Purlin: AI tools that convert client conversations into transactions by simplifying business dealings among real estate agents and settlement service providers. Scout: helping agents find and engage homeowners with AI-driven automated personalized email outreach. Trackxi: a collaborative deal and task tracker for real estate agents, teams, clients and consumers. Unlock: helping consumers unlock the power of home equity without interest charges or monthly payments. "These companies are poised to significantly advance the real estate landscape in the year ahead and for many to come," said Dave Garland, managing partner, Second Century Ventures. "By scaling solutions through the REACH program, we are providing real estate agents with promising new tools and technologies, empowering them to better serve their clients and stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry." REACH offers a robust curriculum including education, mentorship, exclusive networking opportunities and significant exposure to the global real estate marketplace. To learn more about REACH and how you can get involved, visit narreach.com.

[Podcast] Why Take Fair Housing Training If You Know the Law?
Many real estate professionals may think all they need to know about fair housing is what the law requires of them. "It's more than just the law," says Sabrina Brown, an instructor of NAR's "Bias Override" course. "It's how you treat people. It's how you practice your business on a daily basis." To truly evaluate whether you're representing your entire community—start by examining your client base—you need to go deeper in your self-reflection. Host Marki Lemons Ryahl and two fair housing experts discuss how to use NAR's new fair housing training requirement, which takes effect in 2025, as an opportunity to challenge yourself and your business practices for the better. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Libsyn Visit the episode homepage for show notes and more detail.

On the Go? Stay on Track with Sellers Using RPR Mobile
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 9:00 AM PDT Demanding sellers? Need to reply ASAP? No need to rush to your laptop. Just open up RPR's Mobile™ app and make sure that potential seller doesn't move on to another agent. In this class we'll cover how to: Quickly glance at local market conditions and share statistics via email or text Research a property's history Look at how long someone has owned a property Create a CMA to share with a prospective seller Access an Estimated Equity Calculator and Seller's Net Sheet RPR Mobile™gives you access to data on-the-go. We'll show you how to create a CMA from the app, send seller's updated market metrics and ensure your clients know you' re ready to serve them, anytime, anywhere. Register now!

Digital Marketing Strategies: 5 Ways to Boost Your Online Presence
In today's digital era, establishing a strong online presence is essential for real estate agents to thrive in a competitive market. With the majority of potential buyers and sellers turning to the internet for property-related information, having a robust digital marketing strategy is crucial. In this post, we will explore effective digital marketing strategies that can help real estate agents boost their online presence, attract qualified leads, and ultimately close more deals. Build a Professional Website Your online presence is built on the basis of your website. It ought to be search engine optimized (more on this in the next section), aesthetically pleasing, and user-friendly. Be sure to include client testimonials to foster trust on your website, showcase property listings with top-notch photos and videos, and provide detailed information about your services. As more people use mobile devices to access the internet, use a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes. Incorporate lead capture forms throughout the website to gather important contact information from potential customers. Leverage Search Engine Optimization (SEO) For your website to gain more visibility and organic traffic, search engine optimization, or SEO, is essential. Perform keyword research to find pertinent terms that potential customers may type into search engines to find real estate services in your locality. Include these words naturally in the titles, headings, and meta descriptions of your website. Update your website frequently with new, educational, and interesting content like blog posts, neighborhood guides, and market trends. To raise your search engine rankings, promote inbound links from reliable websites. Embrace Social Media Marketing Real estate agents have access to effective social media platforms that let them connect with their ideal clients. Make professional profiles on well-known social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and frequently share interesting real estate-related content. Showcase real estate listings, share triumphs, provide market insights, and interact with your followers by promptly answering comments and messages. Use social media advertising to reach a larger audience. To grab potential customers' attention, use captivating captions and eye-catching images. Implement Email Marketing Campaigns One of the best digital marketing techniques for real estate agents is email marketing. By exchanging contact information for valuable content like e-books, market reports, or exclusive property listings, you can build an email list. Send out regular newsletters with updates on new listings, advice for buyers and sellers, and helpful information about the neighborhood market. Segmenting your contact list based on interests and preferences will help you personalize your emails. To increase traffic and conversions, add compelling calls-to-action and links to your website or particular property listings. Utilize Virtual Tours and 3D Walkthroughs Use virtual tours and 3D walkthroughs in your digital marketing strategy to give potential customers an immersive experience. Make interactive and accurate virtual tours of your property listings using cutting-edge technology. This enables potential customers to look around the property online and get an idea of its layout and features. In addition to saving time, virtual tours also generate more qualified leads because people who have already seen a property virtually are more likely to be sincere about scheduling an in-person visit. Digital marketing is a game-changer for real estate agents aiming to establish a strong online presence. By building a professional website, optimizing it for search engines, embracing social media, implementing email marketing campaigns, and incorporating virtual tours, agents can effectively reach their target audience, generate leads, and boost their business in the competitive real estate market. Stay ahead by adapting to evolving digital marketing trends and technologies. To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

Real AI: AI will make the big, bigger, latest AI trends, headlines, fast facts and AI Quote of the Week
Real AI is a 100% human-created weekly roundup of all things AI in real estate and emerging AI innovations in other sectors likely to impact real estate. AI Will Make the Big, Bigger Today, AI is in the business news headlines everywhere you look. Within 12 hours this week, OpenAI, Google, and Meta announced new AI versions. The French AI startup Mistral also released its latest version. Meta is launching its third version of Llama. Google released Gemini Pro 1.5 at Google Next 24. OpenAI issued its final version of GPT-4 Turbo, and Mistral debuted Mixtral 8x22B. What does it mean to the real estate industry? In AI, the big keeps getting bigger. It also means you need to integrate AI tools into your daily workflow if you haven't already. Don't wait for a free version from a startup; the startups won't be able to catch up. While startups might be able to leverage some of the tech provided by the AI giants, when it comes to powering chatbots, the giants in this space are exponentially growing. Their generative AI capabilities are unmatched, offering a competitive edge that real estate agents can't afford to ignore. Google is building AI into everything, and Microsoft is, too. This Gen AI battle is just beginning. Search is being impacted, which means revenue in search is likely falling, too. Will Google charge separately for AI enhancements as they look for new revenue? Will Microsoft better compete against Google by doing the opposite? For real estate agents, the best strategy is to use all the major AI chatbots to assist you in your work today. Pay for pro accounts for ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity. Use them regularly to perfect your prompts and learn how to iterate to increase your productivity significantly. You'll discover that some chatbots do some specific tasks better than others. It will be more than worth your investment for less than $100 a month. While AI will make players like Google and Microsoft bigger, it can also help agents become bigger in their markets. AI Latest Trends AI voice cloning: OpenAI (ChatGPT) created a voice assistant called Voice Engine, but it is now holding off on broad release. Why? Apparently, it can clone someone's voice after "listening" to them for just 15 seconds. We've already seen the nefarious use of this tech in political robocalls, but the negative potential is far greater. Think about how banks already use "voiceprints" as part of a multifactor security protocol when you access your accounts. Still, the positive potential of the tech remains: Imagine how an agent could leave 200 custom voicemails for clients without wearing out their voice. But then again, does anyone listen to their voicemails anymore? AI is getting more persuasive: Can chatbots be more convincing than people? Anthropic (Claude) dove into this topic and found that each new improvement to Claude is becoming more persuasive. Claude 3 Opus says their research "produces arguments that don't statistically differ in their persuasiveness compared to arguments written by humans." Watch out, legal eagles; AI may be coming for your jobs next. For now, real estate agents might want to look at tools like Claude as an AI assistant to craft responses during negotiations. Intel battles back: Nvidia has become the king of AI-powering chips. Its market cap has soared from $350 billion at the start of 2023 to over $2 trillion today. Intel isn't sitting on its hands. It just announced its newest chip—Gaudi 3—could significantly outperform Nvidia H100 chips: 50% faster. The upside for everyone using AI is that more efficiency eventually translates into lower costs (less energy consumption). The cost of AI continues to remain a threat to curtailing its potential. Google introduces a new AI video tool: Google Workspace is rolling out Google Vids, a tool distinct from Sora in several ways. It's not a direct competitor but rather an alternative AI-enhancement tool that can be a substitute for Google Presentation. To better understand its features and capabilities, you can watch the demo video linked here. While it does not have the same "wow" factor as Sora, it offers unique functionalities to enhance video storytelling creations. AI Fast Facts 95% of software developers are using generative AI tools to write new code – Sourcegraph 50% of marketers say team training is the biggest roadblock to adopting AI – Botco 70% of executives and developers surveyed showed concern about generative AI tools giving users the wrong information – Google 19% of adults aged 18 to 34 view AI-written news as a positive development, compared to only 7% of those aged 55 and over – Statista Only 38% of consumers surveyed think the use of AI art is ethical – Big Village Source: Charity Digital AI Headlines Today Should your next hire be a generative AI assistant? | 4/10/24 - InmanAI may soon become the go-to route for a personal assistant. Opinion: Will AI usher in real estate's "Model T" moment? | 4/9/24 - HousingWireAI is already making a positive impact on the HOA process. AI in Real Estate: Prospects and Pitfalls | 4/9/24 - The National Law ReviewAI is a tool that makes our lives easier or harder depending on how we use it. How AI Is Improving Customer Loyalty | 4/10/24 - Unite.AIIntegrating AI into everyday processes is strengthening relationships with customers. Bill Would Mandate AI Companies Disclose Copyrighted Works Used in Training | 4/10/24 - AI BusinessThe "Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act" is being proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives. AI Quote of the Week To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

NAR Settlement Impact: What to Start Doing Today
Zurple recently hosted a webinar where a panel of expert real estate professionals provided insights on what agents can start doing NOW in response to the NAR settlement. Below is a succinct follow-up that includes key learnings and links to the recording and slides. 1. Stay focused on the fundamentals There's a lot of noise out there. But don't worry! If you've been doing what you should've been doing all along — building strong relationships and demonstrating your value — expect no major challenges. Build and leverage your network (contractors, home inspectors, roofers, painters, etc.) to build credibility and boost your value, so you win more clients. 2. Support your "professional fee" Say, "professional fee" instead of "commission." It shifts the focus to the value you bring and positions you as an expert who will get your client the best deal (instead of a sales shark looking for a paycheck). How to become more confident when discussing your professional fee: Tell buyers and sellers they'll get what they pay for — a cut-rate professional provides poor service. "You wouldn't use a discount doctor, so don't trust a discount agent with the biggest purchase of your life!" Articulate your value proposition. For example… Share your experience and transaction stats and show how you're different from other agents to explain why your rate is what it is. Practice this with family, friends, or co-workers. If they don't believe your argument, potential clients won't either. The NAR settlement may "weed out" the less-than-best agents, but that could also mean you'll end up competing with the best. That's why now's the time to level up your business practices. 3. Leverage education to get more business If you stay educated, it's easy to be exceptional in this field. Stay updated about the NAR settlement and its potential impact on you and your clients through July, when changes are due to be implemented. Why? So you can speak with leads and clients clearly and confidently, and So you can proactively adjust your lead generation strategies accordingly. To watch the webinar recording, see the original article on the Zurple blog. Download a PDF of the slide deck here.

Where to Get Professional-Looking Marketing Materials for Absolutely Nothing
RPR (Realtors Property Resource) has a bunch of free resources dedicated to helping you market yourself and prove your worth to clients and prospects. RPR's Canva page features templates that are professionally-designed, easy to customize and free to use. Our in-house marketing whizzes have designed a series of templates that can help you communicate your skills, experience and market insights with ease. With RPR and Canva, you can create: Social media shareables that contain hyper-local market metrics that position you as a local market expert. Postcards that contain the same Market Trends data as part of your direct mail efforts. Presentation slides for PowerPoint decks and Zoom meetings. Custom pages allow RPR users to almost-instantly create pages that can be added to any RPR Report. Options include open house sign-up sheets, agent bio and business philosophy pages, client testimonials, and a series of buyer and seller checklists. The RPR-Canva Q&A We don't want to toot our own horn… but we did just set a 2024 record for how many REALTORS® registered for and attended our special RPR-Canva webinar. Over 5,000 agents learned firsthand how to access the Canva templates in RPR and how to easily insert local Market Trends stats in the pre-designed layouts. Of course, we received a bunch of questions! Here they are to help you get started creating gorgeous marketing materials using RPR and Canva together… Q. Where do I find RPR's Canva templates? RPR features its Canva templates on the RPR blog. Visit blog.narrpr.com/canva. Users can also access the Canva templates from the RPR website itself. Simply click "Learn" in the main navigation bar, and then scroll down to a button labeled, "Canva Templates." Q. Where do I find the metrics to populate these Canva templates? Search RPR for Residential Market Trends by following these steps: rpr.me/market-trends Q. Is Canva really free to use? Yes! Canva has a free version. All the templates provided by RPR can be used with the free version. Of course, you can update to Canva Pro, which offers additional features, templates and assets for a monthly or annual fee. Q. Does Canva offer training? They sure do. The Canva Learning Center offers a tutorial for beginners to get them started. Q. How do I get started with a Canva account? You can sign up easily at canva.com using your email, Google or Facebook account. Q. Canva seems overwhelming. How do I find my way around? Check out this video, it will explain everything and walk you through the process when editing Canva templates. Q. I like the templates, but can I change them? Absolutely! Templates are merely a starting point; colors, fonts, images and text can all be customized. Design Functionality Q. Can I use my own photos in Canva? Yes! Upload your images in the "Uploads" section and then drag them into your design. Q. Where can I find more images if I don't have my own? Canva's "Photos" tab includes a library of free and paid stock images. In addition, here are two free image sites that you can use to search stock photography: StockSnap.io - Offers a wide selection of high-quality real estate photos including both interiors and exteriors. Life of Pix - Features a "buildings" category with plenty of residential and commercial options. Q. How do I change the text styles and colors? Select your text, then use the toolbar that appears to change fonts, sizes, colors and effects. Q. What are "elements," and how do I use them? Elements are graphics such as icons, shapes, photos or illustrations. Search Canva's "Elements" tab to add them to your designs. Q. I finished my design in Canva. How do I save it as an image file? Follow these steps: Locate the "Share" button in the top right corner of your Canva workspace. Click on "Download." File Type: Select your desired image format (Popular choices are JPG, PNG or PDF). Click the final "Download" button to save your image file. Canva Pro Features Q. What's the main advantage of going Pro? Pro unlocks more templates, graphics, a Brand Kit for streamlined branding, one-click resizing and advanced collaboration features. Q. How does the Brand Kit work? Upload company logos, colors and fonts to the Brand Kit. Then, easily apply them across all your designs. Q. Can I schedule social posts directly within Canva? Yes, the Content Planner (Pro feature) lets you schedule posts for various platforms. Tips and Trick Q. Any tips for working faster in Canva? Learn keyboard shortcuts! Canva has a helpful cheat sheet for them. Q. What are the most-used keyboard shortcuts? Here are some popular basic shortcuts: Undo: Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Command + Z (Mac) Redo: Ctrl + Y (Windows) or Command + Y (Mac) Copy: Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac) Paste: Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac) Select All: Ctrl + A (Windows) or Command + A (Mac) Zoom In: Ctrl/Command + "+" Zoom Out: Ctrl/Command + "-" To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.

[Podcast] Fair Housing and Impactful Change with Leah Rothstein and Richard Rothstein
April is Fair Housing Month, and this podcast touches on just that. This episode of The National Housing Conference's Beyond Four Walls podcast welcomes Richard Rothstein and Leah Rothstein, authors of Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law. They discuss their new book, which provides a roadmap for both concerned citizens and community leaders aiming to address segregation and enact tangible and impactful changes in their communities. Beyond Four Walls: Conversations on Affordable Housing goes beyond the rhetoric and engages with key figures in the housing and finance sectors to discuss tangible, impactful, and achievable solutions to the affordable housing crisis. The podcast also focuses on the personal stories of these housing leaders and policymakers and the journeys that have shaped them into the accomplished leaders they are today. The conversations promise to be insightful, challenge conventional wisdom, and shed light on innovative approaches that can make a real difference. Listen on: Spotify Amazon Apple Podcasts YouTube Visit the episode homepage for show notes and more detail.

Real Estate Closing Gifts: The Ultimate Guide for Agents
Building lasting relationships with clients is key to your success. One way to show your appreciation and cement bonds with clients is through closing gifts. Selecting thoughtful gifts for buyers and sellers demonstrates that you value them, not just the transaction. This guide will provide tips to help you determine appropriate closing presents based on your budget and clients' personalities. Discover creative ideas that make your clients feel special while promoting your brand so they'll recommend you in the future. With the right closing gift, you make meaningful connections that lead to repeat and referral business down the road. Why Give Closing Gifts? Giving closing gifts to your clients is an impactful way to show your appreciation for their business and build goodwill. Providing a thoughtful gift at closing leaves a lasting positive impression and reminds your clients of the great experience they had working with you. It helps cement your relationship and keeps you at the top of their mind for referrals or future real estate needs. Do Realtors Give Closing Gifts to Buyers and Sellers? It depends on the agent and the situation. Whether or not you provide closing gifts to your clients depends on your business practices and the relationship you have built with them. Some agents provide small tokens of appreciation, while others do not provide any gifts. There are benefits to both approaches. Providing gifts can be a way to show your clients you value them and appreciate their business. It leaves them with a positive last impression of you and your service. However, gifts are not always expected, and some clients may see them as an unnecessary expense. Agents must determine what is right for their own business and client relationships. Gifts for Buyers vs. Sellers If providing closing gifts, agents will often give separate gifts to buyers and sellers. For buyers, common gifts include a welcome mat, keychain, bottle of champagne, or basket with home-related items. For sellers, agents may provide a card or small memento to thank them for their business and the opportunity to sell their home. Most Popular Real Estate Closing Gift Ideas Housewarming Gifts Housewarming gifts are one of the most popular closing gift ideas for real estate agents to give their clients. Some excellent options include: Gift cards: Give your clients gift cards to their favorite home stores so they can pick out items they need for their new home. Stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, and Target are always appreciated. Essentials baskets: Create a basket filled with home essentials your clients will need in their new place like kitchen tools, bathroom items, cleaning supplies, etc. You can find many of these items at dollar stores to keep costs low. Decor items: Simple decorative accents like candles, art, plants, or throw pillows make great housewarming gifts. Stick to neutral, versatile options that will match any home decor. Appliances: If you have a larger budget, small kitchen appliances like a coffee maker, blender, or slow cooker are very useful housewarming gifts. However, be aware of your clients' tastes and the overall style of their new home first. Closing Keepsakes Closing keepsakes make memorable gifts that your clients will appreciate for years to come. Some thoughtful options include: Photo books or framed photos of the new home: Put together a photo book or framed photos of your clients in their new home. This personalizes the gift and provides them with a keepsake of this important milestone. Customized address signs or plaques: An engraved house number sign, address plaque, or doormat embroidered with your clients' new address makes a useful but sentimental gift. Scrapbooks or journals: Provide your clients with a scrapbook or journal where they can document memories, photos, and home projects in their new place. Leave some space in the front for them to place a photo and for you to write a personal note. Decorative boxes or key holders: A decorative storage box, key holder, or entryway cabinet gives your clients a place to store items in their new home while also serving as a reminder of you and your company. Have their names or addresses engraved on the item for an extra special touch. Creative Closing Gifts Ideas for Buyers and Sellers Personalized Stationery Photo Album or Frame Gift Card Custom Doormat Engraved Cutting Board or Serving Tray Family Portrait Session Home Improvement Consultation Move-in Cleaning Service Gardening Service Bottle of wine or champagne with a custom label Etc. How Much to Spend on Real Estate Closing Gifts Determining an appropriate budget for real estate closing gifts is an important consideration. Spending too little may seem unthoughtful while spending too much could be seen as inappropriate by clients or your brokerage. Two things: Set a Per-Client Gift Budget Consider the Transaction Value When to Give Closing Gifts in the Transaction Giving gifts at the wrong time can seem misplaced and disingenuous. However, presenting gifts at strategic points in the transaction will make your clients feel valued and build goodwill. At the Signing of the Purchase Agreement Once your clients have signed the purchase agreement, giving an initial closing gift expresses your gratitude for their business and commitment to the transaction. An appropriate gift at this stage would be a welcome basket with snacks, a coffee mug, or a gift certificate to a local business. This small gesture shows you appreciate this first milestone in the process. During the Inspection Period The inspection period can be an anxious time for buyers as they await the results of the professional inspection of their new home. Providing a gift at this point, such as a candle or book by a local author, can help alleviate stress and demonstrate your support. Let your clients know you are there to answer any questions or address any concerns they may have. At the Final Walk-Through The final walk-through before closing is an opportune time for a closing gift. Your clients are about to take ownership and possession of their new home, so a housewarming gift is ideal. Consider a decorative item for their new home like artwork or throw pillows featuring the city or neighborhood. You can also give a more practical gift like a toolkit, fire extinguisher, or carbon monoxide detector. At the Closing Table The closing table is the pinnacle moment in any real estate transaction. Providing a thoughtful closing gift at this time will create lasting positive memories of their experience working with you. Ideal gifts include a framed photo of their new home, a bottle of champagne for a toast, or a Visa gift card to help them purchase any last-minute items needed for their new home. How to Marketing Closing Gifts Post about the closing gift program on your company's social media profiles, including images of some of the more popular gift options. Feature the gift program prominently on your website's homepage, services page, and testimonials. Make your clients smile with gifts and take photos and videos. Encourage them to give you a review on Google or other platforms. These tactics will spread the word about your closing gift offering to the widest possible audience. Thanks for reading, do you want more ideas? Check out these two: Real Estate Email Address Ideas Real Estate Slogan Ideas To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.

Unleash the Power of Referrals: Proven strategies to generate qualified leads
Are you looking to boost your real estate business through effective lead generation strategies? Navigating the world of referral leads in the real estate industry can be a game-changer for agents like you. Referral leads hold valuable potential, offering a trusted path to new clients and business growth. As a real estate agent, you understand the significance of generating a steady stream of leads to fuel your success. The challenges of lead generation in a competitive market can be daunting, but fear not – there are effective strategies tailored to the unique landscape of the real estate industry. By tapping into the power of referral leads, you can unlock a goldmine of opportunities to expand your client base and establish your reputation. Leveraging client relationships Building strong relationships with your current and past clients is a cornerstone of success in the real estate industry. Not only does it foster trust and loyalty, but it also opens the door to valuable referrals that can fuel your business growth. Let's dive into some effective strategies for leveraging client relationships to maximize your referral leads. Personalized follow-ups One of the most powerful ways to nurture client relationships is through personalized follow-ups. By staying in touch with your clients in a personalized manner, you show them that you genuinely care about their well-being and success. Regular follow-ups keep you top-of-mind for referrals but also help you maintain a strong connection with your clients over time. Here are some best practices for personalized follow-ups: Send personalized emails or handwritten notes to check in on your clients. Remember important milestones like birthdays or home anniversaries. Provide valuable market updates or homeownership tips tailored to each client's needs. Stay connected through social media to engage with clients on a personal level. By implementing these practices, you can solidify your client relationships and increase your chances of receiving quality referrals from satisfied clients. Client appreciation events Organizing client appreciation events is another effective way to strengthen client relationships and generate referrals. These events show your appreciation for your clients' business but also create opportunities for them to refer their friends and family to you. Here are some ideas for client appreciation events: Host a networking happy hour or brunch for your clients to connect with each other. Organize a community charity event and invite your clients to participate. Offer educational workshops or seminars on home buying or selling tips. Arrange a client-exclusive property tour or real estate market update session. By organizing client appreciation events, you not only strengthen your relationships with clients but also cultivate a network of loyal advocates who can drive valuable referrals your way. Strategic Partnerships In real estate, teaming up with pros in other fields like mortgage brokers, designers, or stagers can boost your business big time. It opens doors to grow your network and business. Cross-promotions and collaborations Creating partnerships with strategic allies for cross-promotions boosts referrals and marketing synergy. For example, teaming up with an interior designer for home staging elevates your listing appeal, attracting more buyers and referrals. Referral exchange programs Creating referral exchange programs with strategic partners forms a mutual referral system benefiting all involved. By exchanging clients with trusted partners, you expand your reach and access new networks. For instance, a mortgage broker can refer homebuyers to you, while you recommend their services in return. Online presence and social media In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is paramount in attracting valuable referral leads. Your online presence and social media strategies play a crucial role in positioning yourself as a trusted authority in the real estate industry and fostering connections that can lead to lucrative referrals. Consistent content creation Consistency in creating content is key to maintaining a vibrant online presence. Consider starting a blog or regularly posting on social media platforms to showcase your expertise and engage your audience. Share insightful content tailored to the real estate industry, such as tips for first-time homebuyers, neighborhood spotlights, market trends, or home staging advice. Offering helpful content shows your expertise and boosts client referrals. Engagement and networking Engaging with the online community and actively networking are powerful ways to generate referral leads in the real estate industry. Interact with followers on social media by responding to comments, initiating conversations, and sharing relevant industry news. Consider joining real estate groups or forums to connect with potential clients and other professionals in the field. Networking events, both online and offline, provide opportunities to build relationships that can result in valuable referrals. By consistently engaging with your online audience and fostering meaningful connections, you can strengthen your reputation and increase your chances of receiving quality referrals. Rewarding referral programs Referral programs are a cornerstone in the real estate industry, fostering connections and driving business growth through client recommendations. One powerful strategy to enhance these programs is by implementing rewarding referral incentives. By rewarding referrals, you show appreciation and motivate others to keep spreading the word about your services. Incentives and gifts Incentives play a crucial role in motivating individuals to refer your real estate services. Effective referral incentives can range from monetary rewards and discounts to exclusive perks such as home staging services or professional photography for their property listing. Additionally, thoughtful gifts for referrers, such as personalized closing gifts or home decor vouchers, can make the experience more memorable and strengthen the client-agent relationship. A good reward system says thanks and keeps referrals coming for a loyal network. Tracking and managing referrals Tracking referral leads is crucial for measuring program success and identifying top referrers. Use CRM software or referral tracking platforms for insights on sources and conversion rates. Efficiently manage referrals by setting clear criteria, automating tracking, and promptly rewarding successes. Establish a structured program to maximize impact and nurture client relationships. Sustainable growth comes from appreciating and rewarding supporters. Offer incentives and maintain a robust tracking system to build a network of advocates. In the competitive landscape of the real estate industry, mastering the art of generating referral leads is key to your success. By implementing strategic techniques such as nurturing your lead database, hosting engaging client events, and leveraging online platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com, you can significantly boost your referral business. As a real estate agent, embracing these effective strategies will enhance your referral business and position you as a trusted and reliable professional in the industry. Stay proactive, stay engaged, and watch your referral leads soar to new heights. To view the original article, visit the iGuide blog. Related reading 10 Proven Ways to Optimize Your Real Estate Website for Lead Generation Supercharge Your Lead Generation: Proven strategies for real estate agents in 2024 The Ultimate Online Listing Guide for Attracting Potential Buyers

NAR Report: Millennials Reclaim Position as Largest Group of Home Buyers
Millennials have surged ahead to become the largest group of home buyers, marking a significant shift in the housing market's demographic landscape, according to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors®. The 2024 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report, which examines the similarities and differences among recent home buyers and sellers across generations, found that the combined share of millennials, both younger (ages 25 to 33) and older (ages 34 to 43), now make up a combined 38% of the home buying market, a substantial increase from 28% last year. Baby boomers, comprising both younger boomers (ages 59 to 68) and older boomers (ages 69 to 77), saw their share decrease from 39% to 31%, relinquishing their position as last year's largest demographic of home buyers. "The generational tug-of-war between millennials and baby boomers continued this year, with millennials rebounding to capture the largest share of home buyers," said Dr. Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research. "This notable rise is attributed to both younger millennials stepping into homeownership for the first time and older millennials transitioning to larger homes that suit their evolving needs." The report underscored a rise in first-time buyers across many generations, with 32% of all buyers purchasing for the first time, an increase from 26% last year. Leading the charge were younger millennials, whose proportion of first-time buyers increased from 70% to 75% over the past year. Forty-four percent of older millennials and 24% of Generation X (ages 44-58) were first-time buyers. In parallel, the emergence of Generation Z (ages 18-24) in the housing market paints a picture of diversity and independence. While this cohort only accounted for 3% of all buyers, an impressive 31% of Gen Z purchasers were single females – a proportion significantly higher than that observed in any other generation. "Gen Z buyers are entering the housing market, and their demographics are emerging distinctly from other age groups," Lautz said. "More than half are single buyers, outpacing all age groups of single men and single women, and they are also most likely to identify as LGBTQ+." Despite these shifts in buyer trends, baby boomers remained the largest home-seller generation, accounting for 45% of all sellers in 2023. The tenure of homeownership before making a sale varied significantly by generation. While the median among all buyers was a 10-year stay before selling, older millennials typically sold their homes after just six years, contrasting sharply with Gen X, baby boomers and the Silent Generation (ages 78-98), who typically stayed in their homes for 15 years. "Baby boomers continue to dominate the home-selling market as they make pivotal decisions regarding their retirement living situations, whether it's right-sizing or moving closer to loved ones," Lautz said. "Benefiting from longer periods of homeownership compared to other generations, boomers approach these transactions with substantial equity, enabling strategic housing trades." In the face of changing market dynamics, the enduring appeal of homeownership remains strong. This year's report revealed that 82% of all buyers consider a home purchase a good financial investment, with this sentiment especially pronounced among younger millennials, 86% of whom echo this positive outlook. Across all generations, nine out of ten buyers indicated they would either definitely (75%) or probably (15%) enlist their real estate agent's services again or recommend them to others. Similarly, among sellers, 87% expressed they were likely to reuse or refer their agent. "The universal value of owning a home transcends every generation, serving as a cornerstone for both personal prosperity and community development," said NAR President Kevin Sears, broker-partner of Sears Real Estate in Springfield, Massachusetts. "In navigating the complexities of the market, buyers and sellers continue to rely on agents who are Realtors® for their expertise and guidance, underscoring the invaluable service they provide in bringing dreams of homeownership to life." Download the full report here. More in Research The Shifting Dynamics of Buyer-Agent Relationships in Real Estate How Agents Are (Unintentionally) Violating Fair Housing How Critical Will It Be to Renovate Before Selling In 2024?

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

100 Things Buyer's Agents Do for Their Clients
It's been a rough couple weeks for buyer's agents — and for how they're being portrayed in the media. Since the NAR settlement, comments sections of news articles have been rife with remarks like "What do real estate agents even do anyway?" that imply that agents don't deserve their commissions. While we advise that you stay away from these online discussions — which quickly turn toxic — you may need to offer answers to the question of what you do to clients and prospects at some point. Fortunately, as any buyer's agent knows, you do a whole lot! We want to hype you up during this challenging time and help you be ready to list all the wonderful ways you help your clients the next time you get that question. That's why we've rounded up this list of 100 things that real estate buyer's agents do for their clients. The list is written as if buyers are reading it, so please feel free to copy and paste this anywhere that it's helpful — on your website, into presentations, your email newsletter, and beyond! Before Your Search Begins Understand your needs and wants as a buyer (e.g., number of bedrooms, desired school district, commute time) Discuss your budget and pre-qualification options (explain pre-qualification vs. pre-approval) Educate you about the current real estate market (local trends, market conditions) Explain the buying process (steps involved, timeline) Provide a buyer's agency agreement outlining their responsibilities, compensation, and fiduciary duty to represent your best interests Discuss financing options (conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans) Help you get pre-approved for a mortgage (connect you with lenders, understand loan terms) Explain the role of different parties involved (seller's agent, escrow officer, title company) Advise on homeowner's insurance considerations (types of coverage, estimated costs) Discuss potential tax implications of buying a home During Your Search Set up a personalized MLS search based on your criteria (location, price range, property type) Recommend properties that meet your criteria and highlight key features Schedule appointments to view properties and manage your showing itinerary Provide virtual tours if available and conduct virtual consultations if needed Research the neighborhoods you're interested in (schools, amenities, crime rates) Point out pros and cons of each property during showings Offer honest and unbiased opinions based on your needs and market knowledge Identify potential problems with properties (structural issues, outdated features, renovation needs) Help you stay organized with property information (create spreadsheets, share notes) Track new listings that hit the market and notify you of potential matches Schedule follow-up appointments for properties you'd like to see again Answer questions about open houses and how to best approach them Explain the role of "coming soon" listings and pre-market opportunities Advise on strategies for attending competitive open houses Help you understand the concept of "pocket listings" (unlisted properties) Offer guidance on making low-ball offers (weighing risks and benefits) Explain the concept of escalation clauses in competitive offers Discuss the importance of earnest money deposits and potential holding fees Advise on timelines for submitting offers and response expectations Help you prioritize properties based on your evolving needs and preferences Making an Offer Explain different offer strategies based on market conditions (fixed price, escalation clauses) Help you determine a competitive offer price considering comps (comparable properties) and market analysis Draft and submit a formal offer following standard real estate contract formats Negotiate on your behalf with the seller's agent to get the best possible terms Present counteroffers strategically to improve your offer's position Recommend concessions you can request beyond price (closing costs, repairs, warranties) Advise on closing costs and help you estimate associated fees Ensure all contingencies are included in the offer to protect your interests (financing, inspections, appraisals) Explain the concept of "due diligence" period and your rights during that time Keep you informed of the negotiation process and provide timely updates Under Contract Schedule and coordinate the home inspection with a qualified inspector Accompany you to the home inspection to ask questions and take notes Review the home inspection report with you, explaining findings and potential repair needs Negotiate repairs with the seller based on the inspection report Help you understand the process of scheduling and attending additional inspections (e.g., radon, pest) Facilitate communication between you and the lender to ensure smooth loan processing Recommend reputable mortgage lenders if you haven't already secured pre-approval Help you gather necessary documents for loan approval (tax returns, bank statements) Schedule and attend the appraisal (if required by your lender) Review the appraisal report and explain its impact on Advise on potential challenges with loan approval and suggest solutions Explain the role of private mortgage insurance (PMI) if applicable Help you understand the escrow process and communicate with the escrow officer Before Closing Order title search to identify any ownership or lien issues Review the title commitment and explain its implications Advise on homeowner's insurance options and help you get quotes Schedule the final walk-through to ensure the property's condition aligns with the contract Ensure all repairs agreed upon are completed before closing Review closing documents thoroughly and explain each section Answer any questions you have about closing and prepare you for the process After Closing Provide recommendations for reputable movers based on your needs and budget Help you connect with home warranty companies to explore coverage options Offer recommendations for home improvement contractors for post-purchase renovations Stay in touch and answer any questions you have after closing Provide resources for navigating homeownership, including maintenance tips and homeowner associations (HOAs) Additional Services Provide resources for school information and district ratings Help you understand local property taxes and potential exemptions Advise on homeowner association (HOA) fees and explain HOA rules Explain the benefits and drawbacks of different property types (single-family home, condo, townhouse) Help you understand lead paint disclosures and potential remediation requirements Assist with navigating historical property reports to understand the property's background Recommend resources for obtaining permits and inspections for renovations Connect you with property management companies if you plan to rent out the property Help you understand the process of obtaining homeowners' insurance Offer guidance on budgeting for ongoing homeowner expenses (maintenance, utilities) Client Communication Be available to answer your questions by phone, email, text, or preferred method Communicate promptly and effectively, keeping you informed throughout the process Advocate for your best interests during negotiations and throughout the transaction Provide you with clear and concise explanations, avoiding technical jargon Be patient and understanding, acknowledging the stress involved in buying a home Market Knowledge Stay up-to-date on current market trends (inventory levels, interest rates, price fluctuations) Analyze local market data to identify buying opportunities Provide insights into specific neighborhoods, highlighting pros, cons, and future development plans Offer comps (comparable properties) for reference during your search Help you understand seller motivations to inform your offer strategy Technology Utilize technology to streamline the buying process (electronic signatures, online portals) Use digital tools for property searches with interactive features and filters Offer electronic document signing for added convenience and efficiency Provide online communication platforms for easy information exchange and updates Use marketing tools to target potential properties that meet your criteria Negotiation Skills Negotiate effectively on your behalf to secure the best possible terms Present your offer in the best light, highlighting your strengths as a buyer Counteract seller's arguments strategically to improve your offer's position Advocate for repairs without jeopardizing the deal by finding common ground Help you achieve a win-win outcome that satisfies both parties Maintain a high level of professionalism throughout your interactions Dress appropriately for appointments and meetings, projecting a positive image Be respectful of all parties involved (sellers, agents, inspectors) Adhere to a strict code of ethics, ensuring fair and honest representation Conduct business with integrity and transparency, building trust with your clients There you have it — 100 things buyer's agents do for their clients. If you share this list, feel free to edit as needed. After all, you may not do everything on this list, and there are probably several things you do do that aren't listed. Happy selling! Related reading Unlocking RPR's Potential: A Buyer's Agent Daily Playbook The Shifting Dynamics of Buyer-Agent Relationships in Real Estate 4 Ways Buyers Agents Can Show More Value to their Clients  

Top 10 Most Popular Articles of March: Scripts, Home Design Trends, the NAR Settlement, and more
Spring is here, and it's not just the weather that's about to warm up. But before the volume of home sales cranks up, let's take a moment to look back at last month — and the articles that can help you get ready for real estate's busy season. First, let's address the elephant in the room: the NAR settlement. For advice on how to talk to your sphere about it, check out article #1 on the list below. The settlement isn't the only thing you'll be talking about, of course. For scripts on steering sellers away from a too-high listing price, see article #3. Next, scroll down to article #7 for scripts that can help improve your business communication skills. Have sellers who are considering remodeling before putting their home on the market? Check out articles #2 and #5. Finally, see article #9 for a list of real estate podcasts that can help level up your career. 1. How to Talk About the NAR Settlement with Clients and ProspectsThe Ides of March brought a whopper of an announcement to the real estate industry: that the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) had settled the commissions lawsuit. Thanks to wall-to-wall media coverage, it's likely that your sphere of influence has had some questions about the news. This list of do's and don'ts can help guide your conversations with clients, leads, and your social sphere. 2. Top 5 Home Improvements that Will Deliver Sellers the Greatest ROIThe art of selling a home at the highest possible ROI takes more than making great first impressions. Getting the most out of a home sale lies in making the right improvements that appeal to buyers' emotions and practical needs. Let's explore five home improvements that can deliver the greatest return on investment (ROI) to sellers. 3. Price It Right: 3 Scripts to Guide Sellers Away from Overpricing PitfallsHave 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. 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. To help you understand what a pricing discussion using the Socratic method looks like, here are a few sample scripts. 4. 4 Must-Have AI Mobile Apps to Level Up Your Real Estate GameWant to leverage the power of artificial intelligence while you're on the go? You're in luck — there are several AI-powered mobile apps available to help you do everything from research to crafting social media posts. Today, you'll learn about four of them. 5. Trend Alert: These Features Help Homes Sell Faster and for More MoneyHome buyers are willing to pay more for a backyard decked out with all the bells and whistles. New Zillow research finds homes equipped with an outdoor TV command 3.1% more than expected — or $10,749 on a typical U.S. home. What other home design trends are catching the eyes of buyers? 6. Best Real Estate SEO Keywords for 2024Real estate agents spend a lot of time on their website design and pay a lot of money for advertisements, but many still struggle with lead generation. One cannot ignore the value of what is in demand and what folks are looking for on the web. In this article, we are going to explore the top real estate keywords of 2024 that bring a lot of SEO value to your real estate website. 7. 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. These six scripts can help you hone your communication skills. 8. Top Buyer Trends in the Real Estate Market for 2024: What Realtors need to knowThe real estate landscape is constantly evolving, driven by shifts in buyer preferences and technological advancements. As we edge closer to prime real estate season, it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve by understanding the emerging trends shaping the market. Dive into the top buyer trends expected to dominate the real estate market in 2024, and get insights to help you navigate the changes and capitalize on new opportunities. 9. 15 Essential Podcasts to Level Up Your Real Estate CareerPodcasts offer a convenient and engaging way to learn and grow while you're on the go. This curated list of 15 podcasts is specifically tailored to real estate agents. We've got you covered, from mastering the art of the deal to developing a winning mindset, and staying on top of the latest industry trends. So, grab your earbuds, hit play, and get ready to level up your real estate career! 10. Make DIY Marketing Campaigns a Reality with RPRAs an individual real estate agent, you need to be a master of self-promotion. Did you know that with RPR, you can create all kinds of marketing materials, including digital and printed items, that are jammed with local market insight? And you can produce them in very little time, at no additional cost.

Facebook Ads: A Step-by-Step Guide for Creating High-Converting Ads
Do Facebook ads still convert leads? They do if you know what you're doing, according to real estate agent and coach Mike Sherrard. In this video tutorial, Sherrard walks viewers through the exact steps needed to build and deploy Facebook lead ads — with special attention paid to pre-deployment preparation and to finding leads afterwards. This tutorial offers handy, actionable tips like targeting custom lists of homes under a certain price point, and using images in your ads from homes that are slightly above the targeted price point to intrigue viewers and increase engagement. Watch the video to get other great tips and detailed guidance, like: Setting objectives, budgets, and targeting parameters Using campaign end dates to prevent unintended long-term spending Tips for targeting the Spanish-speaking market The top four ad placements work best Image tricks for increasing engagement Where to find leads from your ads in Facebook And more! Related Reading Paid vs. Organic Search for Real Estate Sites 8 campaign ideas for finding more listings 10 Questions Home Sellers Ask Google (and 40 Key Phrases to Target Them)

15 Essential Podcasts to Level Up Your Real Estate Career
The busiest time of the year is right around the corner, and that means real estate agents are about to spend more time in their car — headed to showings and signings, meeting prospective clients, and so much more. Driving around town offers the perfect opportunity to get your fill of real estate knowledge. How? By listening to podcasts! They offer a convenient and engaging way to learn and grow while you're on the go. Whether it's your commute, downtime between appointments, or during a workout, you can plug into valuable insights and expert advice from top performers in the industry. This curated list of 15 podcasts is specifically tailored to real estate agents. We've got you covered, from mastering the art of the deal to developing a winning mindset, and staying on top of the latest industry trends. So, grab your earbuds, hit play, and get ready to level up your real estate career! 1. Crazy Sh*T in Real Estate A candid and entertaining look behind the scenes of the real estate world, hosted by Leigh Brown, a top producer, author, and coach. The podcast aims to go beyond the idealized portrayal of real estate often seen on television and into the messy realities, challenges, and sometimes downright crazy situations that agents encounter. 2. Beyond Four Walls: Conversations on Affordable Housing This show from the National Housing Conference (NHC) tackles one of the biggest issues in housing right now: affordability. Tune in for interviews with policymakers, advocates, and experts working on solutions. 3. Drive With NAR Podcast Hosted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Drive with NAR features interviews with industry leaders and experts on current trends, legislation, and insights impacting the real estate market. Its REALTOR® to REALTOR® Series offers business growth tips from other Realtors, and The Safety Series highlights tools, advice, and strategies for staying safe on the job. 4. Hustle Humbly If you're a go-getter (or aspire to be), this show is for you. Listen to top real estate pros share strategies and inspiration for building a thriving business through hard work and a smart approach. 5. GSD Mode GSD stands for "Get Sh*t Done," and this podcast lives up to its name by providing actionable tips and interviews with high-performing real estate professionals on achieving success. 6. Real Estate Training and Coaching School Hosted by husband-and-wife team Tim and Julie Harris, this podcast provides education and coaching specifically geared towards real estate investors, helping them navigate the intricacies of the investment side of the market. 7. Center for Realtor Development Podcast Another NAR production, this show focuses on professional development for real estate agents, with tips on sharpening skills, building a business, and staying ahead of the curve. 8. RENEW Podcast How are women moving real estate forward? Find out in this podcast, which features female industry leaders and their accomplishments. 9. Reverse Selling Real estate broker and coach Brandon Mulrenin flips the script on traditional sales techniques, focusing on building relationships and understanding the client's needs to achieve successful outcomes. 10. F.I.R.E.D. Up with Krista Mashore F.I.R.E.D. stands for "Financial Independence, Retire Early." This show explores real estate investing strategies for building wealth and achieving financial freedom. 11. Real Estate Rockstars Podcast Learn how the best and brightest agents have achieved success. This podcast features interviews with top real estate agents and investors, delving into their journeys, strategies, and the secrets behind their rockstar status. 12. REconomy Podcast The housing market is a complicated beast, but this podcast breaks it down beautifully, helping listeners understand the bigger picture. Tune in for an in-depth exploration of the business and economic factors affecting the real estate market. 13. Elite Agent Secrets Podcast Packed with practical advice and interviews with successful agents, this show equips listeners with the tools and knowledge to become an elite performer in the real estate game. 14. Lab Coat Agents Look at almost any list of recommended real estate agent podcasts, and you're sure to find this show. That's probably because of its unique spin: Lab Coat Agents takes a more scientific approach to real estate, exploring the psychology of negotiation, buyer behavior, and the use of data to gain a competitive edge. 15. The Mindset Mentor Podcast Hosted by mindset coach Rob Dial, this podcast focuses on the mental aspects of success in real estate. Learn how to overcome challenges, develop a winning mindset, and achieve your goals in the competitive world of real estate. Next steps See a list of recommended podcast episodes. Need a podcast app? Get 11 app suggestions here. Want to start your own podcast? Here's 4 things you should know.

[Podcast] Being your Natural Self as a Realtor with Barry Karch
Barry Karch is the Broker-Owner of The Real Estate Power Houses. He's been a Realtor for 38 years — after never planning to be one. In this episode of Real Talk with Realtors, hear how to embrace being an introvert in real estate, not be pushy, be analytical and prepared, partner with family for your real estate business, and build your sphere of influence. This episode covers everything from the DISC test to door-knocking. Here's a small sample of what you will hear in this episode: How did Barry get into real estate? Did he start out as a salesperson? How did the anti-stigma work for him? Are people attracted to a husband-wife team? How do you succeed in real estate as an introvert? Why does Barry encourage those who have doubts about their real estate career? How did his wife start working with him? Real talk...not Real talk: Farming Connect with Barry at HomesForSaleInElPasoTexas.com. Listen on: Spotify Apple Podcasts Visit the episode homepage for show notes and more detail.

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

How to Talk About the NAR Settlement with Clients and Prospects
The Ides of March brought a whopper of an announcement to the real estate industry: that the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) had settled the commissions lawsuit. Thanks to wall-to-wall media coverage, it's likely that your sphere of influence has had some questions about the news: Is buyer agency a thing of the past? When do changes go into effect? How does this affect me if I buy or sell a home? How do you address the settlement with your sphere — or should you even wade into that conversation at all right now? After all, things are still in flux, and many real estate organizations are still figuring out how to adapt to the changes, which go into effect in July. To help you out, we're offering a list of do's and don'ts to help guide your conversations with clients, leads, and your social sphere. DO's DO stay away from negativity. Social media is an increasingly combative place, to be sure, and it's easy to be drawn into arguments about the settlement. But people don't want to follow or work with a negative person, so be sure to keep any posts or conversations on the positive side. Acknowledge that things will be changing without veering off into the negatives of this development. DO explain that buyer agency agreements have not changed (yet). The changes from the NAR settlement go into effect mid-July, and few (if any) brokerages have changed their existing buyer agency agreements at this time. You can tell your sphere that while changes have not gone into effect yet, you will keep them updated on the approach your brokerage decides to take when the time comes. DO create more stories about how you serve your clients. With the value of real estate agents in question in the media, take time to create social media posts and stories that show the value you bring to the table. Record short video case studies with clients that show how you helped them overcome challenges in their home buying journey. Ramp up your efforts to collect client testimonials, too. DO talk to your peers and local industry leadership. We get that this situation can be frustrating, so if you need to vent, be sure to do it in spaces that the public doesn't frequent. Try private industry-only Facebook groups or similar online spots, or chat with colleagues about it in person. DO conduct a gut check before posting. If you're unsure whether a post or comment is worth making, check in with yourself first. Ask how the post benefits your business or your clients. If it doesn't, rethink posting it. DONT's DON'T rage post. We get it — there are a lot of misleading headlines and social media posts out there right now, and the urge to correct them may be strong. Don't take the bait, though. Refrain from posting in article or social media comment sections, especially if agitated. Remember that your social media sphere can see what you've written when responding to public posts from pages. Your professional reputation is worth more than the 10 seconds of satisfaction you get from responding to inaccurate stories. DON'T argue about why agents deserve commissions. Consumers don't want to hear about it, especially at a time when commissions are under a microscope. Instead, show the value of what you bring to the table by talking or posting about how you serve clients and help them navigate roadblocks in the sales process. DON'T prognosticate publicly. It can be fun to speculate on the shape of the changes to come in the wake of the settlement. But the internet has a long memory, and anything you post can be dredged up in the future — not a great look if your predictions don't pan out. Save the speculation for chats with colleagues instead.

Real AI: Is AI another boys' club? Ode to Otter, headlines and an AI Quote of the Week
Real AI is a 100% human-created weekly roundup of all things AI in real estate and emerging AI innovations in other sectors likely to impact real estate. Does AI have a gender problem? As a long-time advocate of gender parity, an email in my inbox this week from Laura Meli with Girls Who Code asked this question as its subject line: "Is AI another boys' club?" The email immediately notes that technological innovation and progress demand diverse perspectives, adding, "This is especially true in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), where we fear the mistakes of the past will repeat themselves. We cannot let underrepresented groups be ignored in the rise of AI technology, and the opportunities it will present." For those who follow this topic closely, we know that many gaps exist for women and girls pursuing careers in technology. The employment gap: According to the World Bank, women make up 35% of the tech workforce in the US, yet 57.5% of the overall labor force. The education gap: Only 16% of those who earned a Bachelor's degree in computer and information sciences are women; in engineering and engineering technology, the percentage is 21%. The pay gap: Men in STEM professions are paid higher annual salaries than women – a difference of about $15,000 a year. The C-Suite gap: Just 25% of C-level leaders are women. Moreover, none of the "Big Five" US tech firms—Alphabet, Apple, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft—have a female CEO. Only 8-9% of women hold positions like CIO, CTO, or IT manager or serve as technical team leaders. The retention gap: 66% of women lack clear career advancement paths in their companies, and women are 1.6 times more likely to be laid off than men. Alarmingly, 57% of women in Technology, Media, and Telecom (TMT) plan to leave their jobs within two years, citing poor work/life balance, according to WomenTech Network. Are there any silver linings here? In 1970, only 8% of the STEM workforce was women, so significant strides have been made, but the gender gap remains. One bright spot comes in real estate, an industry where the majority of real estate agents (62%) are women. A tech study from Delta Media recently found these two silver lining nuggets: Female leaders recognize AI's importance more, especially in mid-sized brokerages with substantial transaction volumes. A greater percentage of female leaders (85.3%) utilize AI in their businesses than male leaders (70.4%). Female-led brokerages, particularly those with medium to large agent teams and high transaction volumes, are the most likely to use AI. The youngest and oldest male leaders, overseeing smaller brokerages, are less inclined to integrate AI. More hopeful news comes from KillerStartups: The "She-conomy" is soaring, registering record growth last year. It looks like the pandemic may have helped fuel the rise of female entrepreneurs. In 2023, there was a 17% increase in new businesses owned by women versus the prior year. Women-led startups have nearly doubled in the last four years, taking it in the right direction toward gender equality. Finally, I remain hopeful of a continued move toward gender parity, albeit, as my Texas friend says, at a pace as slow as a snail on crutches. My hope comes from anecdotal experiences, but sometimes, a powerful role model can spark generational change. The most recent example is 19-year-old University of Washington student Merrill Keating, recently named one of USA Today's 2024 Women of the Year. Merrill is a former FIRST robotics student with our local high school team that I mentor and a technology wunderkind, becoming a UW freshman at age 15. As our local USA Today affiliated paper writes: "She's founded and hosted Tedx events, launched a magazine, been part of a United Nations project that connects to space exploration agencies, and organized women both in her community and around the world to focus on STEM and advocate to open doors for girls who will change the world." Having role models like Merrill makes me hopeful beyond the numbers and the statistics because she is the kind of person who can help clear the path for many, many others. Ode to Otter.ai Ode to Otter, a tool supreme,Whose early years were but a dream.In real estate's linguistic maze,It stumbled through an acronymic haze. Now, behold this AI's gleaming might,In just six months, a leap to height!Accuracy soars, it grasps our speech,Our meetings' essence, it can now reach. Summaries crisp, transcending the norm,Surpassing rivals in function and form.Otter, our gem, a partner so keen,In the art of transcription, you reign as queen. A game-changer, true, in our daily grind,Interviews, calls, in you, clarity we find.We stand in ovation, give praise where it's due,Otter.ai, to progress, we owe much to you. (Note: This is our first non-human created text in this newsletter, created by ChatGPT-4, noting the remarkable improvement in one of our go-to daily AI tools) AI Fast Facts Around 15% of Facebook's feed is generated by AI – HootSuite 66% of US adults are concerned about privacy issues when it comes to using AI for social media initiatives – Insider Intelligence More than one-third of companies surveyed said they are having difficulty adopting AI into their business practices due to limited skills – IBM 44% of business owners interviewed said they would use ChatGPT to translate content to other languages – NamePepper More than half (52%) of consumers surveyed indicated they are open to having AI assist them with a product, website, or feature experience – Survey Monkey Source: Sixth City Marketing AI Headlines – Take 5 Women Real Estate Leaders and AI | 3/14/24 - RISMediaWomen-led brokerages embrace AI integration, challenging the hierarchy of real estate leadership. How small businesses can be mindful of legal pitfalls when integrating AI into operations | 3/15/24 - Louisville Business FirstData privacy and IP concerns, HR issues, and other AI risks for small businesses. A ChatGPT for Music Is Here. Inside Suno, the Startup Changing Everything | 3/17/24 - Rolling StoneSuno allows anyone to create their own songs, but will it come at the expense of music artists? AI at Home: Five Ways AI is Enhancing Smart Living | 3/18/24 - Realtor MagazineAI systems like Govee AI are bringing a new era of smart-home features. Hackers can read private AI-assistant chats even though they're encrypted | 3/14/24 - Ars TechnicaAI assistants are being exploited, bypassing security to acquire personal information. AI Quote of the Week To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

4 Tips to Improve Your Time Management
As a busy real estate agent, having good time management is necessary in order to be successful. While sticking to a routine is highly important, what is more important is being able to have a flexible schedule because, as you know, anything can change at the drop of a hat. 1. Create daily to-do lists How great does it feel to cross something off your to-do list? Creating a daily to-do list will not only help you stay on track so that you don't forget any tasks, but it also improves time management because you won't be trying to figure out what your next step should be. Categorize your list by the importance of task so you are able to maximize your time more efficiently. 2. Use a calendar Having a calendar, one that you actually use, is a great way to improve your time management. Calendars allow you to keep all of your meetings organized and in one place so you are able to prepare accordingly. As a real estate agent, you are always on the go and it can be hard to remember where you are supposed to be. Utilizing your calendar will allow you to plan ahead of time so that you are never unprepared or late to a client meeting. 3. Batching If there are certain tasks you do daily that are necessary to keep your business running, try batching them together so you can perform these tasks on fewer occasions. Examples of tasks that you can batch are emails and phone calls. I know what you're thinking: "I need to answer every call that comes in." Of course that would be nice, but if your caller believes speaking with you is beneficial to their life, they will leave a message for you and you can call them back ASAP. 4. Time-blocking Part of improving time management is being able to focus on each individual task without distractions. Time blocking requires you to set aside specific time to engage on social media, or respond to emails, or even clean up some paperwork. Don't succumb to distractions and start performing other tasks during your individual time blocks. Humans are creatures of habit. If you are able to stick to a routine, you are going to be able to manage your time better, and therefore your real estate business will be more successful. To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.

[Podcast] Building Connections and Value with Neida Cazares
Neida Cazares is a Realtor at Future House Realty and a RE/MAX Top Producer. She's brought the lessons she learned as a healthcare recruiter into her real estate approach. Hear how to make a personal connection with your real estate clients, follow up effectively, educate your clients and set expectations, be honest when pricing the home, and the innovation in the industry that excites her the most. This episode of Real Talk with Realtors covers everything from recruiting to following up. Here's a small sample of what you will hear: How did Neida get into real estate? What about recruiting helps her in real estate? How do you create connections with your real estate clients? What are interpersonal skills? How do you follow up effectively? What does Neida think about innovation in the real estate industry? How do you create value as a Realtor? Real talk...not Real talk: Staging Connect with Neida at RealtorNeida.com and social media at @RealtorNeida. Listen on: Spotify Apple Podcasts Visit the episode homepage for show notes and more detail.

Real Estate Social Media Strategy: How to Boost Engagement in Your Online Community
In the realm of real estate, having an online presence has become more crucial than ever. Enter social media, the digital playground where potential buyers, sellers, and investors gather to explore properties, seek advice, and make connections. However, having a social media account is just the beginning. To truly stand out and succeed, you need a well-crafted social media strategy that fosters engagement within your online community. In this post, we'll unveil the secrets to boosting engagement in your real estate social media strategy. Know Your Audience, Be the Audience Take a moment to tap into your inner detective before you jump right into content creation. Who are your ideal customers? What are their inclinations, routines, and problems? Once you've figured it out, make sure your content speaks to their interests. Share articles that address their queries, allay their worries, and highlight homes that fit their ideals. The secret is to think like your audience, foresee their needs, and give them value that keeps them coming back for more. Consistency Is King Imagine living in a society where you only ever brush your teeth when you feel like it. I know, it's not a pretty picture. In order to be effective on social media, consistency is necessary. Make a posting schedule and follow it. A consistent posting schedule, whether it be twice a week or every day, not only keeps your audience interested but also increases your credibility. A consistent stream of content also keeps your brand top-of-mind for potential customers, increasing the likelihood that they'll think of you when it's time to buy or sell a home. Content Variety: The Spice of Engagement Variety is essential for success on social media as well as being the "spice of life." Avoid limiting yourself to just real estate listings. Blend it up! Send out eye-catching images, educational infographics, captivating videos, and even behind-the-scenes peeks at your real estate journey. Engage, inspire, and educate your audience. Think about giving virtual tours, taking questions from the audience in real time, or sharing achievements. A variety of content keeps readers interested while showcasing your knowledge and personality. Harness the Power of Hashtags Think of hashtags as your friends on social media. They enable a larger audience outside of your followers to find your content. Don't, however, overdo it and overuse hashtags in all of your posts. Be judicious. Look up popular and pertinent hashtags for the real estate industry, then naturally incorporate them into your posts. This tactic not only increases the visibility of your content but also strengthens your authority as a subject matter expert. Engagement Isn't a Monologue In social media, communication happens both ways. Dialogue is what engagement is, not a monologue. React quickly to interactions, messages, and comments. Show a sincere interest in the ideas and questions of your audience. Actively interacting with your audience helps to build trust and loyalty as well as a sense of community. Encourage conversation, elicit thoughtful responses, and value every interaction because each one contributes to the development of solid, enduring relationships. User-Generated Content: Sharing is Caring Imagine the thrill of seeing your photo on a real estate agency's social media page. That's the power of user-generated content. Encourage your clients to share their experiences, photos of properties they've purchased through you, and even their home decor inspirations. Not only does this show that you value your clients, but it also adds authenticity to your online presence. People trust the words of their peers, and these posts act as real-life testimonials, bolstering your reputation. Storytelling: Where Magic Happens In a world saturated with information, stories cut through the noise like a breath of fresh air. Share your real estate journey, the challenges you've overcome, and the heartwarming success stories of clients you've helped. People connect with stories on a deep emotional level, and when they connect with you, engagement naturally follows. Use the power of storytelling to make your brand relatable, memorable, and inspiring. To conclude, in the vibrant landscape of social media, your real estate business has the potential to shine like a diamond. Crafting an effective social media strategy that boosts engagement in your online community isn't rocket science, but it does require careful planning and execution. Know your audience, be consistent, diversify your content, harness hashtags, engage authentically, share user-generated content, and weave compelling stories. By following these steps, you'll transform your online presence into a thriving hub of interaction, connection, and, ultimately, real estate success. So go ahead, take the plunge – your engaged online community awaits! To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

Let the Madness Begin! Introducing RPR's Market Madness Contest
RPR presents Market Madness… where a $500 gift card is up for grabs! We're putting a fun twist on the annual college hoops tourney and the upcoming spring housing market. This contest allows RPR users to predict advancing teams in the March Madness college basketball tournament. They will also provide specific Market Trends data points for the team's home court city. Each round, comment your pick with the correct Market Stat for one point. If your team advances, earn a second point. Every point is an entry into the contest. It's time to engage, predict and win! Prizes in the drawing include a $500 gift card, five $50 gift cards and RPR swag. How RPR's Market Madness Contest Works We've made the contest super easy to play — no bracket busting here! Selection and Data Points: On designated dates aligning with the start of March Madness rounds, RPR will post on social media, including Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Look for these posts to make your winning team pick, and to enter the corresponding Market Trends data point. Participants earn points (entries) by commenting on these posts with their team pick to advance from the upcoming games and a Market Trends data point specific to the team's home court city. The required data point will change with each round. You can participate in every round, and you can enter the contest at any round. Your team does not have to advance for you to enter the next round. Here's how the scoring and accumulation of points works: Scoring Points 1 point for including the correct market trend stat for the chosen team's home court city in your comment 1 additional point for correctly picking a team that advances to the next round Round Dates and Data Points First Round Selection Sunday (Post: March 17th) Games: March 19th – March 22nd.Data point – Median Sold Price Second Round (Post: March 22nd)Data point – Months of Inventory Third Round: Sweet Sixteen (Post: March 24th)Data point – List to Sold Price Percentage Fourth Round: Elite 8 (Post: March 29th)Data point – Median Days in RPR Fifth Round: Final 4 (Post: April 1st, Game on April 6th)Data point – Month over Month Change % of Months of Inventory Final Round: Championship Game (April 7th Post, Game on April 8th)Data point – Number of Active Listings Prizes First Prize: 1 winner will win a $500 gift card + RPR swag (t-shirt or water bottle) Second Prize: 5 winners will win $50 gift cards + RPR swag (t-shirt or water bottle) Third Prize: 10 winners will receive RPR swag (t-shirt or water bottle) Winner Announcement: Winners will be announced on April 9th. View full contest rules. Enter the RPR Market Madness Contest It's time to pick some winners and post some stats! Be sure to enter and play RPR's Market Madness contest for a chance to win. Keep an eye on RPR social media posts to make your picks and comment to earn your entries. RPR's Market Trends is a collection of local housing market data that REALTORS® can access with just a few clicks. Conduct a search, by a ZIP code or neighborhood name, to see important housing stats such as List to Sold Price Percentages, Inventory Levels and Median Sold Price. Then easily share these numbers with your clients and prospects by tapping a button. Try it now! To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.

The Ultimate Guide to Closing Home Sales Sight-unseen
In today's evolving real estate landscape, buyers are reshaping the traditional home-buying process by making purchasing decisions without physically setting foot inside the properties they are interested in. This emerging trend of buying homes sight unseen is gaining momentum, offering convenience and efficiency to buyers while presenting new challenges and opportunities for real estate professionals. If you're looking to capitalize on this trend, understanding the nuances of facilitating sight-unseen transactions is crucial. By adapting to these changing preferences and leveraging digital platforms to showcase properties effectively, you can cater to the evolving needs of buyers in today's competitive market. The rise of remote home buying Have you caught on to the latest trend? An increasing number of buyers are buying homes without actually visiting them. This is changing the way people purchase properties, and it's fueled by different factors and the modern conveniences that technology provides. Factors driving remote home purchases Advanced technology plays a pivotal role in the surge of remote home buying. With the advent of virtual tours / 3D walkthroughs and accurate floor plans, potential buyers can explore properties in detail from the comfort of their homes. Benefits for buyers Buyers love remote home buying for many reasons. One big plus is the time-saving factor. By skipping in-person visits to multiple homes, buyers can check out more options in less time. Thanks to virtual tours, floor plans, and detailed listings, buyers can really dig into a property without actually being there. This helps buyers compare choices and confidently make decisions from afar, making the home-buying process smoother and more efficient. Tips to help you navigate sight-unseen transactions Having to navigate sight-unseen transactions is becoming more common. How can you adapt to this trend to cater to remote buyers effectively? By leveraging technology, building trust remotely, and managing expectations, you can successfully guide buyers through the process without them physically stepping inside the property. Leveraging technology In the digital age, utilizing technology is paramount in showcasing properties to remote buyers. Virtual tours, high-quality images, and video calls are crucial in providing a comprehensive property view. By offering virtual walkthroughs and interactive experiences, you can bring the property to life for buyers who cannot visit in person. Building trust remotely Establishing trust with buyers you may never meet in person requires a strategic approach. Transparency, clear communication, and detailed property information are key to building a strong rapport with remote buyers. By providing accurate descriptions, disclosing all relevant details, and offering virtual consultations, you can instill confidence in buyers and address any concerns about purchasing a property without physically seeing it. Managing expectations Setting clear expectations is vital in guiding buyers through the sight-unseen transaction process. You can ensure a smooth and transparent transaction by outlining the purchasing journey, sharing comprehensive property disclosures, and managing the buying process efficiently from a distance. By proactively addressing potential issues, clarifying timelines, and keeping buyers informed, you build credibility and trust, ultimately leading to a successful sight-unseen transaction. Challenges and risks of sight-unseen transactions While this method offers convenience and flexibility, it also presents challenges and risks that you and your buyers have to navigate. Mitigating risks You must implement strategies to mitigate risks effectively when engaging in sight-unseen transactions. One way to do this is by conducting thorough inspections of the property through virtual tours or detailed video walkthroughs. Leveraging the expertise of third-party services such as home inspectors or appraisers can also provide an objective assessment of the property's condition. Moreover, ensuring buyers have a realistic understanding of the property through comprehensive disclosures and transparent communication can help manage expectations and minimize surprises. Legal considerations Navigating the legal aspects of sight-unseen transactions requires careful attention to detail and a comprehensive understanding of the contractual framework. You must ensure that all contracts encompass contingencies that safeguard the buyer's interests in case of unforeseen issues with the property. Understanding the local laws and regulations pertaining to remote purchases is essential to protect both parties. You can effectively navigate the legal complexities inherent in sight-unseen transactions by clarifying buyer protections and advocating for fair agreements. As the real estate industry adapts to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements, addressing the challenges and risks associated with sight-unseen transactions is essential to capitalize on this emerging trend. Embracing technology, fostering trust remotely, and managing expectations are key strategies in effectively navigating sight-unseen transactions. By adapting to the evolving real estate landscape and providing exceptional service to remote buyers, you can thrive in an environment where virtual interactions are becoming the new norm. Remember, in today's digital world, being adaptable and proactive in catering to remote buyers sets you apart as a trusted advisor in the real estate industry. Ready to embrace the change and meet your clients' needs in this new home-buying era? Explore iGUIDE and see how you can elevate your virtual listing process. To view the original article, visit the iGuide blog. Related reading Top Buyer Trends in the Real Estate Market for 2024: What Realtors need to know Supercharge Your Lead Generation: Proven strategies for real estate agents in 2024 Mastering Technology to Stay Ahead in Real Estate

[Podcast] How Property Energy Audits Can Sway Your Clients' Decisions
Many of your clients want to upgrade their home or commercial space to be more energy efficient. But the question is: What do they need to invest in to achieve that goal? Should they replace all their windows? Purchase all-new Energy Star appliances? Install a new HVAC system? Location is a determining factor when deciding which green upgrades will earn the greatest return on investment. But there isn't universal agreement. For example, while 36% of REALTORS® say solar panels increase the perceived value of a property, 30% say they have no effect, according to NAR's 2023 REALTORS® and Sustainability Report. So, how should you advise clients who are considering energy efficient property updates? Two REALTORS® who work in the sustainability space in their markets share insights into how they help clients with their energy goals. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Libsyn Visit the episode homepage for show notes and more detail.

Best Real Estate SEO Keywords for 2024
Real estate agents spend a lot of time on their website design and pay a lot of money for advertisements, but many still struggle with lead generation. Some of them hire content writers and publish articles regularly, but still fail to score viewers to their website. Quality content writing is the ultimate solution to this problem. Nevertheless, one cannot ignore the value of what is in demand and what folks are looking for on the web. In this article, we are going to explore the top real estate keywords of 2024 that bring a lot of SEO value to your real estate website. More Common and More Difficult Articles Short keywords usually have a high level of ranking difficulty. That is to say, for a small business that has just started its online campaigns, it is not recommended to focus on these keywords. Alternatively, more local or long-tail keywords might produce better results. Here is a list of top real estate SEO keywords: Long-tail keywords, on the other hand, can help you rank more quickly. Here is a list of top long-tailed SEO keywords: Keyword or phrase steps to selling a house with a realtorhow to sell your house fast by realtorhow to sell your house fast with a realtorsell your house in 7 dayshow to choose a real estate agent for sellinghow to hire a realtor to sell homeThings Real Estate Agents Should Be Doingreal estate agent duties to sellerhow to get your real estate license12 Ways the Best Real Estate Agents Their Clientshow to get clients in real estate businesshow to get real estate leadsbuyer leads for real estate agentsreal estate leads for new agentsbest real estate lead generation 2024exclusive real estate leadsthings real estate agents needreal estate marketing planreal estate marketing strategies examplesluxury real estate marketing ideasmarketing strategies for real estate agentsseo tips for real estate agentsseo examples for real estateseo for real estate investorshow do i attract real estate clientsreal estate marketing techniqueshow to attract real estate investorshow to attract real estate listingshow to attract real estate buyershow to collect real estate commissionhow do real estate brokers get paiddo real estate agents get paid hourlydo real estate agents get paid a salarywho pays the real estate agentwho pays realtor fees in Californiahow much do realtors costaverage realtor feeshow to be successful in real estate salesdays to successful real estatehabits of successful real estate agentsreal estate agent trendswhat does seo mean in real estateWhat is the best real estate search engine?On Page SEO for real estate?real estate seo keywordsbest real estate seo keywords for 2024keywords for real estate investorslocal seo real estate agentkeywords for real estate Keywords for Buyers and Sellers Buyers houses for sale near me (1.2M)houses for sale (1M)tiny houses for sale (90K)Zillow houses for sale (90K)house boats for sale (40K)houses for sale by owner (33K) cheap houses for sale (27K)cheap houses for sale near me (22K) houses for sale in [LOCATION] (search volume varies depending on location)houses for sale near me by owner (22K)houses for sale near me zillow (22K)lake houses for sale (18K)tiny houses for sale near me (14K)4 bedroom house for sale (12K)houses for sale with pool (12K)new houses for sale near me (12K)houses for sale near me with land (12K)5 bedroom house for sale (10K)beach houses for sale (10K)farm house for sale (10K)houses for sale near me with pool (10K)buying a foreclosed home (10K)farm houses for sale near me (8K)houses with land for sale (8K)new houses for sale (8K)how to buy a foreclosed home (8K)old houses for sale (8K)small houses for sale (8K)fixer upper houses for sale (6K)lake houses for sale near me (6K)foreclosed houses for sale (5K)2 bedroom house for sale (5K)3 bedroom house for sale (5K)home buying programs (3K)how to buy a home (3K)steps to buying a home (3K)buying a second home (2K)buying your first home (2K)home buying checklist (2K)home buying tips (2K)renting versus buying a home (2K)buying a hud home (1,300)buying homes cash (1,300)how to buy your first home (1,300)new houses for sale near me (1,300)buying a home with no money down (1,000)new listings houses for sale (1,000) Source: Virtuance.com Sellers selling a house (8K) cost of selling a house (4K) how to sell a house by owner (4K) taxes on selling a house (4K)capital gains on selling a house (3.6K) how much does it cost to sell a house (3.6K) how to sell your house without a realtor (2.9K) selling a house as is (2.9K)selling a house by owner (2.9K)how to sell a house (2.4K)cost of selling a house calculator (1.9K)how long does it take to sell a house (1.6K)steps to selling a house (1.6K)what not to fix when selling a house (1.6K)best time to sell a house (1.3K)closing costs when selling a house (1.3K)can you sell a house with a mortgage (1K)how to sell a house fast (1K)how soon can you sell a house after buying it (880) is it a good time to sell a house (880)staging a house to sell (720)staging a house to sell (720)how much do realtors charge to sell a house (590) Source: Virtuance.com Bottom Line As Google evolves, it focuses more on the nature of your activities. Quality content writing on top keywords and phrases is the most important criterion for Google and other search engines. So the bottom line is, focus on your clients and customers and provide content tailored to their needs and demands. Google and other search engines will eventually place you where you belong and help bring more leads to your real estate website. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog. Related reading 10 Proven Ways to Optimize Your Real Estate Website for Lead Generation Who is a Real Estate SEO Expert? And What Do They Do? The Best SEO Tools for Real Estate Websites

Beyond the Headlines: Building Trust with RPR's Market Trends Insights
As a real estate pro, distinguishing yourself isn't just about the listings you secure — it's also about the insights you offer. Today's market demands a REALTOR® who can navigate through sensational headlines to present the real, unvarnished truth of localized market conditions. This article will focus on how as a REALTOR® you can leverage RPR's (Realtors Property Resource) Shareable Market Trends and Market Trends ScriptWriter for the data that backs your credentials as a local market expert. Let's explore how you can use these tools to gain a competitive edge and foster trust and credibility with your clients by delivering concrete facts. Identifying Your Geographic Farm: A Precise Approach To help ensure a successful outcome, it's important to begin with precision. Use RPR to determine the specific geographic boundaries of your farm area strategically. Consider factors like turnover rates, median sales price, school districts and other notable trends. This initial step is important for tailoring your strategies to the unique characteristics of your chosen farm area. Analyze the Market: With RPR's Shareable Market Trends, dive deep into key metrics such as median sale prices, list-to-sales price percentage, inventory levels, and days on the market. This analysis isn't just about observing; it's about identifying patterns, opportunities, and challenges. Look for trends others might overlook — this insight will be invaluable to your clients. Customizing Market Insights with RPR: A Step-by-Step Guide Next, use RPR to zero in on market data specific to your geographic farm or ZIP code. Pay close attention to sales trends, price fluctuations and other economic indicators. This data will help form the backbone of your market analysis, enabling you to provide informed, accurate advice to your clients. Imagine you notice the sales trends over the past six months that show a steady increase in the number of homes sold. At the same time, you observe slight price fluctuations with an overall upward trend in median sale prices, indicating a growing demand. Economic indicators, such as a recent decrease in local unemployment rates and the announcement of a new public park, suggest a strengthening economic environment. By analyzing these factors together, you can advise potential sellers that it might be an opportune time to list their property, given the rising demand and improving economic conditions. Similarly, buyers could be informed about the potential for property value appreciation in this neighborhood, making it an attractive purchase opportunity. Print It Out: Leverage RPR's tools to generate customized market trend reports. These should highlight the unique aspects of your area, tailored to the interests and concerns of homeowners and potential buyers. Your ability to provide these personalized insights will set you apart as a knowledgeable and resourceful REALTOR®. Engaging Your Community with Data: Beyond the Basics The Market Trends ScriptWriter is your ally in deciphering the local market for your audience. Create informative videos, blog posts, newsletters and social media content that informs and engages. Focus on how current trends specifically impact buyers and sellers in your area, using language that is accessible and relatable. Visual Storytelling: Incorporate Shareable Market Trends visuals into your presentations and online content. These visuals can simplify complex market dynamics, making your message more engaging and understandable. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, especially when it helps clarify the state of the market. Building Trust Through Transparency: The Ethical Use of Data Use RPR data to address and correct common misconceptions about the real estate market in your geographic farm. Your goal is to be the source of truth against sensationalized media narratives, providing balanced and factual insights that help build a foundation of trust with your clients. Consistent Communication: Maintain regular, transparent communication with your farm area. Update your clients on market trends and insights, always focusing on how these trends could impact their property values and real estate decisions. Your consistency and reliability as a source of information will further establish your reputation as a trusted advisor. Becoming the Undeniable Local Expert: Engaging and Personalizing Take your expertise offline by organizing local events or go online with webinars. These gatherings are a great way to present your findings, engage with the community, and answer questions in real-time. Personal interaction can significantly enhance your reputation and client trust. Additionally, embrace the power of visual communication by utilizing the Canva templates we've created specifically for you. These templates help you easily create eye-catching postcards or social media posts highlighting local market trends. By sending these personalized, data-driven visuals to your farm area or sharing them online, you're not just sharing information, but sparking conversations and reinforcing your role as the local market authority. This approach allows you to blend digital engagement with traditional outreach, ensuring your market insights reach your community in the most effective way. Leverage Testimonials: Don't hesitate to share success stories from clients who have benefited from your expertise and the accurate market insights provided. These testimonials serve as powerful endorsements of your skills and knowledge, reinforcing your status as the go-to-market expert. A Call to Action for REALTORS® The role of a trusted, knowledgeable advisor in today's real estate market cannot be overstated. By leveraging RPR's Shareable Market Trends and Market Trends ScriptWriter for your geographic farm area, you can transform your approach to real estate: guiding, informing and reassuring your clients with unparalleled insights. This isn't just about being a REALTOR® — it's about being a trusted partner in your client's real estate journeys. To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.

Top 5 Home Improvements that Will Deliver Sellers the Greatest ROI
When it comes to selling a home, every property has two opportunities to make a first impression on potential buyers: when they drive up to your house and when they open your door and walk inside. That's why your home's curb appeal and interior setting are among the first steps to unlocking its true value. However, the art of selling a home at the highest possible ROI takes more than making great first impressions. Getting the most out of a home sale lies in making the right improvements that appeal to buyers' emotions and practical needs. Let's explore five home improvements that can deliver the greatest return on investment (ROI) to sellers. 1. Curb Appeal – Your First, First Impression Your home's exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see when they arrive for a viewing. Ensuring that your property looks well-maintained and inviting from the street can significantly impact its perceived value. Focus on improving your home's softscape, which includes elements like flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, flower beds, grass, soil, groundcover, and mulch. A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed hedges, or colorful flower beds can create a welcoming atmosphere that draws buyers in. In addition to landscaping, pay attention to other exterior elements that can influence a buyer's first impression. Updating outdated exterior light fixtures and giving your front door a fresh coat of paint – or installing a new one – can make a big impact. If your home's exterior paint is looking tired or dated, invest in new paint. While this can be expensive, it can also provide an excellent ROI by making your home look fresh, clean, and well-cared-for. Remember, your home's curb appeal is your first opportunity to create an emotional connection with potential buyers. Investing in these exterior improvements can set the stage for a positive viewing experience and increase your chances of securing a better offer. 2. Fresh Paint and Consistent Flooring – Setting the Tone Once potential buyers step inside your home, the first two things they'll notice are the paint and the flooring. Fresh paint throughout your place can provide one of the highest ROIs, second, perhaps only to curb appeal. But buyers often expect the home to have fresh paint, so focusing on flooring is just as important. When it comes to flooring, consistency is key. Avoid mixing and matching different styles and materials, as this can make your home feel choppy and disconnected. The most proven approach today is keeping flooring complementary—either the same or something that fits—throughout. Yes, there are exceptions, like tile in entryways, laundry rooms, and sometimes kitchens. Whether it's hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), or another material, the key is to ensure that it matches the overall feel and look of your home. If your home has outdated or worn flooring, consider replacing it before putting your property on the market. New flooring can instantly update the look and feel of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. If you have hardwood floors that are in good condition, consider having them refinished to bring back their original luster. 3. Kitchens – The Heart of the Home The kitchen is often considered the focal point of a home, and it's no surprise that kitchen remodels and upgrades can deliver a high ROI. A well-designed, updated kitchen can be a major selling point for potential buyers, as it's where many families spend a significant amount of their time. While a full remodel can be costly, there are ways to save time and money by improving what you already have. If your cabinets are in good shape and less than 10 years old, consider painting or resurfacing them and adding new countertops and hardware. This can give your kitchen a modern, updated feel without the expense of a complete remodel, as it reduces labor and material costs. If your appliances are outdated or mismatched, consider replacing them with newer, energy-efficient models that will appeal to buyers. When planning your kitchen improvements, it's vital to know what comparable homes in your area offer. You don't want to over-improve if all the homes in your neighborhood selling have original kitchens. You want to ensure your updates compete with other listings at your price point. 4. Bathrooms – Anchor of Appeal Bathrooms are another area where improvements can deliver a significant ROI. While not all bathrooms require the same level of attention, focusing on your primary bathroom can make a huge impact. Decking out your bathroom with updated finishes and fixtures, a standalone soaking tub, or other spa-like features can make your home more memorable for buyers. Well-appointed bathrooms often feature modern vanities, rainfall showers, and updated lighting. Here's a home improvement hack: You may not need to do as much to improve hallways or secondary bathrooms. A simple update can still make a big difference. Replacing the vanity, updating the flooring, and epoxying the tile can create a fresh, new feel without breaking the bank. Also, update your fixtures to match the look and feel of your decked-out primary bathroom. Using similar materials across all bathrooms can help tie the spaces together and make your home feel more polished and professionally designed. Remember, bathrooms are one of the most personal areas in a home, and buyers will be looking for a clean, comfortable, and relaxing space. Investing in bathroom improvements can create a more attractive and functional space that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. 5. Accessories – Little Things Can Make a Big Difference Finally, don't underestimate the power of small improvements to increase your home's value. Focus on the accessories. Think of the items in your home that will complement its overall look, like earrings complimenting a dress. When you have a beautiful dress, if you don't accessorize well, the dress doesn't shine the way it could. Accessories include light fixtures, switches, electrical plates, faucets, doorknobs, handles, and hinges—subtle things. Little things, collectively, can make a big difference. You can also avoid the feeling a buyer gets: that your house feels old and dated or looks worn out. Subtle changes can help your home feel well-maintained and updated. When selecting accessories, consider your home's overall style and aesthetic. If your space is modern and minimalist, choose sleek, streamlined fixtures that complement the look. If your home has a more traditional feel, opt for classic finishes like brushed nickel. Consistency is critical here as well—try to choose accessories that have a similar finish and style throughout your home. Pulling it all together Selling a home is all about creating an emotional connection with potential buyers. By focusing on these top five areas of improvement—curb appeal, paint and flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, and accessories—you can create a space that feels fresh, inviting, and move-in ready. Making the right improvements can make a lasting impression that will help you secure the best possible price for your home and maximize your ROI. Jon Salas heads up sales at Revive Real Estate, is a 20+ year real estate industry veteran, spending 16 years as a real estate agent in Irvine, CA. Revive Real Estate partners with real estate professionals to provide the funding, guidance, and contractors needed to get strategic pre-sale renovations done fast and for maximum value. By providing access to Revive's network of top contractors, Revive homes sell for more and help sellers move ahead by maximizing their sales value. Discover more at www.revive.realestate. Related reading Transforming Your Listings: The Impact of Renovations on Market Appeal Research-backed Remodeling Ideas that Net a Higher Sales Price The Hidden Costs of DIY Presale Renovations: A Guide for Real Estate Agents

Top Buyer Trends in the Real Estate Market for 2024: What Realtors need to know
The real estate landscape is constantly evolving, driven by shifts in buyer preferences and technological advancements. As we edge closer to prime real estate season, it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve by understanding the emerging trends shaping the market. We'll dive into the top buyer trends expected to dominate the real estate market in 2024, providing insights to help you navigate the changes and capitalize on new opportunities. 1. Sustainability takes center stage Environmental concerns are pushing buyers towards homes that are not only spaces of comfort but also eco-friendly havens. In 2024, expect to see a significant rise in demand for properties equipped with energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and sustainable building materials. This shift is not just about reducing carbon footprints—buyers are looking for homes that promise lower utility bills and a healthier living environment. 2. The rise of smart home features Technology continues to redefine the way we live, and the real estate market is no exception. Smart home features are moving from luxury add-ons to must-haves for buyers in 2024. Automated security systems, smart thermostats, and voice-activated controls are becoming standard expectations. Properties that offer these tech-savvy amenities will not only stand out but also fetch higher market values. 3. House hunting goes digital The digital revolution has transformed house hunting from a physically demanding task to a virtual experience. Buyers in 2024 are leaning towards realtors who offer immersive virtual tours, detailed online listings, and instant communication channels. This trend underscores the importance of a strong online presence for Realtors, highlighting the need to invest in virtual tour technologies and digital marketing strategies. 96% of home buyers search for their dream home online (source) 4. The desire for multi-functional spaces As remote work becomes more ingrained in our culture, the demand for homes with multi-functional spaces is surging. Buyers are seeking properties with designated home offices, personal gyms, and outdoor living areas. These spaces offer the flexibility to blend work, fitness, and relaxation seamlessly into daily life, making them highly desirable in the upcoming market. 5. Urban exodus continues The urban exodus trend, accelerated by the pandemic, shows no signs of slowing down in 2024. Buyers are trading city skylines for suburban tranquility, driven by the desire for more space, lower living costs, and a closer connection to nature. Realtors should focus on highlighting the benefits of suburban properties, including larger lot sizes and community amenities, to attract this growing buyer segment. 6. Emphasis on health and wellness The health and wellness movement is making its mark on the real estate market. In 2024, properties that promote a healthy lifestyle, through proximity to parks, fitness centers, or offering clean air and water filtration systems, will be in high demand. Buyers are prioritizing their well-being, making it essential for Realtors to showcase homes that support a wholesome lifestyle. 60 percent of home buyers cited quality of the neighborhood as the most important factor determining the location (source) As we look towards 2024, the real estate market is poised for significant transformations, influenced by sustainability, technology, digital advancements, and changing lifestyle preferences. Staying informed about these trends and adapting strategies accordingly will be key to meeting buyer demands and succeeding in a competitive market. Want to adapt to the changing real estate market and better serve your clients? Check out iGUIDE to enhance your online property listings. To view the original article, visit the iGuide blog.

Lead Gen for Every Career Stage: How to Scale Your Website with Your Business
You've heard about scaling your business — onboarding a virtual assistant or team members — as your business expands and grows. But how do you scale your online presence? For most real estate professionals, their real estate website is the hub of all their online marketing efforts. Everything links to their website: their social media, property portal profiles, digital ads, business cards, yard signs, and beyond. And when Realtors consistently market online, their website can become a hub for lead generation, too. But if you have a basic, no frills website — or even just a subsite that your brokerage provides — how do you grow it along with your business? Today, we'll explore what your real estate website needs at each stage of your career in order to maximize your lead generation. A website that grows with you To help us illustrate each career stage, we're borrowing examples from NAR's get.realtor program, which provides a free, professional website for life with the purchase of a .realtor™ or .realestate website domain. (And, bonus, if you're a NAR member, you get your first year of a .realtor™ domain free!) Each site is supported by an easy-to-use website builder that lets you get your website up and running in minutes. When your business grows, you can also grow your website by upgrading to more features at the click of a button. Let's dive in… Stage 1: "I just need a website" Perhaps you're starting your career, or maybe you just need a new website and don't have the time to spend too much effort on it. This is the stage where you just want to put your digital shingle out in order to have a place for leads to find you. Something simple and eye-catching, like get.realtor's Professional-level websites, may be the best fit for you. Available for free with a .realtor or .realestate domain, these are single-page lead generation websites that are optimized for SEO and mobile, and come with a built-in lead contact form. There's space for your bio, business information, client testimonials, a photo gallery, contact information, and links to your social media profiles. Each website can be up and running in minutes, and come with online support, including how-to guides and video. See an example website here. Stage 2: Expanding your lead generation efforts So you have a permanent home on the web where leads can find you, but what you want now is more — more leads, more website traffic, and more options for expanding your marketing. In this next stage, what you need is a multi-page website where you can create landing pages for digital ads, informative pages for each area you serve, and maybe even buyer's and seller's guides. And because Google rewards fresh content, consistent blogging is one of the best things you can do for your website's traffic. (Not sure what to post? Learn how you can use RPR's AI-powered tool to create blog posts.) If you have a free get.realtor website, you can scale up to their Premium website package with the click of a button. You'll get everything from the free Professional-level site, plus multi-page website templates, a blog, video capabilities, neighborhood guides, access to all available widgets, and more. Premium websites also come with AudioEye, an ADA tool that helps the visually impaired better use your site. See an example site here. Stage 3: Lean, mean lead-generating machine Once you've grown traffic to your website, the next stage is to keep them coming back to your site — and to stay for longer. One of the best ways to do this is to provide property search capabilities right from your site. Each get.realtor Premium Plus website comes with an on-site MLS data feed that lets visitors search for homes. Visitors are able to save their favorite properties and search parameters, keeping them coming back as long as their home search continues. Premium Plus websites also include property search capabilities, additional MLS plug-and-play widgets, and multiple MLS data feeds for Realtors who serve more than one MLS market. See an example website here. Visit get.realtor to learn how your website can grow with you at every stage of your career. Related reading Friday Freebie: One Month of a .realtor™ or .realestate Premium Website The Top 10 Ways to Build Your Personal Brand Online, from REALTORS® Who Know Boost Your SEO Rankings with a .realestate Domain

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

How to Write a Real Estate Bio (Plus Templates to Get You Started)
You're a real estate agent looking to stand out and attract more clients. But how do you showcase your skills and experience to connect with potential buyers and sellers? An awesome real estate bio is key. Whether it's on your website, business cards, or email signature, your bio introduces you to prospects and gives them a reason to choose you. In this article, we'll break down exactly how to write a rockin' real estate bio that sells you. How to Write an Effective Real Estate Bio Be authentic and passionate Let your personality shine through. Share what excites you about real estate and helping clients. People want to work with agents who are genuinely enthusiastic about their jobs. Focus on your experience and expertise Highlight your credentials, skills, accomplishments, and years of experience. Mention any awards or industry recognition you've received. Discuss the types of properties or clients you specialize in. The bio is where you establish yourself as a knowledgeable and capable professional. Share your mission and values Explain your approach to real estate and what clients can expect when working with you. For example, you may value integrity, transparency, determination, and continuous learning. Briefly describe your mission or purpose to give readers a sense of the "why" behind your work. Provide contact information Include your email address, phone number, website URL, and social media profiles so interested parties can reach out and learn more about your services. Keep it concise Your bio should be a few short paragraphs. Around three to four sentences for each paragraph is a good rule of thumb. Be succinct while highlighting the most compelling and important information about your real estate practice. Use an engaging and friendly tone Though the content is focused on your experience and credentials, the tone should remain approachable. Use an active voice and speak directly to the reader to forge a connection. Mention "you" and "your" to bring the bio to life. Essential Elements to Include in Your Real Estate Bio Personal Details Include some personal details in your bio to help the reader connect with you. Mention your years of experience in the real estate industry, any professional designations you hold, and a little about your background and interests outside of work. Your Specialties and Services Highlight your areas of expertise, the property types you specialize in, and the services you provide to clients. For example: "I specialize in residential properties including single-family homes, condos, and townhomes. My services include helping buyers and sellers through every step of the real estate transaction from start to finish. " Your Approach and Values Share your approach to working with clients and your core values. For example: "I believe that every client deserves an agent who will work tirelessly on their behalf. My goal is to make the real estate process as smooth and stress-free as possible for my clients through clear communication, responsiveness, and professionalism." Call to Action End your bio with a call to action, inviting the reader to contact you to start a conversation about their real estate needs. For example: "If you're thinking of buying or selling a home, I'd welcome the opportunity to speak with you. Please call or email me today." Real Estate Bio Template and Examples A seasoned professional with [Number] years of experience, [Your Name] is a dedicated real estate agent at [Brokerage Name] passionate about guiding clients in [Location] towards their dream homeownership. Fueled by a desire to empower clients in their real estate journeys, [Your Name] leverages their [Number] years of experience and extensive knowledge of the [Location] market to deliver personalized and strategic solutions at [Brokerage Name]. [Your Name] isn't just a real estate agent at [Brokerage Name], they are a trusted advisor, bringing [Number] years of expertise and a client-centric approach to the [Location] market. With a reputation for exceptional communication and market knowledge, [Your Name] at [Brokerage Name] caters to a diverse clientele in [Location], helping them navigate the complexities of buying, selling, or investing in real estate. From first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors, [Your Name] at [Brokerage Name] offers comprehensive support and expert guidance throughout the entire real estate process in [Location]. Drawing upon a deep understanding of the [Location] market and a commitment to personalized service, [Your Name] at [Brokerage Name] helps clients achieve their unique real estate goals, whether buying, selling, or investing. [Your Name] isn't simply an agent — we are a passionate advocate for their clients in the [Location] real estate market. At [Brokerage Name], we leverage their [Number] years of experience to deliver exceptional results. [Your Name] at [Brokerage Name] is a dedicated real estate professional with a proven track record of success. We offer clients in [Location] the tools and expertise needed to navigate today's dynamic market effectively. Beyond being a top-performing agent at [Brokerage Name], [Your Name] is an active member of the [Location] community, demonstrating their commitment to fostering strong connections and giving back. Looking for a seasoned and dedicated real estate professional in [Location]? Look no further than [Your Name] at [Brokerage Name]. We are ready to help you achieve your real estate dreams. That's all, with a compelling bio in hand, you'll be ready to start connecting with leads, building your brand, and taking your real estate career to the next level. Keep reading if you are interested in these types of subjects: Real Estate Email Address Ideas Real Estate Slogan Ideas To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.

Make DIY Marketing Campaigns a Reality with RPR
As a REALTOR® — a self-employed entrepreneur and small business owner — you probably don't have a huge marketing budget. However, as an individual real estate agent, you need to be a master of self-promotion. You need to stretch your budget as far as possible, and take advantage of no-cost resources at every step. And RPR, Realtors Property Resource, is here to help you do it! In fact, with RPR you can create all kinds of marketing materials, including digital and printed items, that are jammed with local market insight. And you can produce them in very little time, at no additional cost. This article is about how RPR can be your all-in-one, in-house marketing agency, by utilizing: Shareable Market Trends Market Trends ScriptWriter Canva templates Mailing labels RPR: your one-stop-shop for creating market update materials To successfully reach your targets with your message, you don't need to hire a full-service marketing team. And you don't need to exhaust yourself toiling away for hours trying to conduct research, write copy, design layouts and create content. What you need is a trustworthy source that offers up-to-date, hyper-local market statistics — a place to easily view market data to spot trends and gather insight. And a place that offers tools and templates that can help you build marketing materials that convey these market stats to your clients and prospects. That place is RPR! Residential Market Trends The first place you need to go is RPR's Residential Market Trends. Once you're logged into the site, click Research in the upper navigation bar, and then select Residential Market Trends. Check out this link for a special guided tour of how to use this tool. If you're a regular reader, we know we're in broken record territory when it comes to how much we emphasize the RPR Market Trends. Well — it's because they're important! Shareable Market Trends contain vital market information such as the Market Trends Indicator with key details on Month's Supply of Inventory, List to Sold Price Percentage, Median Days in RPR and Median Sold Price. Conduct a search as macro as a county, or drill down to ZIP codes and neighborhood names to define your area. (Note: To ensure that you're providing the most up-to-date Market Trends information, try gathering Market Trends data at or around the 7th of each month.) You'll get an up-to-date snapshot of a local market and be able to point out key metrics that can really help position you as a source of truth in all types of real estate marketing. By keeping tabs on your market on a monthly basis, you can establish yourself as a trusted, local market expert. And you can easily communicate these points with the… RPR Market Trends ScriptWriter Again, we're beating that Market Trends drum! With the AI-powered Market Trends ScriptWriter, you take your local market search, then you get to tap a very powerful button: Create Script! Make your audience, tone and category selections, and you're almost instantly provided with personalized video scripts, engaging social media content and detailed metrics analysis. Even better, you can take the text that is churned out for these categories and easily repurpose it for other types of marketing communications. For example, take out parts of the video script and use that copy to create headlines and bullet points for social posts, emails, digital ads, postcards and mailers, or even print ads. Just make sure you remove all the video direction text and all the first person language. You can do the exact same thing for the social media posts: take out the emojis and use the copy to create marketing messages! Also, be sure to add your own brand voice into any messaging you create or version from the Market Trends ScriptWriter tool. Check out this article for more on that: How to add Your Brand Voice to RPR's Market Trends ScriptWriter. Now that you've got the words, it's time to create some visuals… Free Canva templates from RPR Now that you have some local market insight to share, including charts, stats, graphs and text, you need to deliver that information in an eye-pleasing layout. And RPR makes it super easy with our pre-designed Canva templates. What is Canva? Canva is a web-based tool designed to help you build graphics for social media, presentations, brochures and more. They also provide thousands of preset layouts that can be adapted, or you can start your design from scratch. And they offer a free plan that will get you started. RPR has taken the Canva layouts and made an entire collection of templates that you can customize and fill in with your local market stats and info. To get started, visit the "Canva Templates" section of the RPR blog. Here you'll find everything you need to quickly create digital graphics for a market update. Just pick a design that catches your eye, and start dropping in your market numbers and your contact information, etc. Keep in mind, you will need to create a Canva account, but it's pretty painless and there's a free version that lets you use all of the RPR-created templates. You can always upgrade your account with Canva if you want to get more advanced in your designs and layouts. Click here to attend a special RPR webinar on creating Canva materials for your marketing efforts. You can use these visual graphics digitally, for social media posts, ads, emails and on websites. Or you can print them out as flyers or postcards (postcard layouts are an option in the Canva section of the blog), and deliver them the old fashioned way… RPR Mailing labels Now that you have the materials and a message, you need to deliver it! Of course, for digital items you simply upload and/or post. But many agents find that direct mail continues to play a crucial role in marketing outreach in competitive markets. And RPR is a perfect way to do it! With the RPR Mailing Labels feature, you can create up to 2,000 mailing labels per month — for free! Use them for actual label printing at home, or export the owner information from your RPR search results into a CSV list and hand them off to your local printer. These ready-to-print mailing labels are perfect for farming, prospecting or direct mail marketing within custom geographies. Here's how: Conduct an area search, then use filters to narrow it down or use a previously saved area, such as a farm area Sort your results using the List View and click Mailing Labels once you have the right number of addresses A pop-up window appears; then choose your label type or a CSV file Hit Print and, remember, you have 2,000 EACH MONTH to use Use RPR to research, craft and deliver marketing messages RPR provides REALTORS® with comprehensive data and analysis tools to help them serve their clients more effectively. While RPR is not exactly an in-house ad agency, it does offer a range of services that can be valuable for marketing and self-promotion. RPR can be instrumental in marketing yourself or your listings. As well as providing conversation-creating local market updates that explain the current market and position you as local market expert. Get in the RPR sandbox and start creating today! To view the original article, visit the RPR blog. Related reading How RPR Can Enhance Your Real Estate Marketing Strategy RPR Announces the Winners of Their 'How's the Market?' Video Contest How to Create Instagram Posts for Your Real Estate Business with Canva

Google Podcasts to Shut Down: How to Transfer Your Favorite Shows
Another day, another killed Google project. On April 2, Google is discontinuing its beloved podcast app, Google Podcasts, and sending it off to the great Google Graveyard. By shutting down the app, Google hopes to make its YouTube Music app the new destination for podcasts. By turning YouTube Music into its default podcast app, Google aims to make it easier for users to switch between video and audio podcast formats. While the hubbub across the web so far seems to be a hearty "meh" to this decision, Google Podcasts fans face just over a month to move their favorite shows to a new app. Google aims to make the transition as easy as possible for users — especially for those willing to migrate to YouTube Music. Here's a quick look at how to move your favorite podcasts out of Google Podcasts and into a new app: Migrating Your Favorite Podcasts Google offers easy, step-by-step directions for exporting your favorite shows — three different sets of directions, actually. Users can choose to transfer their shows to YouTube Music, export their subscriptions via Google Takeout or by downloading their podcast data via an OPML file. You can view instructions for each of these methods here. Alternative Podcast Apps If YouTube Music doesn't suit your podcast needs, there are plenty of other apps that will do the trick. Speaking of new apps, which podcast apps are available for agents to switch to? We're happy to report that there are a wealth of options. Here are a few of the top ones: Apple Podcasts Spotify Podbean Castbox Pocket Casts Overcast Player FM Podurama Podcast Guru AntennaPod Podcast Addict Real Estate Podcast Inspiration Need some more podcasts to listen to? We regularly highlight excellent real estate podcast episodes here at RE Technology. See the full list here. Interested in starting your own real estate podcast? See Want to Start a Podcast? 4 Things Every Agent Should Know.

[Podcast] Online Safety: What You Should Never Post on Social Media
Most real estate professionals have heard the advice, "Be authentic!" in regards to posting on social media. And it's true, being your warm, inviting self will draw in far more followers than staid business posts ever could. But is it possible to be too authentic? Where should real estate pros draw the line when talking about their family and personal life, or even their clients and listings — especially in an age of online predators, scammers, and data collectors? In this episode of the Drive with NAR: Safety Series, host Tracey Hawkins talks with two real estate social media stars about the online boundaries they draw to protect their own and their clients' privacy. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Libsyn Visit the episode homepage for show notes and more detail.

10 Proven Ways to Optimize Your Real Estate Website for Lead Generation
Are you looking to supercharge your real estate website's lead generation potential? A high-performing website is crucial for attracting and converting leads in the competitive real estate market. In this post, we'll explore 10 proven strategies to optimize your real estate website for maximum lead generation potential, backed by actionable insights and industry trends. From leveraging search engine optimization to creating compelling lead magnets, we've got you covered with practical tips to elevate your real estate website's lead generation game. Let's dive in and unlock the full potential of your real estate business online. Understanding the importance of lead generation for real estate websites In the competitive real estate market, lead generation is pivotal in driving business growth. Real estate professionals like yourself can expand their client base, increase sales, and boost revenue by harnessing effective lead-generation strategies. Let's take a look at the significance of lead generation for real estate websites and the role that a well-optimized website plays in this process. The role of a well-optimized website in lead generation A well-optimized website serves as the digital storefront for your real estate business, playing a critical role in attracting and converting leads. By leveraging search engine optimization (SEO) strategies, user-friendly design, and compelling content, real estate websites can enhance their visibility and engage potential clients. A good website makes it easy to attract and engage potential leads, giving you the tools and opportunity to build strong client connections and drive conversions. Key strategies for optimizing your real estate website for lead generation Let's explore key tactics to enhance your real estate website's lead generation capabilities. Create compelling landing pagesDesign landing pages specifically tailored to different buyer personas. Offer valuable content such as market reports, home valuation tools, or e-books in exchange for contact information. Implement clear calls-to-action (CTAs)Strategically place CTAs throughout your website, prompting visitors to take action. Use compelling language and contrasting colors to make them stand out. Optimize for local SEOTarget local keywords and phrases relevant to your area to boost your website's visibility in local search results. Incorporate location-specific content and meta tags. Utilize high-quality imagery and videosVisual content is powerful in the real estate industry. Invest in professional photography and videos to showcase your listings and engage visitors. Offer virtual toursIn today's digital age, virtual tours are a game-changer. Provide immersive 3D tours of your listings to give potential buyers a true sense of the space. Incorporate live chat supportEnable live chat functionality on your website to instantly engage with visitors and answer their queries. This personal touch can significantly increase lead conversions. Utilize testimonials and reviewsDisplaying positive feedback from satisfied clients builds trust and credibility. Integrate testimonials and reviews throughout your website to showcase your expertise. Create informative blog contentRegularly publish blog posts addressing common real estate concerns, local market trends, and buying/selling tips. This positions you as a knowledgeable resource and boosts SEO. Optimize for mobile responsivenessEnsure your website is fully responsive across all devices. With the increasing use of mobile devices, a seamless mobile experience is non-negotiable. Integrate social media sharing buttonsEncourage visitors to share your listings and content on social media platforms. This can expand your reach and attract potential leads through social sharing. Prioritizing user experience, using high-quality content, and incorporating lead capture forms will help you effectively attract and engage potential clients. Embracing SEO best practices like targeting local keywords and optimizing for mobile will further improve your website's visibility and accessibility. Additionally, including social proof and client testimonials can help establish trust and credibility, encouraging more conversions. Remember to continually analyze and refine your lead generation strategies to adapt to evolving market trends and consumer behaviors. By consistently optimizing your real estate website, you can create a powerful digital presence that drives sustainable lead generation and fosters long-term business success. To view the original article, visit the iGuide blog. Related reading How to Create Top-Notch Real Estate Website Pages The Best SEO Tools for Real Estate Websites 24 Tips for Analyzing a Competitor's Real Estate SEO Strategy

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.

Real AI: The coming AI real estate video revolution, A look at Sora, facts, headlines and an AI Quote of the Week
Real AI is a 100% human-created weekly roundup of all things AI in real estate and emerging AI innovations in other sectors likely to impact real estate. Will AI fix the real estate video conundrum? Since the debut of YouTube in 2005, real estate agents have been inundated with the message that video is perhaps the single most powerful marketing tool available. Since then, as a recent review of a video platform by Inman's Craig Rowe points out, the adoption of video as part of most agents' marketing arsenal has remained anemic. Sure, video tours of homes quickly became a standard listing tool. Yet when you scan a typical agent's YouTube channel of those video tours, you see a few dozen views at best. One must wonder how many of those clicks were other agents, the seller, or friends and family versus active home buyers. As Craig points out, the lackluster use of video in real estate is not without a lack of constant effort by industry marketing experts who continue to push video's power or the ease and availability of tools that make creating and editing video easier. Admittedly, some agents have mastered how to leverage the power of video, creating local content libraries that drive views and help sell homes. Not listing videos, but hyperlocal videos that showcase the amenities and features of a local neighborhood: presenting views of the best restaurants, shops, parks for people and pets, schools – even best local Instagram spots. But the greatest barrier to video remains: Most agents hate to see themselves on video. True, many successful agents are leveraging easy-to-create short video tools like BombBomb. This week, North Carolina Regional MLS announced it is providing the Ask The Agent video platform to its 12,000 members. Moreover, during COVID, most agents had to rely on video – Zoom calls, FaceTime home tours, and more – to connect with clients; many overcame their phobia about being on camera. Can AI fix all of this? We're betting it will. What's the big difference AI will make in revolutionizing real estate videos? Two enormous changes. The most important is how fast AI can create hundreds of short, personalized videos. Once you peek at the AI video engine like the one Ylopo is developing, the long promise of generating real business from video will arrive. And that will be the game-changer that will help reluctant agents get over themselves and their fear of being on video: more transactions. Sure, AI can create video avatars who become you or your team's spokesperson. But what if AI creates for you two dozen individual short videos featuring you that are highly personalized (name and the address of the listing) and sends them out first thing every morning to every buyer who has looked at a specific listing on your website more than four times last night? No equipment is needed, not even a camera. No shoot setup, no post-production editing – totally automated and touch-free is what AI for real estate videos will deliver. AI could become the "Easy Button" that agents need, and the true power of video can finally be used regularly by the average real estate agent in many new and exciting ways. Will these videos feature an AI label? Likely – and that's a good thing. Could they be banned? I don't see how they could be. Will it matter to the buyer? Maybe initially, but later, when AI videos become more widespread, probably not. The age of the AI real estate video revolution is coming. We think agents and their clients will be blown away – by the content and the results. A look at Sora: the new AI video generator from OpenAI Last week, OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, announced a minimal release of its latest AI breakthrough: Sora. Sora creates incredibly realistic and imaginative scenes from text. Type in your instructions, and this state-of-the-art AI video generator uses advanced AI algorithms to create high-quality, customizable video content from textual descriptions. According to OpenAI, Sora can "understand complex instructions and generate videos that meet specific user requirements, offering unprecedented creativity and efficiency in content creation." Even in its first-gen phase, the Sora content we've viewed is wickedly good and, therefore, scary. Here's a link to the initial samples OpenAI released: Currently, while Sora is only available to a select group of testers and early adopters, Sora AI is expected to become widely available in the coming months. (Unless it encounters a Gemini-type back to the drawing board error.) What could Sora mean for real estate agents and brokers? Marketing content creation: Generate high-quality promotional videos that spotlight the services an agent offers sellers and buyers, "best of" neighborhood videos, or agent biography introductions – all saving enormous amounts of time and resources versus traditional video production. Educational and training materials: Produce informative videos for clients on home buying and selling processes, terms, and timelines, enhancing client education and engagement. Market trends and updates: Create based on data hyperlocal videos showcasing zip code, community, or neighborhood information to demonstrate an agent's deep knowledge of their local market and professional expertise. Sora's promise to streamline content creation could be the tipping point to generate universal agent use of video as the backbone of every marketing campaign. AI Five Fast Facts As of 2024, there are nearly 67,000 AI companies in the world, 14x more than the number of AI companies in 2000 – Statista China (58%) and India (57%) have a higher AI deployment rate than the US (25%), despite the US having the largest growing economy for AI – IBM The demand for AI and machine learning specialists is expected to grow by 40%, with more than 100 million people working in the AI Marketplace by 2025 – World Economic Forum 44% of business executives surveyed said they experienced cost reduction after deploying AI technology in their company – McKinsey Around 82% of consumers feel that ChatGPT will endanger content writer jobs – Harpa.ai Source: Upmetrics AI Headlines Take 5 Why Teams and AI Are the Perfect Marriage | 2/21/24 - RISMediaReal estate teams are more agile and open to new tech, putting them in the best position to quickly leverage what AI offers. Google pauses Gemini's ability to generate AI images of people after diversity errors | 2/22/24 - The VergeAn unexpected thing happened when AI was programmed to be Politically Correct: take a look. Mortgage startup Tomo enters the home portal wars with AI tools | 2/21/24 - HousingWireTomo's OpenAI-powered search portal will give homebuyers the identities of homeowners and their home equity info. 7 Ways to Invest in AI Smart Home Devices | 2/20/24 - U.S. NewsWhat are the AI investments plays today? The Biggest AI Trends In The Next 10 Years | 2/19/24 - ForbesWithin the next ten years, AI could evolve into Artificial Generative Intelligence (AGI), a strong AI that can learn any job simply by being told what to do. Quote of the Week To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Renting vs. Buying a Home
Choosing to rent or buy a home is a big decision with many factors involved, especially in this economy. Unsurprisingly, a drawback to one may be a benefit for the other. Consider sharing the following with prospects or leads who are making their next housing decision: Renting a Home Benefits Flexibility: Renting provides more flexibility in terms of mobility. You can move to a new location easily and without the hassle of selling a property. This is a great option if you're someone who isn't ready to put down roots. Lower upfront costs: Renting requires less upfront costs as you typically only need to pay a security deposit and first month's rent, maybe a pet deposit. Maintenance: Most of the time, landlords are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the rental, which can save you money. In some cases, you may be responsible for lawn maintenance, but that's not bad compared to maintaining the whole home. Drawbacks Limited control: Renting means you have limited control over the property. You can't make significant changes without the landlord's permission, or you have to guarantee you can return the unit to its original condition when you move out. Rent increases: If you live in a city with no rent control, your landlord can typically increase your rent with little notice, which can make budgeting difficult. Additionally, you may have to negotiate the lease term and price each time the agreement is close to expiring. No equity: Renting doesn't give you the opportunity to build equity, which may be a disadvantage in the long run. Buying a Home Benefits Ownership: Buying a home means that you own the property and can make changes as you see fit. Equity: As you pay off your mortgage, you build equity in your home, which can be a valuable asset in the future. Stability: Buying a home provides stability and can be a good long-term investment. Drawbacks Upfront costs: Buying a home requires a significant upfront investment, including a down payment and closing costs. Maintenance: As a homeowner, you are responsible for all maintenance and repairs, which can be costly and time-consuming. Inflexibility: Buying a home limits your mobility, making it more difficult to move to a new location. Ultimately, the decision to rent or buy a home depends on personal circumstances and financial situation. Talking to a real estate professional may provide prospects with more insight, specifically about the market conditions and financial incentives for each option. To view the original article, visit the Rental Beast blog.

Boost Your SEO Rankings with a .realestate Domain
Search engine rankings can make or break your online presence, and many real estate professionals are looking to juice their digital marketing in creative ways to stand out from competitors. More and more top-level domains other than the usual .com are emerging in online search results—including the .realestate domain. These domains enable professionals to highlight their expertise right in their web address, and that can help home buyers and sellers find you faster online. Search engine optimization is the key to unlocking the full potential of your online presence. While traditional .com domains have been the go-to choice for many kinds of companies and professionals, a .realestate domain offers a unique edge for anyone working in real estate. It's not just a web address; it's a strategic move to enhance your visibility in the competitive real estate arena. Even if you've mastered the basics of SEO, you can still improve your online visibility. It might be time to consider the not-so-secret weapon: a .realestate domain. Geospecificity and Search Engines Search engines love specificity. They thrive on understanding user intent and delivering relevant results. This is where the power of a .realestate domain comes into play. By incorporating location-specific keywords into your domain, you're signaling to search engines that your content is not just real estate-related but is directly tied to a specific area. For example, a domain like YourCity.realestate speaks volumes to search engines about the geographical focus of your content. Potential clients searching for real estate in that area are more likely to stumble upon your website, increasing your chances for more leads and referrals. Did you know that NAR members also get a custom .realtor™ domain free for the first year? A .realtor™ website is a great way to instantly let the world know who you are and what you do. Secure yours at get.realtor and set yourself apart from the .COMpetition! Learn From Pros Like You Most home buyers start their search online, looking for properties in specific cities, neighborhoods and school zones. With a geotargeted .realestate domain, like Lisa Kunkel's CranberryTownship.realestate, you'll position yourself as the local expert. That's more potential leads for you. With her .realestate domain, Kunkel, an agent with Keller Williams Realty in Wexford, Pa., has crafted a localized online experience that's both captivating and informative. "Registering the website and .realestate domain name has been a great help," she says. "I am on my fourth transaction in the area since I started using a .realestate domain in the past year." A Magnet for Buyers With .realestate, you can have as many domains as you want—and each one includes a free website that you can upgrade with features such as video and home search to attract buyers. Think about all the places your buyers search, and set yourself up as the go-to agent with a customized .realestate website for each. Plus, with your free .realestate website, you get a special neighborhood template designed for geospecific domains like Kunkel's. These built-in templates maximize your website's SEO potential and capture more lead traffic for your business. Don't miss out on the opportunity to revolutionize your online presence. Boost your search engine rankings with .realestate domains that help you become the go-to real estate professional in your area. Start your search today at get.realestate. For more information or to get your website, visit get.realestate. To view the original article, visit the get.realtor blog. Related reading Friday Freebie: One Month of a .realtor™ or .realestate Premium Website The Top 10 Ways to Build Your Personal Brand Online, from REALTORS® Who Know

Anticipating Market Trends: A Data-Driven Approach for REALTORS with RPR
The real estate market is known for being dynamic, with prices and inventory levels constantly changing. For REALTORS®, the key to success is making well-informed projections based on solid data. RPR (Realtors Property Resource®) serves as an invaluable tool, offering a depth of historical and current market data that can provide clues to what lies ahead. In this article, we'll explore how leveraging RPR Market Trends and other vital data points can inform the decision-making process and help you craft strategies that align with the expected ebb and flow of future market conditions. The Predictive Power of Historical Data While historical data isn't a blueprint for the future in real estate, it often provides valuable clues that can help shape our forecasts. By analyzing past and present data, REALTORS® can recognize signs of what's to come. For instance, a consistent decrease of Median Days in RPR in a specific area can indicate increasing buyer interest, prompting a strategy to price new listings competitively. Key Market Trend Indicators for Anticipating Future Changes When starting, there are so many metrics to choose from, but two key indicators stand out: Month's Supply of Inventory and List to Sold Price averages (the average percentage difference between listing prices and final sale prices). These figures do more than summarize the past—they showcase potential future developments. Months Supply of Inventory Months Supply of Inventory indicates how long the current inventory would last at the present sales rate if no more listings were added. A low number suggests a seller's market and a high number points toward a buyer's market. Take, for example, an inventory that decreases over consecutive months—this trend could signal a growing seller's market. By recognizing this early, a REALTOR® might advise sellers to list sooner or buyers to act fast. RPR's graphs turn complex data into visual stories that are easy to read and act on. Average List to Sale Price Looking at past List to Sold Price Average Percentages offers a clear picture of the market's bargaining behavior. If this percentage rises, sellers gain more negotiation power, and listing prices should be set accordingly. Average Sold Prices serve as the benchmark—when aligned with a specific neighborhood's pricing trends, REALTORS® can more accurately advise clients on offers to make or accept. Time on Market and Seasonal Forecasts Median Days in RPR can be a powerful metric to estimate better how quickly properties will sell in the future. A downward trend typically indicates increasing demand, leading to a faster-paced market. For instance, a REALTOR® observing a shortened time on the market during spring can capitalize by listing properties when buyer activity begins to climb. Seasonal graphs in RPR help predict these cyclical shifts, aiding in timing the market perfectly. See Market Trends in Action: Get a close look at the dynamic real estate landscape with RPR's Market Trends. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Market Changes Market analysts know the devil is in the details of short-term (last month) and long-term (12-month changes) trends. While the former offers a snapshot, the latter shows the market evolving. For example, if condo sales are on the rise over the last month, but single-family homes have seen steady growth over a year, REALTORS® can tailor their property focus and marketing campaigns to align with these trends. Incorporating Additional Economic Indicators No market exists in a vacuum. Supplementing RPR data with additional economic indicators like mortgage interest rates or local employment stats paints a more complete picture. For instance, a low unemployment rate might encourage higher listing prices due to increased buying power—RPR's integration of these economic elements ensures REALTORS® have a comprehensive view. Take Market Trends Further: For those eager to dive deeper into Shareable Market Trends, there are lots of resources available. Visit RPR's learning center for a webinar, tutorials and ebooks that will sharpen your analytical skills. Use RPR's Historical Data to Anticipate Future Market Trends Predictive analytics is no longer just an advantage—it's necessary for REALTORS® who want to thrive in a competitive marketplace. By interpreting RPR Market Trends, you'll understand where the market has been and, more importantly, where it's headed. Embrace RPR's historical data to create a vision for the future, and let its powerful insights inform your strategic decisions. To view the original article, visit the RPR blog. Related reading 'How's the market?' Learn how to respond with RPR Market Trends Elevate Your Business with RPR's Master the Market eBook Series How to Spark Real Estate Conversations with Friends, Family, Clients and Prospects

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.

5 Habits You Can Stick to for a Consistent and Engaging Social Media Presence
As a real estate pro in this modern, smartphone-centered day and age, you already know how crucial it is to have a solid online presence. But it's not enough to simply sign up for a social media business profile, post here and there, and kick up your feet. You must draw audiences in and let them know you're always available through your social media profile. It's not another task to add to the pile; it's your real estate business's social media presence, an important pillar for your brand and your success. Why You Need a Strong Social Media Presence Social media is a unique beast: it's where impressions are made, influence is grown, and consumer opinions and actions are completely swayed. It's also a crucial piece of the real estate puzzle. After all, prospective clientele might be browsing your profile, so you want to ensure you're consistent and engaging. As we said, it's not just to check a box. On social media, you're not just competing for space with other real estate agents, you're competing with countless other online users, influencers, famous figures, and business profiles. It's not to discourage you; the algorithms used by social media profiles will help ensure your content is seen by users who would think it's relevant. 5 Impactful Habits to Help You Form a Consistent and Engaging Social Media Presence So, how exactly can you cut through the social media noise? Enter: being consistent and engaging. By posting and updating consistently, and engaging with interactions you receive, the algorithm will be more likely to push your content so the same audience — and similar ones — will see your posts and updates more often. In turn, your engagement increases, and your social media presence grows. It's not as hard as it sounds, and we'll guide you with these five easy, impactful habits you can start using to accomplish just that. 1. Set a Reminder on Your Calendar We're emphasizing easy, so start with a bite-sized first step. Go over to your work calendar and block out 15 to 30 minutes in the first half of the day and the second to engage on social media. Leave comments, like or react to posts, respond to messages — you get the idea. Then, block out at least one hour per week you'll dedicate to creating content. Aim to create content that speaks to and resonates with your target audience, is educational, and makes people want to engage with what you post. 2. Create Content That Makes People Want to Engage How can you make content that spurs action, inspires users, and gets engagement? One recommendation is to create content from a place of authenticity. By being authentic on social media, users will feel more like they can relate to you, and be more likely to engage with what you're posting. Create polls or ask for questions on your Facebook posts or Instagram Story. Post a brief video on your opinion on the latest real estate trends, or your take on market shifts in your local area. Or, share your very own curated local guide to the best things in your ZIP code. Use hashtags to help these posts get found more easily, post these types of content consistently, and watch as engagement rolls in. 3. Use a Content Calendar and Use it Regularly Consistency is key to cutting through social media noise. The more you post, and the more engagement you capture, the more likely the social media algorithms are to push your content to broader, but relevant, audiences. Download a content calendar template, fill it out, and stick to it. Using a content calendar will help you keep your content ideas in one place so you know what to create, and will also help you stay on the straight and narrow of posting on a regular basis. 4. Leverage Your Daily Life for Content Creation Inspiration If you're still scratching your head on what you can possibly create for social media content, or if you're ready and raring to fill up your shiny new content calendar, consider using your own daily life as a real estate pro to create content. Record your latest listing or open house with your smartphone, snap a quick shot of your latest clients in front of their new home, or consider recording a day in the life of a real estate agent. These are just a few ideas to get you going, and we know you have a ton more. So use them! 5. Respond, React, Reshare You've got content creation and posting down pat, so don't forget to actually engage. When people comment on your posts, respond to each one and give it a thumbs up. If you get a direct message, respond to it as promptly as you can — or even use it as an intro to take the conversation offline. Engage with similar real estate creators, in your niche or industry or even industry-adjacent pros, like loan officers or home construction builders. Think of this like fostering your digital community, especially as it opens the door to even more engagement with your social media presence. Ready, Set, Post! To view the original article, visit the Inside Real Estate blog. Related reading Mastering Instagram: Best practices for real estate agents A TikTok Trend to Revamp Your Pipeline: Tap Into the Triangle Method How Real Estate Agents Can Build a Professional Network on LinkedIn

RPR's Data Partners: Your Secret Weapon in Commercial Real Estate
RPR (Realtors Property Resource) offers commercial real estate practitioners a wealth of listing and property data, plus access to an array of analytical and ROI-focused tools. With over 800K listings, 57 million off-market property records, site selection tools, consumer demographic research, trade area data, traffic counts, POIs (points of interest) and more, RPR Commercial is basically a one-stop-shop for all things CRE. However, one question we hear over and over is: where does RPR get all of this commercial data and information? As an aggregator of data and resources, RPR is the ultimate commercial hub for REALTORS® to conduct commercial real estate business. In this article, we'll present our impressive list of commercial partners by what category they fall under and how our partnership can help you in your daily commercial duties. RPR Commercial partnerships can help power your business RPR has collabs, partnerships and affiliations with some of the biggest names in commercial real estate. Here's a list, by category: For Sale/For Lease Data Partners Brevitas: Brevitas is a national commercial listing platform that is integrated into RPR. Their real estate marketplace provides REALTORS® a turn-key marketing solution and an instant competitive edge by offering a robust collection of property search and marketing tools. CREXi: CREXi offers a database of commercial listings, including more than 48 million property records. It also provides RPR with daily updated data, which helps commercial real estate professionals quickly manage deals and close them faster. TotalCommercial: TotalCommercial.com has been providing commercial real estate listing information online since 1995. TotalCommercial.com shares its listing information through RPR to offer REALTORS® more listings and more property research resources. Land Broker MLS: LandBrokerMLS.com was formed in 2018 by real estate brokers and agents to assist rural real estate professionals in their ability to view land listings. LandBrokerMLS contributes listing data to RPR's commercial platform. Biproxi: Biproxi's new public marketplace is called Officespace.com and it provides powerful listing capabilities for "for sale" and "for lease" properties. Biproxi's Officespace.com provides listing information for RPR's commercial real estate users. Catylist: Moody's Analytics Catylist offers a commercial property listing and marketing solution to numerous REALTOR® associations and CIEs (Commercial Information Exchanges). It helps RPR receive licensed commercial listing content from many markets across the country. CompStak: CompStak is a nationwide crowdsourced commercial comp database that offers RPR users to receive 500 free credits to search and share commercial comparables. Get started by clicking on the CompStak logo in the Additional Resources section of any RPR commercial property page. Officespace.com: See BiProxi above. ICSC: ICSC, The International Council of Shopping Centers, has a special agreement with RPR to offer retail and commercial real estate data, which contributes significant insight relevant to the shopping center industry and broader commercial sectors. Off-Market Properties Black Knight: Black Knight is the backbone of RPR property data. It provides RPR users with quick access to public records including tax details, zoning, ownership information down to the corporate level, and much more, including Assessment and Recorder datasets. Site Selection Data Esri: Esri is RPR's main source of consumer data. It supplies RPR with economic, demographic, and spending data, as well as tapestry segment profiles. This particular data fuels RPR analytical tools such as Trade Area Reports and Site Selection Analysis. Financial Analysis Valuate: Valuate® is a web-based financial analysis and marketing tool for the purchase and sale of commercial and residential investment properties. From RPR, users can easily access the platform to perform real-time, interactive ROI analyses in a collaborative work environment. Traffic Counts Kalibrate: Kalibrate powers the traffic counts found on RPR's commercial maps. They provide this data quarterly from various sources, including governments, transportation departments, and Kalibrate's own field verifications. Tenant Data SMR Research: SMR works with RPR to provide a proprietary database of 25 million U.S. companies, schools, and other institutions for commercial property insights, and the data is updated quarterly. ClimateRisk Assessment and Mitigation Climate Check: ClimateCheck®, available in the RPR "Additional Resources" section, offers an assessment of a property's climate risk. It will rate a property's future risk of climate change-related hazards and assign a rating from 1 to 100, with 100 representing the highest risk. Risk Factor: Also available in the RPR "Additional Resources," Risk Factor provides climate and environmental risk data for real estate properties, helping REALTORS® understand and communicate potential risks related to climate change. Existing Businesses (POIs – Points of Interest) Data Axle: Known for its robust business databases, Data Axle provides detailed company profiles and other commercial real estate-related data to enhance the commercial offerings on RPR. Esri: Supplies RPR with economic, demographic, and spending data, as well as tapestry segment profiles. RPR: Commercial listings, data and tools–all under one roof As you can see, RPR brings a vast amount of commercial resources and data and puts them all in one place so you can search listings, conduct research and tap into resources that help your clients make data-backed decisions. And if you're a REALTOR®, there's no extra charge to use as part of your membership in The National Association of REALTORS®. However, if our impressive list of commercial partnerships doesn't convince you, listen to what Dave Ferro, Managing Broker and Vice President of Watson Realty Corp in Gainesville, Florida, has to say about RPR Commercial: "I go to RPR Commercial to save time and simplify. That perfectly sums it up for me. I don't have to go to each individual's website for listing info. I can see all my properties and deals in one location. It's such a great place to search, every commercial agent should try it." To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.

[Podcast] Insider Tips for Agents, Buyers, and Sellers with Melissa Herdman
Ever had a buyer quit their job on closing day? Realtor Melissa Herdman has, and she shares her story in Leigh Brown's aptly named podcast, Crazy Sh*t in Real Estate. But that's not all that Melissa and Leigh discuss. Tune in to hear Melissa's wise advice for both agents and clients trying to weather this crazy market, as well as: Reasons to get into real estate Keeping agents happy and building a great brokerage culture What buyers should keep in mind during closing Why there's truth in that old saying, "Everything happens for a reason" About Melissa Herdman Melissa Herdman is a full-time REALTOR® and a lifetime resident of Osage County. She is currently the supervising branch broker of Kirk and Cobb REALTORS® and is a Certified Residential Specialist. She graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Washburn University of Topeka. She proceeded to have her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, among several other organizations. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts YouTube View the episode homepage for show notes and more details.

How Real Estate Agents Can Use AI to Manufacture Inventory
Real estate is rapidly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its operations. A recent survey by Delta Media found that 75% of top brokerages already use AI, and almost 80% of their agents have adopted AI tools. Top agents are among the earliest adopters of this transformative technology, working AI into their daily workflow to create content, analyze market trends, and enhance customer service. However, the rapid advent of AI applications is occurring at a pace that is getting harder for agents to keep up with. Still, if you do, you have a unique opportunity to use AI to significantly expand your business, engaging existing clients and prospects in a new way that didn't exist six months ago. Real estate's AI revolution AI's impact on real estate is profound, offering you tools that automate mundane tasks, predict when clients are ready to buy or sell, and help you streamline your marketing activities and increase your time for clients. This technological leap can help you analyze vast amounts of data for actionable insights. As these tools evolve, the more you find ways to use AI, the more you will set yourself apart from your competitors and in the minds of your clients. Revive Vision AI for "listgen" Among the array of tools available, Revive Vision AI emerges as a new tool for agents looking to solve the low inventory challenge in their markets. It is an AI tool that can help you, as an agent, manufacture inventory. You have a website and social channels for "lead gen" or lead generation; think of Revive Vision AI as "list gen" – your listings generator. This AI-powered platform allows you to showcase the financial benefits of home renovations to homeowners, potentially unlocking hidden value without any initial investment from them. By illustrating the potential returns on strategic improvements, you can motivate clients to list their properties, creating new inventory from homes previously not considered for sale. How to manufacture listings Revive Vision AI allows an agent to show a client who may not even be thinking about listing their home for sale how much money they could earn – without investing a dime of their own funds up front – by making key renovations on their home. Once the client sees how much money they can make – Vision AI shows them in real-time based on an actual budget – an agent can use this tool to manufacture listings. You know your clients, including those with life events that might push a home to market: a new baby, kids leaving for college, or getting close to retirement. These clients are likely to sell and are worth reaching out to. However, the key to reaching out to show them what this new AI tool can do is with an approach like this: Call a client and share a recent success story. Your goal is to pique their curiosity. The pitch: "Hey, we just helped a family that just became empty nesters with their youngest kid leaving for college in Arizona. We spent some time discussing where they were in their real estate and using this new AI tool; I had to show them how much equity they had in their home and how much more they could have by looking at what AI suggested. They got a lot out of our meeting and found a way to increase their home's value way beyond what they thought it was worth. I feel like you would benefit from seeing this, too. Are you open to setting up some time — perhaps lunch next week — just to talk so I can explain everything?" Cultivating client relationships with AI This approach can work because the essence of real estate remains in building and maintaining strong, personal client relationships. AI can help you build client trust by increasing the expertise and advice you can provide, delivering deeper insights and recommendations based on detailed data analysis. As an agent, your role as a true consultant is enhanced when you leverage AI to provide tailored advice that aligns with your client's life stages and financial goals. Initiating meaningful conversations Incorporating AI into your practice is not just about data analysis; it's about using those insights to spark meaningful discussions. By presenting AI-generated information in a relatable way, you can connect with clients on a deeper level, addressing their unique circumstances and what is happening in their lives. Engaging clients The interactive nature of AI tools like Revive Vision AI invites clients to participate actively in the valuation and decision-making process. Encouraging homeowners to provide photos as part of the process fosters a collaborative environment. It also makes technology feel more accessible and worth experiencing. This hands-on involvement demystifies AI and shows its practical side. Creating trust The services you provide clients should never end with a sale but morph into an ongoing relationship that your use of AI can enhance. By continually offering insights and updates, you keep clients engaged and informed, reinforcing their loyalty – and trust. When clients are ready to make their next move or recommend you to someone they know, they will reach you: the agent that provides long-term value. Related reading Revive introduces 'Revive Vision AI,' an AI-powered Listing Tool for Real Estate Professionals Revive Uses AI to Introduce a New Era of Pre-sale Renovations

How to Spark Real Estate Conversations with Friends, Family, Clients and Prospects
As a REALTOR®, it's vital to keep your finger on the pulse of the housing market. Being knowledgeable about and having keen insights into current market trends (versus not having them) can be a make or break quality. And in this business, you obviously want to be a deal-maker, not a deal-breaker! Use RPR to arm yourself with answers One way to do that is by leveraging the tools and data in RPR (Realtors Property Resource) to your advantage. RPR puts an array of data points and up-to-date market info right at your fingertips. Logging into RPR every day, checking your market stats and keeping the RPR Mobile™ app with you when you're out in the field, or out doing anything, is a smart way to keep up on trends and have a digital "cheat sheet" at your disposal. This is a keen daily habit and can help you: Articulate nuanced market movements Provide data-backed advice amidst market uncertainty Align consumer expectations with market realities Being able to provide these insights and answer real estate questions on the fly is the sign of a true, local market expert. And the ability to simply start conversations out of the blue with confidence, and with data-backed details, is a formula for success. Here are three ways RPR can prep you to be a conversation-into-conversion type of agent. RPR Residential Market Trends Last year, RPR introduced Shareable Market Trends, and now hundreds of thousands of agents are using these hyper-local market stats to keep their clients and prospects aware and in the loop. Shareable Market Trends contain vital market information such as the Market Trends Indicator with key details on Month's Supply of Inventory, List to Sold Price Percentage, Median Days in RPR and Median Sold Price. Conduct a search as macro as a state or county, or drill down to ZIP codes and neighborhood names to define your area. You'll get an up-to-date snapshot of a local market and be able to point out key metrics that can really help position you as a source of truth in all types of real estate conversations. Instead of saying "Not bad," when someone asks you how the market is, you can confidently say, "Inventory is slightly up, but still down overall. While properties are still going for asking price and staying on the market for less than a month." These types of details and insights will set you apart from other agents, and plant seeds in the minds of fence sitters and future customers. And remember, with just a few clicks or taps from the website or the RPR Mobile™ app, you can also share these stats and graphs across all your favorite social media platforms and marketing touchpoints. Pro Tip: To ensure that you're providing the most up-to-date Market Trends information, try gathering Market Trends data at or around the 7th of each month. For example, January 2024 statistics were updated on February 6. AI-powered Market Trends ScriptWriter tool The RPR Market Trends ScriptWriter tool is an extension of the Shareable Market Trends. This ChatGPT and AI-powered integration offers agents a streamlined approach to creating personalized video scripts, engaging social media content and detailed metrics analysis. However, the usable scenarios don't end there. You can also use it to create scripts and blurbs for yourself, to keep in your back pocket when organic conversations about real estate occur out in the world. Simply run a Market Trends search, then hit the "Create Script" button where you'll be presented with options on the audience, tone and type of script. For the purposes of arming yourself to carry and start real estate conversations, we suggest you select the "Conversational" tone, Buyers and Sellers for audience and "Social Campaign." Here's an example of the type of copy the ScriptWriter will generate: Over the last 12 months, we've seen a significant decrease in the Month's Supply of Inventory by -20.69%. This indicates a growing demand for homes in Oceanside, making it a promising market for both buyers and sellers. When it comes to selling your home, you'll be glad to know that the List to Sold Price percentage is a fantastic 99.3%! This shows that properties in Oceanside are fetching close to their listing prices, giving sellers confidence in their investments. Looking to make a quick move? The median days on market is just 15 days! Homes in Oceanside are selling like hotcakes, so buyers need to act fast to secure their dream homes. Now, let's talk numbers. The median sold price in Oceanside is currently at $799,000. This reflects the strong demand and value of properties in our city. It's an exciting time for buyers and sellers alike! Now, these little snippets are originally intended for social media posts as individual shares: Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, etc. Agents can simply cut and paste the words and emojis. However, for the creation of discussion talking points and convo starters, you'll need a slightly different tactic. All you have to do is lose the emojis, and take the statistics, and learn to recite them in your own words. So when someone asks, "How's the market for selling?" you can respond with, "It's actually pretty strong right now, with more buyers entering the market every day. In fact, the List to Sold Price, which is how much you list for compared to how much you actually get, is a healthy 99.3%!" Check out this How-To for a step-by-step on getting started using it. Take the ScriptWriter for a spin today to see how easy it is to use when engaging with potential clients, family or friends. Note: the Market Trends ScriptWriter tool is only available on the website version of RPR… for now. Equity and Mortgage Calculators Here's where the sparks really start to fly! The RPR Mobile™ app is now equipped with two very powerful tools: The Equity Calculator and the Mortgage Calculator. Now, with phone in hand and the RPR app opened up, you can give potential clients a detailed look at the equity their home has built up, or their purchasing power as a buyer. These are things that sellers and buyers really want to know more about! And sometimes, this type of information can even make someone start considering listing their home for sale, or taking a dip as a first-time home buyer. Knowledge is power and you have so much in your hands with the RPR app and these calculators. Picture yourself at a kitchen island during an open house. Or in line at the local coffee shop. Or at your kid's practice. Or eating out, picking up dry cleaning, in a waiting room, etc. Any time you're out and about, working or not, you're basically a living, breathing, walking and talking real estate information kiosk! Whether someone seeks you out, or you happen to overhear a conversation, the RPR app arms you with ice-breaking opportunities to show people important information about their real estate situation. For a step-by-step walkthrough on how to use the calculators, check out this article from our blog: The RPR App Adds new Estimated Equity and Mortgage Calculators. Use RPR to spark real estate conversations anywhere, at anytime As you can see, RPR is much more than just a mere research tool; it serves as a catalyst for engaging and meaningful conversations about properties and housing markets. By leveraging the wealth of data and insights provided by RPR, REALTORS® can elevate their conversations, build stronger relationships with clients, and establish themselves as trusted experts in a competitive market. To view the original article, visit the RPR blog. Related reading How RPR Can Enhance Your Real Estate Marketing Strategy [Podcast] How RPR is Helping Realtors Navigate a Challenging Market, with Reggie Nicolay RPR Announces the Winners of Their 'How's the Market?' Video Contest

Dollar-Productivity: What to Start, Stop, and Continue in 2024
Real estate moves fast, and in order to keep up, you have a lot to manage, maintain, and strengthen. With competing priorities and new goals for 2024, it's more important than ever to zero in on the strengths, weaknesses, and areas of opportunity for your business. This helps ensure you're maximizing dollar-productivity, or the tasks that will generate revenue for your business. By having a strong lay of the land for the current state of your business, you have ample opportunity to know what to start, stop, and continue to ensure success. Let's take a look at how you can execute this exercise. The First Step to Determining Ways to Maximize Your Productivity Before you dive headfirst into deciding what to start, stop, and continue in 2024 to drive more income, it's important you first get a lay of the land. Without knowing exactly where you're starting, it can be difficult to identify where you can pare down, and other places you can scale up. First, take a look at what daily tasks you're performing for each revenue-generating area of your business, like lead generation, marketing, and follow-up. Then, measure your own success metrics directly related to generating revenue. As you review 2023's performance, make sure to measure things like: How many leads are you generating? What are your best lead generation sources? How many phone calls are you making? How many calls does it take for you to have a conversation? How many conversations does it take for you to get a meeting? What's your client conversion rate? How about your lead conversion rate? By understanding the current state of your business, you'll have a strong grasp on areas of opportunity, things you can eliminate, and what you can strengthen this year. Doing this early in the year helps you gain the right footing on the path of planning ahead, especially since you're equipping yourself with a year's worth of fresh, recent data. How Exactly to Determine What to Start, Stop, and Continue in 2024 Now that you're deeply familiar with your key success metrics, you also have a good view into what's working, what can stay the same (or be kicked up a notch), and what you can cut out completely. Remember: the goal is dollar-productivity. This means you need to assess exactly which activities you're doing are ones that are either helping, hurting, or maintaining your revenue goals. Use each of the following areas to assess what you can start, stop, and continue for the year ahead. We recommend getting a piece of paper and creating columns for each of these actions and categorizing your efforts appropriately. Marketing and Lead Generation When it comes to deciding which of your marketing efforts are worth starting, stopping, and continuing, you have a lot of opportunity to refine in this space. Since we're approaching this from an income-based perspective, start by looking at your top-performing marketing sources from a lead volume and conversion perspective. Where are you generating the most leads? What is the conversion rate on those leads turning into clients? How long does it take for them to go from "client" to "closed deal"? Knowing what's working well will help you understand what you can continue. To know what to stop, flip these same questions on their head by looking at your lowest performers for marketing. Is there anything viable? Can anything be improved? If you answer "no," it's a good idea to trim the fat and stop those efforts. But if there's a chance things can be improved, like if you've transitioned to a new market, hired marketing help, or have acquired a higher marketing budget, formulate a game plan to continue these efforts, and set a timeline to ensure you're staying on track. Then, revisit these questions above. Follow-Up and Conversion Rates Your approach to follow-up is what gets looky-loos to become leads, who then turn into clients. Earlier, we recommended you measure your phone call volume, how many calls it takes to get a real conversation, and then the amount of chats that lead to an actual meeting with the prospective client. It's also important to assess your follow-up via email and text message. How many email and text touches does it take to get on the phone? How many to get a meeting? Analyzing these averages will help you find the sweet spot of turning casual conversation into committed clients. If you find your outbound phone call volume is sky-high with limited success, consider adding in email and text touchpoints. To view the original article, visit the Inside Real Estate blog. Related reading Double Down on These 5 Marketing Basics to Start Your 2024 Out Strong 24 Fresh Lead Generation Strategies for 2024 Top 5 Hot Tech Trends in 2024 and How They Will Benefit You

Top 5 Hot Tech Trends in 2024 and How They Will Benefit You
From artificial intelligence to next-generation devices, new tech tools promise to enhance efficiency, improve client relations, and, ultimately, help you grow your business. But wait – you have heard those promises made by other new tech breakthroughs in the past, right? How do you know that all the buzz about this new tech won't be another case of over-promising and under-delivering? Tech Helpline keeps an eye on emerging technologies that may impact real estate. Let's dive into five new technologies that will make waves in 2024 and explore how they can benefit your real estate business. 1. Personal AI assistants: The rise of digital efficiency Personal AI assistants are evolving, offering more than just reminders and weather updates – "Hey Alexa, what's the weather today?" Today's AI assistants can manage your schedule, handle client communications, and even generate reports, all through voice commands or simple text inputs. As they continue to integrate with various platforms, you will synchronize your tasks across devices, making your workflow seamless and efficient. Benefits for real estate agents For real estate agents, this means less time spent on administrative tasks and more time for client interaction and property showings. Imagine having an AI assistant that can schedule your open houses, send follow-up emails after a client or prospect call, remind you of crucial deadlines – and even answer your texts. This level of automation allows for a more personalized service to clients, as you can focus on their needs, reducing the stress of juggling multiple tasks. Application in action An agent could use a personal AI assistant to analyze market trends, compile compelling hyperlocal comparative market analysis reports, and perhaps provide a new way of creating listing prices based on data gathered from the same sources you use now and based on your process, but automatically. This speeds up your process and provides more data-driven approaches to your more complex tasks. 2. Your own ChatGPT: Tailored conversational AI ChatGPT, a conversational AI, has been customized for various industries, including real estate. This AI can engage in meaningful conversations with clients, answering their questions about properties, buying processes, and financing options in real-time. Its learning algorithm improves with each interaction, providing more accurate and helpful responses over time. It's what Ojo and Ylopo have been working on for years, but a more "lite" version. Advantages for agents The next wave of ChatGPT plugins may help revolutionize how you interact with clients. They might help you qualify leads, provide instant responses to inquiries, and even handle preliminary discussions, freeing you to focus on more complex negotiations and closings. Expect this new technology to be embedded in your website and, eventually, social media platforms, ensuring you're always available to your clients any time of the day. Real-world usage Imagine a scenario where a potential seller or buyer has questions in the middle of the night; you know from experience that it does happen. Your personal ChatGPT plugin can engage them, provide detailed information about listings, and even schedule viewings, ensuring that you don't miss out on opportunities just because you're offline. Then, it will give you the entire conversation before you take over and connect directly with the prospect. 3. New devices like Rabbit R1: Next-generation timesavers The Rabbit R1, perhaps the hottest new tech at the January Consumer Electronics Show (CES), stands out as what could be the best new tech tool for real estate. How many apps do you have on your phone? How many do you use daily? How many do you still need, but only occasionally? What if there was a device that could turn all your apps into an "Easy button"? Just tell it what you want, and it will deliver it back. That's what Rabbit R1 will do. It is a personal assistant to control your smartphone. A red-orange device half the size of your smartphone but a bit thicker costs $199. And it's harder to get than the first-gen iPad; it doesn't even ship until late March – the second batch of 10,000 units sold out in one day. This device uniquely aggregates and summarizes notifications and messages from various apps, including email and social media, into a single, streamlined summary. For real estate agents, who often toggle between multiple platforms to stay connected with clients and manage their listings, the Rabbit R1 offers a significant leap in productivity and time management. Benefits for the agent With the Rabbit R1, the daunting task of checking numerous apps for updates becomes a thing of the past. Imagine starting your day with a concise summary of all your communications across platforms. This capability allows agents to assess their priorities quickly, respond more efficiently to client inquiries, and manage their social media presence without switching between apps. The time saved can be redirected towards more valuable activities, such as client meetings and prospecting. Practical application Consider the scenario where an agent manages multiple listings across different platforms and communicates with clients through email, text messages, and social media. The Rabbit R1 can compile all messages related to each listing and present them in a unified view. This ensures the agent has all the relevant information at their fingertips, enabling them to provide timely and comprehensive responses. Because it protects the agent from overlooking messages, the Rabbit R1 enhances the agent's ability to maintain high client satisfaction and engagement levels. 4. Smarter smartphones: Enhanced capabilities for agents Smartphones are getting smarter, with next-gen features that agents will welcome, including better cameras for property photos and built-in AI that makes activities like maximizing your CRM or creating a market report a breeze. How agents benefit With more advanced smartphones, agents will better manage their business on the go, from having a CRM they use daily to reducing the time they spend marketing and on social media as automation assistance becomes a big deal. Smarter phones mean agents can provide faster, higher-quality information to clients. The better agents can leverage this new tech, the further they can distance themselves from the competition. In the field An agent gets a text from a prospect and has no idea who it is. Embedded AI could automatically search emails – and even the web – for missing email, phone, and other contact info, updating your CRM automatically. This may not happen this year, but this type of smarter tech is coming. Need a virtual staging photo? Soon, digitally creating fully outfitted rooms may be do-it-yourself from upcoming advancements. 5. Automated listings: Upload your photos, first! Automated listings technology uses computer vision and generative AI to simplify creating property listings. By simply uploading photos, AI-powered CV can identify home features automatically (Wolf stove, Subzero refrigerator). It also can instantly create photo captions for every photo. Advantages for agents This technology saves time and ensures that listings are optimized for visibility and appeal. More importantly, CV automatically ensures compliance: it can find people, logos, and other potential MLS violations before the listing is complete. It may even blur the suspect item to make the photo compliant. Agents can focus on face time with sellers and buyers, confident that their listings are competitive and compelling. In practice Do you struggle with writing engaging and compelling property descriptions for your listings? AI provided by Restb.ai, embedded in nearly every major MLS tech system in 2024, does everything mentioned, including providing different property descriptions to select from in various tones. Plus, an agent can edit anything before it's posted, making the property description their own. The new way to start a listing is to upload all the photos first! Embracing new technology These top tech trends offer exciting opportunities for real estate agents in 2024. By embracing personal AI assistants, ChatGPT, innovative devices like the Rabbit R1, taking advantage of smarter smartphones, and leveraging automated listings, agents can increase their efficiency by 3X or more, improve client satisfaction, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. These tools will streamline day-to-day operations and create new ways to grow and succeed in the real estate industry. Related reads From the Tech Helpline Blog: It's magic: new AI-powered software can make your photos look amazing 5 emerging technologies impacting real estate 3 best AI prompts for real estate agents Tricia Stamper is Director of Technology at Florida Realtors®, which owns both Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity.