As you look to improve your living situation, that age-old question has likely come up: “Is it really a good time to buy a house?” There’s no one right answer for everyone, of course. But with Read more...
As you look to improve your living situation, that age-old question has likely come up: “Is it really a good time to buy a house?” There’s no one right answer for everyone, of course. But with a look at the most favorable months for home buying, the overall market conditions, and your personal factors, you can make the best decision for your needs. To help you get started, here’s a look at what to consider on your mission to find the best time to buy a house.
Find Favorable Months
The time of the year you plan to buy a home matters when it comes to pricing, inventory, and ease of tackling your move. Each real estate market responds to the seasons differently, especially when severe weather systems come into play.
In areas with heavy snowfall, for example, winter brings a marked decrease in inventory because many people don’t want to move in the snow. In tornado-prone areas, the spring might come with lower inventory numbers instead. The silver lining is that inventory decreases bring down house prices due to the low competition for housing.
In general, late summer and early fall offer the best balance of inventory and pricing. To make sure, just ask a real estate agent in your area for the inside scoop about the best months for homebuying.
Look at the Market Conditions
Market conditions can have a big impact on everything from inventory and pricing to mortgage terms and interest rates. To figure out if the market favors your homebuying journey, take a good look at the overall real estate market conditions nationwide and in your area.
Then, look at the current state of the economy along with projections for the coming year. After that, you must look at your local job market, including the unemployment rate, to see how your local economy is faring.
Then, look at the current state of the economy along with projections for the coming year. After that, you must look at your local job market, including the unemployment rate, to see how your local economy is faring.
Consider When It’s the Best Time for You
No matter what the market is doing, your homebuying journey must happen on your time schedule. If you need housing right away and cannot find rentals that suit your needs, then it might be wise to start looking for a home to buy. Before you can do that, you must make sure that your income, savings, and credit score are ready for the mortgage application process.
If everything lines up, use your findings from the prior sections to get ready for what lies ahead. In periods of excellent housing availability, you’ll need to prepare for higher prices, bidding wars, and lots of showing appointments. When inventory is low, prices might come down, but you’ll have to look long and hard for a property that meets all your needs.
As you consider all these factors, it’ll become quite clear if it’s a good time to buy a home or if you should wait it out a bit. Just remember that market conditions can always change either way, so waiting it out might not get you the results you seek. But as long as you practice your due diligence, you’re on the right track to ensuring your success in properly timing your home purchase.
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The need for a quick sale is prompted by an opportunity. People, family, job change, or other needs mean that your client has to sell fast. No matter the reasons, a quick sale can often be a tough promise Read more...
The need for a quick sale is prompted by an opportunity. People, family, job change, or other needs mean that your client has to sell fast. No matter the reasons, a quick sale can often be a tough promise to make, even in a booming real estate market. Employing the tactics below can give you and your client the best chance of selling quickly for the price that you want.
1. Cultivate contacts with as-is buyers.
House flippers and people who buy real estate for the rental income are two groups who are typically open to as-is purchases and quick closing. Keep a list of these buyers as you encounter them and reach out when you have a property you want to sell in 7 days.
It pays to keep these relationships fresh even when you do not have a home to sell quickly. Email regularly to check in and ask about the types of properties they are currently seeking. Forward news articles that are of interest. By reaching out regularly, you keep yourself top of mind so they are quick to open your emails when you have a great property to share.
2. Give your sellers a crash course on staging.
First impressions always matter, but never as much as they do when you want to sell fast. Helping your sellers prep their home for market can make a huge difference in your results. Talk to them about the importance of tucking away personal items and removing furnishings to make rooms look bigger. Teach them how to show off features like great storage. In some cases, it can be worth the expense of bringing in professional home stagers.
By ensuring that the home looks beautiful and inviting for every open house and tour, you can increase the chances of winning a buyer's heart.
3. Suggest some quick, high-impact updates.
When you want to sell a listing in 7 days, there's no time for an extensive kitchen remodeling project. But, small, high-impact updates can help a lot.
Start with a focus on curb appeal. A freshly painted home entrance and neatly manicured landscaping start things off on the right foot. Inside, a fresh coat of paint can change the entire feel of a room. Finalize the effect with new lighting that makes the home look bright and welcoming.
4. Take amazing photos.
With today's phones, everyone has the ability to take images worthy of Architectural Digest. Increasing your skill with natural lighting photography can help you get great results. Professional photography lighting may be needed to get the best results in some rooms.
The right lighting and composition can truly showcase the elements that makethis property the perfect new home for one lucky buyer.
5. Invest in paid social media.
Organic growth on your social media channels helps with day-to-day exposure. But, when you have a special listing that you want to move fast, it can pay to invest in promoted posts. Careful audience curation ensures that your posts show up in front of the audience most likely to want to look at the home for sale.
It is also a good idea to be on multiple platforms. Facebook is a common choice, but do not neglect Instagram and Pinterest. Even TikTok can be useful. There are a number of agents who have amassed massive followings by presenting home tours on the video short app.
6. Optimize your real estate listings.
Listing sites like Zillow and Trulia offer far more listing customization than the MLS board does. Update your written description of the property with a call to action. Include your name and phone number and tell interested buyers how to get in touch.
You should also update your listing photos for the best impact. These sites automatically add all the images from your local MLS. Choose the best image of the front of the property and put it in image slot #1. For extra impact, edit the photo to add a custom banner with your contact information and your logo.
7. List low and start a bidding war.
An expert with Forbes Real Estate Council said that she had great success listing great homes for around 10% less than their current value. The combination of a well-staged home with great pictures and a low selling price brings in a ton of interest. Potential buyers are intrigued because one of the best looking houses in the area is also going for far less than comparable properties. By the time potential buyers are making offers, they will often push the price much closer to the seller's target price.
There is no one strategy that will guarantee a sale in one week. But, using the tips above can dramatically increase your chances of closing the deal quickly.
Love,
Kartik
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One of the best ways to ensure success as a real estate agent is to be an active and contributing member of your local community. Being a recognizable face provides you with a sustainable stream of Read more...
One of the best ways to ensure success as a real estate agent is to be an active and contributing member of your local community. Being a recognizable face provides you with a sustainable stream of prospects. It also gives you a chance to show your community that you care. Hosting community events allows you to connect with neighbors, build new connections, and highlight the vibrant culture of your local area.
Best Community Events for Real Estate Agents
There are many types of events you can organize to give something back to your community. The right ones for you will depend on your interests, talents, and what works best with the community around you. A few great examples:
holiday events. During the summer months, consider 4th of July outdoor concerts, picnics, and other fun in the sun. Spring provides opportunities for Easter Egg hunts. Get creative with charitable drives at Thanksgiving or Christmas.
professional workshops. These types of events can bring together groups who are interested in subjects like real estate investing or home improvement.
game nights. Choose a local charity to support with raffles or bingo, then invite everyone to have fun.
Benefits of Putting on Community Events
A community event can be a lot of work, but it provides great rewards for you and your community. Some of the benefits you can see from hosting an event:
awareness of your brand. This is a chance to get face to face with members of
your community. Hosting regular events helps you solidify your role as the real
estate agent local people think of first.
networking. People typically find a real estate agent by either approaching one they already know, or talking to someone in the community who they trust. By hosting events, you get a chance to meet new people and make valuable connections.
goodwill. Hosting a memorable evening or contributing to a local cause is something people remember.
How to Host an Event
Putting together a successful event takes a lot of work and organization. Think about what you will need for your event to work.
First, set a budget. This sets the stage for everything else that follows and allows you to determine the scope of your event.
Who is the optimal audience for your event? Think of the types of people you represent as a real estate agent and what would interest them most. If you mostly work with people who have small children, a child-oriented event like meeting Santa can be a great fit. An agent who works with retirees may decide to host a lecture or a classic rock music night.
Will you provide food and drinks at the event? Are there going to be giveaways or gift bags? See who you can connect with in the community for this. For instance, you can hire a local caterer for food, or source gifts and prizes from local businesses.
Partnering with other local businesses can help defray costs and share the benefits. For instance, you can reach out to a local event space for donated space for a charity event. Local radio stations may be amenable to interviewing you before the event or hosting a show from your location. Ask businesses in the community to put up posters and flyers to promote the event.
Determine how you will collect contact information from attendees. For small events, pre-registering or having a sign in sheet is a great way to get names, phone numbers and emails. for larger events, consider options like drawings where people share their contact info on either their business cards or a printed entry.
Once you have a concept and a place to host, it's time to start working out the details. Will you need event insurance? Do you need to set up a schedule and fill it with speakers? Do you need materials like signs, agendas, or worksheets?
Making the Most of the Benefits
A successful event can provide returns for weeks and months afterward. Create an event hashtag and encourage people to post their photos from the occasion. Take quality pictures of your own and print them to display in your office.
After your event, reach out and thank everyone who contributed. This sort of appreciation can cement the good will you generated by bringing everyone together.
If an event works well, consider making it an annual occasion. The more years you are able to host this event, the deeper your connections to your community, and your influence in it become.
Over time, you become the person people think of first when they are ready to buy or sell a local home. You'll be recognized as someone friendly and helpful, and just the sort of person they want in their corner when it comes to this important transaction.
Love,
Kartik
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Both prospecting and advertising can be great ways to bring in more clients for your real estate business. As an agent, you'll probably want to spend your time doing a little of each. But it's Read more...
Both prospecting and advertising can be great ways to bring in more clients for your real estate business. As an agent, you'll probably want to spend your time doing a little of each. But it's important to spend the majority of your energy on the area that will be the most valuable to you and your career. To do that, you need a good understanding of both of these methods of gaining clients. Here's what to know about prospecting vs. advertising, so you can decide where you want to focus your efforts.
What is Prospecting?
Prospecting is the concept of looking for your ideal clients. When you prospect, you need to know who you're looking for, where to find them, and how to attract them. That sounds simple, but in practice it can take a lot of time and consideration. The first thing is to determine your dream clients, and understand who they are. You may be looking for high-end clients only, or you may want to target middle-income people moving to your area for the jobs that are being created. There are all kinds of client groups.
When you prospect for clients, you want to be sure you have the right ones in mind. If you're not sure who they are yet, it's time to do some research and soul-searching. Once you have a client base that you're focused on targeting, the next step is to know where you can find them. You won't find most of your million dollar clients at the same places you'll find clients with more modest home-buying abilities, so knowing where to look is a big part of prospecting for your real estate clients.
As you learn more about your clients, what they like to do, and where they're likely to be, you can start looking at ways to get in front of them. Yes, that translates to advertising. But it's a different way of advertising. You're targeting a much smaller group of people, and you're also looking for people who you want to work with. That's not to say you won't take on other clients, but some are much more ideal to your goals and future plans than others. Prospecting focuses specifically on that client group, above any others.
What is Advertising?
Advertising doesn't take your ideal clients into account. Instead, it casts a broader net when it comes to finding people who want to work with you to buy or sell realestate. In other words, it's open to nearly everyone who needs your services. But that doesn't mean you don't have a target market you're most interested in. You might even direct your advertising dollars toward that market -- but you're not seeking ideal clients. You're only seeking typical clients.
Advertising is more about creating the conditions and interest levels that bring in the dream clients, as opposed to going out and specifically hunting for those clients, instead. As you do that, you'll also attract a lot of other clients that may not be ideal for you, but who will be clients you can work with or refer to others in the real estate profession. You may bring in a larger client base when you advertise versus when you prospect. But you'll need to be aware that some of these clients won't be a good fit for you.
Many real estate agents advertise in ways that are very open and inviting to the largest number of clients. For example, you may want to consider a billboard, or an ad on a bus or park bench. You may also advertise online with sponsored posts on social media, or put magnetic signs on the sides of your car. All of those ways to advertise can work for you, depending on the kinds of clients you're trying to attract, where they're located, and how much they're exposed to the advertising you're creating.
Which Option is Better?
There's no right answer to which option is a better one. They're both good choices, and which one of them will be right for you depends on what you're working toward with your real estate career and client base. Many agents are very focused on a big group of clients, and they want to bring in as many people as possible. Others are more interested in a specific niche of clients, and they'll cultivate that instead of looking for a wider audience. If you work toward ideal clients, you can also help others along the way.
What's the Bottom Line?
The bottom line on prospecting vs. advertising for any real estate agent, is that it's very important to know what direction you want to take. That way, you can spend your time and energy on the right type of clients, and the kind of cultivating that's going to work for your career and your future. In short, prospecting usually takes more work, but can produce more specific results. Advertising may be less detailed, but won't be as targeted toward ideal clients. Many agents use a mix, to build a strong client base.
Love,
Kartik
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As a newer agent, you might not really be sure about marketing or how much you should budget for your business. The good news is that your marketing budget can be whatever you want it to be, provided Read more...
As a newer agent, you might not really be sure about marketing or how much you should budget for your business. The good news is that your marketing budget can be whatever you want it to be, provided you can afford it. But you do need to spend some time setting up that budget and managing it correctly. Here's what to consider, and why you should use and stick to a marketing budget template.
What's In It?
The first thing to think about with a marketing budget template is what you want to put in it. You can find a template that's premade, but that might not give you all the areas you want to consider. It could also contain a lot of things you may not use or don't really need. That's not to say that premade marketing budget templates don't have any value, but only that you should carefully consider whether you want to use one, or would prefer to make a template of your own, that you can use and adjust as needed.
Fixed Costs
Fixed costs are one of the main sections that should be in a marketing budget template. These are the expenses that you have to incur when marketing. For example, that can be the yearly amount you've designated for client gifts or lunches. It could be the amount you spend every year on billboard ad space, putting your name on the side of a bus, or even buying business cards. Whatever you're doing to market yourself as a real estate agent, it's a fixed cost if it's stable and repeating at a certain price.
Variable Costs
Variable costs are just what they sound like. They're expenses that are part of your marketing budget, but that can change frequently. They aren't fixed, because they aren't the same all the time. But they're still very important and need to be included. For example, if you decide to spend more on seller leads one month, or you need to boost the sponsored posts you're putting on social media, those costs are variable. They're going to change all the time, and you can adjust them throughout the year.
How Do You Make One?
Making a marketing budget template as a real estate agent doesn't have to be difficult or confusing. You just need to know what specifics to include. Then you can set your amounts for each area, and come up with a total budget. As you move through the year, and record what you actually spent, you'll be able to see if you're on budget, under budget, or overspending in specific areas. That can mean making adjustments as needed, so the budget doesn't get out of control before you realize the problem.
Monthly Spending
Your monthly spending is one of the most important areas to track. You may create your real estate marketing budget for the entire year, but you don't want to just set it up and then forget about it until the year is over. Instead, you need to take a look at it every month, and make sure you see what you're really spending versus what you had planned to spend. If there's a big discrepancy, correcting it at that time helps to keep your budget on track. It's generally easier to make small changes more frequently.
Defining Channels
Every channel that you're using should be defined in the marketing budget. You don't want to leave anything out, or you'll end up with a budget that generally doesn't work for you. Whether you're a new real estate agent or you've been one for a long time, understanding your marketing budget can be a big part of how you handle your career. The more you plan for a budget that works for your needs, the more comfortable that budget will be. Some channels to think about adding include:
Seller Leads
Buyer Leads
Open Houses
SEO
Social Media
Billboards
Photography
Listing Advertising
Print Advertising
These may or may not be the kinds of channels you want to put into your marketing budget template. If you find that you aren't using some of these, or you need to break some of them down into additional categories, you can do that, as well. It's your budget template, and you should set it up the way you want it, so you'll get the most benefit from it. Keep in mind that a good template is one that you'll use, not one that looks fancy or that works for other people. Make sure you're creating it for you and your needs.
What are the Benefits?
The biggest benefit for you as a real estate agent is being able to truly see where your marketing budget is going. If you're spending too much and not sure why, or you don't feel like your marketing is getting the results you want, setting up a template is a great way to catch those kinds of problems. Then you can make changes that work for your future.
Love,
Kartik
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Are you looking to improve your home, either to get it ready to sell, or to make it more enjoyable to live in now? There are many DIY projects you can tackle to breathe new life into your home, without Read more...
Are you looking to improve your home, either to get it ready to sell, or to make it more enjoyable to live in now? There are many DIY projects you can tackle to breathe new life into your home, without spending a lot of money. Here are some you might want to consider.
1. Add Glass Cabinet Inserts
Glass cabinets are all the rage. They let you display some of your most beautiful
dishes while keeping them off of the counters, and they give the kitchen a bit
more character. You can upgrade to glass cabinets without completely gutting
your kitchen. Pick a couple of your cabinets and swap out the interior wood
panels with glass sheets, keeping the overall look of the cabinet intact while
providing visual interest in your kitchen.
2. Wallpaper Without Losing Your Mind
If the thought of wallpapering gives you flashbacks to serious issues, consider a peel-and-stick option instead of a traditional glued wallpaper. This can add a pop of color to your favorite room or brighten up an otherwise drab corner, and you can do it in an afternoon. When styles change, there’s no need to scrape and scratch to remove the wallpaper. Just peel it off and replace it with something that better fits your tastes.
3. Update Dated Fixtures
You’ll be surprised at the change if you remove a dated fixture and replace it with something more modern. Ceiling fans and lights go out of date quickly, but a simple swap will update the space. Since the wiring is already there, this does not have to be a complex project, and it can add quite a bit of character to the room.
4. Add Smart Home Features
Is your home “smart?” New smart home features, like a self-programmable thermostat or a camera doorbell, can make it more enjoyable to live in, while also helping you add value to your home. You can upgrade your entertainment system to be easily controlled on a mobile device, or add a smart appliance in the kitchen to make cooking easier. Consider adding smart home features that transform the energy efficiency of the space or make it more intuitive to the way you use your home.
5. Make Your Closets More Usable
Are your closets organized or chaotic? Sometimes a little refresh is what you need. Add shelving or hanging systems to the closet, then put in your belongings carefully to ensure you’re only keeping what you love. The closet organizing system will make it simpler to store your stuff in a useful way, and pairing down your items will keep the clutter at bay in the future.
6. Make a Home Office
Many people are working and schooling from home these days, but they may not have a space to do so. Consider turning an unused or non-essential closet into a home office space or transforming the guest room into an office room. In a closet, a desk and custom shelving are all it takes to create an office space, and you can remove the doors to make it less confined. This change will make your home more functional, and it could show additional value to a potential buyer in the future.
7. Swap Out Hardware
If your cabinets or closets are looking a little dated, consider swapping out the cabinet hardware. This will give the space an uplift without a lot of money invested. Updated, modern kitchen cabinet hardware can transform drab cabinets into something appealing, even without refinishing the wood. You can change hardware in your kitchen, bathroom, and closet or bedroom doors to make your home look more modern.
8. Paint It
If something in your home is not fitting your goals for your space, paint it. You can paint walls, trim, doors, and cabinets. Make sure the type of paint you use is appropriate for the surface you are painting, and if you are painting wood, sand it first. Otherwise, a gallon of paint and an afternoon can transform many spaces in your home.
9. Add Some Shelving
Many homes can benefit from additional storage, but knowing where to put it is not always easy. Look around your home and determine if you have any unused spaces where you can add shelving. Floating shelves, corner shelves, and built-in shelving can all give you additional storage and make use of an unused area of your home. You’ll love the function and look that this project brings.
10. Install Crown Molding
Crown molding adds quite a bit of character to your home, and it’s easier to install than you might think. Pick up pre-painted crown molding at your hardware store, trim it to size, and use a nail gun to attach it. If you don’t have a saw, ask the hardware store to cut it for you.
Fixing up your home doesn’t have to cost a lot or take much time. With a little work, you can transform your space and make it somewhere you are proud to live, all while adding value to it at the same time.
Love,
Kartik
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One of the best and most rewarding ways to grow your real estate business is through referrals. Real estate referrals allow your family and friends to tell other people what a great agent you are, and Read more...
One of the best and most rewarding ways to grow your real estate business is through referrals. Real estate referrals allow your family and friends to tell other people what a great agent you are, and they carry quite a bit of weight with new potential customers. Yet asking for referrals from family and friends often feels awkward. Having a script in your back pocket that you can use to request referrals will help you overcome this feeling of awkwardness and get you those valuable referrals.
Tips for Asking for Referrals
Before delving into specific scripts to use, first consider these important tips.
1. Ask in Person
If you are going to ask a friend or relative for a referral, ask in person. You are more likely to get a “yes” response when you are talking face-to-face with someone than if you ask via text or over email, which is much easier to ignore.
2. Request a Favor
Ask for the referral as a favor to you. This tactic makes the person feel like they are your hero, and this positive feeling increases the chances they will do it.
3. Don’t Make It About You
When having a conversation asking for a referral, make it about the person you’re talking to. Tell them were wonderful as a client or as a support to your growing business. Be genuine but supportive because this will help them want to help you out.
4. Leave Your Inner Salesperson Behind
As a real estate agent you probably have a bit of salesmanship inside. This is not the place to let it out. Keep the conversation personable and natural.
5. Look for an In
When asking for referrals from family and friends, you may not be working directly with a past client. These individuals can still give you referrals, but you need to find a way to ask. Watch for opportunists, such as questions like:
How’s the business going?
What’s the market like?
Any big sales lately?
After answering the question, ask for the favor of referrals. You’ll have the chance to show your knowledge and then turn the conversation around toward what you need.
6. Keep It Short
Don’t linger over the referral request. People will zone out, and you won’t get any referrals. Keep it simple and short.
7. Give Them an Out
A phrase like “no pressure” or “if you want” gives someone an out. No one wants to feel pressured into a referral they aren’t comfortable delivering.
Real Estate Referral Program Scripts
So just how do you ask for the referral. As you get more comfortable, the asking will get more natural, but while you’re learning, consider one of these scripts for in-person conversations:
“Hey _____! It was great catching up today. Hey, you know I’ve been growing my
real estate business. Could I ask a favor? If you know someone who is looking for an agent, give them my name. I’d really appreciate it!”
“By the way, most of my business comes from word of mouth. I love how personal it is. If you know someone who could use my help, pass my name along. Thanks!”
“By the way, do you know I sell real estate ? I’ve been doing it for ___ years, and I’ve been wondering if you have talked to anyone lately who’s thinking about buying or selling? If you do, would you keep me in mind? Thanks!”
You should also have a script for social media contacts. Use social media posts to
share a story, then request referrals:
“Check out this recent sale! The Johnson family is so thrilled with their new home. Take a look at those walk-in closets! Do you know someone looking to buy? I can help!” — Make this post about the story of the sale, then tag on the ask at the end.
“Did you know? 75% of my work comes from referrals from people like you. I couldn’t do it without you!” — This is effective because it makes it all about the reader, and you don't even ask! Yet if someone reading it needs real estate help, they’ll know you want a referral.
Remember to tweak the script to make it personal to the conversation, and don’t linger on it. While you won’t get a referral every time, you will get some, and that will help your real estate business to grow.
Remember to Follow Up
Follow-up is key when looking for referrals, but it can feel very sales-y. Try to weave conversation about your real estate business into your conversations about life. It's a big part of your life, so it should be fairly easy to do this.
Start Growing Your Network
Finally, start growing your network of people you know in the local community. Get out and involved in community events and charity work. Add people to your social media pages when you meet them and take a genuine interest in them and their lives. This will help you grow a network that will eventually lead to more referrals.
The key to making a successful request for a referral is to keep things personal. Take a genuine interest in the person you’re talking to, then weave the conversation around to your goal. This will help you appear less like a salesperson and more approachable, which will generate a better number of referrals for your business.
Love,
Kartik
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Customer Relationship Management software (CRM) can be one of the best ways for a new real estate agent to become more effective at managing the varied aspects of their business. With CRM software, you Read more...
Customer Relationship Management software (CRM) can be one of the best ways for a new real estate agent to become more effective at managing the varied aspects of their business. With CRM software, you will be able to make better use of your time, enhance your sales and marketing efforts, gain practical knowledge concerning lead generation and servicing, client contacts, deal forecasting and profitability, and gain a powerful sales reporting tool. Use it to schedule your bookings and appointments, manage more leads and close more deals. Chances are that if you join an established brokerage firm as a newly-licensed agent, there will already be a CRM in place. However, based on 2021 information, here's an overview of the 10 most-highly-rated platforms on the market in 2021. They are tailored to help you become the real estate "superstar" you want to be.
Monday CRM
This award-winning software boasts an extremely user-friendly and intuitive interface and is thoroughly customizable with no need for coding or IT. It's also extremely flexible and allows high-level collaboration between sales, marketing & customer service teams. With a 9.9 rating on a 10-point scale, it also offers a 14-day free trial and is budget-friendly at a rate of $8 per month per user, with a minimum of three users.
Pipedrive
This highly-rated CRM puts the focus on managing leads and closing deals, with the ability to easily track calls, emails and contact history, in addition to more than 150 advanced integrations. It is suitable both for small business and enterprise use, and features an exceptional customer support response time of one minute or less. It, too, is priced per user, at a current rate of $12.50 a month,and has a 14-day free trial.
Fresh sales
This CRM offers an automation solution that simplifies both pipeline tracking and individual account management for sales teams. With drag-and-drop navigation, and a built-in ability to predict revenue and forecast sales, it is highly customizable and relies on AI to help users with sales forecasts and revenue predictions. It is probably best for sales teams that will benefit from insights into the best deals to pursue. It offers a 21-day free review, but its more expensive than the previous two options.
KEAP
This platform, available as a mobile Android app, gives users the ability to easily integrate CRM, marketing and sales automation and payments. Agents can personalize messages sent to clients or leads, automate follow ups, access all client activity in one place, and sync with Gmail or Outlook inboxes. With a strong focus on tracking of customer activity, this is a good CRM for a single user interested in client management and messaging. It also offers a 14-day free trial and is reasonably priced.
Capsule
The biggest advantage of this CRM is its ease of use and quick setup. Although simplicity may be its major attraction, it offers the ability to attach an unlimited number of documents to lead records, in addition to the ability to share leads with other team members. Deemed highly advantageous for new real estate agents, it requires minimal training and offers a generous 30-day trial. It,too, can be integrated with Gmail or outlook. Data import or export is also easy with Capsule.
VCITA
If you're seeking a CRM designed for small businesses, this might be the perfect choice for you. It is flexible and intuitive, but still offers integration with dozens of other platforms, and has strong tools to maximize customer engagement and track follow-up efforts. In addition, it provides a distinctive client portal that allows for some unique self-service use and easy exchange of documentation. It not only includes tools for customizable workflow automation and a built-in billing and invoicing system, but it is available for both Android and iOS mobile apps. VCITA offers a 14-day trial period and pricing varies.
Whether you are a solo entrepreneur or a member of a real estate team, there are many different software packages that you might consider. Each will have pros and cons, and not all are best for newly-licensed real estate agents. Deciding which one will best suit your needs can be difficult. In general, cloud-hosted solutions that can be quickly deployed offer the most flexibility, and those with a large user community and good support network will typically be easier to set up and use.
Many CRMs offer a free trial but beware of "free" or very low-price software. Look for a CRM with the ability to connect or integrate with other services you use. Read the reviews of the various products, thoroughly analyze your personal needs and expectations, evaluate CRM support-team availability and, if possible, talk to other users and ask for advice and insights from experienced brokers and other real estate professionals before making a decision. The free trials offered by most CRMs can provide needed time for you to evaluate the ease of use and suitability of a specific platform. However, understand that there are distinct advantages to be gained from early adoption of a CRM as you begin your real estate career and look forward to success in the exciting world of real estate. To read more about how to begin your career and become a real estate agent and to read more success stories from other agents you can go to our website to learn more https://www.adhischools.com.
Love,
Kartik
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The basic goal of having a professional presence on social media is to increase your visibility among prospective clients. Your goal should be to establish trust and a professional persona, "friends" Read more...
The basic goal of having a professional presence on social media is to increase your visibility among prospective clients. Your goal should be to establish trust and a professional persona, "friends" and “likes" are a by-product of your content but should not be the goal.
I’m going to go through the various platforms in this article and explain how they can be used to obtain business. If you’re wondering what to post online, I wrote an article about this here that might be of interest to you.
You should strive to develop and maintain a social media presence that is diverse and steady and demonstrates to the public that you are knowledgeable and competent and likable.
Does that sound like a tall order? It does not have to be. It doesn't have to take much time each week, but your activity on the various platforms should be coordinated and deliberate. You don’t have to be a professional writer, nor an accomplished photographer, but you should strive for personable and authentic posts.
The Giants of Social Media
The big four social media platforms are Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn with TikTok quickly accelerating and hoping to catch up to the established players. This will change over time, however. If you read old articles on the business of social media you’ll see references to Flickr, Myspace and even Friendster so I know that this article isn’t going to age well - but that’s kind of the point. Being able to bob and weave and pivot to where the puck is “going to be” will help you stay fresh and relevant as a business person.
You really have to be fine with trying different approaches on all platforms. Some real estate agents find YouTube to be highly effective, while others migrate in the direction of short form TikTok videos or more graphic social media sites like Pinterest.
Facebook
With more than 2.7 billion users worldwide, Facebook could be seen as the anchor of your social media presence. Although it may not be the younger generation's favorite, your real estate clientele is likely to be among its users so embrace it.
There is a debate around the ratio of personal posts compared to business ones. A best practice here would be to try all sorts of things until you find a rhythm that works for you and your audience.
We would love to get you know you on Facebook! Connect with us here.
Instagram
Instagram is a quick and effective way to share photos and video content with your followers. With 1.2 billion monthly active users, it is another indispensable way to reach potential clients and boost your following. Another advantage is that, because of its affiliation with Facebook, each Instagram post can be shared on Facebook, and vice versa making posting to both platforms seamless.
Don’t forget that Instagram has cool buttons like “vote”, “quiz”, and question/answer type buttons. These interactive features allow you to get to know your audience and also provides insight into what your followers like. If you are interested in connecting with our real estate school on Instagram we would love to connect!
Twitter
Tweets are short (they have been increased to 280 characters from their former 140) and short-lived, and the platform is instantaneous in a way all its own. It doesn't take much time to get the hang of it, and it can gain you a following fairly quickly as a knowledgeable real estate professional when used correctly. It's an ideal way to share information -- such as a daily change in the interest rate, an interesting new listing, or a price reduction -- with your followers.
LinkedIn
Microsoft purchased this business-oriented social media platform and its influence among professionals cannot be underestimated. LinkedIn also gained importance during the pandemic as the platform for B2B interaction. Be sure your personal profile is complete and that you use a professional photo for your headshot. Regular posts and interaction with other professionals is beneficial.
LinkedIn can also be used to gain referrals for your real estate business from out of area agents. Every referral received by a real estate agent can be worth $10,000+ so being recognized as the go-to agent in your area can be very valuable.
If you are one of our real estate school students, there’s nothing wrong with you posting right now that you are enrolled in our real estate classes online on your LinkedIn so that your audience knows that you are going to be a future real estate agent.
Develop a Posting Calendar
Develop a social media schedule. Aim for a minimum of two or three social media posts each week on each platform in the beginning and share links between platforms when appropriate. Send a tweet to point followers to a Facebook post, for instance, or share an Instagram photo automatically to your Facebook page. Write a short article for LinkedIn and post a short sentence and a link on Facebook. Use Twitter to tell your followers that a specific home you listed just closed, that the price on a specific property was lowered, or that interest rates are slated to rise next week, according to the latest financial news.
Encourage interaction, try your level best to respond to comments, and thank your followers for their support. Introduce a new buyer to the community by posting a photo of them at their new front door (with their permission, of course). Lend your support to a community event or don’t be shy to promote your latest achievement to your audience. Share a humorous story or post a cute "puppy" picture just for the fun of it. Just make sure your posts are believable, accurate and in good taste. And have fun with social media.
When done properly you’ll reap the reward through increased business.
If you are interested in getting started in real estate courses, click here or reach out by phone at 888-768-5285 or @ us! :)
Love,
Kartik
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Downsizing your home comes with a wide range of different benefits. Sometimes your kids have left the home to go off to college and you just don't need as much space any longer. Other times, you realize Read more...
Downsizing your home comes with a wide range of different benefits. Sometimes your kids have left the home to go off to college and you just don't need as much space any longer. Other times, you realize that you never needed as much space in the first place. Regardless, it can be a great way to free yourself of some clutter and also save some money on your monthly bills at the exact same time.
When you do search for a smaller home, there are a few key things you should look for. Chief among these is how much square footage your new home will have. You'll also want to examine the potential for storage spaces depending on the amount of items you're bringing with you. But more than anything, you want to consider WHY you want to downsize. Are you doing this for yourself, or are you doing this because you think you need to? Regardless, once you make the decision and you begin to embark on this journey, there are a few key tips you need to downsize to a smaller home that are always worth remembering.
Downsizing Your Home: What You Need to Know
By far, the most important thing to remember when moving into a smaller space is that you should begin by making a list of all those personal belongings and other items that you don't really need anymore. You should do this before you start to pack, as it can save you a tremendous amount of effort in the long run. Take an inventory of your items and try to separate anything out that you truly know you don't need. If you were a collector who no longer has a passion for what was your former favorite hobby, consider getting rid of those items. If you have four television sets but know that you're only going to need two at your new place, sell them before you have to move to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
Along the same lines, you should also use apps to sell your stuff. Obviously, there is always eBay - you can list virtually anything you want at a certain price and let people bid on it until it sells. But there are also options like the Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor that allow you to listen items that will be visible to people who are in your immediate geographic area. This can potentially be a great way to not only sell items, but to do so without needing to ship them because you can have buyers come pick them up by way of a "Local Pickup Only" option.
At the same time, you should also start cleaning out your wardrobe for any items that you don't wear anymore. More than anything, you want to try to visualize the new space that you're moving into and how your new items might fit into it. If you have a particular type of bed, for example, walk into your new bedroom and try to envision where it may best be positioned. Do the same with other furniture that you have to try to create a mental image ahead of time of where those items may best be located. This, too, will save you a lot of trouble during the move itself. Just because you don't like a particular shirt anymore doesn't mean that someone else won't, after all.
Maximizing the Space in a Small House
Once you actually move into your new home, you'll probably find that a bit of an adjustment period is necessary. After all, you're used to a certain amount of space and those immediate days and even weeks after the move can begin to feel a little cramped. Thankfully, there are a number of techniques that you can use to maximize the space in a smaller home - chief among them being the installation of wall mounted storage. Many big box furniture stores offer wall mounted storage and you can also likely find custom solutions in your area. The benefit here is that you still get all of the space made available by shelves and cabinets, but you're not taking up any additional floor space, either. This in and of itself is a great way to take an admittedly small room and make it feel as big as possible.
At the same time, you should also consider opportunities to increase storage space in your kitchen. People often don't realize just how many kitchen utensils and other items that they have until it comes time to try to find a place for them. Whether this means installing new storage or coming up with a more inventive solution will obviously vary depending on the situation - but this is definitely one of those areas that you should focus a lot of your attention on.
You can also consider shopping for multi-functional furniture - meaning those pieces that serve more than one purpose. A couch doesn't just have to be a couch - it can also fold out into a bed to give people a place to sleep when they come visit. Oftentimes you can find an ottoman for the living room that acts both as that and as a convenient storage location for remote controls, gaming consoles and similar items. Downsizing can change your life for the better. It can help you free yourself from clutter and save money as well. Overall, if you have the opportunity to do so it's a good idea - and tips like those outlined above will certainly help.
Love,
Kartik
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