You can finally apply for your real estate license online! It’s easy to do and you can upload all documents on the website https://secure.dre.ca.gov/elicensing/
To get started, you’ll need to create Read more...
You can finally apply for your real estate license online! It’s easy to do and you can upload all documents on the website https://secure.dre.ca.gov/elicensing/
To get started, you’ll need to create an account through e-licensing. During the
online application process you can pause at anytime and return later to pick up
where you left off.
Choose from 4 different types of applications:
Sales exam only
Sales exam and license combo
Brokers exam only
Brokers exam and license combo
Keep in mind if you apply for the exam only, you will have to go back onto the
e-licensing site to apply for your license after you pass your test.
If the application type is a combo exam and license, there will be an area for youto enter the main office address of where you will hang your license. If you do not have a designated office yet, click on the checkbox “I do not have a main office address at this time. Please issue my license in a non-working status.”
You’ll need to provide your social security number, driver’s license and proof of education which are your real estate class certificates. If you have changed your name you’ll need to provide any name change documents you have. Acceptable documents would be a marriage certificate or court order. Save all your uploaded
forms as PDF then upload.
Online payment methods accepted are:
For Credit cards
Visa, Mastercard, Amex, & Discover
For Debit cards
Visa & Mastercard
At the bottom of the page, there are two buttons. Click the “Sign and Pay” button when you are ready to submit the application to DRE. If you are not ready to submit the application, click the “Sign Later” button to return to the home page.
To check the current application processing timeframes, there is a link below the existing online applications table, which has more information, or navigate
directly to http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/CurrentTimeframes.html
If you need to get started on your real estate classes here's how
Love,
Kartik
|
Launching your career as a real estate agent is an exciting venture filled with opportunities. But along with it comes the responsibility of managing your finances, particularly understanding the nuances Read more...
Launching your career as a real estate agent is an exciting venture filled with opportunities. But along with it comes the responsibility of managing your finances, particularly understanding the nuances of tax deductions. I wanted to write an article designed to help you navigate the intricate world of real estate tax considerations, shedding light on essential aspects that could maximize your earnings. Let's dig in and untangle the complexities of taxation so that you can focus on what you do best - making successful real estate deals.
As you venture into your journey as a real estate agent, it's crucial to understand how your earnings and taxes are structured. As you know, your income will predominantly be based on commissions from property sales and leases. Since you're classified as an independent contractor, you'll receive IRS Form 1099 at the end of each tax year. This classification makes understanding tax write-offs an important aspect of your real estate business. To ensure this guide provides the most value, let's delve deeper into tax considerations that every Realtor needs to know.
Classifying Realtors for Tax Purposes
Real estate professionals operate under a brokerage, but unlike traditional employment, they aren't classified as W-2 employees. Realtors are self-employed individuals running their businesses within the framework of their affiliated brokerages. This means that you're in charge of paying your taxes every year, and it's really important to know about possible tax deductions to help you manage your money better.
Understanding Tax Deductions: An Important Step for Realtors
A tax advisor can provide detailed guidance on what expenses can and cannot be deducted. However, a basic understanding of potential deductions from the onset of your real estate career is beneficial. This awareness will help you keep detailed records of your expenditures, an essential practice should you ever face an IRS audit.
Ordinary expenses that a Realtor can deduct span various areas of their professional activities. For example, mileage tracking becomes necessary, given how much travel the typical real estate agent does.
Similarly, marketing materials can be written off to promote your real estate services or property listings—such as business cards, direct mail postcards, open house signs, flyers, staging, professional photography and signage. Given its broad requirements and applicability, the IRS advertising expense deduction is a valuable resource for Realtors.
Beginning Your Realtor Journey: Costs and Deductibility
Starting your career as a real estate agent involves various costs that you should be aware of. For example, agents focusing on residential sales must join the California Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors after obtaining your real estate license. These fees, while necessary, are business expenses that can be written off on your taxes.
Access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) database, a vital tool for any Realtor, and Supra E-Key lock system also require payment. Furthermore, your brokerage may levy a desk fee and other monthly dues. All these costs are integral to doing business and can be written off as business expenses on your tax return.
Working from Home: Deducting Home Office Expenses
In today's digital age, remote working has become commonplace, bringing home office expenses into focus. If you're operating your real estate business from home, you can write off a portion of home-related expenses. This might include a portion of your costs for phone, computer, internet, and a portion of utilities. The IRS provides clear guidelines on calculating these deductions, depending on the size of your home office and its dedicated use for your business.
Building Client Relationships: A Closer Look at Deducting Gifts and Meals
As a real estate agent, fostering strong relationships with your clients is at the heart of your business. Often, this involves offering stellar professional services and nurturing these relationships on a personal level. This can mean taking a client out for a meal or gifting them a token of appreciation upon the successful closing of a sale. Let's delve deeper into understanding the tax implications of these client relationship-building expenses.
The Art of Gifting in Real Estate
Gift-giving is an integral part of the real estate profession. It's not uncommon for Realtors to present clients with closing gifts as a token of appreciation for their business or as a warm gesture to celebrate their new home.
When it comes to the tax implications of such gifts, the IRS imposes a limit. Only the first $25 spent on gifts for each person each year can be deducted. While this may seem modest, it's essential to remember that this limit applies per person. If you're gifting something to a couple or a family, the amount can be multiplied by the number of individuals.
This deduction may appear minor, but these gift deductions can cumulatively reduce your taxable income as you expand your client base. It's important to note that the $25 limit does not include incidental costs like engraving, packaging, or mailing, so these can be deducted in addition to the gift cost.
Client Meals: A Recipe for Deductions
Taking your clients out for meals is another common practice among real estate agents. Whether it's a casual lunch to discuss listing options or a celebratory dinner after a successful deal, business meals are a part of the real estate profession. The tax code recognizes this, allowing Realtors to deduct 50% of the meal's cost as long as the meal is business-related.
The nature of the meal is important here. It needs to be directly related to the active conduct of your real estate business or associated with a substantial and bona fide ordinary and necessary business discussion. It's best practice to keep detailed records of these meals, including the business purpose and the individuals present.
Remember that while client meals offer a chance for a deduction, they also present an excellent opportunity for building deeper relationships with your clients. By understanding your client's preferences and tastes, you can tailor these experiences to create a lasting impression, reinforcing your reputation as a thoughtful and dedicated professional.
In summary, while client gifts and meals are excellent ways to strengthen your relationship with clients, they also offer tax benefits. You must track these expenses diligently and work with a tax professional to maximize these deductions effectively. As a real estate agent, these relationship-building activities are an investment in your clients and a strategic move for your business's financial health.
Expanding Your Business: Don't Overlook Commission Deductions
As your real estate business grows and flourishes, you may pay commissions to other agents or employees who work with or under you. These commissions are an ordinary expense often overlooked but can offer substantial deductions. It's important to keep detailed records of these payments as they can quickly accumulate and provide significant tax relief.
Your Guide to Maximizing Deductions
It must be directly related to your real estate business to qualify as a deductible expense. As a real estate professional, it's crucial to consult with a tax advisor and refer to IRS Publication 535 for a detailed list of potential deductions. Meticulous record-keeping, staying updated with tax laws, and clearly understanding eligible write-offs are your keys to maximizing your tax deductions.
Navigating the complexities of tax deductions may seem daunting initially, but with the proper knowledge and planning, you can confidently manage your real estate business's financial aspect. Don’t forget to consult with your tax advisors to make sure you are applying these rules properly.
Are you embarking on a career in real estate? Remember to check out our interactive quiz to learn more about what this exciting and rewarding career offers!
Love,
Kartik
|
Homeownership is an essential part of the American Dream. Most people that are seeking to own a home turn to buying an existing home. It might not be exactly what you want, but you can see and feel it. Read more...
Homeownership is an essential part of the American Dream. Most people that are seeking to own a home turn to buying an existing home. It might not be exactly what you want, but you can see and feel it. You also have the option of building your own home. Let’s compare buying a home versus building a home.
Buying an Existing Home
Shopping for a new home can be fun and exciting as you plot the next journey in your life, but it can also be stressful. In tight markets, you must plan on bidding wars and making quick decisions. Getting pre-approved by a bank will tell you what you can afford and the type of home you can buy.
When you buy an existing home, you see exactly what you are getting. You can envision what the house will look like when you move in. Sure, you need to look past the wallpaper or outdated light fixtures, but those are cosmetic changes you can replace on your own time schedule.
After you find the house you like and agree on a price, you can expect the time it takes to close on your home to be from 30 to 60 days, depending on your bank’s mortgage approval process and the legal process in your state.
Be aware of the competition for the home you want. The better homes will sell fast, often within days of being listed for sale. If you want a move-in ready home, you need to have your paperwork in order and be ready to make an offer.
Building a Home
If the town you want to move to doesn’t have the type of home you are looking for, or you just want to build that perfect new home, then building a home is an exciting alternative. You will need to shop for a buildable lot and deal with zoning regulations, permits and contractors.
Building your own home can be an exciting process. You get to make all of those important decisions like designing the floorplan and selecting energy-efficient appliances. A good architect will guide you through the process.
This process takes time, often more than a year, from the time you purchase a lot to the time you can move in. In addition to obtaining a construction loan, you will need to obtain permits, attend hearings, hire contractors, and oversee the entire process.
It can be a challenge to build your home. You may need to deal with purchasing mistakes, poor materials, construction errors and even environmental factors like bad weather. Home construction projects often run over budget.
When deciding between buying a home or building a home, no matter what direction you take, you should obtain the advice of a licensed real estate professional who can guide you through the entire process from start to finish.To get your own real estate license start here - To take our quiz Should I become a real estate agent?
Love,
Kartik
|
Buying a home is a huge commitment – arguably, one of the biggest commitments you'll make in a lifetime. Because of this, the buying process can’t be taken lightly. Homeownership comes with many new Read more...
Buying a home is a huge commitment – arguably, one of the biggest commitments you'll make in a lifetime. Because of this, the buying process can’t be taken lightly. Homeownership comes with many new responsibilities, and finding the perfect property takes both patience and due diligence. However, if done correctly, owning a home can be both financially and personally rewarding.
Whether you’re buying your first home or your “forever” home, it’s incredibly easy to fall in love with a certain property and overlook vital details. If you’re ready to take the leap, you need to ask some key questions before buying a home.
The logical place to start in any home search is determining your budget. If you don’t consider how much you can afford independently of a mortgage company, you run the risk of taking on the maximum loan you’re approved for – whether you can actually afford that payment or not. In general, it’s smart to keep your monthly payment at or below 25 percent of your take-home pay.
While many prospective buyers are under the assumption a 20-percent down payment is required to buy a home, this is simply not the case. In fact, the average first-time buyer puts just six percent down, and certain loans require as little as zero. The right down payment for you depends on your financial situation, savings and goals. However, if you can afford it, a 20-percent down payment allows you to avoid paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI).
The down payment isn’t the only cash you’ll be spending on closing day. You’ll most likely also be responsible for closing costs, which can range from between two and five percent of your home’s purchase price. Your lender will provide you with a complete breakdown of the costs before closing day.
Keep in mind, the longer a home has been on the market, the more motivated a seller might be to make a deal. This means you may have more flexibility in the initial offer, terms, credits Keep in mind, the longer a home has been on the market, the more motivated a seller might be to make a deal. This means you may have more flexibility in the initial offer, terms, credits and more. While many homes sit on the market simply because the original listing price was too high, there are some cases where there is something drastically wrong with the home. Either way, a thorough inspection is important.
Always do your research regarding the local real estate market and recent sales in the neighborhood to help you determine if the asking price for the home you want is reasonable. This data can help you negotiate a lower offer or certain concessions, such as closing costs.
The quality of a neighborhood is one of the main reasons people choose to buy a certain home. It will also affect your ability to sell the home in the future. Because of this, it’s extremely important to research things like safety, convenience, schools and more.
Understanding a seller’s motivations for moving can give you more room for negotiation. A good buyer’s agent should be able to figure this information out and gauge how flexible the seller might be. For example, a seller relocating to a new state for a job will most likely be more motivated to negotiate than a seller simply exploring the market.
Do some research into the property’s history of insurance claims because it may affect your ability to get homeowners insurance and/or the price you’ll pay for insurance coverage. Because of this, it’s important to ask the seller for the full history of insurance claims.
Avoid taking on debt for furniture and decorations. Use what you already have, buy used and take it one room at a time. Many first-time buyers feel the need to take on another loan or more credit card debt to furnish their new place. It’s not always necessary!
Buying a home is a huge financial investment, and it is your responsibility to put in the necessary time and effort when researching potential properties. Asking the right questions and being fully prepared about the home buying process before placing an offer can save you both money and headaches down the road.
Love,
Kartik
|
Over the past year as more people have been working from home, many people are realizing their home needs are also changing. Working from home is on the rise so now is the time to reevaluate your changing Read more...
Over the past year as more people have been working from home, many people are realizing their home needs are also changing. Working from home is on the rise so now is the time to reevaluate your changing real estate needs to find the home that works best for you.
Working from Home Gives You Options and Flexibility
You may have found that working from home gives you options you didn’t have before. A majority of the workforce doesn’t need to be tied down to one specific area to do their job. These workers now have more flexibility and can pretty much live wherever they want. This means these workers can now move to a lower cost of living area or the location they have always dreamed of. You may be able to find a home in a more affordable area and get more house for your dollar. You’ll start to enjoy new benefits such as having more space and a dedicated home office. With the requirement of commuting gone, remote workers can now live in an area where they have always dreamed of vacationing, whether this is the mountains or near the beach. Relocating to a highly desired area also means you can live in an area that gives you better amenities, whether it’s the community or weather. Without a specific location for the job, the options are practically endless, and you can find your ideal spot. More people are moving away from the big cities and work centers, such as Los Angeles, Miami, Boston, New York, and San Francisco, entirely in favor of suburbs and more relaxed living. People may choose to go to communities that have a better quality of life but fewer job opportunities since they no longer must live where job opportunities are.
Flexibility Even for Part-Time Remote Workers
Some employees are now going back to the office part time, but this doesn’t mean that all flexibility is lost. Relocating within the region that gives you a better location but is a bit further away from the office can still be a good choice. You may have a longer commute, but you won’t be going into the office every day.The longer commute could be worth it to have a home with more comforts,space, or features. If you are going to be working from home, then finding a home that better suits your needs can be a priority.
Having a Home Office
Whether you are home part time or full time, having a home office is a necessity.Working from home has people recreating rooms in their homes to be used as office space. Some are looking to sell and buy homes with offices already in their new homes. Most people are seeing this as an opportunity to get the house they have always wanted so you can work comfortably from your home and still have a work life balance.
Love,
Kartik
|
In a host of different ways, real estate is a truly great business to get into. Not only does it bring with it the potential to make a significant amount of money, but it also offers flexibility and the Read more...
In a host of different ways, real estate is a truly great business to get into. Not only does it bring with it the potential to make a significant amount of money, but it also offers flexibility and the power to be your own boss. But before you decide to get started with your own career in the industry, try taking this quiz, "Should I become a real estate agent?" Do your research and know that there are a few important things to keep in mind.
The Ins and Outs of Being a Real Estate Agent: Your Guide
By far, the most important thing you need to understand about being a real estate agent is that it takes a tremendous amount of time to be successful.
Building your business takes time and consistency. It takes time to build your clientele. Direct mail marketing is a good way to market your business by mailing out direct mail marketing materials to let people know what is going on the local market and that now might be a good time to sell. Let people know who you are, what your focus is and how you can help them. Consistently build your outreach efforts to get your name in front of as many people as possible. By being consistent with this method, you will eventually find a buyer or seller who will become your client!
Likewise, you need to be aware that you can't just wake up one morning and declare yourself a realtor - before you get started you are required to take a wide range of different courses and you'll have to take the state exam. But beyond that, understand that all of those governing laws change on a regular basis - which is why it takes continuing education courses to actually keep your license.
In a general sense, one of the most critical things to understand about a career in real estate is that real estate agents do not get regular paychecks. You would think that people would know that by now, but you'd be surprised by how many people are shocked to hear this.
Real estate is a commission-based enterprise, meaning that the more you work, the more you make. You make more money on more expensive homes, and so on and so forth. But the reverse is also true - if you have a particularly slow period where you're not selling (or helping to buy) any homes at all, you're not generating income during that time.
This can be a difficult thing for people to wrap their heads around, which is why you need to make a business plan and stick with it. Based on your personal financial goals and business expenses, sit down, and calculate exactly how much money you need to make during a given period. With that, you can reverse engineer the total number of transactions that you need to be involved in to meet that goal. That will tell you how many new leads you need to generate on a monthly basis, which in turn will give you a good indication of what you need to be doing every day.
Yes, it's true that there is the potential to make seven figures in real estate. People do it all the time. But it's hardly a passive form of income - meaning that if you want to get to that level, you're going to have to work for it.
Finally, understand that real estate agents work long hours and irregular days - meaning that if you're coming into the business looking for something like a more traditional "9 to 5" experience, you'll likely want to look elsewhere. Oftentimes you'll need to show homes on nights and weekends. You might put in 12 hours or more one day trying to get a home ready for showing. But as stated, the earning potential is incredibly so if you're able to be successful, the effort will be more than worth it.
In the end, there will always be a need to buy and sell real estate - meaning that there will always be a need for real estate agents. The market goes up and down and some periods will be more fertile than others, but if you truly understand trends and "get" how the local market works, you can find a tremendous amount of success in the field.
If you approach your real estate career by having realistic expectations and a good understanding of what you need to accomplish your goals, there is truly no limit to what you can accomplish.
If you want to become a real estate agent, see these motivational success stories from top realtors
Love,
Kartik
|
Great Ideas to Help You Maintain Client Relationships in Real Estate
Almost more than in any other industry, people tend to come into the world of real estate with many pre-conceived notions about what Read more...
Great Ideas to Help You Maintain Client Relationships in Real Estate
Almost more than in any other industry, people tend to come into the world of real estate with many pre-conceived notions about what their day-to-day jobs will be like - and which factors are truly important.
Yes, you're helping someone navigate a massive financial purchase - certainly one of the biggest they're likely to make in their entire lives. If you're helping someone sell a home, you're going a long way towards assisting them when it comes to securing their financial future. If you're helping them buy a home, you're potentially allowing them to start a family in a wonderful new place, or to finally begin to build that life they've always seen for themselves. All of this is true.
But a career as a realtor is also about so much more than that. If nothing else, real estate is a business of working with people.
Therefore, more than even an individual sale or a particularly successful quarter, success in terms of real estate will depend on your ability to build relationships. It's crucial to know how to set up and maintain a good foundation with your clients, as the more you do this the more likely it is that you'll have a steady stream of new people coming right to your door.
Building Relationships in Real Estate: Your Overview
By far, one of the best ways to build stronger, longer lasting relationships with your customers involves understanding that listening is a fundamental part of creating a good working client experience.
If you come into a situation and try to cram someone into a "one size fits all" box when it comes to looking for a new home, they're going to start to see you as cold and cynical - because that's exactly what you'll be. People will quickly pick up on the fact that you're not really trying to help them accomplish their goals because you're unconcerned with their wants and needs to begin with.
Instead, you need to ask the right questions and, above all else, listen to the answers. Why is someone looking for a home? What features are important to them and why? Where do they see themselves in five years? Ten years? Are they planning on starting a family at some point in the future?
Along the same lines, open communication is key when it comes to working with clients. If you take someone to a home and they decide they don't like it, don't just rush them along to the next one. Have a conversation with them and figure out what they didn't like and, more importantly, why. Talk about their goals and create an environment where they feel comfortable coming to you with questions, concerns, and advice.
Again - talk with your clients about more personal areas of their lives, such as their family and hobbies, to create a rapport and connection. Let them know that you see them as more than just another client.Never forget that people come to real estate agents because they need legitimate help and guidance. They're often feeling overwhelmed and have more questions than they know how to answer. By taking the time to talk with them and establish that connection, you'll build a tremendous amount of trust and loyalty as a result.
Finally, consider the fact that a meaningful way to express your appreciation and leave a lasting impression is with gift giving. This is especially true of clients that you've already worked with, as you always want to remain at the forefront of their mind.
When Thanksgiving rolls around this year, you could have a promotion where all your past and current clients can stop by the office to pick up a free pumpkin pie. If you know that one of your older clients is having a birthday, feel free to pop a card in the mail. Things like this are small gestures, but they do go an incredibly long way towards making people feel appreciated - which is how relationships are grown and maintained.
In the end, understand that the quality of your business is directly tied to the quality of the relationships that you're able to build with those around you. This is another one of those reasons why most experts recommend picking out a niche and sticking with it. If you choose to "farm" a particular geographic area - particularly one that you're already familiar with - you put yourself in a much better position to bring as much value to people's lives as possible.
Then, with each successful transaction, something magical happens. People see that you're every bit as invested in their success as you are. They see that you're willing to go above and beyond to help them accomplish their goals. They see you as a true partner in every sense of the term - which truly is the target you should be trying to hit, day in and day out.
An important part of maintaining relationships in real estate is reminding people that you're out there, to learn about the types of email campaigns to send to past and present clients click here
Love,
Kartik
|
One of the most important things to understand about being a realtor is that you're never "just selling a house." Sure, on the surface, that's literally what you're doing. But you're also pitching something Read more...
One of the most important things to understand about being a realtor is that you're never "just selling a house." Sure, on the surface, that's literally what you're doing. But you're also pitching something so much more important:
Your personal brand.
People aren't going to come to you to buy or sell a home out of the kindness of their heart. They're going to do so because they trust you. Because they consider you an authority. Because they believe you have the skills, the knowledge and the expertise necessary to get them whatever outcome they see for themselves.
To put it mildly, you're not going to be able to get to this point overnight. As the old saying goes,"Rome wasn't built in a day."
That, in essence, is why open house marketing is so important. Over the short-term, it's a great way to help move whatever piece of property you're working with at the moment. In the long run, however, it's also an invaluable way to help show as many people as possible that you have what it takes to succeed - especially during your first year on the job.
The Importance of Open House Marketing in Real Estate: Your Overview
By far, one of the biggest reasons why open house marketing is so essential to new agents in particular is because it gives them a powerful opportunity to learn as they go.
When you walk into your first open house, you're probably going to be a little bit nervous. You're going to be interacting with members of the public and giving people personalized tours of a space. The chances are incredibly high that you're going to make mistakes with your presentation - and open house marketing gives you a chance to make them over and over again.
Now, that may sound scary - but it really isn't. Every mistake that you make is a learning opportunity, and the more you realize how to personalize the experience for the people standing in front of you, the better you get at it over time. Over the course of a day or two you'll probably walk dozens of people through that house and you'll get an invaluable opportunity to refine your process every time. You'll start to get a better sense of what they like and what they don't, and how to play to those strengths in an effective way.
Simply put, you'll get better at the gig the more you do it - and open house marketing allows you to do so as quickly as possible.
From an actual marketing perspective, open houses also allow you to build a brand that lasts. The more people see your name, the more likely they are to remember it. You'll begin to take marketing more seriously than ever, which is a big part of how real estate agents carve out a niche for themselves in a particular demographic area.
As you start to see the return on your investment - meaning as you start to see more people responding to your marketing collateral and walking through those doors - you'll be in a better position to take marketing seriously. That in and of itself may be the most important benefit of all.
The Investments of Marketing
In an effort to get as many people to that next open house as possible, there are a few key techniques that you should definitely lean into.
For starters, there are apps that are available to help with open house marketing right now in both the iTunes and Android app stores. Especially in a market as "hot" as the current one, people are always looking for great new homes in their area and if they're ready to buy, they typically want to move fast.
Therefore, by posting your listings and contact information on these apps, you're more likely to attract the right kind of attention as quickly as humanly possible.
Beyond that, you should absolutely use social media to spread the word about your next open house far and wide. Take to Facebook and Twitter and pay attention to the types of hashtags that are being used in the real estate industry. Make a post letting people know where the open house is, when it's taking place and other relevant information. Continue to post in the days leading up to the event.
Likewise, if you see someone post on social media that they're looking for a new home in a particular area, don't be afraid to send them a message and let them know what you have coming up. They may not necessarily be interested, but they'll immediately become aware - and all of their other followers will, too.
In the end, gaining clients with these open house marketing tactics is a fine line to walk - but it's very much possible. Resist the urge to include every last detail about the property - that's what the open house is for. You don't want to offer too many photos or too much information to the point where someone thinks "no, that's not for me." You want them to be enticed to the point where even if they're not sure, they still want to stop by the place and take a look around.
If you're able to get to that point, you'll have a steady stream of new leads walking right through the door - which in and of itself is the point.
Love,
Kartik
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One of the most crucial things to understand about lead generation in the real estate industry is that it's both slightly easier and slightly more difficult than you think.
For those unfamiliar, lead Read more...
One of the most crucial things to understand about lead generation in the real estate industry is that it's both slightly easier and slightly more difficult than you think.
For those unfamiliar, lead generation is a term used to describe how you not only attract the attention of potential buyers and sellers - but how you also convert them into actual, legitimate clients. In other words, you're trying to reach out to people who are interested in buying or selling a home to let them know that you're out there and that you can help.
The reason why this process is slightly easier than you likely think it is has to do with the fact that there are many, many opportunities to generate leads - especially in a market like this one. The reason why it's also slightly harder is because it takes a great deal of effort to actually do this properly
You need to be willing to put the time in and execute your lead generation strategy in a consistent way. You need to understand what goals you're working towards and how many leads you need to get there. You need to know where your ideal clients are spending their time, along with what they need to hear and how they need to hear it.
Getting to this point is entirely possible, even as a new realtor in your first year. It does, however, require you to keep a few key things in mind along the way.
What You Need to Know About Real Estate Lead Generation
By far, the most important thing to be aware of when it comes to real estate lead generation is that you need to be as specific with your own personal goals as possible.
If you became a realtor for the express reason of "I want to become the most famous and most successful agent around"... well, you're going to need to be a bit more detailed than that.
Think about the financial goals that you have for your own business, especially within the context of the next year. How much do you want to be able to grow? How much money do you want to make? How much money do you actually need to handle things like marketing and potentially even renting a space of your own (if that applies to your situation)?
The answers to questions like these need to inform absolutely everything you're doing, because you can use them to work your way backwards to the exact number of leads you need to be able to generate.
Once you know that number, you can track your progress throughout the year to make sure that you're still on schedule. You'll be better informed as to whether or not your marketing efforts are actually working, and you can ramp up or ramp down as needed. But you can't get to this point without knowing what your financial goals are in the first place, which is why you need to decide on them (or let fate decide on them for you) as soon as possible
There are many tools online that you can use to make this part of the process easier - with income and lead calculators being chief among them. They're often free, simple tools that allow you to specify how much money you want to make over the next year, at which point they'll tell you exactly how many leads you need to score.
You can input how much you want to make in commissions, the current number of leads you're generating per month, and even the average price of a home in your particular area. Some even factor in additional elements like the average percent of the commissions you're making, along with your own personal average close rate.
After including all of that information, the tool will spit out everything you need to know including the number of homes you actually have to sell, the total number of leads you'll need to generate to get to that point, and the average number of leads in a month you should be getting. It's a great way to contextualize your larger goals against all of the hard work you're doing.
Beyond that, a critical part of the process also involves knowing where you'll generate those leads from - something that will vary depending on your situation. For a new agent who has only just gotten your foot through the door in the local area, you'll probably want to use a service like Vulcan7. It bills itself as the "most accurate and effective real estate seller leads resource" that is available to prospect expired, FSBO and FRBO leads in your area.
You'll also want to immediately begin forming relationships with a lot of the other people who will be involved in real estate transactions that you're likely to be a part of in the future. Don't be afraid to make friends with people at local title companies, for example.
You should also begin a social media presence and scour sites like Facebook and Twitter for potential clients. Also, send out direct mail collateral to people in your area to let them know who you are, what you do and why they should be paying attention.
In the end, real estate lead generation isn't something you "do once and forget about." It's something that will require consistent effort over time. Soon, though, your effort will begin to generate its own momentum - and that is a very exciting position for any agent to be in.
Love,
Kartik
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By far, one of the most common misconceptions that new agents make when entering the real estate industry has to do with the assumption that they need to be targeting the widest possible audience of Read more...
By far, one of the most common misconceptions that new agents make when entering the real estate industry has to do with the assumption that they need to be targeting the widest possible audience of potential buyers and sellers at all times.
There may have been a time when this was true - but it has long since ended.
Instead, success involves targeting the right audience with the right message at exactly the right time - which is what building a niche in real estate is all about.
Rather than assuming that you're speaking to "anyone and everyone," you need to develop a niche - meaning a specialty in your business - and use it to gain leads. Once you've decided on this niche, it should inform a large part of most of your daily activities.
Thankfully, getting to this point is a lot more straightforward than most people assume it to be. It simply requires you to keep a number of key things in mind along the way.
Developing a Niche in Real Estate: Your Guide
For most new agents in particular, one of the best ways to develop a niche in real estate and gain leads involves specializing in a certain neighborhood.
This could be an area that you're already familiar with, or one that doesn't have too much competition from other agents. Regardless, you need to pick a location and become a subject matter expert in it as soon as you're able to.
Research absolutely everything you can about this particular area. Off the top of your head you should be able to quote the prices that recent homes have sold for. You should know what types of homes are in the area and what their distinctive features are. You should be able to talk about local features and points of attractions, like the quality of the schools and the distance to interesting entertainment venues.
In other words, you need to know this area as well as you possibly can - all so that you can establish yourself as a legitimate authority and build as much trust as possible at the exact same time.
Obviously, getting to this level of knowledge isn't something that is going to happen overnight. It's going to take a significant amount of hard work and dedication. But when you consider that you'll quickly start to build a reputation for yourself as a real estate agent worth paying attention to, all of that effort will be more than worth it.
Once you've honed your specialization in a certain neighborhood, you can focus on the next most important part of building a niche in real estate: marketing.
Again, you should focus your marketing efforts on a specific group - meaning people who are A) already looking to buy or sell, or who B) may be open to the idea within the next year or so.
At a bare minimum, you should send out marketing collateral introducing yourself and letting people know a little bit about who you are and what you do. This doesn't necessarily have to mean that you're "selling anything" - really, you want people to know your name and you want to pop up on their radar.
Over time, you can expand your offers in a variety of strategic ways to continue to stay at the top of their minds. Whenever a home sells in the area, use it as an opportunity to send an email (or consider using direct mail) letting people know about it. If there are any interesting market trends that you feel people need to be aware of, send them information about it and provide your own unique perspective. Even holidays can be a great opportunity to just send out mailers, wish people a wonderful season, and remind them that you're out there.
The more often you're able to do this, the more likely it is that you'll begin to develop your reputation as the go-to realtor in the area. If someone decides that they want to sell their home, the chances are high that the first person they call is you. Even if people aren't ready to buy or sell today, they'll remember you so that when that day does come, they pick up the phone and give you a call. They'll likely also recommend you to friends and family members who they know are interested in beginning this process.
Beyond that, you'll always want to develop your specialty as much as possible. There's more than enough room in the real estate industry for everyone - you just have to find your own special corner and capitalize on it at your earliest opportunity. Some people choose to build their niche around the purchase of historic properties, for example - something that there are certainly a lot of in California. Others choose to focus on luxury properties, or condos.
Others still choose to focus on distressed properties that can be quickly sold to development companies. Vacation properties, senior homes, it doesn't matter what you choose so long as you make a selection and commit to it.
In the end, building a niche in real estate isn't just a great way to get your career started. It's also a way to gain leads and develop a steady, reliable stream of business for yourself - which in and of itself may be the most important benefit of all.
Love,
Kartik
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