The Top Housing Markets of 2024, Per Realtor.com
Home affordability has become a big problem in 2023, as buyers have grappled with high mortgage rates, high sales prices, and low inventory. There could be some relief around the corner, according to new data from Realtor.com; the company released its forecasted list of the top housing markets in the country that are "poised to see the strongest combined increase in home sales and listing prices in the coming year." In other words, they're good places to be working in real estate! Five of the top ten markets are in California. To conduct the analysis, Realtor.com examined forecasted 2024 existing home sales compared to 2023, forecasted 2024 existing home sales compared to averages in years 2017 through 2019, forecasted 2024 existing home sales median sales price compared to 2023, forecasted 2024 existing home sales median sales price compared to averages in years 2017 through 2019, and combined forecasted 2024 existing home sales and price growth. The Top Markets for Real Estate in 2024 So where will agents see opportunities to thrive in 2024? Here are the top forecasted markets for next year, according to the real estate data giant. 1. Toledo, Ohio November 2023 median home price: $200,000 Forecasted 2024 home sales change: +14.0% Forecasted 2024 home price change: +8.3% Forecasted 2024 combined sales and price change: +22.3% 2. Oxnard et al, Calif. November 2023 median home price: $1,037,000 Forecasted 2024 home sales change: +18.0% Forecasted 2024 home price change: +3.3% Forecasted 2024 combined sales and price change: +21.3% 3. Rochester, NY November 2023 median home price: $239,000 Forecasted 2024 home sales change: +6.2% Forecasted 2024 home price change: +10.4% Forecasted 2024 combined sales and price change: +16.6% 4. San Diego et al, Calif. November 2023 median home price: $995,000 Forecasted 2024 home sales change: +11.0% Forecasted 2024 home price change: +5.4% Forecasted 2024 combined sales and price change: +16.3% 5. Riverside, et al Calif. November 2023 median home price: $585,000 Forecasted 2024 home sales change: +13.8% Forecasted 2024 home price change: +2.0% Forecasted 2024 combined sales and price change: +15.8% 6. Bakersfield, Calif. November 2023 median home price: $385,000 Forecasted 2024 home sales change: +13.4% Forecasted 2024 home price change: +2.3% Forecasted 2024 combined sales and price change: +15.7% 7. Springfield, Mass. November 2023 median home price: $350,000 Forecasted 2024 home sales change: +10.5% Forecasted 2024 home price change: +4.2% Forecasted 2024 combined sales and price change: +14.7% 8. Worcester, Mass.-Conn. November 2023 median home price: $475,000 Forecasted 2024 home sales change: +9.1% Forecasted 2024 home price change: +4.8% Forecasted 2024 combined sales and price change: +13.9% 9. Grand Rapids et al, Mich. November 2023 median home price: $390,000 Forecasted 2024 home sales change: +6.1% Forecasted 2024 home price change: +7.2% Forecasted 2024 combined sales and price change: +13.3% 10. Los Angeles et al, Calif. November 2023 median home price: $1,150,000 Forecasted 2024 home sales change: +9.2% Forecasted 2024 home price change: +3.5% Forecasted 2024 combined sales and price change: +12.7 Related reading Realtor.com 2024 Housing Forecast: Housing Affordability Finally Begins to Turnaround Home Trends: What's In (and Out) for 2024 What Are 2023's Top Housing Markets?

Real AI: Fannie Mae embraces CV, Claude.ai gets better, AI facts and top headlines
Real AI is a 100% human-created weekly roundup of all things AI in real estate and emerging AI innovations in other sectors likely to impact real estate. Fannie Mae embraces computer vision Craig Rowe at Inman News did a solid job with his recent piece on Fannie Mae embracing AI and computer vision or CV. It's important because when Fannie Mae makes a move, the mortgage industry follows. In June, Fannie Mae announced the use of "image recognition" to detect incorrect quality and condition ratings. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require appraisal reports to include interior and exterior photos for funded properties. However, the GSEs only require one exterior front photo for each comparable. Fannie's turned to computer vision for condition validation. It's a big swing but one Fannie backs up with research and data to justify. Having worked at Fannie Mae as the Director of its Seattle Affordable Housing Partnership Office in the 1990s, I know first-hand that Fannie doesn't make any major move without dissecting it from every angle. In fact, Fannie analyzed more than a million appraisals using image recognition technology to compare appraisal reports to interior photos of comparables to determine condition ratings. What Fannie discovered was that computer vision technology was able to identify appraisal defects with 98% accuracy. More importantly, the discovered CV found "many defects that were previously impossible" for it to detect. That translates into incorrect condition ratings leading to missing or faulty adjustments to comparable sales, resulting in unsupported, inaccurate appraisals. With the GSE moves, mortgage lenders and appraisal firms are looking to CV for GSE compliance. Real estate's computer vision leader, Restb.ai, is already offering mortgage originators and appraisal management companies (AMCs) a GSE-compliant image validation solution with its computer vision technology. Talk about being in the right place at the right time! Finally, what most people don't realize is Fannie Mae is a technology company. It has been for the last couple of decades. The majority of its ~8,000 employees work in its technology group. As it moves to solidify AI in real estate, the industry will follow. This is just the beginning. Claude.ai is getting better – much better When we first used Claude.ai, it quickly became our No. 2 choice. But it was a distant second to ChatGPT-4. It has closed that gap. We'll dive deeper into Claude vs. ChatGPT in a future issue, but there are some things that Claude does better than ChatGPT and vice-versa. One example, for now at least: Claude can consume a much larger word count of content and is wickedly good at summarizing that content. The betterment of Claude is so striking we signed up for the Pro version – the same price as ChatGPT at $20 a month plus tax. We can see why Google recently invested $2 billion more in this AI tech! AI Five Fast Facts The market size of artificial intelligence is projected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.3% between 2023 to 2030. About 97 million individuals will be working in the AI space by 2025. AI is considered a top priority in business plans by 85% of companies. Globally, 38% of consumers prefer to utilize chatbots. 47% of enterprises have established AI strategies for smartphones. Source: What's the big data AI Headlines Take 5 1. Has Great Potential! Meet Your A.I. Realtor | The New Yorker - 11/27/23The Maya Chatbot uses real estate data to answer home buying questions. 2. Generative AI can change real estate, but the industry must change to reap the benefits | McKinsey & Company - 11/14/23A fantastic deep dive into how multiple real estate sectors can benefit from AI. 3. PropTech Today – Balancing AI innovation with the human touch | EstateAgentToday - 11/29/23Remember "high-tech, high touch?" Rinse and repeat. 4. AI brings transparency to farmland values | Successful Farming - 11/27/23An ag real estate agent in Iowa uses AI to improve farmland valuations. 5. How AI can address the skills gap in CRE | Altus Group - 11/29/23Commercial real estate is looking for new ways to leverage AI. Quote of the week To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

Brian Buffini's Bold Predictions: 2024 Real Estate Market Outlook
Monday, December 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM PST Stay ahead of the curve in real estate's ever-changing market. Join Brian Buffini and NAR's Dr. Lawrence Yun to discover: The State of the Market – The real scoop on the economy, and what it means for those of us working in real estate. The State of the Industry – Detailed and insightful updates on the real estate industry from legendary NAR economist, Dr. Lawrence Yun. Do It N.O.W. – No chaos! Own the listings! Win market share! Brian will share the top reasons people want to sell – and how you can connect and help them move. Rates will fall…and the market will heat up. Discover how you can be the trusted guide for the largest group of home buyers in real estate history. Join thousands of professionals 11 for the most anticipated broadcast in the real estate industry – we can't wait to see you! Featuring Special Guest: NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun Register now!

8 Ways to Generate Real Estate Leads on a Budget
There are many ways to get clients. But no matter where you are in the process of building your business, it's always good to have a few extra tricks up your sleeve for generating real estate leads on a budget. Sometimes, you need these strategies because your marketing budget just isn't as robust as you'd like. But even in flush times, it's good to get leads for less, because the savings ultimately strengthens your bottom line. As you continue to build out your lead-generation toolbox, consider these eight ideas you can employ right away, without spending much (if any) money. 1. Start with your social sphere Your social sphere is a goldmine of potential clients who already have a level of trust and familiarity with you. Of course, it's critical to take a soft approach. Never push friends, family, or even acquaintances into doing business with you, and you never want to sacrifice a relationship for a transaction. Instead, stay attuned to the real estate needs of the people you know. Work to understand their aspirations and pain points, then use these insights to offer solutions. Over time, people will learn they can come to you for help with real estate matters. In all likelihood, some of them will turn to you when they are ready to buy or sell a home. 2. Build your social media presence For many people, using social media to generate real estate leads feels intimidating, because consistently producing content can be a challenge. The good news is that you don't have to make all that many posts to get leads. Start by engaging with other people's posts. Join Facebook groups and visit Reddit boards geared toward homebuyers. When people on these boards ask real estate questions, offer your expertise. Share relevant real estate insights, and occasionally promote your listings. This balanced approach enhances your visibility and positions you as a knowledgeable and approachable agent. Once you're ready to start creating your own content, you'll have a solid network of social media contacts who might be willing to share your posts and help increase your reach. The most important thing to remember about social media is that providing value is paramount. Post content like market updates, home maintenance tips, and resource lists. These resources don't have to be strictly related to real estate, either. Anything that could help a potential homebuyer, such as down payment assistance, is a value-add to your potential clients. Offering this sort of value not only informs and helps your potential clients, it also subtly reminds them of your expertise and services. That way, you're top-of-mind when real estate needs arise. 3. Take advantage of agent-to-agent referrals This sounds counterintuitive, but referring leads to fellow real estate agents is a great way to get leads yourself. If a client approaches you with needs that are outside your expertise, service area, or current bandwidth, it's more valuable in the long run if you refer them to a fellow Realtor rather than delivering subpar service. This strategic move underscores your dedication to serving the client's best interest. The client, as well as the Realtor who receives the referral, will remember it. This strategy rarely generates leads in the short term, but agents with complementary specializations will eventually return the favor, and you'll get more business in the long run. 4. Embrace cold calling Any good lead-generation strategy is a careful blend of multiple tactics, and cold calling typically takes a back seat to other, more modern tactics. However, cold calling is still an economical and effective option, especially if you are operating on a limited marketing budget. Cold calling is a simple way to target specific demographics, neighborhoods, or property types without learning any new technologies or tools. It's a straightforward way to contact potential leads that align with your real estate portfolio and expertise. Have a strategy with your cold calling, and be sure to offer some value to the person on the other end. With minimal investment in a good calling plan, and possibly CRM software, you can reach a wide audience and build a consistent stream of leads. 5. Maintain a healthy blog Similar to cold calling, some people believe blogs have been replaced by more modern digital marketing tools. But blogs are still a great way to generate a consistent stream of inbound leads. Your blog is more than a mere collection of articles. It's a dynamic tool that showcases your expertise and offers value to potential clients. Additionally, just like cold calling, a blog requires very little financial investment. You don't even have to produce a large amount of content, as long as you produce content consistently. If you post a new blog article once a week, or even once every two weeks, over time you'll have a good stockpile of articles that attract leads. Additionally, your incoming leads will likely come with fewer basic questions, because they already got answers from your blog. 6. Work with real estate investors There are over three million real estate licensees in the United States, but a relatively small portion of these agents market their services to real estate investors. For starters, this means you'll have less competition. Additionally, investors are in the business of buying and selling properties consistently. Unlike residential buyers, their need for real estate is continuous, which gives you a steady stream of transactions and, therefore, commissions. Even more, investors typically have a wider network compared to residential buyers. Once you've closed a few investment deals, satisfied investors are likely to refer you within their network, opening doors to new clients. Since investors often collaborate with one another, a single recommendation can significantly bolster your credibility and start a flood of incoming referral leads. 7. Mine FSBO listings for primed leads For-sale-by-owner (FSBO) listings can offer a wealth of leads, as long as you take the right approach. If an FSBO listing has been up for a long time, or expired without producing a sale, the seller is likely willing to accept some help. Once the seller gets to this point, a good tactic is to start by offering advice, or even a few free services. The seller started with an FSBO listing in the first place because they wanted to avoid the Realtor commission. They may not appreciate it if you begin your contact by offering to be their agent. At worst, the listing sells well after you offer your advice, the seller has your contact information, and they might come to you if they need real estate help in the future. Or they might refer you to someone they know. At best, the seller realizes they are in over their head and you get the opportunity to make a sale that generates a commission. Either way, FSBO listings are an easy way to find people who have a property to sell and need professional help selling it. There's very little downside in reaching out and offering help. 8. Use personal outreach to get value from your contact list As you develop your business, you'll build up a substantial contact list. Your contact list is a huge asset. Don't underestimate the value of personalized communication. Take advantage of any opportunity to stay in touch with people. Reach out with birthday wishes, congratulate them on significant life events (social media is a great way to see when these events happen), or simply check in periodically. These gestures, though small, fortify your relationships, making it more likely for them to consider or refer you when real estate needs surface. Go forth and get leads for less Generating leads without spending a lot of money will never go out of style. If you master even just a few of these lead-generation tactics, you'll have tools in your toolbox that will carry you through whatever the housing market throws at you. So pick up your phone, hop on social media, or grab your keyboard, and get out there to pick up more leads. To view the original article, visit the Wise Agent blog.

What Was the Biggest Buyer Pain Point in 2023?
Saving up for a down payment, getting a mortgage, the nail-biting tension of the property appraisal: All of these items remain pain points for buyers in 2023, according to the most recent National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. But the biggest source of stress for homebuyers hasn't changed over the years. Finding the right property remains the biggest pain point for most buyers: 59% said that finding a home they loved was the hardest part of the process. According to the report, buyers spent a median of 10 weeks looking for a home, more than the median of eight weeks in 2020 and 2021. Buyers still spend about two weeks looking for a home before they contact an agent. Where did they finally find the home that they bid on and bought? Most buyers are finding their house on the internet, although more than one-quarter said they found their house through their real estate agent. Here's how the home search sources broke down: 52% of buyers found their home online 28% of buyers found their home through their real estate agent 8% of buyers found their home through a friend, relative, or neighbor 6% of buyers found their home through a home builder or builder's agent 4% of buyers found their home through a yard sign or open house sign 3% of buyers found their home directly through the sellers The internet has become increasingly critical for buyers in their real estate search. While the percentage of buyers who use the internet in the home search process has hovered in the high 90th percentiles for several years, in 2023, 100% of buyers surveyed said that they used the internet in their home search process. Buyers split their time about 50/50 between desktop and mobile devices. What does this mean for agents? If you don't have an online presence already, then it's past time to establish one. Buyers are spending two weeks looking at homes online before they start seriously considering which agent to hire. A strong website with elements that buyers value highly (such as photos, detailed information about properties for sale, floor plans, virtual tours, and more) can help elevate your online presence and increase your leads without having to spend four figures at a portal. Don't have a website set up yet? Our database of platforms and providers can help you get started today. More in recent research How Are Buyers and Sellers Finding Agents in 2023? NAR Releases 2023 Member Profile Majority of Realtors Find Value in Promoting Energy Efficiency in Listings, Says NAR

Those Darn DPAs!
Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 10:00 AM PST Down payment programs are alive and well across the country, and demand for them is at a record high. So, why do so many loan officers and real estate agents still balk at taking advantage of these opportunities for their buyers? Join us as we take a look at some common obstacles — real or perceived — and how to overcome them. Register now!

The Best SEO Tools for Real Estate Websites
In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for real estate agents. With the majority of home buyers and sellers starting their search online, real estate agents need to have a website that is not only visually appealing but also easily discoverable by search engines. By implementing effective SEO strategies, real estate agents can increase their website's visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). This means that when potential clients search for keywords related to real estate in their area, the agent's website will appear higher in the search results, increasing the chances of attracting organic traffic. SEO not only helps in increasing the visibility of a real estate website but also improves the overall user experience. By optimizing the website's structure, content, and navigation, agents can ensure that visitors can easily find the information they are looking for, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates. Doing SEO without getting help from tools is not possible. Tools are essential in real estate SEO, so in this article, we will introduce you to the best real estate SEO tools in 2023-2024. Before jumping into the tools, it's better to have knowledge about the SEO tools, what they are, and why we need them. What Are SEO tools? The real estate industry is highly competitive, and it's more important than ever for real estate websites to rank high in search engine results pages (SERPs). This is where SEO (search engine optimization) comes in. SEO is the process of optimizing your website so that it ranks higher in SERPs for relevant keywords. There are several SEO tools available that can help real estate businesses improve their website's ranking and visibility. These tools can help you with tasks such as: Keyword research: Identifying the right keywords to target for your website On-page optimization: Optimizing your website's content and structure for search engines Technical SEO: Fixing any technical issues with your website that could be preventing it from ranking well Link building: Building backlinks to your website from other high-quality websites In the following sections, we will explore some of the best SEO tools that real estate agents or real estate SEO experts should know about and how they can be used to enhance the website's online presence. Keyword research tools for real estate agents Keyword research is a critical component of SEO. By identifying the right keywords to target, real estate agents can optimize their website's content to attract organic traffic. Here are some top keyword research tools that can help real estate agents find the most relevant keywords for their business. Google Keyword Planner: This free tool from Google allows real estate agents to discover keyword ideas, search volumes, and competition levels. It provides valuable insights into popular keywords related to real estate and helps agents choose the most appropriate keywords to target. SEMrush: SEMrush is a comprehensive SEO tool that offers a variety of features, including keyword research. Real estate agents can use SEMrush to find profitable keywords, analyze their competitors' keywords, and track keyword rankings over time. Ahrefs: Ahrefs is another powerful SEO tool that provides keyword research capabilities. Real estate agents can use Ahrefs to explore keyword ideas, analyze keyword difficulty, and uncover new keyword opportunities. By leveraging these keyword research tools, real estate agents can identify the keywords that potential clients are using to search for properties in their area. This knowledge can then be used to optimize website content and attract more organic traffic. On-page optimization tools for real estate websites On-page optimization refers to the process of optimizing a website's content and structure for search engines. By optimizing on-page elements, real estate agents can improve their website's visibility in search engine results and provide a better user experience. Here are some essential on-page optimization tools for real estate websites. Yoast SEO: Yoast SEO is a popular WordPress plugin that helps real estate agents optimize their website's on-page elements. It provides real-time feedback and suggestions for improving content readability, keyword usage, meta tags, and more. Moz On-Page Grader: Moz On-Page Grader is a tool that analyzes a webpage and provides a detailed report on its on-page optimization. Real estate agents can use this tool to identify areas for improvement and optimize their websites accordingly. Screaming Frog: Screaming Frog is a website crawler that helps real estate agents identify technical issues that may be affecting their website's on-page optimization. It crawls the website and provides a comprehensive report on issues such as broken links, duplicate content, and missing meta tags. By utilizing these on-page optimization tools, real estate agents can ensure that their website's content is highly relevant to search queries and is optimized to rank well in search engine results. SEO analytics tools for tracking website performance Tracking website performance is crucial for real estate agents to gauge the effectiveness of their SEO efforts. By analyzing key metrics, such as organic traffic, keyword rankings, and engagement rates, agents can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions. Here are some top SEO analytics tools for real estate agents. Google Analytics: Google Analytics is a free tool that provides comprehensive insights into website performance. Real estate agents can track organic traffic, user behavior, conversion rates, and more. It also offers valuable demographic and geographic data that can help agents understand their target audience better. Google Search Console: Google Search Console is a free tool that helps real estate agents monitor and maintain their website's presence in Google search results. It provides information on keyword rankings, website errors, and indexing status. Ahrefs and SEMrush: In addition to its keyword research capabilities, Ahrefs and SEMrush also offer powerful analytics features. Real estate agents can use these tools to track keyword rankings, analyze competitors' websites, and monitor changes in search engine visibility over time. By regularly monitoring website performance using these analytics tools, real estate agents can identify trends, measure the impact of their SEO strategies, and make data-driven decisions to improve their website's visibility and performance. Local SEO tools for targeting specific geographic areas For real estate agents, targeting specific geographic areas is essential. Local SEO tools can help agents optimize their websites for local searches and attract potential clients in their target market. Here are some top local SEO tools for real estate agents. Google My Business: Google My Business is a free tool that allows real estate agents to create and manage their business listings on Google. By optimizing their Google My Business profile, agents can increase their visibility in local search results, showcase their listings, and engage with potential clients. Moz Local: Moz Local is a tool that helps real estate agents manage their online presence across various directories and platforms. It ensures that business information, such as name, address, and phone number, is accurate and consistent across the web, improving local search rankings. BrightLocal: BrightLocal is a comprehensive local SEO tool that offers a range of features, including local citation management, online review monitoring, and local rank tracking. Real estate agents can use BrightLocal to optimize their online presence and improve their website's visibility in local search results. By utilizing these local SEO tools, real estate agents can effectively target potential clients in their specific geographic areas and increase their chances of attracting local leads. Backlink analysis tools for improving website authority Building high-quality backlinks is an essential aspect of SEO. Backlinks are links from other websites to your website and are considered a vote of confidence by search engines. By analyzing and improving backlink profiles, real estate agents can enhance their website's authority and improve search engine rankings. Here are some top backlink analysis tools for real estate agents. Ahrefs: Ahrefs offers a comprehensive backlink analysis feature that allows real estate agents to analyze their backlink profiles, monitor competitors' backlinks, and identify new link-building opportunities. Moz Link Explorer: Moz Link Explorer provides valuable insights into a website's backlink profile. Real estate agents can use this tool to analyze the quality and quantity of their backlinks, identify potential toxic links, and track their link-building progress over time. SEMrush: SEMrush also offers a backlink analysis feature that helps real estate agents analyze their backlink profiles and identify link-building opportunities. It provides detailed information on referring domains, anchor texts, and more. By leveraging these backlink analysis tools, real estate agents can identify high-quality websites for potential collaborations, and outreach opportunities, and improve their website's overall authority. SEO reporting tools for monitoring progress and ROI Monitoring progress and ROI is crucial for real estate agents to evaluate the success of their SEO strategies. SEO reporting tools provide valuable insights and data that can help agents track key metrics, generate reports, and showcase the impact of their SEO efforts. Here are some top SEO reporting tools for real estate agents. Google Data Studio: Google Data Studio is a free tool that allows real estate agents to create interactive and customizable reports. It integrates with various data sources, including Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and more, making it easy to track and visualize key metrics. SEMrush: SEMrush offers a reporting feature that allows real estate agents to generate professional-looking SEO reports. The reports can be customized to include metrics such as keyword rankings, organic traffic, backlink profiles, and more. Moz: Moz provides a reporting feature that enables real estate agents to create detailed reports on their website's SEO performance. The reports can be customized to include metrics such as domain authority, page authority, keyword rankings, and more. By using these SEO reporting tools, real estate agents can effectively measure the success of their SEO strategies, track key metrics, and showcase the ROI of their efforts to clients and stakeholders. WordPress SEO Tools for Real Estate Websites WordPress is an excellent option for real estate websites as it is the most widely used content management system (CMS) globally. Additionally, there are numerous WordPress SEO tools that can assist in enhancing your website's ranking on search engine results pages, here are some of the important WordPress plugins that can help you through your SEO process: WP Rocket: WP Rocket is a caching plugin that can help improve your website's speed and performance. This is important for SEO because Google ranks faster websites higher in SERPs. Rank Math: Rank Math is a comprehensive SEO plugin that can help you with everything from keyword research to on-page optimization. It also includes features specifically for real estate websites, such as schema markup and integration with MLS listings. Yoast SEO: Yoast SEO is another popular SEO plugin that offers a wide range of features. It's a good choice for beginners because it's easy to use and includes helpful tutorials. Realtyna WPL: Realtyna WPL is a real estate plugin that offers a variety of SEO features, such as keyword optimization, meta tag management, and XML sitemap generation. It also integrates with MLS listings, so you can easily add listings to your website and keep them updated. Case studies: How real estate agents have used SEO tools to boost their online presence To provide real estate agents with practical insights and inspiration, let's explore a couple of case studies on how real estate agents have used SEO tools to enhance their online presence. Case Study 1: Agent A Agent A, a real estate agent in a highly competitive market, used keyword research tools such as Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs to identify high-volume and low-competition keywords. By strategically optimizing their website's content for these keywords, Agent A was able to improve their website's search engine rankings significantly. They also used Moz On-Page Grader to ensure that their website's on-page elements were well-optimized. As a result of their SEO efforts, Agent A's website saw a significant increase in organic traffic, with a higher number of qualified leads. The improved visibility also led to increased brand recognition and credibility in the market. Case Study 2: Agent B Agent B, a local real estate agent, utilized local SEO tools such as Google My Business and BrightLocal to optimize their online presence in their target area. They created a Google My Business profile with accurate and up-to-date information, showcasing their listings and engaging with potential clients. Agent B also used BrightLocal's citation management feature to ensure consistent business information across various directories. By leveraging these local SEO tools, Agent B's website experienced an increase in visibility in local search results, resulting in a higher number of inquiries and conversions. Their improved online presence also helped them establish themselves as a trusted local real estate agent. These case studies demonstrate the power of SEO tools in enhancing the online presence of real estate agents and driving tangible results. Conclusion: Choosing the right SEO tools for your real estate business In order to choose the right SEO tools for your website, it's very important to know your SEO strategy. If you are not aware of your online strategy, it's going to be really hard to choose your tools. Most of the tools we mentioned in the article have two free and paid versions. In some cases, downloading and installing the free version might be helpful and there is no need to buy the pro versions, but in some other advanced cases, you need to buy the pro version of these tools. Remember: buying tools alone will not help your business grow in search results. You will need to understand how tools and search engines work in order to improve your performance: Sitemap for real estate websites Robots.txt for real estate websites To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.

Be a Better Realtor: 36 Tips and Tricks on Productivity, Goal Setting, and Self Improvement
As the year draws to a close, thoughts begin to turn towards achievement: Have I met the goals I set for myself this year? How can I achieve more next year? We want to help you realize your ambitions and be the best version of yourself that you can be. In fact, that's been our theme for November's "Tips and Tricks Tuesday" series: "Be a Better Me." Here's a look at all the articles from this month's series, compiled in one convenient place: Protecting Your Identity for Free: A Quick and Easy Guide How to Build Better Real Estate Listings with Immersive Content 6 Steps I Follow to Be a Better Me 3 Reasons Modernized Listing Accessibility Can Drive Organic Growth We hope these articles were helpful to you. However, articles about productivity, goal setting and self improvement aren't published just one month per year — we post on this topic year-round! To help round out our self improvement-focused month, today we're sharing more resources that we've published over the years. Let's dive in… It's all in your mind(set) The journey to success begins within. Without the right mindset, it's much more difficult to meet the goals you've set for yourself. The good news is that you can begin to build that mindset today. Start by reading these articles about the skills and traits of highly successful real estate professionals. No matter how skilled one is, sometimes we all get in our own way. Learn about the five roadblocks getting in the way of your success and how to accentuate the positive when you're feeling down about your career (or the market). Feeling out of place in real estate? We know not everyone fits the outgoing, bubbly stereotype of the average agent. Introverts can thrive in this industry too! Learn more here: The Introverted Real Estate Agent's Guide to Networking. Finally, as we mentioned, success is a journey — a career-long one. Learn how to go the distance, courtesy of advice from Stu Mittleman's book Slow Burn, in 3 Strategies to Running Your Real Estate Business. Long-term growth is often brought about by small, incremental changes, as you'll see in 37 Times Better: The Long and Effective Way to Become a Better Agent and Grow Your Business. Productivity tips Part of being the best you is working smarter, not harder, so that you don't burn yourself out. To that end, we've compiled a list of productivity tips you can use to make the best use of your time: Why "single-tasking" is better than multi-tasking Achieving success while maintaining balance How to master your Gmail inbox Let AI lend a helping hand: 8 ChatGPT browser extensions From Gmail to Drive: 25 essential Google tips 3 Zoom tips to look 10x more professional Actionable advice A goal without a plan is just a wish — so to help make your goals a reality, seek out a plan of action to help you achieve what you want. Here are some ideas to get you started: 5 Morning Habits of the Most Successful Real Estate Professionals What You Need to Do Daily, Weekly, and Monthly to Be the Go-to Expert in Your Market 20 Daily Activities for Profitable Real Estate Agents 5 New Habits of Highly Effective Real Estate Agents 10 Ways to Stand Out in a High-Competition Market Part of being successful is making sure you've joined the right brokerage for you. For guidance, listen to this podcast episode. If you know it's time to move on from your current brokerage, let this 15-point checklist for switching brokerages guide you through the process. Technology plays a big part in making your business the best it can be. This article can help you find a technology solution that works for you. Need help or just want to learn how to use your tech tools better? See 5 Places to Find Tech Support. To keep everything working smoothly, check out these five ways to maintain all your tech systems and apps. Managing stress No matter how much you love your job, stress and burnout come for all of us eventually. These three tips can help you reduce your stress without losing business. Technology can help, too! There's an entire world of apps available to help you de-stress and regain your calm center. Find them here: 6 Ways You Can Use Technology to Reduce Your Stress. Finally, nothing helps beat burnout like a legit vacation. That's not always easy on an agent's demanding schedule — but it's possible. Just follow these 9 Expert Tips for a Worry-Free Vacation. Get motivated! We're going to wrap things up on an inspirational note. Check out these posts to get ready to take over the real estate world! Real Estate Motivation: 11 Success Mantras for Agents and Brokers 5 Quotes that Will Motivate You to Become the Most Successful Real Estate Agent Proverbs for the Real Estate Professional 49 Uplifting Real Estate Quotes That Will Inspire You to Be Great [Podcast] Setting Goals, Being Fearless and Keeping Focus with Tiffany Tanquary We wish you the best of luck and continued success as we wrap up this year and head into the next!

Easy Hacks for Prospecting and Marketing Automation Success
Have you ever wished you could connect RPR (Realtors Property Resource®) to your CRM, or maybe directly to Canva for prospecting and farming? Well, we're not quite there yet, however there are a few things you can do to "hack" the system and be on your way to prospecting and automation success. Before we jump in, if you're just getting started in real estate or want to give your database a boost, be sure to check out this previous article: How to Build your Neighborhood Database From Scratch. Think of it as some prerequisite reading to this article. You'll get an understanding of what datasets are available to you from RPR and all the info you need on RPR's Mailing Labels. Now you have an understanding of how to set up your CRM and how you can export RPR Mailing Labels. Here's where we take it a step further, beyond pre-formatted labels and right into marketing automation territory: the ability to export raw data via a CSV export. In this article, we're going to take the next step and strategically filter for specific types of prospects. Automate your marketing and targets prospects with these "Recipes" Below are a few "recipes," based on real world scenarios, that you can use with the RPR Advanced Search feature to help you spot target prospects with ease. To drill down and identify Current Renters/Potential Homeowners, follow these steps: Step #1: Click "Research" Step #2: Click "Map Search" Step #3: Search your target area (hint: you can search as small as a neighborhood) Step #4: Click "More Filters" for advanced searching Step #5: Change the search to "Public Records" (you'll want to target less than 500) Step #6: Scroll down to "Miscellaneous Fields" and make sure "Absentee Owner" is selected Step #7: Make sure "Time Owned" is selected to the 5-10 and 10-15 year groupings Step #8: Click "Update and Search" Step #9: Click "Mailing Labels" Step #10: Select "CSV" Step #11: Make sure the "Address Type:" is "Property" Step #12: Change the "Addressed To:" field to "Current Resident" or to "Custom Name" and fill it out with something like "Future Homeowner" Step #13: Select "Absentee Owner" as the "Occupancy Type" Step #14: Run full list, or narrow records to export Target: Potential Home Sellers Follow steps 1-5 from above, then continue with: Step #6: Scroll down to "Miscellaneous Fields" and make sure "Owner Occupied" is selected Step #7: Make sure "Time Owned" is selected to the 5-10 and 10-15 year groupings Step #8: Click "Update and Search" Step #9: Click "Mailing Labels" Step #10: Select "CSV" Step #11: Make sure the "Address Type:" is "Property" Step #12: Change the "Addressed To:" field to "Owner Name" Step #13: Select "Owner Occupied" as the "Occupancy Type" Step #14: Run full list, or narrow records to export Need Help? Take a step-by-step guided tour of the two examples above. From here, you can take these lists and add additional columns to your sheet that would match your CRM (ie: "Status" and then set it to say "Prospect-Buyer" or "Prospect-Seller,") this can work with Google Sheets or your CRM of choice. If you're working with a CRM, instead of additional columns, when you're importing your contacts, simply apply flags or categories directly within your platform to help keep your contacts organized. But, let's not stop there, let's set up an automation that can do all of that for you… Making automations and RPR work for you The beauty of this workflow is the ability to essentially take this data right from RPR and apply it directly to your CRM or Google Sheets contact list. Then using preset triggers with tools such as IFTTT, Zapier and Canva, you can create a multitude of marketing automations that will cut down the manual labor of simple marketing tasks. In this next example, we're going to show you how to take the exports above and connect them directly to Canva to complete a postcard that you've prepped with the most current Market Trends Data and then print it with all of your prospect's data added to it. To get started, head over to RPR's Resource Center and choose a Canva postcard template that you'd like to work from. Be sure to select "Use template for new design" to get started. Next, add your photo and update your information for both sides of the postcard–you don't want to accidentally send your mailing out with filler text. Write a compelling introduction of yourself and why it's a good time to buy; better yet, read on and we'll show you how to let our Market Trends ScriptWriter powered by ChatGPT help you craft the perfect message! Before we add our contact data, let's update the Market Trends information with the latest stats. When you're in RPR, head up to Research, then click Residential Market Trends and search for the geography that you executed for your export. This ensures that the data matches the postcard template with the month and the correct data points. Now we're ready to add our prospect's info to the Canva doc! PRO TIP: Looking for the perfect copy to go with your postcard? Click "Create Script" to give our AI-powered Market Trends ScriptWriter a try. You can easily generate Metric Analyses and Social campaigns, and the copy generated can easily flow into to your postcard. From the left side navigation menu, go to "Apps," and go down to "More from Canva" and select "Bulk create." Maybe in the future, there'll be a "Bulk create from RPR," but for now, select "Bulk create." You essentially have two options here, you can manually enter your data or upload a CSV file. Let's click "Upload CSV" select your list, and all of your fields will be listed by the column headers. PRO TIP: Before you upload your list, open it up and delete any extra fields that you think won't be necessary. Since we are prospecting to potential buyers, we won't be needing the owner's information that by default comes with the export. Next, we're going to connect our data to text fields. So, add a few text fields to the backside of the postcard template. For the greeting, make it fun, since you don't know the person who is renting the property, you could address it to "Future Homeowner." For the next text field, right click it and select "Connect Data." Canva will then present you the list of all your data fields, select "Property Full Address," or whichever combination of fields that you need to complete your mailing. After you have set up your data and added all of your personal information and market data, click "Continue." This will take your data and merge it into a new Canva Doc that you can now send out for print. Pretty cool, huh?! To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.

Top 5 Tech Gifts to Buy Yourself
As the gift season is approaching, it's important to note that technology has become omnipresent in our daily personal and professional lives. Given this, many of today's gadgets promise to improve efficiency, be fun, and help your well-being. Here are five top tech gifts for self-indulgence that can help elevate your game, save time, protect you from wasting time, capture fun and memorable moments, and maybe even save your life! 1. AI tech A subscription to ChatGPT 4 will cost you about $240 a year, or $20 a month, but for agents who use this online tech tool – also available in a smartphone app version – it will more than pay for itself by saving you time when you use it to draft content. If you are looking for an AI image creation tool, DALL-E 3 can be fun and will soon be part of ChatGPT for subscribers, but Canva's new built-in AI tool is impressive and easier to use for image and graphic promotional material creation. Canva Pro is $119.99 a year. Other options: Google offers Bard as its ChatGPT competitor, and other subscription-based content creation tools use ChatGPT and other AI tools to create content, including Jasper, Writesonic and Ink. 2. Laser Measurement Not too long ago, laser measuring devices were priced north of $200, but accuracy has increased, and prices have dropped. Amazon's best-selling laser measuring device (RockSeed 165 Feet Digital Laser Distance Meter with 2 Bubble Levels) is less than $30. While many smartphones have built-in measuring capabilities, these devices were built to measure, are far easier to use and highly precise. You can measure any room within 1/16th of an inch in accuracy. It is more compact – fitting in the palm of your hand – and can be used to measure indoors or outdoors. These devices can assist with more accurate square footage measurements. Place the device at one end on the wall and push a button, and the laser light dot shows on the opposite wall, displaying the distance instantly. It sure beats a tape measure! 3. AirTags If you have an iPhone, this is a great gift to give yourself to protect valuable items and locate things quickly that you commonly misplace. AirTags are small tracking devices from Apple that use Bluetooth technology to communicate their location to nearby Apple devices. When you attach an AirTag to something, you can use the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to see the item's location on a map. If you lose it, the Find My network can help track it down securely and privately. Additionally, you can have the AirTag play a sound to help locate it if it's nearby. Place one in your purse or briefcase, your luggage when traveling, even your car (ever forget where you parked?). Most importantly, you'll never misplace your keys again! AirTags are $29 or less at Apple.com and are often on sale at Amazon and other retailers. Other options: Android is planning on releasing a similar device, but there are alternatives like the Tile Pro ($35), which works with Apple or Android mobile devices, but these are short-range only devices (~ 400 feet max). 4. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses AI wearables will be the hot tech trend in 2024. Just $299 (available Oct 23) delivers the newest "cool" tech by Ray-Ban and Meta. Google Glasses may have flopped, but these smart glasses are almost undetectable from the standard Ray-Ban frames. Features include a built-in, ultra-wide 12 MP camera with a five-mic system. Open-ear speakers deliver clear, rich sound even in noisy and windy conditions – without others being able to hear. Say "Hey Meta" to get your desired answers via Bluetooth connection to your smartphone. Voice commands and AI allow you to call and message, and a single touch on the side allows some manual control. The case the glasses come with recharges your smart glasses. And because Ray-Ban has partnered with Meta (Facebook and Instagram), sharing videos and photos you create with your glasses or even streaming live will be fast and easy. 5. Heart-Healthy Tech Help protect yourself with wearable technology that has already saved lives. Since Apple Watch 4, owners can take an electrocardiogram (also called an ECG or EKG), the test that records the timing and strength of the electrical signals that make the heartbeat. Using the ECG app and built-in heart sensor, an Apple Watch can record heartbeat and rhythm and then check the recording for AFib or atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular rhythm. Apple Watch starts from $399 at Apple.com. Cell providers and other major retailers often offer discounts. Other options: New Samsung Galaxy Watch6 offers similar features from $299, and as you may have seen on TV, KardiaMobile offers an EKG on the go device that synchs with most smartphones to provide "medical grade EKGs in 30 seconds" with a list price of $99 but often available at Amazon for $79. Final Note on Tech Gifts These hot tech tools you should buy for yourself blend work with wellness and whimsy. They can give you more personal time and help you do things faster, smarter, and better. If you need help with your new technology, reach out to a Tech Helpline analyst, available by chat on our app (Apple or Google) and always just an email or phone call away! Related Posts 6 New Cutting-Edge iPhone Features are Coming Soon to iOS 17 5 Things Every Agent Needs to Know about 5G 4 questions to always ask to pick the best technology for work To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog.

RPR for New NAR Members: The Complete Beginner Series
Five dates, from Nov. 29 - Dec. 13 We know that there are many new challenges to getting started and growing your business. And RPR is here to help. As a REALTOR®, you have access to RPR, an essential tool for every member. RPR is included in your membership dues so there are no extra fees to access the platform. We'll show you how to create an RPR account and ensure your account is properly set up. RPR provides data, tools and property reports to help you get your business up and running. Here's an overview of what you'll find in RPR: Residential and Commercial Property Information Public record and MLS data Pricing and Prospecting Tools Market Analysis Tools Neighborhood information, school data, and walkability and livability scores Shareable Templated Reports for clients and customers In this brief 30-minute session, we'll provide you a high level overview of the RPR platform. You won't be disappointed! Register now!

[Podcast] Tools and Tech for Working with Mature Clients with Ali Whitley
Everyone is adapting to the technology they need, in their work and life. We want you to have the best tools that will benefit you and your clients. In this episode, Ali Whitley discusses working with our mature clients. The Seniors Real Estate Specialist® Designation (SRES®) is an amazing class that the Center for REALTOR® Development offers. This class discusses things you need to know. We discuss the technicalities of senior living, reverse mortgages, estates, taxes, and more. We also discuss helping our mature clients get established in communities and be connected in the ways that help them best. Thanks for joining us! Tweetables "A person of the same age could be in a very different lifestyle than another person. It really depends on your activity level, your health level; how you really feel about yourself, and your ability to have activity." — Ali Whitley "Maybe someone had a real interest in something particular and their job took them in a different direction. Now, as they're retiring, they can start to take those classes that they thought that they would enjoy." — Ali Whitley "As REALTORS®, we need to help clients across any technology abilities and we need to know where they are and meet them there and see if we can help to encourage new technology within their transactions." — Ali Whitley "They can see your smiling face on the video or they get to meet you in person and they get a feel for who you are, and then later, if … you're sending a text, or you're sending something through email, now they can put your face to it." — Ali Whitley Guest Bio Ali Whitley is an active Residential Real Estate Agent and Director of Education at RE/MAX Crossroads. In addition to guiding buyer and seller clients through successful transactions, Ali is passionate about professional development and education. A skilled negotiator and experienced REALTOR® for over 26 years, she shares this expertise and empowers fellow agents as an educator and mentor, and as an instructor of Designations and Certifications. Ali is active in local, state, and national REALTOR® associations, currently serving as President-Elect of Ohio REALTORS®, NAR Director and Chair of the Emerging Business and Technology Forum. She has been recognized as AABOR REALTOR® of the Year and as a "Woman of Note" by Crain's Cleveland Business. Ali is committed to excellence, fostering an inclusive environment focused on sharing strategies for growth and success. NAR Resource Links Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) Microcourses found at Learning.REALTOR. Use the coupon code PODCAST to obtain 15% off the price of any microcourse! Crdpodcast.REALTOR Learning.REALTOR — for NAR Online Education Training4RE.com — List of Classroom Courses from NAR and its affiliates CRD.REALTOR — List of all courses offered Visit the episode homepage for show notes and more detail.

Strategic Partnerships in Real Estate: The benefits of collaborating with renovation experts
Every seller wants the maximum price for their home. Until recently, it was pretty easy to sell every listing as the demand for homes exceeded the supply. And while inventory remains low and prices high, the market is changing, and not every seller is maximizing their home price. Why? In today's market, one of the largest proportions of homebuyers — Millennials, who comprise a full 43 percent of the homebuying population — are seeking homes that are ready for them to move in today. Research shows that 70 percent of Millennial home buyers will choose a smaller home that's move-in ready over a larger one needing attention. Real estate agents and their sellers may be tempted to rush a listing to market because inventory remains low. But for many seller clients, there's a proven alternative that could produce a much more lucrative sale: going the pre-sale renovation route. How to maximize the list price Doing a pre-sale renovation today can be faster and smoother, plus it doesn't require cash out-of-pocket from the seller. The key is for agents to collaborate with a pre-sale renovation firm because they are the home improvement experts. By partnering with a pre-sale renovation firm, you can unlock for your sellers the same resources and expertise that successful home flippers use to maximize their return on every investment. Here are six core benefits of a pre-sale renovation path: 1. It's a win-win for agents and homeowners Partnering with pre-sale renovation firms provides proven and measurable benefits for agents and their seller clients. Agents can offer a unique selling proposition in their listing presentations, demonstrating their commitment to maximizing the client's property value. Simultaneously, homeowners can increase their potential returns without the immediate financial burden of providing upfront funding. Example: When listing a home that needs some TLC, an agent working with a pre-sale renovation firm can provide specific, real-world examples of how similar renovations yielded a higher sales price for the seller. When a home sells at a higher price, the seller wins by increasing their proceeds, and a commissioned real estate agent wins by earning more, too. 2. Seamless partnership with renovation experts By incorporating a pre-sale renovation firm into your real estate listing strategy, you streamline the home improvement process for your homeowners. They won't have to juggle contractors, designers, and timelines; your partner firm manages everything, providing a near-effortless experience. Example: Your potential seller has an outdated kitchen and old-fashioned wired shelves in their walk-in closet. Instead of the seller managing multiple contractors, you help them engage with a pre-sale renovation firm. The entire process is coordinated seamlessly, from design to execution, and they keep you and your client in the loop every step of the way. 3. Tailored renovations for maximum ROI Having local market knowledge and specialized design teams ensures the renovation aligns with current trends and buyer preferences. Homeowners don't have this expertise. Using this tailored approach ensures that homeowners receive the best bang for their buck. Example: A neighborhood is close to great schools, so it is popular among young families. A pre-sale renovation firm might prioritize creating an open-concept living space, given its higher demand among that demographic. 4. Faster sales for market-ready homes Homes that have undergone pre-sale renovations sell faster than those listed as-is. With modern designs and finishes, these homes are appealing to more buyers, resulting in quicker offers. Example: Two homes in the same vicinity are listed for sale. The renovated home is more likely to receive multiple offers than the as-is property, which may linger on the market, depending on its condition. 5. The turnkey advantage Pre-sale renovation firms offer turnkey solutions. From conception to design, securing contractors to completion, everything is handled. Agents and sellers don't have to break a sweat and can focus on other aspects of the sale. Even the financial part is covered, as there's no out-of-pocket expense because all renovation costs are paid at closing. Example: When a homeowner decides to sell and goes the do-it-yourself route to make improvements, they enter an often riskier, more complicated, and lengthier process. They must know the best improvement to yield the best return, find and hire contractors, pay for the materials and labor up front, and oversee the entire process. All of this is a turnkey option that is taken care of by experts who do this every day. 6. Commissions boost for agents For agents who earn a commission, a higher sale price directly translates to higher earnings. While sellers benefit from a higher home price by using a pre-sale renovation firm, agents also benefit financially from the resulting property value uplift. Example: An agent is earning a 3% commission on an as-is property worth $500,000, that's $15,000. But if renovations increase the home's value to $580,000, that commission jumps to $17,400. Maximizing your client's happiness Strategic partnerships in real estate can be powerful, especially when trying to find ways to go above and beyond in providing the best experience for your clients. Working with home renovation experts can transform your listings into their best versions. For your clients, you not only meet but exceed their expectations. A happy client is a customer-for-life client who can bring you more referrals. Jessica Morrow, a seasoned real estate veteran, is Head of Operations for Revive. Revive's mission is to guide home sellers through pre-sale renovations without upfront costs. Working with Revive, home sellers gain an average of $186,000 in additional profit when selling their homes. Thank you to Revive for sponsoring this article on RE Technology! Related Reading The ROI of Renovations: Explaining the Financial Potential of Renovating Before Selling How Technology Is Streamlining the Renovation Process for Homeowners (And Their Agents) The Evolution of Pre-Sale Renovations: How the industry has changed over the past decade

The Ultimate Online Listing Guide for Attracting Potential Buyers
Are you struggling to create a captivating online house listing? Look no further. With iGUIDE, you can quickly and easily create a visually appealing property listing to attract potential buyers. In this post, we'll explore how to maximize the appeal of your online listings using iGUIDE's features. Let's explore the best practices to create an online listing that commands attention and drives results. Attracting potential buyers with eye-catching photos In today's digital world, visuals play a significant role in grabbing the attention of potential buyers. High-quality, professional photographs are essential for showcasing the best features of a property. Buyers want to (and need to) visualize themselves in the space, and captivating photos make a significant difference. To make sure your listing stands out among competitors, invest in professional photography tools and consider adding a virtual tour for an immersive experience. Highlighting key features and unique selling points A well-crafted house listing should highlight the key features and unique selling points of the property. Buyers want specific details that set a house apart from others on the market. Whether it's a spacious backyard, updated kitchen appliances or a desirable location, emphasize these aspects in your description. By doing so, you create a sense of value that captures the interest of potential buyers. Utilizing iGUIDE for a comprehensive virtual tour Incorporating iGUIDE into your house listing will take it to the next level. iGUIDE offers a comprehensive virtual tour that allows potential buyers to explore the property from the comfort of their own homes or anywhere from their mobile phones. This interactive experience provides a realistic sense of the layout and flow of the house. By offering a virtual tour, you can attract more serious buyers who've already explored the property before scheduling an in-person showing. Buyers want floor plans more than ever According to a recent study by Zillow, 82% of buyers are more likely to request a tour if a listing includes floor plans. With iGUIDE, your listings will include interactive, digital floor plans that not only show the footprint of the space but also allow buyers to measure rooms to determine if (and how) their existing furniture will fit into the space. When you combine a virtual tour with an interactive floor plan, you allow buyers to visualize themselves in the space significantly more than photos alone. That's why homes listed with iGUIDE sell 39% faster and for 1.3% more. How to create an irresistible house listing with iGUIDE When it comes to creating a compelling house listing, utilizing the right tools and techniques makes all the difference. With iGUIDE, you have access to a powerful platform to help you create a listing that captures the attention of more potential buyers. Here are some key steps to follow: Staging the property to create a welcoming atmosphere Staging is an effective technique that helps potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. Take the time to declutter and organize each room to create a neat and welcoming atmosphere. Arrange furniture and decor in a way that enhances the flow and functionality of the space. By staging the property effectively, you can showcase its full potential and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Showcasing the iGUIDE virtual tour experience With iGUIDE, potential buyers can explore the property as if they were physically there. Make sure to showcase the virtual tour experience prominently in your house listing. Provide a link or embed the virtual tour directly into your listing to give potential buyers a comprehensive view of the property. By following these steps and leveraging the power of iGUIDE, you can create a house listing that captures the attention of potential buyers. Remember that high-quality photographs, proper lighting, effective staging, compelling property descriptions and showcasing the iGUIDE virtual tour experience all contribute to creating a listing that stands out from the rest. For more information on how iGUIDE can help enhance your house listings, visit iGUIDE's Residential Real Estate page. Writing a compelling and informative property description While eye-catching visuals are essential, the listing description shouldn't be overlooked. Think of it as your opportunity to evoke the imagination of potential buyers. A compelling description paints a picture of what it's like to live in the home, highlighting the lifestyle and benefits it offers. Use descriptive language, evoke emotions and be concise yet informative. Remember, the goal is to engage and captivate the reader, encouraging them to take the next step. Maximizing the potential of your house listing To ensure that your house listing stands out in the highly competitive online real estate market, it's crucial to maximize its potential. By implementing effective strategies and tactics, you can enhance the visibility and appeal of your listing, attracting potential buyers and increasing your chances of a successful sale. In this section, we'll explore some key methods to optimize your house listing and make it irresistible to potential buyers. Sharing the listing on relevant real estate platforms To maximize the exposure of your house listing, it's essential to share it on relevant real estate platforms. Take advantage of popular websites and listing portals where potential buyers actively search for properties. Platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin are great options to consider. Leveraging social media for increased exposure Social media platforms provide an excellent opportunity to expand the reach of your house listing and attract a larger audience. Create compelling posts about your property, highlighting its unique selling points and sharing high-quality images. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) can help generate interest and engagement. Consider joining local real estate groups or neighborhood communities on social media to target a more specific audience. Engage with potential buyers by responding to comments and inquiries promptly. Encourage people to share your listing with their network, expanding its reach further. Monitoring analytics and making adjustments for optimization To continuously improve the performance of your house listing, it's essential to monitor its analytics and make data-informed adjustments. Tools like Google Analytics can provide valuable insights into the performance of your listing, including the number of views, click-through rates and conversion rates. Analyze this data to identify any patterns or opportunities for optimization. For example, if you notice that the majority of your traffic is coming from a particular real estate platform or social media channel, consider allocating more resources to that specific channel to maximize its impact. Creating an appealing house listing with iGUIDE is the ultimate solution for online listings with appeal. By utilizing the powerful features iGUIDE offers, you can enhance your property's online presence and attract more potential buyers. With its comprehensive floor plans, high-quality images and interactive virtual tours, iGUIDE allows for a fully immersive and engaging experience for potential buyers. Additionally, the accurate measurements and detailed property information provided by iGUIDE help to build trust and credibility with your audience. By incorporating iGUIDE into your house listing, you can showcase your property in the best possible light and increase your chances of making a successful sale. So, why settle for an ordinary listing when you can create an extraordinary one with iGUIDE? For more information about iGUIDE and its benefits, connect with an iGUIDE Specialist today. Start captivating your audience and maximizing your selling potential today. To view the original article, visit the iGuide blog.   Thank you to iGuide for sponsoring this article on RE Technology!

How to Leverage Titles and Meta Descriptions for Better Real Estate SEO
In today's competitive real estate market, it's more important than ever to have a strong online presence. And one of the most important aspects of your online presence is your website's SEO. Two of the most important factors in SEO are your website's titles and meta descriptions. These are the snippets of text that appear in search engine results pages (SERPs) when people search for keywords related to your website. Well-written SEO titles and meta descriptions can help you: Rank higher in SERPs, which can lead to more traffic to your website Increase your click-through rate (CTR), which is the percentage of people who see your search listing and click on it Improve your brand awareness and credibility Attract more qualified leads and buyers In short, SEO titles and meta descriptions are essential for any real estate website that wants to succeed in the online marketplace. The role of SEO titles in real estate SEO SEO titles play a crucial role in real estate SEO. They are the first thing that potential buyers see when they search for properties online. These titles are not only important for attracting attention but also for improving your website's ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). When crafting SEO titles for your real estate website, it's important to include relevant keywords that potential buyers will likely use when searching for properties. For example, if you specialize in luxury homes in a particular city, your SEO title could be "Luxury Homes for Sale in [City Name] – [Your Real Estate Company Name]." This title includes the keywords "luxury homes," "for sale," and the location, which are all relevant to your target audience. It's also important to keep your SEO titles concise and compelling. Most search engines only display the first 50-60 characters of a title, so it's crucial to make those characters count. Please just consider using action words or numbers to make your titles stand out. For example, "Discover the Top 10 Luxury Homes for Sale in [City Name]" is more engaging than a generic title like "Luxury Homes for Sale." In addition to incorporating keywords and making your titles compelling, it's important to ensure that your SEO titles accurately reflect the content of your web pages. Misleading or irrelevant titles can lead to a high bounce rate, which can negatively impact your website's ranking. Make sure that the content on your web pages matches the promises made in your SEO titles. How to write effective SEO titles for real estate websites Writing effective SEO titles for your real estate website requires careful consideration of your target audience, keywords, and competition. Here are some tips to help you create compelling and optimized SEO titles: 1. Research relevant keywords: Start by identifying the keywords that potential buyers are likely to use when searching for properties in your area. Use keyword research tools or consult with a real estate SEO expert to identify high-volume and low-competition keywords that are relevant to your target audience. 2. Incorporate keywords strategically: Once you have identified your target keywords, incorporate them naturally into your SEO titles. Avoid keyword stuffing, which can negatively impact your website's ranking. Instead, focus on using keywords in a way that accurately reflects the content of your web pages and appeals to potential buyers. 3. Make your titles compelling: Your SEO titles should not only include keywords but also be compelling enough to attract clicks. Consider using action words, numbers, or intriguing phrases to make your titles stand out in SERPs. For example, instead of "Homes for Sale," try "Discover Your Dream Home Today – Homes for Sale in [City Name]." 4. Test and optimize: SEO is an ongoing process, and it's important to test and optimize your SEO titles regularly. Monitor your website's performance using analytics tools and make adjustments as needed. Test different variations of your SEO titles to see which ones perform the best in click-through rates and conversions. By following these tips, you can create effective SEO titles that not only improve your website's visibility but also attract qualified leads and buyers to your real estate website. The role of meta descriptions in real estate SEO While SEO titles grab the attention of potential buyers in SERPs, meta descriptions provide additional information about your web pages. Although meta descriptions do not directly affect your website's ranking, they play a crucial role in improving your click-through rate (CTR) and attracting qualified traffic to your real estate website. Meta descriptions should be concise, informative, and appealing. They should accurately summarize the content of your web pages and entice potential buyers to click on your search listing. You should consider including unique selling points, key features, and a call-to-action in your meta descriptions. It's important to note that search engines may not always display the exact meta description you provide. In some cases, search engines may generate their descriptions based on the content of your web pages. However, by providing well-crafted and optimized meta descriptions, you increase the chances of search engines using your descriptions in SERPs. How to write effective meta descriptions for real estate websites Creating compelling meta descriptions for your real estate website requires a combination of creativity, keyword optimization, and a deep understanding of your target audience. Here are some tips to help you craft effective meta descriptions: 1. Keep them concise: Meta descriptions should be no longer than 160 characters. This ensures that they are displayed in their entirety in SERPs and don't get cut off. Use concise language to convey the key selling points of your web pages. 2. Include relevant keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords into your meta descriptions to improve their visibility in SERPs. However, avoid keyword stuffing and prioritize creating engaging and informative descriptions that appeal to potential buyers. 3. Highlight unique selling points: Use your meta descriptions to highlight the unique selling points of your properties or real estate services. Consider mentioning key features, amenities, or any special offers that set you apart from the competition. 4. Include a call-to-action: Encourage potential buyers to take action by including a clear call-to-action in your meta descriptions. For example, you could use phrases like "Schedule a viewing today" or "Browse our listings now" to prompt users to click on your search listing. Remember, meta descriptions should accurately reflect the content of your web pages. Avoid misleading or irrelevant descriptions, as they can lead to a high bounce rate and negatively impact your website's ranking. Best practices for optimizing SEO titles and meta descriptions in real estate SEO Optimizing SEO titles and meta descriptions for your real estate website requires a strategic approach. Here are some best practices to help you maximize their impact: 1. Conduct regular keyword research: Keyword trends and search behaviors change over time. Stay up-to-date with the latest keyword research to ensure that your SEO titles and meta descriptions align with what potential buyers are searching for. 2. Monitor your competitors: Keep an eye on what your competitors are doing with their SEO titles and meta descriptions. Analyze their strategies and identify opportunities to differentiate yourself and stand out in SERPs. 3. Test and analyze: Regularly test different variations of your SEO titles and meta descriptions to see which ones perform the best. Use analytics tools to track your website's performance and make data-driven decisions. 4. Optimize for mobile: With the increasing use of mobile devices for property searches, it's important to ensure that your SEO titles and meta descriptions are optimized for mobile users. Please make sure to keep them concise and easy to read on smaller screens. 5. Leverage local SEO: If you specialize in a specific geographic area, include location-specific keywords in your SEO titles and meta descriptions. This helps attract local buyers and improves your website's visibility in local search results. SEO title and meta description examples for real estate websites To provide you with some inspiration, here are a few examples of well-crafted SEO titles and meta descriptions for real estate websites: SEO Title: "Find Your Dream Home in [City Name] – Exclusive Listings and Expert Advice – [Your Real Estate Company Name]" Meta Description: "Discover a wide range of luxury homes, condos, and apartments for sale in [City Name]. Our experienced real estate agents are here to guide you through the buying process. Start your search today and find your dream home." SEO Title: "Invest in [City Name] Real Estate – Profitable Opportunities and Expert Insights – [Your Real Estate Company Name]" Meta Description: "Explore the lucrative real estate market in [City Name]. From residential properties to commercial investments, our team of experts can help you find profitable opportunities. Get expert insights and start investing in [City Name] real estate today." SEO Title: "Sell Your Home Fast in [City Name] – Trusted Real Estate Agents and Effective Marketing – [Your Real Estate Company Name]" Meta Description: "Ready to sell your home in [City Name]? Our trusted real estate agents specialize in selling properties quickly and at the best possible price. Benefit from our effective marketing strategies and get your home sold fast." These examples demonstrate how SEO titles and meta descriptions can effectively convey the unique selling points of your real estate website and attract potential buyers. Tools and resources for optimizing SEO titles and meta descriptions in real estate SEO Optimizing SEO titles and meta descriptions can be made easier with the help of various tools and resources. Here are a few that you may find useful: 1. Keyword research tools: Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Moz Keyword Explorer can help you identify relevant keywords to incorporate into your SEO titles and meta descriptions. 2. Analytics tools: Tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console can provide valuable insights into your website's performance, including click-through rates, bounce rates, and conversions. Use these tools to monitor the impact of your SEO titles and meta descriptions. 3. SEO plugins: If you're using a content management system like WordPress, consider using SEO plugins like Yoast SEO or All in One SEO Pack. These plugins provide guidance and optimization suggestions for your SEO titles and meta descriptions. We have another amazing article in which we introduced all SEO tools for your Real Estate Website. Check it out if you are interested in knowing more! The importance of regularly updating and optimizing SEO titles and meta descriptions SEO is an ongoing process, and it's crucial to update and optimize your SEO titles and meta descriptions regularly. Here's why: 1. Evolving search trends: Search behaviors and trends change over time. By regularly updating your SEO titles and meta descriptions, you can ensure that they align with the latest search trends and keywords. 2. Stay ahead of competitors: Your competitors are also optimizing their SEO titles and meta descriptions. By regularly analyzing and updating yours, you can stay ahead of the competition and maintain a strong online presence. 3. Improved click-through rates: As you optimize your SEO titles and meta descriptions, you can increase your click-through rates. Compelling and relevant titles and descriptions attract more potential buyers to click on your search listings, leading to increased traffic and potential leads. 4. Better user experience: By providing accurate and engaging SEO titles and meta descriptions, you enhance the user experience. Users are more likely to trust and engage with your website if the content matches their expectations. 5. Search engine algorithm updates: Search engine algorithms are constantly evolving. Regularly updating your SEO titles and meta descriptions ensures that you comply with any algorithm changes and maintain a high ranking in SERPs. Remember, effective SEO titles and meta descriptions are a combination of creativity, keyword optimization, and a deep understanding of your target audience. By investing time and effort into crafting compelling and optimized titles and descriptions, you can harness their power to drive success in your real estate SEO efforts. Conclusion: Harnessing the power of SEO titles and meta descriptions for real estate SEO success In today's competitive real estate market, it's more important than ever to have a strong online presence. And one of the most crucial aspects of your online presence is your website's SEO. Two of the most critical factors in SEO are your website's titles and meta descriptions. These snippets of text appear in search engine results pages (SERPs) when people search for keywords related to your website. Well-written SEO titles and meta descriptions can have a significant impact on your real estate website's success. They can help you rank higher in SERPs, leading to more traffic to your website. Additionally, they can increase your click-through rate (CTR), improve your brand awareness and credibility, and attract more qualified leads and buyers. In short, SEO titles and meta descriptions are essential for any real estate website that wants to thrive in the online marketplace. If you are interested in learning more about real estate SEO, check these articles out: Optimize robots.txt for real estate website Optimize Sitemap for real estate websites To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Real Estate: Strategies for Agents to Stay Afloat
Welcome to the thrilling world of real estate! It's a dynamic field that promises excitement, financial rewards, and opportunities to connect with clients on a personal level. But with great highs come inevitable lows, and real estate is no exception. Agents often find themselves on an emotional rollercoaster, navigating through a series of ups and downs. In this post, we'll explore the emotional rollercoaster of real estate and provide you with some strategies to help you stay afloat. The Highs 1. The Elation of a Successful Sale: Few things can rival the high of closing a deal. The satisfaction of matching a buyer with their dream home or helping a seller secure an excellent price can be truly euphoric. Relish these moments; they're what make the hard work worth it. 2. Building Lasting Relationships: One of the most rewarding aspects of real estate is the opportunity to form lasting relationships with clients. You're helping people make one of the most significant decisions of their lives, and that kind of trust is a powerful bonding agent. 3. Financial Triumphs: A successful real estate agent can enjoy substantial financial rewards. Commission checks can be substantial, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while doing what you love. 4. Flexibility and Independence: Real estate agents often have more control over their schedules than many other professions. This autonomy can be incredibly liberating and lead to a healthier work-life balance. The Lows 1. The Agony of Rejection: For every successful sale, there may be multiple rejections. Dealing with rejection is an integral part of the real estate world. Your dream property may slip through your fingers, or a client might decide to go with another agent. It's tough, but it's part of the game. 2. Market Volatility: The real estate market is like a capricious beast, and it's not always easy to predict its behavior. Economic downturns, fluctuating interest rates, and external events like the COVID-19 pandemic can wreak havoc on your business. 3. Burnout and Stress: Juggling multiple clients, attending showings, and handling the intricate details of transactions can be overwhelming. Burnout is a real risk in this profession. The constant pressure to meet quotas and deadlines can take a toll on your mental and physical health. 4. Uncertainty: Real estate is anything but predictable. Your income isn't fixed, and financial stability can feel elusive. You may have a fabulous month followed by a drought that has you questioning your career choices. Strategies for Staying Afloat Now that we've explored the exhilarating highs and daunting lows of the real estate rollercoaster, let's discuss some strategies to help you navigate the twists and turns. 1. Build a Support Network: Real estate can be a lonely profession. To combat this isolation, connect with other agents in your area. Share experiences, insights, and strategies. The emotional support from peers can be invaluable. 2. Maintain a Positive Mindset: It's crucial to develop a positive outlook to weather the lows. Remind yourself of your past successes, and visualize your future accomplishments. Embrace rejection as a learning opportunity and a step towards your next success. 3. Continuous Learning: The real estate industry is always evolving. To stay on top of your game, commit to lifelong learning. Attend workshops, take courses, and stay updated on market trends and technology. 4. Time Management: Avoid burnout by managing your time effectively. Set clear boundaries for work and personal life. Delegate tasks where possible and prioritize self-care. 5. Diversify Income Streams: Relying solely on commission-based income can be risky. Consider diversifying your income with rental properties or real estate investments. This can provide stability during market downturns. 6. Plan for the Future: Develop a financial plan that includes saving for retirement. It's easy to get caught up in the present, but having a long-term financial strategy can offer peace of mind. 7. Embrace Technology: Leverage technology to streamline your workflow. From virtual tours to CRM systems, technology can help you work more efficiently and stay competitive. 8. Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with a financial advisor or therapist as needed. A financial advisor can help you plan for your financial future, while a therapist can assist with managing the emotional challenges of the profession. 9. Adapt and Innovate: Be ready to pivot when necessary. If market conditions change, explore new niches or areas of specialization. Innovate your marketing strategies and adapt to the ever-changing real estate landscape. 10. Take Time to Reflect: Periodically step back and evaluate your career goals and personal well-being. Are you on the right path? Are you still passionate about what you do? Reflecting on these questions can help you make informed decisions about your future in real estate. Real estate is indeed an emotional rollercoaster, with its breathtaking highs and stomach-churning lows. But with the right strategies, a strong support system, and a positive mindset, you can not only survive but thrive in this thrilling industry. Remember, it's the journey, not just the destination, that makes the ride worthwhile. So, fasten your seatbelt and get ready for the next exhilarating twist and turn in your real estate adventure! To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

How to Build Better Real Estate Listings with Immersive Content
Welcome back to our "Tips and Tricks Tuesday" series, which highlights articles around a monthly theme. November's theme is "How to Be a Better Me." Read on for tips and tricks on being your best self: The global pandemic significantly amplified the need for virtual tours, especially in the real estate industry, given buyers and renters weren't able to view properties in person. These realistic walkthroughs allowed buyers to "visit" a property without physically being there, providing real estate professionals a simple and effective way to not only showcase a home in an immersive way, but to also streamline their workflow, improve sales, and place more value on a property. And although the pandemic has subsided, virtual tours are here to stay – a study found that 54% of prospective home buyers will not even consider a property that does not have a virtual tour in the online listing. Realtors bring industry knowledge and the emotional element to the home buying process; however, virtual tours provide viewers with an authentic view of the space and help them decide whether a visit to the property is needed based on what they're looking for. Embracing this technology and incorporating it into your business strategy can save time and extra costs, while increasing sales and efficiency. To be a successful real estate agent in today's market, you must understand the benefits of virtual tours and how they can enhance listings to stand out from your competitors, and ultimately grow your business. Outlined here are a few of the benefits of incorporating virtual tours into your listings: 1. Elevate a Client's Experience Today's home buyers and renters are expecting nothing less than a listing that provides them with an authentic view of a property. Through virtual tours, a client can explore a space when they choose, reference the property multiple times, and gain a strong sense of the layout remotely. This is especially helpful for those seeking properties in different states or countries, reducing travel costs and time. With an interactive, user-friendly interface, virtual tour solutions can make the viewing process enjoyable and straightforward for all parties involved. 2. Streamline Workflow While virtual tour creation may seem complicated and time consuming, tours are easy to make and can streamline your workflow. A tool like the RICOH THETA X can easily capture 360-degree images of a space and immediately upload images captured to a smartphone. The point-and-shoot feature removes the time-consuming process of capturing countless professional photos of a space at every angle. The camera allows for a fully spherical image or video with immersion and interactivity for the viewer. The RICOH THETA X seamlessly works in conjunction with RICOH's proprietary virtual tour platform, RICOH360 Tours, which comes equipped with modern technology to streamline content creation. This includes automated functions such as AI Image Enhancement which guarantees high-quality images through editing capabilities, as well as the AI Video Maker for easy creation of video content to share to the MLS or social media, AI Auto Generation for automatic property descriptions, Auto Image Cropping to edit images, and AI Virtual Staging to fill a vacant room. 3. Bolster Marketing Materials Real estate professionals can incorporate virtual tours in marketing materials to share and reach potential buyers or renters. Incorporating them onto a website, portal site, social media, or newsletters will assist in acquiring leads on a listing. In addition, virtual tours make a business look more professional and modern, thus improving a Realtor's or broker's reputation while also attracting and retaining talent. With customization options like creating and setting brand banners, adding a company logo for branding or creating a property introduction page, virtual tours can help content stand out and make your business top-of-mind for clients. Additionally, Realtors can analyze marketing data gathered through clicks and time spent touring to better understand your target market and tweak future tours to resonate well with potential customers. Now that you understand the benefits, here is a brief primer on the tools you'll need to have in place before you start building your own tours. First, you need to select the right camera and software. RICOH360 Tours is a popular solution due to its simplicity and ability to create professional looking virtual tours or videos to support your goals. It couples well with the RICOH THETA X, a portable 360-degree camera with a compact, lightweight body that can capture floor to ceiling imagery with just the touch of a button. The camera can automatically upload photos to the cloud after shooting by using the official RICOH THETA app and is also equipped with a large touchscreen, interchangeable battery, built-in GPS, and smartphone connectivity to transfer still images or videos to a mobile device. Additional accessories that are beneficial for real estate photography and virtual tour creation include a tripod for stability and remote control to shoot hands-free. To start creating your own tours, visit RICOH360 Tours and sign up for a free demo today.

How RPR Can Enhance Your Real Estate Marketing Strategy
With interest rates still high and inventory still down, agents across the country are feeling the pinch. However, now is actually the perfect time for REALTORS® to re-evaluate and revamp their marketing strategies. And RPR® (Realtors Property Resource®) can help you do it! Yes, the current market can be frustrating. But savvy, seasoned agents know that now is the time to plan for the future. You zig while they zag! And investing in yourself and your brand, through RPR's data and tools, is a smart way to approach it. Here are a few ways RPR can enhance your real estate marketing strategies… Analyze market data using RPR RPR offers up-to-date market data, including market types, active listings, recent sales and inventory levels. RPR Market Trends, a collection of charts, graphs and statistics, can help you and your clients keep up with the dynamic, ever-changing real estate market. But best of all, these housing stats are based on local markets. That means you can drill down and zone-in on specific areas versus quoting numbers on a regional or national level, which helps you market yourself as the local market expert! To get started, just visit RPR, and from the homepage, click on Research. From the dropdown menu, select Residential Market Trends. Now, conduct a search in the location bar. Start as high as state, county or city. Better yet, use ZIP codes and neighborhood names to get really hyper-local! Now, here's where the "analyze" part comes in! From your Market Trends search, click the icon in the upper right that says Create Script. This is the RPR Market Trends ScriptWriter tool and it uses AI ChatGPT tech to create housing market "explainer" copy for you. For this example, we choose "Engaging" for the tone, "Sellers" for the audience, and "Analyze Metrics" as the action. This was for a ZIP code in southern California. Here are the results, which happen in seconds! Ladies and gentlemen, today we are going to dive into some fascinating real estate metrics that will surely grab your attention. If you are a seller, this information is crucial for understanding the current state of the market and maximizing the value of your property. So, let's get started!​First on our list is the "Months Supply of Inventory," which currently stands at a remarkable 1.09. This metric refers to the number of months it would take to sell all the homes on the market if no new listings were added. A low number like 1.09 indicates a strong seller's market, where demand outweighs supply, granting sellers an upper hand in negotiations.​But what's even more intriguing is the "12-Month Change in Months of Inventory," which shows a jaw-dropping -23.78% decrease. This means that in the past year, the number of homes available for sale has dramatically declined, indicating an even stronger seller's market. With fewer options for buyers to choose from, your property becomes a hot commodity, potentially leading to faster sales and higher prices.​Now, let's talk about the "Median Days Homes Are on the Market," which currently stands at a mere 8 days. Yes, you heard it right, just 8 days! This astonishingly low number indicates that homes are flying off the market at lightning speed. Buyers are eager to snatch up properties, and if you are a seller, this means you can expect a swift transaction. So get ready to pack your bags and move on to your next adventure!​Moving on, we have the "List to Sold Price Percentage," which stands at an impressive 100.6%. This metric showcases the relationship between the initial list price of a property and the final sold price. A percentage above 100 indicates that homes are selling for more than their initial asking price. In other words, sellers are not only getting what they hoped for but often even exceeding their expectations. It's a dream come true for anyone looking to sell their property.​Lastly, let's talk numbers – the "Median Sold Price" currently sits at a fantastic $850,000. This figure represents the middle point of all the sold prices in the market. It's a testament to the high-value properties being sold in the area. So if you are a seller, this indicates the potential for a substantial return on your investment. You could be looking at a handsome sum when your property sells.​In conclusion, dear sellers, the real estate market is currently on fire, and you have all the reasons to be excited. With a record-low supply of inventory, homes selling within days, prices exceeding expectations, and a sky-high list-to-sold price percentage, your property is in high demand. So take advantage of this extraordinary market and make the most of your selling experience. Good luck, and happy selling! As you can see, terms such as "Months Supply of Inventory" and "List to Sold Price Percentage" aren't just rattled off — they're presented and explained in a very easy to understand manner. This is the type of information you can send to clients, post on your social channels or include in direct mail pieces. Right now, homeowners need data and information on their homes in their area. Be the one who delivers it to them! Also, remember that you don't have to include every single word of the Analyze Metrics script that is created for you. Edit it down and only include two terms or one market indicator. Use your own words and fill in gaps with your own local expertise. It's simply a starting point that you perfect into a compelling piece of communication. Bolster real estate social media marketing with RPR Speaking of social media… RPR puts so many tools in your hand to help you craft attention-getting social media posts. The words, the pictures, the current and relevant data–we've got it all for you! Using the Shareable Market Trends in RPR gives you access to data, stats and hard facts. But you can take these market updates and break them up (or down) into bite-sized content that your followers and friends will love and appreciate. Simply follow the same steps above to access the Shareable Market Trends. There's so many options here to super-charge your social media marketing efforts! First, let's click Share in the upper right of your Market Trends search result. This will open a box titled, Share Chart. Go ahead and name your chart (the month and year are preselected, feel free to edit as you wish), then check over the Preview of your chart. Next, scroll down to the bottom for the Share options. Choose Facebook, Twitter (now X) or LinkedIn. You will now share this chart to your social media world! Be sure to include some text so potential clients know how to reach you with questions, etc. Or personalize it with something such as, "Hi neighbors, here's the latest housing market update for [NEIGHBORHOOD NAME]. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about the market…" Another option is to click on the More button; now you can download the Market Trends graphic, either as a .jpg or .png file, or simply copy it to your clipboard for a future paste. Now, you can place this visual market update almost anywhere! Including Instagram, where you can access the saved photo from your phone's camera roll. Of course, you might want this same market info, but in a different visual layout. RPR has that for you! Just click here and you'll be taken to our collection of free Canva templates where you can choose a design to your liking, and then customize it with RPR Market Trends data. Just click the links, follow the prompts and then plug in your numbers. And of course, post the finished product in your feed. We're not done with social yet! Another way to use social media is to once again utilize the RPR Market Trends ScriptWriter. In the first example, we chose Analyze Metrics, but this time select Create Script, and then Social Campaign (be sure to choose your tone and audience as well). You'll almost instantly get: Attention Oceanside Sellers! Get ready for the latest update on the housing market trends in our beautiful city. As your trusted REALTOR®, John Goode, I'm here to keep you informed! Let's dive into the data for September 2023: Currently, Oceanside has a low inventory with only 1.09 months supply available. This means there's a high demand for homes in our area. So if you're thinking of selling, now might just be the perfect time! Over the past 12 months, the Months Supply of Inventory has decreased by an impressive -23.78%. This indicates a growing demand for homes and a potential increase in property values. When it comes to pricing, sellers in Oceanside are in for good news! The List to Sold Price percentage is at a solid 100.6%. This means that homes are selling close to or even above their listing price, giving you the opportunity to maximize your return on investment. The market is moving fast! The median days on market for homes in Oceanside currently stands at just 8 days. This means that if priced right and marketed effectively, your home could find its perfect buyer in no time! Lastly, let's talk about the median sold price. The current median sold price for homes in Oceanside is $850,000. This shows a strong market with favorable conditions for sellers to achieve their desired sales price! If you're considering selling your home in Oceanside, CA 92057, now is a great time to take advantage of these market trends! Contact me, John Goode, your trusted REALTOR®, for personalized guidance and assistance throughout the selling process. #MarketTrends #SellWithConfidence #SellersMarket As you can see, the Market Trends ScriptWriter has created a whole social media campaign for you! Now, you don't have to run all of these messages, you could easily copy all the text and save it somewhere, then pick and choose which ones you want to post, or drip them all out over a period of time. It's up to you, but one thing's for sure – your social media feed will be fresher than ever before! Here are some other "quick hits" that RPR can help with in your marketing planning and executions: Property Reports: RPR provides access to detailed property data, including tax records, ownership history, property characteristics and historical sales data. This information can help you better understand the properties you're selling or buying, which is valuable for market analysis and client education. Sending out RPR Reports as a self-promotion tactic works really well for specific addresses, neighborhoods and market activity. Check out Houston REALTOR® Uses RPR to Deliver Reports and Results; it's about an agent who sends out five RPR Seller's Reports each day as a marketing and prospecting tool! RPR Mailing Labels: Mailing labels or mailing lists can play a crucial role in prospecting outreach in competitive markets. REALTORS® can create them or export owner information from RPR search results. And you can create up to 2,000 each month for free! These ready-to-print mailing labels are perfect for farming, prospecting or direct mail marketing within custom geographies: Conduct an area search, then use filters to narrow it down or use a previously saved area, such as a farm area. Sort your results using the "List View" or from the "Map View," and click "Mailing Labels" once you have the right number of addresses. A pop-up window appears; then choose your label type or a CSV file. Hit "print" and remember, you have 2,000 EACH MONTH to use. Watch this one-minute video to see all of the above in action or follow these step-by-step instructions. Neighborhood Insights: RPR provides information on local neighborhoods, including school data, demographics and amenities. This is valuable when working with clients who want to find properties in specific areas and need detailed information about the neighborhood. That makes it easy for you to market yourself as the neighborhood expert! Customizable Reports: RPR allows you to create branded and customizable reports, giving your marketing materials a professional and polished look. This can help you stand out from the competition and will surely impress your clients. Use RPR to make your marketing attention-getting and unforgettable Incorporating RPR into your real estate marketing strategy can provide you with valuable insights, tools and resources to better serve your clients and improve your overall effectiveness as a real estate professional. It's particularly useful for creating data-driven marketing campaigns and delivering well-informed recommendations to your clients. Tap into RPR today to give your marketing more teeth! To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.

Best Practices for Creating Floor Plans and 3D Virtual Tours
Creating floor plans and 3D virtual tours has become essential for real estate professionals in today's digital age. These assets provide potential buyers with an immersive experience, allowing them to explore properties from the comfort of their own homes. One of the most popular platforms for creating these virtual tours is iGUIDE. In this article, we'll share the best practices for creating property-accurate floor plans and virtual tours using iGUIDE. 82% of buyers are more likely to request a tour if a listing includes floor plans To create the best virtual experience, keep these two steps in mind: Have the right tools for the task Properly plan your shots to give the best tour Choosing the right equipment To create high-quality virtual experiences, it's important to start with the right equipment. iGUIDE Camera System: The iGUIDE PLANIX camera is calibrated to ensure the time-of-flight lidar scanner provides data used in iGUIDE floor plans and area calculations that adhere to the ANSI-Z765-2021 and RECA RMS 2017 standards Tripod: Invest in a quality tripod to help ensure your images are steady and not blurry. Digital storage: High-capacity USB memory sticks are the most versatile option. You plug them directly into your iGUIDE PLANIX Camera, making the process as plug-and-play as possible. Lighting: This isn't required, but is certainly recommended. Explore adjustable LED panel lights and diffusers to achieve consistent, shadow-free results, ensuring your scans capture every detail with precision and clarity. With these tools in hand, you're ready to showcase the property in the best possible way, giving potential buyers an accurate representation of the space. Planning your scans Before you begin capturing scans for your virtual tour, it's essential to plan your route throughout the property strategically. You'll want to avoid obstacles such as people, pets and spaces that are not ready to be scanned. iGUIDE provides feedback with real-time data showing coverage to give you a sense of where you have been and have yet to go. This will prevent you from missing key information when scanning. Remember to scan the intersection points where hallways meet rooms (kitchens, bedrooms, etc.) to improve the overall experience of the tour. You should be able to capture an entire property (up to 3,000 sq ft) in 15 minutes or less. Capturing high-quality images When capturing images for your virtual tour, quality is critical. Proper lighting will help showcase the property in its best form and highlight its unique features. Take multiple shots of each room from different angles to capture the entire perspective. A high-quality tripod is vital so you can keep the camera steady to avoid motion blur, as this can reduce the resolution of the images and make the virtual tour less visually appealing. Utilizing iGUIDE's features iGUIDE offers a range of features that can enhance your virtual tour and provide a more immersive experience for potential buyers. Real-time tagging: Use tags to highlight key areas of interest using on-site photos, videos and descriptions right in the 3D virtual tour. Analytics: Valuable insights about the actions you can take based on where your 3D tours real estate is receiving the highest amount of traffic and from whom. Utilize this information about traffic, customers, and viewing duration to assist you in making strategic decisions. Branding: The branding feature lets you personalize the iGUIDE interface by showcasing a banner at the top of the screen. Google Street View: An iGUIDE can be captured, processed, and sent to Google Street View. This provides individuals with a quick and simple method to virtually explore the property location prior to their physical visit. Additionally, iGUIDE's measurement tool can help buyers determine the size of rooms and ensure that their furniture will fit properly. By utilizing these features, you can provide valuable information to potential buyers and increase their confidence in the property. Creating high-value virtual tours with iGUIDE is an effective way to showcase properties and attract potential buyers in the competitive real estate market. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your virtual tours are engaging and visually appealing. Remember to choose the right equipment, plan your shots, capture high-quality images and utilize iGUIDE's features. By doing so, you'll create virtual tours that stand out and leave a lasting impression on potential buyers. Add iGUIDE to your real estate toolkit. Request a free demo today! To view the original article, visit the iGuide blog.   Thank you to iGuide for sponsoring this article on RE Technology!

Types of Real Estate Websites: Their Uses and Benefits
Real estate websites are a valuable resource for buyers, sellers, and renters alike. They offer a convenient way to search for properties, learn about market trends, and connect with real estate agents. There are many different types of real estate websites, each with its own unique focus. In this article, we'll take a look at the most common types of real estate websites and discuss their uses and benefits. We'll also provide some tips on how to choose the right website for your needs. Benefits of having a real estate website Having a real estate website offers numerous benefits for both real estate professionals and consumers. For real estate professionals, a website provides a platform to showcase their listings, build their brand, and attract potential clients. It allows them to reach a wider audience and establish their expertise in the market. For consumers, a real estate website provides a convenient and efficient way to search for properties. They can filter their search based on location, price range, and specific features, saving them time and effort. Additionally, websites often provide valuable information such as property details, neighborhood insights, and market trends, empowering consumers to make informed decisions. In summary, a real estate website is a powerful tool that benefits both real estate professionals and consumers. It offers a platform for professionals to showcase their expertise and listings while providing consumers with a convenient and efficient way to search for properties. Types of real estate websites 1. Property listing websites Property listing websites are the most common type of real estate websites. These platforms allow real estate professionals to advertise their listings and connect with potential buyers or renters. They typically provide detailed property information, including photos, descriptions, and pricing details. Users can search for properties based on their preferences and contact the listing agent directly. 2. Real estate agency websites Real estate agency websites are designed to showcase the services and listings of a specific real estate agency. These websites often include information about the agency's history, team members, and areas of expertise. They provide a platform for the agency to establish its brand and attract potential clients. Additionally, agency websites may offer resources such as mortgage calculators, market reports, and tips for buyers and sellers. 3. Real estate marketplace websites Real estate marketplace websites act as a platform for both individual sellers and real estate professionals to list their properties. These websites often have a wider range of listings compared to property listing websites, as they allow individuals to sell their properties without the need for a real estate agent. Users can search for properties, compare prices, and connect with sellers directly. Some popular real estate marketplace websites include Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com. 4. Real estate blog websites Real estate blog websites focus on providing informative and educational content related to the real estate industry. They cover a wide range of topics, including buying and selling tips, market trends, investment strategies, and home improvement ideas. These websites aim to educate and engage readers, positioning themselves as a trusted source of information. Real estate professionals often use blog websites to establish themselves as experts in the field and attract potential clients. Uses and Benefits of Property Listing Websites When choosing a real estate website, it's important to consider your specific needs and goals. If you're a real estate professional looking to showcase your listings, a property listing website or a real estate agency website may be the best option. These websites provide a platform to showcase your expertise and connect with potential clients. On the other hand, if you're an individual seller looking to sell your property without the need for a real estate agent, a real estate marketplace website may be more suitable. Finally, if you're looking to provide valuable information and establish yourself as an expert in the field, a real estate blog website may be the right choice. Property listing websites provide a convenient and efficient way for individuals to navigate the complex world of real estate. With just a few clicks, buyers can access a wide range of properties that meet their specific criteria, such as location, size, amenities, and price. This eliminates the need for time-consuming and often frustrating traditional methods of property hunting, such as driving around neighborhoods or relying solely on real estate agents. Uses and Benefits of Real Estate Agency Websites Real estate agency websites have undergone a significant transformation in recent years, becoming an indispensable tool for real estate agents and brokers. These websites now serve as a crucial instrument for professionals in the industry, providing them with a streamlined and effective platform to promote properties, establish connections with prospective buyers and sellers, and efficiently handle their business operations. One of the primary functions of real estate agency websites is to showcase properties to potential buyers. These websites offer a visually appealing and user-friendly interface where agents can display high-quality images, videos, and detailed descriptions of the properties they have listed. This allows potential buyers to get a comprehensive understanding of the property's features, layout, and overall appeal without having to physically visit the location. By providing this virtual tour, real estate agents can attract a wider audience and generate more interest in their listings. Uses and Benefits of Real Estate Marketplace Websites Real estate marketplace websites are platforms that bring together buyers, sellers, and real estate agents in one place. These websites serve as a hub for property listings, connecting potential buyers with sellers and helping real estate agents reach a wider audience. One of the main benefits of using a real estate marketplace website is the convenience it offers. Buyers can easily search for properties based on their preferences, such as location, price range, and property type. Sellers, on the other hand, can reach a larger pool of potential buyers, increasing their chances of selling quickly. Another advantage of real estate marketplace websites is the wealth of information they provide. Users can access detailed property descriptions, high-quality photos, virtual tours, and even neighborhood information. This allows buyers to make informed decisions and sellers to showcase their properties in the best possible light. Additionally, these websites often have built-in communication tools, making it easy for buyers, sellers, and agents to connect and negotiate. Uses and Benefits of Real Estate Blog Websites Real estate blog websites are different from marketplace websites in that they focus more on providing informative and educational content rather than property listings. These websites are typically run by real estate professionals, such as agents or brokers, and aim to establish them as industry experts. The main purpose of real estate blog websites is to provide valuable insights, tips, and advice to readers. One of the key benefits of real estate blog websites is the wealth of information they offer. Readers can learn about various aspects of the real estate industry, such as buying and selling tips, market trends, financing options, and home improvement ideas. This information can be invaluable for both buyers and sellers, helping them make informed decisions and navigate the complex world of real estate. Another advantage of real estate blog websites is the opportunity for engagement and interaction. Readers can leave comments, ask questions, and even request specific topics to be covered in future articles. This creates a sense of community and allows readers to connect with the author on a more personal level. Additionally, real estate professionals can use blog websites to showcase their expertise and build their personal brand, which can lead to increased credibility and trust among potential clients. To have more visitors to your real estate blog website, you need to optimize your website for search engines. To do that, you need to get help from an SEO specialist, if you want to know more about these guys, visit Who is Real Estate SEO Expert? How to choose the right type of real estate website for your business When it comes to choosing the right type of real estate website for your business, it's important to consider your specific goals and target audience. Here are some factors to consider: 1. Purpose: Determine the main purpose of your website. Are you primarily looking to showcase properties and connect with buyers and sellers? Or do you want to establish yourself as an industry expert and provide informative content? Understanding your goals will help you choose the right type of website. 2. Audience: Consider your target audience. Are you targeting buyers, sellers, renters, or a combination of all three? Different types of websites cater to different audiences, so it's important to choose a platform that aligns with your target market. 3. Features: Look for websites that offer the features you need. If you're looking for a real estate marketplace website, make sure it has advanced search options, filters, and communication tools. If you're interested in a blog website, ensure it has a user-friendly interface, comment section, and social sharing options. 4. Design and usability: Pay attention to the design and usability of the website. It should be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly. A well-designed website will enhance the user experience and encourage visitors to stay longer. 5. Cost: Consider your budget. Some real estate websites may require a monthly subscription or charge transaction fees. Evaluate the cost and benefits to ensure it aligns with your budget and business goals. If you want to build a new full-package real estate website, choose a website with an IDX solution and also well-designed templates, like our amazing Lavender or Garnet. By considering these factors, you'll be able to choose the right type of real estate website that meets your specific needs. Essential features for a successful real estate website Regardless of the type of real estate website you choose, there are several essential features that can contribute to its success. Here are some key features to consider: 1. Advanced search options: A robust search functionality is essential for real estate websites. Users should be able to filter properties based on criteria such as location, price range, property type, and amenities. This will make it easier for buyers to find their ideal property and sellers to attract the right audience. 2. High-quality photos and virtual tours: Visual content is crucial for real estate websites. High-quality photos and virtual tours can give potential buyers a better sense of the property and help them visualize themselves living there. Investing in professional photography can greatly enhance the appeal of your listings. 3. Mobile-friendly design: With the increasing use of smartphones, it's crucial for real estate websites to have a mobile-friendly design. A responsive website that adapts to different screen sizes will ensure a seamless user experience across all devices. 4. Easy communication: Real estate websites should have built-in communication tools that allow users to connect with agents or sellers. Features such as instant messaging, contact forms, and click-to-call buttons can facilitate communication and streamline the buying or selling process. 5. Neighborhood information: Providing additional information about the neighborhood can be a valuable feature. This can include details about nearby schools, amenities, transportation options, and crime rates. Buyers often consider these factors when making a decision, so having this information readily available can be a competitive advantage. By incorporating these essential features into your real estate website, you'll be able to provide a seamless user experience and attract more potential buyers and sellers. Conclusion: The importance of having a professional real estate website In today's digital age, having a professional real estate website is essential for real estate professionals and agencies. It provides a platform to showcase listings, build brand credibility, and attract potential clients. For consumers, real estate websites offer a convenient and efficient way to search for properties, learn about market trends, and connect with real estate professionals. Whether you're a real estate professional or a consumer, a well-designed and optimized website can make a significant difference in your real estate journey. So, invest in a professional real estate website and reap the benefits it has to offer. In conclusion, real estate websites play a crucial role in the industry, serving the needs of both professionals and consumers. Understanding the different types of real estate websites and their uses and benefits can help you make an informed decision when choosing the right website for your needs. Remember, a well-designed and optimized website can be a powerful tool in the highly competitive real estate market. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.

Real Estate Lead Generation: 12 Strategies for Agents to Build a Robust Pipeline
In the world of real estate, your pipeline of leads is like the lifeblood of your business. Without a steady flow of potential buyers and sellers, your career as a real estate agent can hit a hitch in the road. But, fear not! We're here to dive into the exciting world of lead generation and share some tried-and-true strategies to build a robust pipeline that will keep your real estate business thriving. Understanding the Lead Generation Game Before we jump into the strategies, let's get on the same page about what real estate lead generation is all about. Simply put, it's the process of attracting and identifying potential clients interested in buying or selling properties. These leads are the foundation of your real estate career. Without them, you're basically a ship without a compass. Strategy 1: Master the Art of Networking Networking might sound like a buzzword, but it's an essential skill for any successful real estate agent. Attend local events, join real estate associations, and become an active member of your community. The more people you meet and connect with, the wider your net for potential leads becomes. Remember, real estate is a people business, so start shaking hands and making lasting impressions. Strategy 2: Harness the Power of Social Media In today's digital age, social media is your secret weapon for lead generation. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer a goldmine of opportunities to connect with potential clients. Share informative content, showcase your expertise, and engage with your audience regularly. The more valuable your online presence, the more leads you'll attract. Strategy 3: Create a Stunning Website Your website is your online business card. It's often the first impression potential clients have of you. Make sure it's clean, user-friendly, and informative. Include high-quality images of your listings, client testimonials, and valuable blog content. Don't forget to optimize it for search engines (SEO) to ensure it ranks well on Google. Strategy 4: Leverage the Power of Email Marketing Email marketing isn't just for e-commerce. It's a potent tool for real estate lead generation too. Collect email addresses from website visitors and past clients, and create engaging newsletters. Share market insights, new listings, and tips for buyers and sellers. Email campaigns can help nurture leads until they're ready to make a move. Strategy 5: Offer Valuable Content Content is king, even in real estate. Write blog posts, create informative videos, or host webinars about real estate topics that interest your target audience. Share these pieces of content on your website and social media channels to position yourself as an authority in your local market. Valuable content will attract potential clients who are seeking your expertise. Strategy 6: Partner with Local Businesses Establish partnerships with local businesses like mortgage brokers, home inspectors, or interior designers. When you refer clients to these professionals, they might return the favor by sending clients your way. This symbiotic relationship can lead to a steady stream of referrals and new leads. Strategy 7: Optimize Your Online Listings Your online listings are digital billboards for your properties. Make sure they stand out by using high-quality photos and detailed descriptions. Additionally, consider using paid advertising on real estate websites to increase the visibility of your listings and generate more inquiries. Strategy 8: Embrace Virtual Tours In our fast-paced world, convenience is key. Offering virtual tours of your properties is a great way to attract busy buyers and sellers. These immersive experiences allow potential clients to explore homes from the comfort of their own living rooms, which can lead to more serious inquiries. Strategy 9: Continue to (gently) follow up! Leads can quickly turn cold if you don't follow up promptly and persistently. Develop a system for tracking leads and staying in touch with them. Whether it's through phone calls, emails, or text messages, consistency in your follow-up will increase your chances of converting leads into clients. Strategy 10: Invest in Paid Advertising Sometimes, you need to spend money to make money. Consider investing in paid advertising on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or local real estate websites. These targeted ads can put your listings in front of potential clients who are actively searching for properties in your area. Strategy 11: Offer Free Workshops or Seminars Hosting workshops or seminars on topics related to real estate can be a fantastic way to generate leads. These events not only showcase your expertise but also provide an opportunity for attendees to get to know you better. Collect contact information from participants to follow up and nurture potential leads. Strategy 12: Stay Updated with Technology Real estate technology is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest tools and apps that can streamline your lead generation efforts. From CRM software to virtual reality tours, embracing technology can give you an edge in a competitive market. To conclude, building a robust pipeline of real estate leads is an ongoing process that requires dedication, creativity, and a willingness to adapt to changing market conditions. By mastering the art of networking, harnessing the power of digital marketing, and providing valuable content, you can create a pipeline that flows with potential clients. Remember, in the world of real estate, a robust pipeline is the key to long-term success. So, go out there, implement these strategies, and watch your real estate career flourish! To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

Real AI: AI in your pocket, follow the (AI) money, fast facts and top headlines
Real AI is a 100% human-created weekly roundup of all things AI in real estate and emerging AI innovations in other sectors likely to impact real estate. Cloudless AI Chip titan Qualcomm held its annual Snapdragon Summit in Maui (we gotta get on that list), advancing the cloudless generative AI movement. Qualcomm envisions AI in your pocket: totally contained on your smartphone, unchained from the cloud. On-device AI is in its infancy, but with its potential realized (we can dream, right?), we think it would be one of the most welcomed AI advances to date. Qualcomm is in full AI hype mode, describing it as the next big thing coming to our mobile devices. You know all those disparate apps on your phone? Imagine being able to talk to your device, and it automatically uses the app it needs to fulfill your request, accomplish your task, or answer your question. Sounds like a huge time saver, huh? Yes, if it worked. But as in all things new, the Beta stage is fraught with bugs. Allison Johnson details her experience with on-device AI at the Qualcomm summit for The Verge, "I went to paradise to see the future of AI, and I'm more confused than ever." Despite Herculean planning by Qualcomm, as in most live tech demos, things didn't always go as planned. For example, using the newest Qualcomm tech – Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset – to test generative photo capabilities, Johnson describes a mixed bag of results, writing, "Sometimes it's incredibly impressive, but one time, it adds a disembodied sexy leg alongside a landscape." My favorite line is noting that "AI could also be a real dumpster fire, too," pointing out its massive potential for misuse. She also acknowledges our collective emerging frustration with chatbots that are increasing obstacles – or downright preventing – our ability to talk to a real person. I wrote about my own unpleasant experience with a FedEx chatbot in "I fought the bot (and the bot won)." We are in the "it's exciting, exhausting, and seriously frightening" stage of AI today. Things are likely to get worse before they get better as the onslaught of rushing AI to market before it is ready continues. But the idea that my smartphone could actually be smart? Worth the wait. Follow the (AI) money Open AI may continue to burn cash, but Seattle-based GeekWire, our local must-read tech trade, notes some huge players are beginning to profit – immensely – from AI. Pointing to the most recent quarterly reports from Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, AI is boosting the fortunes of their cloud businesses – and generating a source of new revenue that is likely to grow exponentially. Can you see their CEOs rubbing their hands together, smiling? GW reports that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is seeing customers start new projects with a 100% AI drive, which means more demand for its Azure cloud services. Andy Jassy, Amazon CEO, sees "a very substantial, gigantic new generative AI opportunity," which he believes will translate into "tens of billions of dollars in revenue for AWS over the next several years." AI Five Fast Facts In August 2023 alone, OpenAI's ChatGPT registered more than 180 million different visitors. According to a report by McKinsey, low-paid workers are 14 times more likely to be replaced by AI than high-paid workers. Crunchbase reported that more than one in every four dollars invested in US-based startups during 2023 went to AI companies. Nearly one in four (~22%) of companies reported that they adopted AI primarily to address labor shortages. 68% of business leaders think it's unethical for employees to use AI tools without the permission of a manager. Source: Tech.co AI Headlines Take 10 1. The Top 5 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trends For 2024 | Forbes - 11/1/23Up next: Quantum AI, more AI laws, AI ethical debates, augmented working, and next gen of GenAI. 2. Smart Homes – IoT in Real Estate Leading the Future | Appinventiv - 11/1/23The role of the Internet of Things and AI in reshaping an industry expected to eclipse $300 billion in value by 2030. 3. AI companies drive demand for office space in tech hubs, new study finds | Yahoo! - 10/26/23Thanks to the AI explosion, not everyone is abandoning office space. 4. More Than a Passing Fad | Scotsman Guide - 11/1/23How AI could improve commercial mortgage deals. 5. How hotels are turning to AI | JLL - 11/1/23Hotel businesses are racing to integrate AI systems in helping to deliver the perfect experience for their guests. 6. White House tackles artificial intelligence with new executive order | CNN - 10/30/23The good, the bad, and the ugly of trying to put a horse back into the barn. 7. Will Artificial Intelligence Soon Become Conscious? | SciTechDaily - 10/29/23Science doesn't fully understand consciousness, so don't worry (for now) about "conscious machines." 8. Authenticity, sustainability, and AI – the key topics from this year's NYC Ad Week | Media Makers Meet - 10/30/26The No. 1 conversation among ad execs was artificial intelligence, raising more questions than answers. 9. 3 Hard Questions No One Is Asking About AI, but Everyone Should | Inc. Magazine - 10/27/23AI is replacing people, AI has bias issues, and we are in an AI hype cycle. 10. AI-powered 'VC pitch coach' from Yoodli helps startup founders prepare to face investors | GeekWire - 10/30/23Fine-tune your AI VC deck to adjust to the temperament of your VC audience. Quote of the week To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

New Features for Real Estate Professionals in DocuSign eSignature
Technology is playing a growing role in the day-to-day operations of real estate professionals. Modern technology simplifies common steps that have traditionally been quite cumbersome: scheduling appointments, storing documents, hosting virtual home tours, etc. These tools are also proving especially useful in streamlining the forms and documents real estate agents must complete from listing to closing. Exclusivity agreements, sales contracts and disclosures are just a few of the documents real estate professionals must process for each transaction. Completing heaps of paperwork for each transaction is time-consuming and monotonous. While electronic signature makes some parts of that process simpler, there's a lot of work before and after signature that still needs to be done. Those other agreement steps limit the amount of time real estate agents could otherwise spend generating leads and supporting the needs of their buyers or sellers. They get even more burdensome if the work is done in separate systems or involves manual work like printing, mailing or scanning. Real estate professionals can simplify transactions with DocuSign eSignature for Real Estate, an all-in-one solution for agents to do business faster. Whether using a desktop, laptop, tablet or phone, it provides the tools to access and quickly complete state/local association forms, obtain electronic signatures and organize forms in one centralized place. In this post, we'll share some exciting new capabilities that can be unlocked with eSignature for Real Estate features. These DocuSign tools are built specifically for real estate agents to help them simplify everyday work, spend more time with clients and accelerate deals. Track the end-to-end process with a dedicated transactions workspace With a transactions workspace, agents can easily view all transactions and organize all related documents from a centralized hub. This dedicated workspace connects every step (and the documents that track those steps) in a single digital location. With all these forms in a single location, agents have a simpler, more efficient way of negotiating complex series documents. Cutting-edge agents can use the transactions workspace to simplify access to current state and local association forms. They can prepopulate common data fields and use auto-fill capabilities to quickly pull data from other connected systems and reduce the amount of paperwork that has to be done. With a more uniform process and more information automatically added to forms, the transactions workspace offers real estate agencies a simpler path to compliance and reduces the amount of time spent searching for documents. Respond to time-sensitive documents faster with a robust mobile experience Real estate agents are always on the go. If they need to use a desktop or laptop computer to manage agreements, they'll sacrifice time that they could be spending with clients or on-location at their properties. When documents are time-sensitive, they have to make sacrifices to stay tethered to their computers. A powerful mobile solution is a need-to-have part of the modern agent's toolkit. The DocuSign mobile experience is exactly that; it gives agents the flexibility to work from anywhere. They can use almost any device to create or view any document that is part of any transaction. They can even make updates to envelopes that have already been sent or resume drafts of documents that were started on another device. The ability to manage documents via smartphone will shorten deal close time and improve the experience of buyers and sellers. Those faster transactions will improve client satisfaction and loyalty. They may even be a competitive edge when it comes to winning clients who expect a buying or selling experience full of modern conveniences. Streamline common real estate document actions with real estate forms Whether acquiring new clients or simplifying standard signatures throughout a sale, real estate agents can accelerate deals, reduce errors and spend more time growing their business with real estate forms. With forms for real estate, agents can easily access the following functionality: Digital form libraries give agents secure access to the most current state and local association forms Data form fill capability allows agents to enter data once and have it automatically populate across all forms in the same transaction to avoid repetitive data entry Customized form packets help agents quickly find frequently used forms based on transaction type (such as purchase or sale), which saves time and supports compliance Preplaced fields on forms save time by using forms with fields that are accurately placed, assigned to the proper recipients and ready to be completed and sent to clients From listing to sale, REALTORS® can expect to mark their signature dozens of times as well as review stacks of other documents. Common forms they frequently sign throughout the process include: Purchase and sale agreements Addendums Appraisals and disclosures Inspections Leasing or rent back contracts NDAs Furniture bill of sale Manage real estate transactions with the all-in-one solution The robust collection of DocuSign tools for Realtors is a simple way for agents to spend less time on routine paperwork and more time focused on the people and properties they represent. The newest round of updates connects all those tools in a single place to maximize visibility and enhance the mobile experience for agents. DocuSign offers several real estate-specific plans with pricing to meet your budget. And because we partner with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) (we're their exclusive eSignature provider), we can offer special pricing for NAR members. To view the original article, visit the DocuSign blog.

4 Things You Should Always Have in Your Listing Presentation or Open House
We've told you before: it's important to turn your listing presentation on its head and show it off as a marketing action plan. And your approach to your open house should line up with this, too. After all, your goal for both of these scenarios go hand-in-hand — you want to show this home in all its glory, reassure both seller and buyer clients alike of your expertise, and sell it the way it deserves to be sold. As you prep for your listing presentation or open house, there are four key things you should always make sure you have included. These action items help ensure you're well-prepared, building trust, and offering a superior client experience. We'll break each one down, along with the reasons why they're so important. The "Why" Behind Your Pricing Strategy Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest questions you'll get asked by seller clients in the listing presentation — as well as buyers during the open house — is why the home is priced the way it is. This is where you come prepared and heavily armed with data to back up your pricing strategy. You know it's so much more than plugging a few numbers into big real estate portals' online calculators, but your clients will need a bit more guidance to understand this. Be ready to share insight into market practices and conditions, both on a macro and hyperlocal level, as well as general real estate practices they may not be privy to. You'll also want to showcase more abstract, yet critical, factors that went into your pricing strategy, like timing for selling or other considerations that ultimately led to this price. By taking a no-frills, expertise-backed approach to showing the data and standing firm in your pricing strategy, you can tackle these questions with grace and ease. Showcase the Values You and Your Company Hold You're not a typical punch-in, punch-out, 9-to-5 type of agent. Serving your clients and helping them reach their goals smoothly and successfully is what you eat, sleep, and breathe. So show this to them. And no, it's not a matter of bragging or boasting, it's showing the values, ethics, and quality of work you and your company hold and believe in. Whether it's tangible, written values you can share in a print-out or how you show up for your clients day or night, make sure you're always operating from your place of "why." By demonstrating the commitment you bring to the table, as well as the quality of the company you're a part of, you can build trust, calm inevitable anxieties, and establish a strong presence as a real estate expert — even early on. Appeal to their Emotions Similar to our last point, it's key you bring in the human element to your work. Emotion leads to deeper connection and honesty, so appeal to clients' emotions in your interactions. By breaking the fourth wall, so to speak, you can show them you are a real human being. Doing this doesn't have to be mushy-gushy, it's as simple as showing you're actively listening when clients are expressing their concerns. It could also be sharing a sentimental story about why you're passionate about selling homes, or what you love so much about the market you serve. It's also empathy when clients share their fears or hesitations. Not only can you build trust and stronger rapport, you're allowing your clients to put their guard down and be honest about their needs and worries. In turn, you're creating the perfect opportunity to address each and every one with professionalism and expertise. Something Physical to Show or Leave Them With Last, but certainly not least, it's always a good idea to have something that leaves a lasting impression after your listing presentation or open house. Craft and print marketing materials, or order other supplies. You can provide your seller clients with a printed copy of your listing presentation, or hand the digital version over to them on a branded thumb drive. You can also share notes on the house, other listings, or a customized market report. For buyers browsing your open house, you likely already prepared branded swag — but consider printing helpful brochures or flyers showing them comparable properties or other key information, like the contact info of lenders you partner with. By ensuring you have a holistic, well-rounded set of tools to go into any listing presentation or open house seamlessly, you can provide a human-centric yet professional experience to buyer and seller clients alike. You can also set yourself apart from other agents working your market with your approach. To help you better prepare to serve your seller clients, check out our Seller Lead Master Class. To view the original article, visit the BoomTown blog. Related Reading 5 Steps to Ace Your Next Listing Appointment A-Z Open House Tips Your Real Estate Listing Presentation Checklist

Robots.txt: A Comprehensive Guide for Real Estate Websites
Robots.txt is a simple text file that tells search engines which pages on your website they can and cannot crawl. It is an important tool for real estate websites, as it can help you improve your search engine ranking and help fix some of your indexing issues. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to robots.txt for real estate websites. We will explain what robots.txt is, how it works, and how to use it to control how search engines crawl your website. We will also cover common robots.txt mistakes to avoid and provide tips for troubleshooting robots.txt issues. By the end of this article, you will have a good understanding of how to use robots.txt to improve your real estate website's SEO and protect it from harm. What is robots.txt? Robots.txt is a file that resides in the root of your website, and it tells search engine spiders which pages and directories they are allowed to access. It is a critical tool for controlling how search engines crawl your website and can have a significant impact on your website's visibility in search engine results. By using robots.txt, you can prevent search engines from indexing certain pages or directories, ensuring that only the most relevant and valuable content is included in search results. The robots.txt file uses a simple syntax that allows you to specify rules for search engine spiders. These rules can be used to allow or disallow access to specific pages, directories, or even entire sections of your website. By carefully crafting your robots.txt file, you can ensure that search engine spiders are only crawling and indexing the pages that are most important to your real estate website. Creating a robots.txt file is relatively simple. All you need is a text editor, such as Notepad or TextEdit, and a basic understanding of the syntax used in a robots.txt file. Once you have created your robots.txt file, you can upload it to the root directory of your website using an FTP program or your website's content management system (CMS). NOTE: By "spider," we mean search engine or bots crawlers, for example, Google Bots, or SEO Tools Bots (Ahref, Moz, Semrush, etc.) Why is robots.txt important for real estate websites? Real estate websites often contain a large number of pages, including property listings, blog posts, and other types of content. It is essential to control how search engines crawl and index these pages to ensure that the most relevant content appears in search engine results. By using robots.txt, you can specify which pages should be crawled and indexed, and which pages should be ignored. In addition to controlling how search engines crawl your website, robots.txt can also help to protect your website from malicious activity. By disallowing access to sensitive directories, such as your website's admin area or private user information, you can prevent unauthorized access and potential security breaches. Furthermore, robots.txt can be used to manage the crawl budget of your website. The crawl budget refers to the number of pages a search engine will crawl on your website during a given timeframe. By specifying which pages should be crawled, you can ensure that search engine spiders are spending their time and resources on the most valuable pages of your real estate website. Understanding the structure of a robots.txt file To create a robots.txt file for your real estate website, it is important to understand its structure and syntax. A robots.txt file consists of one or more rules, each of which is composed of two parts: the user-agent and the directive. The user-agent specifies which search engine spiders the rule applies to. For example, the user-agent "*" applies to all search engine spiders, while "Googlebot" applies specifically to the Google search engine spider. By using different user-agents, you can create rules that apply to specific search engines or groups of search engines or tools. The directive specifies the action that should be taken by the search engine spider. The most common directive is "Disallow," which tells the search engine spider not to crawl a specific page or directory. For example, the directive "Disallow: /admin" would prevent search engine spiders from accessing the admin directory of your real estate website. It is important to note that the syntax of a robots.txt file is case-sensitive. For example, "Disallow" and "disallow" are treated as different directives by search engine spiders. Therefore, it is essential to use the correct capitalization when creating your robots.txt file. How to create a basic robots.txt file for a real estate website Creating a basic robots.txt file for your real estate website is relatively straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started: 1. Open a text editor, such as Notepad or TextEdit. 2. Create a new file and save it as "robots.txt". 3. Add the following lines to your robots.txt file: "` User-agent: * Disallow: "` The first line specifies that the rule applies to all search engine spiders, while the second line specifies that no pages or directories should be disallowed. 4. Save the robots.txt file and upload it to the root directory of your real estate website using an FTP program or your website's content management system (CMS). By creating this basic robots.txt file, you are allowing all search engine spiders to crawl and index all pages and directories on your real estate website. However, there may be specific pages or directories that you want to disallow. In the next section, we will cover advanced robots.txt techniques for real estate websites. Advanced robots.txt techniques for real estate websites While a basic robots.txt file can be sufficient for many real estate websites, there are several advanced techniques that can help you further optimize your website's crawlability and visibility in search engine results. Here are a few techniques to consider: 1. Disallowing irrelevant pages: Real estate websites often contain pages that are not useful to search engine users, such as login pages or search result pages with no properties. By disallowing these pages in your robots.txt file, you can ensure that search engine spiders are focusing on the most valuable pages of your website. "` User-agent: Disallow: /login Disallow: /search-results?properties=0 "` 2. Optimizing crawl budget: As mentioned earlier, the crawl budget refers to the number of pages a search engine will crawl on your website during a given timeframe. By specifying which pages should be crawled, you can ensure that search engine spiders are spending their time and resources on the most valuable pages of your real estate website. "` User-agent: Googlebot Crawl-delay: 5 Sitemap: https://www.example.com/sitemap.xml "` The "Crawl-delay" directive specifies the number of seconds to wait between successive requests to your website. This can be useful if your website has limited server resources or if you want to control the rate at which search engine spiders crawl your website. The "Sitemap" directive specifies the location of your website's XML sitemap, which can help search engines discover and index your website's pages more efficiently. If you want to know how to optimize your sitemap files, check out this article: Sitemap for real estate websites. 3. Handling duplicate content: Real estate websites often have multiple pages with similar or identical content, such as property listings with different sorting options. To prevent search engines from penalizing your website for duplicate content, you can use the "canonical" tag in your HTML code or specify the preferred version of a page in your robots.txt file. "` User-agent: Allow: /property-listings/ Disallow: /property-listings/?sort=price_asc "` In this example, we are allowing search engine spiders to crawl and index all pages in the "/property-listings/" directory, but disallowing pages with the "sort=price_asc" parameter. This ensures that search engines will consider the version of the page without the sorting parameter as the preferred version. By using these advanced techniques, you can further optimize your real estate website's crawlability and visibility in search engine results. However, it is important to be cautious when implementing these techniques, as incorrect usage of robots.txt directives can unintentionally block search engine spiders from accessing important pages of your website. If it's hard for you to use this file and its structure, it's better to get help from an SEO real estate expert. Common mistakes to avoid when using robots.txt While robots.txt can be a powerful tool for controlling how search engines crawl your real estate website, there are several common mistakes that website owners make. Here are a few mistakes to avoid: 1. Blocking important pages: One of the most common mistakes is unintentionally blocking important pages of your website. This can happen if you use the "Disallow" directive without fully understanding its impact. Always double-check your robots.txt file to ensure that you are not blocking any pages that should be crawled and indexed by search engines. 2. Using incorrect syntax: The syntax of a robots.txt file is case-sensitive, and even a small mistake can have a significant impact on how search engine spiders interpret your directives. Always use the correct capitalization and syntax when creating your robots.txt file. 3. Neglecting to update your robots.txt file: As your real estate website evolves, you may add or remove pages or directories that should be crawled by search engines. It is important to regularly review and update your robots.txt file to reflect these changes. Failure to do so can result in search engine spiders continuing to crawl and index outdated or irrelevant pages. 4. Not testing your robots.txt file: Before uploading your robots.txt file to your real estate website, it is crucial to test it using the robots.txt testing tool provided by Google Search Console. This tool allows you to simulate how search engine spiders will interpret your robots.txt file and identify any potential issues or mistakes. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your real estate website's robots.txt file is correctly configured and optimized for search engine crawlability. Testing and troubleshooting your robots.txt file After creating or making changes to your robots.txt file, it is essential to test it to ensure that it is working as intended. The robots.txt testing tool provided by Google Search Console is a valuable resource for testing and troubleshooting robots.txt files. Here's how you can use the tool: 1. Verify your website in Google Search Console: If you haven't already done so, verify your real estate website in Google Search Console. This will give you access to a range of tools and reports that can help you monitor and optimize your website's performance in Google search results. 2. Open this page: https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/robots-testing-tool and select the property you are working on. 3. In the robots.txt testing tool, enter the URL of your robots.txt file and click on "Test." The tool will then simulate how search engine spiders will interpret your robots.txt file and display the results. By using the robots.txt testing tool, you can identify any issues or mistakes in your robots.txt file and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that it is working correctly. The impact of robots.txt on SEO for real estate websites The robots.txt file plays a crucial role in the SEO strategy of real estate websites. By properly configuring your robots.txt file, you can control how search engines crawl and index your website, ensuring that only the most relevant and valuable pages are included in search engine results. An optimized robots.txt file can help to improve your website's search engine ranking by ensuring that search engines are focusing their resources on the most important pages of your real estate website. By preventing search engines from crawling irrelevant or duplicate content, you can help to eliminate potential penalties for duplicate content and improve the overall quality and relevance of your website's search engine results. Furthermore, robots.txt can help to protect your real estate website from malicious activity. By disallowing access to sensitive directories, such as your website's admin area or private user information, you can prevent unauthorized access and potential security breaches. It is important to note that while robots.txt can have a significant impact on your real estate website's SEO, it is just one piece of the puzzle. A comprehensive SEO strategy should also include other factors, such as high-quality content, user-friendly design, effective link-building, etc. Conclusion: Leveraging robots.txt for a successful real estate website In conclusion, robots.txt is a valuable tool for real estate websites. By properly configuring your robots.txt file, you can control how search engines crawl and index your website, improve your search engine ranking, and protect your website from malicious activity. In this article, we have provided a comprehensive guide to robots.txt for real estate websites. We explained what robots.txt is, how it works, and how to use it to control how search engines crawl your website. We also covered common robots.txt mistakes to avoid and provided tips for troubleshooting robots.txt issues. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can optimize your real estate website's robots.txt file for search engine crawlability and visibility, helping you to improve your website's SEO and protect it from harm. Remember, robots.txt is just one piece of the SEO puzzle, and it should be used in conjunction with other SEO strategies to achieve the best results for your real estate website. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.

10 Ways a Transaction Coordinator Can Save You Time
Welcome to the world of real estate, where the market can be scarier than a haunted house on Halloween night. For real estate agents, time is precious, and every minute counts. That's where transaction coordinators come in, offering a helping hand to make the lives of real estate professionals less terrifying and more productive. In the spirit of the season, we're going to explore how these unsung heroes can save real estate agents time and banish the ghouls of administrative work! 1. A Hauntingly Busy Schedule A tangle of appointments, showings, and client meetings frequently ensnares real estate agents. It's simple for important administrative tasks to be neglected when there's so much going on. Transaction coordinators pounce on the situation like masked knights. They assist agents in effectively managing their schedules, making sure no appointment is missed and no time is lost on back-and-forth correspondence with clients. 2. Paperwork Phantoms Real estate transactions come with an abundance of paperwork, and let's face it; paperwork can be a real monster. Keeping track of documents, forms, and contracts is crucial, but it's a time-consuming endeavor. Transaction coordinators tackle this monstrous task by organizing, reviewing, and managing paperwork, so agents can focus on what they do best – selling homes. 3. Eerie Email Management Agents frequently struggle to keep up with clients, leads, and colleagues while being submerged in a sea of emails. By sorting, filtering, and responding to emails on behalf of the agent, transaction coordinators can help manage this email overload, giving the agent more time to concentrate on the most important aspects of their business. 4. Apparitions of Deadlines Deadlines in the real estate world are as unforgiving as the Grim Reaper. Missing a deadline can spell disaster for a deal. Transaction coordinators work like ghostbusters, ensuring every important date is met. They track and remind agents of upcoming deadlines, keeping them out of the supernatural realm of lost opportunities. 5. Communication with Specters (Clients) Dealing with clients can sometimes be a tricky endeavor, akin to communicating with restless spirits. Transaction coordinators serve as intermediaries between agents and clients, handling inquiries, updates, and feedback. This not only saves agents time but also ensures clear and timely communication, making for satisfied clients. 6. The Poltergeist of Data Entry Entering property details into multiple systems can be a repetitive, soul-sucking task for agents. Transaction coordinators can exorcise this data entry poltergeist, inputting property information and ensuring consistency across platforms, saving agents from the hauntingly dull chore. 7. Managing the Curse of Compliance The real estate industry is riddled with rules and regulations that can haunt agents' dreams. Transaction coordinators help ensure all transactions are compliant with the law, preventing agents from unknowingly falling prey to legal missteps and spooky complications. 8. A Mysterious Sense of Organization In the chaos of the real estate world, staying organized can be an elusive ghost. Transaction coordinators possess an uncanny ability to keep all transaction details in order, so agents can easily access the information they need without searching through a labyrinth of files. 9. Chasing Away the Appraisal Apparition Dealing with appraisals can be a hair-raising experience. Transaction coordinators can assist with scheduling appraisals, tracking the progress, and ensuring that all necessary information is available when the appraisal specter arrives, making the process smoother and less stressful for agents. 10. The Closing Conundrum Closing deals is the ultimate goal for any real estate agent, but it can be a perplexing puzzle. Transaction coordinators act as Sherlock Holmes, helping agents prepare for closing, ensuring all the pieces of the transaction puzzle fit together seamlessly, and helping to wrap up deals efficiently. To conclude, real estate agents can rest assured that they don't have to face the horrors of administrative tasks alone. Transaction coordinators are here to help, making their lives less spooky and more efficient. These professionals can tackle the paperwork phantoms, exorcise data entry poltergeists, and banish the ghosts of missed deadlines. So, if you're a real estate agent looking to save time and improve your efficiency, consider teaming up with a transaction coordinator. They're the ghostbusters of the real estate world, freeing you from the administrative demons and allowing you to focus on what you do best – selling homes and making your clients' dreams come true. This Halloween, let's celebrate the unsung heroes of the real estate industry – transaction coordinators. With their help, you can turn your real estate business into a well-oiled, efficient machine, leaving behind the ghostly struggles of paperwork, scheduling, and compliance. It's time to embrace the collaboration and ensure that your real estate career is a thrilling success, without all the spooky distractions. To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

Unlocking RPR's Potential: A Buyer's Agent Daily Playbook
Sometimes in real estate, it seems like there's an emphasis on selling and the skills and tasks that go with it. Seller's agents are well-known for listing presentations, home pricing strategies, open houses, prospecting and marketing. However, it's really only half the story. Buyer's agents help clients find properties that meet their clients' demands and their budget, they show houses, and they help negotiate realistic offers. Listing agents might get all the glory, but the buyer side is equally important! Let's explore the day-to-day of a proactive buyer's agent who knows how to make RPR (Realtors Property Resource®) work for them. Imagine navigating a jam-packed day full of property tours and client meetings, all while improving the service you provide to clients with RPR. Ready to hear more? Let's dive in and take a look at what we're calling, "A Buyer's Agent Daily Playbook":  Morning: Analysis of Market Trends Start your day by reviewing Market Trends on RPR alongside your morning cup of coffee. Focus on the areas your clients and prospects are most interested in. Preview heat maps to view pricing trends at a ZIP code or city level. Information from RPR will back up your neighborhood authority — which your clients trust.  Mid Morning: Prospecting and Property Inspection Hit the pavement and inspect on- and off-market properties on RPR. With the RPR app, you can quickly access essential details from property records, current valuations and data related to distressed properties. Or use the website for neighborhood prospecting and generate homeowner mailing lists. You'll be equipped with holistic property knowledge which clients appreciate.  Post-Lunch: Converting Potential Buyers into Clients Enhance your client meetings by sharing RPR's comprehensive data to illustrate market trends, neighborhood details and market activity. With this valuable information, you can transform potential buyer's uncertainties into confident and informed home-buying decisions.  Early Afternoon: Building a Successful Offer When a client is ready to make an offer, use RPR's mobile CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) tool to offer reliable advice on competitive yet equitable pricing. Also, tap into the power of RPR's Mortgage Calculator to help buyers better understand their buying power and potential monthly payments. Providing this valuable breakdown helps solidify you as a trusted advisor during negotiations.  Coming Full Circle: Readying for Tomorrow End your day by creating customized buyer reports and market activity reports via the RPR app that showcases viable properties and recent market developments. Prepare for tomorrow's tasks with updated insights and new opportunities. RPR: A buyer's agent's best friend This sneak peek into an efficient buyer's agent routine shows just how effectively RPR can be incorporated into your daily operations. By taking advantage of RPR, you're well-armed to elevate your client-focused business and make data-driven decisions. Additional Resources This article is just the tip of the iceberg. RPR can do so much more to streamline your day-to-day operations. From fine-tuning your listing presentations to maximizing open house opportunities, RPR has you covered. For more tips and tricks, check out the tutorials and webinars available in RPR's Learning Center. To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.

13 Scary Listing Photos that Will Horrify Buyers
A few years ago, we shared a Halloween post about terrifying listing photos, which our readers went absolutely nuts for. We think it's high past time to resurrect this idea again! In the spirit of ghoulies and ghosties, and all things that go bump! in the night, here are 13 more scary listing photos that will frighten prospects away faster than you can say boo! 1. Tinseltown Swimming in Blood Source: Reddit This photo's headline is a song by the band Destroyer, which is exactly what a blood-red pool is to a listing's buyer appeal. To be fair, this home was Kat Von D's, so instead of turning off buyers, it generated a lot of attention. But for average listings, ghoulish property features are a turn-off… as we'll see in the photos below. Tip: To appeal to a broader base of buyers, consider editing tools to make the pool a more normal color. Your photographer, a virtual stager, or other photography services companies can do this for you. Because the pool color is likely caused by dye and not a permanent property feature, this kind of photo edit doesn't violate real estate ethics. Learn more about that here: The Ethical Use of Photoshop in Real Estate Marketing. 2. Summoning the Ghost of Low Property Valuations Source: TerribleRealEstateAgentPhotos.com This listing comes with a unique telecommunications feature: a built-in pentagram that lets you talk to anyone, including the dead! After all, séances are just the 19th-century version of Ethernet. 3. Speak of the Devil and He Appears… in the Spare Bedroom Source: TerribleRealEstateAgentPhotos.com The owner of this house must have used the pentagram in the last photo to conjure up something sinister, because…yikes. Our sympathy to the listing agent, because that conversation about staging obviously did not take. Need to have your own conversation about getting ready for listing photos? See: How to Prep Your Listing for a Photo Shoot. 4. "I Am Doll Parts…" Source: TerribleRealEstateAgentPhotos.com If this listing has a theme song, surely it's "Doll Parts" by Hole. Yes, doll parts, an extremely normal and not creepy at all thing to fill your basement with. Seems this agent lost a neat opportunity to talk about the benefits of stowing your off-putting junk. At the very least, it's a bummer that the agent didn't step back and use a wide-angle lens to capture what looks like ample basement storage space. 5. Grudge Match: Heaven vs. Hell Source: TerribleRealEstateAgentPhotos.com No, it's not you — that is Jesus and Satan in an arm wrestling match! Judging by the color scheme, it looks like they're fighting for the last fry in the Happy Meal, but we're just speculating here. Many sins could have been covered up here with a fresh coat of paint, but, hey, sometimes sellers are stubborn. If you're showing a home like this, we recommend using a virtual staging app to show buyers what the home could look like with their own furnishings and a less biblical paint job. 6. Quick! To the Bat Cave Hovel! Source: TerribleRealEstateAgentPhotos.com We don't know if this den of despair belongs to Bruce Wayne or Dracula, but it looks like one of them is having financial problems. (Poor real estate investments, perhaps?) Judging by the green slime in the top-right corner, there's probably not much a few photo composition tips can offer. But we'd recommend taking a second, bat-free photo, at least. 7. Nightmare on 13th Street Source: TerribleRealEstateAgentPhotos.com What does Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees decor get you? A no-bid nightmare. If you're facing a listing like this, let us direct you to this article, How to Shoot Bedrooms, which offers handy advice like, "Remove unnecessary items." (Cue nervous laughter.) 8. A Home to Die For Source: TerribleRealEstateAgentPhotos.com Oooh, another killer listing. So this doesn't completely turn into a place where your commission goes to die, try opening the blinds and fixing the vertical lines in this photo. Anything beyond that probably requires a hazmat suit. 9. Tiny Kitchen, but Wait 'Til You See the Sacrificial Chamber Source: Reddit This sacrificial slab boasts a trendy slate top! Perfect for buyers looking for an easy way to open the Hellmouth. We asked ChatGPT to write us a listing description based on this property feature. This is — no joke — what it offered: Title: Enchanting Property with a Sacred Retreat: A Truly Unique Opportunity Description: Discover a one-of-a-kind property that marries modern comfort with ancient mystique. This enchanting estate, nestled in the heart of a serene forest, boasts an unexpected and captivating feature — a meticulously crafted sacrificial altar. While it may not serve its original purpose, this stunning altar stands as a testament to the property's rich history and offers boundless potential for the creative mind. In the meantime, here are 23 slightly less unhinged ways to use ChatGPT. 10. Haunted Appliances Included! Source: TerribleRealEstateAgentPhotos.com When General Electric said, "We bring good things to life," surely they didn't mean this. Look, there's no reason to include an up-close shot of a microwave, even if it is built-in and included in the sale. However, there is a way to include wide, medium and up-close shots in your listing photos. Learn more here: The 3-Shot Approach to Better Listing Photos. 11. World's Crappiest Game of 'Bloody Mary' Awaits Source: TerribleRealEstateAgentPhotos.com We don't know what's more terrifying: the side-by-side toilets or the floor-to-ceiling mirrors. Regardless, we think this a great opportunity to talk to your sellers about the benefits of pre-sale renovation. 12. Nightmare Before Christmas Source: TerribleRealEstateAgentPhotos.com Looks like Santa Claus had an accident coming down the chimney. Does this mean you need to tell prospects that this is a stigmatized property? Learn more about that here: Murder, Death, Suicide, Haunted Houses and Ghosts: Are Agents Required to Disclose? 13. Act Now: This Listing Is Fire! Source: TerribleRealEstateAgentPhotos.com Look, we all appreciate a good action shot, but we don't think there's really a place for them in your listing photos — especially when, y'know, that action is of your listing burning down. But somehow, miraculously, this property apparently sold faster than Tobias Fünke can say, "It's a fire sale!" — because if you zoom in, you can see that this photo says "Under contract"! (We're guessing the land is worth a lot.) However, we do lament this agent's missed opportunity to turn their listing into a meme: You don't have to miss that opportunity yourself, though. Instead, you can try these 6 Valuable Tips for Creating Memes that Could Go Viral. Related Reading Spooky Encounters of the Real Estate Kind: 6 True Tales of Terror 13 Last-Minute Halloween Events that Will Grow Your Business

10 Tips To Make Your Fall and Winter More Productive
The fall and winter months are a time where productivity can easily take a hit for real estate agents. The holiday season can create a myriad of distractions. However, there are many things that you can do to stay productive during these months. In today's post, we're going to discuss 10 productivity tips for the fall and winter months. Stay Organized One of the most effective ways to stay productive during this time is to stay organized. Invest in a planner or software that can help you manage your schedule. This will help you prioritize tasks and stay on top of deadlines. Set Goals Goals provide a sense of direction and motivation. Set specific and measurable goals for your business, including lead generation, listings, appointments, and sales. Leverage Technology Utilize technology and automation to streamline tasks and make your work easier. A CRM can be a great help in this regard with advanced lead management and much more. Considering take this slower time of year to add new tags that will help you filter and locate leads by criteria you choose. Segmenting leads is a powerful tool for effective call campaigns or custom email campaigns with information or announcements relevant to your leads' interests. Learn Something New Use the fall and winter months as an opportunity to learn something new. Attend training sessions or conferences to gain new skills and knowledge. Network Networking is essential in the real estate industry. Attend events and stay in touch with past clients and colleagues. Check out these six networking tips to put together your own networking plan. Stay Active Staying active is crucial for both physical and mental health. Take a break from work and go for a walk or exercise to rejuvenate your mind and body. Stay In Touch With Clients Every contact in your database should be in some kind of email or text message campaign that offers insights about market activity. This educates them about market activity while keeping you top of mind. Set up each of your leads with custom listing alert emails that cater to their property location, pricing, and feature interests. Seek Mentorship Find a mentor who can guide you and offer valuable insights about your business. Research and consult with real estate coaches if want to get your business to the next level faster. If you haven't already, check out the recordings of our very popular coaching webinars with Bob Corcoran. They're packed with tips and insights from his 30+ years of being an award-winning real estate state coach. Consistently Evaluate Performance Regularly evaluate your performance to gauge your progress towards your goals. This will help you identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments. For example, some CRMs will show you which lead sources are the most productive so you can optimize your ad spending. You can also see the number of contacts you have in each stage of your pipeline, helping you to focus your efforts on the areas that need attention. Take Breaks It can be easy to get burnt out during this time, so make sure to take breaks and recharge when needed. This season is a good time to reevaluate the way you work every day. You might be surprised by what changes will make you more productive. Summary Embrace the power within you to turn the traditionally slow fall and winter months into a time of growth and productivity. The seasonal slowdown is not a setback, but an opportunity to refine your strategies, enhance your skills, and prepare for the year ahead. Use this time to track and assess your performance, plan ahead, prioritize tasks, and leverage technology to streamline processes. Remember, even in the quietest seasons, there are opportunities to be seized. Carve out time for personal development and relaxation, ensuring a balanced work-life schedule. In harnessing these strategies, you'll emerge from the winter months ready to take on the busy season with renewed vigor and an arsenal of improved tactics. To view the original article, visit the iHomeFinder blog.

7 New Google Product Features for Real Estate Agents
On October 4, 2023, Google rolled out its latest product update, featuring two new smartphones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, as well as a new wearable device, the Pixel Watch 2. They come with some interesting features that real estate agents might be interested in learning about and using, including a new temperature sensor, advanced photo and video capabilities, and a new safety option on the watch. 1. Scan a Temperature With Your Phone The Pixel 8 Pro has a new feature on the phone, a temperature sensor that's located on the back of the device, underneath the camera. If you have a client asking a question about how sun exposure affects room temperature, or just want to make sure the burners on a stove are working, the phone can tell you how warm (or cold) a specific item is. Google is currently waiting on FDA approval to allow you to take your own temperature with the sensor. 2. Better Macro Photos Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have new or upgraded ultrawide lenses, which allow users to take detailed close-ups, or macro photos. For displaying things like textures or fine details in home features, macro photos are perfect, and adding this camera to the device means agents can snap those photos themselves instead of hiring a professional photographer with specialized equipment to capture the same image. 3. Magic Editor for Photos Magic Editor uses generative AI to allow you to make adjustments to your photo so that it fits your vision. You can use it to move or resize different elements in the photo, remove distractions, and make other changes easily and on the fly, directly from your phone. Brighten up the sky in those outdoor shots or remove the housecat that wouldn't cooperate with your listing photo requirements. 4. Zoom Enhance for Photos This is another generative AI feature that allows users to zoom in and crop photos; the tool will smooth out the appearance of the pixels, enhancing the image so it's easy to see where you were zooming and why. 5. Audio Magic Eraser It's happened to all of us: You're trying to capture a video, but there's some noise that just won't quit, whether it's a barking dog, traffic from outside, or a plane flying overhead. Google's Audio Magic Eraser tool segments and layers the different sounds in your videos, allowing you to control the volume level of each element. 6. Call Screen Tired of having your phone blown up with unknown numbers? The new Call Screen improvements will answer calls from unknown numbers with a natural voice to engage whoever is on the other end of the line. The AI features will learn which calls you want to take (from prospective clients, for example) and which you want to avoid (from salespeople trying to sell you software or lists of expired listings, for example). And after a planned update, you will have the ability to suggest contextual replies that will allow you to respond to calls without answering the phone. 7. Safety Check Google Pixel Watch 2 users can use Safety Check to alert friends, family, or anyone designated if you don't show up to a planned appointment or place at the time specified. You can choose an activity, set a timer for when you plan to arrive, and select up to 15 different contacts to alert that you're starting a Safety Check. They'll be notified again with your current location if you don't check in before the timer expires. Related Reading Top 10 Mobile Apps for Real Estate Agents 14 New iOS 17 Features That Were Built for Real Estate Agents 52 Resources for Making Money with Your Phone

10 Tools to Take Your Real Estate Videos to the Next Level
Want to reach more people online? Consider integrating video marketing into your outreach strategy. According to research, people watch an average of 17 hours of online video per week — and they're 52% more likely to share videos than other types of content. But if the response to your content has been lackluster (or if you're just getting started), take a look at the production quality of your videos. Is your lighting poor? Is your audio tinny? Low production values may be preventing your audience from sharing your clips. Fortunately, these things can be fixed with simple equipment upgrades. In the video below, Jimmy Burgess, CEO of BHHS Beach Properties of Florida, shares the equipment his firm uses to produce top-tier video content. Watch it to learn: Basic and advanced methods for shooting videos Effective lighting setups using a window, box light, and ring light The importance of audio quality and equipment, plus an overview of various microphones The difference between shooting with an iPhone vs. professional equipment Tips and tricks for using your iPhone to create quality video And more! Recommended Tools and Equipment If you're intimidated by all this talk of technical equipment, don't be. Burgess encourages starting with what you have and gradually upgrading — and he says that your phone can still be a great tool in your production efforts. All you need is some extra equipment to help you out. Below, you'll find a list of the equipment that Burgess suggests for creating high-quality real estate videos. Lighting 10-inch Ring Light 18-inch Ring Light Soft Box Light Audio Lavalier Mic for iPhone Wireless Rode Go Mic Shure SM7B with Podcast Mic Stand Audio Interface Camera Camera Tripod Camera: Sony A7S3 24-70mm Sigma Lens Related Reading How to Create Video CMAs that Connect and Convert 2 Apps for Editing Real Estate Videos Quickly YouTube Marketing: Fresh Ideas From Real Estate Influencers

Real AI: I Fought the Bot (and the Bot Won), AI Fast Facts and Top Headlines
Real AI is a 100% human-created weekly roundup of all things AI in real estate and emerging AI innovations in other sectors likely to impact real estate. I fought the bot, and the bot won When AI works, it's incredible, surprising, and often has me in awe of what it can do. When AI doesn't work, it is an absolute nightmare experience. Yesterday, I called FedEx for help on a missing package – first, a little context. For decades, FedEx was my go-to overnight service. Their old TV ads nailed my sentiment: "When it absolutely, positively had to be there overnight," I used FedEx. I had DHL, Airborne, and UPS accounts, and most were cheaper alternatives. But I used FedEx because of one key differentiator: they had the best customer service. You could get someone on the phone at any time almost immediately. I learned yesterday that those days are gone: Probably forever. And now I hate FedEx and will avoid paying them anything, for life, if I can. Yes, it was that bad. I won't go into every detail that caused me to go from fan to hater, but we are doing some home remodeling as we enter our empty nester stage, redoing our boys' old bedrooms. One is becoming a den, the other a workroom-office space. We ordered a sleeper couch on Amazon because it perfectly fits the den. Our youngest son had ordered his last couch on Amazon. It came in several boxes, but you would never know it by sitting on it or looking at it. We are having new carpet put in those rooms in two weeks. We were delighted when the FedEx shipping link Amazon provided said the couch would arrive in three boxes, as that would make storage a breeze. Yesterday, the couch was delivered, or so our notifications from Amazon said. The largest and heaviest box was missing: we only received two of three boxes. So, I did what I did years ago: I called the FedEx customer service number. In the past, these folks pulled off amazing feats for me, having deliveries re-routed while the driver was going to the wrong address. That's why I became a huge fan and loyal customer. When I called FedEx, I got a bot — a very ridgid, almost nasty bot. It would not let me talk to a human, no matter how many times I tried or what option I pushed. The FedEx bot even hung up on me — twice. The first time, it said it had given me all the information it could so no one could help me, adding "Goodbye," and hung up. I tried FedEx several more times, trying to find any way to get a human on the line, but I failed. The final time, I pretended I didn't have the tracking number. The bot told me to go find the tracking number and call back. Then it hung up on me — again. Irate but not defeated, I reached out to Amazon. I've always been able to get a human, at least via chat (and I always ask if I am chatting with a human). This time, Amazon routed me to the vendor's chatbot because the order was from a third party. OMG, the vendor bot was as bad as the FedEx bot. It asked me the problem; I kept requesting to be connected to a human. It kept asking for the problem. When I gave in and provided the details, it offered an auto-response saying the vendor had been sent my issue and I would be contacted within 1-2 business days. I returned to the Amazon standard chat, which again directed me to the vendor bot. The vendor bot said there was nothing more it could do as I had a pending request with the manufacturer! Later, I decided to go into FedEx to sign up for notifications for a delivery I already received. Or so I thought. The sign-up revealed details I could not get directly from the FedEx tracking site. It showed me that the third box was still in transit and would be delivered the next day. It turns out the bot was right; I was wrong. I fought the bot, and the bot won. But I still hate FedEx because the customer service experience was horrible. If I can't get a human on the line who could have told me in two seconds not to worry but instead have to waste half an hour with a stupid bot, they've lost me for life. AI Five Fast Facts AI is not very appealing to the older generation. Around 68% of non-AI users are either Gen X or Baby Boomers. Research shows that more than two-thirds (68%) of desk workers say generative AI will help them better serve their customers. Marketers predict AI will save them five hours of work per week, equalling over a month per year. The three most common tasks that salespeople are most likely to use AI to help them are basic content creation (82%), analyzing market data (74%), and automating personalized sales communications (71%). Service professionals are the least likely to adopt AI, as only 15% said they plan to use AI in the future. Source: Salesforce AI Headlines Take 5 12 Clever Ways to Use ChatGPT for Real Estate in 2023 (+ 17 Prompts) | The Close - 10/16/23Dive into a dozen unique methods and the various prompts for utilizing ChatGPT in your real estate business. AI is changing home buying process, but maybe not everything | Effingham Daily News - 10/13/23How AI is enhancing home searching for both buyers and agents alike. AI for Real Estate Agents: 5 Tools to Keep Up with the Evolving Market | Cynoteck - 10/16/23Shoutout to Restb.ai being included. How Marketing Executives Are Thinking About Integrating AI Into Their Strategies | TIME - 10/18/23Marketing executives from Mastercard and EY meet to discuss the available opportunities for using AI in their work. Data centers are sprouting up as a result of the AI boom, minting fortunes, sucking up energy, and changing rural America | Business Insider - 10/13/23Rural America has become a hot spot for AI investing at the expense of its physical land. Quote of the week To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

5 Ways Busy Agents Can Ensure Their Children's Safety in a Digital World
While client meetings, property listings, and managing your transactions make up your days, one role takes precedence over all others if you have children — and that's being a parent. As a dedicated real estate agent, you're constantly striving for success, but the safety and well-being of your children can't take a backseat to a busy work life. In today's digital age, protecting your kids from the potential pitfalls of the online world is vital. Research tells us that digital technology enhances children's ability to engage in our world and also poses safety risks. Cybercrimes against children are prevalent – and growing. A recent internet dangers study shows that 12 million children in the US are exposed to cyber risks, nine million are affected by cyberbullying, and six million experienced cyber threats from 2015 to 2020. Here are five practical ways for busy real estate agents to ensure their children's safety in today's digital domain: 1. Open Communication Lines The foundation of online safety for your children begins with open and honest communication. We recommend ensuring your kids feel comfortable talking to you about their online experiences, concerns, and questions. Creating a safe space where they can share their thoughts without fear of judgment or punishment is a great place to start. A Method for This Approach: Set aside dedicated time for family discussions. Ask your kids about their online activities, friends, and any uncomfortable situations they may have encountered. Offer guidance and support, emphasizing the importance of responsible online behavior. Keep devices in plain sight — find a shared open space for their use of digital devices. 2. Educate Your Children about Online Risks Teaching your children about the potential dangers of the internet is crucial. Explain concepts such as online privacy, cyberbullying, and the importance of not sharing personal information with strangers. Equip them with the knowledge to recognize and avoid risky situations. A Method for This Approach: Use age-appropriate resources to explain online safety to your children. Numerous online resources, videos, and books are tailored for different age groups. Discuss real-life examples to illustrate the importance of caution online. 3. Set Clear Boundaries and Rules Establishing rules and boundaries for internet usage can help your children understand what is expected of them. These guidelines should cover screen time limits, appropriate websites and apps, and the importance of reporting all suspicious or uncomfortable online interactions. A Method for This Approach: Create a family internet usage agreement. Outline the guidelines and consequences for breaching them. Collaborate with your children to ensure the rules are fair and reasonable, taking into account their age and maturity. 4. Utilize Parental Control Software Parental control software can be valuable in monitoring and managing your children's online activities. These programs allow you to filter inappropriate content, set time limits, and track your child's online interactions. A Method for This Approach: Research and choose a parental control software that suits your family's needs. Install it on all devices your children use. Customize settings to match your established rules and boundaries. Regularly review the software's reports to stay informed about your children's online behavior. If you need recommendations and guidance, reach out to Tech Helpline. 5. Lead by Example As a parent, you serve as a role model for your kids. Demonstrating responsible online behavior is just as crucial as teaching it. By setting a positive example, you can help guide your kids on how to navigate the digital world safely. A Method for This Approach: Be mindful of your own online actions. Avoid oversharing personal information on social media and practice good digital hygiene, such as using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. Encourage your kids to ask questions when they see you practicing safe online behavior. Balancing a successful career in real estate with the demands of parenthood can sometimes be overwhelming, but your children's safety always remains a top priority. By fostering open communication, educating your children, setting clear boundaries, utilizing parental control software and settings, and leading by example, you're creating powerful tools to ensure their protection in the digital age. So, take charge, empower your family, and let the digital world be a place of exploration and growth, not a source of worry. To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog. Related reading Are Your Kids Attending School from Home? Safest Ways to Share Your Work Computer Social Media and Kids: 5 Ways to Monitor What's Going On Hacking, Scams, And Viruses: 4 Effective Ways to Work From Home More Safely

Is There a Secret to Off-Market Listings?
It's no secret that the housing market in 2023 has been a challenging landscape—and one of the ways that sellers and real estate professionals today have tried to navigate those challenges is with the use of off-market listings. In the past, off-market listings were less common. It made sense to circulate a listing as much as possible, in order to generate interest and, potentially, competition between buyers. Today, the priorities of some sellers have changed—and with consistently increasing demand, rising mortgage rates, and low inventory to be found in many markets, off-market listings have a few distinct advantages. At least, that's certainly what the numbers reflect: in Q3 of 2023, we can see a 7% increase in off-market listings since the previous year's Q3—an increase that pales in comparison to the previous quarter's 40.43% increase, Q1's increase of 64%, and Q4 of 2022's staggering increase of 102%. Sellers and professionals both have cited too-high asking prices as one of the primary reasons for the surge in off-market—and withdrawn—listings. But first, an important question: What is an off-market listing? Sometimes called quiet or pocket listings, off-market listings are listings for properties that are for sale, but haven't been listed on MLS. These listings are circulated by word-of-mouth or within closed networks by the agents who post them. In 2020, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) updated their policy on off-market listings, likely to address their surge in popularity. As outlined in the Clear Cooperation Policy, a listing broker must submit a listing to the MLS within one business day of marketing the property to the public. Examples of marketing the property to the public could include flyers, window displays, yard signs, any digital marketing of publicly facing websites, email blasts, and much more. Off-market listings are regulated for compliance by associations like NAR, but it's clear that they're not necessarily endorsed by them. As the numbers go to show, they're still happening in many markets across North America. Why do off-market listings happen? While far from an exhaustive list, here are some amongst the most commonly cited advantages that off-market listings offer: Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3 When sellers decide to list their home using a private network, it might be a test run—to see whether their property, as well as the price they've set, gets interest. There's more than one advantage to this approach: if the price is too high, and the listing doesn't generate buyer interest, the off-market listing can be taken down, and a new listing can be brought to the MLS at a lower price point without a record of that price change becoming available. Further, in a market where homes typically spend more than 40 days on the market (a median number at its lowest in 2023 in May, at 43 days, and at its highest in January, at 72 days), listing off-market can be an effective way to reduce the length of time a listing needs to be made available through MLS. When a price reduction is visible on a listing, especially if the home has been on the market for a while, it can encourage interested buyers to inquire about cutting the price further—or assume that there's a less than desirable reason that the property remains available. Playing things safe Alongside the possibility of testing out a price, without the risk of repercussions if it needs to be lowered to generate interest, there is the issue of privacy to consider. In an increasingly digital world and industry, sellers are less interested in making their address—along with photos of their home's interior, details, and potentially floorplans—available for anyone to see. The closed network in which off-market listings circulate can be an attractive option for sellers who make privacy a priority over pricing. Open house versus office hours With full-market listings comes the expectation of open houses and showings—and in a world where more people than ever are working from home, those interruptions can present more than just an inconvenience. Regardless of whether tenants or owners occupy the property at present, the WFH trend is here to stay. Off-market listings tend to have a lower volume of interest, making showings easier to manage for residents and real estate agents alike. Where does that leave us? It could be any number of these factors, and others, that continues to drive the trend in off-market listings—but there's no question that it is a continuing trend. While less stark than some recent quarters, the latest from BrokerMetrics shows that off-market listings are still on the rise, year over year. When faced with a trend like this one, the best initiative comes from insights—understanding why sellers might opt for an off-market listing, the advantages (and disadvantages) of choosing them, and how to navigate a market in which they've become increasingly more common. To view the original article, visit the Lone Wolf blog.

Contract Cancellation: How to Prevent It From Happening to You
Another day, another record-breaking moment in real estate. For once, we're not talking about high interest rates or home prices, but rather a consequence of those two factors: a record number of contract cancellations. Finding clients who are ready to transact is already hard enough in this market. Seeing a transaction through nearly to the end just for it to be canceled can be downright devastating. So what's an agent to do? Realtor Kyle Whissel has a few ideas. In the video below, Kyle and co-host Bryan Koci offer a few mitigation strategies to prevent buyers from canceling a contract. Watch the video below to learn: Why helping buyers better understand the home buying process prevents cancellations How to approach the home buyer consultation to understand buyers' motivation and prepare them for the process The numbers trick: Use small numbers to explain big numbers, e.g. an extra $10,000 in purchase price equates to an extra $80 per month mortgage payment The importance of constant, clear communication — with your clients, the seller's agent, and the lender And more! Tech Tools That Can Help Kyle and Bryan also recommend two great additions to your tech toolbox, and we'd be remiss if we didn't mention them here. To help in negotiations and prioritizing repairs, AI-driven inspection software like The QwikFix can analyze home inspection reports and provide estimated repair costs. Finally, consider using a PTZ camera for higher-quality video for meetings and live-streaming. It lets you zoom in and capture your virtual meeting from multiple angles. Related Reading Termination of Real Estate Contract by Buyer: A Guide for Agents and Buyers The Psychology of Homebuying: Understanding the Emotions that Drive Real Estate Decisions A State-Specific Guide to First-time Homebuying Programs

4 Tips to Ensure You Never Lose Another Client
Welcome back to our "Tips and Tricks Tuesday" series, which highlights articles around a monthly theme. October's theme is "Never Lose Another Client." Read on for tips and tricks on maintaining long-term relationships with your clients: The current market is presenting many challenges to agents. However, by using technology and a few strategic steps, combined with some simple best practices, you can stay top-of-mind with clients and increase the chances that they will do business with you. Technology automations can help you stay in touch with clients through email, social media, and other channels, as well as automate some of your marketing and sales processes. Here are the four tips to ensure you never lose another client. 1. There are no past clients and no future clients — everyone is a forever client There is no such thing as a past client, there's only a client. I remember when I bought my first home, I felt like I was in over my head. I had so many questions and didn't know where to turn for help. My real estate agent was a lifesaver. He was patient, knowledgeable, and always available to answer my questions. He made the whole process so much easier and less stressful. I'm so grateful for his help, and I would definitely use him again if I ever need to buy or sell a home. That's the critical key for real estate agents: to build relationships with their clients. This means being responsive, helpful, and knowledgeable. It also means going above and beyond to make sure that your clients are happy with the service they receive. If you can do this, you'll be sure to have repeat customers for years to come. A second home purchase could be an additional investment. Mom-and-pop investors mean that one client could make five, six, seven, or even more transactions in their lifetime. As you all know, the average person owns a home for five to seven years before moving. So, if you get someone who buys a home in their 30s and lives until they're 80, you're looking at about 50 years of home transactions. As someone gets older, they have a higher propensity or likelihood to work with those they know. The likelihood of older people working with a new real estate agent increases as they get older. This is a major issue, as NAR research shows that 89% of buyers would use their agent again or recommend them. However, we believe that this number is actually closer to 40-50%. This suggests that there is a problem with the way real estate agents are currently serving older clients. The solution: leverage technology to help you keep in touch with past clients, as they may become repeat customers. Great real estate agents need to stay top-of-mind with their past clients in order to continue to earn their business. 2. Customer trust leads the way We are passionate about customer success because experience has shown that if we do everything right for our customers, those customers will be happy and tell their friends about the company's products or services. This creates a positive word-of-mouth marketing campaign that will help the company grow without the expense of traditional marketing. To do this, it's critical to maintain relationships with clients after they have been acquired. Being responsive, helpful, and investing in both marketing materials and engagement systems are just a few ways that this can be accomplished. Proactively send home information related to their personal needs (such as the Home Valuation Report), have marketing materials that are well designed and high quality (such as a Monthly Neighborhood Report), and use intelligent systems to engage clients and increase your lead funnel. All too often, we don't spend money after a client's initial closing gifts. It's important to maintain relationships with clients after they have been acquired, which means investing in marketing materials and engagement systems after a client has decided to work with you in order to keep them interested and engaged. In other words, treat clients just as good (if not better) than how you treat leads. 3. Become a family adviser, not just a financial adviser Working in real estate, professionals often see themselves as financial advisers and rightfully so. Real estate purchases are moments of truth, as they are often the largest financial transactions that people make. Along with landing a new job, getting married, or having a child, these are critical moments in someone's life and can have a significant impact on the customer's overall experience. Buying a home is considered the third most stressful life event, after the death of a loved one and divorce. It is the single largest financial asset that most people have. In addition to the financial aspect, from a psychological perspective there is also emotional memory and attachment added to that transaction. Consider the home an extended member of the customer's family. Tappable home equity is around $18 trillion dollars in America right now. The average homeowner has around $200-300k in tappable equity. Helping people navigate their equity situation will generate goodwill. That will inevitably lead to prospects becoming clients and clients becoming clients for life, a goldmine of repeat and referral business. 4. Stay in consistent contact Mass marketing has around a 20-30% open rate. At best, the click-through rate is roughly 10%. That means for every 100 people you email, only two to three will actually engage with it. Conversely, personalized emails have a 70% open rate and a 50% click-through rate. Sending information about someone's home is personal. And more importantly, it's valuable and useful to the recipient. Typically, you will receive a positive response. We always say that the best marketing is the one where someone replies back, "Thank you, this was so helpful." Every once in a while, you might get a response like, "Hey, did you send this? Is this you?" and the answer is an emphatic yes. When sending a monthly home valuation report, the email will show up as coming from you, their agent, not from Percy. Your client can click on the "View Your Monthly Report" link to see their home value report. Once subscribed, your client will receive this report every month moving forward, providing automatic updates on recent nearby sales and buyer demand in your neighborhood. This tool enables consistent and most importantly, personalized client engagement, but in an automated way. Brandon Carroll is the Vice President of Client Success at Percy. More from our "Tips and Tricks Tuesday" series 3 Ways to Create Forever Clients Using Your Real Estate CRM 6 Ways Digital Home Management Platforms Help Agents Keep Clients Forever 40 Tools, Tips and Scripts for Finding More Listings

Real AI: AI Wasteland, the Song, Headlines and Five Fast Facts
Real AI is a 100% human-created weekly roundup of all things AI in real estate and emerging AI innovations in other sectors likely to impact real estate. AI Wasteland Is AI a lie? My greatest fear, fueled by the rabid hyperbole created by AI and ignited by its unmatched trajectory, is that we make the same mistake with this tech that we have with so many others. The great overpromise and underdeliver. It won't derail AI, but it could certainly arm its resistors. Right now, we are in that chasm: a place where posers and snake oil sales folks are profiteering. It is a time when companies who consume AI, not create it, clamor to rebrand by adding AI to their name. Others take credit for the AI they deploy, but are not transparent about the fact they did not invent the AI – or power it. AI product launches of incomplete offerings yet focus their demos on the major AI features coming "soon" – and we know how that has turned out before. Portals are jumping into the fray, offering AI solutions that are (mostly) a piecemeal embarrassment or, worse, a money grab. Strategies to jump on the AI bandwagon, even giving it away, knowing their customers hunger to check the box that they are providing their members/subscribers/clients AI. New AI events and webinars feature speakers and experts who are nothing but AI imposters. Startups in the US are emblazing their pitch decks with AI as AI funding already surpassed $23 billion this year, while nearly all other capital categories declined. You know you are in trouble when the federal government announces it has already spent $3.3 billion on AI in 2022. I attended a key housing industry conference this week where the AI speaker wasn't just terrible, they were utterly uninformed and spewed a significant AI falsehood. I attended another conference last week (virtually), and a well-known industry tech speaker has magically become an AI expert. Yet, the speaker does not have that expertise. The talk was a mile wide and an inch deep. What I worry about most is the impact of all this AI nonsense: how we are ruining the initial customer experience with AI. I fear that many people who consume stuff labeled as ready-for-prime-time AI, but it is an incomplete version of AI, will think that AI is a lie. I guess things always get worse before they get better. Let's hope this AI Wasteland fills up fast, and we move on with responsible and legitimate AI driving our industry and not a bunch of posers and imposters. The "AI Wasteland" Song We asked ChatGPT to rewrite the lyrics of "Baba O'Reilly," often referred to as "Teenage Wasteland" by The Who, to capture the AI sentiment detailed above: "AI Wasteland" Out here in the fieldsI see firms that pretend,Put AI in their titles,But it's just a trend. They label and rebrand,All for the marketplace.But under the surface,It's just a wild chase. AI Wasteland,It's an AI Wasteland.Oh, oh. Self-proclaimed geniusesOn stages they stand,Talking of AI wonders,But with no product in hand. They sell to the masses,Dreams that aren't quite realThe government buys in,Caught in the appeal. AI Wasteland,It's an AI Wasteland.Oh, oh. The firms rush to market,With tech half-complete.Customers left wondering,"Is this all just deceit?" Mistakes they are making,It's as clear as the day.True AI is lost now,In the disarray. AI Wasteland,It's an AI Wasteland.Oh, oh. Don't cry, don't raise your eye,It's only an AI wasteland.Journey, venture, take your stand,And reclaim the AI wonderland. Before the real tech is wasted,Before dreams are erased,We'll rise above the frenzy,For an AI that's embraced. For now, it's an AI Wasteland,It's an AI Wasteland.Oh, oh. AI Headlines Take 10 20 Mind-blowing AI Tools Helping Real Estate Agents Slay in 2023 | The Close - 10/3/23Full disclosure: our favorite AI firm (and client) is on this list – Restb.ai. How AI is changing the valuations process | HousingWire - 10/4/23Chris McLain of Consolidated Analytics gives his view on the appraisal market and AI innovation in valuations. The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence | Freedom House - 10/4/23AI's many advances are hiding the crisis of digital repression. Apple may be quiet on AI, but it's also the biggest buyer of AI companies | QZ - 9/26/23Google and Microsoft may talk about the AI game, but Apple has bought 21 AI startups since 2017. Can AI Businesses Save San Francisco From Its Real Estate Slump? | The Messenger - 10/11/23Footprint of AI firms set to expand despite lack of leasing. Artificial Intelligence In Talent Acquisition: How Machine Learning Is Influencing Recruitment | Forbes - 10/10/23AI is taking an increased role in processing applicants' skills and qualifications. The AI 100 2023: The top people in artificial intelligence | Business Insider - 10/10/23Learn about the list of people who make AI more Intelligent. A.I. Could Soon Need as Much Electricity as an Entire Country | The New York Times - 10/10/23AI's growing demand will increase energy consumption over the years. Adobe unveils three new generative AI models, including the next generation of Firefly | ZDNet - 10/10/23Utilizing text, these models will be able to create high-quality images, vector graphics, and design templates. National Security Agency is starting an artificial intelligence security center | AP News - 9/28/23The U.S. hopes to maintain its advantage by integrating AI into its defense and intelligence systems. AI Five Fast Facts Over 75% of top executives believe AI will expand their company and give them a competitive edge. When interviewed about the technologies they used, 84% of consumers stated they use one or more AI-powered devices or services. Studies show that 96% of Android users and 98% of iPhone users use the AI-based digital assistants OK Google and Siri respectively. The AI-powered voice-search feature on smart devices is growing in popularity. Around 41% of people with a smart device use the voice-search feature at least once a day. Consumers have varied opinions on chatbots. While 51% of those surveyed have a neutral view on chatbots, around 38% have a positive opinion and only 11% have a negative perspective. Source: Simple Learn Quote of the week To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

How to Personalize Real Estate Agent Websites for Brand Building
With how saturated the real estate market is, how do you stand out? Through website personalization. Learn how to build a powerful brand that resonates with your target audience and can convert leads with the detailed guide below. About Me/Us Page Your website's "About Me/Us" page has a huge potential to captivate potential clients, so don't treat it as a resume by just listing your professional qualifications. Transform it into a page that tells a compelling narrative of your unique journey, experiences, and values. Put a personal touch on your professional achievements and make yourself trustworthy and relatable. We also encourage you to incorporate multimedia elements such as videos and infographics to make your page more engaging. Sprinkman Real Estate’s personalized 'About Us' page. Leveraging Testimonials Unbiased and authentic reviews from previous clients effectively build your credibility and influence potential clients to work with you. Make sure to display testimonials that showcase your services, expertise, and how you were instrumental in solving your client's challenges. Furthermore, feature testimonials on your homepage for maximum exposure, and remember to regularly request feedback to keep your posted reviews current. Showcase Community Expertise As a real estate agent, you're not just selling a home; you're also selling the community. It is crucial to show your in-depth knowledge of the area so potential buyers can trust you and you can set yourself apart from competitors. Create dedicated blog posts for each community you service, and highlight their unique features. It is also beneficial to collaborate with local businesses and organizations to form joint promotions, and to share your past clients' successful home searching stories. Pro tip: use local SEO to make it easier for your target audience to find your community-centered content. Provide Valuable Resources Remember, your website isn't just a place to showcase your listings, it should also offer valuable resources to benefit your site visitors. Tools like mortgage calculators, market reports, and home evaluation guides can keep your potential clients engaged and encourage them to contact you for your service. This strategy can also help you build your email list when you offer downloadable resources in return for visitors' subscriptions. Additionally, you can collaborate with industry experts to create the guides or reports. Fresh and High-Quality Content To stay relevant, your website needs fresh and updated content. Use a content calendar to track your content and plan your future posts. For added excitement and a new perspective, you can collaborate with industry experts and ask them to guest write for your blog. Don't forget to also engage your viewers by encouraging them to comment and discuss. Regarding content, it's important to note that quality trumps quantity. Optimize your content for SEO to attract organic traffic and to ensure that your posts are relevant to your target audience. Your content should provide value and be crafted with your users' intent in mind. Join the REW forums if you want to stay updated with the latest SEO trends. Lang Realty showcasing a high-quality and fresh listing page. Technical Aspect Content may be the soul of your website, but the technical side is still crucial to your success. As a real estate professional, you need IDX integration to directly show MLS listings on your website. Always provide the best user experience and fast page load speed to reduce bounce rate. Moreover, your website must be mobile-optimized and regularly backed up to prevent data loss. Conclusion To be an industry leader, your website needs to constantly evolve and match your audience's needs. Keep in mind that relationships matter, and your website is the platform that will connect you to people. By incorporating personal touches to your website, you're setting yourself apart from the competition and providing unparalleled value. Don't hesitate to contact Real Estate Webmasters if you need a custom and personalized website built just for you. This is a shortened version of a blog article previously published on the Real Estate Webmasters website. Thank you to Real Estate Webmasters for sponsoring this article on RE Technology! Read more from Real Estate Webmasters Want to Get More Quality Leads? Use Client Feedback to Refine Your Website 24 tips for analyzing a competitor's real estate SEO strategy Flavin Realty rebuilds their website with Real Estate Webmasters: Inside the project

Fridge Magnets, Begone: Why the Annual Equity Review Is the Best Way to Engage Past Clients
You're an advisor to clients during the purchase or sale of a home, but who do you become to them once the transaction is closed? Too often, the answer is "just a memory." But if you want past clients to keep thinking of you as their go-to advisor for all things real estate, what strategies can you use? One of our favorite ways to stay top-of-mind with previous clients is by offering an annual equity review. This method is not pushy or salesy — rather than contacting clients because you want something from them (their business or a referral), you're reaching out to offer something to them, no strings attached. And all the while, you're highlighting your market expertise and cementing your value in the minds of your previous clients. So what do you need to know to leverage this strategy, and how do you approach past clients? Real estate coach Jason Pantana and lead generation expert David Caldwell cover all you need to know in the video below. Watch it to learn: About the concept of the annual equity review, in depth How you can use this strategy with past clients and nearby potential clients Methods to communicate home value information The importance of providing certainty about home values in the market Why prospects from your database are easier to convert than "bottom of the funnel" leads And more! Related Reading Grab Previous Clients' Attention with the RPR Equity Update How to Reconnect with Past Clients 8 Steps for Nurturing Long-term Relationships with Your Buyers

6 Expert Tips to Dominate the Online Real Estate Market as an Agent
To stand out in the competitive world of real estate, having a strong online presence is essential. In this post, we will explore six valuable tips to help real estate professionals like yourself boost your visibility and attract more leads online. Follow these tips to increase your online presence and grow your real estate business. 1. Optimize your website for search engines When it comes to online visibility, search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial. Make sure your website is well-optimized for search engines by focusing on the following aspects: Keyword research: Identify relevant keywords that potential clients might use when searching for real estate services in your area. Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your website content, with a special focus on your page titles, headings and meta descriptions. Content creation: Regularly publish informative and engaging content on your website's blog. This will not only help establish your expertise but also improve your search engine rankings. Ensure your blog articles provide valuable insights, tips and advice related to the real estate market. Website performance: Optimize your website's loading speed and ensure it is mobile-friendly. Search engines favor websites that provide a seamless user experience. Backlinks: Seek opportunities to earn high-quality backlinks from other reputable websites in your industry. This can help improve your website's authority and boost its rankings in search engine results. 2. Leverage social media Social media platforms are powerful tools for increasing your online presence. Here's how you can effectively utilize social media: Choose the right platforms: Identify the social media platforms that your target audience is most active on. Focus your efforts on those platforms to maximize engagement. Consistent branding: Maintain a consistent brand image across all your social media profiles. Use professional and eye-catching visuals, and ensure your bio or "about" section clearly represents your real estate services. Engage with your audience: Regularly post engaging content, such as property listings, educational articles or virtual tours. Respond promptly to comments and messages to foster a sense of trust and build relationships with potential clients. Use paid advertising: Consider running targeted advertising campaigns on social media platforms. This can increase your reach to potential clients who may not have discovered you organically. 3. Online reviews and testimonials Positive online reviews and testimonials can significantly impact your online presence. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, or real estate-specific websites. Display these reviews prominently on your website to build trust and credibility with potential clients. 4. Collaborate with other professionals Collaborating with other professionals in the real estate industry can expand your online presence. Here are two ways to collaborate effectively: Guest blogging: Offer to write guest blog posts for other real estate websites or related industries. This allows you to reach a larger audience and showcase your expertise. Cross-promotion: Partner with other professionals, such as mortgage brokers or home stagers, to promote each other's services on social media or through joint content creation. This can increase your online visibility and attract potential clients from their networks. 5. Stay active in online communities Joining and actively participating in real estate-related online communities and forums can help boost your online presence. Share valuable insights, answer questions and engage with other members. This establishes you as a knowledgeable professional and can lead to referrals or direct clients. 6. Create the ultimate listing with iGUIDE With the help of digital floor plans and virtual tours, you can increase your reach and showcase your client's property to a broader audience of buyers from the comfort of their homes. It's like an open house, but online and available 24/7. Capture detailed property information in a single platform, including floor plans, room dimensions, square footage and more. Interactive floor plans: Give potential buyers a clear understanding of the layout. With essential layout information such as square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms. 3D Virtual tours: Viewers can navigate the property at their own pace, explore every room and get an authentic feel for the space. They can zoom in to see details up close, look around in 360° and even measure rooms and areas using the iGUIDE's built-in measuring tools. Custom agent branding: Include a branded banner inside the 3D virtual tour window with your contact information photo and website. Built-in analytics: Valuable call-to-action insights focused on where your listing gets the most traffic and by whom. Leverage these to help you make strategic decisions for future listings. Stand out in a crowded online marketplace. Properties listed with iGUIDE receive more online exposure and attract a larger pool of potential buyers. By following these tips, you can increase your online presence and attract more potential clients. Remember to optimize your website for search engines, leverage social media platforms, encourage online reviews, collaborate with other professionals, and actively participate in online communities. With a strong online presence, you can establish yourself as a trusted real estate agent and achieve long-term success in the digital landscape. To view the original article, visit the iGuide blog. Thank you to iGuide for sponsoring this article on RE Technology! Related Reading 10 Ways Real Estate Agents Can Stand Out Online 5 Facebook Hacks to Help You Grow Your Business 12 Real Estate Influencers Who Built a Business on Social Media

3 Ways to Create Forever Clients Using Your Real Estate CRM
Welcome back to our "Tips and Tricks Tuesday" series, which highlights articles around a monthly theme. October's theme is "Never Lose Another Client." Read on for tips and tricks on maintaining long-term relationships with your clients: Can you name your friends and family in your database without looking in your real estate CRM? What about past clients? If you can't, expecting your sphere (friends, family, past clients) to automatically think of you when it comes time to make a move is a huge misconception. Countless real estate agents lose business because people in their sphere 1) assumed the agent was too busy because they never reached out, or 2) didn't think of the agent first because they didn't communicate as consistently as the agent who reached out regularly and provided valuable information. To build a robust database that supports your business for years to come, here are three ways to strategically strengthen client relationships. 1. Tag everyone in your sphere The first step is to organize your CRM by tagging everyone in your sphere. Typically, this means tagging that person with the word sphere or SOI (sphere of influence). Organizing everyone (forever clients, family, friends, business associates, vendors) in your sphere is also a prime opportunity to verify their contact information (phone, email, address) is up-to-date. Brivity encourages customers to organize their sphere with the following categories: A+ sphere: They consistently send you three or more referral transactions a year. (Think of this group as your database royalty. They must receive every mailer, Christmas card, and event invitations. You also show appreciation in thoughtful ways by sending them a birthday gift or taking them to dinner a couple of times a year.) A sphere: They send you one to two referrals a year. B sphere: They send you one or two referrals every couple of years. C sphere: These are people who know your name, but you can't recall them referring anyone to your business. Once every contact is tagged, you'll have a clear picture of the opportunities in your database. Aim to move each person up the category ladder by delivering value and communicating consistently. You'll know you are progressing when you move a C sphere to a B sphere, a B sphere to an A sphere, and an A sphere to an A+ sphere. 2. Send high-value information There's no question about the value Market Reports provide homeowners, homebuyers, and anyone looking to stay on top of the pulse of the local real estate market. Sending this high-valued item, packed with insights about local real estate market trends, is one of the best ways to nurture, engage, and keep in touch with your database. To begin this process, Brivity suggests using Market Reports for: Your entire sphere All of your clients that still live in your market Any seller prospects in your database Sending a Market Report requires an email address. If you find this critical piece of information missing from a contact's profile, see it as an opportunity to reach out. If you have a cell number but not a physical address for a prospective seller and are unsure of what to say, here's a sample text script: Hey [name], We've got this great new tool that keeps you updated on what's selling around your house, so you always know how your home's value is changing. Shoot me back your email address, and I'll set you up with this tool. [Your name] Don't forget to leverage the behavioral insights from the Market Reports, such as the types of properties being viewed, and use that data as talking points to have meaningful conversations and close the loyalty gap. 3. Communicate Consistently Communicating with your sphere is simple, but it can be time-consuming. To conquer this task efficiently, you'll need to use a real estate CRM whose tech and systems nurture relationships seamlessly and intelligently. Without smart automation working for you, communicating is hard to keep track of, and as your sphere and database continue to grow, communication becomes increasingly more difficult. Brivity is a great example, as this all-in-one solution allows agents to tap into smart auto plans, proven scripts, design tools, and more to send the right message to the right client at the right time. We suggest making at least 33 touches per year using the following strategies: Send clients Market Reports once or twice a month (based on their preference) Email clients twice a month (one of these can be the Market Report) Send a direct mail postcard once a month Call once a month or at least four times a year Comment on a social media post once a month Talk face-to-face at a hosted event three times a year To get the full details, download “3 Powerful Steps to Get More Business From Your Sphere” here. To learn more about maximizing consistent communication with your database, visit Brivity.com.

5 Emerging Technologies That Will Redefine Real Estate
Emerging technologies are already impacting how real estate professionals can complete daily tasks faster. From automation to computer vision, these game-changing technologies are unlocking new ways to accelerate the day-to-day productivity of real estate professionals. Here are five emerging technologies that are starting to reshape how to attract, engage, and maintain clients: 1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) What is it? Google Cloud defines AI as "a field of science concerned with building computers and machines that can reason, learn, and act in such a way that would normally require human intelligence or that involves data whose scale exceeds what humans can analyze." Current state: Artificial intelligence is on its way to dramatically altering and streamlining some of the most time-consuming tasks real estate professionals routinely perform. From customer relationship management and prospect identification and engagement to property descriptions and valuations, AI can help. AI makes possible predictive analytics, allowing you to find and capture buyers and sellers even before they decide to move. It can determine what content people in your sphere of influence are most interested in. It can then deliver different content to clients and prospects based on monitoring individual behavior. Creating content – SEO optimized for your website, engaging social media posts, and blog subjects and drafts – can be done nearly instantly and accurately with the proper prompts. Leading AI content tools available today include ChatGPT and Bard, and derivative programs like Jasper and Reword. Vastly improved AI chatbots for websites (and soon Facebook) enable immediate responses to inquiries, enhancing customer satisfaction. AI virtual assistant tools like Productive.ai can also supercharge your client and prospect calls. Coming soon: AI-powered tools and algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data. Creating local market reports will be a breeze. Reports that can be generated in seconds will offer deep insights, once nearly impossible to gather manually. Producing videos will be easier than ever. For agents who don't like seeing themselves on video, they can select a professional spokesperson. Soon, agents may even use an AI-generated (and licensed) celebrity spokesperson. 2. Computer Vision What is it? According to IBM, "Computer vision is a field of artificial intelligence (AI) that enables computers and systems to derive meaningful information from digital images, videos and other visual inputs — and take actions or make recommendations based on that information. If AI enables computers to think, computer vision enables them to see, observe and understand." Current state: Computer vision is available today to some degree throughout all the major MLS technology platforms. CoreLogic, Black Knight, FBS, Rapattoni, dynaConnections, Stratus, and others all work with category leader Restb.ai. Computer vision is helping agents make every photo uploaded to the MLS ADA-compliant. It automatically tags and labels objects within property photos. An "alt text" entry is automatically generated for each image. Labeling objects automatically creates detailed information about each room (Wolf or Viking stove, hardwood floors, open floorplan, etc.). Moreover, computer vision-powered tech automatically creates property descriptions. They are Fair Housing-conforming, creative and highly detailed and allow agents to edit these descriptions. It's a groundbreaking technology. Computer vision is fast becoming the most used AI-powered tech in real estate. Coming soon: Computer vision has the potential to forever change search. Instead of the traditional search criteria consumers use today (at least three bedrooms, at least two baths, back yard, etc.) search will be available by specific features. Because computer vision identifies hundreds of objects and features from property photos, consumers will be able to query "homes with white kitchens," "first floor main bedrooms," "homes with a Southern exposure," or "recently renovated homes." The possibilities are endless. 3. 3D Modeling and Virtual Staging What is it? "3D modelling is the process of creating three-dimensional representations of an object or a surface," according to FutureLearn. The Zebra adds, "Virtual home staging is when a graphic editor expertly designs a room using virtual decor, generating a highly realistic photograph for prospective buyers to view online." Current state: While firms like Matterport and BoxBrownie pioneered these technologies, AI is supercharging the capabilities. Also, new firms are entering this space constantly. Not too long ago, only proprietary cameras could render 3D tours and walkthroughs of homes. Now that power is in today's smartphones. Creating floorplans used to be limited to software from firms like FloPlan, but that's changing too. Most importantly for agents, the accessibility is increasing, and the costs are collapsing. Virtual staging is becoming more commonplace. MLS rule changes are helping to manage consumer expectations. New tech tools allow consumers to tour a home, take a photo or point their smartphone camera at an empty room. Software allows them to furniture they like to fill the vacant space. Coming soon: AI is altering home design by creating 3D modeling tools that can create an entire home. With newer, lighter AR or augmented reality devices, remote home tours will be further enhanced by 3D modeling. That, plus automatic virtual staging, will be enriched with data. 4. Augmented Reality What is it? According to Microsoft, "Augmented reality is an enhanced, interactive version of a real-world environment achieved through digital visual elements, sounds, and other sensory stimuli via holographic technology." Augmented reality, or AR, superimposes images, videos, or sounds onto an accurate worldview, creating a "like you are there" perception and allowing one to interact with their environment. Current state: AR advancement is accelerating as giant headsets become smaller. In some cases, headsets are eliminated altogether. With AR, today's tech-savvy real estate agents can create interactive, immersive virtual tours of properties. Potential buyers – in any time zone – can explore every nook and cranny of a home. By overlaying virtual elements onto the real world, AR can enable someone to see a home more personally. Through AR applications, buyers can visualize how they would furnish and personalize a property. This technology saves time and helps clients envision themselves in a prospective home more effectively. Coming soon: Ray-Ban is helping to popularize smart tech in glasses by releasing Smart Glasses (i.e., Google Glass). While these are not AR glasses, they are clearing a path for AR tech to go smaller. They feature a dual 5MP camera, built-in audio, voice control, and touch control and come with their charging case. The movement towards no headset AR and VR is also accelerating, with new software helping to advance this tech. 5. Automation What is it? As UpTech notes, "Real estate automation is a way to reduce manual work and let your instruments do more work for you." Current State: The impact of automation in the real estate industry is growing with new speed. Credit goes to the integration of AI and machine learning. Marketing automation interfacing with CRMs may be today's biggest target. After all, research from the National Association of Realtors shows that just one in four real estate agents use a CRM daily or nearly daily. Yet agents using CRMs are more productive and successful. AI that delivers automation features can make a CRM easy to use – a huge breakthrough. Moreover, agents know that "set and forget" marketing claims are more exaggeration than reality. However, that's changing with AI. One example is the incorporation of machine learning into the largest real estate marketing platforms. An example is Delta Media's recently launched DeltaNET 7. AI-powered automation will be a game changer for real estate agents. Automation can achieve true "set and forget" outreach because content will match the client or prospect's shifting interests. For example, personalizing agent newsletters at this level automatically causes engagement to soar. The same is true when machine learning integrates with social media posts. By tracking interaction and adjusting copy, the effectiveness of each post increases. Agents often struggle with creating compelling content for their emailed newsletters. It can be one of the reasons they experience poor open rates. But emails work much better when machine learning delivers the right content to the right client at the right time. New AI chatbots are also becoming smarter and more effective. When they are used on an agent's website, these new bots can serve prospects 24/7. Chat bots today can help pre-qualify and redirect the hottest leads. Coming soon: Integration is the future for real estate tech automation. Individual apps that don't talk to other agent technology are either going away or will become far less popular. New AI-powered mega-systems are delivering all the solutions in one place. They offer full integration, so every agent tech tool talks to each other. Plus, the movement is towards lowering tech costs as brokerages seek to reduce their tech spend. Brokers still must provide agents the tools they want – and need. Since AI-powered all-in-one systems can save brokerages money, that makes them even more attractive. Faster, Smarter, Cheaper – and potential downsides AI is driving a new evolution in real estate technology. Computer vision, 3D modeling, virtual staging, AR, and automation lead the way. But make no mistake, AI is the common element these emerging technologies share. AI can deliver numerous practical benefits to real estate agents and brokers throughout their daily workflows. More effective property marketing, enhancing client and prospect engagement, improving the customer experience, reducing technology costs, and freeing up more time are just some of the benefits these emerging technologies deliver. And while exciting, applying ethical thinking in technology is important. Every agent and broker should thoughtfully consider these questions before adopting them: What are the potential risks? Can these systems cross an ethical line and therefore not worth adopting? Are there guardrails or can guardrails be put in place? Using new technology initially can be challenging. That's where Tech Helpline can assist. If you are one of the 750,000 Realtors in North America with access to the free tech support services, reach out to Tech Helpline. You can connect with their seasoned, US-based analysts through their app, online, or simply by making a call. Learn more at TechHelpline.com. Other related posts on the Tech Helpline Blog: 3 Best AI Prompts for Real Estate Agents Best practices for AI in Real Estate Today To AI or not to AI: What are the risks and rewards? Tricia Stamper is Director of Technology at Florida Realtors®, which owns both Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity. Thank you to Tech Helpline for sponsoring this article on RE Technology.

How Often Are Agents Alone With Prospects? (And How Dangerous Is That, Really?)
Working as a real estate agent is perfectly safe most of the time. When it's unsafe, however, it's usually due to the fact that agents meet frequently with people they don't know very well at private home showings or open houses, which can put them at risk. A recent WAV Group study into agent safety variables asked real estate agents how often they are alone with prospects and what steps they take to keep themselves safe at work. Here are some of the findings around agent interaction with their clients. Most Agents Are 'Always' or 'Often' Alone With Prospects Nearly three-quarters of agents (74.9%) said that they are always or often by themselves when showing homes to new prospects. A small proportion of agents (12.7%) said they are rarely or never alone when showing homes to new prospects. This response was more common for women: Almost 20% of female agents (18.7%) said they are rarely or never alone. When they know they are going to meet a prospect alone, most agents (66.4%) said they rarely or never ask someone to accompany them. About one in ten female agents (10.2% of female respondents) said they always ask someone to come with them when they are showing a home to a prospect they've never met. It's Not Always Easy to Ask for Help Follow-up questions attempted to dig into why agents are not asking for company when they go to meet a new prospect by themselves. The reasons why male and female agents choose not to seek company in these circumstances showed some interesting differences. For men, the primary reasons they don't ask for company were, in descending order: Sure they can handle any situation that arises (42.6%) Never thought about it (18.7%) It's difficult to coordinate schedules (13.5%) Don't want to have to share commissions or payments (6.5%) For women, the primary reasons looked somewhat different: It's difficult to coordinate schedules (23.0%) Don't want to bother anybody (14.2%) Sure they can handle any situation that arises (13.4%) Appointment scheduled at the last minute (12.3%) How Technology Can Help Lower Risk Whether agents are deciding to meet with clients without any company as a result of personal preference or because aligning schedules is too difficult, there are tools available to help agents balance the risk and the reward of their daily duties. One option for agents is to create a protocol with supervisors or friends whereby they check in every time they arrive at or leave an appointment. The iOS 17 update has a native way to do this in Messages, but a text message works just as well if everyone involved knows the safety protocol and follows it. Stay tuned to read the full survey results soon!

4 Ways Technology Can Help Real Estate Agents Achieve Work-Life Balance
Thank you to Tech Helpline for sponsoring this article on RE Technology: Busy real estate agents often find themselves juggling a myriad of tasks and responsibilities, making it challenging to strike a balance between their work and personal lives. Long hours, ongoing deadlines, and the overall demands of the job can leave little room for relaxation and quality time with loved ones. How can agents balance their professional aspirations with their personal lives? Technology can help. Most agents today have access to innovative solutions that help them work smarter, not harder, to regain control over their schedules. Let's explore four powerful technologies that can help change how real estate agents manage their work-life balance. 1. Digital Transaction Management Systems: Increasing Efficiency A digital transaction management system like Form Simplicity is one of the most potent time-saving technologies for real estate agents. These platforms simplify the entire transaction process, and agents eliminate paper shuffling by going digital and dramatically increasing their efficiency. Today's top transaction management solutions integrate seamlessly with other essential tech tools, supercharging productivity. For instance, Form Simplicity integrates with RentSpree, making tenant screening a breeze and reducing liability. It also interfaces with Google Drive, allowing for effective team collaboration on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Moreover, its Google Contacts integration streamlines data synchronization between apps, creating powerful automated workflows. Dropbox can help organize one's files in a single, convenient location, simplifying cloud storage. To save time securing vital client reviews, Rate My Agent makes collecting them easier than ever. Earnnest facilitates the secure electronic transfer of funds, eliminating the need for agents to drive around town picking up and delivering checks. By utilizing these integrations, real estate agents can save significant time, helping to provide more opportunities for work-life balance. 2. CRM: Nurturing Relationships and Saving Time Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are a real estate agent's best friend when it comes to maintaining a productive workflow. According to the National Association of Realtors, only a quarter of agents use a CRM daily or nearly every day, yet those who do are among the most productive in the industry. A CRM system helps agents manage client relationships, track leads, and streamline promotional efforts. It automates routine tasks, such as sending follow-up emails and reminders, ensuring no opportunities slip through the cracks. With a well-implemented CRM, agents can free up valuable time by automating essential processes and improving their overall efficiency, which can translate into more personal time. 3. ChatGPT 4: Unleashing Creativity and Efficiency ChatGPT 4 is a versatile tool that can be a game-changer for real estate agents seeking to save time and enhance productivity. Beyond its capabilities in generating high-quality copy, it serves as an invaluable resource for brainstorming, ideation, and content creation. Real estate agents can use ChatGPT 4 to draft blog posts, social media updates, property descriptions, and more. Most importantly, agents can provide prompt instructions to ensure compliance with Fair Housing laws. When used correctly, agents can proofread and make changes to ensure accuracy and appropriate word usage. This AI tool can also assist in creating marketing plans, video scripts, social media schedules, and more, making it an indispensable asset for content creation and marketing strategy development. Moreover, ChatGPT 4 is a lifesaver for overcoming writer's block, offering a wealth of ideas and topics to explore. When used effectively and verified for factual accuracy, it can significantly boost an agent's efficiency and creativity, ultimately freeing up more of their schedule for personal endeavors. 4. Automate Your Marketing Most real estate agents can access automated marketing tools and platforms their brokerages provide. These tools can transform how agents promote their listings and engage with clients. Automated marketing often includes a variety of tools – from drip email campaigns and local market reports to newsletters and promotional campaigns for listings. With the ability to personalize content to users, pre-schedule social media posts, and more, agents can set much of their marketing outreach and maintain a solid online presence. Automated marketing saves agents time that they can deploy elsewhere and ensures consistency and effectiveness in their marketing strategies. Leverage all four technologies When real estate agents use all four powerful technologies – digital transaction management systems, CRM systems, ChatGPT 4, and automated marketing – they unlock more of their most valuable asset: time. These helpful tech tools enable agents to work smarter, not harder, by streamlining processes, nurturing relationships, enhancing creativity, and automating marketing efforts. As a result, agents can reclaim their work-life balance, enjoy more personal time, and create lasting memories with family and friends – and remain highly successful agents. One final timesaver If you are among the 750,000 Realtors in North America who have access to Tech Helpline – which also supports Form Simplicity – reach out for assistance to navigate these technologies or help you resolve any tech-related issue faster. By embracing technology that genuinely will save you time, it can help you achieve the life-work balance you deserve. Related reads Tech Helpline Blog: 3 Best AI Prompts for Real Estate Agents Best practices for AI in Real Estate Today Form Simplicity Blog: 6 Ways You Can Use Technology to Reduce Your Stress Don't fall for it: 4 new online + offline scams and how to protect yourself 5 Realtor safety apps to protect you and your clients Are your kids attending school from home? Safest ways to share your work computer Tricia Stamper is Director of Technology at Florida Realtors®, which owns both Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity.

The ROI of Renovations: Explaining the Financial Potential of Renovating Before Selling
Low listing inventory is a common challenge that agents (and brokerages) are facing in 2023, and one big reason is because homeowners who live in properties that could use a little TLC before going to market are unable to fund those renovations. It's hard for a homeowner to list their most valuable asset knowing that they could be asking for more money if they made a few small changes upfront! Presale renovations are one way that homeowners can realize the full potential of their home's value without having to pay out-of-pocket for the upgrades. Here's Revive's Jessica Morrow with more details about how to discuss presale renovations with potential sellers. Last year, homeowners invested more than $500 billion in home renovations. According to researchers, home remodeling will continue to grow, fueled by the rising disposable income of homeowners and the shift toward aesthetic upgrades. Also adding to the massive explosion in the popularity of the home renovation market is the rapidly expanding trend where real estate agents recommend homeowners make vital improvements to their homes just before selling. This new, modern approach to selling a home enlists the skills, capital, and expertise of pre-sale renovation firms specializing in making the right home improvements for the maximum final sales price. The leading pre-sale renovation firms work with real estate agents to help homeowners achieve one primary goal: maximizing their investment return or ROI. Why renovate before selling? Currently, most homeowners sell their homes as-is. But research shows that leaves 15-20% of potential profits on the table. This creates a $300 billion annual opportunity for agents and their sellers, as that's the total estimated potential proceeds if homeowners made the right improvements before listing their homes for sale. The amount of money involved for homeowners can be life-changing. Other industry research shows that home sellers gained an average of $186,000 more in profit when selling their renovated homes, with the average ROI north of 250%. Moreover, when agents help their sellers use a pre-sale renovation to help their homeowners increase their ROI, agents benefit too, as it can increase their GCI significantly. How does pre-sale renovation work? Until recently, the speed of a sale drove the real estate business. Real estate agents often rushed to get a home on the market. However, it turns out that getting a home quickly listed for sale doesn't always result in the best ROI for the property. Home flippers understand this better than perhaps anyone. When purchasing a property, their entire focus is to determine which homes with the right improvements will have the best return on their investment. Pre-sale renovation firms borrow the business model of the best house flippers, looking for ways to help homeowners make the right improvements for the top sales price. The process is straightforward and typically includes: Initial consultation: The leading pre-sale renovation firms begin with an initial consultation. This also may be automated by a real estate agent using an AI-powered app. The process determines the potential homeowner's ROI if they take the pre-sale route. While pre-sale renovations may not be the best path for every homeowner, the most important thing is to find out and avoid leaving money at the closing table. Budgeting and planning: A pre-sale renovation firm typically assigns an individual or a team that works with real estate agents and their clients to guide them through the renovation process. Pre-sale renovation firms do the heavy lifting and provide the funds for the strategic renovations recommended, reviewed, and approved by the homeowner. The homeowner does not pay a single dime out-of-pocket as all these expenses are paid at closing. Design: Crucial to a pre-sale renovation delivering a maximum ROI is making the right improvements. That includes making sure the design matches the local market demand. A pre-sale renovation firm that excels in design is crucial to obtaining the best final sales price for the home. Quality and on-time improvements: Pre-sale renovation firms reduce the risks of a DIY approach by homeowners and/or their agents by ensuring vetted contractors work to deliver quality improvements on time and within budget. Finalizing the sale: After the improvements are made – typically around nine weeks or fewer for most projects – the agent lists the home for sale at the post-renovation sales price. This maximizes the ROI, and at the closing, the pre-sale renovation firm is reimbursed for its costs, and the higher proceeds are delivered to the homeowner. Not for every seller Not every seller should go the renovate first route because the estimated post-renovation ROI shows it may not be worth the effort. This is particularly true of well-maintained homes and homes that have recently made significant improvements. Moreover, local market conditions could also influence if this path makes sense. A trusted pre-sale renovation firm will help provide the information for agents and their sellers to determine this. And that's the key: real estate agents need to explore the potential outcome of taking the pre-sale renovation path with every seller. The only way to determine if the ROI for a pre-sale renovation will work is to go through the process. Fortunately, there are new ways to help agents show homeowners exploring a sale what the ROI could be with new technology upfront, even during their listing presentation. A better way to sell For most homeowners considering a sale, agents will discover that walking them through the benefits of a pre-sale renovation can be a win-win. Pre-sale renovated homes provide a higher ROI to owners and sell faster once they are on the market. Homeowners don't have to worry about the stress, time, and energy it takes when using a pre-sale renovation firm. From the beginning, homeowners know they are making the right improvements. It's all about what today's buyers want. Millennial home buyers, the largest generation and often the number one buyers of homes, want move-in ready homes. Research shows that 70% of Millennial home buyers would choose a smaller home, giving up the need for more space to secure a move-in-ready home. Homeowners don't have to front the money needed for the remodeling as pre-sale renovation firms provide the capital for all the improvements, which are reimbursed when the home is sold. The amount of funding supplied can range from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the house and the ROI goal. By improving their ROI through a pre-sale renovation, homeowners will maximize the value of their property, minimize potential obstacles to a sale, and experience a streamlined process that results in financial gain that can help change their lives for what they want to do next. Other related articles: Maximizing ROI: The Art of Presale Renovations for Real Estate Investors Top 5 Reasons Homes Need to be Move-In Ready Creating a Great First Impression: The Role of Pre-Sale Renovations in Real Estate Jessica Morrow, a seasoned real estate veteran, is Revive Real Estate Head of Operations. Revive's mission is to guide home sellers through presale renovations without upfront costs.

Our Top 10 Most-Read Articles of September: New iPhones, Realtor Safety, and More
RE Technology readers indulged in an Apple love affair last month, if our list of September's most-read articles is anything to go by. Our readers gobbled up articles about the newly released iPhone 15 (see article #8 below), new iOS 17 features (see #3), and the Apple Watch (#6). Android users shouldn't despair, however. In October, we'll be covering Google's upcoming product announcements. In the meantime, you can tide yourself over with a look at 25 Google productivity tips (article #4 below) in honor of Google's 25th anniversary. Finally, September was Realtor Safety Month. Scroll down to article #10 for recent research on the biggest "danger zones" for agents on the job. To see what else struck a chord with agents and broker last month, see the full list of last month's most-read articles below: 1. How Agents Are (Unintentionally) Violating Fair HousingA recent WAV Group survey asked buyers who were involved in multiple-bid situations about the advice their agents gave them to help them craft a winning bid. While no doubt well-intentioned, some agents were advising their buyers to disclose their identity to the seller in an attempt to make a personal connection and possibly win the bid. This is (unfortunately) a pathway to Fair Housing violations. 2. Fraud Alert! Legit Email or a Scam? 4 Ways to Tell the DifferenceBusiness-related phishing emails are becoming more sophisticated. Real estate professionals are at increased risk because they live in a world of high-value transactions and have become more digitally empowered — and the stakes for real estate agents and brokers are high. Let's delve deeper into four critical strategies for identifying deceptive emails, ensuring that you and your clients know what to do to avoid falling into costly traps. 3. 14 New iOS 17 Features That Were Built for Real Estate AgentsIn September, Apple introduced new products to market, including the iPhone 15, and updated its operating system, iOS, iOS 17. If you're not in the habit of automatically updating your iPhone to the latest and greatest iOS as soon as it's released, you might want to make an exception for this one. The new operating system brings new features, some of them particularly relevant for real estate agents. Here's what's new and how you can get the latest version of iOS onto your iPhone. 4. From Gmail to Drive: 25 Essential Google Tips Every Real Estate Agent Should KnowGoogle celebrated its 25th birthday in September. Beyond Google products like search, YouTube, and Android, the company also offers a wealth of productivity tools. You're probably already familiar with Gmail, Google Drive, and other Google tools — but are you getting as much out of them as you can? These 25 Google productivity tips can help. 5. CRMs Are Sloppy. Details Make All the DifferenceA CRM is one of the most critical pieces of technology that many agents use; it helps them stay in touch with both current leads and past clients, provides them with a list of critical tasks for each day or week, and helps them keep track of when they last spoke to whom. But that said, there can be danger in using CRM automations without paying attention to what the end user is going to see and refining the details. Here's a story about a CRM email gone astray. 6. 12 Clever Ways the Apple Watch Can Improve Agents' LivesApple came out with new iPhone and Apple Watch products on September 15, which were quickly followed by iOS and watchOS updates. The result is a whole new look and feel for the user interface and apps available on iOS and watchOS. If you already have an Apple Watch, or you're considering investing in this wearable technology, keep reading to learn about ways that real estate agents are using it to be more efficient and effective at their jobs. 7. 3 AI Prompts That Really Work for Real Estate AgentsReal estate agents are eager to harness the potential of AI. If you haven't taken the AI plunge, here are three top AI prompts when using ChatGPT that can dramatically improve your marketing and client communications efforts, saving you time and money. 8. Do You Need to Upgrade Your iPhone? An Agent's Guide to the Latest Apple ReleaseAlmost every September, Apple unveils a new series of iPhones for the masses. The release on September 12 was no exception to the rule: There are four new versions of the iPhone now available for ordering or purchase. Is it time for you to upgrade your phone? Let's review what's new. 9. Hey, Agent: Want to Own a Brokerage? 4 Questions to Ask YourselfAs a real estate agent, one of the most exciting (and pivotal) points in your career comes when you decide it's time to move from working as an individual agent to running a brokerage. There are a few ways you can take this step, and Finley Hair, a merger-and-acquisitions expert at WAV Group, has some questions to ask that will help you determine which path is the right one for you. 10. Where Do Crimes Against Agents Take Place? Open Houses, Home Showings Are Two Significant 'Danger Zones'Meeting with strangers in private locations can be an inherently risky activity, and it's something that real estate agents do every day in order to provide their clients with services. But exactly how dangerous is it, or can it be?

Real AI: Legal Minefield, 5 Facts and AI Meme of the Week
Real AI is a 100% human-created weekly roundup of all things AI in real estate and emerging AI innovations in other sectors likely to impact real estate. AI is creating a legal minefield While the federal government and dozens of states scurry to create AI legislation, AI cases are already filling our courts. Among the most notable lawsuits: Microsoft, GitHub, and OpenAI are being sued for allegedly violating copyright law by reproducing open-source code using AI. Visual artists in a proposed class-action lawsuit are suing artificial intelligence image firms, as is Getty Images. Celebrities are getting into the act. Not only did the recently settled Hollywood writers' strike include provisions to protect writers from AI, but individual celebrities are suing. Comedian and author Sara Silverman is suing OpenAI and Meta, claiming copyright infringement, along with book authors Paul Tremblay, Mona Awad, Chris Golden, and Richard Kadrey. Recently, best-selling authors John Grisham and Jodi Picoult, along with Jonathan Franzen and Elin Hilderbrand, joined the legal battle against OpenAI. The minefield analogy is real. In March, the US Copyright Office said that works created using artificial intelligence may be copyrighted, provided the work meets a "human authorship requirement." However, in August, a US federal judge said AI-generated artwork can't be copyrighted. So, which is it? As the Verge recently observed, "Nobody really knows how things will shake out around US copyright law and artificial intelligence." While copyright infringement cases comprise the bulk of the current lawsuits, patent suits also are expected, as the court needs to consider, as the New York Times headline asks, "Can AI Invent?" AI Five Fast Facts This year, nearly 200 AI-related bills have been introduced nationwide in state legislatures – four times more than in all of 2022. Legislators in 31 states have introduced 191 bills related to artificial intelligence. However, only 14 became law. Bills restricting deepfakes are the most popular and the most likely to be passed: six of 37 bills were passed. A new North Dakota law defines a person as an individual, organization, government, political subdivision, or government agency or instrumentality. It specifies that the term does not include environmental elements, artificial intelligence, an animal, or an inanimate object. The FTC required Weight Watchers to delete the AI algorithm it developed for its weight-loss app. The FTC said that Weight Watchers marketed its app to children under 13 without parental consent. AI headlines: Take 10 How ChatGPT Can Help You Do More With PDFs | Wired - 9/24/23New ChatGPT plugins can read PDFs, helping you search and summarize PDF content. Real Estate's Hidden AI Revolution | NFX - 9/21/23Peter Flint, founder of Trulia, gives his take on AI, but hidden AI is all over real estate. ChatGPT update enables its AI to "see, hear, and speak," according to OpenAI | arsTechnica - 9/25/23Paid subscribers will soon be able to talk to a ChatGPT than can hear, speak, and see. ChatGPT users can now browse internet, OpenAI says | Reuters - 9/27/23The only problem is that ChatGPT uses Bing, and at rollout, the results are not very good. Introducing New AI Experiences Across Our Family of Apps and Devices | Meta - 9/27/23Facebook introduces a plethora of new AI tools to boost engagement (and its ad revenue). Amazon pours up to $4B into AI startup Anthropic, escalating rivalry with Microsoft and Google | GeekWire - 9/25/23Amazon accelerates its AI push, aiming to become a major player instead of a lagger. Supercharge Your Next Marketing Campaign: 5 Unconventional Prompts For ChatGPT | Forbes - 9/26/23Here are five unique prompts you can send to ChatGPT to boost your marketing campaigns. How AI Assistants Will Transform Real Estate Investing | IoT For All - 9/22/23AI can help real estate investors analyze real-time data and much more. Spotify is going to clone podcasters' voices — and translate them to other languages | The Verge - 9/25/23Spotify and OpenAI partnering will offer a new AI-powered voice translation feature for creating foreign-language versions of your favorite podcasts. YouTube unveils a plethora of new AI-powered tools for creators | CNN - 9/21/23Real estate agents can use new tools to simplify making videos and reach more people. Meme of the week Quote of the week To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

From Gmail to Drive: 25 Essential Google Tips Every Real Estate Agent Should Know
File this under "Time flies": Google celebrated its 25th birthday this week! When it debuted in 1998, Google offered only a search box on a bare-bones webpage — a far cry from the behemoth that would come to influence so much of our online lives. Beyond the market dominance of Google products like search, YouTube, and Android, the company also offers a wealth of productivity tools. You're probably already familiar with Gmail, Google Drive, and other Google tools — but are you getting as much out of them as you can? In honor of a quarter-century of Google, we're taking a look back at 25 of the best Google productivity tips that we've shared over the years (including a couple new ones). Read on to learn how you can leverage Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and more to make your real estate business run as smooth as can be. Gmail Do you remember browser-based email services from back in the day? They were clunky, slow, and lacking in features. Enter Gmail in 2004, relegating the likes of AOL, Hotmail, and Yahoo to the land of irrelevance. With Gmail, users got an efficient and easy-to-use email solution that offered functionality to rival programs like Outlook. What about that functionality, though? Are you taking advantage of all that Gmail offers? Find out in 7 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do with Gmail. Overloaded inbox got you overwhelmed? See Take Control: 3 Tips to Master Your Gmail Inbox for tips on taming the chaos. Finally, if you've ever been locked out of your Gmail account or even deleted it, see Can You Recover an Old Gmail Account? to learn how to restore it. Google Calendar If you're like most agents, your calendar controls much of your working life. From showings to deadlines, it's all there. Google Calendar integrates with Gmail, so if you're a Gmail user, it's a great idea to learn the basics of Leveraging Google Calendar for Real Estate. If you're an Android phone user, Google Calendar is your phone's default calendar. Get tips from a working Realtor on how to better use it in Real Estate Smartphone Tricks: Using Your Phone's Calendar. Are you an iPhone user who still uses Google Calendar, perhaps because you are a Gmail user? Find out How to Sync Your Google and Apple Calendars to keep everything working together smoothly. Google Drive Google Drive lets you store all kinds of files in the cloud, like Dropbox. Unlike Dropbox, however, Google Drive lets you also create documents, spreadsheets, slideshows and more. Learn the basics here: Leveraging Google Drive for Real Estate. Want to go deeper? Check out this video, 7 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do in Google Drive: Google Docs Farewell, Microsoft Word. With Google Docs, word processing power comes to a web browser near you. Not only can you create documents, you can collaborate with others and even upload, convert and read multiple file types. 5 Great Google Docs Tips and Tactics has all the info you need to get started. And did you know that you can even eSign real estate documents in Google Drive? As we reported this summer, Google is working on an eSignature solution for Google Docs. It's not public yet, but in the meantime, you can Use the DocuSign eSignature Google Add-On in Google Drive, Gmail and Docs. Google Sheets Spreadsheets: they're not just for accountants anymore. With Google Sheets, you can: Create templates for your real estate business (try these seven templates to get started) Create an automated lead capture form Capture open house leads and sync them to your CRM But wait, there's more! See 7 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do in Google Sheets. That's good sheet, man. Google Slides Need to create a new listing presentation that's accessible from anywhere and easy to share? Say goodbye to PowerPoint, and dive into the world of Google Slides. These articles can help you get started: How to Make a Flyer in Google Slides 10 Steps to Create a Custom Presentation in Google Slides Google Keep Keep is an underappreciated Google tool. Similar to Apple Notes, it's a stock app on Android phones. But you don't need an Android phone to use it — if you have a Google account, you're good to go! You can explore the basics of it here. After that, we recommend going deeper by learning how to: Grab text from an image Collaborate with others Set a location reminder Use voice dictation Google Ads As the saying goes, "All real estate is local." And while you've surely heard (and likely used) Google Ads, do you know much about Google Local Services Ads? If your answer is "No," check out this article to learn What's the Big Deal about Google Local Services Ads? And if you have more questions, don't miss Questions About Google's Local Services Ads? We Have Answers. Miscellaneous Google Tools Google has plenty more tools, including the world's No. 1 web browser, Chrome. Extensions are a great way to supercharge the usefulness of your browser. But you know what would supercharge your browser even more? Browser extensions that bring the bower of AI to Chrome. You can explore that in 8 Browser Extensions for ChatGPT. Finally, we all know that becoming a local expert is great for your real estate reputation. Did you know that Google has a feature that can help you show off your local knowledge? Learn how to leverage Google Local Guides in the video below:

12 Clever Ways the Apple Watch Can Improve Agents' Lives
Apple came out with new iPhone and Apple Watch products on September 15, 2023, which were quickly followed by iOS and watchOS updates. The result is a whole new look and feel for the user interface and apps available on iOS and watchOS. We've already discussed some of the ways that iOS 17 can be used to make an agent's life easier, but what about the watchOS? If you already have an Apple Watch, or you're considering investing in this wearable technology, keep reading to learn about ways that real estate agents are using it to be more efficient and effective at their jobs. 1. Password and note repositories Real estate agents have a lot of different accounts that they might need to access on any given day. Without a password manager, getting safely logged into those systems will mean reusing passwords across platforms (not ideal) or creating easy-to-remember passwords for each login (also not ideal). Password and note repositories, such as Cheatsheet and 1Password, allow users to save password and note information. You can save "favorite" passwords on 1Password for display on Apple Watch, and Cheatsheet will allow you to save more than 100 notes with detailed login information, available directly from the Apple Watch. 2. Unlock lockboxes If you've had an Apple Watch for a little while, then you may already know about the ability to add boarding passes and other scannable entry information to your watch. SentriLock users can access lockboxes directly through the Apple Watch if they have the app installed. 3. Translate in real time Agents who work with buyers or sellers who speak a first language other than English might be interested in the Apple Watch translation capabilities. Users can speak directly into the Apple Watch and see a translation unspool on the device's screen. 4. Track your car miles Some mileage trackers offer Apple Watch integrations that will allow you to start or save a trip on your watch instead of having to pull out your phone. 5. Take a remote photo or control your music If you weren't already aware, the Apple Watch can serve as a sort of remote control for the iPhone. Users can control music from the watch instead of picking up the phone to do things like skip tracks, turn the volume up or down, and more. Handy at an open house! Similarly, if you've got your camera set up to take a shot (especially if you're in the shot), using the watch as a camera shutter can help you avoid getting fingers in the frame and other hazards of smartphone photography. 6. Get noise threshold alerts Hearing doesn't last forever, unfortunately, and in this day and age, we are almost certainly all exposing ourselves to noise levels that were not necessarily around in previous generations. If you spend a lot of time walking around construction sites or even in loud parts of the city, your Apple Watch can send you an alert if the noise around you hits or surpasses a certain level — a good reminder to use ear protection if you have it handy. 7. Keep tabs on sunrise and sunset Knowing when it's going to get dark outside can be good information for real estate agents when they're planning on taking listing photos, booking a showing for a buyer, or figuring out their own daily activities. The Apple Watch offers displays that will tell you exactly when the sun will rise or set, and if you use the "solar dial" face, then you can see exactly when daylight-driven events such as the "golden hour" or "nautical twilight" begin and end. 8. Offline Maps The iOS 17 update allows users to download maps on the native Maps app and save them to their phone. These maps will also be available to users with Apple Watches, who will be able to access them on the Apple Watch even if there is no phone service. As an aside, the Apple Maps navigation can help you avoid looking like a tourist if you're walking around an unfamiliar area. You can type in your destination on your phone, and then gentle haptic signals on the Apple Watch will alert you when it's time to turn left or right as you walk. Glancing down at your watch occasionally to see where the next turn is sure beats walking with your phone held in front of your face for guidance! 9. NameDrop on the Apple Watch One of the latest iOS features is a sort of spinoff of a digital business card. Users can adjust their name, photo, and contact information on their phone to display what they want others to see, then share contact information by moving devices in proximity to each other. This works on an Apple Watch, too! If you're wearing an Apple Watch and you want to trade contact information with someone else who has an Apple Watch or another iOS device, you can use your watch to swap details. 10. Answer phone calls and respond to text messages The Apple Watch has had the capacity for a while to answer phone calls (users can hand them off to a different device if desired) and respond to text messages. (Tip: Use voice-to-text – it's much easier than the fingertip keyboard option.) Voicemail transcriptions and playbacks are also features available on the Apple Watch. 11. Take better care of your body The Apple Watch can give you all kinds of information about your current health and how to improve it. It can track your activity levels — from workouts to the amount of time you spend standing instead of sitting every day — as well as more nuanced health details: your sleep (and sleep stages), your stress levels, and more. The biometrics collected by Apple Watch get stored in the Health app on your iPhone and can be pulled up and perused if you have questions or are curious about your health. You can even set alerts on your Health app to send you a push notification if it detects a trend change in your biometric data. 12. Use it as a walkie-talkie If you have the feature enabled, you can use the Apple Watch to talk to other Apple Watch users who also have it enabled. This can be a useful little tool anytime you're working with another agent (at an open house, for example) and would like to coordinate locations or let them know that a client has arrived. The new watchOS 10 requires one of the following Apple Watch models, plus an iPhone XS (or newer) with iOS 17 installed on it. Apple Watch Series 4 Apple Watch Series 5 Apple Watch SE Apple Watch Series 6 Apple Watch Series 7 Apple Watch Series 8 Apple Watch Series 9 Apple Watch Ultra Apple Watch Ultra 2

Real Estate Market Analysis: 10 Ways to Identify Emerging Neighborhoods
Are you ready to embark on a real estate adventure? One of the keys to a successful real estate journey is the ability to spot emerging neighborhoods. These hidden gems are like buried treasures waiting to be unearthed, offering promising opportunities for future growth and investment. In this article, we'll guide you through the exciting world of real estate market analysis and how to identify emerging neighborhoods that are ripe for investment. The Art of Real Estate Market Analysis Before we dive into identifying emerging neighborhoods, let's set the stage with some basics. Real estate market analysis is like Sherlock Holmes investigating a case — it requires attention to detail, keen observation, and a knack for connecting the dots. Here's how to get started: a. Research, Research, Research: Begin your journey by gathering information about the city or area your clients are interested in. Explore data on population growth, employment rates, and local amenities. Websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, local government websites, RPR, and your MLS's public records tools are goldmines of data. b. Talk to the Locals: Don't underestimate the power of a friendly chat with local residents. They can provide insights you won't find in any report. Ask about safety, schools, public transportation, and community events. c. Keep an Eye on Development: New construction and infrastructure improvements often signal an emerging neighborhood. Check for planned developments like parks, shopping centers, or public transportation expansions. d. Historical Data Matters: Examine historical property values and trends. A neighborhood that has shown consistent growth is a good sign. Now that you've got your detective toolkit ready, let's delve into identifying emerging neighborhoods that are primed for growth. 1. Urban Revitalization Urban renewal is comparable to a phoenix emerging from the ashes. It is the process of reviving a dilapidated area and making it a lively, sought-after location. Trendy cafes, art galleries, and an increase in home improvements are all indications of urban revival. Although it might increase home values, it's important to act quickly since if the neighborhood improves further, prices might become unattainable for some buyers. 2. Proximity to Job Hubs A neighborhood is more likely to see growth if it is located close to important employment centers like commercial areas, technology parks, or universities. These neighborhoods are hotspots for real estate investment since people like to reside close to their places of employment to cut down on commuting times. Keep an eye on announcements of new corporate offices or campuses opening nearby; this can be a game-changer. 3. Infrastructure Upgrades Cities' investments in infrastructure, such as new roads, transit systems, or parks, can have a big impact on the neighborhoods around them. These improvements increase an area's accessibility and appeal, frequently causing a rise in property values. 4. Low Crime Rates and Good Schools For families, safety and education are top objectives. Long-term residents are drawn to areas with low crime rates and effective public schools, which raises property values. When examining possible rising communities, be sure to look up crime rates and school rankings. 5. Art and Culture Scene The presence of theaters, art galleries, and cultural activities may indicate the development of a community. These cultural attractions attract both locals and visitors, fostering a lively environment and raising property values. Watch out for regional arts programs and events. 6. Rising Rental Demand Certain communities develop into burgeoning hotspots as a result of rising rental demand. Students and young professionals frequently look for low-cost rental homes in developing neighborhoods. This increase in demand could signal future price growth. 7. Historic Charm and Unique Architecture Neighborhoods with distinctive architecture and a sense of history frequently have room for expansion. The charm and beauty of these locations appeal to a lot of people. Just be mindful of any historic preservation laws that might have an impact on property changes. 8. Commuter-Friendly Locations Neighborhoods with quick access to major highways or public transportation become more desirable as urban congestion rises. For prospective owners or tenants, a shorter commute might be a major selling feature. 9. Keep an Eye on Neighborhood Associations A thriving neighborhood can be identified by active and involved neighborhood associations. They often work to improve local amenities, promote safety, and enhance the overall quality of life in the area. 10. Watch for the Ripple Effect Sometimes, the emergence of a trendy neighborhood can have a ripple effect, transforming adjacent areas as well. Don't limit your analysis to just one neighborhood; consider the potential impact of neighboring areas. In conclusion, identifying emerging neighborhoods in the real estate market is a bit like forecasting the weather — it requires careful analysis of various factors and a dash of intuition. By conducting thorough research, consulting with experts, and keeping an eye out for the signs mentioned above, you'll be well-equipped to spot the next hot neighborhood. So, put on your detective hat and get ready to uncover the hidden gems in the world of real estate. Happy hunting! To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.