April 03 2017
Spring is finally here (though it may not yet seem like it in certain parts of the country). What that means is that the real estate selling season is imminent. Before things warm up, take a moment to get ready by checking out our most popular educational articles of last month.
We kick things off with a free listing and closing checklist you can download to stay organized (#1), advice on polishing your listing presentation (#3), and tips for writing ads that highlight the benefits of your listing, not just the features (that's an old advertising trick—check out #7 to learn more).
If you want something a little more fiery, we've got a few articles to spark debate, like MileIQ vs. Everlance—which is the better driving app (#6)? For real controversy, check out article #2 on our list, in which a real life FSBO shares why she didn't hire an agent—and the big mistake the agents who contacted her trying to win her business made. Don't neglect the comments section on this one—the debate there is almost as hot as the article itself!
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1. Friday Freebie: Stay Organized with Listing and Closing Checklists
Want a way to go from listing contract to cashed commission check faster? As we say in the RE Technology offices, the key is to "plan your work, and work your plan." This means having a set game plan in place for completing the routine tasks that every listings requires. Many solutions offer activity checklists that agents can use to help set up and close a listing successfully. If your preferred solution doesn't offer checklists—or if the checklists leave something to be desired—this Friday Freebie is for you!
2. True Confessions of a FSBO
I work closely with real estate agents every day. Dozens of my closest friends are real estate agents. And I put my home on the market to sell it myself. I was a FSBO. It was quite the experience. I learned so much that I want to share some intel with you, my real estate professional friends.
3. 21 Steps to a Stellar Listing Presentation
It's all here. Twenty-one great ideas for building your listing business from the ground up, all neatly packaged in a step-by-step action plan. Let us know how it goes.
4. How to Use Technology to Make Gorgeous Listing Photos
Are your listing photographs eye-catching enough? Your photos need to make an impact and stand out to potential home buyers. These tips from Mark Richardson will help add visual interest to your photos. The result at the 18:24-minute mark is a game changer.
5. 5 Real Estate Apps Every Agent Should Try
Let me guess—you're addicted to your phone. While you probably have your go-to apps for helping you get through the day, I want to introduce you to a few of my most favorite real estate apps that can make your life as a busy agent a little bit easier. Try out these five real estate apps and see if they can help you accomplish more tasks in a shorter amount of time.
6. Best Car Apps for Real Estate Agents: Everlance vs. MileIQ
Aside from Uber drivers and bus drivers, real estate agents may put in more road time than any other profession. And while you're always focused on getting from one place to the next in record time, you may not be handling your drive time as efficiently as possible. Today, we'll talk about two of the best mobile apps for real estate agents on the go.
7. How to Write 'Benefits' Ads to Attract More Buyers
You know it. I know it. Everyone knows it—you're supposed to sell the "benefits" of your listings, not the "features." But that's easier said than done. Anyone can slap together a description for the "4 bed, 2.5 bath home for sale with huge deck and great view." It takes a bit more effort to describe the listing in a way that resonates with a potential buyer. If you want your ads to show liveliness and passion, read on to discover how you can transform them!
8. Becoming a Millionaire Real Estate Agent – 5 Keys to Make It Happen!
You can feel the instinct inside of you to become an entrepreneur. There is a drive and a passion stirring your ideas together and you can't wait to make your first million. But just the dream and desire are not nearly enough to make a successful REALTOR®! You need the other half of the equation – the skills to make it happen. Here are four high-level habits those REALTORS® grossing over $2 million each year are masters of.
9. Double Friday Freebie: Guide to 65 Referral Sources, plus a 10-Step Referral Plan
We're doubling up on the good stuff this week with a special twofer: 1) a guide to help you find new sources of referrals, and 2) a planner to help you actively win and close those referrals.
10. App Alert: Gboard Will Transform Your Mobile Messaging Game
I love my smartphone and all that it lets me do—but if there's one constant gripe I have with it, it's that the copy-and-paste function is a pain in the you-know-what. My fingers are neither lean nor nimble, and trying to drag that tiny tracker around to highlight text is an exercise in frustration. Well, be frustrated no more! Today, we're highlighting one mobile app that will lessen your copy-and-pasting woes and put your messaging game on steroids.