Our Top 10 Most-Read Articles of October: Scary Listing Photos, Client Retention, Decor Trends and More

Last month featured some spooky content, as our #1 most-read article of October attests to. But preventing past clients from ghosting was even more on the mind of agents and brokers last month. Articles #3 and #5 are from last month's Tips & Tricks Tuesday theme, "Never Lose Another Client."

Never losing another transaction was also a top post — see our #2 article on contract cancellations. Want something lighter? Scroll down for quick reads on renovations (#7) and home decor trends (#10).

1. 13 Scary Listing Photos that Will Horrify Buyers
Seeking something scary this Halloween? Look no further than this collection of listing photos. In the spirit of ghoulies and ghosties, and all things that go bump! in the night, here are 13 scary listing photos that will frighten prospects away faster than you can say boo!

2. Contract Cancellation: How to Prevent It From Happening to You
The current market is seeing 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?

3. 3 Ways to Create Forever Clients Using Your Real Estate CRM
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.

4. 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.

5. 6 Ways Digital Home Management Platforms Help Agents Keep Clients Forever
The real estate industry naturally focuses on finding active buyers and active sellers. But what do agents, brokerages, and the industry do to help the other 115 million homeowners who either recently completed a transaction or are happy in their current home? Learn how digital home management platforms help homeowners manage their home while providing agents and brokers with a way to never lose them.

6. 4 Interesting Ways Top Producers Use Their CRMS (That You Might Not Be Doing)
Most agents use some kind of a CRM. Even though agents know that they should be leveraging these tools to help them generate more business (and more income), many of them seem to be doing so... somewhat halfheartedly. But agents who produce more are using their CRMs a little bit differently than agents who produce less. Here are some ways you might consider tweaking your own CRM use in order to join that top echelon of sellers.

7. The ROI of Renovations: Explaining the Financial Potential of Renovating Before Selling
Low listing inventory is a common challenge that agents 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. Find out how to discuss presale renovations with potential sellers.

8. RPR Mobile: Why It's the Must-Have App for REALTORS
The RPR app is akin to carrying around the entire RPR website in your pocket or purse: it's jam packed with property data, reports and tools. With it, agents are as equally productive as when they're in the office at their desktop. This article highlights all the tangible features and capabilities of real estate's most powerful app — and puts a spotlight on all the intangibles that make it an indispensable tool.

9. 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 agent safety study asked 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.

10. Home Trends: What's In (and Out) for 2024
Get ready, #hometok. Zillow is unveiling its data-driven predictions for the features and design elements poised to transform homes and dominate social media feeds in 2024. From the raw appeal of brutalist design (concrete floors, anyone?) to the delicate artistry of Murano glass chandeliers, these emerging home trends highlight new post-pandemic pastimes and a nostalgia for the design of decades past.