Top 10 Most-Read Articles of January: Success strategies for 2024, a NAR alternative emerges, and more

New year, new ideas for taking your business to the next level. And that's exactly the type of content that RE Technology subscribers were reading in January. See for yourself: check out article #9 for real estate business resolutions, then click on #6 for lead gen strategies for 2024. Finally, scroll down to #10 for ways to nurture your database in the new year.

The year's not all that's new. Just last week at Inman Connect, two agents announced that they're creating a competitor to NAR. Learn more about that in article #2. Want to try a new, free esignature tool? Article #4 has the details on this recent offering from Google.

To find out what else made our round-up of the most-read articles of January, check out the full list below:

1. Appraised Value vs. Market Value
When it comes to real estate, understanding the value of a property is more than just a number—it's about making informed decisions. The often-confused concepts of "appraised value" and "market value" leave many confused. Understanding the differences between the two is crucial for navigating property transactions successfully.

2. A New Horizon: The American Real Estate Association Offers Agents a Fresh Alternative
In a bold move that challenges the status quo, two prominent real estate agents have launched the American Real Estate Association (AREA) as an alternative to the embattled National Association of Realtors (N.A.R.). This comes in the wake of N.A.R.'s recent legal challenges and leadership turmoil, prompting real estate professionals to explore alternatives for their professional affiliations.

3. 9 Proven Ways to Generate More Real Estate Leads
In real estate, generating leads is akin to striking gold. But how do you find the golden nuggets in a sea of pebbles? Well, let's dive into some real estate lead generation strategies that have proven their worth time and again.

4. Seeking a Free E-Signature Tool? Google Might Be the Answer
Last year, Google announced that it was rolling out a new feature in open beta: eSignature for Google Docs and Google Drive. The tool allows users to request and capture eSignatures in Google Docs – no PDF or DocuSign account necessary. In December, the company had another announcement about its eSignature initiative. The feature is officially out of beta testing and is now available for all Google Workspace Individual customers.

5. Selling a Home? Here's 10 Ways to Craft a Captivating Listing Description
Selling a home can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. In today's competitive real estate market, a compelling listing description is your secret weapon. A well-crafted description can turn a casual browser into a potential buyer. Here, we'll dive into the art of creating a captivating listing that makes your listing stand out like a diamond in a sea of gems.

6. 24 Fresh Lead Generation Strategies for 2024
A new year is an opportune time to try out new ways to market your business. Need some inspiration? Jimmy Burgess, CEO of BHHS Beach Properties of Florida, has plenty for you. Burgess lays out 24 lead generation ideas for you to try — everything from using QR codes to circle prospecting to AI and beyond.

7. The Shifting Dynamics of Buyer-Agent Relationships in Real Estate
In the ever-evolving realm of real estate, the age-old question of whether to hire a buyer's agent is gaining renewed prominence, fueled by recent lawsuits that seek to shift compensation structures. As aspiring homeowners embark on their journey to property ownership, the necessity of engaging an agent is coming under increased scrutiny.

8. Best Tech Tip: Doing This One Thing Fixes a Majority of Your Device Glitches
Technology, unfortunately, is not infallible. Glitches and freezes can turn a happy workday into a hectic one. However, there is a surprisingly simple yet often overlooked remedy to many of our technological troubles: properly restarting our devices.

9. 5 Real Estate Resolutions for More Profit in 2024
What are your business resolutions for the new year? We're just a few days into 2024, so if you haven't decided yet, there's still time! Since many of us are still in holiday recovery mode, here's a shortcut: five resolution ideas designed to help your real estate practice grow in the new year.

10. 11 Tips to Build and Nurture Your Client Database
2024 is sure to heat up, and you're in the perfect position to get ahead of the curve with a solid game plan. To succeed, grow, and thrive, it's crucial you make the most of your client database. With these 11 tips, you can build and maximize your client roster for a successful year ahead.