Last month, we told you all about the digital basics that every real estate agent should master. Today, we're going to build on those essentials and talk about the creative basics every agent should master. But don't worry--you don't need to become a graphic design whiz! In fact, we're going to introduce you to some easy-to-use tools that take the pain out of getting creative.

As in our previous post, we're turning to a new video featuring author and Curaytor co-founder Chris Smith. Smith again shared his real estate expertise with the winners of HomeFinder.com's Agent Makeover Sweepstakes, and this video is a sampling of the advice he shared with the winning agents. In it, Smith suggests agents master the following creative skills:

• Listing presentations
• Charts and graphs
• Listing flyers
• Images for social media and blog posts
• Logos

In the video below, Smith recommends three online tools that can help agents with the items above. On the next page, we're going to enhance Smith's suggestions with additional helpful articles and apps.

Listing Presentations, Charts and Graphs

Successful listing presentations need to offer a lot of information in an attractive, easy-to-read way in order to impress sellers. For listing presentations and other times where you need to create appealing charts and graphs, Smith recommends Haiku Deck. "It's an iPad app," Smith explains. "You can use it on the web as well, but instead of having to go into Excel and put in the fields and hope the chart populates properly, it's all just touch."

Haiku Deck is just one option agents have available to them. For more, see:

• 4 iPad Apps to Use at Your Next Listing Presentation
• Create the Ultimate Listing Package with an RPR Report

Graphics for Flyers, Social Media and Blog Posts

Not a Photoshop whiz? No problem! Canva is a graphic design app that makes creating attractive flyers, social media images, business cards and more a breeze. If you are handy with Photoshop or other graphics software, but just need affordable stock images to work with, see 13 Sources of Free and Low-Cost Images for Your Blog Posts.

And don't forget that real estate solutions you already use may offer flyer creation tools. This is common in some CRMs, agent website, virtual tour, and online marketing solutions. Here are a few that come to mind:

• IXACT Contact
• WebsiteBox's new Prints App
• Listings Unlimited
• MLS-Touch (tablet version)
• VirtualTourCafe
• RealBiz Media

Logos

Finally, you need a good logo to reinforce your brand with consumers. This requires the most creative skills, and while you can try creating your own logo, Smith suggests working with a professional designer. If you don't know where to find one, Smith recommends a company called 99designs which lets you crowdsource the creation of your logo. "So as opposed to working with one local web designer, you're kind of tapping into the web, which gives you access to everybody," he says.

If you do want to create your own logo, or you just want to understand what makes a good logo, see this article that explains what a logo is and is not.

Your turn! What apps, tools, or resources do you use to meet your creative needs?