Be the Analytical Realtor for Commissions on Steroids
This isn't a tutorial on changing your real estate market niche if you're happy with the one you're working. If first time buyers or lower priced homes are your markets, no problem. However, if you work higher priced homes or luxury homes, even condominiums or homes above $200,000, this information is going to change your income for the better. You're seeking "qualified leads" for higher priced homes, so logically, you're searching for prospects with the incomes that make those homes affordable. Who are these individuals? Middle or upper-level management people Self-employed business owners Attorneys, accountants, bankers and other professionals. These aren't the idle rich. They're all working in careers or business, and they all deal with a lot of detail in their business lives. In short, they all share some level of analytical tendencies. Now we know these targeted prospects have two things in common: they're analytical and they have the money to afford higher priced homes. How do we attract high-end buyers for real estate commissions?

What Luxury Clients Prefer: Apple Devices and Traditional Media
Apple's latest product announcements suggest that the company is trying to position itself as a luxury brand. At a media event on Monday, the company unveiled a $10,000 version of its new Apple Watch as well as a redesigned Macbook that comes in gold. But is Apple really the choice of the well-heeled crowd? The data suggests that it may be. Last spring, an analysis of 3 billion tweets found that iPhone users are geographically concentrated in wealthier areas. The map below shows how iPhones users (in red) coat affluent Manhattan, while Android dominates the less wealthy outer boroughs. The trend repeats in other locales, as well--San Francisco, Los Angeles, and London all map out along the same economic lines. So does that mean you should trade your PC in for a Mac or your Android devices in for an iPhone or iPad? Not necessarily. The best tech for you is what you feel most comfortable using. Android is great for those firmly ensconced in the Google ecosystem--Gmail, Google Drive, and your phone all work seamlessly together on Android. But if you work in a luxury market and you're trying to reflect the values of your client base, switching to Apple may be a route you should consider. At the very least, make sure that your website looks good and functions properly on iOS devices. Similarly, any apps you offer clients (like branded search apps, eSignature, etc.) need to work flawlessly on Apple products.

Robo Agents and Their Tools
This post comes to us from the Market Leader blog: There was a long period when the real estate industry stubbornly refused to change with the times. Agents and brokers had to be dragged – kicking and screaming – into the age of technology. They faced a steep learning curve and scaled it admirably. Today, agents are not only technological whizzes, but some are at the forefront of using technology in real estate. Two of the newest tech gadgets being utilized by agents to photograph or take videos of their listings are the stuff of sci-fi dreams. Google Glass As the debate rages over whether Google Glass is legal to wear while driving, in movie theatres, and – soon, I'm sure – in Vegas casinos, the real estate industry is wholeheartedly embracing the technology. Google Glass looks like a pair of glasses with a rectangular projection on one side. That projection is actually a small Android computer that includes a screen, camera and microphone. Google Glass owners, at this point, are an exclusive, by-invitation only bunch, ponying up $1,500 for a pair. In other words, it's not available to the general public right now.

How to Sell a Luxury Listing
You've just taken your first million-dollar-plus listing. After celebrating your victory over the area's top luxury agent, reality will no doubt begin to set in. If you don't know the first thing about marketing high-end properties, you may wonder what you've gotten yourself into. You may panic. But, you're a pro and you'll do what all pros do – lots and lots of research. Unique Challenges Many established luxury agents recommend that the newbie get his or her feet wet by working under a top-producing agent who deals with high-end properties. The unique challenges of pricing, marketing and dealing with the parties are many and varied – not something one should tackle without experience. If you've already taken the listing, you may want to consider cutting your office's luxury home specialist in on the deal so you can learn as you go. Let's take a look at some of the unique challenges you'll face with your first luxury home listing. Pricing Luxury Homes Luxury homes are not tract homes. They aren't mass-produced by a single developer. They are typically architecture-designed and custom built.