The Newest Tool for Your Virtual Real Estate Business: Facebook Messenger Rooms
Facebook, the leading social media platform in the world, has come out with a new video tool available to members of the Facebook community: Facebook Messenger Rooms. These "Rooms" were made to increase the usage of the Facebook platform and engage community video discussions. Available through Facebook Messenger, these "Rooms" can hold a maximum of 50 guests per chat. The best part is that this is a free tool that can be used directly on Facebook. Now, you are probably wondering how you can use it for your real estate business.

Real Estate: The Virtual Way
Say goodbye to "in-person" for a while, and hello to "through-the-screen." The times are unprecedented. We've never experienced anything like it before. None of us quite knows what to do or how to handle it. And these are precisely the types of situations that fuel innovation. Sure, webinars, video calls and virtual home tours are not new. What is new, however, is the seemingly overnight widespread industry use of these and many more online tools. The real estate sector has undertaken a profound shift. Perhaps for good.

To Bot or Not to Bot? That's More than a Technical Question
Technology has empowered real estate agents in remarkable ways in the last couple of decades. One of the hottest innovations for agent websites is bots. What's a bot? Short for robot, a bot is a software program that can execute commands, such as reply to messages, or perform routine tasks, typically automatically. For agent websites, chatbots are used to conduct a text conversation when someone visits your site. A popup is deployed inviting any questions a website user may have.

Live Video Chat: The Must-Have Apps
Business owners often feel like automation is the key to efficiency. However, whether it's through email, text, direct message on social media, or pre-recorded messaging systems, as automation continues to expand, clients are beginning to notice the lack of human interaction. This is especially true in an experience as personal as finding a home. Stand out from other Realtors and give your clients the connection they've been searching for with live video chat. Most smartphones today already have a video calling app installed (like Apple's FaceTime); however, that particular software might not be compatible with all devices. Here is a list of top video chat apps to install and get connected with your clients today!

5 Ways You Can Use Video Chat to Boost the Services You Provide Your Clients
You've seen enough homes that you can understand the layout and special features from looking at a few listing photos. So when it comes to live tours, you ace it every time. But what about clients who live out of town, or who travel often? Are you able to provide them with the same seamless experience so they feel connected and excited about the properties they're viewing from afar? Last week, we reviewed the five best video chat apps for real estate. This week, we'll show you how to put them into action. Whether you're working with remote buyers or those who've been on the fence for too long, video chat can help you activate your clients when the perfect house is listed.* 1. Remote buyers If you regularly work with foreign buyers or active military, or you're hoping to get into this market, it's critical that you get up-to-speed with video chat. For these buyers, a virtual live chat tour will be the closest they'll ever get to the house, so you'll want to be sure you're giving them: A clear understanding of the layout An up-close view of the home's best and worst features Context on the size of each room so they understand its advantages or limitations (such as if the master would fit a king-sized bed) Ideas for any easy fixes that could be made, from creating an open floor plan to replacing outdated hardware The main thing to keep in mind is that remote video chat buyers may have a lot more questions than usual, or they may have fewer questions if they are having a hard time picturing the home and how they fit into it. Try to adapt by thinking of what your in-person buyers usually look at, inspect or inquire about, and answer those questions up front to keep the tour moving.

Technology Alert: Chatbot for Real Estate Industry
Time is of essence in the real estate industry. You need to stay on top of every market trend. In one of our previous blogs, we spoke about how millennials are entering the buyers' market. Millennials as we all know are tech savvy and everything is instantaneous. You need to make sure you provide accurate and comprehensive information to stay ahead of the game. But we know it's impossible to hire someone who will be willing to work 24/7, and this is where the new chatbot technology can come to your rescue. What is a chatbot you ask? It's also referred to as a chatter bot. This computer software is programmed to send specially crafted messages and audio clips to any enquiries. Chatbots are designed to hold human-like conversation with people on the other side of the computer. Here are three ways a chatbot can revolutionize the real estate industry: 1. Bring in hot leads Yes, you heard it right, chatbots can be designed to ask specific questions that will improve the response rate of the client. Chatbots can be programmed to send specific answers to help keep the person chatting engaged and informed. This technology can help you filter the leads and get best-in-class leads.