NAR Settlement Impact: What to Start Doing Today
Zurple recently hosted a webinar where a panel of expert real estate professionals provided insights on what agents can start doing NOW in response to the NAR settlement. Below is a succinct follow-up that includes key learnings and links to the recording and slides. 1. Stay focused on the fundamentals There's a lot of noise out there. But don't worry! If you've been doing what you should've been doing all along — building strong relationships and demonstrating your value — expect no major challenges. Build and leverage your network (contractors, home inspectors, roofers, painters, etc.) to build credibility and boost your value, so you win more clients. 2. Support your "professional fee" Say, "professional fee" instead of "commission." It shifts the focus to the value you bring and positions you as an expert who will get your client the best deal (instead of a sales shark looking for a paycheck). How to become more confident when discussing your professional fee: Tell buyers and sellers they'll get what they pay for — a cut-rate professional provides poor service. "You wouldn't use a discount doctor, so don't trust a discount agent with the biggest purchase of your life!" Articulate your value proposition. For example… Share your experience and transaction stats and show how you're different from other agents to explain why your rate is what it is. Practice this with family, friends, or co-workers. If they don't believe your argument, potential clients won't either. The NAR settlement may "weed out" the less-than-best agents, but that could also mean you'll end up competing with the best. That's why now's the time to level up your business practices. 3. Leverage education to get more business If you stay educated, it's easy to be exceptional in this field. Stay updated about the NAR settlement and its potential impact on you and your clients through July, when changes are due to be implemented. Why? So you can speak with leads and clients clearly and confidently, and So you can proactively adjust your lead generation strategies accordingly. To watch the webinar recording, see the original article on the Zurple blog. Download a PDF of the slide deck here.

[Podcast] Being your Natural Self as a Realtor with Barry Karch
Barry Karch is the Broker-Owner of The Real Estate Power Houses. He's been a Realtor for 38 years — after never planning to be one. In this episode of Real Talk with Realtors, hear how to embrace being an introvert in real estate, not be pushy, be analytical and prepared, partner with family for your real estate business, and build your sphere of influence. This episode covers everything from the DISC test to door-knocking. Here's a small sample of what you will hear in this episode: How did Barry get into real estate? Did he start out as a salesperson? How did the anti-stigma work for him? Are people attracted to a husband-wife team? How do you succeed in real estate as an introvert? Why does Barry encourage those who have doubts about their real estate career? How did his wife start working with him? Real talk...not Real talk: Farming Connect with Barry at HomesForSaleInElPasoTexas.com. Listen on: Spotify Apple Podcasts Visit the episode homepage for show notes and more detail.

Spring Cleaning Your Tech: 6 Dos And Don'ts
Would you host an open house with fingerprints on the bathroom mirrors, a dirty carpet, or un-swept floors? Not if you want it to sell! But how clean is the tech you rely on every day? If you don't take care of your tech, your tech won't take care of you. The debris buildup on your smartphone screen can cause scratches and cracks. Dirt and crumbs that get caught in your computer's keyboard can cause keys to stick and render it useless. Or worse, debris inside your earbuds can create bacteria or mold, leading to ear infections. Tradition calls for spring to be the perfect time to clean and tidy your tech. Follow these six dos and don'ts to spring clean fingerprints, dirt, and grime off your tech. Wipe down screens gently but thoroughly. Do use a microfiber cloth designed expressly for screens. The tiny fibers grab and lift away dirt, skin oils, and other gunk without leaving streaks or scratches behind. Dampen your new or clean microfiber cloth with distilled water and wipe down your phone, tablet, laptop, and smartwatch screens. Don't use paper towels or tissues. Paper products break down and can leave tiny scratches or lint on the screen's surface that may clog ports. Never use cleaning sprays or other harsh chemicals. For example, glass cleaners often contain alcohol or other chemicals that, with a single use, can ruin many laptop screens, like an Apple MacBook. In other screens and monitors, chemicals in sprays also gradually break down anti-glare and oleophobic (fingerprint resistance) coatings. Blast away debris between keyboard keys. Do use a can of compressed air to blow out the crumbs and dust accumulated between keys, which can cause keys to stick. First, turn off the device completely. Then tilt the laptop at an angle and spray short blasts of air across the keyboard, and repeat from different angles to lift and blow away all the debris. You also can use a new soft-bristled toothbrush to gently dislodge crumbs, dust, dead skin cells, and other grime from between the keys of your keyboard without causing damage. Or opt for a toothbrush that's designated solely for cleaning your tech devices. This ensures it's clean and free from contaminants. Brush in one direction to collect and remove any residue effectively, then use a can of compressed air to blow away loosened debris. Don't use cotton swabs or toothpicks to dig out debris, which can break off and cause a bigger problem if they are dislodged deeper inside. Don't use a hard-bristled toothbrush, as aggressive scrubbing can scratch the surface of your keys or, worse, dislodge them. Also, avoid holding canned air upside down, which releases a liquid that may damage electronics. Keep your connections clear and clean. Do check your charging ports on phones, tablets, wireless earbuds, and smartwatches for compacted pocket lint and debris. Carefully scrape out all residue with a plastic or wooden toothpick. For stubborn debris, use canned air to help blast it free. Clean the plug end of your cords, too. Don't jam any metal tools or items into ports, as they could break delicate interior pins. This also can gradually ruin the ability of devices to connect and charge properly. Shake, shake, shake: your wireless mouse and keyboard. Do turn off Bluetooth keyboards and mice and gently shake them upside down over a wastebasket to empty out crumbs, dust balls, hair, and other debris that can interfere with the optical tracking sensor. Don't attempt this kind of cleaning while devices are still powered on and connected, which could lead to accidentally pressing buttons and commands! Soak and scrub smartwatch bands. Do mix a few drops of mild hand soap into a bowl of warm water. Dip your non-metal sport bands and gently scrub away to remove sweat, skin oils, and dirt buildup with a soft bristle toothbrush or even rub between your fingertips. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. Don't submerge the smartwatch body itself in water, which can damage internal seals and electronics. Refresh earbuds with disinfecting wipes. Do use a disinfecting wipe containing alcohol to sanitize earbuds after workouts and periodically. The wipes can kill bacteria and prevent the spread of germs when sharing earbuds with others. Also, wipe down the hard plastic body and the squishy ear tips, using a cotton swab inside the ear tips to clean and remove earwax. Don't get moisture into any openings of your earbuds, which could damage internal components. And never, ever immerse earbuds in cleaners. Spring into action: Get a 'Computer Health Check' Remember to handle all your devices with extra care while cleaning, and ensure they are completely turned off. A little effort goes a long way. Keep in mind, that when cleaning your tech, if you encounter an issue, reach out to Tech Helpline for assistance. Better yet, contact Tech Helpline for a Computer Health Check: it's your free member benefit. It's also the fastest way to be sure your computer is at its best. Tech Helpline will verify system updates, identify and remove malware, optimize for better internet connections, and more! A Computer Health Check helps you prevent expensive repairs by identifying issues early, reducing your downtime, improving your productivity, and limiting your risk of a cybersecurity attack. Like a squeaky-clean open house, taking time to care for your tech this spring – and throughout every season – will make them look good, work well, and last longer. Related stories: 5 Ways You Can Spring Clean Your Tech Best Tech Tip: Doing This One Thing Fixes a Majority of Your Device Glitches 5 Common Tech Mistakes Real Estate Agents Should Avoid To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog.

Top 5 Home Improvements that Will Deliver Sellers the Greatest ROI
When it comes to selling a home, every property has two opportunities to make a first impression on potential buyers: when they drive up to your house and when they open your door and walk inside. That's why your home's curb appeal and interior setting are among the first steps to unlocking its true value. However, the art of selling a home at the highest possible ROI takes more than making great first impressions. Getting the most out of a home sale lies in making the right improvements that appeal to buyers' emotions and practical needs. Let's explore five home improvements that can deliver the greatest return on investment (ROI) to sellers. 1. Curb Appeal – Your First, First Impression Your home's exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see when they arrive for a viewing. Ensuring that your property looks well-maintained and inviting from the street can significantly impact its perceived value. Focus on improving your home's softscape, which includes elements like flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, flower beds, grass, soil, groundcover, and mulch. A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed hedges, or colorful flower beds can create a welcoming atmosphere that draws buyers in. In addition to landscaping, pay attention to other exterior elements that can influence a buyer's first impression. Updating outdated exterior light fixtures and giving your front door a fresh coat of paint – or installing a new one – can make a big impact. If your home's exterior paint is looking tired or dated, invest in new paint. While this can be expensive, it can also provide an excellent ROI by making your home look fresh, clean, and well-cared-for. Remember, your home's curb appeal is your first opportunity to create an emotional connection with potential buyers. Investing in these exterior improvements can set the stage for a positive viewing experience and increase your chances of securing a better offer. 2. Fresh Paint and Consistent Flooring – Setting the Tone Once potential buyers step inside your home, the first two things they'll notice are the paint and the flooring. Fresh paint throughout your place can provide one of the highest ROIs, second, perhaps only to curb appeal. But buyers often expect the home to have fresh paint, so focusing on flooring is just as important. When it comes to flooring, consistency is key. Avoid mixing and matching different styles and materials, as this can make your home feel choppy and disconnected. The most proven approach today is keeping flooring complementary—either the same or something that fits—throughout. Yes, there are exceptions, like tile in entryways, laundry rooms, and sometimes kitchens. Whether it's hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), or another material, the key is to ensure that it matches the overall feel and look of your home. If your home has outdated or worn flooring, consider replacing it before putting your property on the market. New flooring can instantly update the look and feel of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. If you have hardwood floors that are in good condition, consider having them refinished to bring back their original luster. 3. Kitchens – The Heart of the Home The kitchen is often considered the focal point of a home, and it's no surprise that kitchen remodels and upgrades can deliver a high ROI. A well-designed, updated kitchen can be a major selling point for potential buyers, as it's where many families spend a significant amount of their time. While a full remodel can be costly, there are ways to save time and money by improving what you already have. If your cabinets are in good shape and less than 10 years old, consider painting or resurfacing them and adding new countertops and hardware. This can give your kitchen a modern, updated feel without the expense of a complete remodel, as it reduces labor and material costs. If your appliances are outdated or mismatched, consider replacing them with newer, energy-efficient models that will appeal to buyers. When planning your kitchen improvements, it's vital to know what comparable homes in your area offer. You don't want to over-improve if all the homes in your neighborhood selling have original kitchens. You want to ensure your updates compete with other listings at your price point. 4. Bathrooms – Anchor of Appeal Bathrooms are another area where improvements can deliver a significant ROI. While not all bathrooms require the same level of attention, focusing on your primary bathroom can make a huge impact. Decking out your bathroom with updated finishes and fixtures, a standalone soaking tub, or other spa-like features can make your home more memorable for buyers. Well-appointed bathrooms often feature modern vanities, rainfall showers, and updated lighting. Here's a home improvement hack: You may not need to do as much to improve hallways or secondary bathrooms. A simple update can still make a big difference. Replacing the vanity, updating the flooring, and epoxying the tile can create a fresh, new feel without breaking the bank. Also, update your fixtures to match the look and feel of your decked-out primary bathroom. Using similar materials across all bathrooms can help tie the spaces together and make your home feel more polished and professionally designed. Remember, bathrooms are one of the most personal areas in a home, and buyers will be looking for a clean, comfortable, and relaxing space. Investing in bathroom improvements can create a more attractive and functional space that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. 5. Accessories – Little Things Can Make a Big Difference Finally, don't underestimate the power of small improvements to increase your home's value. Focus on the accessories. Think of the items in your home that will complement its overall look, like earrings complimenting a dress. When you have a beautiful dress, if you don't accessorize well, the dress doesn't shine the way it could. Accessories include light fixtures, switches, electrical plates, faucets, doorknobs, handles, and hinges—subtle things. Little things, collectively, can make a big difference. You can also avoid the feeling a buyer gets: that your house feels old and dated or looks worn out. Subtle changes can help your home feel well-maintained and updated. When selecting accessories, consider your home's overall style and aesthetic. If your space is modern and minimalist, choose sleek, streamlined fixtures that complement the look. If your home has a more traditional feel, opt for classic finishes like brushed nickel. Consistency is critical here as well—try to choose accessories that have a similar finish and style throughout your home. Pulling it all together Selling a home is all about creating an emotional connection with potential buyers. By focusing on these top five areas of improvement—curb appeal, paint and flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, and accessories—you can create a space that feels fresh, inviting, and move-in ready. Making the right improvements can make a lasting impression that will help you secure the best possible price for your home and maximize your ROI. Jon Salas heads up sales at Revive Real Estate, is a 20+ year real estate industry veteran, spending 16 years as a real estate agent in Irvine, CA. Revive Real Estate partners with real estate professionals to provide the funding, guidance, and contractors needed to get strategic pre-sale renovations done fast and for maximum value. By providing access to Revive's network of top contractors, Revive homes sell for more and help sellers move ahead by maximizing their sales value. Discover more at www.revive.realestate. Related reading Transforming Your Listings: The Impact of Renovations on Market Appeal Research-backed Remodeling Ideas that Net a Higher Sales Price The Hidden Costs of DIY Presale Renovations: A Guide for Real Estate Agents

[Podcast] Insider Tips for Agents, Buyers, and Sellers with Melissa Herdman
Ever had a buyer quit their job on closing day? Realtor Melissa Herdman has, and she shares her story in Leigh Brown's aptly named podcast, Crazy Sh*t in Real Estate. But that's not all that Melissa and Leigh discuss. Tune in to hear Melissa's wise advice for both agents and clients trying to weather this crazy market, as well as: Reasons to get into real estate Keeping agents happy and building a great brokerage culture What buyers should keep in mind during closing Why there's truth in that old saying, "Everything happens for a reason" About Melissa Herdman Melissa Herdman is a full-time REALTOR® and a lifetime resident of Osage County. She is currently the supervising branch broker of Kirk and Cobb REALTORS® and is a Certified Residential Specialist. She graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Washburn University of Topeka. She proceeded to have her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, among several other organizations. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts YouTube View the episode homepage for show notes and more details.

Road Warrior Checklist: 30 Things to Keep in Your Car
Whether you're traveling between showings or picking up supplies for an open house, your vehicle acts as your de facto second office. And like any office, it needs to be well-stocked with the essentials you need to do your job. When you're on the road, that means being prepared for anything! So, intrepid road warriors, here are 30 ideas for on-the-go supplies to keep in your moveable office: The basics When you're facing a long day of driving around, it's helpful to have these items on hand to keep yourself (and your clients) feeling good: Water bottles - Keep a small cooler with bottled water for your clients. For yourself, consider bringing along a reusable bottle to cut down on plastic waste (and expense). Snacks - No time to stop for a bite? Stock your car with non-perishables like granola bars, crackers, beef jerky, and other non-messy, shelf-stable snacks. These are also great to have in case you have clients with low blood sugar issues. Phone chargers - A portable power bank or car charger will ensure your phone never dies during a busy day. Some larger power banks can charge laptops, too, so look for those if you port your laptop around. Hand sanitizer and wipes - These are essential for staying clean and hygienic, especially during property showings. Mints and breath fresheners - Always be prepared to leave a good impression. Umbrella - You never know when it might rain, so be ready with a compact umbrella. Lint roller - Keep yourself looking fresh and pet-hair free before meeting clients. Showing supplies Whether you're helping your listing look its best before a showing, or using these items with your buyers to vet a property, these supplies can help any showing go smoothly: Shoe covers - Keep shoe covers in your car to protect floors from dirt and debris. Wood markers and paint pens - Use wood markers to cover up minor scratches in wood. A white paint pen can do the same trick on white kitchen cabinets. Measuring tape or laser measure - A must-have for measuring rooms and helping buyers envision furniture placement. Flashlight - A small flashlight is handy for checking dark closets, attics, basements, sheds, or crawl spaces — or for using in vacant properties with turned-off power. Marbles - This is one of our favorite ideas we've heard over the years. Use a marble to test for floor dips and floor evenness. Compass - Have buyers who want to know which side of the house gets natural sunlight? Keep a physical compass or use a compass app to figure it out. You can also use an app like Sun Seeker (iOS, Android) to chart the sun's exact path at any time of the year. Dog treats - Although homeowners are supposed to remove or kennel their pets before a showing, things don't always go as planned. Keep dog treats on hand to help befriend any canine you may encounter. Cleaning supplies - Not all sellers are great at keeping their home showing-ready. Having basic cleaning supplies like paper towels, plug-in air fresheners, a Swiffer, or even a portable vacuum cleaner can help you quickly clean up any messes. Rain boots - Rainy days, muddy yards, flooded basements, distressed properties — you never know when you need hardier footwear at the ready. Emergency essentials No matter how well-maintained your car is or how safe a driver you are, there's no predicting what can happen on the road. Keep these items in your vehicle to ensure your safety when the unexpected happens: Jumper cables - These can be a lifesaver if your vehicle's battery dies. A portable car battery charger can also be super helpful for when there's no one nearby to jump your car. First-aid kit - Be prepared for minor cuts, scrapes, or headaches. Blanket - In the event that you're stranded, a blanket can keep you warm until help arrives. Tool kit - Keep a basic tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers, a wrench, and a hammer handy for unexpected repairs. Emergency roadside assistance - Consider subscribing to a roadside assistance service for peace of mind. Road flares or reflective triangles - These are essential for staying safe and visible during roadside emergencies. Ice scraper and snow brush - If you live in a cold climate, these are must-haves. Spare tire and jack - Ensure your vehicle has a spare tire and the necessary tools for changing a flat. Bonus items Marketing materials - Brochures, business cards, and flyers are a great way to promote your business on the go. You can also keep short, printed reports on hand. For example, if you have access to RPR in your market, print out these reports: Mini Property Reports for each of your listings, Neighborhood Reports and School Reports for each area you serve. Gift basket - Have a small gift basket with snacks and drinks to welcome new clients. We've also heard of agents who keep a bottle of wine (and shatter-proof glasses) to celebrate closings. 'Just Sold' sign - Speaking of closings, a large "Just Sold" sign comes in handy for social media marketing. Have your clients hold the sign in front of their new home and take their photo. Spare lockboxes and lockbox keys - In case you get a new listing or the current lockbox needs to be replaced. Lock de-icer - This can be helpful on brutal winter days when a lockbox dial or front door lock freezes. Extra signs - This includes yard signs and open house signs. There you have it — 30 ideas for keeping your vehicle stocked and prepared for all your real estate adventures! Related reading What Type of Car Should Realtors Drive? 10 Tasks to Cross off Your Summertime Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

The KPIs and Metrics That Matter for Real Estate Success
The New Year is a great time to set new goals, but you'll also need to get clear on your path to each one. One of the best ways to ensure you're on track to hit your goals? By monitoring your success metrics. There's plenty out there on the metrics real estate pros need to monitor, but we're going to break down the ones that matter, no matter where you are in your real estate career. Why It's Important to Keep an Eye on Your KPIs Before we take a closer look at the crucial key performance indicators, or KPIs, real estate professionals need to track, it's important to understand why tracking these metrics is key. Hint: it's not just for your brag sheet. Tracking your KPIs regularly is crucial for real estate pros, no matter where they are in their career journey. Monitoring your KPIs is crucial to gauging your success and getting clear on areas you can improve. By knowing where you're performing well, you can build upon your success by knowing exactly where to focus and take more impactful, meaningful actions. And keeping an eye on areas to improve helps ensure you're staying on track towards your goals, providing you the opportunity to prevent falling off course completely. Agents For the solo agent, the KPIs you track will be relatively consistent across the board, whether you're a buyer or seller agent. To ensure success, you'll want to track: Your transaction volume: Transaction volume is the total number of properties you've helped buyers purchase or you've helped get successfully sold. Monitoring your transaction volume will help you ensure your lead generation efforts and conversion rate keep you on track for your revenue goals. Your lead generation volume: This is the total number of leads you've generated across all your sources, online and offline. By tracking this KPI, you can see how many potential clients are interested in working with you, so you know which campaigns or outreach efforts are most effective. Your lead conversion rate: Going hand in hand with your lead generation volume is your lead conversion rate. This is the percentage of leads that turned into closed deals. Knowing your lead conversion rate will help you understand your most successful lead generation efforts, and help you keep your finger on the pulse of your sales and negotiation skills. Your Gross Commission Income (GCI): This KPI is the amount of income you earn from your commission on a transaction. It's important to monitor your GCI to keep your finger on the pulse of your finances. GCI can fluctuate for a variety of reasons, so monitoring your own personal trends is key. Your Net Commission Income (NCI): On the flipside, your Net Commission Income, or NCI, is the amount of income you earn but with key expenses subtracted, like brokerage or transaction fees, taxes, other miscellaneous fees, and more. Keep track of your NCI to monitor your annual income and finances. Midsize Teams and Brokerages As we expand to midsize teams and brokerages, the KPIs these real estate pros need to track also level up. If you fall into this category, you'll want to stay on top of the following KPIs in addition to the ones agents typically track above: The team's transaction volume: This goes without saying, but you'll want to keep watch on your team or brokerage's overall transaction volume, as well as drilling down into each individual agent's transaction volume. Keeping close watch on this KPI will allow you to get a good grasp on how you're pacing to your goals, and give you insight into any star players or areas of opportunity to train or improve. Your group's agent retention rate: Your retention rate is made up of the percentage of agents who stay onboard your team or brokerage. This is crucial to understand agent satisfaction, as well as how well you're training, growing, and developing your team. It also provides insights into how well the tools you give your group impacts their performance and willingness to keep working with you. Your marketing return on investment (ROI): Investing in marketing for your brokerage and your agents is a must. So, you can't skip out on tracking your marketing ROI. Monitoring this metric will help you know which channels are the most effective, what campaign types move the needle most for leads, and allow you to better manage your marketing budget overall. Continuing education and training completion: Tracking how much your agents keep up with opportunities for training or continuing education (CE) courses is another great metric to track. This helps you understand what investment they're making in their overall skillset, as well as what courses or sessions are resonating with your agents. It also ties into your agent retention rate. Expansion-Level Brokerages At this level of real estate professional, your brokerage has grown and expanded beyond its initial market to serve a variety of regions and areas. To measure success as an expansion-level brokerage, these real estate pros need to track the agent-level and team-level KPIs listed above, as well as more comprehensive KPIs, such as: Your offices' or branches' performance: Arguably the most important KPI to watch is the performance of each office or branch in your brokerage. Think of this like tracking each of the KPIs listed in the previous sections above. This will give you a laser focus on each offices' strengths, areas to improve, helping you monitor the viability in the market they serve. Agent recruitment and retention rate: We covered the importance of brokerages and teams keeping an eye on their retention rate, and that applies here as a KPI, too. But you'll also want to measure recruitment rates, or how many agents are being brought on to work in each branch or office. This will help you understand your competitive advantage in those markets. Customer satisfaction: Each market will have its own specific characteristics, especially with the clients served. Counting customer satisfaction as a KPI is a must. Whether you source testimonials, conduct customer interviews, or send out surveys, make sure to listen to what customers are saying. This will give you a real-life feel for what it's like working with your agents and their perception of your brokerage and brand. Technology adoption and usage: It's important to invest in powerful tools and software to optimize your brokerages' operations. But it's also important to measure if this tech is actually being learned and used. Make sure to track how much agents are using the tools you provide, attending training sessions, and source their feedback. This will help you ensure your technology investment is proving its ROI. To view the original article, visit the Inside Real Estate blog. Related reading Metrics Are More Than Just Numbers 5 Real Estate Marketing Metrics to Help You Grow Your Business Why the Top Agents Leverage Success Metrics in a Shifting Market

10 Ideas for Staging a Kitchen to Impress Buyers
In the competitive world of real estate, staging a kitchen effectively can be a game-changer in impressing potential buyers. A well-staged kitchen not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a home but also significantly boosts its market value. These 10 ideas for staging a kitchen can help guide Realtors and homeowners through the best pre-listing choices. 1. Decluttering and Cleaning ‍A clutter-free and immaculately clean kitchen is essential. Start by removing personal items and unnecessary gadgets. Deep clean every corner, focusing on countertops, appliances, and floors. This step sets a blank canvas for further staging efforts. 2. Modernizing Appliances ‍Modern appliances not only add functionality but also appeal to buyers seeking a move-in-ready home. Consider updating major appliances to energy-efficient models. These upgrades, while possibly an investment, can significantly increase a home's appeal. 3. Neutral Color Palette ‍Color influences mood and perception. Opt for a neutral color palette to create a warm and welcoming ambiance. Shades like beige, gray, or soft white are versatile and allow buyers to envision their own decor in the space. 4. Effective Lighting ‍Lighting plays a pivotal role. Incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Enhance natural light by keeping windows clean and unobstructed. Well-lit kitchens appear larger and more inviting. 5. Adding Greenery ‍Indoor plants bring life to a kitchen. Select low-maintenance plants that add a pop of color and freshness. This touch of greenery can make the kitchen feel more vibrant and homely. 6. Organizing Storage ‍Showcase the kitchen's storage potential. Organize cabinets and drawers neatly. Consider adding shelf organizers or pull-out storage solutions to demonstrate functionality and space maximization. 7. Updating Hardware ‍Small details matter. Updating cabinet handles, drawer pulls, and faucets can modernize the kitchen without a full remodel. Choose hardware that complements the overall kitchen style. 8. Staging Dining Area ‍If the kitchen has a dining area, stage it to appear welcoming. A well-set table or a neatly arranged breakfast bar can help buyers imagine enjoying meals in the space. 9. Personal Touches ‍Add a few carefully selected decor items like artwork or vases. However, it's crucial to avoid over-personalization. The goal is to create a relatable and appealing space, not showcase personal style. 10. Highlighting Unique Features ‍Every kitchen has its unique features, whether it's a vintage stove or a spacious pantry. Highlight these elements through staging, ensuring they catch the buyer's eye and add to the kitchen's charm. Key Takeaway Staging a kitchen effectively can significantly influence a buyer's decision. These 10 ideas provide an easy approach for real estate agents and homeowners to showcase a kitchen in its best light, making it an irresistible part of the home. To view the original article, visit the Revive blog.

[Best of 2023] Using ChatGPT Is Probably an MLS Violation
We're continuing an annual tradition of counting down our top 10 articles of the year. The following article was originally published in July and is #2 in our countdown. See #3 here. When the representative of a participating broker in the MLS enters listing information into the MLS, they are doing so according to a license agreement. The broker agrees that the data entered into the MLS remains the broker's property, but the MLS is granted a license to use the information entered for MLS purposes. In the license agreement, the broker also warrants that the information entered into the MLS is not subject to any third-party copyright. There are three elements of a listing that the broker can claim as copyright. The first is the photo, the second is the property description, and the third is the compilation (think of this as a collage that contains facts like bedrooms and bathrooms and the photo and description). In context, entering a property into the MLS is the same as creating a digital piece of artwork. Remember the days when real estate agents would copy photos off the internet and Getty Images would pursue the MLS for damages, resulting in fines and other penalties to the broker whose agent uploaded a copyrighted photo to the MLS? Even today, MLSs continue to sort out disagreements between firms when an agent uses another agent's photos on a listing. These problems have waned, thanks to the education efforts of NAR (national, state, and local) and the MLS. We have also advised that brokers make sure that there is a license agreement in place when a professional photographer is hired. NAR has sample agreements for professional photographers – make sure you use them. ChatGPT terms of use I imagine that by now, you have tried ChatGPT. It's a really cool application that takes prompts from the user and generates something else. For example, you can tell it to write a property description and give it some information about the subject property. The machine (artificial intelligence) will write the property description for you. It does a really good job, typically better than most authors of real estate descriptions. Social media is swarming with tips and tricks on how to use ChatGPT for writing property descriptions. The problem is that when ChatGPT writes something, you are not the author. Since you are not the author, you do not own the copyright. Adding a property description written by ChatGPT and loading it into the MLS is the same as stealing a photo off the internet, or another agent, and loading it to the MLS. It violates the promise between the broker and the MLS, which warrants that the content being submitted is free of copyright infringement. So please stop it. If you want to use ChatGPT to draft your property description, then edit it significantly, that's fine. Just be careful. Also, do not copy/paste. To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

Be a Better Realtor: 36 Tips and Tricks on Productivity, Goal Setting, and Self Improvement
As the year draws to a close, thoughts begin to turn towards achievement: Have I met the goals I set for myself this year? How can I achieve more next year? We want to help you realize your ambitions and be the best version of yourself that you can be. In fact, that's been our theme for November's "Tips and Tricks Tuesday" series: "Be a Better Me." Here's a look at all the articles from this month's series, compiled in one convenient place: Protecting Your Identity for Free: A Quick and Easy Guide How to Build Better Real Estate Listings with Immersive Content 6 Steps I Follow to Be a Better Me 3 Reasons Modernized Listing Accessibility Can Drive Organic Growth We hope these articles were helpful to you. However, articles about productivity, goal setting and self improvement aren't published just one month per year — we post on this topic year-round! To help round out our self improvement-focused month, today we're sharing more resources that we've published over the years. Let's dive in… It's all in your mind(set) The journey to success begins within. Without the right mindset, it's much more difficult to meet the goals you've set for yourself. The good news is that you can begin to build that mindset today. Start by reading these articles about the skills and traits of highly successful real estate professionals. No matter how skilled one is, sometimes we all get in our own way. Learn about the five roadblocks getting in the way of your success and how to accentuate the positive when you're feeling down about your career (or the market). Feeling out of place in real estate? We know not everyone fits the outgoing, bubbly stereotype of the average agent. Introverts can thrive in this industry too! Learn more here: The Introverted Real Estate Agent's Guide to Networking. Finally, as we mentioned, success is a journey — a career-long one. Learn how to go the distance, courtesy of advice from Stu Mittleman's book Slow Burn, in 3 Strategies to Running Your Real Estate Business. Long-term growth is often brought about by small, incremental changes, as you'll see in 37 Times Better: The Long and Effective Way to Become a Better Agent and Grow Your Business. Productivity tips Part of being the best you is working smarter, not harder, so that you don't burn yourself out. To that end, we've compiled a list of productivity tips you can use to make the best use of your time: Why "single-tasking" is better than multi-tasking Achieving success while maintaining balance How to master your Gmail inbox Let AI lend a helping hand: 8 ChatGPT browser extensions From Gmail to Drive: 25 essential Google tips 3 Zoom tips to look 10x more professional Actionable advice A goal without a plan is just a wish — so to help make your goals a reality, seek out a plan of action to help you achieve what you want. Here are some ideas to get you started: 5 Morning Habits of the Most Successful Real Estate Professionals What You Need to Do Daily, Weekly, and Monthly to Be the Go-to Expert in Your Market 20 Daily Activities for Profitable Real Estate Agents 5 New Habits of Highly Effective Real Estate Agents 10 Ways to Stand Out in a High-Competition Market Part of being successful is making sure you've joined the right brokerage for you. For guidance, listen to this podcast episode. If you know it's time to move on from your current brokerage, let this 15-point checklist for switching brokerages guide you through the process. Technology plays a big part in making your business the best it can be. This article can help you find a technology solution that works for you. Need help or just want to learn how to use your tech tools better? See 5 Places to Find Tech Support. To keep everything working smoothly, check out these five ways to maintain all your tech systems and apps. Managing stress No matter how much you love your job, stress and burnout come for all of us eventually. These three tips can help you reduce your stress without losing business. Technology can help, too! There's an entire world of apps available to help you de-stress and regain your calm center. Find them here: 6 Ways You Can Use Technology to Reduce Your Stress. Finally, nothing helps beat burnout like a legit vacation. That's not always easy on an agent's demanding schedule — but it's possible. Just follow these 9 Expert Tips for a Worry-Free Vacation. Get motivated! We're going to wrap things up on an inspirational note. Check out these posts to get ready to take over the real estate world! Real Estate Motivation: 11 Success Mantras for Agents and Brokers 5 Quotes that Will Motivate You to Become the Most Successful Real Estate Agent Proverbs for the Real Estate Professional 49 Uplifting Real Estate Quotes That Will Inspire You to Be Great [Podcast] Setting Goals, Being Fearless and Keeping Focus with Tiffany Tanquary We wish you the best of luck and continued success as we wrap up this year and head into the next!

Movin' on Up: 15-Point Checklist for Switching Real Estate Brokerages
Has your current brokerage lost some of its shine? Maybe the commission split is lackluster, or the company doesn't offer the resources you need, or maybe its goals no longer align with your own. Whatever the case, part of career growth is recognizing when you've grown beyond your current situation. But switching brokerages can be an involved process with multiple steps. To make it easier for you to move on to bigger and better things, we've put together this handy checklist of tasks you need to complete when you change real estate firms. Before Switching Review your current contract. Before you make the leap, carefully review your contract with your current brokerage so you don't make a misstep that could cost you. Make note of any clauses related to commissions or notice periods. Collect your contacts and any personal marketing materials. Once you give notice to your current firm, you may find yourself immediately cut off from email and the company's contact database. Before giving notice, export your contacts from your current brokerage's email and CRM systems. Make sure you are compliant with data protection and confidentiality regulations first, however. The Switch Inform your current brokerage of your intention to leave, adhering to the notice period specified in your contract. Transfer your license. Contact your local real estate regulatory authority to transfer your license to the new brokerage. This can be done online in some states. Complete any necessary paperwork and pay the required fees. Notify your MLS and local association that you will be switching your license to another real estate brokerage. Sign a new independent contractor agreement with the brokerage you'll be switching to. Obtain Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. Be sure you have the necessary E&O insurance coverage with your new brokerage. This includes understanding coverage details and any associated costs. Steps to Take at Your New Brokerage Set up a new email and agent profile/website. Whether or not you maintain your own, non-brokerage related email and website, you'll likely still need to sign up for an email address at your new company in order to log-in to the firm's systems and programs. If your brokerage offers agent websites and/or profiles, take advantage of that too, even if you already have your own — the more places to market your services, the better! Create logins for all of your new brokerage apps and resources. Attend training and orientation sessions. Set yourself up for success by participating in any training or orientation sessions offered. If these aren't available, set aside time to familiarize yourself with the tools, software, and systems used by the new brokerage. Sign up for training webinars offered by the software vendors your new firm uses. Import your contacts into your new email and CRM system. Remember all those contacts you exported from your old brokerage? Time to set them up in your new apps. Update your marketing materials. Revise your business cards, website, and any marketing materials to reflect your new brokerage affiliation. Bonus points if you decide to get new headshots (hey, this is a great time for rebranding, right?). Order yard signs for all the new listings that are bound to come your way at your new brokerage. Update your mailing address wherever it appears on documents, contracts, agreements, etc. Make sure you also update these items with your brokerage's name and info wherever it's relevant. Inform your clients and contacts. Now that you've got all the fussy administrative tasks out of the way, it's time for the fun stuff. Let your clients and sphere of influence know about your move to the new brokerage. You can do this via direct mail, email, social media, digital ads — or even via phone calls to your top clients. This mini-marketing blitz is a great reason to reach out, start new conversations, and ensure you remain top-of-mind with clients and prospects. Tips to Make Future Transitions Smoother As we mentioned, it's not uncommon for your previous brokerage to cut off access to any email address, website, or CRM system when you give your notice. That's why we recommend purchasing a website domain name to set up your own website and email address rather than relying on brokerage-provided options. Why? Because a website you personally own is under your control and cannot be turned off when you change brokerages. This helps you maintain brand consistency and ensures no important opportunities or messages are lost when switching brokerages. Your website provider can help you set up email, or you can use Google Workspace to manage your business email. Not sure where to get started? Explore website vendors in our Product Directory. Unless your new brokerage requires that you use their CRM, we recommend subscribing to and setting up a CRM that you control. That way, you never have to leave your valuable contacts behind when you change brokerages next. Find a CRM solution in our Product Directory.

The Jury Has Ruled on Commissions: What Are the Next Steps?
So many lawsuits, what happens next? The answer is: it depends. For now, agents need to pay attention to the information from their MLS and their association of REALTORS, and talk to their broker. Do not put too much into the articles you read in the real estate news, unless a lawyer is writing it. The case list is long – Morel vs. NAR, Leader vs. NAR, Nosalek vs. MLSPIN, Sitzer/Burnett vs. NAR, and more! Do not get drawn into the drama. Nothing has happened yet. When it does, listen to your broker and your MLS/association. I have been mad about the Sitzer/Burnett case from the beginning. My opinion on Sitzer/Burnett is that the judge should be fired. Early in the case, he categorized it as a per se antitrust case rather than a rule of reason antitrust case. Every attorney that I have discussed this with has indicated that Sitzer/Burnett is a rule of reason case. That judge got it wrong. A per se violation requires no inquiry into the actual effect on the market, or the intentions of those individuals who engaged in the antitrust behavior. In this case, the market effect and intentions really matter… appeal! And yes, there will be an appeal, unless there is a settlement. The decision of appeal vs. settlement will absolutely be a measure of money – not law or the facts in the case. The final settlement in the case, or the appeal – or whatever happens next – does not really matter unless you are named in the litigation. For everyone else, think about how you can change now to avoid this sort of business uncertainty in the future. It's not that hard to change. Buyer's Agent Change Now Update the "Submit Offer" form from the buyer to include a field for buyer agent compensation. Oh, and make sure the buyer's agent uses a buyer representation agreement immediately, on every lead, and early in the conversation with the buyer. If you don't get paid by the seller, the buyer will need to pay you. Listing Agent Change Now Notify the seller of your fees and discuss the optional offer of compensation to the buyer's agent. Make it clear that the seller is paying your agency fee to some amount or percentage, and that they can authorize you to negotiate with the buyer on the buyer agent fee, or not. Let's look at the seller agency carefully. The seller pays a commission for a job. How the listing firm does that job, and who they pay to do that job, is up to them as long as it is seller authorized. MLS Change Now MLSs have the opportunity to change now. Just remove the offer of compensation field all together. Buyer's agents can submit an offer that includes buyer agent compensation; get out of that. This will also remove all suspicion of steering. Talk to Your Lawyer If you are an MLS, association, or broker, then you better have a dialogue with your lawyer about what happens if you get sued. The impact of these cases will be different for many states, so don't hold your breath and hope for clean air in the future. Assess your liability, if any. If you can pay it, or some amount – you may want to do that. Otherwise, you may want to dispose of your company and start another one before it's too late. NAR Dues The National Association of REALTORS® has had to raise money for settlements before. Some of you might remember the CIVIXX case involving a company that had a patent on displaying a property icon on a map to represent a home for sale. NAR settled for $7.5 million. They sent an invoice to all of the MLSs. This is a large legal bill; expect a far larger dues increase. Shout out to my retired consulting colleague Ann Bailey for saving the industry's ass with CIVIXX. Keep Selling The most important thing to tell agents today is to keep selling real estate, and their value is impressive. I expect some great new technology to emerge to demonstrate the value of listing agents and buyer's agents. I have been keeping an eye on Rayse. Theirs is a website that tells you nothing about the product, but the mission is clear: value your expertise. Consumers need professionals to help them with real estate transactions. Be there for your client. To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog. Next steps Read recent research on buyer's agent commissions See more articles on tips, tricks and tools for buyer's agents Explore Buyer's Agent tools in our Product Directory.

9 Expert Tips for a Worry-Free Vacation
Real estate is often a deadline-driven, 24/7 profession. The pressure to be available round-the-clock can mean interrupting personal time and sacrificing vacations. However, to serve your clients best, you need to be at your best. Yes, even real estate agents must take regular vacations. Believe it or not, it is possible to take a well-deserved break, genuinely disconnect, and not be consumed with worry. How, you ask? Here are some expert tips to help you take the time you need to recharge and refresh. 1. Pick a Partner Even if you are part of a team, chances are you already have found the benefits of being able to cover for one another. But if you're a solo agent, as most real estate agents are, collaboration is your friend. Partnering with a fellow agent during vacations can be a game-changer, as it unlocks the ability to cover for each other during vacations. This symbiotic relationship ensures that your clients are cared for and always have a point of contact. It also allows you to test the dynamics of working within a team. Who knows, it might just be the stepping-stone to a more significant partnership. It certainly will give you insight into team dynamics, and you'll see if it's a good fit for you. 2. Manage Client Expectations Communication and transparency are key. Weeks before your vacation, start telling your clients about your vacation plans. When a new client comes on board, make sure they also know about your plans. The key is to assure them that they will remain in expert hands while you recharge. If feasible, introduce them to your teammate in person, virtually, or even by emailing a personalized video. Clients value transparency and this proactive step can set the stage for smooth interactions and help strengthen their trust in you. 3. Prepare to Say No The allure of just one more deal or a quick showing is often hard to resist. But to truly disconnect, you must draw a line. Block your vacation time well in advance and be assertive in safeguarding that time. If a client requests a meeting during this period, politely decline and explain. While being there for your clients is essential, it's equally vital to be there for yourself. Remember, genuine emergencies are exceptions; everything else can wait. 4. Notifications? Turn Them Off A digital detox should be your mantra. To truly relax, you must go notification-free: it's your passport to a relaxing vacation. Yes, the real estate business is unpredictable, so to handle a dire emergency, you can set up a predefined system with your covering teammate. By establishing a fail-safe method, such as the "three-call rule" or a unique text code, you'll know when it is essential for you to respond. Otherwise, you can lean back – and relax! 5. Set Up Autoresponders In our hyper-connected world, silence leads to speculation. You can avoid this by setting up your email, text, and social channels with autoresponders. Include details about your plans, including whom to contact in your absence, their contact information, and the date of your return. Taking advantage of an automated system will keep everyone informed and reduce the influx of urgent requests. 6. Remind Your Colleagues Even if you have informed everyone in your office about your planned absence, it's a best practice to send a gentle reminder the day before you take off. Share who is covering for you to help protect you from any last-minute surprises. 7. Resist the Urge to Check Emails Yes, it will test your willpower not to pull out your phone and check your inbox, especially when you've built a reputation for being hyper-responsive. But remember, this is your time. If you must, allocate a specific short period in the day to skim through pressing emails that do not interfere with your vacation plans. And here's a hack: If you're traveling with someone, swap devices and screen each other's emails. That way, you can be confident that everything is okay back in the office. You still can address anything that is genuinely urgent. If your teammate can manage your inbox in your absence, that's even better. 8. Teach Your Teammate If you use a digital transaction management system, like Form Simplicity, make sure your teammate knows how to access and use it. For example, Form Simplicity allows you to create teams and allow team members customizable access to your transactions so your vacation-covering partner can monitor your essential activities. 9. Return with Buffer Time If you've been successful and truly disconnected and relaxed, the first day back to work can be jarring. Don't jump straight into appointments but make your first day a buffer day. Keep the day blocked off to sift through emails, catch up on updates, plan your tasks, and update your schedule. This way, you're not overwhelmed and can seamlessly transition back into your work mode. Take Time for You Real estate might be about location, location, location, but when it comes to maintaining a work-life balance, it's about preparation, delegation, and relaxation. Remember, a rejuvenated agent is a more effective agent. Investing time in yourself yields better focus, improved client relations, and a fresh perspective. So, embrace that vacation spirit: pack your bags, set up your out-of-office responders, and embark on that much-deserved getaway. As they say in real estate – it's an investment, and this one's for your well-being. Related Reads Form Simplicity and Tech Helpline blogs: 4 Ways Technology Can Help Real Estate Agents Achieve Work-Life Balance How to Reduce Stress from Tech: 4 Time-Tested Tactics 6 Ways You Can Use Technology to Reduce Your Stress Tricia Stamper is Director of Technology at Florida Realtors®, which owns both Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity.

Stay Ahead of the Game: Embracing technology in the real estate industry
In today's digital age, staying ahead of the curve and effectively leveraging technology is crucial for staying competitive and maximizing your potential as a real estate professional. But are you truly harnessing the power of technology to its fullest extent? In this post, we'll explore the various ways technology can amplify your real estate business and provide you with practical insights on how to integrate it seamlessly into your day-to-day operations. Whether you're a seasoned real estate professional or just starting, this article will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to make the most out of the technological advancements available to you. Let's dive in! Gaining a competitive advantage with technology By embracing technology, you can boost your productivity and effectiveness, ultimately leading to greater success. Here are some techniques that leading brokerages are using to thrive in the digital age. Be visible online In the current era of digital technology, real estate brands need to have a strong online presence. The industry may be hyperlocal, but being visible and searchable online is still crucial. Start by optimizing your website, but don't stop there. A comprehensive digital footprint includes strategies for directories, social media, link building and conversion optimization. Make sure potential clients can easily find and engage with your business online. The National Association of Realtors reports 96% of buyers used online tools when searching for a home. Lead generation Lead generation has become a vital aspect of a successful real estate business. While relationships remain important, the digital transformation has shifted the focus to the customer. Platforms like Trulia, Homes for Heroes and Realtor.com have gained popularity by prioritizing consumer-centric experiences. Consider using cost-effective and highly targeted options like Google Ads to drive conversions on your website. Ads can provide a high return on investment when managed properly. Create the ultimate listing Use tools like iGUIDE to create 3D tours and accurate floorplans. iGUIDE is an innovative technology that allows real estate agents and photographers to create comprehensive and immersive property listings. With iGUIDE, you can provide potential buyers with an accurate floorplan and interactive virtual property tour giving viewers a sense of actually being there. iGUIDE is your 24/7 virtual open house! By incorporating iGUIDE into your listings, you can give buyers a realistic sense of the property's layout and features, allowing them to visualize themselves living in the space. This can significantly increase the chances of generating interest and ultimately closing a sale. By leveraging technology effectively, real estate professionals can stay ahead in a competitive market. Embrace the digital revolution, generate leads through various channels and use an online hosting tool like iGUIDE to create the ultimate listing experience. For more information about iGUIDE and its benefits, connect with an iGUIDE Specialist today. With the right technology, you can thrive as a realtor in the modern age. To view the original article, visit the iGuide blog. Thank you to iGuide for sponsoring this article on RE Technology!

8 Tips to Consider at Real Estate Networking Events
The purpose of a networking event is to meet people. In an industry that is wildly competitive, sometimes all it takes is knowing the right person. Like any other marketing tactic, networking can drastically improve the success of your business. If you don't like getting out of your office to meet people, then you're in the wrong industry. Here are eight items to consider while at a real estate networking event: Be early Being early to a networking event gives you a chance to not only chat with the organizers of the event before they are bombarded by other people, but it also gives you the opportunity to talk with any other early birds in a less chaotic environment. Additionally, who doesn't like a real estate agent that is prompt to their scheduled events and meetings? Being early reflects well on your time management skills, which is wildly important in an industry where deadlines are crucial to success and happy clients. Be yourself You are who you are. Don't try to put on an act because eventually your true colors will shine through. In life, you are not always going to mesh well with everyone. The same can be said for people you will work with in the real estate industry. Being true to who you are will bring you more success in the long run than being fake in order to get business. If your prospective clients don't like you for who you are, then it is their loss! SMILE Have you ever been to an event where there is one person in the room that is completely straight faced and doesn't crack a smile the entire time he/she is there? I'm sure it looked like they were in agony being there. Don't be that person! Smiling lets people know that you are friendly and gives them a signal that it is okay to come and chat with you. When you smile, you give people good vibes which can greatly improve your success at networking. Don't overdo social events Networking events are supposed to be fun, but they are also professional events. Don't be that agent that is out of control because you enjoyed the open bar. Your goal is to conduct yourself in a professional manner, while also being somewhat casual and approachable so that you are able to make connections with others. My point — know your limit. Start conversations Engage with others so that they will engage back with you! If you are just going to stand there looking awkward and miserable, it is unlikely that anyone will come and talk to you. Get out of your comfort zone and start a conversation with someone new. Everyone that you meet has the potential to help your business so make the time you spend networking count. Get off your phone If you are going to spend your time sitting on your phone, you might as well go home. When you are on your phone, it gives people the impression that you don't care about the purpose of the event and that you don't want to talk to anyone. Put your phone away and engage with people face to face. Collect business cards Every business card that you collect is a potential lead for you. Maybe not right at this moment, but at one time or another, almost everyone is going to need a real estate agent. You want to be that real estate agent! You are going to be able to market your business to these people in the future, so collect as many business cards as you can. And yes, this means that you should be talking to as many people as possible in order to get these business cards. Don't over analyze Networking events are supposed to be fun, so don't over analyze the situation. Try to relax and just have a good time talking to people and make some connections! Real estate networking events can really take your business to the next level and allow you to meet people that you may not have met in different circumstances. Remember that real estate is a numbers game, and the more people you connect with, the better chance you have for potential business. Don't be shy — get out there and network! To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog. Further Reading Improve Your Networking Skills: Follow These Tips and Watch Your Network Grow The Introverted Real Estate Agent's Guide to Networking Are You Leveraging Networking to Boost Your Business? 10 Tips for Networking Your Way to More Referrals

6 Ways You Can Use Technology to Reduce Your Stress
The demands of a real estate agent require a constant balance between personal well-being and professional efficiency. Stress is often an inherent part of the job, increased by the deadline-driven nature of the profession. Fortunately, technological advancements offer solutions catering to personal well-being, helping reduce daily stress. Last fall, the Form Simplicity blog featured "How to reduce stress from tech: 4 time-tested tactics." And here's the other side of this coin: Six Ways You Can Use Technology to Reduce Your Stress Also, remember, Tech Helpline analysts are available to assist you with finding and installing any of these tech tools: 1. Mindfulness and Meditation Apps Cultivating mindfulness and practicing meditation can be a powerful strategy for managing stress. Applications such as the Calm app – available for Apple and Android devices, can help. They provide guided meditations, sleep stories, and breathing programs to help reduce anxiety, improve focus, and promote better sleep. A clinical study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology has demonstrated that mindfulness can significantly reduce stress levels and enhance psychological well-being. 2. Exercise Technology Exercise has long been recognized as a stress reducer. With the advent of technology-enhanced exercise programs like Peloton, staying active has never been more engaging or accessible. Peloton offers on-demand and live workouts ranging from cycling and running to yoga and strength training. Studies published in the Journal of Exercise Physiology and other leading medical journals confirm that physical activity also positively impacts mental health. Exercise can reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve overall mental well-being. 3. Sleep Technology Quality sleep is crucial for managing stress and maintaining overall health. Sleep technology applications, like Sleep Cycle, Headspace, and ShutEye, track sleep patterns and provide insights to improve sleep quality. Additionally, Sleep Cycle gently wakes you up during your lightest sleep phase, helping you start the day feeling refreshed and less stressed. Numerous studies, including a comprehensive review in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, support the benefits of improved sleep. 4. Digital Reading and Audiobook Platforms If you're an avid reader, you already know that immersing oneself in a good book can be a great stress reliever. Digital reading platforms and audiobook applications such as Kindle and Audible make it easier to fit reading into a busy schedule. Whether you're between property showings or driving to a client meeting, these platforms allow you to engage with a range of literature at your convenience, promoting relaxation and stress reduction. 5. Stress Tracker Apps Understanding your stress patterns can be the first step in managing them effectively. Stress tracking applications like Stress & Anxiety Companion provide tools to log, identify, and manage stress triggers. It also offers guided breathing exercises and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. New wearable technology, like the Oura Ring, also tracks your stress triggers, sleep, readiness, and activity. A study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that stress-tracking apps could effectively reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. 6. Music and Sound Therapy Apps Sound therapy has been recognized for its potential to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Apps such as Brain.fm and sounds on the free website myNoise, provide a range of soundscapes and music designed to help with focus, relaxation, and sleep. Even Spotify has a selection of green and pink noise: relaxation sounds that can aid sleep. A study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine suggests that listening to certain types of music can significantly reduce stress and improve mood. While being a real estate agent is one of the most personally rewarding careers, it is fraught with potential stressors. However, strategically using personal technology tools can aid in managing stress levels, promoting better emotional well-being. A decrease in stress also can mean increased professional success. Whenever you are "stuck" with a tech issue, remember that stress relief is only a call, tap on our app, or click away for tech support from Tech Helpline! Other related stories of interest: 8 Strategies for Dealing with Difficult Clients The 4 Biggest Mistakes Agents Make When Working With Buyers Don't fall for it: 4 new online + offline scams and how to protect yourself Tech Advice: What Do You Do If You Do The Wrong Thing? To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog.

Taking Advantage of Today's Real Estate Market
The current state of the market is fraught with change. Interest rate fluctuations and unpredictability of inventory means consumers need your help, expertise, and hands-on guidance more than ever before. Even if your current systems and processes are working well for you, you'll want to review your workflows and refine what you have in place. This will ensure you're ready at the drop of a hat to support buyers, sellers, and everyone in between. It will also allow you to be up to speed on any changes or nuances coming the industry's way. In a time like this, what are some of the best ways to take advantage of this market? Stay Ahead of the Game As consumer demand shifts in varying directions, you want to always be prepared to serve your buyer and seller clients, no matter the circumstance or timeframe. Stay ahead of the curve by making the time to invest in sharpening your skills. Invest in your expertise with things like: Continuing education: As a real estate professional, you want to make sure your skills are always up-to-date in a constantly-changing industry. Reach out to your brokerage or local real estate board. They can help you access continuing education and training resources, including training materials for exams or pathways to earn certifications. Training: If continuing education isn't available at this time, see if your team or brokerage offer training or refresher courses. Seize any opportunity to take advantage of training sessions to dust off your skills. Mentorship: Investing in finding a real estate or business mentor can make a world of a difference in your professional development. A mentor can provide you with insights into years of experience — including mistakes made or lessons learned. This relationship can go a long way in strengthening your skills. Networking: Another key relationship-building exercise? Networking. Taking the time to network can help you grow your clientele and source referrals. It's also a great way to grow your business by boosting your visibility and market presence as a real estate expert. Taking these steps helps ensure you always stay updated on the latest changes in the market on a broader scale. Being deeply invested in knowing the market around you is critical in its current state. Be a Leader If you're a team leader, make sure you're actively setting your team up for the utmost success. Start by assessing your team to see what areas have room for growth and refinement. Then, create a plan and commit to providing education in those specific areas. This could look like hosting training sessions, sending team members to conferences, or investing in certification courses. If you're not sure where to begin with improving your team's skillset, you can also consider bringing on a real estate coach. A real estate coach is equipped to quickly assess strengths, weaknesses, and areas of opportunity and craft an improvement plan accordingly. Investing in your team members and growing their expertise ensures you all can maximize the market conditions and shine in your local area. Get Back to Basics Sometimes, simple is simply better. Take your efforts back to the early days of your career to help drive success and make your presence known in your community. Door-knocking and canvassing neighborhoods for prospective buyers and sellers is a must in this market. It lets these prospective client bases know you're ready and willing to support their needs, which goes a long way in reinforcing your market presence. You also want to ensure you're nurturing your leads and previous clients. If you're already doing this, consider revamping your current flow of outreach: Email drip campaigns: Update your email campaigns' content to regularly include the most current market changes. Audience targeting: Make sure to tighten up your email segmentation so the right messages are being seen by the right people. You don't want to send new listings to your recent clients that closed, so triple-check that your emails are accurate and relevant. Set a schedule: Do you have auto-responders set up? How about a calling schedule for past clients or leads that cooled down? Taking the time each week to block out hours dedicated to follow-up can go a long way in conversions. As you get back to basics, get involved in your community. Sponsor events or organizations, rack up hours volunteering, host workshops, and other key activities. Amping up your community involvement ensures people have a chance to see you, know you, and be more familiar with your business and brand. And, it gives you the chance to give back — another critical need in the current market. To view the original article, visit the BoomTown blog.

Empower Consumers to Make Better Real Estate Decisions with Confidence
Nearly 100% of consumers start their home buying or selling journey online. With tech being more prevalent than ever in shaping consumer behavior, it's clear that consumers have a wealth of knowledge — right at their fingertips. In today's market, they're researching market predictions, mortgage rate fluctuations, a potential recession, and what a buyer's or seller's market actually means. With all this knowledge, it's no surprise that people may be fearful and risk-averse to buying or selling. They need to know ways to best navigate changes and feel empowered to make confident decisions. How can you help ease this hesitation and get these buyers and sellers off the fence? Put Yourself in Their Shoes It's not just the buyers and sellers navigating the endless knowledge in this shifting market — you're working hard to stay aware, up to speed, and knowledgeable on these changes, too. In addition to being an expert in your local area, you also need to be an expert on what's happening on a national scale and how it affects real estate in every aspect. Equipping yourself with this knowledge will allow you to tackle any questions or concerns from buyers or sellers head-on. This will help ease their fears and ensure they feel comfortable and confident. Providing them with this expertise and any clarifications also helps you empower the consumer. As you go into meeting your buyers or sellers, be prepared to "meet them where they are." There's a lot of information — and misinformation — out there. What's happening on a market scale may not translate equally to local market conditions. By putting yourself in your consumer's shoes and operating from their perspective, you can get a good grasp on how to best prepare to translate the local market to assuage their fears. Remember: the goal is to drive confidence in these consumers with real-life education and examples to empower their buying or selling journey. Arm Yourself with Data Now that you've gotten your clients up to speed on the current state of the market and potential places it can go, you want to shift their attention to what's actually happening in your local market. Show and provide them with real, current data focused on your state, region, and specific market. Walk them through how macro market factors have changed things, but also shed light on the possibilities that still exist. Steering them away from the doom and gloom offered by news headlines. Instead, turn them towards local-level data to help ease their hesitations and give them a clearer, more realistic picture of what they're facing. From your perspective, it's critical you have a solid grasp on market statistics so you can confidently explain them to others. Run specific market reports using data from your local MLS. Make it clear to your clients that you understand where the national market is heading, and how that impacts or even differs from what is going on in their own neighborhood. Show You Care Your clients are inundated with endless information from countless and they need you to connect the dots for them. Untangle the jumble of information and break down what it means to the consumer. The data may be ever-changing, but it's critical that you stay on top of these changes and updates. Consumers are counting on you to walk them through it, hand in hand. It's also key to equip yourself with examples that they can relate to and simple ways to distill concepts, data, and facts down to simpler terms. Above all else, listen. Really listen to their needs, goals, concerns, and driving forces. What motivates them? Taking the time to listen and understand your clients on a deeper level establishes trust and builds their confidence. Don't let them fear one of their biggest transactions — show them you're here to help, and you care and understand. Calm Their Fears To agents, buying and selling a house is small potatoes: you're in the trenches every day, and it's routine at this point. But for a first-time homebuyer or a retired couple downsizing, these are major life decisions and big changes. And especially in today's market, hesitation, concern, and plain old fear is rampant. To help calm these fears, and connect with your clients to boost their confidence, take time to ask key questions like: How can I make this process easier for you? What's a burning question about the market that you have? Tell me your top three concerns about putting your house on the market. Always be honest — consumers appreciate when you are upfront. And while you don't need to sugarcoat, make sure you're delivering your answers with some degree of gentleness. Make sure you also avoid using language that sounds manipulative or salesy. Focus on delivering a personalized, hands-on, expertise-driven experience in order to build trust and ease fears. To view the original article, visit the BoomTown blog.

The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Real Estate: Enhancing Client Interactions
Welcome to the world of real estate, where properties come to life, and dreams find their perfect homes! In this exciting industry, success not only relies on market knowledge and negotiation skills, but also on the power of emotional intelligence. In this article, we're diving into the fascinating realm of emotional intelligence and how it can transform your client interactions, making them more engaging, meaningful, and fun. What Is Emotional Intelligence? The secret ingredient that gives your professional relationships flavor is emotional intelligence. It entails being aware of and in control of your emotions as well as those of others, paving the way for trust- and empathy-building interactions, as well as effective communication. While technical expertise is important in real estate, emotional intelligence enhances your capacity to engage clients on a deeper level and forge long-lasting relationships. Understanding Your Clients Every client in the real estate industry is different, with various needs, desires, and aspirations. You can better understand people's motivations, fears, and concerns by developing your emotional intelligence, which will enable you to meet their individual needs. So don your detective cap and set out on a mission to learn what your clients value most. Is it the need for a quiet neighborhood, spacious living areas, or a home that fits their growing family? The more you understand their emotions and desires, the better equipped you'll be to provide tailored solutions. Active Listening Imagine yourself having coffee with a client while you talk about their ideal house. Don't just nod and wait for your chance to speak as they express their hopes, frustrations, and worries. Active listening is encouraged! This entails being fully present, maintaining eye contact, and demonstrating your genuine concern through verbal and nonverbal cues. Consider your response carefully and express empathy for their predicament. Clients are more likely to trust you and you are more likely to be able to steer them in the direction of the ideal property when they feel heard and understood. Managing Your Own Emotions Real estate can be an exhilarating rollercoaster ride. An emotional whirlwind can result from negotiations, deadlines, and unanticipated developments. Self-awareness and emotional self-regulation must be developed. Remember that in the turbulent sea of real estate transactions, your clients look to you as a steadying anchor. You can remain upbeat and professional even in trying circumstances by controlling your own emotions. Your clients will feel more confident and secure knowing they have a capable and dependable partner on their side as a result of this. Building Rapport Imagine buying a house from someone who seems detached and disinterested. Not very appealing, is it? Building rapport is all about creating a genuine connection with your clients. Find common ground, whether it's a shared love for a sports team, a favorite hobby, or even a fondness for the neighborhood you're exploring together. Show a genuine interest in their lives beyond the transaction. Remembering small details about their preferences and mentioning them in conversations will demonstrate that you value their individuality, strengthening the bond and transforming the client-agent relationship into a friendship. Mastering Nonverbal Communication Did you know that over 90% of communication is nonverbal? Body language, facial expressions, and voice tonality all convey a lot. Pay attention to your own body language to make sure it matches your spoken words. An immediate sense of trust and comfort can be established with a warm smile, a firm handshake, and an open posture. Similarly, pay attention to nonverbal cues from your clients. Are they elated, worried, or unsure? You should change your strategy to give them the encouragement and assurance they require. In conclusion, by understanding your clients' emotions, actively listening, managing your own emotions, building rapport, and mastering non-verbal communication, you'll be able to provide exceptional client experiences that exceed expectations. Remember, real estate is not just about bricks and mortar; it's about making dreams come true and leaving a lasting positive impact. So, go forth, embrace emotional intelligence, and let the magic unfold in every client interaction! To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

Overcoming Sales Plateaus: Strategies for Real Estate Agents to Break Through
Sales plateaus, while frustrating, are a common challenge for real estate agents — where their performance levels are off and progress seems stagnant. However, with the right strategies and mindset, agents can break through these plateaus and achieve new heights of success. In this article, we will explore effective approaches that real estate agents can implement to overcome sales plateaus and revitalize their business. By incorporating these strategies, agents can regain momentum, increase their sales, and reach their full potential. Evaluate and Refine Your Sales Process Examining and improving your sales process is the first step in getting past a sales plateau. Consider your strategy objectively after taking a step back. Are there any areas that could be strengthened? Find any inefficiencies or bottlenecks that might be affecting your sales performance. Examine your prospecting, lead generation, follow-up, and closing strategies in great detail. To gain insightful advice, think about asking for feedback from coworkers, mentors, or even clients. After you've determined where your sales process needs to be improved, make a plan to do it. By focusing on high-quality leads, concentrate on improving your prospecting efforts. To stay in touch with potential clients on a regular basis, implement a consistent and methodical follow-up system. By honing your negotiation abilities and proactively responding to client concerns, you can improve your closing strategies, break through plateaus and achieve sustainable growth. Enhance Your Personal Brand and Marketing Strategy Your success as a real estate agent can be significantly impacted by an effective personal brand and marketing plan. Spend time and effort developing and enhancing your personal brand to break through sales plateaus. Create a compelling value proposition that sets you apart from your rivals. Use a variety of marketing strategies to demonstrate your expertise and draw in potential customers, such as social media, email marketing, and content creation. Establish a polished and eye-catching online presence that represents your brand. To establish credibility and trust with your audience, consistently deliver helpful content and interact with them. Think about using video marketing to produce interesting home tours or instructional videos. To increase your reach, network with other industry professionals and look into possible collaborations. By strategically enhancing your personal brand and marketing efforts, you can break through sales plateaus by attracting a wider audience and generating more leads. Invest in Continuous Learning and Skill Development The investment in ongoing education and skill development is essential to breaking through sales plateaus. Keep abreast of the most recent market developments, industry trends, and legislative changes. Attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to broaden your horizons and acquire fresh insights. Improve your negotiation and communication skills, which are crucial in the real estate business. Strong negotiation skills help you get better deals, and effective communication helps you establish rapport and trust with clients. Consider also earning advanced certifications or designations in specialized fields of real estate, like sales of commercial property or luxury homes. These credentials can increase your credibility and draw in more upscale customers. By constantly developing your skills and knowledge, you can adapt to changing market dynamics, provide exceptional service to clients, and overcome sales plateaus. In conclusion, overcoming sales plateaus in real estate requires a proactive approach and a commitment to growth. By evaluating and refining your sales process, enhancing your personal brand and marketing strategy, and investing in continuous learning and skill development, you can break through plateaus and achieve new levels of success. Remember, persistence and adaptability are key. Stay focused, embrace new strategies, and maintain a positive mindset. With determination and the right strategies in place, you can overcome sales plateaus and reach your full potential as a real estate agent. To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

Advice for Real Estate Pros: Why Your Handshake Matters
At least 55% of human interactions is non-verbal. Are you projecting a confident image and your first impression is the one of a knowledgeable and caring real estate pro? How is your handshake? The first impression is formed in seconds, not minutes — make it count. Here are the five how-to's of a successful handshake for real estate pros: 1. Be Prepared In any environment where you're meeting people, make sure your right hand is free. Shift anything you're holding to your left hand well in advance — you don't want to have to fumble at the last moment. You should definitely avoid holding a drink in your right hand, especially if it's cold, as the condensation can make your hand feel clammy. 2. Consider Your Body Language Remember, a handshake isn't just about a single action — there's a lot more that goes into it. If you're seated, always rise before shaking someone's hand. If you're standing, keep your hands out of your pockets. Visible hands make you look more open and honest. Keep your head straight, without tilting it in any way, and face the person fully. Make sure to use plenty of eye contact, and smile warmly, but briefly (too much smiling could make you appear over-eager). 3. Get in Position When you're reaching out your hand to shake, keep it perfectly perpendicular, neither dominant (palm down) nor submissive (palm up). When in doubt, angle your thumb straight up to the ceiling. Open wide the space between your thumb and index finger, which will ensure you get optimal thumb-web contact, which makes for the ideal handshake. 4. Make Contact and Shake To ensure the right level of contact between your hand and your partner's, keep your palm flat, not cupped, when you reach out to shake. Once full contact is made, lock your thumb down and squeeze firmly — you can mirror your partner's handshake if it's firm and assertive. Shake from your elbow (not your wrist) about 2-3 pumps. You can linger for a moment if you want to convey particular warmth, then release and smile. 5. Practice Often Sound like a lot? It is, until you get the hang of it. Try practicing with friends or family, people who will give you truly candid feedback. This type of practice is what will truly make your handshake perfect, and make a dramatic difference in how prospective and existing clients and business partners perceive you. To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.

Here's How to Help New Agents Become Profitable, Faster
We've all had our first day on the job and remember how it felt to be the "new kid." Any agent that joins your team must undergo the inevitable learning curve on their way to closing their first deal and proving themselves as a powerful — and profitable — addition to the business. Building a strong foundation through solid, consistent training can help new agents and up-and-coming teams: Boost their productivity and motivation Build stronger loyalty and sense of self Require less supervision from leadership Encourage growth and innovative thinking Avoid frustrating — or even costly — errors A Two-Phase Approach While it might be tempting to throw new agents into the deep end, taking a beat to train them properly can make a world of a difference. You don't want to cut corners or skip hands-on, dedicated training — you want to set them up for success. It's important to keep in mind that speed isn't always an indicator of success, and that forcing a newcomer to jump right in and figure it out as they go can actually lengthen that pesky learning curve. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Don't double back to correct mistakes or undo bad habits that could have been prevented with solid training from the start. Once an agent has joined your team, it can take months before they close a deal. By investing the time to offer intensive, strategic, and involved training from the start, you can help shorten this timeframe. We like to take a two-phase approach to training: Initial Onboarding and Ongoing Refinement. Both are equally important in their own right, and we'll break down the ins and outs of each. Free Checklist: 20 Daily Activities for Profitable Agents Phase One: Initial Onboarding Consider this phase of training to be the building of the foundation for your new agent. Just like a house needs a strong foundation to withstand the test of time and the elements, your agent needs a solid start to ensure they'll have long-lasting, enduring success in your business. It is imperative to ensure your new agent learns and becomes deeply familiar with the systems your team uses, has a deep understanding of and alignment with your vision and goals, and is up to speed with how things work within your business from a day-to-day perspective. Taking the time to invest in phase one can set the stage for your new agent to shine. Hands-On, Thorough Systems Training This is absolutely critical. Focus here first. Do we have your attention? Excellent. The technology your business uses, like a CRM, lead generation software, or transaction management tool, all requires hands-on training. Your agents must know how to use your systems, and how to use them effectively. Technology is a critical investment to stay competitive in real estate, and getting your agents on board and actively using your technology is key to driving the success of your business. Failing to train agents to use your systems can cost you in both time and ROI. Pro Tip: If you're not sure where to begin, dig into what your software company can offer. Oftentimes, they'll have training materials and resources on their website, or even a hands-on team of experts to train your agents one-on-one. It's also a good idea to stay on top of system updates, new training courses, and regular refreshers to ensure you maximize your investment in software and use it to its fullest potential. Lead with Purpose As the leader of your business, you are the captain of the ship. Your team looks to you and your vision. As such, the responsibility of training — whether you do it yourself or select your top performers to do so — falls on you. To help speed up your agent's ride along the learning curve, you should: Enforce that they take every opportunity for training and resources that the software company has available. Develop and implement an accountability system across the business to make sure your agents are properly and accurately using the technology. Make it a priority to hold regular check-ins with your team to address and discuss any questions, concerns, or issues they may face with your technology, or share any new features and updates that may have been rolled out by the software company. Dedicating this much time to training may seem overwhelming or counterintuitive. We get it, time is money. But think of it like putting together Ikea furniture. You could skip the manual and spend two hours putting it together blind… or spend 10 minutes reading the manual and build it in half an hour. Internal Operations Internal operations, or the day-to-day activities, of your business are also key for a new agent to be immersed in as they are trained. These operations can be both formal and informal in how they are documented, so spending time training your new agent from the very start on how things work within your business can help prevent numerous interruptions down the line. No matter how you run your team or manage your business, be crystal clear about protocol, processes, and practices. Give your new agent an in-depth rundown of every detail, even allowing them to shadow other agents for a week or more and document questions or curiosities that arise as a result. As an added benefit, these questions can also help you develop a training manual and process if you plan to expand and hire more agents. Align with Business Goals and Mission Statement Odds are, you've sussed out the quality of talent in your agent during the interview process, including how they align with the goals and mission of your business. Regularly communicating your team's goals and having a crystal-clear mission statement is important: taking your compelling vision and infusing it into regular training will help keep everyone on the same page and motivated to deliver their best work. Continual Refinement Now that your new agent has gotten their feet wet and is settling into their groove as a team member, phase two of continual refinement can begin. Think of this as continuing to smooth out any rough edges as their integration into your team becomes more and more seamless. Continual refinement looks like having ongoing training sessions, maintaining regular check-ins, and even pairing your new agent with a mentor. Not only will this second phase help keep agent performance on par, it will also help them build upon their strong foundation and develop their own flair and strengths as a real estate professional. Making regular training a part of your company culture helps foster teamwork, and also ensures that any new agents can join the business with minimal friction and quicker pipeline to success. What are some other ways to continue to refine your agents' success? Stay Up-to-Date The real estate industry is constantly changing. There's always something new to learn and transformations taking place. In the last three years alone we've seen a tremendous shift in real estate, all of which means it's more important than ever to stay ahead of the curve and afloat of new changes. Some different ways to help your team stay fresh in their industry knowledge include: Downloading industry reports Monitoring market trends Signing up for real estate newsletters and blogs Watching webinars or virtual training Attending seminars and conferences Give Your Marketing Strategy a Refresh Your online presence is everything, and technology is also constantly changing. Best practices for online lead generation are always shifting, and staying ahead of trends to promote your business is key. Consider implementing a social media strategy, search engine marketing best practices, or investing in online marketing campaigns. Keep your eye on the ROI to ensure your refresh is maximizing your dollar spend. Fine-Tune Sales Skills Are you sensing a pattern here? Training isn't a one-and-done event, it should be a constant. This is how you ensure greatness on your team, and keep innovation and collaboration alive in your business. From brand new agents onboarding to industry veterans that need a nudge to adopt new trends, refining sales skills through sales training is critical. Consider investing in a real estate coach, implementing a mentorship system, or requiring your agents to attend annual trainings or conferences, and even earn certifications. To view the original article, visit the BoomTown blog.

April Is Fair Housing Month: 4 Easy Ways to Get Involved
April 11 marks the 55th anniversary of the enactment of the Fair Housing Act, and April itself is designated as Fair Housing month in commemoration. Real estate agents can celebrate Fair Housing Month by taking proactive steps to promote and uphold fair housing principles. Here are some ways that agents can do just that this month—and throughout the year: Review Fair Housing laws and regulations Take time to review Fair Housing laws and regulations to ensure you are up to date on any changes or updates. Fortunately, NAR has an entire resource section dedicated to Fair Housing, as well as a resource page for Fair Housing month, which includes links to training, posters, social media graphics, videos, book recommendations and more. Freddie Mac last week released a progress report on its three-year plan to promote access to equitable and sustainable housing. See that here: Freddie Mac Equitable Housing Finance Plan 2022 Performance Report. Technology, including online ads, can run afoul of Fair Housing laws. Don't let this happen to you! See this article to ensure your online marketing stays fair: One Simple Rule to Ensure Your Ads Don't Violate Fair Housing Laws. Attend training sessions Speaking of training, NAR is offering two live, online events this month on Fair Housing. You can check those out here. If those don't quite fit into your schedule, this recorded workshop on implicit bias may be more your speed. Prefer books, articles, or podcasts for learning? Check out these two articles we published during Black History Month for a wealth of helpful, relevant information: Black History Month: Resources and Trainings Black History Month: Books to Learn About Racial Disparities in Real Estate Display Fair Housing posters You can display Fair Housing posters in your offices or on your website to demonstrate your commitment to fair housing principles. HUD and NAR both offer versions you can download and print, and you can also check with your local associations or state agencies for similar resources. Educate clients You likely underwent training on Fair Housing in order to get your real estate license. So while you may be familiar with the laws, your clients may not be. Be prepared to educate them on Fair Housing laws and regulations during their home buying or selling journey. Do they know, for instance, that writing "buyer love letters" could violate Fair Housing regulations? Or perhaps members of your community are simply unaware of the housing opportunities available to them. In that case, you can take inspiration from Sabrina Brown, a winner of last year's Fair Housing Champion Awards. Brown hosts workshops to help first-time buyers, especially those of color, connect with programs to help them achieve the dream of homeownership. Speaking of homeownership opportunities, many would-be buyers view the down payment as a barrier to buying a home. It doesn't have to be, though! Many down payment assistance programs exist, including those for people of color and the LGBTQ community. Many MLSs display down payment assistance eligibility information on their listings. Realtor.com and Zillow do, as well, so this information is out there for both real estate pros and consumers alike! You may only have to point this data out to leads and clients to get them started down the path to homeownership.

[Podcast] Finding the Right Brokerage for You, with Brittany Walter
Brittany Walter has been a real estate agent for the past 10 years at the esteemed Keller Williams Los Feliz. She won the 2020 Diamond Award for her accomplishments and has served on the Agent Leadership Council. In this episode of "Real Talk, with Realtors," hear how to find the right brokerage for you and your career, educate and train your team, give back to good causes, go the extra mile for sellers and buyers, and the epiphany that got Brittany into real estate. This episode covers everything from company culture to incentives for buying. Here's a small sample of what you will hear in this episode: Where did Brittany's epiphany come from? How did Brittany decide to work at Keller Williams Los Feliz? What should you think and ask about when considering brokerages? Any plans for her own broker license? How important is it to be involved in the office? How achievable is the top 20% for someone in their first year? How did Brittany start partnering with Revive? Real talk...not Real talk: Trying to buy a home today Connect with Brittany on social media at @BrittanySellsLA. Check out the episode and show notes below for much more detail. Listen on: Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Visit the episode homepage for show notes and more detail.

Real Estate Tips: Use Confident Body Language to Generate Business
When you are trying to build rapport, engage real estate clients in a conversation or influence an action, you need to be conscious of how your approach is impacting clients. Awareness of what you're saying is just the tip of the iceberg. Words are important, but you also need to be aware of how you're saying it and what your body language is communicating. As a real estate professional, you should always be mindful of your body language. It influences the first impression you make on others and can attract or repel potential clients. Do you fidget when you're talking to your prospective clients? Where are your hands? What is your posture like? Are you authentic and welcoming? If you're confident, you will not only impress those your talking to, but you'll have a more self-confidence as well. Follow these five real estate tips on using confident body language to excel in your business and personal interactions: Claim Your Territory When you walk into a room, be confident in your movements. Don't cross your arms or hunch your shoulders. When sitting, practice an expansive body language — take up as much space as possible without invading your client's personal space to appear powerful and assertive. Pay Attention to Micro Expressions Our brain makes snap judgments based on facial micro expressions — very brief, involuntary facial expressions displayed when someone experiences an emotion. Pay attention to whoever you are talking to "flashing' any of these seven micro-expressions so you can address them right away: disgust, anger, fear, sadness, happiness, surprise or contempt. Don't Fidget Be aware of any fidgeting, nervous cues or self-soothing behaviors (e.g. wringing hands, touching your hair, cracking knuckles, rubbing arms, biting your lips). These are all signs of being self conscious. To portray confidence, keep your arms loose and open and remain calm and composed. Steeple Your Hands "Steepling' is when someone brings their hands up in front of their chest and presses the tips of their fingers together. This is a gesture of confidence and self-assuredness. Use it strategically when listening attentively to your clients or prospects. Don't Nod Your Head Too Often While you want to appear friendly, don't overdo it by nodding your head too much. That can create an impression that you are a pushover. Only nod when you really agree with someone to give your opinion more weight. In some cases, you can also use a triple nod to encourage someone to keep talking. Use these tips as a handy reference on how to portray confident body language when you're about to have a meeting with one of your prospective or current clients. Keep in mind, your non-verbal and verbal communication must match. People will always pay more attention and give more credence to your body language that to what you're saying. To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.

Balancing the Roles of 'Agent' and 'Advocate'
Ideally, advocacy is part of your practice as an agent. Agents are, by definition, active—you work to produce the desired outcome for your clients when it comes to their real estate journey. To do that, you defend, promote, and support their interests—you advocate on their behalf. There are so many moments, big and small, throughout any real estate transaction—and it's important to consider how you can prioritize and advocate for the client experience at every step in the process. Stay responsive Advocating for a client doesn't always happen during momentous occasions. While it's critical to stand up for their interests during counteroffers and similar negotiations, you'll also find many smaller opportunities to show your client that you have their back. If a homebuyer needs advice or extra support during a transaction, you want them to feel as though they can—and should—reach out to you. With mobile, easy-to-use tools that help agents to consolidate communication channels and information, you can ensure that you're available when your clients need you—and that all the details for their transaction are within reach. Offer convenience and avoid complexity Today, potential buyers can search for and purchase a home entirely online—though many still seek out the support of an industry professional when considering a purchase this substantial. This shift in client expectations can create both opportunities and obstacles for agents who need to balance their client's specific needs and expectations while negotiating a transaction on their behalf. When it comes to an event as important as signing, for example, being able to offer simplicity can often be a great source of comfort for clients. With features and tools that include eSignature, ways to order title insurance or home warranties, and access to the most complete library of forms for any situation, the right transaction management tool should help you deliver a complete—and completely unmatched—client experience. Enjoy the journey and the destination Sometimes, advocating as an agent is going to mean adapting your strategy and style to match the needs of your client—and ensuring that you have the right tools and technology to successfully adapt is crucial. For example, recently, we've seen that in-person open houses are returning—but digital walkthroughs are also here to stay. Regardless of which option suits your client, you need to have the right tools to facilitate an organized, impressive showing. There are solutions designed to help you focus on open house guests and their questions, whether their tour is digital or otherwise, gathering contact details automatically and adding them into your CRM for easy follow-up phone calls and personal emails. Tech and tools like these are making it simpler than ever to convert interested guests into potential buyers, and potential buyers into happy homeowners. To view the original article, visit the Lone Wolf blog.

4 Pre-listing Steps to Boost Your Commission and Add Value to Your Clients
When you're focused on adding value for your clients, increased and more steady commissions naturally follow. 4 Things to Do Before You List a Home While some pre-listing tasks are the same in any housing market, you may need to tweak your planning as the market in your area shifts. 1. Provide the best possible comparative market analysis (CMA). The most important thing you can do for your clients is to help them price their home accurately when it first goes on the market. Your sellers rely on you to help them understand how much they can expect to receive for their property. When markets shift, it's often wiser to base your CMA on the current competition of listings, including homes that linger on the market, rather than sales from even two or three months ago. Bring net sheets to your listing presentation to help your sellers visualize their potential profit from a sale under various scenarios. A home that's priced right will sell faster and for a higher price than one that lingers, which impacts your bottom line and your time. 2. Advise your clients on the most cost-effective presale prep. Depending on the property, a quick decluttering, some plants and fresh paint may be enough to get their house buyer ready. But homes that need more work may be best served by a presale renovation program such as Revive. After a thorough analysis of the costs and return on investment of needed renovations in consultation with you, Revive funds and coordinates the project and is reimbursed after the closing. The sellers are likely to receive a bigger profit and your commission will therefore be higher, too. 3. Pay for pro photos and videos. Buyers start house hunting online and tend to visit fewer properties in person than in the past. According to the 2022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors, buyers looked at a median of five homes before making an offer – and four of those visits were online only. Great photos and videos can make a difference in the speed of a sale and the size of the offer. 4. Use every marketing tool available. Higher prices, higher mortgage rates and a slower pace of sales encourage buyers to be pickier when looking for a home. Make sure your listing gets seen by as many buyers as possible through your MLS, your website and social media. The more prospects that see your listing, the better your chances of getting a higher offer and a bigger commission. To build a long career as a real estate agent, use the best available tools and focus on serving your customers in every market. To view the original article, visit the Revive blog.

Real Estate Hindsight: Analyzing Your Successes and Failures
A recent NAR report indicates that the hot housing market is starting to cool off. This is triggered by rising interest rates, a weaker economic outlook and an increase in inventory. This means you must use all the tools at your disposal to stay in the game. It's time to take inventory and analyze the real estate mistakes you made over the past year. It is also a time to look at your successes to understand the important role technology has played. Everyone has an opinion about the optimal time to sell a home, but selling a home is more than just timing. Getting a house sold requires a well-thought-out marketing plan, accurate information and capturing the eyes of potential buyers. So how can you focus on increasing your leads to keep your listing inventory and sales up? What went wrong Whether you are new to real estate or are a seasoned agent, you can avoid repeating mistakes by learning from them. Keeping up with the latest TikTok social media trends may have had you spending time and energy on the wrong demographic. Home sellers are not looking for an agent with the most followers in the 16-24 age group. Your seller is concerned with getting the attention of qualified buyers. Real estate strategies that work focus on the buyer's needs, like finding the right floor plan with accurate measurements. 3D virtual tours can make all the difference when the consumer is choosing a property. If you haven't been including these marketing tools, you are missing the mark. How you can improve Education benefits everyone. Understand why it is important to include floor plans and accurate measurements with every listing. The recent implementation of RMS (Residential Measurement Standards) in some jurisdictions focuses on a standard of measurement for all residential properties. Having a standard removes discrepancies in how and what is to be measured. You will note that Fannie Mae has recently mandated that all home appraisals in the United States are required to adhere to their ANSI-Z765 2021 measurement standard when calculating and reporting gross living area. Real estate agent strategies going forward can take advantage of the changing landscape regarding measurement requirements and get a step ahead of their peers. Choose to include floor plans that comply with the new standard to speed up the mortgage approval process for every sale. Time is valuable for the seller, buyer and everyone involved in the transaction. What was a success 3D virtual tours are the biggest success stories of the past two years and continue to be the top technology trend in demand for both home sellers and buyers. Not only does the virtual tour provide benefits to the consumer, it also helps you win listings and sell your listings faster. Statistics from Redfin, Realtor.com and multiple brokerages all report that virtual tours receive up to 87% more views than listings without. From the seller's standpoint, the 3D virtual tour showcases their property in an easy-to-use format, pre-qualifies potential buyers and saves time. Buyers can determine if the property matches their search criteria before in-person viewing. The ability to virtually walk through the property at any time day or night provides flexibility for both sellers and buyers. Sure, you will still make some mistakes, but if you want to stay successful in the years to come, focus on using technology from cutting-edge companies like iGUIDE. Not only can you use analytics to track your listing views, you can also share the data with sellers to highlight your marketing efforts. What can you do differently? Change is good. Without it, you would still be measuring homes with a retractable tape measure and handwriting listing agreements and memorandum. Changes in the real estate industry are happening due to the demands of the consumer and to provide accountability. Your strategies should continue to be adjusted to meet the requirements of your clients and drive engagement with buyers. Using technology keeps you at the forefront of the consumer's mind, offers ease of use and is current. Your brand becomes synonymous with professionalism when you demonstrate value by using virtual tours, floor plans and analytics to share information in every real estate transaction. Hindsight is 20/20 and can give clarity to your mistakes and successes. In the real estate industry, numbers account for every aspect of a property listing. From accurately measured floor plans and square footage to days on the market and 3D virtual tour analytics, iGUIDE can help.

5 Roadblocks Getting in the Way of Your Real Estate Success
Here are the top five roadblocks you need to address to stay ahead of the competition, position yourself for growth, and put the right systems in place to seize every opportunity. Real Estate Success Roadblock #1: Time Time is money (louder for the folks in the back). Time is money! But so many folks are not focusing on their most dollar-productive activity. They're swamped in admin work, or chasing cold leads with a manual approach. If you want big things, you need to focus on the right things. This means getting support to help you prioritize. It could be hiring an assistant, or ISA (or buyers agent, transaction coordinator—whatever will help you focus where you're using your skillset to the fullest). Or it could mean outsourcing tasks and avoiding the overhead with a third-party service of experts at your back. Whatever the case in your own business, take stock of the time vampires, and where you excel, so you're not stretched too thin and stuck in the overwhelm to see real gains. Real Estate Success Roadblock #2 Not Diversifying your Lead Sources and Working your Database Too many business plans look just like the year before, and that doesn't set you up for exponential growth and success. If you're just checking boxes and doing the same thing every year, it's time to shake it up. Competition will be brutal this spring, so you have to have the lead gen edge. This means improving and diversifying your current lead sources, and really maximizing your efforts for your existing database. It means having the tools, to engage, re-engage, and re-engage some more. Think about which lead sources are bringing in the ROI, and which ones need to be rethought. (And are you leveraging the right technology to track each source properly?) You need tools in your marketing arsenal to engage and re-engage (and re-engage) your existing database, and market to new clients in an engaging and personalized way. Automated email, texting, social media marketing, custom landing pages to promote exciting things like new listings, featured properties, a new homebuyer seminar—you name it! Real Estate Success Roadblock #3: Not Tracking Actions and Measuring Results We feel like a broken record talking about tracking everything, but it's just because we know it works and it's the proven way to optimize your marketing, your business, and your growth. But so many agents fail to do this because they're too busy, and don't have the right system to make it easy. (Like…automatic easy.) When you're tracking everything (website visits, email open rates, website traffic sources), you get a clear picture of what marketing efforts are bringing the ROI, what leads are ready for action, and what is converting. This is critical information to help you focus on what matters and what will ultimately drive your growth. As Tom Ferry says, "Marketing is math and there's a direct correlation from the numbers in my savings account to the numbers in my marketing." So make it easy on yourself. Get the tech system in place to track every single click, view, open and action. Real Estate Success Roadblock #4: Not Enough Accountability The most successful businesses are built on systems. This means they are run with the structure of the right software, and repeatable systems for success built around it. It's a process, it's a culture, it's a direct line to success. Every year, you should take an audit of your software and services and make sure you're leveraging them to improve your service offering. Investing in this means you can step back from the whirlwind. It means your direct involvement in every fire drill is unnecessary, and the fire drills are few and far between. It also means that your team understands the expectations and they "why." They know that when A happens, the next step is B, and then we move to C. Find a tech partner that gets this. You don't want a platform that doesn't have a system. That means it's a complete package and a real partner with training on the best practices, dedicated advisors to help you improve and optimize, and coaches who have been there and succeeded, and now they're here to share and help you succeed too. Real Estate Success Roadblock #5: Doing it All Penny wise, pound foolish. The cost vs. the growth mindset. However you'd like to phrase it, many agents are operating under the misconception that technology, good marketing, and outsourced services are a cost, rather than an investment. They're not running their business with a business mindset, and it will cost them their growth and success. By nature, real estate professionals are go-getters and entrepreneurs, but one person trying to "do it all" will ultimately not empower the business to succeed. You have to have the leadership and growth mentality to put the right technology and tools in place to handle your email marketing and automation, your digital marketing and social media marketing. You need the tools to track performance, test new campaigns, and drive traffic back to your site. Every lead needs to be followed up with and nurtured. And the list goes on. This is a list that should be divided between experts and savvy tech. When the right ones are in place, the results are astounding. To view the original article, visit the BoomTown blog.

How to Network Successfully to Grow Your Real Estate Business
Successful networking is about developing strong interpersonal skills, increasing your brand awareness and discovering hidden possibilities others have to offer. It can help you build your sphere of influence and create valuable connections for you to tap into. We all know well-developed, in-person relationships keep on giving in more ways than one. Successful networking is a combination of confidence and preparation. Knowing how to network is a key skill in today's business world. Let's bring your networking skills to the next level! Here are five must-have's for killer networking to grow your real estate business: 1. Have an open and confident body language for the memorable first impression. You have about seven seconds to make a first impression. You want to come across as a confident business professional — a mover and shaker. Confident body language can help you accomplish just that. Open torso with uncrossed arms Head and chest up Shoulders pulled back Expand your body to take up space Mirroring other's body language Smile at people walking by Always offer to shake hands – this leads us nicely to the next networking technique. 2. Have a firm and welcoming handshake. A handshake is an act of confidence and respect when meeting another professional – approach it as such. Make it firm, warm and authoritative. I think the handshake is a secret strategic weapon. 3. Have intriguing conversation openers at the ready. Don't start your line of questioning with "What do you do?" It's tired and old. You want to be memorable. Here are a few suggestions for killer conversation starters: What is your favorite blog or podcast? What are you passionate about? What are your hobbies? 4. Have your mindset set to the giver mentality. Think how you can help other people, not how they can help you. The giver mentality results in authenticity and confidence. When we are in the taker mentality, we are in the scarcity mode and come across as needy. When we are in the giver mentality, we are in the abundance mode and we are at ease and a magnet for people. Being a giver helps you make meaningful business and personal connections. 5. Have a well-developed elevator pitch. Prepare your elevator pitch beforehand. Tailor it to the networking even you're attending. Stick to one to three sentences describing what you're all about – make it interesting by injecting a few interesting personal tidbits that can lead to a more in-depth discussion. An elevator speech is the easiest way to share who you are, what you do, and why you want to get to know another person in a quick efficient manner. When combined with a positive first impression and a confident handshake, this can lead to building valuable connections. Practice displaying a confident body language. Practice making a positive first impression. Practice your handshake. Practice and play around with your conversation starters. Practice tailoring your elevator speech to various audiences. Practice makes it more natural and second nature. To your networking success! To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.

Top 5 Reasons Why Homes Today Need to Be Move-in Ready
The real estate market is changing dramatically. Home buyers are exerting a greater influence on today's housing market than they have in years. Home inspections, seller concessions, finance contingencies, and price adjustments are back. Real estate agents are facing this latest shift by educating sellers about what today's market means to them and the sale of their house. The challenge one veteran agent observed is that "sellers are viewing the real estate market today as if it were six months ago, while buyers are looking at it as if it is six months from now." Home buyers have more power in this market, and what they want more than anything else is a move-in-ready house. Where in the previous market, sellers didn't have to think about their home's condition, updates or upgrades, in this market, it's vital to at least have that conversation. While there will always be circumstances where an "as-is" listing is the best option for a seller, innovative new ways for homeowners to offer a move-in ready home solves the most common seller obstacles. Today, presale renovation services, like Revive's complete turnkey solution, are available for real estate agents to share with their homeowner clients. Revive offers home renovations — from minor prep work to full remodels that cost up to $300,000 or more — with $0 due from the homeowner until closing. Why is it vital that sellers avoid an "as-is" listing and bring their home to market move-in ready? Here are the top five reasons sellers will want their agents to list a move-in ready home: 1. Market shift: "As is" homes are now tougher to sell. Buyers are gaining more negotiation power and no longer must settle for a purchase without contingencies. In addition, an as-is home sale can break apart when that home requires traditional financing, as lender requirements have standards that all homes must meet. With the return of inspections, buyers can see all the features — and flaws — a home has before the purchase is complete. Many buyers will not want to make needed repairs after the sale. These changes in the real estate landscape cry for move-in ready homes. 2. Millennials want move-in ready homes: Today, Millennials comprise 43% of homebuyers, the highest share of any generation, according to a study by the National Association of Realtors. What's more: A recent TD Bank study found that nearly 80% of Millennials want move-in ready homes. They want to avoid fixer-uppers. The NAR study also found that 70% of Millennial home buyers would choose a smaller home, giving up the need for more space, to secure a move-in-ready home. 3. Move-in ready homes sell faster, helping real estate agents sell more homes: Real estate agents nationwide report that as-is homes are staying on the market longer. Revive's research shows that renovated homes sell 72% l faster than other homes listed for sale. The quicker a home sale can be closed, the more time agents will have to help other sellers. Move-in ready homes and speed up an agent's pipeline, allowing them to sell more homes. 4. Move-in ready homes sell for more: When a home is renovated to maximize its appeal to the greatest number of sellers — Revive's tactic — these move-in ready homes become an immediate equity builder. Homes renovated by Revive, for example, generate an average $186,000 gain in profits because move-in ready homes sell for more money. In addition, when agents recommend their homeowners use a renovation solution like Revive, they boost their average return on their investment, or ROI, by a stunning 257%. 5. Competitive differentiator for agents: Most real estate agents are unaware of new presale renovation solutions that innovative companies like Revive provide. Also known as Concierge firms, the programs and services provide renovations without advance funds from the seller. At Revive, a team of designers and advisors connect agents and their sellers to a vetted network of contractors to swiftly complete high-quality work without the risks of going it alone. Once the home is renovated, the agent lists the move-in-ready home, which sells for more money than it would have if marketed as-is. Agents who work with a renovation solution, like Revive, differentiate themselves in their local market. Take real estate agent Chalon Williams, a Keller Williams real estate agent in the Seattle area. She and her seller worked with Revive to turn what would have been an as-is listing estimated at $875,000 into a $1,300,000 sale. The Revive-led renovation provided flooring, interior painting, kitchen remodel, lighting enhancement, staging and more. The total renovation cost was $157,756 netting $267,244 in additional profits for William's seller. Revive reports it has already helped its sellers like the one on Bainbridge Island create more than $60 million in greater profits. Dozens of examples are online here. For agents, a presale renovation means higher sales prices, which translates into a triple win: it often creates life-changing wealth for sellers, a higher net commission for agents, and greater profits for their brokerage. To learn more about how presale renovations work, visit revive.realestate. Michael Alladawi, CEO and Founder of Revive, is a Southern California real estate veteran with a proven track record as a builder, investor, and respected home flipper. Michael created Revive to share his spectrum of knowledge and help homeowners maximize their profits when selling their homes.

7 Staging Tips to Help Your Listings Sell Faster
Staging a home for sale may require some extra pre-sale prep, but the time and money reap plenty of rewards. The majority of buyers' agents (82%) said that staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize a property as their future home, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors. Nearly a quarter (23%) of buyers' and sellers' agents said that a staged home received an offer 1% to 5% higher than a similar home that hadn't been staged and 18% of sellers' agents said the value of a staged home was 6% to 10% higher. In addition, 31% of agents said that staging decreased the days a home spent on the market. Among the places to stage, living rooms and kitchens are the most popular, followed by the master bedroom, dining room, and home office. Revive provides professional guidance and services to help you and your clients decide which areas to stage before a sale to help buyers see themselves living in a home. While each home is different, these seven tips offer a starting point for every listing: 1. Update the kitchen. While a complete kitchen upgrade may be too costly, painting the cabinets, changing the faucet, updating the backsplash or changing the hardware can provide an instant lift to any kitchen. Homeowners with a bigger budget can upgrade their appliances or install a new counter. Revive can provide the funds upfront for a renovation and recoup the costs after the sale. 2. Add an office. Whether it's staging a bedroom for an office, redesigning a closet into a workspace or creating a desk space in an underused nook, a place to work or do homework is increasingly valuable to buyers. 3. Touch up the bathroom. Besides a deep clean, bathrooms often need new caulk around the tub or shower or have cracked or old grout to replace between tiles. Painting the walls or updating the mirror are minor fixes that have a maximum impact. 4. Organize the closets. Sellers should always empty their closets to pack items that aren't urgently needed, but before they put everything back, they may want to invest in new shelves, racks and bins. Storage is a top priority for most buyers, so flexible organizers can be a big attraction. 5. Add lighting. Brighter lightbulbs are one of the simplest ways to stage a home. Adding under cabinet lights or pendant lighting can be an inexpensive yet valuable asset to a home. Replacing older light fixtures with more modern ones is another simple fix to appeal to buyers. 6. Do minor repairs. Loose hinges, corroded doorknobs, small holes, sticky windows, dented heat vents and dripping faucets may go unnoticed by homeowners but will send buyers a signal that some maintenance may have been deferred. Painting the front door and replacing its hardware can make an important first impression. A contractor can typically do multiple minor repairs in a few hours. 7. Upgrade the floors. Replacing small floors such as in the kitchen and bathroom can have a big impact on the appearance of those rooms. Depending on the budget, adding hardwood floors or luxury vinyl tiles or planks can elevate larger spaces. Whether your clients' home needs an extensive makeover or a few tweaks to help buyers see the property as their new home, contact Revive to find out how we can streamline pre-sale prep with reliable contractors and efficient service. To view the original article, visit the Revive blog.

Friday Freebie: 67 Tips and Strategies from Real Estate Professionals
A real estate coach or mentor can be a powerful influence on your career. Not everyone, however, can afford the luxury of a coach or has a mentor readily available to them. That's where this week's Friday Freebie comes in. We're highlighting a collection of 67 insights from top real estate agents on everything from showings, closings, client management, time management, life lessons, tech advice, and beyond. Consider this guide a digital real estate coach you can take anywhere! Read on to learn how to claim your free copy. Free download of Agent Insights, courtesy of Zurple Learning from your peers is one of the best ways to avoid professional mistakes—and to discover the tricks and shortcuts for doing your job better. We all want to work smarter, not harder, and taking advice from those who have been there before is one of the smartest strategies you can employ. But short of a real estate conference or multiple conversations over a long period of time, that advice can be hard to come by. Agent Insights puts that advice in one, easy place. It offers 67 tips, strategies, and more from real estate professionals around the country. Here's just a peek at some of the insights this guide contains: Business Lessons from the Golf Course Don't Get Bullied by Pushy Real Estate Clients If We Can't Show It, We Can't Sell It! 3 Underestimated Sources of Advertising Inspiration for Realtors I Won't Discount, But I'll Give You an Extra Perk And more! Each insight offers actionable advice or steps to take that agents can use right away, as well as information on the Realtor giving the advice, and the option to learn more. Get advice you can use today! Download Agent Insights: 67 Tips and Strategies from Real Estate Professionals now.

10 Real Estate Networking Tips to Live By
The life of a Realtor is a never-ending networking event. Each person you meet is a potential lead, or may even have a referral (including other agents and real estate industry professionals). It's important to stay connected and network with your local community members if your business is to survive. The internet may have leveled the lead generation game to an extent, but other networking and lead generation tactics have stood the test of time. We've put together this list networking tips that all agents should live by no matter the latest social media trend or hottest CRM platform. Here are 10 real estate networking tips all agents should live by: 1. Attend Real Estate Events This is probably the oldest rule in the book. The only way grow your real estate business is by finding out what other others are doing. Just because other agents don't seem likely to turn into a lead doesn't mean they can't provide advice or a referral one day. 2. Establish Connections with Complementary Businesses During a the buying/selling process, you are constantly in contact with other businesses, such as contractors, loan originators, landscapers, and other professionals. Having personal connections with may one day lead to a discount or referral. 3. Challenge Yourself If you have been attending the same conference for the past 20 years, maybe it's time to branch out. Meeting new people is the only way you'll grow your real estate business. 4. Attend Local (Non-Real Estate) Events Real estate agents should be fully immersed in their local communities. Buyers and sellers want agents that know all the right people. Endorsing a local sports team or non-profit group is an easy way to prove your local reputation. 5. Act as Though Your Business Is Paperless In this technology age, it's reasonable to assume most leads will lose or throw away your print marketing materials, such as business cards. When you receive a business card, follow up with that person via email and save their contact information digitally. Also be sure leads can find you with just a Google search. 6. Be a Loyal Customer of Others Purchasing from their business will make people more inclined to purchase from yours. If your lead is a hair stylist, attorney, plumber, or financial advisor, consider using their services first to initiate a relationship. 7. Have a Strong Team One of the easiest ways to expand your personal real estate brand is through other members of your brokerage. If you're carrying the weight of your brokerage's new lead generation, consider finding new team members. 8. Connect with Leads on Topics Other than Real Estate It's okay to talk with clients about non-work related topics. In fact, agents should try to connect with leads on a personal level more often. Leads will be more likely to remember you if you expressed a common interest of theirs. 9. Everyone Is Your Friend Everyone loves gifts! Try sending a pop-by gift related to your ability to ability to sell homes. Include a funny pun related to being quick, helpful, or influential amongst your community. 10. Take Real Estate Internet Leads Seriously Much of networking takes place online, so be sure to treat internet leads with care. If you don't spend time with leads online, why should they have faith you'll spend time with them in person? To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.

How to Take Advantage of This Real Estate Market
Agents, how are you viewing this market shift? Rather than seeing it as a slow-down period, you should be thinking about it as your chance to gain the upper hand and boost your business for years to come. Now that you can come up for air, it's time to focus on your business, budgeting, and best practices. With the new year right around the corner, now is the perfect time to be planning out your action plans for 2023 and beyond. Here's how you can take advantage of the market conditions to get ahead in your business. 1. Talk to Your Team With the market slowing down, this gives you a fantastic opportunity to resync with your team. As a first step to making the market work for you, you want to check in with all of the people who power the business and get their feedback on: What's working What's not working What they need help with What ideas they've come up with for improvements What their goals are for the next year This can help you get a real-time status update on your team's collaboration, productivity, and process. Opening the line of communication can also boost team morale and empower every individual to step up and share their unique insights. Pro Tip: To make this process as efficient as possible, we recommend that you give your team time to think about what they'd like to say. Set a formal meeting time and explain to them what you'd like to speak about so they can gather their thoughts in advance, rather than bringing it up unannounced — which may catch your introverted team members off-guard, preventing them from sharing their point of view. 2. Think About Connecting Your Front and Back Office Is your front and back office humming together in perfect harmony? If not, you should be thinking about how you can create seamless collaboration between your client-facing and team-facing tasks. The deeper integration between these two types of software gives your business the bandwidth it needs to create pristine client experiences and more efficient team workflows. Think seamless syncing of systems, instant data access, and a user-friendly transaction management portal that keeps everyone in the loop — helping you work better together. 3. Revisit Your Budget As we're arriving at the end of the year, it's the perfect time to revisit your budget. Take a long, hard look at your finances for the 2022 year. Pay attention to where you were overspending, where you underspent, and where you can cut back on waste. An important thing to think about when looking at your budget is that you want to be investing in tools that will generate solid returns for your business. You don't necessarily want to cut back on the tools and infrastructure that keep your business running strong. Otherwise, you could be cutting back your spending — at the expense of reducing your profitability. A strategic budget puts your dollars to the best use in order to generate more financial gains in the future. 4. Refine Your Tech Toolkit How did your tech toolkit perform for you this year? With the market slowing, it's a fantastic time for you to audit your technology. We're moving into a digital-first world, and the best agents are relying on their technology to empower their business models in the new year. Even if you don't make any changes to your tech, you might want to reach out to support teams to find out if there are any updates that you weren't aware of. You may also want to inquire about any additional training you can get to help lock in your team's expertise with their toolkit. 5. Clean Up Your Database Finally, you should take the time to clean up your database — getting it ready to do its best work in the new year. 5 To-Do's to Improve Your Database Make sure all information is current and accurate Fix any typos or mistakes in your contacts Incorporate any new information you may have gathered into your contacts Segment your contacts into categories Tag your contacts based on where they are in the transaction timeline To view the original article, visit the BoomTown blog.

How to Reduce Stress from Tech: 4 Time-Tested Tactics
Brokers and their agents are stressed out: long hours, a seismic shift in the market, a record jump in mortgage interest rates, not to mention a pandemic that turned so many lives upside down. And because of the pandemic, the entire real estate industry jumped on the tech bandwagon, catapulting the adoption of new technology by industry pros — we Zoom, Dropbox, eSign, Facebook, and Google more than ever. Screen time is soaring with the onslaught of new technology dominating a broker's workday. What can you do to reduce stress, especially from tech? Here are four time-tested tactics experts suggest can help brokers – or agents – reduce technology-induced or aided stress. Digital Detox: You need to take a complete break from technology, starting with your smartphone. Build this into at least a weekend vacation. A few days of near-zero screen time can do wonders to help you learn to relax. That means no social media scrolling or checking texts or emails. No video games playing or even watching the news. It's time to break away. Get help from a coworker or your significant other who can monitor urgent messages that may need your response because we all know real estate happens. Pro tip: Go to your happy place – your favorite vacation spot or getaway to chill out (unless, of course, your happy place is an internet café, but that's doubtful.) Divorcing yourself from all things tech will reduce stress, increase social interaction and give you more time control. In addition, you are likely to discover how much negativity digital devices may be contributing to your daily life. Change your tech tendencies: Most people are creatures of habit. The same is true when it comes to the technology we use. Is your phone by your bedside at night? Do you ever check your email in the middle of the night or pick up your phone immediately after waking up? Do you use your phone in the bathroom? How much total time do you spend looking at a screen each day? Your smartphone tracks that and can tell you. How do you feel after spending time on Instagram or Facebook? Happy or sad; frustrated or angry? Taking a full assessment of your tech habits and how you react when you use technology for different things can help you change your tendencies. Be proactive: create one if you don't already have family rules in place, such as no phones out at the dinner table. Understanding how you cumulatively spend your time and energy now with tech will help you correct or reduce bad habits and discover better, more positive ways to use your time. Increase face-to-face interaction: Are you Zoomed out? A lot of brokers find being in Zoom meetings all day can be exhausting. It's a great tool, but like everything, it requires use in moderation. Have you noticed increased pleasure when spending time face-to-face with other people? Humans hunger for interpersonal interaction, which seems particularly true for real estate professionals. There is no substitute for face-to-face communication as a stress reliever. Spend more time meeting with your agents and other professionals in person. You will likely find it less stressful but a lot more enjoyable, productive and fun! Set a curfew for your tech: Did you know that blue light emanating from your phone that you are looking at in bed can wreck a good night's sleep? According to health professionals, your mobile phone screen reduces the production of melatonin, a hormone controlling your sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm. As a result, using a mobile phone at night can make it difficult to fall asleep and wake up the following day. In addition, researchers note that the circadian rhythm appears extra sensitive to blue light, making your brain think it's daytime. The best advice: unplug at night. Turn your electronic devices off an hour before you go to sleep. Let's also acknowledge that while technology may contribute to your stress load, it can also relieve stress. You can enjoy silly videos or funny memes and listen to your favorite music on your phone. Meditation apps like Calm or Headspace can help you relax – and fast. Your Fitbit or Apple watch can help monitor your physical activity, which also reduces stress. You can even schedule a video session with a therapist to discover more ways and methods you can use to reduce stress. Even broker tech tools such as transaction management software like Form Simplicity can help reduce work-related stress. They help keep you compliant, streamlines your workflow, and help you stay connected to your agents. You can learn more about how Form Simplicity can help brokers at formsimplicity.com/brokers. Tricia Stamper is Director of Technology at Florida Realtors®, which owns and operates Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity.

What Are Today's Millennial Homebuyers Looking for?
What percentage of home buyers are millennials? Millennials constitute 43% to 47% of home buyers, currently the highest percentage of all age groups. Millennials are considered anyone born from 1981 to 1996; the majority of the oldest millennials are currently between the ages of 34 to 41. According to the Arizona Pathways to Life Success study, 29 is the median age for millennials. And 80% of millennials are first-time homebuyers. I'm a real estate agent. What should I know about working with millennial homebuyers? Housing prices have risen substantially over the past decade, and wages have not jumped at an incidental rate. As a result, millennial consumers have waited longer to purchase a home. After graduating college, many millennials moved back home with their parents to pay off some (or all) of their student loan debt. To compound this challenge, millennials have struggled to find high paying jobs. Today's millennials will typically look for homes that will cost between $100K- $200K. Among millennial buyers, 27% pay around $200,000 and 29% pay around $399,999, while 10% spend between $300,000 and $399,999 on first-time home purchases. What kind of houses do millennials want? Millennials are especially attracted to spacious, inexpensive houses in the suburbs. While they want the possibility of public transportation, they'll value locations that benefit their young families, such as parks and well-rated public schools. Millenials who grew up with smart technologies in their parents' homes are likely to want their own homes equipped with gadgets like smart locks, security systems, and Nest thermostats that can be linked and monitored through a website or app. Read this article for more insight into the millennial demographic and how to connect with them on a personal level. How can millennials benefit your business in the short-term and the long run? Millennials who are first-time buyers are a lucrative group for real estate agents to pursue because they can lead to many years of repeat business and valuable real estate referrals. To view the original article, visit the IXACT Contact blog.

4 Basic Tips for Upping Your Real Estate Game
Excelling as a real estate agent is a lot of work. Absolutely no one is denying that. You essentially become a one-man (or woman) business even when you are associated with a brokerage. You are often responsible for your own prospecting, marketing, network building and, of course, the entire process of helping your clients buy or sell a house. So how do you accomplish all the tasks you are responsible for, and still find the time to get new clients and be the absolute best agent for them? Have a Strong Online Presence Having a strong online presence is the gold standard for real estate agents in this day and age. The first thing any potential client will do when considering hiring you is find your social media accounts. (If, of course, that is not how they came across you in the first place.) Based on the impression they get from your profiles, they will make a decision to contact you or not. So, it is your job to make sure that first digital impression is one they will not soon forget. To accomplish that, follow these tips: Diversify your content. Your content could include blog posts, shared articles, quotes you find motivating, houses you are representing, promotional material, client reviews, etc. Make at least a couple of posts every week to ensure your profile is updated Have your contact information easily accessible. Every post should look professional and carefully thought out. Use a few hashtags and emojis to catch people's attention. Keeping up a strong online presence is a free way to continuously be focusing on self-promotion and client procurement. So, it is well worth your while to find the time necessary to get your profiles in tip-top shape. Put Your Relationships First To be the best agent you can be, you need to maintain and build relationships with your previous clients, and all the business professionals you connect with. Reach out with a meaningful card during the holidays or birthdays just to remind everyone that you are still working in the industry. Staying in touch opens the door to forming partnerships that can greatly benefit your business. Other industry professionals, like bankers or contractors, can recommend you to their clients who they know are planning on moving. Your previous clients can also recommend your services, and are much more likely to if they feel they still have a connection to you. Essentially, your network is the lifeline of your business. Without a focus and commitment to it, you will never be able to keep your pipeline full. Take Care of Yourself At the end of the day, you need to be making your mental and physical health a priority. Without getting enough sleep, breaks from work, or balanced meals, you will not be at your best. Take the necessary steps to make sure you are maintaining your health, and the positive effects will quickly become evident in your work. Here are some strategies you can implement today: Turn off your phone at a certain time every night. Practice mindfulness Go on a short walk when you need a 10-minute break. You will feel more energized, focused, and resilient if you are taking care of yourself everyday. Learn to Delegate You can not do everything on your own—especially if you want take care of yourself and dedicate time to actually growing your business instead of just maintaining it. It's a hard fact to come to for many real estate agents, but all the best agents know it is true. So don't wait until you feel so burnt out and overworked you begin to hate your job to finally invest in some help. Be proactive and do it now, so you can start focusing on tasks that will help propel your business' growth instead of just keeping it afloat. For example, hiring a transaction coordinator can give you back up to 16 hours of your time per transaction. Imagine all the progressive work you could accomplish with that time! Hiring help is not as expensive as you may think, and it is a cost you could potentially pass along to your clients. To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

5 Great Daily Habits for Real Estate Agents
Setting daily habits can help you be more organized, have more free time, and see better business results. Here are five we recommend implementing today: Respond Quickly to Online Leads More and more, online response time is a key determinant of successful lead contact, conversion, bookings, and closings. Whether you are using an AI chatbot or manually responding to online leads, having a response system in place — and tracking your metrics with an end goal of staying under 10 minutes or less — will help you capture inbound leads before they move on to someone or somewhere else. Network in Person and Online Real estate is a people business; make a daily habit of engaging with your client base where they work, live, and play. A big part of networking successfully is staying informed with what is happening in your local community and making time to get out and participate. This includes engaging with others on social media before and after an event. Be sure to tag businesses and share content to your channels, when appropriate. Plan Your Day Ahead of Time It may sound like common sense, but planning your day the day before is an excellent way to manage your time and set yourself up for success (starting with that first sip of coffee!). Schedule chunks of time for networking, responding to leads (have a system – see above), and engaging with folks online via social media. Put Your Clients Needs First Modern-day real estate agents offer a value-added service to their clients. To make that experience one that drives referrals and five-star reviews, you need to put their needs first. Every day, find opportunities to provide information and resources both relevant and useful to the home buying and selling process. How can you alleviate stress and facilitate a more streamlined process for gathering information, organizing showings, and more? Invest in and Use Your CRM Using your CRM system every day can help automate and streamline all of these habits, keep you organized with your time, and measure the effectiveness of in-person and digital marketing activities. To view the original article, visit the IXACT Contact blog.

20 Daily Activities for Profitable Real Estate Agents
Need a little structure for your daily routine? As a real estate agent, you're spinning a lot of plates at once and it's easy to feel scattered and burnt out. Becky Garcia, Broker/Owner of The Garcia Group in Arizona, gives her agents this streamlined list of 20 daily activities to stay on task and keep generating business: Hand write letters with your business cards to past clients. Shadow a teammate who has an appointment that day. If nothing is scheduled yet for the weekend, plan an open house to sit. Spend one hour a day strategically on Facebook or Instagram. This means categorizing your clients or people you feel have the highest potential to refer you someone. Once categorized, you can filter your newsfeed so only they show up. Then you send them direct messages to see how they're doing! It's best if you did video, but any message will do. Comment on any photos they post. This will keep you top of mind. Visit one new home sales office that you haven't been to. Talk to the sales rep. Ask how traffic is. What are they seeing? Get the details about the inventory. Shoot video. Video can then be uploaded to social media. You can do a video walkthrough and you then text that video to buyer clients in your system. You can also advertise those homes on social media, like "New homes starting at X price." So, some content for your story, some for your feed, and some for posting to buyer leads. Do you have a bio written out yet? If not, write one up so you can use that on your website and your profiles. Work on creating a "Linktree" link for your Instagram profile. Circle dialing around new listings, just sold, just listed, and open houses—or FSBO and expireds. Preview some new, vacant listings that you can start marketing. (This is also how you learn inventory.) Which of your past clients can you offer a home evaluation to? How can you market any current listings that you have? Study the MLS and check local market sources. Get it on your schedule. What brokerage training can you attend? Research and attend broker tours. This is how you network with other agents and view inventory. Listen to one real estate podcast a week. Set your work goals every week on Sunday. Review that on Friday. Did you keep your commitments? Schedule a time to meet with your marketing department to have a strategy session on what services they can help you with. What can they be creating or sending on your behalf? If you're not working with a brokerage that offers these services, evaluate what should you be creating or sending? What can you outsource? Are there any escrow milestone gifts coming up that you need to arrange? Example: Move-in meal or final walkthrough gift. Do you need to schedule a Zoom with a lender to find out the latest loan programs, interest rates, etc.? Last, but not least, schedule some sort of self-care appointment or activity. To view the original article, visit the BoomTown blog.

[Podcast] Advice for New Agents, Resources, and the LGBTQ+ Community with Anthony Vulin
In this episode of It's Closing Time, RentSpree CEO Michael Lucarelli sits down with Anthony Vulin. Anthony is a very successful broker/agent in Los Angeles, the President of the Greater LA Association of REALTORS, and the National VP of the LGBTQ+ community called The Alliance. Anthony delivers must-have tips for brand new agents entering their careers in real estate, the relationship between real estate and the LGBTQ+ community, and the resources available for agents in that community to be able to thrive in their careers and lives.  

How to Convince FSBOs to Use an Agent
The FSBO. Yeah, you know this acronym inside and out--the challenge is how do you explain to the "for sale by owner" consumer that using a Realtor is more than paying a commission to sell their house? Plenty of homeowners try to sell their own residences by sticking a homemade sign on their front lawn and listing some inaccurate data and self-edited photos online. But when it comes to selling their home privately, the risks outweigh the rewards. Is the consumer really informed about what services and safeguards are offered by you when listing and selling a home? Perhaps it's time to focus on more than being just a typical agent—it is time to get real and highlight the benefits that come with your professional real estate services. The high cost of saving on real estate commissions One of the initial things that comes up when you mention a Realtor is commissions. While selling your home privately may seem like a good idea, it can cost the seller more than the real estate fees associated with an agent's services. First off, the market is not always hot, but whether it's booming or busting, your experience and access to statistical information keeps you in the know about the current market value of a property. Overpricing or underpricing a home can cost the FSBO seller time and/or money. As an agent, you know how to get a property sold by making good use of proptech like 3D tours, floor plans, and comparative market analysis data. According to a recent NAR report, a FSBO sale is very likely to end up netting the seller a lower price than if they worked with an agent. You know how to get top dollar for a home because of your access to information, excellent real estate marketing plan and negotiation skills. Not only do you save the seller the hassle of a FSBO transaction by setting up virtual tours and virtual open houses, but using proptech tools, like those from iGuide, gets the seller the best market price in the least amount of time. When you work as a real estate agent, it is your full-time occupation. Life experiences in the profession have given you a sixth sense about potential home buyers. A FSBO consumer is keen to open their doors to anyone who comes knocking—after all, that is how you sell a house right? An open-door policy is great when you are working in a secluded space amongst trusted associates, but allowing everyone and anyone to enter when selling your home privately may lead to some trouble. Realtors have safeguards in place to protect the consumer from theft, inaccurate information, and misrepresentation. Crimes during open houses are easily avoided with the implementation of virtual tours and virtual open houses. Targeting qualified buyers using proptech tools allows you to bring serious contenders to a physical showing. And when it comes to providing the most accurate information about the dimensions of a home, interactive floor plans and advanced measurements have got you covered. No need to entertain the snoopy neighbour or the would-be thief sniffing around. Protection for the transaction Mistakes happen. But when they do, someone is going to pay the price. A smooth transaction begins with presenting all the facts and figures as accurately as possible. Precision measurements on floor plans, combined with 3D tours, allow you to present a clear understanding of the space to potential buyers. On the flip side, a FSBO listing does not offer any proof of actual size, opening the seller up to misrepresentation. Real estate agents know the value of using disclosure statements to provide information about patent defects or latent defects that could affect the sale of a property. When selling a home privately, these defects could end up causing a lawsuit against the homeowner in a FSBO situation. Failing to disclose a known problem such as mold or previous basement flooding is grounds for seeking damages through the courts. Realtors know how to ask the right questions, follow through with solid marketing plans, and can get the property sold quickly all while protecting the interests of the seller. Should an unexpected mistake occur, your Errors and Omissions insurance is in place to shield you, the seller, and the buyer from costly damages. Ease of process and access According to NAR's 2021 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report, 89% of all home sellers and 87% of all home buyers use a real estate agent for their real estate transactions. One of the top reasons for a seller to use your services is to help sell their home at a competitive price and in the least amount of time. How does a Realtor satisfy the needs of the seller? Make the process easy with minimal disruption to the seller's life. Real estate marketing includes using proptech tools that provide access to the home 24/7 via online 3D tours and laser-accurate floor plans. Intuitive navigation makes it easy for a buyer to uncover the inner beauty of a home without interfering in the seller's daily activities. Selling a home privately only results in a sale about 10% of the time because a FSBO consumer is limited by the lack of skill, proptech, and experience with the whole process. Time is of the essence when you work in real estate. Achieving a sale quickly is dependent on your use of tools to provide a smooth and successful transaction for the consumer. Your expertise, skills, and service are no match for the novice FSBO. The answer to the question of whether or not someone should sell their home privately is to forgo selling by owner for the reasons above. To view the original article, visit the iGuide blog. Futher Reading True Confessions of a FSBO 184 Things You Do for Real Estate Clients (and they don't even know it) Combating FSBO: 3 Reasons Why Agents Rule

What Makes a Successful Real Estate Agent?
The allure of flexible working hours and the potential to make a great income are some of real estate's biggest draws. But like any sales position, becoming a successful real estate agent takes persistence, drive, and a strategy to grow your business. If you're passionate about the role, the first two are almost inherent. But not everyone in real estate has taken the time to create a sound strategy for growth. This is essential, whether you're new to the industry or looking to advance your career, because success is harder to achieve without clear direction. If you're looking for guidance on where to begin, we have you covered. First, you'll need to lay out a plan of action that addresses the most important aspects of a successful real estate business: Be an expert in all things real estate Build relationships and a network Strengthen your online presence Invest in marketing, and be consistent Work the long game There's no one-size-fits-all path toward achieving each step, but there are rules of thumb to follow. Let's break down each of these five areas so you can create a thorough strategy that will lead you to success in your field. 1. Be an expert in all things real estate Expertise is the reason buyers and sellers hire an agent. This includes having extensive knowledge of your farm area and the real estate transaction process so you can answer your client's questions, guide them through the experience and ensure they attain a successful outcome. To hone your real estate and market expertise, you need to learn about: The neighborhood. Know everything about your farm area from schools and local businesses to street names and public transportation options. Who lives there and what they experience. Be up-to-date on local demographics, politics, environmental issues and other information that impacts the area. Recent transactions and valuations. Learn the features and valuations of the homes in your farm, what the average days on market is, and which properties required price cuts and why. Overall market and industry trends. Where do supply, demand and pricing currently stand? Check out these real estate media to stay current on industry news and statistics. 2. Build relationships and a network Warning: if you don't love interacting with people, this job may not be for you. At its core, being a real estate agent is all about building relationships. You want to get to know people who live in your farm area so you can be top of mind when they are ready to sell; maintain open communication with leads and prospects to build trust; and develop strong relationships with fellow agents so you can refer each other when one of you gets a lead outside of your farm area or specialty. Professional relationships also serve a more strategic purpose. Think about it as building a network of trusted colleagues that you can call on when needed (and vice versa). Imagine this: You have a client who puts an offer on a house that has multiple competing bids. But, you happen to have a great relationship with the listing agent. They'd be more willing to negotiate a deal with you than agents they don't know. A win for your client will net you a five-star review and referrals down the road. 3. Invest in marketing, and be consistent Most real estate agents can't rely on their brokerage to fund their marketing activities, making it an out-of-pocket expense. As such, many agents are reluctant to spend their hard-earned money on marketing. The problem is that you can't look at it as an expense. Marketing is an investment. It's the way you will build brand awareness and acquire new leads to keep your funnel full and your business growing. Most marketing tactics won't generate an immediate, quantifiable ROI. That is understood among all marketing professionals. But the results build over time and eventually snowball if you remain consistent in your efforts. When you run ads, keep them up week after week. If someone sees your ad just once, you're making it really easy for them to forget you. But the more impressions you get per person (i.e., the number of times the same person sees your ads), the more likely they are to think of you when they're ready to buy or sell. 4. Strengthen your online presence We live in a virtually connected society, so it should come as no surprise that 95% of people use the internet during their home-buying journey. Whether they are searching for the right neighborhood or an agent to work with, most are using Google over other search engines. Those two stats alone indicate where you should focus a majority of your efforts—and marketing budget—if you want to be a successful real estate agent (online and on Google). When thinking of where to advertise online, Facebook is king. Nearly three quarters of its 223 million U.S. users are on the site daily, while 98% of its users go on monthly. Those are incredible engagement numbers! Although people don't turn to Facebook for real estate searches specifically, homebuyers are certainly on the site. It's the perfect channel to build brand awareness and promote listings with ads. Plus, nearly a quarter of users click on Facebook ads, meaning your ROI is more than just views—you're acquiring new leads. Specific to Google, you'll want to build a real estate website that is optimized for search so that it appears on the first page of results when someone searches for an agent in your farm area. Perhaps even more important is claiming and managing your Google business profile. This is akin to a digital business card and shows up to the right of search results when someone Googles your name or a related search term. It contains your agent bio, headshot, contact information, latest real estate successes and reviews with star ratings. 5. Work the long game In #3, we mentioned how important consistency is. Likewise, taking a long-term approach to all aspects of your strategy is what will help you become a successful real estate agent. You can automate many of the inner workings of your strategy (and even outsource aspects like ad creation or Google business profile management), but as a whole, you cannot "set it and forget it." Keep a long-term outlook when it comes to your client relationships. These are people who can refer you or become repeat business when they are ready to move again, so it's important to stay connected and maintain a good rapport. Put together a marketing plan that helps you stay in touch, whether that's an annual anniversary email, a birthday text, a rewards program for referrals or something similar. Build time into your weekly schedule to brush up on your market knowledge; touch base with prospects, colleagues and past clients; expand your online presence; and manage live digital ads or launch new ones. You will see results when you work the long game, and that is how you will ultimately become a successful real estate agent. To view the original article, visit the Homesnap blog.

5 Habits That Will Lose Real Estate Agents Money
Real estate is a marathon, not a sprint. Instead of losing all your steam from grinding in the beginning of the busy season, ensure you are producing results year-round. To do this, we have identified five habits that real estate agents should get rid of. 1. Only Focusing on New Leads All your old acquaintances shouldn't be forgotten. Some real estate agents are so motivated to generate new leads that they forget the gold mine that is sitting in their CRM: past clients. You need to find excuses to stay in touch with your book of business, because those relationships you build today can convert into your transactions tomorrow. 2. "Do It Yourself" Solutions A real estate agent building their own website is equivalent to a homeowner trying to sell their own home. It makes sense if the homeowner is also an agent, or if you have studied web development—but, in most cases, it's better to get your real estate website from a company that specializes in the industry. Wordpress, Squarespace, Wix, and other similar hosting sites are pretty and easy to customize, BUT they are not optimized for real estate. IDX solutions won't be built-in. And you'll have to stay on top of any lead inquiries you get, because they don't automatically email new leads like websites that are coupled with CRMs. 3. Dismissing Leads Not Ready to Transact in 28 Days There is a common myth among real estate agents that leads not ready to buy or sell their home in 28 days are not worth the time. This is absolutely not true, and is a surefire way to have those leads work with a different agent when they finally raise their hand. Successful agents understand the homebuyer journey can sometimes take up to a year of just researching before they are ready to look at homes. These agents will nurture those leads until that point. If you are dismissing an internet lead because they aren't ready, other agents that have effective nurturing campaigns are the ones cashing the check. 4. Not Logging into Your CRM Regularly Many real estate CRMs give you consumer insight and give you the tools to convert those real estate leads into clients. Zurple, for example, tracks behavior through lead intelligence and lets you know which leads you should take action on—and which leads you can continue to monitor. One of the reasons a real estate agent fails is because they don't properly follow up with their real estate leads. Part of that reason is not logging into their CRM on at least a weekly basis. 5. Not Having Habits in General Consistency is the key to success. To develop consistency, you need to have good habits. The best practices as a real estate agent must be practiced on a regular schedule. You can't join the gym, run 40 miles in the first week, and then never go again. It'll make a bigger impact if you run one mile a day for 365 days. To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.

Will Your Real Estate License Transfer to Other States?
Are you thinking about moving to another state but don't know what that means for your current real estate license? Are you wondering if it can transfer to your new state? Read on for more information. Real estate is often a state-specific industry. Thus the laws governing real estate differ by state, and each state has different licensing requirements. However, this does not mean that a real estate agent moving to another state will have to start their real estate education and licensing process from scratch. With real estate reciprocity, agents can transfer their real estate licenses to other states without any hassle. This is, even more, the case for states like Colorado where the process is very straightforward for real estate agents. But we can't say the same for Texas because they do not have license reciprocity. Real estate agents wanting to transfer their real estate license to Texas are required to complete a pre-licensing course and pass the TREC exam. What Is Real Estate License Reciprocity? There are reciprocity agreements in place in several states that allow real estate licensees from other jurisdictions to be licensed. This is very crucial for real estate professionals who live or work across state borders. Real estate license reciprocity is a multi-state agreement that allows licensed real estate agents to become licensed in another state without taking additional real estate pre-licensing courses or passing a licensing test. Note that reciprocity agreements don't inherently mean real estate agents and brokers can work in other states without a license. For example, in some states, real estate agents may take a brief online training course for a few hours to earn their licenses, depending on the licensing board's requirements. How Many Types of Real Estate Reciprocity Agreements Are There? Each state has its own set of rules and regulations for reciprocity, meaning it is state-specific. However, real estate reciprocity agreements generally fall into three distinct categories, as seen below. 1. Full reciprocity: This involves states that allow all real estate agents to use licenses from any state. States with full license reciprocity include: Alabama Maine Colorado Mississippi Virginia 2. Partial reciprocity: Real estate agents from certain states can take a pre-licensing course, and take a license test with partial reciprocity, to use their real estate licenses in the new state. This is available for reciprocal states only. The states that offer partial reciprocity to real estate agents are: Arkansas Connecticut Florida Indiana Iowa Louisiana Maryland Idaho Illinois Nebraska North Carolina New York North Dakota Ohio Nevada Minnesota Massachusetts New Hampshire Oklahoma Pennsylvania South Carolina Rhode Island Tennessee Utah West Virginia Wisconsin 3. No reciprocity: This involves states that deny reciprocity to all out-of-state licensees. The states with no reciprocity are: Alaska Arizona California Hawaii Delaware Kansas Michigan Kentucky Missouri New Jersey Montana New Mexico Texas South Dakota Vermont Wyoming Washington Bottom Line To know more about your state's real estate reciprocity agreements, we recommend contacting the state directly to ensure you have the most up-to-date information and education requirements. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.

10 Ways to Stand Out in a High-Competition Market
In today's world, it is not easy to market yourself as an expert in anything. This is especially true in markets like technology, fashion and, of course, real estate. Not only is competition tough, but customers' attention spans keep getting shorter, making it even harder to showcase your expertise. If you monitor the real estate industry carefully, you will see that some agents keep on growing consistently while others are barely getting new clients. What differentiates them is how they market to their ideal audience. Today, I'll share with you some of the strategies that an make you stand out as an expert real estate agent even when it seems like there's no room for anyone anymore. These tips are simple to follow, but will change your business forever, especially if you're just getting started. A little disclaimer, you don't need to implement all of them right now. Focus on just two or three and you'll notice significant growth in your client acquisition stats. Find a Niche to Specialize in A niche is a specific segment of a market for products or services. When we niche down, we are basically lowering our competition and focusing on putting our resources (time, money, and mind space) into only one portion of the overall industry. Yes, it would also mean that you're kissing a lot of potential customers goodbye… or at least, that's how many newbies would see it. In reality, niching down is the best way to stand out in a crowded market because you can position yourself as the expert in an area. Imagine you have a plumbing issue. Would you rather work with a do-it-all service company or a company with more than 40 years of plumbing experience? Picking a niche is a rule of thumb for any successful agent. However, if you are based in a small town, there is no point in niching down as your competition is already too small, and there might not be enough opportunities in one specific niche. On the other hand, if you are a real estate agent in a big city, niching down can help you develop your expertise and get more clients. In big cities, people are looking for something specific, and they want to go to an expert. It is better to have a small piece of the pie than to get nothing at all. You can create your specialty based on a specific location, or you can choose your specialization based on property types, like luxury homes or condos. Create a Website to Showcase Your Listings and Build Authority First, if you're an agent just starting out, it is better to get a domain that you can use for personal branding rather than a domain to promote your agency. Personal branding is very powerful, and it is an excellent way of marketing to potential clients. When developing your website, hire a developer to ensure the website is well designed and has the necessary features that visitors would like to use. It is vital to have a website optimized for all desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Note: If you're low in capital, another option is using website builders like Squarespace or Weebly. Although WordPress is a great choice, it has a steep learning curve you'll need to consider if you decide on that route. It is a good idea to start a blog and establish authority by speaking on the subject and answering relevant queries that your clients want to find an answer to. Make sure you optimize your site for search engines like Google (SEO), so your target audience can find your site. Content and sound design is the best combination to build authority in your niche. Provide Free Upfront Value to Your Audience Freebies are a great way to build trust with your audience. Create free products or resources to show your audience you know what you are talking about and help them find the right solutions. A clear example is adding a search feature to your site that helps users better navigate your listings. Maybe a PDF that teaches them how to choose the right property for their needs. Some other freebies that you can gift your prospects are: eBooks Case studies that show your process Infographics Decision flowcharts Also, downloadable resources are useful for generating leads by requesting email addresses or phone numbers for access. Maintain an Active Email List Email is the best way to stay in touch with your potential clients and also update them about any exciting updates in the real estate market. The best marketers acknowledge the power of email marketing and leverage its power to make more sales. Send weekly email blasts to your email subscribers. There are many free email autoresponders you can use or purchase for a small monthly fee. Make sure that the content of your email is rich with quality. Give special attention to the subject line of your email. Eye-catching subject lines will increase your email open rate. Pro tip: 80% of your emails should be helpful and educational (content sharing, free resources, guides, updates) and 20% promotional (new properties available, drop in costs). Use the Power of Social Media You are losing a ton of clients if you are not on social media. People often look for real estate agents on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Similar to email marketing, you need to share valuable information with your audience. In social media, you do it in the form of posts. Make sure you format every post well and use relevant hashtags to get more reach. It is important to reply actively to queries and to reply to the first few comments instantly so a post reaches more people. Pro tip: if you're already creating content for your website, you can repurpose those pieces of information for your emails and social media content. Get Listed on GMB (Google My Business) Traffic from Google is free, and a great way to get it is by listing your business on GMB. You would need to provide locations to your business and your contact info so people can easily find you on Google. People searching for real estate agents nearby would be able to see you if you secured the top spot on GMB. The process looks something like this: Verify your address Upload pictures of satisfied clients, homes, and neighborhoods Add your contact information like phone number, website, and social media Get 5-star reviews from clients to help your GMB profile rank higher Provide the Best Experience to Your Clients All the promotions in the world will get you nowhere if you don't provide excellent service to your clients to back it up. The real estate business is all about forming connections with people, understanding what they need, and delivering what they are looking for. You can give them a sneak peek of how it is to work with you. A glance at your work process would help potential clients with technicalities and ease their minds—remember that investing in property can be a stressful endeavor for many. Word of mouth is still a compelling way to get new clients by referrals. Because of social media, it's become more accessible for people to talk about a service that they love and get tons of value from. Getting that free publicity is not something that you should miss out on. Underpromise and Overdeliver Everyone hates it when they don't get what they expect. Don't be the reason why your client feels that. When you are setting expectations for your client, make sure that you can keep your promises. Don't get overwhelmed and promise them something that you can't deliver. It is always better to underpromise. Consider the risk factors before committing something to your clients. Always tell them what they need to hear rather than what they want to hear. When it comes to executing, make sure you do more than you are asked for. Overdelivering won't go unnoticed, and this is what separates the best from average. Sponsor the Right Events One of the best ways to get in front of your ideal customers is by sponsoring community events. Lots of events are always happening in big cities so you should have plenty to choose from. Sponsor the events that you truly believe in. Sponsoring the right events sets the stage for you to get familiar with ideal clients. Talk to people at the event and build a strong network. Tell them what you do and answer industry-related questions that they might have. Invest Money in Personal Branding Branding is vital to generating loyalty and having a strong recall value. If you are not marketing yourself, nobody will. Here are some of the best investments you can make: Use high-end business cards. Real estate is all about connections and those can happen anywhere and at any time. Hire a graphic designer to design a logo that makes an impression on your potential clients. Improve your social media presence with professional photos of your listings, clients, and yourself. If you can't write great content, find someone that can. Your brand is essential for closing big deals, so treat it as an investment rather than an expense. Wrapping Up: Go the Extra Mile To succeed as a real estate agent, you need to be willing to do things that most agents neglect: If it is raining, offer your prospects a free branded umbrella. Conduct surveys to gain insights into what your clients are looking for. Give your clients the attention that they need and be helpful (not pushy) during negotiations. Answer client calls and reply to their emails as much as you can. Communication is a great way to make a lasting impression. I hope these tips help you carve a space to stand out as a real estate agent in your area and to grow your business, just like they did for me. To view the original article, visit the Wise Agent blog.

How to Fire a Real Estate Client Gracefully
Doug Rogers brings us a great post about how to fire a real estate client gracefully. No agent likes to let go of business, but sometimes circumstances just don't play out right and you have to cut someone loose. So how do you initiate an amicable split? Here's Doug: The excitement of working with a new client begins to fade as the showings mount up. Perhaps they write low-ball offers or refuse to keep the listing show-ready. Whatever the case may be, at some you have to pull the plug. Questions to Ask Yourself Before Firing a Client 1. Will this relationship end in a check? Much like the world's oldest profession, real estate is all about the bucks. Ever worked with a client you KNEW would never buy or sell? Yep, me too. 2. Are the clients being realistic based on the market? Would your buyer's offer have been laughed at even during the Great Recession? Good luck getting that junk offer laced with concessions to be taken seriously in a seller's market. 3. Who is REALLY calling the shots? The name on the title indicates the owner, not necessarily the decision maker. Parents selling their home in Memphis may have know-it-all kids in Kansas telling them what to do. 4. Are they missing or chronically late for appointments? I respect my client's time, so a client who can't respect my time will not remain a client for long. 5. Do they take your advice? If not, that's a big red flag. You're the expert, and your expertise is what they're paying you for! 6. Are you dealing with a correctable issue? If so, talk to your client and be specific about what needs to change. Pay very close attention to how this conversation goes—you'll have to use your judgment to decide the fate of the relationship. If You Decide to Fire the Client, End the Business Relationship Gracefully 1. Make the choice to terminate a business relationship. Don't waffle. If you need to move on, decide to do it and stick to your guns. 2. Write down specific reasons why you are ending the relationship. Not only will it help you if your client has further questions, you can also refer back to this list in moments of weakness. 3. Formally end the relationship. The best way to manage this is to have a face-to-face meeting in your office. If there are safety concerns, the phone is your next best option. Whatever you do, don't have this discussion in the driveway at the end of a home tour (I have done this) or while the seller is cooking dinner for her kids (yep, been there too). Let's be honest—firing a client means you are missing an opportunity for a paycheck, right? Not necessarily. Difficult clients can be draining of your time, gas money and energy. Imagine all the LOST business opportunities this client may have cost you! Be sure to treat the soon-to-be fired client with respect and dignity. But most importantly, move on. Real estate is a numbers game! To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.

5 Ways You Can Spring Clean Your Tech
Spring is a time of renewal. With warmer weather and sunny days arriving for many of us, spring is not just a time for cleaning the house, but also a time to tidy up your technology. As real estate becomes synonymous with remote work, a disorganized and messy online space can negatively impact your productivity. Worse, digital clutter also slows down your technology. Best practices tell us to keep our technology in good working order and our software programs and favorite web browser up to date. But when you're busy, it is sometimes tough to find the time to keep things current or our tech tools clean. Springtime can be a great time to make sure your tech is in tip-top shape. Here are five tips and tricks for a tech spring cleaning: Declutter your desktop Can you see your desktop's background image? Or are there too many items you saved to your desktop blocking your view? Many people save items to their computer's desktop to remember where to find them. But when you do this too many times, you create a digital mess. It also can be even more challenging to locate the files you need. A quick digital decluttering can get you organized—for example, removing files that you no longer need can free up space. In the end, you'll feel better by organizing your desktop. Pro tip: If you view your desktop files in list view (Finder in macOS and File Explorer in Windows), you can create folders for like files (i.e., "screenshots") or quickly trash the ones you can delete. Remove unused apps How many apps do you have on your smartphone? A better question: How many of them have you opened in the last 30 days? Having too many apps slows you down. It can take you more time to find the app you need. It also can slow down your phone. If the apps you aren't using still are set to run in the background, that can take up Radom Access Memory (RAM). Using too much RAM can make your phone response slower. It even can cause issues such as connecting to Wi-Fi, even if it used to connect perfectly. Pro tip: Conduct an audit of your apps and use the 30-day rule. Determine which ones you haven't used within the last 30 days and are unlikely to use in the next 30 days. For iPhone users, there's a setting to "Offload Unused Apps." It auto deletes the apps, but saves their documents and data and leaves the icon on your phone. When you tap the icon, everything reinstalls, but until then, you free up all that space. Delete old files Have you ever run a date sort on your computer's files? You should, as you might be surprised to find many files from several years ago that you don't need. Also, go through and look for original software files you downloaded to store a program. Not sure which ones those are? Reach out to a Tech Helpline analyst to help you sort for and find files you no longer need. After all, that treasure trove of funny gifs that made you laugh once probably isn't worth saving. Pro tip: If you don't have the time to go through all of your files now, why not at least get them off your computer? By transferring all of your older files to a low-cost data storage service such as Google Drive, you can clear your computer of clutter. That way, you can go back through your files when you find the time. Also, if you move your files online, don't dump everything into one folder. Instead, take just a little time to sort them, even if it's only in folders by years. Synch your phone's photos One of the most common mistakes people make is keeping every picture on their phones. That practice can slow your phone down because images, especially videos, take up a lot of space. You have a couple of options. You can transfer them to your computer or, better yet, move them online to still have access to them at (almost) anytime. The good news is that it has never been easier to have your photos transferred online automatically. Google Photos, Amazon Photos, or iCloud from Apple not only help you store your photos, but their smart software can also automatically help you organize them by like images or location. Pro tip: If you upload your favorite photos to Facebook, did you know you can download all of them at once? After logging in, go to facebook.com/settings. Then, click on "Your Facebook Information," then "view" next to "Download Your Information." This will take you to the Downloads page. Select the "Date range" as "All time" in the pull-down. Just below, at the right of the top of "Select information to download," be sure to "Deselect all" to be sure you only check "Posts." Facebook will send you an email with a link to download your posts with all the high-quality photos you have posted since you opened your Facebook account. It's a great way to make sure you have copies of those photos you are deleting from your phone! Physically clean your tech Your smart devices get grimy over time. You may not even realize it unless you take a good look. Start with your computer's keyboard. If you take a white lint-free cloth and some rubbing alcohol (damp, not wet), you may be surprised how dirty it is and why most keyboards are black. Now clean the sides of your mouse, and if you have a trackpad, clean that too. But don't use that cloth on your computer screens – it's best to clean them with a chemical-free cleaning cloth as you can ruin some screens (i.e., Mac laptops) by using any solution but water. Experts suggest microfiber cloths and distilled water as the safest way to clean. The same goes for your smartphone. And if you are spraying anything to clean a device, make sure you spray on the cleaning cloth and not the device. Pro tip: Compressed air or a mini vacuum can work magic to dislodge or pick up particles from a keyboard or crevices in your device. Amazon and other retailers sell compressed air in a can for as little as a couple of dollars per can, and mini vacuums are available for as low as $20. Members, if you need help with these tech cleaning tips, reach out to us at [email protected]. Tech Helpline is your included member benefit. To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog.

5 Weaknesses that Make Real Estate Agents STRONG
Do you ever feel that the skills you are lacking are also causing you to lose potential real estate business? Just remember, these characteristics are neither good nor bad. This means your perspective can help mold what kind of real estate agent you want to be. Here are a list of strengths that can also be weaknesses: 1. Brutal Honesty Sometimes being candid can rub people the wrong way. However, with you being the real estate expert, many will come to appreciate the honesty that you deliver whether they want to hear it or not. You'll find yourself in the situation of being the bearer of bad news from time to time, but it's better to maintain open communication with your clients than hide something from them. 2. Being Too Nice Some people will mistake kindness for weakness. However this empathy will allow you to build meaningful relationships easier because of the rapport you are able to build with them. The client experience one offers is a reason that many agents will earn repeat business and more real estate referrals. 3. Being Too Analytical Your quest for perfection can be a hinderance to your productivity. However, this attention to detail can help you stand out among other agents. Maintaining the branding colors on your real estate website can help establish your place in the local real estate market. Or, if you are big into numbers, knowing your performance stats can help you improve month after month. 4. Needing to Always Be the Best Having a competitive nature is a double-edged sword. You might sometimes walk over people on your path to the top. Don't forget, though, your fellow agents are your peers. The community of real estate agents works with each other on a daily basis. Learning from each other helps improve the other person, whether it is through active teaching or careful observation. The better other agents are, the better you can become. 5. You Might Sometimes Seem Aggressive What others may perceive as "aggressiveness," you might call "enthusiasm." This might cause you to clash with others that are just as enthusiastic. What's great about this, however, is this passion to help buyers and sellers is what makes you an amazing real estate agent. To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.

10 Things You Need to Know about FEMA Risk Rating 2.0
As of April 1, 2022, FEMA Risk Rating 2.0 will apply to all FEMA Flood Policy Renewals. Here are the 10 things you need to know: 1. Risk Rating 2.0 is the biggest change to FEMA flood insurance pricing in the 54-year history of the government program 2. What's news? FEMA Risk Rating 2.0 prices properties by individually, based on elevation, distance to water, replacement cost, what flood zone a property is on, and several other important data points 3. Per FEMA, 77% of all FEMA policies will see a renewal price increase * 4. While pricing is likely to go up for most of the renewals, FEMA has capped the increase in any one year at 18% * 5. If a property is on a flood zone – denoted by AE, AH, VE Flood Zone determinations – a homeowner is still required to purchase flood insurance to secure a mortgage 6. A seller with an existing FEMA policy can assign a policy in good standing to a new owner prior to or at close of the sale 7. Elevation certificates are now optional — because elevation data is part of the Risk Rating 2.0 model — yet may be used to bring down cost of flood insurance 8. FEMA will continue to offer flood insurance at its standard policy limits: $250,000 coverage for the property $100,000 coverage for property contents $2,500 deductible 9. FEMA has created a website to view projected price changes, due to Risk Rating 2.0. Check your own property address for an insight on the changes. 10. Homeowners can seek private flood insurance markets to shop their FEMA flood renewals. This educational top ten is "Powered by CartoFront." * https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance/risk-rating