Gen Z Homebuyers Consider Smart Features, New Builds and Prioritize Sustainable Materials, New Survey Shows
With 2022 having seen a notable increase in mortgage rates compared to historical lows in 2020-21, and with many economic factors to watch based on the first quarter of 2023, many U.S. homebuyers and sellers are rethinking their approach to achieving their real estate goals, according to a study commissioned by RE/MAX. The global real estate franchisor released a comprehensive, current analysis of consumer tendencies and professional strategies around buying, selling, or owning a home. The U.S. Future of Real Estate 2023 Report was developed in partnership with the advertising agency Camp + King and conducted by leading consumer insights agency Canvas8. The research, which included a survey of more than 2,900 American homebuyers or sellers, along with expert interviews with real estate researchers and economists, identified six key themes exploring how people's attitudes and values toward buying, owning, and selling homes are shifting. As a real estate franchisor dedicated to helping real estate professionals deliver a better customer experience, RE/MAX commissioned the report to uncover valuable insights for agents. The six key themes identified in the report as main trends and mindsets impacting homebuying and selling in 2023 are: Information Overload – People want help making better sense of the homebuying and selling process. Real Talk – People want real estate agents to offer more human-centered support. Modern Adaptability – People are making compromises in search of stability. Future-Proofed Properties – People are looking for self-sustaining, resilient homes. New Hubs – People are looking for areas that offer them the opportunity to connect with a community. Curated Control – People want spaces they can optimize for work and play. "The events of the past few years have made homebuyers more deliberate about what a home should offer them," said Nick Bailey, RE/MAX President and CEO. "A home purchase is one of the largest transactions a person will make in their lifetime, so it's important for them to have a clear understanding about what they're seeking in a home. Research like this can help a real estate professional guide them in their search." Highlights from each of the six themes identified in the report include the following: 46% of sellers cite more support in understanding the process as one of the two most important areas of need, compared to just 27% of buyers. 40% of Americans say that terminology/language is a key barrier to homeownership – that's up from 17% in 2020. 54% of Americans think trust and familiarity have become more important factors when choosing a real estate agent in the past 12 months. Just 25% of first-time buyers reported satisfaction with their recent experience, compared to 74% of experienced buyers. Economic concerns prompted 56% of Americans to buy sooner than they expected – in 2020, 29% of Americans said they bought sooner than expected, citing reasons related to the pandemic. 52% of Americans say real estate agents' "years of experience" have become more important in the past 12 months. More than two-thirds of U.S. homeowners (65%) who experienced a problem with their property in 2022 recognize that it could have been prevented with routine maintenance and/or inspections. Gen Z buyers are more interested in smart features (78%), new builds (77%), and sustainable materials (81%) than older cohorts. Vibrant local communities are an important factor for younger generations, with 77% of Gen Z saying they consider this when looking to purchase a home. 64% of U.S. buyers say renovation potential is an important factor when looking for a home to buy, compared to 45% in 2020. Download the full report with detailed stats in each of the six themes HERE. "Times change, and in a fast-paced industry like this one, it's important to stay a step ahead. The research shows consumers are increasingly turning to experienced, full-time professionals – and those are the type of agents who make up the RE/MAX network," added Bailey. The U.S. Future of Real Estate 2023 Report is one of two market reports exploring the future of real estate across North America. The Canada Future of Real Estate 2023 Report can be found HERE. RE/MAX and its agency partners examined the homeownership landscape across the United States and Canada to unpack and explore the trends shaping the future of real estate in these two separate markets as a way to see what's really going on in the business right now – and to build a clearer, more informed sense of what's ahead.

What Are the Best Ways to Increase the Value of Your Listing?
Owning a home remains the "centerpiece" of the American Dream, according to a recent survey by Bankrate. Nearly 75% of homeowners say it's the highest measure of achievement: more than being able to retire, having a successful career, earning a college degree, or raising a family. Homeownership is one of the most proven builders of wealth. U.S. Census data documents that home equity and retirement savings account for more than 65% of a typical household's wealth. More importantly, homeowners have a median net worth more than 80 times greater than renters. Homeowners know the value of maintaining their homes, but when it comes time to sell a home, they may wonder, "What are the best ways to increase the value of my home?" It's a great question to ask before homeowners get ready to sell and can start planning well in advance. Today's buyers want market-ready homes, and those are the homes that continue to sell the fastest. Fortunately, research and real-world experiences tell us what improvements — big and small — can add immediate value to a home that's getting listed for sale. As someone who has helped purchase, renovate, and resell more than 1,000 homes in Southern California as a successful flipper, here's what I've learned: the marketplace tells you what works and what does not. Smart renovation is the key to improving a home's value before listing it for sale, and every homeowner can benefit from this knowledge. Today, companies like Revive Real Estate, which I helped create to bring the economics of home flipping to homeowners without the risk and the strain, offer every potential seller a way to improve their homes without fronting any of the money. The best improvements to make Real estate is local — and so are, to some degree, local design elements and buyer preferences. Therefore, homeowners choosing what to improve in their home before they list it for sale is crucial to maximizing the selling price. Some improvements will yield much higher returns than others, and which are which depend on both the home and the local market. Before embarking on a punch-list of improvements, sellers need to answer a few questions: Are you looking to keep it simple with visual enhancements? Would functional improvements be beneficial for your home? Could your home significantly benefit from energy efficiency improvements? Is making your home more spacious — or feel roomier — inside (and out) a priority? Once a homeowner understands what they are trying to achieve, it is easier to determine what specific improvements will maximize their sales value. Fast and easy on the pocketbook Almost every home needs a little love, but some need more love than others. Many homeowners who have kept their properties well-maintained are looking for improvements that will help their home sell faster but won't bust their budgets. Minor but higher-impact improvements include: Painting — inside and out Landscaping — make the first impression the best impression Replace appliances New fixtures — from lights to doorknobs Replace or refresh carpet and flooring A new front door Professional deep cleaning Replace all toilet seats Keeping improvements simple for many homeowners is their best path. When a home is well-maintained, giving it a little more love can help increase its curb appeal and make a great first impression when it hits the market. Bigger improvements mean higher seller profits On the other hand, we find the homes that need a lot more love than simple cosmetic repairs. After all, the average age of a home in the US is 39 years; in California, it's 43 years. What presale renovations can make these homes sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars or more? Using Revive research — we've done hundreds of renovations and closely track actual seller profits — these are the major improvements that can get a seller the biggest bang for their buck: Kitchen remodels Bathroom replacement and additions Garage door replacements Replacing HVAC systems New window installations Replacing siding Adding or replacing a deck or patio Mold removal and prevention Finishing a basement Installing outdoor living spaces Keep in mind that many markets offer unique locally related improvements that can also help maximize a property's value. Working with a presale renovation firm, such as Revive, can also help uncover those. From adding a pickleball court to fixing a dock for a waterfront home, the goal is the same: to maximize the return on the sale of your listing. Because major improvements can be costly, that's where a presale renovation firm, like Revive, can help. The process is turnkey: meet with a design team, who will show your sellers the most profitable improvements to make; tap into the Revive contractor network; and often in 90 days or less, the home is ready to sell. Homeowners don't have to hunt for reliable, available and proven contractors, find designers and architects, or scramble to find sources that can deliver quality materials on time to get the job done. They also don't have to assume all risks and liabilities. It's a nightmare avoided. Most importantly, homeowners don't have to scrape together the available cash to pay for the cost of needed repairs and renovations immediately. Finally, when the home renovations are complete, the home is move-in ready: among the fastest-selling homes on today's market. To get an idea of how much impact a presale renovation can have on a home, here are before and after photos of dozens of Revive renovation projects so you can see for yourself the massive profits sellers can earn by making the right improvements. 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.

New Classes for Real Estate Agents Unlock How to Work with Home Builders
HomesUSA Alliance, founded by the real estate industry giants Ben Caballero and Bob Hafer, is offering in September and October new real estate agents coursework on how to work with home builders. Open to all real estate agents nationwide, Texas agent can earn coveted continuing education credits required to maintain their active state real estate license status. Real estate agents completing the six classes offered over two days will receive a new home sales certification. The Alliance has already helped over 4,000 real estate sales professionals learn to work with home builders better. Available remotely via Zoom, agents can sign up online for the two-day certification at the HomesUSAAlliance.com website here. The next two-day certification is set for Wednesday and Thursday, September 14 and 15. Hafer, who created and taught the coursework, notes the September classes include "Building Your Real Estate Business Through New Home Sales," "Everything You Need to Know About New Home Construction," "How to Recognize a Green Built New Home," "How to Successfully Negotiate with a New Home Builder," "Understanding New Home Builder Contracts and Addendums," and "New Home Blueprint for Realtors." Then in October, HomesUSA Alliance is offering two classes: "Building Your Real Estate Business Through New Home Sales" on Wednesday, October 12 and "Everything You Need to Know About New Home Construction" on Thursday October 13, 2022. The Texas Real Estate Commission approved the classes for continuing education (CE) credits. Agents can earn 11 credits from the six courses during the two-day program. Individual classes are priced at $29 each and the two-day certification is priced affordably at $160. Once agents complete all six CE courses, they will earn their New Home Sales Certification from HomesUSA Alliance. "Having a niche can make an agent’s business rich," said Ben Caballero, America's top new home sales specialist and No. 1 ranked real estate sales professional. "Agents who learn how to work with home builders gain a specialization that can help them grow their business significantly," he added. Hafer points out that the Texas Real Estate Commission requires agents to take 18 hours of approved Continuing Education credit every two years. "Agents can complete about two-thirds of their two-year requirement in just two days by taking these classes online," he said. "Most importantly, agents unlock how to work with builders – and that’s not available anywhere else," Hafer added.

New Classes Teach Real Estate Agents How to Work with Home Builders
HomesUSA Alliance, created by the real estate and home building industry giants Ben Caballero and Bob Hafer, announces new accredited real estate agent classes for April through June. The popular coursework, taken by more than 4,000 real estate agents, teaches agents how to work with home builders. In addition, Texas agents can earn continuing education credits required to maintain an active state real estate license. Real estate agents can register for the online new home sales education coursework at the HomesUSAAlliance.com website on its Calendar page. Registration now is available for classes set for May 11 and 12 and June 8 and 9, 2022 and is open to agents throughout Texas and nationwide. All real estate agents who complete the six classes will receive a new home sales certification. The Alliance has already provided thousands of real estate sales professionals with the training they need to better work with home builders. Hafer, who teaches the coursework he authored, notes the complete coursework includes "Building Your Real Estate Business Through New Home Sales," "Everything You Need to Know About New Home Construction," "How to Recognize a Green Built New Home," "How to Successfully Negotiate with a New Home Builder," "Understanding New Home Builder Contracts and Addendums," and "New Home Blueprint for Realtors." The classes are approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission for continuing education (CE) credits. Real estate agents can earn 11 credits from the six courses during the two-day program, priced affordably at $200 for all classes. Once all six CE courses are completed, agents earn their New Home Sales Certification from HomesUSA Alliance. "Real estate niches make riches," said Ben Caballero, America's top new home sales specialist and No. 1 ranked real estate sales professional. "By learning how to work with home builders, agents gain a specialization that can help them boost their business," he added. Hafer points out that the Texas Real Estate Commission requires agents to take 18 hours of approved Continuing Education credit every two years. "As an agent, you can complete about two-thirds of your two-year requirement in just two days with our courses. But, more importantly, agents gain inside knowledge about working with builders that really can't get anywhere else," Hafer added.

Why Builders Can't Keep Up with Home Sales
Once upon a time, the key words in real estate were "location, location, location." Then, the infamous three Ls, at least in the new construction sector, became "land, lots and labor." Those Ls remain important, to be sure. But now, as far as builders are considered, the Ls refer solely to "lumber, lumber, lumber." Softwood is used in structural framing such as beams, joists, and trusses as well as sheathing, flooring and underlayment, interior wall and ceiling finishing. Softwoods also are used in certain manufactured products, particularly cabinets, windows and doors. Since April 2020, the cost of softwood lumber has risen more than 300%, adding nearly $36,000 to the price of a typical house, according to the National Association of Home Builders. The Factors Behind Surging Lumber Costs The primary reason for this price surge is insufficient production at mills across the country. Like most other businesses, pandemic stay-at-home orders greatly impacted the ability to produce products in sufficient quantities to satisfy demand. And even though operations around the country have increasingly opened back up, many mills are still not back to pre-pandemic capacities. Another factor is the import duties placed on Canadian lumber during the previous administration. And now, in a step that has brought a strong rebuke from NAHB President Chuck Fowke, the current administration is proposing to double the tariffs on Canadian lumber shipments. What Else is Stifling Builders' Production? While the cost of lumber is builders' most pressing problem, it is hardly the only one. Here's a brief rundown of the other issues that are keeping them from erecting all the houses needed to take some of the heat out of the blistering housing market: Availability Builders rarely have trouble securing appliances, which they must have to obtain occupancy permits. But now, 95% of those polled by NAHB reported shortages of refrigerators, stoves and the like. Shortages are now more widespread than at anytime sine the 1990s when the NAHB first started tracking. Skyrocketing lumber prices have rightfully dominated the headlines, but prices for steel, concrete and gypsum products also continue to climb at record pace. In a recent survey by marketing and advisory firm Zonda, which monitors some 18,000 active communities nationwide, 86% of builders reported significant supply disruptions resulting in significant construction delays. Among the components that are tough to obtain are interior doors, windows, siding, plumbing fixtures, shingles, insulation and cabinets. About the only item builders aren't having a hard time finding are kitchen sinks — as in, "everything but…" Practically everything else is in short supply; again because production was severely curtailed during the height of the pandemic. And as a result, the costs to builders for many of the products they need have also rocketed. Regulation Another NAHB study found that regulations imposed by all levels of government account for $93,870, or 23.8% of the average sales price of a new house, which is currently $397,300. Of that, $41,330 is attributable to regulation during development, and $52,540 is due to rules that must be followed during construction. Because of the pandemic, builders and their customers aren't getting all they are paying for, though. At least not lately. Local building departments are so short staffed that it is taking longer to get plans approved and the required inspections made. There are other regulatory issues that builders must contend with, too. The most recent was a change in the National Electrical Code, a change that caused HVAC systems to fail. The new rule, the NAHB contends, was hastened unnecessarily during a process that was manipulated by special interests, perhaps trying to sell a particular product. Land "Builders are paying stupid land prices," Zonda's Tim Sullivan told his clients recently. But they almost have to if they want to remain in business. Why? Because the supply of home sites is dwindling rapidly. Zonda says roadwork has commenced on just 165,000 lots nationwide. Considering that some 500,000 new homes are sold annually, that's not a lot. Builders tend to believe the lot pipeline will be most constrained for the rest of the year, but about a third of those polled said finding buildable sites will be an issue next year as well. "The under supply isn't going to go away," said Sullivan. Location Remember the original three Ls? Forgetaboutit. A community's relationship to downtown used to be much more important, but it hardly matters these days in the new home market. Zonda research shows that 70% of the best-selling communities are 30 miles or more from their central business districts as builders move farther and farther out to hold the line on prices as best they can. In Houston, for example, properties within 10 miles of downtown are notching 1.1 sales per month while those 30-35 miles out are grabbing 4.3 deals monthly, up 118%. (READ MORE: Which Markets Will See New Home Builds Ease Inventories?) Higher Prices Zonda's research shows 97% of builders have raised prices, half of those by $10,000 or more. But, said the company's chief economist, Ali Wolf, "There's virtually no sticker shock." Even as builders restrict supply, prices continue to march higher. One reason: The market is supported in large measure by out-of-towners moving from places where housing prices are out of this world. For example, a 2,500-square-foot house that costs $1.16 million in San Francisco or $1.14 million in Los Angeles runs a mere $450,000 in Austin. That's why locals are buying farther and farther out, where the prices are the less expensive. Labor Experienced carpenters, plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople are in short supply. But only 49% of builders said that's a big deal right now, probably because they're beset by other, more pressing problems and because they're not erecting houses as fast as they'd like. Slowing Down To protect against getting too far ahead of themselves, a majority of builders are "by design" now taking only a specific number of contracts per month. While 9% said it's still business as usual, 17% said they are accepting offers only as new lots come online, and 13% said they are "pausing" sales or reservations. As a result, new home production slid in April and is likely to continue slowing. Supply constraints, labor scarcity and a lack of buildable lots "are weighing meaningfully" on builders' ability to keep up with housing demand, says Doug Duncan, chief economist at Fannie Mae. Builders, he adds, have little choice but to slow the pace of construction. Syndicated newspaper columnist, Lew Sichelman has been covering the housing market and all it entails for more than 50 years. He is an award-winning journalist who worked at two major Washington, D.C. newspapers and is a past president of the National Association of Real Estate Editors. To view the original article, visit the Homes.com blog.

6 Ways to Construct the Perfect Builder/Realtor Relationship
Since 2012, home builders have had the opportunity to feed listings directly to the MLS system used by sales associates around the country. It was a significant step in the relationship between real estate pros and builders--and that partnership has been deepening ever since. A technology-enabled, collaborative workflow helps builders and sales associates grow together. In recent years, more than half of all buyers considered new construction. However, many real estate experts feel unsure about the best way to reach out to builders and sell new home builds. Even in today's COVID-rocked world, new home sales are up, and interest remains strong going into the fall. In July 2020, sales of new single-family homes were over 36% above July 2019's figures of 661,000. That makes July 2020 the single best month for sales of newly built homes since 2006. But how can you get involved with builders and lay the foundations for strong cooperation? Here are six ways to get started building a perfect relationship with home builders. 1. Start By Knowing What Kind of Builder You Want to Work With There's no "one size fits all" when it comes to real estate sales associates. It's just as true of builders! Although all builders provide certain services, they differ in geography, amenities, neighborhoods, and business strategy. That influences the best way you can partner with them. National Builders Larger builders operate in a regional or nationwide territory. Since they have their own sales staff, the land development manager is the main point of contact to get you up to speed on business opportunities. Some builders offer commissions to any sales associate who brings them a buyer, even if you don't have an ongoing relationship. This can be a foot in the door for competitive builders in the 12+ homes per year category. Midsized Builders Midsized area builders tend to have a small sales team or work with a single real estate firm. They are more open to outside advice: Find them lots in areas where they want to expand, and you could be brought on to sell. Small Local Builders Small local builders offer an open door to opportunity, but may have a modest sales volume. They often lack an in-house marketing budget, so a savvy sales associate who knows today's real estate technology can offer true win-win partnerships by handling promotions and sales. No matter what approach you take, remember builders get lots of pitches every month. Distinguish yourself with something striking and unique, so you get the chance to discuss your value. 2. Emphasize Branding and Reputation Building for Your Builders Many builders employ an on-site associate with deep insight into the company, developments, and home features. Before meeting that person, buyers have to hear from you why a builder is right for them. That positions you in a familiar place: A match-maker between two sides who meet each other's needs. Learn everything you can about your builder, what makes them special, and why their work is superior for different kinds of buyers. Each buyer you work with has many options, so take cues from them and see how interested they seem: If new construction excites your client, you can set up a meeting. Strengthening a builder's reputation means more sales and a longer, more fruitful collaboration for you. 3. Leverage Your Pool of Buyers to Focus Interest on New Homes One consistent thing you'll notice about new homes is that not everyone thinks of them! Sure, new construction isn't right for everyone. But as "starter homes" have fallen by the wayside, more people are entering the housing marketing as established professionals with disposable income. Amidst your first-time buyers, look for those whose finances are strong enough to make a new home a viable option. Then, get used to exploring the advantages with them and overcoming objections! What about affluent buyers with multiple properties? Many have already considered new construction but haven't yet found the right opportunity. Working with a builder is a longer commitment, and financing can be a challenge. But it gives buyers the chance to realize the home of their dreams from the ground up. That's an incredible selling point! 4. Become Familiar with the Intricacies of New Home Construction Building a new home is a complex process that requires more effort to get started. Just as you'd ease a first-time buyer's worries about financing, you'll need to do the same about new construction. But there's a catch: All-new construction often means multiple intersecting timelines for financing, construction, closing (which often happens twice!), and more. You'll not only need to understand the process but be able to explain it in a way that buyers can wrap their heads around. And should delays happen, they're sure to look to you for encouragement and input. This also means staying involved in the process once a buyer decides on new construction. As a sales associate, you have a special role in translating buyer expectations into outcomes builders can deliver. Always stick to a high-touch approach until the keys are in the buyer's hands. Then, follow up to check on that happy client! 5. Get to Know Your Builder's On-Site Associate With a builder, there's no need to do all the legwork yourself. Many of them have on-site sales associates trained in all the ins and outs of a development and its offerings. You are most likely to step into transactions as a buyer's agent. The on-site associate is licensed and follows all the guidelines and ethical standards of other real estate pros. He or she is a trained expert on the builder's processes––which leaves you to focus on facilitating the flow of communication between buyer and builder until closing day. As an advocate for the buyer's needs, you can accelerate the sale and continue to build your practice. 6. Make Marketing Automation a Cornerstone of Your Growth Strategy The builder you work with becomes a big part of your branding. Make sure you integrate information on new homes and desirable developments into your marketing! Strong customer relationship management gives you visibility into where your leads come from, their interests, and where they stand from the first meeting to closing day. That's especially crucial as you diversify lead sources, establish builder relationships, and cater to buyers with different goals. Real estate has weathered this year's tectonic economic changes better than most industries. The horizons of growth for new home construction are vast––now is the time to seize these promising opportunities, expand your skillset, and "build" profitable business relationships. DeltaNET™️ 6 CRM customers can already showcase builders, their communities, and model homes directly on their real estate website. Try DeltaNET™️ FREE for 30 days. To view the original article, visit the Delta Media Group blog.

How to Sell Property 'Off the Plan' in 72 Hours... even if you've never done it before.
"We're selling circles around the other builders that are on the same street… both in terms of numbers and in dollars per transaction." The words of one very satisfied development marketing agent who used 3D renders to sell their builder's off-the-plan property, in less than 72 hours. When their online listing went live, it absolutely whomped similar developments on the same street in terms of views, Zillow saves, sale price, and the speed of sale. These other developments were using 2D black and white elevation images and half-finished build photos in their marketing, not holding a candle to the photo-realistic external renders, 360° internal renders and virtual tours used by this savvy agent. What exactly are renders? 3D renders are also known as architectural visualizations or real estate renderings. They are 3D visuals of building plans that virtually bring property designs to life. Property buyers are visual, which is why the display home has been a crucial sales tool for property developers and marketing agents in the past. To cement a sale you can't rely on a buyer's imagination to see what a property will look like beyond the plans. Renders showcase what a property will look like complete with photo-realistic furnishings, landscaping, lighting, façade, and room navigation. Like a display home, 360° render virtual tours allow buyers to walk through a home, but in this instance, they can do so from anywhere. They can integrate themselves into a property in their own space, at their own pace. Plus, using Additional Outputs in a virtual tour, buyers can toggle between different designs, colors, styles, and options. Here is an example of a 360° Render Virtual Tour: How can high quality renders benefit my real estate sales? As Solid Ground Home Builders and their marketing agent Charles Nitschke recently discovered, using renders to sell your property is a no-brainer. BoxBrownie.com's business expertise brought to renders has made them more affordable than before without compromising on quality. Plus, a quick turnaround means a quick to market strategy is available. Charged with selling a land and home package in Spokane, Wash., Nitschke ordered four internal 360° renders, and two static external renders to display the front and back elevations of the unbuilt home, plus a 3D floor plan with furnishings. This provided an affordable solution to "build” a quarter of the house, virtually giving the agent 90 percent of what they needed to go to market. They also received a virtual 360° tour link to embed and share on the listing—a speedier solution for display homes to allow potential buyers to walk through. With a two-week turnaround on the 3D renders, the online listings were up quickly and the builder had their first contract within 72 hours. To date, they have since contracted four more sales from their 3D render listing. Why should I use 360° renders? 3D renders provide a photo-realistic image of an unbuilt home, allowing you to market the intangible. By bringing the property to life with high quality imagery, BoxBrownie.com renders are an extra tool in your go-to-market strategy that are much more affordable than previously realised. Making the step up from static to 360° renders is a small increase pricewise, but a big step up for market interest. With complimentary 360° virtual tour creation and hosting thrown in, you'll be top of the class on MLS and listing sites who now offer a "search by virtual tour” filter. There is no need to create a 360° render of every room to take advantage of showcasing with a virtual tour. The use of 3D renders in development marketing is proving to be the most successful way to sell a property off the plan. If you want to learn more about BoxBrownie.com renders and how they can increase your property marketing capabilities, register here and our Expert Renders Team will be in touch. BoxBrownie.com is currently offering a free virtual staging edit (valued at $32) to every RE Technology member (new accounts only). This offer expires on November 30. Click here to claim your free virtual staging edit.

Top-Ranked Real Estate Agent Ben Caballero Issues New Podcast Episode
One of real estate's most popular podcasts, "Ben Caballero: Real Estate Lessons from the #1 Ranked Agent in the US," released today a new episode for home builders. "Following a recent federal advisory concerning the Covid-19 response, most states have designated residential construction an essential service," said Ben Caballero, president and founder of Dallas-based HomesUSA.com. "Home builders are continuing with construction, but they need creative ideas to help them prepare for the market's recovery while remaining viable. This new episode discusses ideas on how builders can do that," he said. "Ben Caballero Real Estate Lessons: Part 5 – How Production Home Builders win by maximizing the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)," features legendary top producing agent Ben Caballero, a current Guinness World Record title holder for "Most annual home sale transactions through MLS by an individual sell side real estate agent." Ben is the first individual with more than $2 billion of MLS recorded sales transactions in a single year, a feat he has accomplished every year since 2018. He has been consistently ranked as the No. 1 agent by REAL Trends in its "The Thousands" lists, which appears in the Wall Street Journal, for both transaction sides and volume since 2013. Now available for free download on Apple iTunes and Google Play Music, "Part 5" is the latest episode in a podcast series that has received thousands of downloads from real estate agents and home builders since its debut at the end of 2018. Ben says his newest podcast episode focuses specifically on home builders because, "Builders are missing a multi-million-dollar profit opportunity by not truly understanding the value, or taking full advantage, of the best and cheapest real estate marketing tool in the world: the MLS or Multiple Listing Service." In the new 14-minute episode, Ben explains why speed, accuracy and efficiency are essential to the management of builder listings in the MLS. Ben discusses how he fully leverages the MLS to help his 60+ builder clients in Texas make faster sales and increase profitability by reducing carrying costs. Throughout his five-episode podcast, Ben shares secrets to his success, gives advice to agents on how to build their businesses, explains the unique services he and his company, HomesUSA.com, provide builders, and tells stories about his rise to the top. Each podcast is introduced by award-winning real estate journalist and accomplished author Tom Kelly. "Most of America's 1.4 million licensed real estate agents remain housebound, working from home. Many are taking time to learn new skills to prepare for a major rebound in real estate business. My podcast series teaches agents a huge business opportunity: how to work with builders," Caballero added. Ben Caballero's podcast series is also available on Spotify, iHeart Radio, Player FM and most major podcast platforms free of charge.

How to Help Me as a First Time Home Builder
Not too long ago, my spouse and I decided we no longer wanted to pay rent and needed to invest in our own equity. So we decided to jump into the real estate market! As first-time home buyers, we could not get in to our dream home right away and needed a starter home first. However, after determining our budget and viewing our options we were put off at the selection. Then we came across a new build of townhomes that had all the luxury items we wanted in a home: walk in closet, master bathroom, open concept kitchen, and right in our budget... it was perfect! One thing led to another and there we were, sitting in a trailer office on site, with nothing built but a hole in the ground that would eventually become our new home. Do you know how scary it is to buy your first home when all you have to go by is a picture and some floor plans? Being a professional videographer, I am a very creative person, but even I could not imagine what my home was going to look like. After the deposit, the mortgage loan, and signing papers it all felt like a dream. And don't even get me started on picking upgrades! Upgrades... I don't even know what the original looks like! All in all, it was a very surreal and overwhelming experience that was greatly aided by the patience and understanding of our agent. So here are some points for agents to help first time home builders and ease the pain.