8 Ways to Leverage the Magic of AI for Real Estate Marketing
The world of artificial intelligence (AI) may sound like something out of a science-fiction novel, but you are probably engaging with AI on a daily basis and not even realizing it (hello, Alexa!). And, although AI may seem like a new phenomenon, it was actually developed in 1956 and has evolved ever since to be the learning, planning, problem-solving tool it is today. Imagine This Scenario: You are an agent in Miami, Florida specializing in first-time home-buyers. A prospect creates a property search profile on your website, providing general criteria details and price point. Your website provides a set of search results based on their data, which continues to be refined as they engage with those results. Your website's chatbot pops up and invites the prospect to connect with you directly, and invites them to attend an upcoming open house for one of the properties that fits their search criteria. Your prospect continues to receive relevant, timely emails and SMS based on their registration for your upcoming open house, as well as other helpful information related to the first-time home buying process such as links to budget calculators, finance options and local lenders. All of this communication is delivered to your prospect in either English or Spanish, depending on their preferred language. Your prospect is highly engaged with the fact that YOU are delivering valuable resources every step of the way, while YOU aren't lifting a finger to deliver this value. THIS IS THE MAGIC OF AI, AND IT'S AVAILABLE TODAY. In the world of business, AI has a wide range of uses that help manage and streamline the day-to-day, and busy real estate professionals that understand how to leverage this powerful tool basically have the advantage of a free personal assistant at their disposal. Although marketing is just ONE of the ways to take advantage of AI, it can save busy agents tons of time and energy in delivering time-sensitive outreach, such as our scenario above. At Constant Contact, we've taken AI marketing to the next level with our soon-to-be-released, multi-level marketing Campaign Builder, and following are eight unique ways that busy real estate agents can enlist this tool as their personal marketing assistant. Move over, Alexa! 1. Delivering Personalized Communication As consumers, we've all experienced the frustration of engaging with AI chatbots and marketing communication that lead us down rabbit holes without delivering the results we want. Using Constant Contact's pre-built and/or customizable automation workflows, it's easy to build personalized user journeys that deliver marketing messaging based on user actions and behaviors. In a business that requires immediate attention to inbound leads, the ability to send an email or text message ASAP (regardless of your availability) can be the key to securing the opportunity to continue the conversation. > Want to check out over 15 templated automation workflows or create your own? <[ Create Your Free Constant Contact Account Today for Full Access ] 2. Keeping People Informed With the recent spotlight on commission lawsuits, it's more important than ever to position yourself as the expert educator in your market. The Constant Contact AI marketing assistant will help you write meaningful email newsletters, social media content and text messaging speaking to current topics. An integration with Canva helps search, suggest and select appropriate imagery to accompany your communication. And, behavior-based AI learning will continue to streamline your ongoing marketing by understanding your desired tone of voice, color schemes, desired layout and more. Whether or not you fancy yourself a good copywriter, your AI marketing assistant will provide you with amazing suggestions that only require you to customize and/or edit to your desired outcome, which is a HUGE time-saver in developing marketing messaging! > Create a message using your AI marketing content assistant today…100% FREE <[ Gain 100% access today. No strings. No credit card. ] 3. Promoting an Upcoming Event Whether it's an upcoming open house, continuing education classes at your brokerage, conferences, client events, or webinars, Constant Contact's new Campaign Builder will provide an intelligent campaign workflow for promotion via email, SMS, landers, event registration management, and social media. Here's how simple it is: Select "Run an upcoming event" from your guided options inside of the Campaign Builder. Input a handful of details related to the event, including date, time and description. Allow the Campaign Builder to generate your pre- AND post-event marketing campaign framework. This will typically include four weeks of pre-event marketing, management of the actual event day, and your post-event outreach. Your plan will include email, SMS, website landers / event registration, and social media (with pay-per-click advertising coming in the near future). Customize the marketing workflow as desired, leveraging the AI tools to hone copy, images and more. Sit back and let Constant Contact's AI run your entire campaign. In the past, real estate agents would need to hire a marketer to build out this type of detailed workflow, but not anymore! > Give Campaign Builder a try for your next event. <See the power of Constant Contact's AI TODAY! 4. Showcasing a Partner Product / Service Real estate agents have an entire network of professional products and services that bring value to past, present and future clients. Constant Contact offers a great way to create and deliver communication around this network. You can create individual or multi-level marketing campaigns, inputting a handful of details and allowing your AI marketing assistant to suggest snappy subject lines, witty or serious copy, and call-to-actions that are 100% trackable. Imagine how much value you could provide your lending partners by providing them a list of consumers that clicked through to their websites from your marketing campaign! > Promote a professional partner or product today! <Send emails to up to 100 contacts at NO COST. 5. Promoting a New Listing Ensure you have happy sellers by offering digital marketing services as part of your listing presentation. Have a list of 20 potential buyers looking for a three bedroom, two bath in Los Olivos? Leverage your AI marketing assistant to create a set of marketing drips to that specific audience promoting that hot new listing, and don't forget to send it to your partner network AND past clients who may have referrals for you. Constant Contact's smart analytics will let you know who's engaging, who's forwarding and provide insight into who's registering for that upcoming open house. And your AI marketing workflow will automatically move people into personalized touchpoints once they've actively engaged with your key call-to-actions. > I've got a listing to promote! <Create your free Constant Contact account today and start promoting! 6. Requesting Referrals and/or Reviews We always intend to ask for that referral or kind review, but with such a busy day-to-day, it's easy to forget or allow too much time to pass. What if all you had to do was assign that happy customer to a contact list that would automatically launch an outreach campaign asking for those kind words, prompting your customer to your Google Reviews? All you need to do is build out that initial campaign workflow (leaning on your AI marketing assistant for copywriting and workflow suggestions), and then each time you assign a customer to that contact list, the campaign will automatically launch and run on your behalf. It couldn't be easier to ensure that you are capturing all of the positive reviews you deserve. > I'm ready for five star reviews. <It takes less than five minutes to create your FREE account. 7. Increasing Site Traffic You've invested in that gorgeous website. It's full of lead capture forms (courtesy of Constant Contact) and helpful resources. Searching listings and creating an account has never been easier for your consumers. Now it's time to promote, promote, promote to all of your prospects, partners and past clients. You guessed it! Constant Contact's AI Campaign Builder will assist you in building out a multi-level, long-term marketing campaign designed to drive awareness and traffic to your website. All you need to do is provide some general information, a handful of screenshots of your website, and provide guidance on the "tone" of voice you want to use, or allow your AI marketing assistant to make suggestions to help you each step of the way. The more traffic to your website, the more leads! > I want more traffic to my website…and more leads! <Create your FREE account and start importing your contacts today. 8. Providing Multi-language Translation Over 53 million U.S. citizens speak Spanish as their primary language, with 9.2 million in home ownership roles. More and more real estate agents service multilingual communities and need to deliver marketing and communication in English and Spanish, as an example. Now you can save time by allowing your Constant Contact AI marketing assistant to automatically translate all of your communication for you in ANY language, running simultaneous campaigns based on language specifications within your contact lists. No more busy work for YOU having to create separate campaigns, your AI assistant will happily do that busy work for you! > Empezar hoy! Create multilingual communication. <Put your AI marketing assistant to work and save valuable time. As you've been reading this article, the world of AI continues to evolve at lightning speed! AI bots are continuing to learn, solve problems and deliver more personalized interaction by the second. What's important to remember is that we shouldn't think of AI as a replacement for human intelligence and ingenuity, but rather as a supportive tool that will help analyze and develop courses of action based on best possible outcomes. At Constant Contact, we've developed marketing AI that makes it easier than ever to create, deliver and understand comprehensive marketing outreach with YOU — our customer — in mind. Once you've experienced our AI marketing assistant and Campaign Builder, you'll never spend hours of time struggling over how to promote your business again. A Special Offer for RETechnology.com and WAV Group: Try Constant Contact 100% free. Enjoy all of Constant Contact's fantastic features and AI tools with no risk! Cancel any time. > Create your account today and embrace the magic of AI. <

Friday Freebie: Get a .realtor Website Domain for 1 YEAR
We've highlighted many extended free trials in this column over the years, but this week's is the longest by far: one whole year. NAR members can get a .realtor™ website domain name, including a professionally designed website, free for your first year. That means 12 whole months to try something new: a lead generating website that brands you as a trusted REALTOR®. Read on to learn how to claim this deal! Free .realtor™ website for one year, courtesy of Get.realtor Want to improve your online presence? Moving your site (or building a new one) doesn't have to be a painful process. In fact, when you get a .realtor™ website domain, you also get a free Professional Website that can be up and running in just minutes. Each Professional .realtor™ website includes: A single-page lead generation website Built-in SEO and mobile optimization A lead contact form Dashboard with visitor stats and reports Client testimonials Online support, including how-to guides and video And more! Dot com alternatives are a great way to differentiate yourself from the .COMpetition. And with a well chosen .realtor™ domain name, prospects immediately know that they can come to you with their real estate needs. Try it for yourself and see! Get a .realtor™ domain name and Professional Website FREE for one year.

Where to Get Professional-Looking Marketing Materials for Absolutely Nothing
RPR (Realtors Property Resource) has a bunch of free resources dedicated to helping you market yourself and prove your worth to clients and prospects. RPR's Canva page features templates that are professionally-designed, easy to customize and free to use. Our in-house marketing whizzes have designed a series of templates that can help you communicate your skills, experience and market insights with ease. With RPR and Canva, you can create: Social media shareables that contain hyper-local market metrics that position you as a local market expert. Postcards that contain the same Market Trends data as part of your direct mail efforts. Presentation slides for PowerPoint decks and Zoom meetings. Custom pages allow RPR users to almost-instantly create pages that can be added to any RPR Report. Options include open house sign-up sheets, agent bio and business philosophy pages, client testimonials, and a series of buyer and seller checklists. The RPR-Canva Q&A We don't want to toot our own horn… but we did just set a 2024 record for how many REALTORS® registered for and attended our special RPR-Canva webinar. Over 5,000 agents learned firsthand how to access the Canva templates in RPR and how to easily insert local Market Trends stats in the pre-designed layouts. Of course, we received a bunch of questions! Here they are to help you get started creating gorgeous marketing materials using RPR and Canva together… Q. Where do I find RPR's Canva templates? RPR features its Canva templates on the RPR blog. Visit blog.narrpr.com/canva. Users can also access the Canva templates from the RPR website itself. Simply click "Learn" in the main navigation bar, and then scroll down to a button labeled, "Canva Templates." Q. Where do I find the metrics to populate these Canva templates? Search RPR for Residential Market Trends by following these steps: rpr.me/market-trends Q. Is Canva really free to use? Yes! Canva has a free version. All the templates provided by RPR can be used with the free version. Of course, you can update to Canva Pro, which offers additional features, templates and assets for a monthly or annual fee. Q. Does Canva offer training? They sure do. The Canva Learning Center offers a tutorial for beginners to get them started. Q. How do I get started with a Canva account? You can sign up easily at canva.com using your email, Google or Facebook account. Q. Canva seems overwhelming. How do I find my way around? Check out this video, it will explain everything and walk you through the process when editing Canva templates. Q. I like the templates, but can I change them? Absolutely! Templates are merely a starting point; colors, fonts, images and text can all be customized. Design Functionality Q. Can I use my own photos in Canva? Yes! Upload your images in the "Uploads" section and then drag them into your design. Q. Where can I find more images if I don't have my own? Canva's "Photos" tab includes a library of free and paid stock images. In addition, here are two free image sites that you can use to search stock photography: StockSnap.io - Offers a wide selection of high-quality real estate photos including both interiors and exteriors. Life of Pix - Features a "buildings" category with plenty of residential and commercial options. Q. How do I change the text styles and colors? Select your text, then use the toolbar that appears to change fonts, sizes, colors and effects. Q. What are "elements," and how do I use them? Elements are graphics such as icons, shapes, photos or illustrations. Search Canva's "Elements" tab to add them to your designs. Q. I finished my design in Canva. How do I save it as an image file? Follow these steps: Locate the "Share" button in the top right corner of your Canva workspace. Click on "Download." File Type: Select your desired image format (Popular choices are JPG, PNG or PDF). Click the final "Download" button to save your image file. Canva Pro Features Q. What's the main advantage of going Pro? Pro unlocks more templates, graphics, a Brand Kit for streamlined branding, one-click resizing and advanced collaboration features. Q. How does the Brand Kit work? Upload company logos, colors and fonts to the Brand Kit. Then, easily apply them across all your designs. Q. Can I schedule social posts directly within Canva? Yes, the Content Planner (Pro feature) lets you schedule posts for various platforms. Tips and Trick Q. Any tips for working faster in Canva? Learn keyboard shortcuts! Canva has a helpful cheat sheet for them. Q. What are the most-used keyboard shortcuts? Here are some popular basic shortcuts: Undo: Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Command + Z (Mac) Redo: Ctrl + Y (Windows) or Command + Y (Mac) Copy: Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac) Paste: Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac) Select All: Ctrl + A (Windows) or Command + A (Mac) Zoom In: Ctrl/Command + "+" Zoom Out: Ctrl/Command + "-" To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.

Sustainable by Design: Making Homeownership Happen
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 12:00 PM PDT As communities across the nation continue to grapple with rising home prices and high interest rates, many families believe that affordable homeownership is more difficult to achieve than ever before. This webinar will discuss successful programs and approaches to affordable and sustainable homeownership that can be achieved that also elevate the financial capability of mortgage borrowers. Panelists will discuss how homeownership sustainability and wealth building practices fit into the overall mortgage market, what best practices and programs are available, and the power of homeownership education in helping families make their best housing choices. Register now!

Do This One Thing to Stand Apart from Other Real Estate Agents to Win the Listing
Imagine you're a home seller, and you've just finished interviewing three real estate agents to help you sell your home. Each agent presented a similar array of services: a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), home value estimates, market analysis, marketing plans, and home preparation tips. As you review your options, you find yourself struggling to differentiate between the agents. They all seem capable, but none of them truly stands out. This scenario is all too common in today's competitive real estate market, where tight inventory makes winning listings more challenging than ever. To rise above the competition and secure more listings, agents must update their listing presentations to include unique, memorable ways to significantly increase their client's home listing price before putting it on the market. Creating a more modern listing presentation What case can you make to sellers to make your listing presentation memorable? Use storytelling to explain the value of "market readiness" and how move-in-ready homes are appealing to more buyers. Ask your sellers to imagine themselves in their buyers' shoes. Think of a younger couple, millennials, eagerly searching for their first home. They've saved diligently for their down payment and are excited to start this new chapter in their lives. However, as they tour, they find themselves disappointed by homes that need updating. They don't have the time, skills, or desire to take on significant renovations. This couple represents a vital characteristic among millennials, who now comprise one of the largest groups of home buyers. According to a survey by TD Bank, 71% of millennials want a home that requires little or no renovation or repairs. Less than 20% would buy a house that needs a lot of love. By emphasizing the importance of market readiness and appealing to this significant demographic, agents can make a compelling case to sellers during their listing presentations. Your new secret sauce for your listing presentation How can you make your listing presentation stand out when, according to RPR, nearly every agent includes a CMA (86%), a home value estimate (80%), local market analysis (77%), agent marketing plans (73%), and tips for sellers to prep the home (69%)? You need to hit sellers in their most vulnerable place: their pocketbooks. What is the number one driver for most sellers? Getting the highest sales price for their home, right? But as a savvy agent, you know that setting false expectations for a sales price and trying to win a listing by offering to list it at a higher price than what you see the market will bear is a bad strategy. But what if there was a way to help a seller maximize their home's value to attract the highest sales price? You need look no further than what home flippers have been doing for decades. Your newest, most modern addition is a discussion about presale renovations. Home flippers have utilized the concept of presale renovations to boost a home's value before putting it on the market. Many individual agents have also been offering presale renovation-type services for years. Then, in 2018, this strategy was formalized brokerage-wide by Compass Real Estate. Today, Concierge Service or Presale Renovation firms have made this approach more accessible and scalable than ever before. Agents no longer need to be house flippers or have extensive financial resources, construction, and design knowledge to help their sellers significantly increase the value of a home before listing it. These services have leveled the playing field, allowing agents to offer their clients a turnkey solution that maximizes their profits without the stress of managing a renovation. Revive your listings, elevate your earnings Presale renovations offer a wealth of advantages for both sellers and agents. Homes that undergo presale renovations typically sell faster than as-is homes that can potentially languish on the market. On average, renovated homes sell for more. With strategically chosen upgrades, presale renovations can return an impressive 160% on the cost of the renovations, according to internal research from Revive, a firm specializing in presale renovations. For sellers, these home improvements can translate into significantly more profit, with an average increase of over $150,000, Revive finds. The turnkey process offered by a presale renovation firm reduces mental and financial stress for sellers. There are no upfront costs for sellers as the renovation is paid for at closing. Expert designers create proven layouts and select finishes that maximize returns, with the goal of making every dollar invested in the renovation yield the highest possible return. For agents, helping sellers net a higher sales price is a win-win. Many sellers with homes that need significant improvements often have the most to gain and can realize a massive increase in what they net from selling their homes with a presale renovation. Higher sales prices usually allow agents to increase the income earned from the sale. Why it's your new "must have" listing presentations Having a presale renovation conversation as part of your listing presentations is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity. Why? Because too many presentations fail to differentiate agents from their competitors. But when you explain how a presale renovation works and review the benefits to your sellers, you'll capture the attention of potential clients. Your listing presentation becomes more memorable, and you'll win more listings. Remember that more than half of American homeowners currently live in homes that are 30 years or older. According to a recent study, many of these homeowners admit that they have never renovated. If your sellers want to reach Millennial home buyers, embedding a presale renovation strategy into your listing presentation can help them do that. By offering this new service, you demonstrate your value – and commitment to maximizing your clients' profits and ensuring their success in the market. Your best first step is to contact a presale renovation firm to learn how they work and how they will support you and your client throughout the process. Working with a presale renovation firm simplifies the renovation process for both agents and their clients. Elevate your listings, differentiate your brand Incorporating a presale renovation conversation into your listing presentations is a powerful way to differentiate yourself from the competition, help clients maximize their profits, and ultimately grow your business. By partnering with a presale renovation firm, you can simplify the renovation process for both yourself and your clients, leading to faster sales, greater income, and, most importantly, contributing to what can be life-changing financial outcomes for your sellers. Embracing this new, game-changing approach is not just a smart move – it's the key to elevating your listing presentation to win more listings and set your brand apart. You don't want to be just another agent; you want to be the one who leaves a lasting, positive impression on every client you serve. Jessica Morrow, a seasoned real estate veteran, is Revive Real Estate Chief of Staff. Revive's mission is to help home sellers maximize their profits by providing access to presale renovation services without upfront costs, allowing them to transform their homes into move-in ready condition that sells for a higher price.

Real Estate Closing Gifts: The Ultimate Guide for Agents
Building lasting relationships with clients is key to your success. One way to show your appreciation and cement bonds with clients is through closing gifts. Selecting thoughtful gifts for buyers and sellers demonstrates that you value them, not just the transaction. This guide will provide tips to help you determine appropriate closing presents based on your budget and clients' personalities. Discover creative ideas that make your clients feel special while promoting your brand so they'll recommend you in the future. With the right closing gift, you make meaningful connections that lead to repeat and referral business down the road. Why Give Closing Gifts? Giving closing gifts to your clients is an impactful way to show your appreciation for their business and build goodwill. Providing a thoughtful gift at closing leaves a lasting positive impression and reminds your clients of the great experience they had working with you. It helps cement your relationship and keeps you at the top of their mind for referrals or future real estate needs. Do Realtors Give Closing Gifts to Buyers and Sellers? It depends on the agent and the situation. Whether or not you provide closing gifts to your clients depends on your business practices and the relationship you have built with them. Some agents provide small tokens of appreciation, while others do not provide any gifts. There are benefits to both approaches. Providing gifts can be a way to show your clients you value them and appreciate their business. It leaves them with a positive last impression of you and your service. However, gifts are not always expected, and some clients may see them as an unnecessary expense. Agents must determine what is right for their own business and client relationships. Gifts for Buyers vs. Sellers If providing closing gifts, agents will often give separate gifts to buyers and sellers. For buyers, common gifts include a welcome mat, keychain, bottle of champagne, or basket with home-related items. For sellers, agents may provide a card or small memento to thank them for their business and the opportunity to sell their home. Most Popular Real Estate Closing Gift Ideas Housewarming Gifts Housewarming gifts are one of the most popular closing gift ideas for real estate agents to give their clients. Some excellent options include: Gift cards: Give your clients gift cards to their favorite home stores so they can pick out items they need for their new home. Stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, and Target are always appreciated. Essentials baskets: Create a basket filled with home essentials your clients will need in their new place like kitchen tools, bathroom items, cleaning supplies, etc. You can find many of these items at dollar stores to keep costs low. Decor items: Simple decorative accents like candles, art, plants, or throw pillows make great housewarming gifts. Stick to neutral, versatile options that will match any home decor. Appliances: If you have a larger budget, small kitchen appliances like a coffee maker, blender, or slow cooker are very useful housewarming gifts. However, be aware of your clients' tastes and the overall style of their new home first. Closing Keepsakes Closing keepsakes make memorable gifts that your clients will appreciate for years to come. Some thoughtful options include: Photo books or framed photos of the new home: Put together a photo book or framed photos of your clients in their new home. This personalizes the gift and provides them with a keepsake of this important milestone. Customized address signs or plaques: An engraved house number sign, address plaque, or doormat embroidered with your clients' new address makes a useful but sentimental gift. Scrapbooks or journals: Provide your clients with a scrapbook or journal where they can document memories, photos, and home projects in their new place. Leave some space in the front for them to place a photo and for you to write a personal note. Decorative boxes or key holders: A decorative storage box, key holder, or entryway cabinet gives your clients a place to store items in their new home while also serving as a reminder of you and your company. Have their names or addresses engraved on the item for an extra special touch. Creative Closing Gifts Ideas for Buyers and Sellers Personalized Stationery Photo Album or Frame Gift Card Custom Doormat Engraved Cutting Board or Serving Tray Family Portrait Session Home Improvement Consultation Move-in Cleaning Service Gardening Service Bottle of wine or champagne with a custom label Etc. How Much to Spend on Real Estate Closing Gifts Determining an appropriate budget for real estate closing gifts is an important consideration. Spending too little may seem unthoughtful while spending too much could be seen as inappropriate by clients or your brokerage. Two things: Set a Per-Client Gift Budget Consider the Transaction Value When to Give Closing Gifts in the Transaction Giving gifts at the wrong time can seem misplaced and disingenuous. However, presenting gifts at strategic points in the transaction will make your clients feel valued and build goodwill. At the Signing of the Purchase Agreement Once your clients have signed the purchase agreement, giving an initial closing gift expresses your gratitude for their business and commitment to the transaction. An appropriate gift at this stage would be a welcome basket with snacks, a coffee mug, or a gift certificate to a local business. This small gesture shows you appreciate this first milestone in the process. During the Inspection Period The inspection period can be an anxious time for buyers as they await the results of the professional inspection of their new home. Providing a gift at this point, such as a candle or book by a local author, can help alleviate stress and demonstrate your support. Let your clients know you are there to answer any questions or address any concerns they may have. At the Final Walk-Through The final walk-through before closing is an opportune time for a closing gift. Your clients are about to take ownership and possession of their new home, so a housewarming gift is ideal. Consider a decorative item for their new home like artwork or throw pillows featuring the city or neighborhood. You can also give a more practical gift like a toolkit, fire extinguisher, or carbon monoxide detector. At the Closing Table The closing table is the pinnacle moment in any real estate transaction. Providing a thoughtful closing gift at this time will create lasting positive memories of their experience working with you. Ideal gifts include a framed photo of their new home, a bottle of champagne for a toast, or a Visa gift card to help them purchase any last-minute items needed for their new home. How to Marketing Closing Gifts Post about the closing gift program on your company's social media profiles, including images of some of the more popular gift options. Feature the gift program prominently on your website's homepage, services page, and testimonials. Make your clients smile with gifts and take photos and videos. Encourage them to give you a review on Google or other platforms. These tactics will spread the word about your closing gift offering to the widest possible audience. Thanks for reading, do you want more ideas? Check out these two: Real Estate Email Address Ideas Real Estate Slogan Ideas To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.

Unleash the Power of Referrals: Proven strategies to generate qualified leads
Are you looking to boost your real estate business through effective lead generation strategies? Navigating the world of referral leads in the real estate industry can be a game-changer for agents like you. Referral leads hold valuable potential, offering a trusted path to new clients and business growth. As a real estate agent, you understand the significance of generating a steady stream of leads to fuel your success. The challenges of lead generation in a competitive market can be daunting, but fear not – there are effective strategies tailored to the unique landscape of the real estate industry. By tapping into the power of referral leads, you can unlock a goldmine of opportunities to expand your client base and establish your reputation. Leveraging client relationships Building strong relationships with your current and past clients is a cornerstone of success in the real estate industry. Not only does it foster trust and loyalty, but it also opens the door to valuable referrals that can fuel your business growth. Let's dive into some effective strategies for leveraging client relationships to maximize your referral leads. Personalized follow-ups One of the most powerful ways to nurture client relationships is through personalized follow-ups. By staying in touch with your clients in a personalized manner, you show them that you genuinely care about their well-being and success. Regular follow-ups keep you top-of-mind for referrals but also help you maintain a strong connection with your clients over time. Here are some best practices for personalized follow-ups: Send personalized emails or handwritten notes to check in on your clients. Remember important milestones like birthdays or home anniversaries. Provide valuable market updates or homeownership tips tailored to each client's needs. Stay connected through social media to engage with clients on a personal level. By implementing these practices, you can solidify your client relationships and increase your chances of receiving quality referrals from satisfied clients. Client appreciation events Organizing client appreciation events is another effective way to strengthen client relationships and generate referrals. These events show your appreciation for your clients' business but also create opportunities for them to refer their friends and family to you. Here are some ideas for client appreciation events: Host a networking happy hour or brunch for your clients to connect with each other. Organize a community charity event and invite your clients to participate. Offer educational workshops or seminars on home buying or selling tips. Arrange a client-exclusive property tour or real estate market update session. By organizing client appreciation events, you not only strengthen your relationships with clients but also cultivate a network of loyal advocates who can drive valuable referrals your way. Strategic Partnerships In real estate, teaming up with pros in other fields like mortgage brokers, designers, or stagers can boost your business big time. It opens doors to grow your network and business. Cross-promotions and collaborations Creating partnerships with strategic allies for cross-promotions boosts referrals and marketing synergy. For example, teaming up with an interior designer for home staging elevates your listing appeal, attracting more buyers and referrals. Referral exchange programs Creating referral exchange programs with strategic partners forms a mutual referral system benefiting all involved. By exchanging clients with trusted partners, you expand your reach and access new networks. For instance, a mortgage broker can refer homebuyers to you, while you recommend their services in return. Online presence and social media In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is paramount in attracting valuable referral leads. Your online presence and social media strategies play a crucial role in positioning yourself as a trusted authority in the real estate industry and fostering connections that can lead to lucrative referrals. Consistent content creation Consistency in creating content is key to maintaining a vibrant online presence. Consider starting a blog or regularly posting on social media platforms to showcase your expertise and engage your audience. Share insightful content tailored to the real estate industry, such as tips for first-time homebuyers, neighborhood spotlights, market trends, or home staging advice. Offering helpful content shows your expertise and boosts client referrals. Engagement and networking Engaging with the online community and actively networking are powerful ways to generate referral leads in the real estate industry. Interact with followers on social media by responding to comments, initiating conversations, and sharing relevant industry news. Consider joining real estate groups or forums to connect with potential clients and other professionals in the field. Networking events, both online and offline, provide opportunities to build relationships that can result in valuable referrals. By consistently engaging with your online audience and fostering meaningful connections, you can strengthen your reputation and increase your chances of receiving quality referrals. Rewarding referral programs Referral programs are a cornerstone in the real estate industry, fostering connections and driving business growth through client recommendations. One powerful strategy to enhance these programs is by implementing rewarding referral incentives. By rewarding referrals, you show appreciation and motivate others to keep spreading the word about your services. Incentives and gifts Incentives play a crucial role in motivating individuals to refer your real estate services. Effective referral incentives can range from monetary rewards and discounts to exclusive perks such as home staging services or professional photography for their property listing. Additionally, thoughtful gifts for referrers, such as personalized closing gifts or home decor vouchers, can make the experience more memorable and strengthen the client-agent relationship. A good reward system says thanks and keeps referrals coming for a loyal network. Tracking and managing referrals Tracking referral leads is crucial for measuring program success and identifying top referrers. Use CRM software or referral tracking platforms for insights on sources and conversion rates. Efficiently manage referrals by setting clear criteria, automating tracking, and promptly rewarding successes. Establish a structured program to maximize impact and nurture client relationships. Sustainable growth comes from appreciating and rewarding supporters. Offer incentives and maintain a robust tracking system to build a network of advocates. In the competitive landscape of the real estate industry, mastering the art of generating referral leads is key to your success. By implementing strategic techniques such as nurturing your lead database, hosting engaging client events, and leveraging online platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com, you can significantly boost your referral business. As a real estate agent, embracing these effective strategies will enhance your referral business and position you as a trusted and reliable professional in the industry. Stay proactive, stay engaged, and watch your referral leads soar to new heights. To view the original article, visit the iGuide blog. Related reading 10 Proven Ways to Optimize Your Real Estate Website for Lead Generation Supercharge Your Lead Generation: Proven strategies for real estate agents in 2024 The Ultimate Online Listing Guide for Attracting Potential Buyers

NAR Report: Millennials Reclaim Position as Largest Group of Home Buyers
Millennials have surged ahead to become the largest group of home buyers, marking a significant shift in the housing market's demographic landscape, according to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors®. The 2024 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report, which examines the similarities and differences among recent home buyers and sellers across generations, found that the combined share of millennials, both younger (ages 25 to 33) and older (ages 34 to 43), now make up a combined 38% of the home buying market, a substantial increase from 28% last year. Baby boomers, comprising both younger boomers (ages 59 to 68) and older boomers (ages 69 to 77), saw their share decrease from 39% to 31%, relinquishing their position as last year's largest demographic of home buyers. "The generational tug-of-war between millennials and baby boomers continued this year, with millennials rebounding to capture the largest share of home buyers," said Dr. Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research. "This notable rise is attributed to both younger millennials stepping into homeownership for the first time and older millennials transitioning to larger homes that suit their evolving needs." The report underscored a rise in first-time buyers across many generations, with 32% of all buyers purchasing for the first time, an increase from 26% last year. Leading the charge were younger millennials, whose proportion of first-time buyers increased from 70% to 75% over the past year. Forty-four percent of older millennials and 24% of Generation X (ages 44-58) were first-time buyers. In parallel, the emergence of Generation Z (ages 18-24) in the housing market paints a picture of diversity and independence. While this cohort only accounted for 3% of all buyers, an impressive 31% of Gen Z purchasers were single females – a proportion significantly higher than that observed in any other generation. "Gen Z buyers are entering the housing market, and their demographics are emerging distinctly from other age groups," Lautz said. "More than half are single buyers, outpacing all age groups of single men and single women, and they are also most likely to identify as LGBTQ+." Despite these shifts in buyer trends, baby boomers remained the largest home-seller generation, accounting for 45% of all sellers in 2023. The tenure of homeownership before making a sale varied significantly by generation. While the median among all buyers was a 10-year stay before selling, older millennials typically sold their homes after just six years, contrasting sharply with Gen X, baby boomers and the Silent Generation (ages 78-98), who typically stayed in their homes for 15 years. "Baby boomers continue to dominate the home-selling market as they make pivotal decisions regarding their retirement living situations, whether it's right-sizing or moving closer to loved ones," Lautz said. "Benefiting from longer periods of homeownership compared to other generations, boomers approach these transactions with substantial equity, enabling strategic housing trades." In the face of changing market dynamics, the enduring appeal of homeownership remains strong. This year's report revealed that 82% of all buyers consider a home purchase a good financial investment, with this sentiment especially pronounced among younger millennials, 86% of whom echo this positive outlook. Across all generations, nine out of ten buyers indicated they would either definitely (75%) or probably (15%) enlist their real estate agent's services again or recommend them to others. Similarly, among sellers, 87% expressed they were likely to reuse or refer their agent. "The universal value of owning a home transcends every generation, serving as a cornerstone for both personal prosperity and community development," said NAR President Kevin Sears, broker-partner of Sears Real Estate in Springfield, Massachusetts. "In navigating the complexities of the market, buyers and sellers continue to rely on agents who are Realtors® for their expertise and guidance, underscoring the invaluable service they provide in bringing dreams of homeownership to life." Download the full report here. More in Research The Shifting Dynamics of Buyer-Agent Relationships in Real Estate How Agents Are (Unintentionally) Violating Fair Housing How Critical Will It Be to Renovate Before Selling In 2024?

5 Tips for Better Email Open Rates, Plus PROVEN Plug and Play Subject Lines
As a marketing professional, I often leverage email for client outreach, invitations to webinars and events, educational communication, and prospecting. I'm often asked for advice on how to improve open rates and engagement, and I want to start with the most overlooked, but absolutely crucial part of the email…the subject line! A compelling email subject line is what's going to land you in the inbox, enticing your audience to open and engage with your content. Below are five proven tips for crafting effective email subject lines, as well a list of words and/or phrases that deliver results. 1. Personalization Using personalization such as the person's name or geographic location helps your email POP in the inbox and makes your emails feel more relevant and/or tailored to the recipient. Examples: John, here's your exclusive discount code. The hottest new listing just hit Willow Creek. 2. Urgency/Scarcity Subject lines that convey a sense of urgency or scarcity encourage recipients to open your email promptly, fearing they may miss out on an opportunity. Examples: Last chance! 50% off registration ends tonight. Need CE credits, Michael? 5 slots left. 3. Intrigue Questions in subject lines can pique your recipient's curiosity and motivate them to open your email to find the answer. Examples: Tanya, are you making this common staging mistake? Has your broker failed to share this important compliancy information? 4. Specifics Incorporating specific numbers or statistics in your subject line can make your content appear more credible and valuable. Examples: 10 proven tips to boost your productivity. 12% of Sarasota agents made this strategic move in 2023 5. Concise Email subject lines should be short, clear, and to the point. The longer or more ambiguous the subject is, the more likely it is to fail in capturing your recipient's attention. Examples: New Continuing Education: Register Today Exclusive Access: Listing Presentation Webinar And last, here's a list of words and/or phrases that can be combined with any of the above suggestions to help your emails stand out in crowded inboxes, increase open rates, and ultimately drive higher engagement. Happy marketing! Exclusive Exclusive Offer Inspire Discover Exciting Limited Update What?! Epic Epic Journey Limited Time Time Sensitive Action Required Breaking News Quick Tips Proven Strategies Inspiring Stories Essential Guide Exclusive Access Incredible Action Amazing Wow! Essential Unlock Why? Secrets Bondilyn Jolly is President of Marketing at WAV Group. Related reading 7 Emails You Need to Send to Real Estate Leads The Best Email Subject Lines: 11 Formulas to Use in Real Estate Build an Opt-in Email List: 8 Proven Tactics to Try Now

100 Things Buyer's Agents Do for Their Clients
It's been a rough couple weeks for buyer's agents — and for how they're being portrayed in the media. Since the NAR settlement, comments sections of news articles have been rife with remarks like "What do real estate agents even do anyway?" that imply that agents don't deserve their commissions. While we advise that you stay away from these online discussions — which quickly turn toxic — you may need to offer answers to the question of what you do to clients and prospects at some point. Fortunately, as any buyer's agent knows, you do a whole lot! We want to hype you up during this challenging time and help you be ready to list all the wonderful ways you help your clients the next time you get that question. That's why we've rounded up this list of 100 things that real estate buyer's agents do for their clients. The list is written as if buyers are reading it, so please feel free to copy and paste this anywhere that it's helpful — on your website, into presentations, your email newsletter, and beyond! Before Your Search Begins Understand your needs and wants as a buyer (e.g., number of bedrooms, desired school district, commute time) Discuss your budget and pre-qualification options (explain pre-qualification vs. pre-approval) Educate you about the current real estate market (local trends, market conditions) Explain the buying process (steps involved, timeline) Provide a buyer's agency agreement outlining their responsibilities, compensation, and fiduciary duty to represent your best interests Discuss financing options (conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans) Help you get pre-approved for a mortgage (connect you with lenders, understand loan terms) Explain the role of different parties involved (seller's agent, escrow officer, title company) Advise on homeowner's insurance considerations (types of coverage, estimated costs) Discuss potential tax implications of buying a home During Your Search Set up a personalized MLS search based on your criteria (location, price range, property type) Recommend properties that meet your criteria and highlight key features Schedule appointments to view properties and manage your showing itinerary Provide virtual tours if available and conduct virtual consultations if needed Research the neighborhoods you're interested in (schools, amenities, crime rates) Point out pros and cons of each property during showings Offer honest and unbiased opinions based on your needs and market knowledge Identify potential problems with properties (structural issues, outdated features, renovation needs) Help you stay organized with property information (create spreadsheets, share notes) Track new listings that hit the market and notify you of potential matches Schedule follow-up appointments for properties you'd like to see again Answer questions about open houses and how to best approach them Explain the role of "coming soon" listings and pre-market opportunities Advise on strategies for attending competitive open houses Help you understand the concept of "pocket listings" (unlisted properties) Offer guidance on making low-ball offers (weighing risks and benefits) Explain the concept of escalation clauses in competitive offers Discuss the importance of earnest money deposits and potential holding fees Advise on timelines for submitting offers and response expectations Help you prioritize properties based on your evolving needs and preferences Making an Offer Explain different offer strategies based on market conditions (fixed price, escalation clauses) Help you determine a competitive offer price considering comps (comparable properties) and market analysis Draft and submit a formal offer following standard real estate contract formats Negotiate on your behalf with the seller's agent to get the best possible terms Present counteroffers strategically to improve your offer's position Recommend concessions you can request beyond price (closing costs, repairs, warranties) Advise on closing costs and help you estimate associated fees Ensure all contingencies are included in the offer to protect your interests (financing, inspections, appraisals) Explain the concept of "due diligence" period and your rights during that time Keep you informed of the negotiation process and provide timely updates Under Contract Schedule and coordinate the home inspection with a qualified inspector Accompany you to the home inspection to ask questions and take notes Review the home inspection report with you, explaining findings and potential repair needs Negotiate repairs with the seller based on the inspection report Help you understand the process of scheduling and attending additional inspections (e.g., radon, pest) Facilitate communication between you and the lender to ensure smooth loan processing Recommend reputable mortgage lenders if you haven't already secured pre-approval Help you gather necessary documents for loan approval (tax returns, bank statements) Schedule and attend the appraisal (if required by your lender) Review the appraisal report and explain its impact on Advise on potential challenges with loan approval and suggest solutions Explain the role of private mortgage insurance (PMI) if applicable Help you understand the escrow process and communicate with the escrow officer Before Closing Order title search to identify any ownership or lien issues Review the title commitment and explain its implications Advise on homeowner's insurance options and help you get quotes Schedule the final walk-through to ensure the property's condition aligns with the contract Ensure all repairs agreed upon are completed before closing Review closing documents thoroughly and explain each section Answer any questions you have about closing and prepare you for the process After Closing Provide recommendations for reputable movers based on your needs and budget Help you connect with home warranty companies to explore coverage options Offer recommendations for home improvement contractors for post-purchase renovations Stay in touch and answer any questions you have after closing Provide resources for navigating homeownership, including maintenance tips and homeowner associations (HOAs) Additional Services Provide resources for school information and district ratings Help you understand local property taxes and potential exemptions Advise on homeowner association (HOA) fees and explain HOA rules Explain the benefits and drawbacks of different property types (single-family home, condo, townhouse) Help you understand lead paint disclosures and potential remediation requirements Assist with navigating historical property reports to understand the property's background Recommend resources for obtaining permits and inspections for renovations Connect you with property management companies if you plan to rent out the property Help you understand the process of obtaining homeowners' insurance Offer guidance on budgeting for ongoing homeowner expenses (maintenance, utilities) Client Communication Be available to answer your questions by phone, email, text, or preferred method Communicate promptly and effectively, keeping you informed throughout the process Advocate for your best interests during negotiations and throughout the transaction Provide you with clear and concise explanations, avoiding technical jargon Be patient and understanding, acknowledging the stress involved in buying a home Market Knowledge Stay up-to-date on current market trends (inventory levels, interest rates, price fluctuations) Analyze local market data to identify buying opportunities Provide insights into specific neighborhoods, highlighting pros, cons, and future development plans Offer comps (comparable properties) for reference during your search Help you understand seller motivations to inform your offer strategy Technology Utilize technology to streamline the buying process (electronic signatures, online portals) Use digital tools for property searches with interactive features and filters Offer electronic document signing for added convenience and efficiency Provide online communication platforms for easy information exchange and updates Use marketing tools to target potential properties that meet your criteria Negotiation Skills Negotiate effectively on your behalf to secure the best possible terms Present your offer in the best light, highlighting your strengths as a buyer Counteract seller's arguments strategically to improve your offer's position Advocate for repairs without jeopardizing the deal by finding common ground Help you achieve a win-win outcome that satisfies both parties Maintain a high level of professionalism throughout your interactions Dress appropriately for appointments and meetings, projecting a positive image Be respectful of all parties involved (sellers, agents, inspectors) Adhere to a strict code of ethics, ensuring fair and honest representation Conduct business with integrity and transparency, building trust with your clients There you have it — 100 things buyer's agents do for their clients. If you share this list, feel free to edit as needed. After all, you may not do everything on this list, and there are probably several things you do do that aren't listed. Happy selling! Related reading Unlocking RPR's Potential: A Buyer's Agent Daily Playbook The Shifting Dynamics of Buyer-Agent Relationships in Real Estate 4 Ways Buyers Agents Can Show More Value to their Clients  

Top 10 Most Popular Articles of March: Scripts, Home Design Trends, the NAR Settlement, and more
Spring is here, and it's not just the weather that's about to warm up. But before the volume of home sales cranks up, let's take a moment to look back at last month — and the articles that can help you get ready for real estate's busy season. First, let's address the elephant in the room: the NAR settlement. For advice on how to talk to your sphere about it, check out article #1 on the list below. The settlement isn't the only thing you'll be talking about, of course. For scripts on steering sellers away from a too-high listing price, see article #3. Next, scroll down to article #7 for scripts that can help improve your business communication skills. Have sellers who are considering remodeling before putting their home on the market? Check out articles #2 and #5. Finally, see article #9 for a list of real estate podcasts that can help level up your career. 1. How to Talk About the NAR Settlement with Clients and ProspectsThe Ides of March brought a whopper of an announcement to the real estate industry: that the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) had settled the commissions lawsuit. Thanks to wall-to-wall media coverage, it's likely that your sphere of influence has had some questions about the news. This list of do's and don'ts can help guide your conversations with clients, leads, and your social sphere. 2. Top 5 Home Improvements that Will Deliver Sellers the Greatest ROIThe 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. 3. Price It Right: 3 Scripts to Guide Sellers Away from Overpricing PitfallsHave sellers who are intent on overpricing their home? There's an ancient communication hack you can use to steer sellers towards a more reasonable price point. The Socratic method, created by ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, is a way to discuss topics by asking questions rather than telling or instructing the other party what to do. To help you understand what a pricing discussion using the Socratic method looks like, here are a few sample scripts. 4. 4 Must-Have AI Mobile Apps to Level Up Your Real Estate GameWant to leverage the power of artificial intelligence while you're on the go? You're in luck — there are several AI-powered mobile apps available to help you do everything from research to crafting social media posts. Today, you'll learn about four of them. 5. Trend Alert: These Features Help Homes Sell Faster and for More MoneyHome buyers are willing to pay more for a backyard decked out with all the bells and whistles. New Zillow research finds homes equipped with an outdoor TV command 3.1% more than expected — or $10,749 on a typical U.S. home. What other home design trends are catching the eyes of buyers? 6. Best Real Estate SEO Keywords for 2024Real estate agents spend a lot of time on their website design and pay a lot of money for advertisements, but many still struggle with lead generation. One cannot ignore the value of what is in demand and what folks are looking for on the web. In this article, we are going to explore the top real estate keywords of 2024 that bring a lot of SEO value to your real estate website. 7. 6 Real Estate Scripts (and When to Use Them)One persistent stereotype about real estate agents is that they're hyper-social creatures blessed with the gift of gab. While it's true that many agents are people lovers who like to talk, simply being talkative isn't necessarily a talent. Instead, knowing what to say and when to say is a skill that's learned — especially in business situations. These six scripts can help you hone your communication skills. 8. Top Buyer Trends in the Real Estate Market for 2024: What Realtors need to knowThe real estate landscape is constantly evolving, driven by shifts in buyer preferences and technological advancements. As we edge closer to prime real estate season, it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve by understanding the emerging trends shaping the market. Dive into the top buyer trends expected to dominate the real estate market in 2024, and get insights to help you navigate the changes and capitalize on new opportunities. 9. 15 Essential Podcasts to Level Up Your Real Estate CareerPodcasts offer a convenient and engaging way to learn and grow while you're on the go. This curated list of 15 podcasts is specifically tailored to real estate agents. We've got you covered, from mastering the art of the deal to developing a winning mindset, and staying on top of the latest industry trends. So, grab your earbuds, hit play, and get ready to level up your real estate career! 10. Make DIY Marketing Campaigns a Reality with RPRAs an individual real estate agent, you need to be a master of self-promotion. Did you know that with RPR, you can create all kinds of marketing materials, including digital and printed items, that are jammed with local market insight? And you can produce them in very little time, at no additional cost.

Facebook Ads: A Step-by-Step Guide for Creating High-Converting Ads
Do Facebook ads still convert leads? They do if you know what you're doing, according to real estate agent and coach Mike Sherrard. In this video tutorial, Sherrard walks viewers through the exact steps needed to build and deploy Facebook lead ads — with special attention paid to pre-deployment preparation and to finding leads afterwards. This tutorial offers handy, actionable tips like targeting custom lists of homes under a certain price point, and using images in your ads from homes that are slightly above the targeted price point to intrigue viewers and increase engagement. Watch the video to get other great tips and detailed guidance, like: Setting objectives, budgets, and targeting parameters Using campaign end dates to prevent unintended long-term spending Tips for targeting the Spanish-speaking market The top four ad placements work best Image tricks for increasing engagement Where to find leads from your ads in Facebook And more! Related Reading Paid vs. Organic Search for Real Estate Sites 8 campaign ideas for finding more listings 10 Questions Home Sellers Ask Google (and 40 Key Phrases to Target Them)

15 Essential Podcasts to Level Up Your Real Estate Career
The busiest time of the year is right around the corner, and that means real estate agents are about to spend more time in their car — headed to showings and signings, meeting prospective clients, and so much more. Driving around town offers the perfect opportunity to get your fill of real estate knowledge. How? By listening to podcasts! They offer a convenient and engaging way to learn and grow while you're on the go. Whether it's your commute, downtime between appointments, or during a workout, you can plug into valuable insights and expert advice from top performers in the industry. This curated list of 15 podcasts is specifically tailored to real estate agents. We've got you covered, from mastering the art of the deal to developing a winning mindset, and staying on top of the latest industry trends. So, grab your earbuds, hit play, and get ready to level up your real estate career! 1. Crazy Sh*T in Real Estate A candid and entertaining look behind the scenes of the real estate world, hosted by Leigh Brown, a top producer, author, and coach. The podcast aims to go beyond the idealized portrayal of real estate often seen on television and into the messy realities, challenges, and sometimes downright crazy situations that agents encounter. 2. Beyond Four Walls: Conversations on Affordable Housing This show from the National Housing Conference (NHC) tackles one of the biggest issues in housing right now: affordability. Tune in for interviews with policymakers, advocates, and experts working on solutions. 3. Drive With NAR Podcast Hosted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Drive with NAR features interviews with industry leaders and experts on current trends, legislation, and insights impacting the real estate market. Its REALTOR® to REALTOR® Series offers business growth tips from other Realtors, and The Safety Series highlights tools, advice, and strategies for staying safe on the job. 4. Hustle Humbly If you're a go-getter (or aspire to be), this show is for you. Listen to top real estate pros share strategies and inspiration for building a thriving business through hard work and a smart approach. 5. GSD Mode GSD stands for "Get Sh*t Done," and this podcast lives up to its name by providing actionable tips and interviews with high-performing real estate professionals on achieving success. 6. Real Estate Training and Coaching School Hosted by husband-and-wife team Tim and Julie Harris, this podcast provides education and coaching specifically geared towards real estate investors, helping them navigate the intricacies of the investment side of the market. 7. Center for Realtor Development Podcast Another NAR production, this show focuses on professional development for real estate agents, with tips on sharpening skills, building a business, and staying ahead of the curve. 8. RENEW Podcast How are women moving real estate forward? Find out in this podcast, which features female industry leaders and their accomplishments. 9. Reverse Selling Real estate broker and coach Brandon Mulrenin flips the script on traditional sales techniques, focusing on building relationships and understanding the client's needs to achieve successful outcomes. 10. F.I.R.E.D. Up with Krista Mashore F.I.R.E.D. stands for "Financial Independence, Retire Early." This show explores real estate investing strategies for building wealth and achieving financial freedom. 11. Real Estate Rockstars Podcast Learn how the best and brightest agents have achieved success. This podcast features interviews with top real estate agents and investors, delving into their journeys, strategies, and the secrets behind their rockstar status. 12. REconomy Podcast The housing market is a complicated beast, but this podcast breaks it down beautifully, helping listeners understand the bigger picture. Tune in for an in-depth exploration of the business and economic factors affecting the real estate market. 13. Elite Agent Secrets Podcast Packed with practical advice and interviews with successful agents, this show equips listeners with the tools and knowledge to become an elite performer in the real estate game. 14. Lab Coat Agents Look at almost any list of recommended real estate agent podcasts, and you're sure to find this show. That's probably because of its unique spin: Lab Coat Agents takes a more scientific approach to real estate, exploring the psychology of negotiation, buyer behavior, and the use of data to gain a competitive edge. 15. The Mindset Mentor Podcast Hosted by mindset coach Rob Dial, this podcast focuses on the mental aspects of success in real estate. Learn how to overcome challenges, develop a winning mindset, and achieve your goals in the competitive world of real estate. Next steps See a list of recommended podcast episodes. Need a podcast app? Get 11 app suggestions here. Want to start your own podcast? Here's 4 things you should know.

[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.

Price It Right: 3 Scripts to Guide Sellers Away from Overpricing Pitfalls
Have sellers who are intent on overpricing their home? There's an ancient communication hack you can use to steer sellers towards a more reasonable price point. When we say "ancient," we mean it! The Socratic method, created by ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, is a way to discuss topics by asking questions rather than telling or instructing the other party what to do. This is effective in pricing discussions because it moves sellers away from an emotional frame of mind to a more logical one. And, importantly, it helps sellers persuade themselves toward a more reasonable price — and it avoids making them feel like you're telling them what to do. By asking questions and having them rationalize their pricing motivations, you can guide them to see the potential pitfalls themselves. The key is using questions, examples and letting them arrive at the more reasonable pricing conclusion through their own logic. To help you understand what a pricing discussion using the Socratic method looks like, here are a few sample scripts. Seller Objection: "My house has valuable upgrades" You: I understand you want to list your home at [proposed price]. Can you help me understand your thought process behind that decision? Client: I think my home is worth more than comparable homes in the area because it has been updated and is in great condition. You: That's a fair point. Can you tell me more about the specific updates and condition? How do they compare to similar homes on the market? Client: Well, we updated the kitchen with new countertops and appliances a few years ago... You: Those updates do add value. Have you looked at what other homes with updated kitchens have listed and sold for recently? How does your asking price compare? Client: Not specifically, but I'm sure ours is nicer. You: Let's take a look at some examples to compare. What do you think might happen if we price your home significantly higher than similar recently sold properties? Client: I suppose it might sit on the market longer... You: Exactly. And what are some potential downsides of a listing going stale? Client: Buyers might wonder what's wrong with it and make lower offers. You: That's true! Overpricing can make it harder to generate interest and get a strong offer. What are your priorities — a higher price or a quicker sale? Seller Objection: "I want to maximize our ROI on our home" You: What factors are most important to you in pricing your home? Client: Getting the highest possible price. This is our biggest investment. You: I understand wanting to maximize your return. What concerns might you have about overpricing though? Client: Well, I don't want it to sit on the market forever. You: Right, going too high can deter buyers. What have you noticed about how long overpriced homes in our area tend to stay listed? Client: Several months at least from what I've seen. You: Exactly. And opportunity costs come into play too when a home lingers. What kinds of costs are we talking about? Client: Carrying costs like the mortgage, utilities, maintenance… You: Yes. So finding the highest price a qualified buyer will actually pay could make more sense financially. How might we analyze recent sales to find that sweet spot? Seller Objection: "I want to keep up with the Joneses" You: I know you have X price in mind for listing your home. What is your goal in setting that price? Client: I want to get a price 15% higher than the neighbors sold for last year. You: I see. What has changed about your home or the market conditions that leads you to value it that much higher? Client: Well, not much besides the neighbors selling when prices were lower. You: Understood. Buyers will be looking at very recent comparable sales though. If other similar homes seem undervalued compared to yours, what could happen? Client: Buyers might favor those other listings and ours could get passed over. You: Potentially, yes. What are some risks if we overpriced and it doesn't sell quickly? Client: It could hurt our negotiating position later if we have to keep dropping the price. You: Those are excellent points. How can we analyze trends to find the optimal list price and position your home strongly? Tips Be agreeable and allow the seller to express their opinion. Embrace silence as a tactic to allow the seller to express their thoughts fully. Self-persuasion is key to guide sellers to the right pricing strategy. The Socratic method lets them feel they're coming to the desired conclusion on their own. Lean on data to help persuade sellers. RPR's Refine Value Tool lets you take home upgrades into account when determining price. Related reading Pricing It Right: How Agents Can Show Value to Home Sellers Through CMAs Unrealistic Seller Pricing: How to Handle it Like a Pro [Podcast] You Don't Get to the Money If You Don't Get to the Core of Feelings, with Lynn Sharer

How to Talk About the NAR Settlement with Clients and Prospects
The Ides of March brought a whopper of an announcement to the real estate industry: that the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) had settled the commissions lawsuit. Thanks to wall-to-wall media coverage, it's likely that your sphere of influence has had some questions about the news: Is buyer agency a thing of the past? When do changes go into effect? How does this affect me if I buy or sell a home? How do you address the settlement with your sphere — or should you even wade into that conversation at all right now? After all, things are still in flux, and many real estate organizations are still figuring out how to adapt to the changes, which go into effect in July. To help you out, we're offering a list of do's and don'ts to help guide your conversations with clients, leads, and your social sphere. DO's DO stay away from negativity. Social media is an increasingly combative place, to be sure, and it's easy to be drawn into arguments about the settlement. But people don't want to follow or work with a negative person, so be sure to keep any posts or conversations on the positive side. Acknowledge that things will be changing without veering off into the negatives of this development. DO explain that buyer agency agreements have not changed (yet). The changes from the NAR settlement go into effect mid-July, and few (if any) brokerages have changed their existing buyer agency agreements at this time. You can tell your sphere that while changes have not gone into effect yet, you will keep them updated on the approach your brokerage decides to take when the time comes. DO create more stories about how you serve your clients. With the value of real estate agents in question in the media, take time to create social media posts and stories that show the value you bring to the table. Record short video case studies with clients that show how you helped them overcome challenges in their home buying journey. Ramp up your efforts to collect client testimonials, too. DO talk to your peers and local industry leadership. We get that this situation can be frustrating, so if you need to vent, be sure to do it in spaces that the public doesn't frequent. Try private industry-only Facebook groups or similar online spots, or chat with colleagues about it in person. DO conduct a gut check before posting. If you're unsure whether a post or comment is worth making, check in with yourself first. Ask how the post benefits your business or your clients. If it doesn't, rethink posting it. DONT's DON'T rage post. We get it — there are a lot of misleading headlines and social media posts out there right now, and the urge to correct them may be strong. Don't take the bait, though. Refrain from posting in article or social media comment sections, especially if agitated. Remember that your social media sphere can see what you've written when responding to public posts from pages. Your professional reputation is worth more than the 10 seconds of satisfaction you get from responding to inaccurate stories. DON'T argue about why agents deserve commissions. Consumers don't want to hear about it, especially at a time when commissions are under a microscope. Instead, show the value of what you bring to the table by talking or posting about how you serve clients and help them navigate roadblocks in the sales process. DON'T prognosticate publicly. It can be fun to speculate on the shape of the changes to come in the wake of the settlement. But the internet has a long memory, and anything you post can be dredged up in the future — not a great look if your predictions don't pan out. Save the speculation for chats with colleagues instead.

Introducing Yourself as a New Real Estate Agent on Social Media
You're a new real estate agent ready to dive into the world of social media marketing, but you're not quite sure where to start. Building your online presence can feel overwhelming, but it's an essential step to growing your business. The key is crafting an introduction across platforms that captures who you are, what you offer, and why potential clients should work with you. In this article, you'll learn how to introduce yourself as a new real estate agent on social media. Choosing the Right Social Platforms to Promote Yourself On Facebook As a real estate agent, Facebook is a must. Create a professional business page to build your online presence. Share listings, post community updates, and engage with followers by commenting on their posts. Also, use your profile to connect with friends and family and spread the word that you're now in real estate. Instagram Instagram is ideal for visually showcasing properties and your community. Post eye-catching photos of homes you have listed or neighborhoods you serve. You can also share behind-the-scenes shots of what it's like as an agent. Follow other real estate accounts and engage with their posts to raise your visibility. LinkedIn Don't underestimate the power of LinkedIn. Build a strong profile highlighting your experience and credentials. Join real estate groups to connect with others in the industry. Share blog posts or articles you've written to establish yourself as a knowledgeable resource. Endorse your colleagues and ask them to endorse you in return. YouTube Creating video content is a great way to build trust and share your expertise. Post vlogs, property tours, tips for home buyers, and neighborhood overviews. Keep videos short, around two minutes. Then promote your channel on the other social networks. Video is engaging and helps people connect with your friendly, helpful personality. Remember! Social media is a marathon, not a sprint. Stick with it and keep putting out quality content and those connections and listings will start flowing your way! Optimizing Your Social Media Profiles Once you've chosen which social media you want to work on, it's time to optimize your profiles to establish your credibility and connect with potential clients. Focus on choosing a professional profile photo and cover image, crafting a compelling bio, and posting regularly. Profile Photo Your profile photo is the first impression people will have of you, so make it a headshot where you're smiling and dressed professionally. A high-quality, well-lit photo can go a long way in building trust and making you appear more established. Cover Photo On platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn that allow cover photos, choose an eye-catching image that conveys your experience and expertise. For example, you might use a photo of a scenic view from a listing you've sold or an aerial shot of your city's skyline. Just be sure any text on the image is still readable when uploaded. Bio Your bio is a chance to share your background, skills, and passion for the work in a personable way. Mention your relevant credentials and experience, but focus on why you love helping people buy and sell homes. Share some personal details and your mission to connect clients with properties that perfectly suit their needs. A few sentences are all you need to make a good first impression. Post Regularly The key to building an engaged social following is posting frequently and consistently. Share listings you have available, tips for homebuyers and sellers, market reports, community events, and behind-the-scenes footage of what you do. Engage with your followers by replying to their comments and messages and re-sharing their posts. Staying active and visible on social media is the best way to gain new clients through word-of-mouth and online referrals. Engaging Followers With Value-Driven Content Now that you've built up your following, it's time to keep them engaged. Posting valuable and consistent content is key. Share neighborhood guides, tips for home buyers, insights into the latest real estate trends, and advice for selling a home. Educate Your Followers Your followers want to learn from you, so teach them something new! For example, do a series on different architectural styles, like Craftsman versus Colonial. Explain the pros and cons of each and share photos of homes for sale in those styles. You can also tackle common questions, like “How much does it cost to sell a home?” Break down all the fees and provide an estimate for your area. Share Local Insights As an agent, you know the ins and outs of your community. Share details about new businesses opening up, community events going on, and developments in the works. For example, posts about a new park being built or restaurants coming to town. Mention open houses for some of the new construction. Your followers will appreciate tips on the best places to eat, shop, and explore where they live. Inspire and Entertain While education and information are important, don't forget to mix in some inspirational and fun content as well. Share gorgeous home interiors and exteriors you come across. Repost photos of dreamy backyards and home libraries. Include humor and lifestyle content like memes or a peek into your own home life. Varied and engaging posts will keep your followers interested and build connections. Post 2-3 times a week to stay top of mind without overwhelming your followers. Respond to comments and questions, and consider doing live Q&A sessions. Engaging with your community will turn followers into loyal clients and word-of-mouth marketers. Keep providing value and soon your social media will be driving new business! Responding to Leads and Inquiries Professionally Once your social media profiles are set up and you start gaining followers, the leads and inquiries will start coming in. How you respond to these potential new clients can make or break your ability to gain their business. Respond Promptly As a new agent, you have to be on the ball. Respond to any messages, posts, or emails within 6-12 hours. People today expect fast responses and quick access to information. Don't keep them waiting or they may move on to another agent. Be Personal and Polite Address people by name in your response and maintain a friendly, professional tone. Thank them for reaching out to you and let them know you're excited to help them in their home search or sale. Politeness and good manners will take you far. Provide Value Right Away In your first response, give them a taste of the value you provide. For buyers, this may be a list of available homes that match what they're looking for or tips for getting pre-approved for a mortgage. For sellers, provide data on comparable properties currently for sale or recently sold in their neighborhood. Educate them on the home selling process and tips for maximizing their sale price. Ask Good Questions To fully understand their needs and priorities, ask open-ended questions about what they're looking for in a home or their motivations and timeline for selling. Let the conversation evolve naturally from there. People will appreciate your genuine interest in their unique situation. Set up a Call or Meeting As the conversation progresses, suggest setting up a phone call or in-person meeting. This allows you to establish rapport, gain a deeper understanding of what they need, and share details about the services you provide. Be prepared to walk them through the steps that lie ahead in their journey towards a new home or successful sale. Conclusion So there you have it. A few simple tips for introducing yourself on social media as a new real estate agent. Remember to be authentic, share your personal story, highlight your expertise, and engage with your followers. Post consistently but don't overdo it. Focus on building genuine connections, not just gaining followers. Most importantly, have fun with it! Social media is all about personality. Let yours shine through. The more comfortable you are just being yourself, the more successful you'll be at winning over clients and establishing your brand as a trustworthy, knowledgeable agent. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog. Related reading Instagram Filters and Tools: How to Use Them in Your Real Estate Marketing How Real Estate Agents Can Build a Professional Network on LinkedIn Social Media Post Ideas for Agents and Brokers

Trend Alert: These Features Help Homes Sell Faster and for More Money
Home buyers are willing to pay more for a backyard decked out with all the bells and whistles. New Zillow research finds homes equipped with an outdoor TV command 3.1% more than expected — or $10,749 on a typical U.S. home. That's the highest sale price premium of all 359 features Zillow analyzed across nearly 1 million home sales in 2023. Homes with other desirable backyard features such as an outdoor shower, pizza oven and bluestone patio also fetch higher-than-expected sale prices when those features are mentioned in a listing description. Six of the top 10 features that help homes sell for more are outdoor features, signaling that the pandemic-era demand for functional outdoor space remains. Certain trendy or viral features can attract more competing buyers, contributing to a speedier sale. Rounded corners, popular in contemporary furniture design and now architecture (hello, curvy kitchens), can help a home sell six days faster than similar homes. #Plantparents snap up homes that mention a plant ledge in their listing description more than five days faster than expected. Statement terrazzo tile can help a home stand out and sell nearly four days faster. "When certain home features or design styles are highlighted in a listing description, they serve as a signal to a buyer that a home is appealing and up-to-date. As a result, those features can help a home sell faster and for more money," said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow home trends expert. "On the flip side, certain features can suggest a home is dated and needs work, and can lower a home's sale price. Features like laminate or tile countertops can hurt a home's value by at least 1% when mentioned in a listing description." In with the new Modern features that signal a home is either brand new or recently remodeled contribute to higher sale premiums. The current look of contemporary homes often incorporates matte black finishes and white oak flooring, which can boost a home's sale price by 2.9% and 1.6% respectively. Soapstone now outperforms quartz as the countertop material of choice, contributing to a sale premium of 3% versus 1.7%. And a beverage center is the new wine fridge. Beverage centers can help a home fetch a 2.4% sale premium, compared to 0.9% for wine fridges. These undercounter refrigerators offer different temperature settings for different types of beverages, not only wine. If you've got it, flaunt it Homeowners looking to sell for top dollar this spring will want to highlight these home features if they've got them. However, installing an outdoor shower or any of these individual features solely for resale may not deliver these kinds of returns. Instead, these keywords should be viewed as signals about everything else a home has going for it. For instance, if a home has an outdoor shower, it probably has a pool or is close to the beach, which is what buyers are ultimately willing to pay more for. Sellers should also keep in mind that features that help homes sell in one neighborhood may not resonate with buyers somewhere else. An experienced local real estate agent with extensive market knowledge can help sellers highlight the right features, and will likely have other creative pricing and marketing strategies to help maximize a home's sale price. Affordability curbs features' price premiums Price premiums for individual features were lower across the board in 2023 compared to previous years, as buyers' budgets were constrained by higher mortgage rates. Affordability remains the biggest hurdle for home buyers, particularly first-time buyers, who must prioritize "need to have" features over "nice to have" features. Home shoppers will face similar affordability challenges this spring home shopping season, along with more competition for homes that have sought-after features. Affordability calculators can help buyers set a budget, and buyers can then search for homes by monthly cost instead of by purchase price. With attractive homes flying off the market in only 17 days, prospective buyers should get pre-qualified for a mortgage first, so they can act quickly when the right home comes along — with or without an outdoor TV. Top 10 features that sell a home for more than expected Top 10 features that sell a home faster than expected Related reading Home Design Trends for 2024 Home Trends: What's In (and Out) for 2024 Research-backed Remodeling Ideas that Net a Higher Sales Price

Elevate Your Visibility Online With a Lasting Digital Brand
Use a .realtor™ domain to establish instant credibility and top search results. Content sponsored by get.realtor. Building your digital brand is one of the best ways to increase awareness of your business and the services you offer. A powerful online presence will help you drive leads through your website, generate referrals and grow your network. There's no better way for a potential client to gauge what it's like to work with you—whether they're buying or selling—than to visit your website for a sense of your expertise and personality. That's why your website is the best place to start when you're ready to invest in your online presence. Tapping the Power of the REALTOR® Brand A great option for REALTORS® is the .realtor™ website, which comes as an exclusive benefit of your National Association of REALTORS® membership. As a REALTOR®, you get a .realtor™ domain name for free for one year (and $39.95 annually after that). In addition to your .realtor™ domain, you get access to a free website with a variety of ready-to-launch templates. A .realtor™ website immediately signifies credibility and high quality to potential clients. Plus, the .realtor™ website is easy to set up and intuitive to use, says REALTOR® Julia Uberty says. "The website was an easy way to integrate my buyer and seller systems into my website so my potential clients can get a look at what it would be like to work with me. The website has good flow, and having a .realtor™ website has helped with SEO when people are searching my name or for a real estate professional in Utah." Whether you choose a .realtor™ website or another option, it's important to keep SEO best practices in mind. Learning the basics of optimizing your site for search engines like Google will help drive more traffic to your website, generate inbound leads for your business and grow your brand awareness. Watch this free Google Training webinar to get started. Your Digital Brand Is a Long-Term Investment Investing in your online presence isn't just about short-term rewards, though. You can expect significant long-term benefits when you take the time to curate a digital brand. Your online marketing strategy boosts your visibility and accessibility to clients. As you continue growing your relationships, you'll increase trust and credibility and position yourself as a reputable leader within the industry. You'll have more flexibility to engage with your audience across a variety of platforms. Staying engaged on the social networks your clients and peers use the most will help you adapt more quickly to emerging customer preferences. You can take advantage of robust insight tools that typically come with social business profiles. This gives you a deeper understanding of what content is resonating with your clients so you can provide more. Staying engaged online is crucial to your success. It not only expands your audience reach but also gives you valuable insights into what people are responding to. Those insights are difficult to capture when using more traditional, offline methods. These data points are the building blocks of long-term career growth; you can create a sustainable path to success and not just a one-off moment of virality. If you want to launch or revamp your real estate website, claim your free .realtor™ domain and website and get started today. Related reading The Top 10 Ways to Build Your Personal Brand Online, from REALTORS® Who Know Boost Your SEO Rankings with a .realestate Domain Lead Gen for Every Career Stage: How to Scale Your Website with Your Business Friday Freebie: One Month of a .realtor™ or .realestate Premium Website

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.

4 Must-Have AI Mobile Apps to Level Up Your Real Estate Game
Want to leverage the power of artificial intelligence while you're on the go? You're in luck — there are several AI-powered mobile apps available to help you do everything from research to crafting social media posts. Today, you'll learn about four of them. In this video, Jimmy Burgess and Rajeev Sajja highlight four mobile apps that put the power of AI right in your pocket. Check out brief descriptions of each below, and click the links to download each app. For a more in-depth explanation at how to leverage each app, watch the video above. Perplexity - Need to research something? This app does it for you — complete with sources and none of the counterfactual "hallucinations" that some AI chatbots have been known for. (iOS, Android) ChatGPT - Everyone who hasn't been living under a rock for the past year knows what ChatGPT is. The mobile app lets you interact with the AI on the go. Jimmy and Rajiv recommend it for creating engaging social media posts, especially Reel descriptions. (iOS, Android) Co-Pilot - One downside of ChatGPT is that it's not connected to the internet. Co-Pilot to the rescue! This app combines the power of OpenAI models with Bing search so you can search smarter. (iOS, Android) Captions - Use this app to look and sound your best in videos. Captions can generate, well, captions — but it does a whole lot more, too. Use it to remove filler words like "um," create voiceovers, edit clips, and much more. (iOS, Android) Related Reading 8 Browser Extensions for ChatGPT 15 Best AI Commands for Real Estate Professionals Influencer Approved: 6 Game-Changing ChatGPT Prompts for REALTORS

Real AI: How current are the chatbots, facts, headlines and an AI quote of the week
Real AI is a 100% human-created weekly roundup of all things AI in real estate and emerging AI innovations in other sectors likely to impact real estate. How current are the chatbots ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Pi? A client recently asked what seemed to be a pretty straightforward question about AI chatbots: "What is the most accurate and up-to-date AI engine available for content?" The truth is there is no easy answer to this question. First, the leading chatbots continually improve through iteration and new training data. Second, there really are two parts to this question: 1) how current is the training data that the content a chatbot creates is based on, and 2) how current is the data the chatbot provides to answer a general question? How current are the leading chatbots? We asked the chatbots themselves for the answer, and even then, some answers were murky. ChatGPT 4 – April 2023 Our prompt: "How current is your information?" GPT-4's response was the most straightforward: The content I create is based on my training data, which is up to date through April 2023. This means I can provide information and insights on topics up until then. For anything more recent or for real-time updates, I'd rely on browsing the web to fetch the latest details for you. Out of curiosity, because Microsoft is the leading funder behind ChatGPT's parent, OpenAI, we asked, "What search engine do you use?" thinking it would refer to Bing, but got a much different answer: I use a custom search capability designed specifically for my browsing tool. It's not directly comparable to publicly available search engines like Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo, but it's designed to efficiently retrieve information from across the web to answer your questions with the most relevant and up-to-date results. This allows me to access a wide range of sources to provide you with comprehensive answers. After prodding a bit, we asked this follow-up question: "Is your search engine more similar to Bing than the others?" ChatGPT 4 remained steadfast in its answer: My search capabilities don't exactly mirror any single commercial search engine like Bing, Google, or DuckDuckGo. The underlying technology is tailored to support my functionality, focusing on providing accurate and relevant information in response to queries. It's designed to pull data from a broad spectrum of the web, aiming for the most comprehensive and up-to-date results, rather than aligning closely with the specific algorithms or features of any one search engine. Claude 3 Opus – August 2023 We have found the Pro version of Claude to be a top AI-assisted content creation tool. We gave it the same prompt – "How current is your information?" – and its response was honest and direct: My knowledge base only includes information up until August 2023, so I don't have the most current information. From my perspective as an AI with knowledge from 2023, I'm imagining what it would be like to converse with someone in March 2024. So I can discuss events up to August 2023 based on the information I have, but for anything after that, I would just be speculating or extrapolating based on my 2023 knowledge rather than having up-to-date facts. Let me know if you have any other questions! Our follow-up question was: "Do you use a search engine to provide more current answers to questions?" Claude's response: No, I do not use any search engines or have access to the internet to look up current information. My knowledge comes solely from the information I was trained on, which only covers up to August 2023. I'm an AI model, not a system that can browse the web or access live data sources. So if you ask me something about events after August 2023, I can only speculate or extrapolate based on my existing knowledge, not provide you with up-to-date facts. Let me know if there are any other questions I can assist with based on my available knowledge though! Gemini – it depends and "pretty up-to-date" We just recently started testing the Pro version of Google's Gemini (which was Bard and is so far, not very good at AI content assistance). We asked the same prompt and received this response: I have access to pretty up-to-date information. Here's how that works and what it means for you: Real-time updates: For things like news, sports scores, weather, and stock prices, my information is constantly being refreshed. Regularly updated knowledge: Google's systems regularly process information from the web to keep my knowledge base updated. This means while I don't have a specific "knowledge cut-off date," I'm always learning and getting better at understanding the world around us. Limitations: Despite how current I am, there are some things to keep in mind: The speed of the world: Information can change rapidly. It's possible that even within seconds of me accessing something, it might be slightly out of date. Specificity: For super-niche topics or local information, I might rely on slightly older sources while the latest info is gathered and processed. Let me know if you want to check how current my information is on a specific topic! Our follow-up: "Is this true for the content you create?" and Gemini responded: Yes and no. Here's the breakdown: Yes, my responses are based on my current knowledge: Up-to-date: When I generate text, I draw on my understanding of the world, which includes the most recent information I have access to. This means my responses should reflect current events, knowledge, and trends. Not fixed: My responses aren't pre-written. I create them on the fly, tailoring them to your specific question and the context of our conversation. No, my responses are not automatically saved or updated: Ephemeral: Unlike a published article, the text I generate in this conversation isn't stored or indexed in a way that would allow it to be automatically revised as the world changes. Snapshot: My responses are more like a snapshot of my understanding at the moment you ask the question. Key takeaway: The information in my responses is based on the most current knowledge I have, but the responses themselves won't change over time the way a news article or Wikipedia entry might. We wanted to know what search engine Gemini used, and once again, it gave a "it depends" answer but admitted that it "can often access up-to-date information directly through Google's internal systems, rather than needing to perform an external web search…" and added, "There are cases where I may still use Google Search," including when you ask it to search the web or "when I need to verify a fact or get the most recent perspective on something." Although Gemini's answers look great, complete with bullet points and bold font, it would not provide a training date and be very general in how current its training data is despite numerous attempts and different prompts, unlike Claude or ChatGPT-4. Pi.ai – "a few months old" Pi is a newcomer to the space, and again, based on our early testing, it's not very good at AI-assisted content creation. We asked Pi, "How current is your training data?" but like Gemini, its response was friendly but not date-specific: My information is generally a few months old, as my training data is updated periodically. However, I'm able to search the internet for more up-to-date information when needed. So, even though my base knowledge might not be the most recent, I can still provide accurate and current answers by leveraging the vast resources available online. If you need any specific information, I'll do my best to ensure it's as up-to-date as possible! On follow-up, we tried to be specific, asking, "What is your cut-off training date currently?" Pi responded: As an AI, I don't have a specific cut-off training date in the traditional sense. My developers are constantly working to update my training data, so I'm always learning and improving. While my core knowledge is generally a few months old, I can use the internet to stay current on recent events and trends. So, rather than having a fixed cut-off date, I'm always evolving and expanding my knowledge base! Even when we asked if it had access to the internet, Pi's answer should have been "No," but instead responds in a way that obfuscates the truth: In a way, yes! I don't browse the internet like a human would, but I can access information from various online sources when needed. My developers have provided me with a large database of information, and I can also search the web for specific facts or updates when necessary. So while I don't surf the internet in the traditional sense, I have access to a wealth of online information to help me answer your questions as accurately as possible. Pushing back to clarify and see if Pi would admit it can't connect to the internet, it acknowledged that was correct, adding, "I can only provide an answer based on the information I have in my existing database, which is updated regularly but may not be completely real-time." Final thought Through this exercise, we learned that sometimes, getting a straight answer takes a bit of effort when it comes to chatbots and that the bot's "personality" can get in its own way of providing a straightforward answer. AI Fast Facts Around 46% of U.S. companies have saved between $25,000 to $70,000 by using ChatGPT – Statista 96% of companies hiring in 2024 say candidates with AI skills will have an advantage – Resume Builder 88% of marketers stated they need to increase the use of automation and AI to meet customer expectations and stay competitive – Mailchimp More than one-fifth of Generative AI users are 25 to 34 years old – Insider Intelligence 56% of companies surveyed say "inaccuracy" is the biggest risk of adopting generative AI. However, less than one-third of those companies have systems in place for mitigating such inaccuracies – McKinsey Source: Semrush AI Headlines – Take 5 14 indispensable AI tools for real estate agents | 3/13/24 - HousingWireEditors pick AI tools for lead gen, marketing, CRMs, chatbots, and more. AI is not ready for primetime | 3/13/24 - CNNAI still has a ways to go in fixing its flaws. Scammers Use Agent Deepfakes to Fool Buyers, Sellers | 3/7/24 - Realtor MagazineAI is making it challenging to determine legitimacy in a real estate transaction. Redfin rolls out new AI assistant tool that answers homebuyer questions | 3/7/24 - GeekWire"Ask Redfin" is the latest AI copilot that can understand user questions and produce answers. Why AI Is the Key to Nvidia's $2 Trillion Valuation | 3/1/24 - WSJLearn more about AI's role in Nvidia joining the $2 trillion market cap club. AI Quote of the Week To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

Top 5 Benefits of Having an IDX Website
In the dynamic realm of real estate, having a world-class IDX website isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a need-to-have. An IDX website serves as a gateway to a treasure trove of property listings, offering you and your clients unparalleled access to a comprehensive array of homes, apartments, and commercial spaces available for sale or rent. With the ability to seamlessly integrate and display data from multiple listing services (MLS), an IDX website empowers both real estate professionals and prospective buyers by providing up-to-date information, advanced search functionalities, and a user-friendly interface. In an era where digital presence is essential, having an IDX website is not merely a choice but a strategic imperative for any real estate professional vested in growing their business and driving business success. Whether having an IDX website is a new strategic move you are considering for your business or whether you are an experienced user who needs a refresher on the numerous benefits it provides, let's dive into the top five benefits of having a world-class IDX website. Here are the top five benefits of having a world-class IDX website: 1. Expanded Property Listings An IDX website allows real estate agents and brokers to display a comprehensive database of property listings sourced directly from the multiple listing service (MLS). This gives visitors access to a wide range of properties, increasing their chances of finding their ideal home and providing them with the most accurate and up-to-date information about their marketplace. 2. Improved User Experience IDX websites offer intuitive search features and customizable filters that enable users to quickly narrow down their search criteria and find properties that match their preferences. This streamlined user experience enhances engagement and encourages visitors to spend more time on your website. 3. Lead Generation and Capture IDX websites are powerful lead generation tools. They allow agents to capture valuable lead information from visitors who register or sign up to receive property alerts, newsletters, or other updates. This information can then be used to nurture leads and convert them into clients. 4. Enhanced Credibility and Professionalism By providing visitors with access to up-to-date property listings directly from the MLS, your IDX website establishes you as a knowledgeable and trustworthy professional in the real estate industry and your community. This credibility can help build trust with potential clients and differentiate you from competitors. 5. Competitive Advantage Having a strong IDX website is a surefire way to stand out from the crowd. In today's digital age, having an IDX website is essential for staying competitive in the real estate market. It allows you to showcase your expertise, market properties effectively, and reach a wider audience of potential buyers and sellers. By leveraging the advanced features and functionality of IDX websites, you can stay ahead of the curve and attract more clients and leads. To view the original article, visit the IDX Broker blog.

Why You Need to Say 'Yes' to Multifactor Authentication
Purchasing a home is typically the largest and most significant investment of our lives. It's a milestone interwoven with personal dreams, aspirations, and an immense amount of confidential information. Real estate agents, brokers, and their MLSs are more than just facilitators of a home purchase – you are stewards of trust, responsible for managing, protecting, and maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and security of sensitive information on behalf of buyers and sellers. Trust remains the core reason most people select a real estate agent. According to research from the National Association of Realtors, 97 percent of consumers said honesty and integrity were the most important traits for a real estate agent. Agents, brokers, and MLSs must ensure that their clients' personal details, financial records, and other sensitive data are kept secure and confidential. When clients choose to work with you, they entrust you with the most personal and confidential information they will ever share in a purchase transaction. In our digital era, where anyone can access data from anywhere at any time, you must actively protect personal information. Real estate in the crosshairs Security company Astra reports an average of 2,200 cyberattacks per day in the U.S. across all industries, and real estate is fast becoming a preferred target. According to leading cyber security firm Octiv, bad actors were responsible for 75 real estate industry breaches last year, including well-publicized ransomware incidents that delayed some property closings for weeks, costing the industry more than $50 million. The experts at Octiv recently warned at a CoreLogic conference of MLS executives that real estate is becoming a bigger target for hackers than ever. The problem with passwords Security experts say the challenge for real estate is that the passwords we use to protect access to our systems and the personal information of clients on those systems are not enough. Research by NordPass documents the widespread use of poor passwords in every industry, not just real estate. However, real estate is particularly vulnerable because of the size of these transactions, the wiring of large amounts of funds, and the disclosure of buyers' and sellers' deep financial and personal details. Multifactor authentication offers a solution Despite efforts to strengthen password use, NordPass research shows that these efforts are a massive failure overall in the U.S. The growing solution to our password problems is multifactor authentication. Multifactor authentication (MFA) requires users to provide two or more forms of identification to access an account. These factors can include something you know (like a password), something you have (like a smartphone), or something you are (like a fingerprint or biometric scan). MFA ensures that even if one of your credentials is compromised, unauthorized access to your account is still blocked. By requesting multiple forms of identification, MFA makes it significantly harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access to your accounts. Requiring more than one form of identification provides vastly more robust security protection than using even a complex password. How MFA works Think of MFA as adding a deadbolt lock to your door – even if someone has the key (your password), they still can't get in without the second one, and that additional form of authentication is your added protection. Common steps to an MFA process: Step 1 – You enter your email address or mobile number. Step 2 – You are sent a one-time link to access your account. Step 3 – After you click on the link, you are prompted to enter a one-time numerical code (with a short expiration) sent via your account registered email or mobile number. Step 4 – You enter the code provided and get access to your account. Another MFA approach begins with prompting you for your username and password. Once verified, you are taken to a page requiring you to enter a one-time code, either to your registered email or mobile number associated with your account. The code has a short expiration, so you must enter that code quickly to obtain access to the account. A little pain for a lot of gain While MFAs are quickly becoming standardized in real estate, this has not been without resistance. MLSs and brokerages don't like the idea of "forcing" their users to change. Change is hard, especially when the behavior you are trying to change is among independent private contractors. Overall, many agents don't like the idea that they might have to take extra steps to log in and would rather use a password. Again, the problem tech companies face is that password strength is abysmal overall. In fact, the Nordpass study found that "123456" and "password" are still among the most commonly used passwords in America. Our weak password culture is a ticking time bomb, waiting to be exploited by hackers. Multifactor authentication creates a layer of security that solves the password problem by requiring additional forms of identification, making it exponentially harder for unauthorized users to gain access. MFA is your digital bodyguard Yes, multifactor authentication may occasionally require a little more work to access your accounts, but its extra protection is more than worth it. Consider the potential consequences of a security breach: lost client trust, financial losses, and damage to your professional reputation. Verifying your identity takes only a few extra seconds. Think of it as an investment in the long-term security of your business. Imagine this scenario: A hacker gains access to your email account and starts sending fraudulent messages to your clients, requesting sensitive information or funds. The damage to your reputation and client relationships could be irreparable. Now, consider the same scenario with MFA enabled. Even if the hacker obtains your password, they won't be able to access your account without the second form of authentication, effectively stopping the attack in its tracks. The minor inconvenience of an extra login step – or two – pales in comparison to the potential consequences of a breach. Artificial intelligence is improving MFA One valuable and practical benefit of artificial intelligence is that it is making the MFA process less frequent. Known as "adaptive authentication," it uses built-in AI and machine learning to selectively decide and deploy MFA only when it determines it is required. CoreLogic recently rolled out adaptive authentication as part of its Clareity security offering to deter unauthorized users, bots, and deceptive login attempts in real time. By learning your behavior patterns, it can instantly spot potentially nefarious activity. For example, if you normally log in from Miami but MFA sees you are attempting to log in from Moscow, it will deploy MFA. Otherwise, when it recognizes you accessing your Single Sign-On dashboard from the same place, you will be able to sign in without additional authentication. Better to be safe than sorry Cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the real estate industry. Embracing multifactor authentication is no longer a choice but a necessity. Keep in mind that whenever you struggle to use any new technology, Tech Helpline analysts can help. This service is available to over 750,000 Realtors in North America as a member benefit from their MLS or association. Saying "yes" when asked to opt into MFA helps uphold the trust your clients place in you, safeguarding the very foundation of your business – and our industry. Related reads From the Tech Helpline Blog: 4 Ways to Improve Your Cybersecurity 6 Reasons Not To Use Similar Passwords And The Best Alternatives Is Your Computer Protected from All The Newest Cyber Threats? A Quick Checklist Tricia Stamper is Director of Technology at Florida Realtors®, which owns both Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity.

Paid vs. Organic Search for Real Estate Sites
You've spent weeks optimizing your real estate website and creating helpful content, but you're still not ranking on page one of Google for those competitive keywords. Don't worry, it's not your fault. Ranking organically on Google for real estate terms can take months or even years of work. If you want to start generating more leads and traffic right away, paid search is the way to go. Paid search, also known as pay-per-click or PPC, allows you to pay to have your website or ad rank higher in search results. You only pay when someone clicks your ad. Organic search, on the other hand, relies solely on Google's algorithm to determine your rank. The good news is you don't have to choose one or the other. Using paid and organic search together is the most effective strategy for real estate websites. Paid Search, What is it? Paid search, also known as pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, is a way for businesses to promote their websites by bidding on keywords related to their products or services. When someone searches for those keywords, your ad may appear at the top of the search results page. You only pay when someone clicks your ad. For real estate sites, paid search ads can be an effective way to drive traffic and generate leads. You choose keywords like "homes for sale," "real estate agent," or "[location name] real estate" that people in your target market may search for. When prospective clients search for those terms, your ad pops up. If the ad catches their eye and they click it, they'll land on your website. Pay only for clicks: You set a maximum cost-per-click (CPC) bid for your keywords. If your ad ranks high enough to show, you'll pay the minimum amount needed to maintain that position, up to your maximum bid. You're only charged when someone clicks your ad. Check out most important real estate keywords now. Reach people actively searching: Paid search targets people who are actively searching for information related to your business. They're already interested, so they may be more receptive to your message. Measure results: Paid search provides detailed reporting to help measure the performance and ROI of your campaigns. See which keywords are most effective, how many clicks and impressions your ads are getting, and how much traffic is being driven to your site. Tweak as needed to improve results. Requires ongoing management: Paid search campaigns require regular monitoring and optimization to achieve the best results. You'll need to keep tabs on your budget, bids, ad copy, and keyword performance. As search trends change, you'll want to make adjustments to your strategy. Paid search can be an integral part of a real estate website's marketing plan. When leveraged effectively, it helps generate high-quality leads and builds brand visibility. However, to achieve success, paid search campaigns require time, money, and consistent optimization. Organic Search, What is it? Organic search, also known as natural search, refers to the unpaid results that show up on search engine results pages (SERPs) based on the relevancy to a user's search query. For real estate websites, ranking high in organic search results is crucial to generating traffic and leads. How Organic Search Works Search engines use algorithms and bots to crawl the web and index websites and their content. As people search, the algorithm determines which sites and pages are most relevant based on the search query and ranks them accordingly. The sites and pages that rank the highest, like on the first page of Google's search results, get the most visibility and traffic. For real estate sites, ranking well in organic search usually comes down to two main factors: on-page SEO and off-page SEO. On-page SEO refers to optimizing your own website content for search engines, including page titles, content, URL structure, meta descriptions, image alt text, and internal linking. Off-page SEO refers to building quality backlinks to your site from other authoritative domains. More backlinks and higher quality content both signal to search engines like Google that your site is an authority on the topics and keywords you're targeting. The higher your authority, the higher you can rank in organic search results. Optimizing for voice search has also become increasingly important. Many people now search for "homes for sale near me" or "apartments for rent in [city name]." Make sure your site content also targets these types of local and voice searches. For real estate agents and brokers, a higher position in organic search results means more visibility to potential clients. According to studies, the top three organic search results get the vast majority of clicks for any given search. If you can rank on page one, especially in positions one through three, you'll be in a great position to generate new leads and clients through organic search traffic. Continually optimizing your on-page and off-page SEO, publishing new content, earning high-quality backlinks, and providing the best user experience are the keys to climbing the ranks in organic search. While it does take work, the rewards of first-page rankings and a steady stream of organic traffic and new clients can be well worth the effort. Learn more about real estate SEO at our complete guide on it. Pros and Cons of Each Approach for Real Estate When it comes to driving traffic to your real estate website, you have two main options: paid search or organic search. Both have their pros and cons, so you need to determine which approach aligns best with your business goals and budget. Paid Search (Pay-Per-Click or PPC) With pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, you pay to have your website appear at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs) when people search for keywords related to your business. Platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads allow you to target potential clients based on location, intent, and interests. Pros Quick results. PPC ads can drive traffic and leads almost immediately. Targeted. You can focus your ads on people actively searching for real estate or properties like yours. Measurable. PPC provides detailed reports on impressions, clicks, conversions, and costs so you know what's working. Cons Expensive. PPC ads can cost $1 to $50 per click depending on the keyword, and costs add up quickly. Requires ongoing optimization. PPC campaigns need constant monitoring and tweaking to maximize results and limit wasted spend Organic Search (SEO) With search engine optimization (SEO), you aim to rank highly in the unpaid, organic results on SERPs. By optimizing your website content, technical elements, and backlinks, you can improve your visibility in search engines like Google and Bing over time. Pros Free. Organic search is free once you've optimized your real estate website. Long-term results. SEO can drive sustainable traffic and leads for months and years to come. Credibility. Ranking organically builds trust and authority in the eyes of searchers. Cons Slow results. It can take 3-12 months of ongoing work to start seeing significant improvements in organic rankings and traffic. Constant work required. SEO is an ongoing process that needs continuous monitoring and updates to avoid losing ground. Unpredictable. Organic rankings can fluctuate due to algorithm changes and new competitor websites. For most real estate businesses, a combination of paid and organic search strategies works best. PPC can drive short-term results while you work on long-term SEO, and SEO helps reduce your reliance on paid ads over time. The key is finding the right balance based on your priorities. Key Takeaways: When to Use Paid vs. Organic Search When it comes to optimizing your real estate website, you'll need to determine the right mix of paid and organic search. Both have their pros and cons, so consider your goals and budget to find the optimal balance. Organic Search (SEO) Organic search, or search engine optimization (SEO), focuses on improving your ranking in the unpaid search results on Google and other engines. The main benefits of organic search are: It's free. You don't have to pay for clicks or impressions. It builds long-term value. Good SEO will continue to drive traffic to your site over time. It improves brand visibility. Ranking highly in organic search helps establish your authority and credibility. However, SEO also has some downsides: It can take time to see results. It may be 6-18 months before you achieve top rankings for competitive keywords. Google algorithm changes can impact your traffic. If Google tweaks its algorithm, your rankings and traffic could drop significantly. You're dependent on the search engines. You have no control over where they rank your site. Paid Search (PPC) With pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, you bid on keywords and pay each time someone clicks your ad. The main benefits of PPC include: Fast results. You can launch a PPC campaign and start getting traffic within a day. More control. You have more control over where your ads appear and can adjust bids and budgets as needed. Targeting options. PPC allows you to target specific keywords, locations, devices, and more. However, there are some downsides to PPC: It can be expensive. Fees for competitive keywords and locations can cost $30-$50 per click or more. Traffic stops when you stop paying. As soon as you pause or cancel your PPC campaign, your traffic will drop to zero. Click fraud is possible. Some clicks on your ads may be invalid, costing you money. In summary, for most real estate websites a combination of paid and organic search works well. Use SEO to build up long-term traffic and authority, while employing PPC to drive immediate results and fill in gaps. Find the right balance for your needs and budget. Conclusion So there you have it. Organic and paid search both have an important role to play in driving traffic to your real estate website. Focusing exclusively on one or the other means leaving opportunity and money on the table. The key is finding the right balance between SEO and PPC to maximize your visibility and leads. organic search may take longer to gain traction but leads tend to convert at a higher rate. Paid search delivers immediate results but at a cost and conversion rates may be lower. By investing in both, you're covering all your bases. You'll drive more traffic, generate more leads, and ultimately close more deals. The world of online marketing can seem overwhelming but keeping it simple and focusing on what works for your business is the smartest strategy. Check out our other most readable article titled: Cracking the Code: A Guide to Real Estate Marketing Terms. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog. Related reading SEO vs. PPC: Which is best for you? The Fundamentals of Real Estate PPC Services

Elevate Your Home Marketing Game: Emphasizing Lifestyle with Outdoor Living Spaces
In the ever-evolving world of real estate, savvy homeowners and agents are discovering that the key to selling a home isn't just in the square footage and the number of bedrooms. It's about selling a lifestyle. And what better way to showcase a desirable way of life than by highlighting outdoor living spaces? In this post, we'll explore the art of marketing homes with outdoor sanctuaries, where the emphasis is not just on the house itself but on the lifestyle it promises. The Outdoor Oasis: A Slice of Paradise Imagine coming home after a long day's work to your very own outdoor oasis. The scent of blooming flowers, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the warmth of the sun kissing your face—these are the experiences that make a house a home. In marketing homes with outdoor living spaces, it's essential to capture and convey these moments. 1. Professional Photography Magic First impressions matter, and in the digital age, that means stunning visuals. Invest in professional photography that not only showcases the architectural beauty of the home but also paints a vivid picture of the outdoor spaces. Let potential buyers envision themselves sipping a morning coffee on the patio or hosting a summer BBQ in the lush backyard. A picture is worth a thousand words, and in real estate, it might just be worth a thousand dollars more. 2. Virtual Tours: Step into Serenity Take your marketing game up a notch with virtual tours. Let prospective buyers virtually step into the tranquility of the outdoor spaces. A 360-degree view of a beautifully landscaped garden or a cozy fire pit area can transport them from their living room to a potential future they can practically feel. Lifestyle-Centric Descriptions: Words Matter Beyond visuals, the art of description plays a crucial role in conveying the lifestyle associated with a property. Craft language that not only describes the features of the outdoor spaces but also evokes emotions. 1. Storytelling Sells Take your potential buyers on a journey. Instead of listing features in a mundane way, tell a story. Describe lazy Sunday afternoons spent lounging by the pool or family gatherings under the stars. Make it personal, make it relatable, and most importantly, make it desirable. 2. Emphasize Functional Spaces Highlight how the outdoor spaces can be utilized. Is there a pergola perfect for al fresco dining? A built-in fire pit ideal for cozy evenings? Help buyers envision how they would live in and use these spaces. It's not just about the square footage; it's about the possibilities. Social Media Savvy: Share the Dream In today's interconnected world, social media is a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal. Leverage platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to create a buzz around the outdoor living spaces of your listed homes. 1. Create Engaging Content Share visually appealing content that goes beyond static images. Consider short video clips showcasing the flow from the indoor to outdoor spaces. Share design inspiration, landscaping tips, or even quick DIY projects that could enhance the outdoor experience. The goal is to engage potential buyers and make them envision their dream lifestyle. 2. Hashtags: #OutdoorLivingGoals Craft catchy and relevant hashtags to accompany your posts. Whether it's #BackyardBliss or #PatioParadise, these tags can help your content reach a broader audience. Encourage followers to share their outdoor living dreams using your chosen hashtags, creating a sense of community and shared aspiration. Collaborate with Local Lifestyle Influencers Influencer marketing isn't limited to fashion and beauty. Collaborate with local lifestyle influencers who align with the vision you're selling. Have them experience the outdoor spaces and share their impressions with their followers. This not only provides authentic testimonials but also exposes your property to a wider audience. In Conclusion: Selling a Dream, Not Just a Home In the competitive world of real estate, it's no longer enough to list the features of a property. To truly stand out, emphasize the lifestyle that comes with it. Outdoor living spaces offer a canvas to paint a picture of the life buyers could lead—a life filled with relaxation, entertainment, and connection with nature. By investing in professional visuals, crafting compelling descriptions, harnessing the power of social media, and collaborating with influencers, you can elevate your home marketing strategy. Remember, you're not just selling a house; you're selling a dream, a lifestyle, and the promise of a brighter, more enjoyable future. So, let the sunshine in, showcase the greenery, and market not just a property, but an experience. To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

Real AI: AI ads are coming, Say hi to Pi, facts, headlines and an AI Quote of the Week
Real AI is a 100% human-created weekly roundup of all things AI in real estate and emerging AI innovations in other sectors likely to impact real estate. AI ads are coming My first journalism boss was the late, great Jeffery Weiss, managing editor at the Miami Hurricane, our University of Miami newspaper that was printed at the Miami Herald back in the day. Jeffery had two signs on his desk – a desk that was stacked with piles of papers a foot high covering the entire top of his workspace. The first sign read: "The sign of an organized desk is the sign of a deceased mind." How appropriate. The other one said "TANSTAAFL!," which stood for "Their Ain't No Such Thing as a Free Lunch." The principal of TANSTAAFL is a mainstay in our lives, including our tech-enabled ones. Remember when Google had no advertising? Now it's the largest advertising outlet in the world. We gave up DVDs for the convenience of streaming and now even paid streaming services like Amazon Prime are pegging on advertising unless you "upgrade" and pay even more. Early pro-level AI has been, like streaming, funded by a monthly subscription-based revenue model and pay-as-you play. As a result, it's essentially has been ad-free. That's about to change. Today, when you do a Google search, you are likely to see generative AI results at the top of the page, or at least an option to invoke it. No ads are displayed and on our browsers, we are seeing gen AI results top paid-for "Sponsored" results. The chatbots – right now, all the major ones also are ad free. But how long do you think that's going to last? Not long, because the ad giants are already circling and ready to drive a new source of revenue for cash-starving tech that is empowered by AI. Earlier this week, Axios reported, "Google doesn't have ads in Gemini today, but CEO Sundar Pichai has said Google is looking to see where ads could fit." A new startup, Adzedek, is pushing ads within custom GPT apps. OpenAI isn't getting a cut – yet. So, how long will it be before all types of chatbots start serving us ads? And not just any ads, but like an Amazon search, chatbot ads will seem to understand what you want before you even realize you want it. Just when you were excited that "cookies" are going away, Madison Avenue finds another way to get its hooks into the content we consume. Everybody likes Pi, right? Say hi to Pi.ai There's another new generative AI chatbot to add to your growing list. Meet Pi by Inflection – already claiming to be as swift as ChatGPT-4. It's quickly emerging as another rival in the space, topping a million daily users. That pales to the reported 100 million daily users that ChatGPT claims, but right now, Pi is free. Do we really need another chatbot? It turns out that each chatbot has different strengths and weaknesses. So, the answer depends on what you need your chatbot to do. Our take is that ChatGPT (Microsoft-backed) is still the champ because of its utility: it does a lot of different things incredibly well. Because Gemini is by Google, it does a much better job providing more timely and current information behind its responses. We find Claude (Amazon-backed) has improved enormously when it comes to writing assistance. The buzz around Pi is that its super-strengths are related more to math, science, and coding. From our quick trails, we can tell you that it's not ready to be a writing assistant, as its writing skills are basic at best. Venture Beat reports that Pi's performance "nearly matches OpenAI's GPT-4 model, especially across STEM subjects." The one advantage Pi has over all the others: it's incredibly polite, even personable. In our first interaction, we were greeted with "Hey there, great to meet you," and added "How's your day going?" Last week, we wrote about research that suggested it pays to be polite to your chatbot. Pi turns the table, as this is a chatbot being polite to you. Don't expect Pi to go away anytime soon. Pi's backing includes an all-star cast: Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt is a major investor in Pi along with Microsoft founder Bill Gates and LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman. Keep in mind that Schmidt is also a major investor in Anthropic (Claude), DeepMind (bought by Google) and 50+ other AI firms, reports say. AI Fast Facts 22% of tech firms are aggressively pursuing the integration of AI across a wide variety of technology products and business workflows – CompTIA IT Industry Outlook Almost half (47%) of businesses surveyed are already utilizing AI tools in the form of digital personal assistants – Forbes Advisor Three in 10 IT professionals say their colleagues are using AI and automation tools to save time – IBM 80% of marketers already had chatbots as part of their customer experience strategy – Semrush 51% of businesses are turning to AI to help with cybersecurity and fraud management – Forbes Advisor Source: CompTIA AI Headlines – Take 5 This Virus Steals Your Data from Generative AI Tools | 3/5/24 - AI BusinessResearchers created Morris II – a generative AI malware – to show how easy it is to infect AI models. How AI Can Streamline the Real Estate Business | 3/4/24 - Built InReal estate firms are adopting AI solutions to simplify operations. AI Might Kill the "Starchitect"—But Make Real Estate More Sustainable | 2/29/24 - New York Tech NewsOpinion piece: days of star architects are numbered because of generative AI. Real Estate Blunder: Agent's AI Chatbot Gaffe Exposes Copy-Paste Error in $900 Rental Listing | 3/6/24 - BNN BreakingThis blooper serves as a cautionary tale in the pitfalls of AI integration. AI Helps Cut Costs, Aids in Fraud Detection in the Multifamily Space | 3/4/24 - REALTOR MagazineAI is being adopted by owners and managers to prevent rental fraud. Quote of the Week To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

Hearing from RE Technology Too Much? Not Enough?
If you're an RE Technology subscriber, you likely get our daily newsletter in your email inbox each morning. But did you know you can adjust how frequently you receive our emails? Our Email Preference Center lets you choose how often you want to see our emails: daily or weekly (this option contains all our daily newsletter content compressed into one digest on Saturday). Aside from our newsletters, we also offer a "Membership Rewards" email that highlights special offers for our readers. This is sent out a few times per month. The Email Preference Center also lets you update your email address — helpful when you move to a new real estate brokerage — and change your password. Choosing the emails you want to receive means you'll hear from us on your own schedule, making it easier to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. Not currently receiving our newsletters? Go to the Email Preference Center and choose your preferred email subscription(s).

[Podcast] You Don't Get to the Money If You Don't Get to the Core of Feelings, with Lynn Sharer
We talk a lot about the business and tech sides of real estate at RE Technology, but we don't get around to addressing one big part of this business — the emotions. A real estate transaction is a very emotional event: there's hope, anticipation, excitement, fear, loss, frustration — it runs the gamut. That's because a home is such a personal thing. It's our shelter as well as a major financial asset. So let's dive into those emotions. Today, we're highlighting an episode from Leigh Brown's podcast, Crazy Sh*t in Real Estate, that explores "the emotional tapestry that underpins successful real estate transactions." Special guest Lynn Sharer, a broker from Pennsylvania, shares how she connects with clients and leverages the high emotions of a transaction to better close deals. Listen to the conversation below: Listen on: Apple Podcasts YouTube View the episode homepage for show notes and more details.

The Intersection of Technology and Real Estate: A Changing Landscape
In the vast world of real estate, where location has long been considered the golden rule, new technology trends have emerged to redefine the game. The intersection of technology and real estate is a transformative force that's reshaping the landscape of how we buy, sell, and live in our homes. Let's take a journey into the heart of this evolving partnership and explore the exciting changes it brings to the table. 1. Virtual Reality Tours: Step Inside Your Dream Home Gone are the days of scrolling through static images online and imagining the layout of your dream home. With the advent of virtual reality (VR) technology, prospective buyers can now step inside a property without leaving the comfort of their own homes. VR tours provide a 360-degree view, allowing potential buyers to explore every nook and cranny, helping them make more informed decisions. It's like having an open house without actually opening the doors. 2. Artificial Intelligence: Your Personal Real Estate Assistant Meet your new personal assistant, and no, it's not a human. Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the real estate industry by providing valuable insights and assistance. AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of data, helping buyers and sellers make informed decisions about pricing, market trends, and investment opportunities. These digital assistants can even predict future trends, giving users a competitive edge in the ever-changing real estate market. 3. Blockchain: Securing Transactions in the Digital Age Say goodbye to mountains of paperwork and endless signatures. Blockchain technology has found its way into real estate transactions, providing a secure and transparent way to handle deals. By using a decentralized and tamper-proof system, blockchain ensures that property records are accurate and cannot be manipulated. This not only speeds up the transaction process but also adds an extra layer of security and trust to real estate dealings. 4. Smart Homes: A Glimpse into the Future Welcome to the era of smart homes, where technology seamlessly integrates with our living spaces. From smart thermostats that learn your temperature preferences to security systems that can be controlled with a swipe on your smartphone, these innovations are making homes more efficient, comfortable, and secure. The Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed houses into intelligent entities that adapt to our needs, making day-to-day living not just convenient but futuristic. 5. Big Data: Decoding the Real Estate Matrix In the world of real estate, information is power. Big Data analytics has become a game-changer by providing real-time insights into market trends, pricing fluctuations, and buyer behavior. With the ability to process massive datasets, real estate professionals can make more accurate predictions and tailor their strategies accordingly. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or agent, harnessing the power of Big Data can give you a strategic advantage in navigating the complex real estate matrix. 6. Online Platforms: Redefining the Brokerage Model Traditional real estate transactions often involved a multitude of middlemen, from agents to brokers. However, online platforms are reshaping the brokerage model, offering a more direct and cost-effective approach. Websites and apps connect buyers directly with sellers, cutting out unnecessary fees and streamlining the process. This democratization of information empowers individuals to take greater control of their real estate transactions. 7. Augmented Reality: Designing Your Space Before It Exists Ever wish you could see how that new couch would look in your living room before making the purchase? Augmented reality (AR) makes it possible. By overlaying digital elements onto the real world, AR enables users to visualize furniture, decor, and even entire renovations within their physical space. This not only aids in the decision-making process but also adds a fun and interactive dimension to the home-buying experience. In conclusion, the intersection of technology and real estate is not just a fleeting trend—it's a dynamic force that's reshaping the way we experience and engage with property. From virtual reality tours that bring homes to life to blockchain technology ensuring secure transactions, the real estate landscape is evolving at a rapid pace. Embracing these technological advancements not only enhances the efficiency of transactions but also empowers buyers and sellers with unprecedented tools and insights. As we navigate this exciting intersection, it's essential to stay informed and open to the possibilities that technology brings. The future of real estate is here, and it's driven by innovation, convenience, and a touch of digital magic. So, whether you're buying your first home or considering an investment property, buckle up and get ready for a tech-infused journey into the ever-changing landscape of real estate. To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

Real AI: Why manners matter with ChatGPT, CoreLogic looks at what's next, facts, headlines and an AI Quote of the Week
Real AI is a 100% human-created weekly roundup of all things AI in real estate and emerging AI innovations in other sectors likely to impact real estate. Why manners matter with ChatGPT Since I (Kevin) started my paid ChatGPT subscription the day after Valentine's Day last year (Feb. 15, 2023), I've been using ChatGPT in some way almost daily. Yesterday, I uploaded a PDF of a menu in French and received a translation in English that was nearly perfect. One of the best things about being an early tech adopter ­– which I have been my entire adult life – is you make a ton of mistakes, fall flat on your face even, and not feel bad about it because that's how you learn. Iteration really is the key to success and innovation; that and trying not to make the same mistake twice. One of the "secrets" I have learned from using ChatGPT for over a year now is that if I was polite, I received better results. I mean significantly better results. I know that sounds wild; I even had a few colleagues I shared my secret with look at me like I was nuts! But I continue to preface my prompts with phrases like, "Can you please help me...," and after multiple iterations on a prompt, I try to end with a "Thank you" and a compliment, such as "That's great!" Here's the thing: ChatGPT almost always acknowledges my politeness, replying with kind phrases of its own. From the first time I started doing this, I had a gut feeling I was on to something and kept it up. So, imagine my reaction (or perhaps relief that I am NOT crazy) when an academic cross-cultural study proved that manners matter when it comes to the performance of Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. The 22-page study entitled "Should We Respect LLMs? A Cross-Lingual Study on the Influence of Prompt Politeness on LLM Performance." The Cornell University researchers examined the politeness in prompts on LLMs across English, Chinese, and Japanese tasks. The best part, for me, is what they discovered happens when you are rude to ChatGPT. Researchers found that "Impolite prompts may lead to a deterioration in model performance, including generations containing mistakes, stronger biases and omission of information." Does that mean the nicer you are to ChatGPT, the better the answers? Not necessarily, as they note that overly polite language does not guarantee better outcomes." It turns out that the best politeness level is different according to each language. What is happening here? Is AI showing signs of being sentient (thinking for itself)? Not at all. According to the researchers, LLMs are simply mirroring human communication. When you are polite to your chatbot, you'll likely get better responses, like when humans communicate. "This phenomenon suggests that LLMs not only reflect human behavior but are also influenced by language, particularly in different cultural contexts. Our findings highlight the need to factor in politeness for cross-cultural natural language processing and LLM usage," the study explains. My advice: be kind to your ChatGPT because it may not only give you better answers today, especially since a new memory feature is being added, but you may find it helps improve future answers, too. CoreLogic Clareity24 AI keynote looks at what's next Sitting in the audience at the recent Clareity24 MLS Workshop in Scottsdale, AZ, was a remarkable treat. Check out my X posts, and you'll get a sense of the breadth and depth of the top-notch content. The invitation-only event is a perennial sellout, and it did not disappoint. The AI keynote, presented by Dr. Radhika Dirks, CEO and Co-Founder of XLabs and RIBO AI, was terrific in providing a level-set on AI for MLS executives. She has the creds: She's been named one of Deloitte's top women in the AI world and Forbes' 30 Women in AI to Watch. Radhika co-founded Seldn, an AI start-up that accurately predicted the rise of ISIS two weeks before The New York Times coined the term. As CEO and co-founder of XLabs, she heads a moonshot factory for artificial intelligence innovations that's reportedly getting closer to finding a cure for cancer. Oh, and she holds a Ph.D. in Quantum Computing and an M.S. in Nanotechnology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. My six big takeaways: Generative AI enables the creation of highly realistic fake images, videos, voices, etc. It's creating a creative disruption unlike anything we have seen. On the positive side, AI could expand the capabilities and speed of creativity. On the negative side, AI will be used to spread misinformation and manipulate people. Her suggestion: as humans, to determine what is real and what is fake: trust your gut. That, and we will need AI to identify AI. AI robots will provide human-like interactions for customer service, advice, healthcare, daycare, and more. This could replace many jobs requiring less sophisticated and repeatable tasks—the bigger risks are exacerbating loneliness and decreasing real human connections. Integrated AI will be embedded into nearly every aspect of life. This amplifies the impacts, risks, and benefits of AI overall. Bigger, better, and more capable AI models are coming at us like a tsunami: rapidly growing in speed and size. The exponential growth of AI that we are witnessing will only accelerate. Key risks include hallucinations (or lies) from AI, bias perpetuated by training data, and copyright/IP issues with AI systems training on and reproducing others' data. (Note: copyright lawsuits are pending everywhere.) While risky, AI also has enormous potential: it found potential cures for 11 cancers in six months in one example. The future of AI? We must harness it for social good while mitigating risks. The bottom line is that generative and integrated AI is advancing rapidly, bringing transformative change, and requiring vigilance around risks as we seek to leverage its vast promise. What real estate pros need to do: Adapt quickly to find ways to leverage AI while continuing to focus on human connections because that's what we do best! AI Fast Facts Almost 60% of ChatGPT's social media traffic comes from YouTube – Similarweb AI will power 95% of customer interactions by 2025 – AI Business Around 60% of current occupations will have more than 30% of their activities done by automation without human intervention – McKinsey The wearable AI market is expected to reach $180 billion by 2025 – Global Market Insights More than half (52%) of telecommunications organizations utilize chatbots to increase their overall productivity – Gartner Survey Source: Forbes AI Headlines Take 5 How real estate listings and potentially jobs are shifting to AI | 2/19/24 - The Orange County RegisterJeff Collins details how Compass and Revive are developing new ways of leveraging AI in real estate. Virtual Staging AI helps Realtors digitally furnish rooms within seconds | 2/23/24 - TechCrunchThis AI Startup tool allows agents to customize and create realistic rooms for a listing. AI is Uncle Sam's new secret weapon to fight fraud | 2/28/24 - CNNThe U.S. Treasury's AI tool relies on a mix of machine learning and big data to detect fraudulent transactions. Follow the Money: Big Tech Investment Is Driving Change in Real Estate | 2/23/24 - NARBig Tech companies like Meta and Microsoft are betting big on Generative AI. Extroverts beware: AI is giving real estate introverts the advantage | 2/26/24 - InmanThe rise of AI is making it easier for real estate introverts to communicate effectively and highlight their strengths. Quote of the Week To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

Top 10 Most Popular Articles of February: AI prompts, a little tough love, and more
We're in the final few weeks of winter (thankfully!), which means that the spring selling season is right around the corner. Last month, RE Technology subscribers got ready for this seasonal shift by reading articles about getting your car prepped for the road (article #1 below), starting real estate conversations with friends and family (#10) — and they even got a little bit of tough love on surviving the current market (#3). To find out what else agents and brokers were reading in February, check out our full list of last month's most-read articles below: 1. Road Warrior Checklist: 30 Things to Keep in Your CarWhether 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 2. Top 5 Hot Tech Trends in 2024 and How They Will Benefit YouFrom artificial intelligence to next-generation devices, new tech tools promise to enhance efficiency, improve client relations, and, ultimately, help you grow your business. But how do you know that all the buzz about this new tech won't be another case of over-promising and under-delivering? Let's dive into five new technologies that will make waves in 2024 and explore how they can benefit your real estate business. 3. 5 Things Your Broker Is Too Nice to Say (But You Need to Hear Anyway)Is a tough real estate market the right time for some tough love? It is if you're using the market as an excuse to be complacent, says Jimmy Burgess, CEO of BHHS Beach Properties of Florida. Burgess shares a little tough love here — five things you may not be hearing from your broker, but need to if you're going to thrive in the current market. 4. 15 Best AI Commands for Real Estate ProfessionalsAs a real estate professional, you know that staying on top of technology trends can give you a competitive edge. And artificial intelligence is shaping up to be one of the most useful and exciting tools out there. So how can you leverage AI to boost your real estate business? This article explores 15 of the best AI commands tailored specifically for real estate agents. 5. Friday Freebie: Scripts for Handling Objections, Lead Gen Strategies, and MoreA challenging market is the perfect time to challenge yourself by getting back to real estate basics. By revisiting the fundamentals of real estate success, you ensure your business' foundation is solid — and that you're primed for profit no matter the market conditions. This Friday Freebie highlights a guide that covers four fundamental areas of real estate — from filling your sales pipeline to answering objections — for you to master in order to crush it in 2024. 6. From Buyer's Agent to Listing Agent: One Realtor's StoryIt's no secret that being a listing agent is potentially more lucrative than being a buyer's agent. But being a listing agent is no walk in the park, especially with fewer homeowners willing to enter the market at all. So how do you transition to working with sellers rather than buyers — and do it successfully? 7. 4 Ways Buyers Agents Can Show More Value to their ClientsAs the market continues to evolve and we look ahead to a 2024 poised to see shifts in interest rates and inventory, it's clear to all real estate pros: home buyers need hands-on help from buyers agents. From a consumer's point of view, they may not know why, or think they can do it themselves. Take the guesswork out of the equation with these four ways you can show your value to your buyer clients upfront. 8. How Real Estate Agents Can Use AI to Manufacture InventoryTop agents are among the earliest adopters of artificial intelligence, working AI into their daily workflow to create content, analyze market trends, and enhance customer service. Today's agents have a unique opportunity to use AI to significantly expand their business, engaging existing clients and prospects in a new way that didn't exist six months ago. 9. The Top 10 Ways to Build Your Personal Brand Online, from REALTORS® Who KnowNearly every real estate transaction begins with an online search, making your online presence as a real estate professional one of the most vital parts of your business. Where to begin? Getting started with a .realtor™ or .realestate domain is easy, affordable, and a no-brainer, according to industry experts who have seen their businesses grow and thrive since making the switch. Here are 10 key benefits they think all real estate professionals should know, in their own words. 10. How to Spark Real Estate Conversations with Friends, Family, Clients and ProspectsBeing able to provide insights and answer real estate questions on the fly is the sign of a true, local market expert. And the ability to simply start conversations out of the blue with confidence, and with data-backed details, is a formula for success. Here are three ways RPR can prep you to be a conversation-into-conversion type of agent.

Top 5 AI-Powered Growth Hacks for 2024
Artificial intelligence has transformed the real estate industry, forever changing the day-to-day work habits of agents, brokers, mortgage lenders and developers — not to mention homeowners! AI-powered platforms can generate property recommendations tailored to each client's personal tastes, and bots can sift through new leads to match the ideal consumer with the right real estate professional. Here are five AI-powered growth hacks that can take your business to new heights in 2024. 1. Save Time on Marketing Content Creation There are hundreds of platforms to create content at the click of a button — ChatGPT and Canva are the ones that seem to stay at the top of everyone's minds. Leveraging technology to auto-create content is powerful, but making sure that content is relevant and useful is another challenge. By utilizing a platform that has AI powered tools like this built in, agents can create content at the click of a button and scale content without the loss of quality, making content creation convenient and efficient. 2. Automate Social Media Marketing Did you know that 50% of agents say social media is their highest quality lead source, but only 29% of brokers provide their agents with social media tech tools to be successful? Social media is one of those channels that doesn't have an exact science to it. And agents can very easily morph into full-time content creators if they don't have the technology to automate the social media marketing that is required to have success in modern real estate. When agents implement AI-powered social media marketing, they save time juggling platforms, are consistent in their online presence, and can get back to doing what they do best, selling houses! When you're looking for an AI-powered platform to handle your social media marketing, look for one that can post to multiple mainstream platforms, schedule automatic posts based on MLS status changes, and communicates with your IDX website so you can reap the benefits of cross-channel promotion. 3. Automate Lead Capture and Qualification Lead capture and qualification can feel like an overwhelming task, especially without the appropriate technology to handle it efficiently at scale. Agents often struggle with quality lead capture due to issues like poorly optimized forms, inefficient lead tracking, failure to qualify leads, and limited automation. But by harnessing AI for lead capture and qualification, you can ensure a seamless and positive customer experience right from the initial point of engagement focusing resources on prospects with the highest likelihood of conversion, ultimately leading to increased transactions. 4. Automate Lead Nurturing You can capture leads all day long, but until you nurture them properly, they likely won't turn into transactions! AI-powered lead nurturing with features like smart campaigns, dynamic suggestions, and intuitive lead scoring helps you automate your nurture process based on lead behavior rather than static scripts. This not only streamlines the process but also ensures that each prospect receives personalized attention from the very first interaction, enhancing the overall customer experience. 5. Get an AI Voice Assistant This might be a "nice to have" rather than a "have to have" — simply because it's not widely available in the industry yet! In a perfect world, wouldn't it be a game changer to say "Hey Siri, send John Smith a CMA for 123 Main Street"? Well, here at Lofty that's exactly what we're working on building. With simple voice commands, Lofty Assistant can be directed to call, text or update a lead allowing an agent to conduct essential yet time consuming tasks on the go. In addition, Lofty Assistant can easily field inbound calls, answer typical questions, and create a new lead based on feedback. Be sure to watch our webinar where our VP of Industry Development and the Lab Coat Agents Crew had a more in depth discussion surrounding these AI powered growth hacks! The integration of artificial intelligence into the real estate industry has brought about a revolution in efficiency and effectiveness. From personalized property recommendations to automated social media marketing and lead nurturing, AI-powered tools are reshaping the way agents, teams and brokers operate. By leveraging these technologies, you can streamline your workflows, save time, and focus on what truly matters — delivering exceptional service to your clients. As we continue to embrace AI innovations, the future of real estate promises even greater opportunities for growth and success. Embrace the power of AI today to stay ahead in tomorrow's market. To view the original article, visit the Lofty blog.

First-ever Rental Expert Series Report Looks at the 2023 Rental Market
As part of the new Rental Expert Series, Rental Beast has created the 2023 Market Report, which includes 2024 market predictions, sentiments from property owners, and 2023 rental data. The program is designed to provide real estate professionals with valuable insights, data, educational content, and more to help them succeed in rentals. Report Summary In 2024, home prices are expected to remain flat or slightly decrease, with projections showing a downtick of less than 2%. Home sales are anticipated to slightly increase, supported by new construction, while existing home supply remains sluggish. Mortgage rates are predicted to range from 6% to 7%, and housing affordability challenges are likely to persist. Rents are expected to rise slightly, with some variations in projections, driven by high demand for rentals. The multifamily sector is a key focus, with an influx of new inventory potentially leading to increased concessions to boost occupancy. In the last quarter of 2023, the sentiment among property owners regarding median rent indicates a cautious or stable outlook, with 75% expecting rents to remain the same through June 2024. Despite a competitive housing market, 26% of property managers report a decrease in rental applications. Rental data for 2023 in 12 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) indicates a general downward trend in median rents for various property types throughout the year. Three-bedroom homes are still, on average, the priciest rental type, ending Q4 with a median price of $2,199. However, if you're splitting the rent with roommates, it's more affordable than a one-bedroom, which came in at $1,735 in the final quarter of 2023. Residential Rental Statistics This snapshot of the 2023 residential rental market illustrates key indicators like average rent prices, days on market, and percentage change of available listings to provide insights into current trends and market dynamics: Median Rent and Concessions Quarterly median and yearly average rent changes compared with percentage of listings with concessions: In 2023, rental data shows consistent trends for rental listings with concessions. Colorado Springs led with the highest percentages throughout the year, reaching 48% in Q2. Atlanta also maintained relatively high levels, while Boston consistently recorded lower percentages. Overall, the national average in MSAs analyzed for rental listings with concessions in 2023 stood at 18%. Get More with the Rental Expert Series The Rental Beast 2023 Market Report is a critical resource for real estate professionals navigating the ever-evolving rental market. Sign up for the Rental Expert Series here to stay on top of the rental trends and get insights about the market. To view the original article, visit the Rental Beast blog.

How Understanding the Lead Lifecycle Can Boost Your Conversion Rate
As we navigate market changes, it's more evident than ever that lead generation, nurturing, and management is not a one-size-fits-all process. Put simply, you can no longer just try to generate leads and expect to stay productive in this market. Instead, you need to be strategic and look at the lead lifecycle holistically. This will help you understand where to drop in your expertise regularly and guide your leads along the path to becoming closed clients. How the Lead Lifecycle Shapes Your Client Outreach and Success The lead lifecycle, also known as the lead funnel, is the journey a lead takes from the very first time they see your name or business, all the way to their seat at the closing table. They don't get from A to Z after they submit the form or give you a call; instead, there are thoughtful points of interaction that take place at each stage to nudge them along and get them to close. Let's look at a real-life example: you land a lead and you're ready to get in touch. You give them a ring and learn they're not going to be market-ready for another 18 months. Therefore, you shouldn't be calling them again any time soon. They're 18 months out from purchase — give them breathing room, but be sure to still supply them with consistent, impactful reminders you're there to help and ready to jump into action when they're ready for you. Then, as that 18-month mark approaches, you can shift your focus to ramping up contact. This will also help bridge the gap to meeting your lead where they are, even a year and a half after your initial conversation. How to Meet Leads Where They Are, Here and Now Like we said, no lead generation and management strategy fits into a neat, cookie-cutter outline. You have to tailor your approach to your leads based on their specific needs, such as their timeline to buy or sell, life events shaping their need for a real estate pro, and other unique, individual scenarios driving their decision-making. So how can you actually make sure you're staying top of mind with your leads, no matter where they are on their journey? Here are a few key ways to seamlessly stay in touch. Set Up a Nurture Campaign One of the best tactics to stay on top of your client database is with nurture campaigns. Typically set up in your CRM platform, nurture campaigns will send emails (and sometimes text messages) to your leads and clients at specific intervals of times, or when they take an action — like submitting a lead or downloading something from your website. Because the CRM automatically sends off the email for you, you don't need to hover over your contact list and try to remember what communications to send to who and when. This frees up your time to work one-on-one with your clients and focus on other areas of your business, like generating more leads. With customized, timely emails sent to leads and clients at impactful times, you can see high rates of engagement along the lead lifecycle. Use Calendar-Blocking Regularly With all that freed up time from your nurture campaign efforts, you can also use dedicated time slots on your calendar for more manual, yet meaningful, interactions with your leads. Block out time on your calendar each week to follow up with leads via phone or meeting. You can categorize them by where they are in their journey, or even prioritize the hot, ready-to-transact leads. By getting direct time with your leads, you can demonstrate your level of attention, care, and dedication to understanding their stage in the lead lifecycle — and how you'll get them to the close. Use a Post Close Companion for Your Converted Clients As you nudge your leads and support them through their lifecycle, they'll make it to the closing table. But you also can't just forget about a client once they've closed the deal and final documents are signed, sealed, and delivered. Even if the transaction is complete, you're still sitting on untapped potential: 82% of all real estate deals come from repeat and referral business. Undoubtedly, it's critical to focus on your closed clients. You truly never know when they'll need your expertise again, and you want to stay top-of-mind for them to send any friends, family members, or colleagues your way for their real estate needs. To do this seamlessly, kvCORE has Post Close Companion, an easy-to-use tool to manage your post-close relationships. It allows you to capture reviews, nurture relationships, and leverage your past clients to build a robust referral pipeline. To view the original article, visit the Inside Real Estate blog. Related reading Why Understanding the Homebuyer Journey Is Key to Nurturing Real Estate Leads 5 Real Estate Follow-Up Rules You Need to Be Following 25 Tips, Tricks and Resources for Keeping Past Clients

How Real Estate Agents Can Market Homes to Different Generations: Customizing Your Approach
In the dynamic world of real estate, one size definitely does not fit all. With diverse generations entering the housing market at different life stages and with distinct preferences, it's crucial for real estate agents to tailor their marketing strategies to connect with potential buyers effectively. In this post, we'll explore how real estate agents can navigate the generational landscape and create customized approaches to market homes successfully. Understanding the Generational Tapestry Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Let's start with the trailblazers—the Baby Boomers. These seasoned individuals are often seeking a change—a downsizing, a retirement haven, or a place where they can indulge in their passions. When marketing to Baby Boomers, emphasize the tranquility and comfort of a property. Highlight the neighborhood's amenities, proximity to medical facilities, and the overall safety of the area. Generation X (1965-1980) Moving on to the latchkey kids and grunge enthusiasts—Generation X. This group typically values a work-life balance and appreciates modern conveniences. When marketing to Gen Xers, emphasize features like home offices, smart home technology, and easy access to recreational activities. Appeal to their desire for a comfortable, family-oriented space. Millennials (1981-1996) Now, let's dive into the realm of avocado toast aficionados—the Millennials. This digitally connected generation values experiences over possessions. When marketing to Millennials, focus on the property's energy efficiency, proximity to social hubs, and tech-savvy features. Highlight any eco-friendly initiatives and the potential for community engagement. Generation Z (1997-2012) Finally, the tech natives—Generation Z. This generation is just stepping into the real estate game. When marketing to Gen Z, emphasize the property's connectivity, adaptability for remote work, and proximity to educational institutions. Showcase modern design elements and emphasize the home's potential for customization. Tailoring Your Marketing Strategy Social Media Magic In the age of hashtags and filters, social media is your secret weapon. Baby Boomers may prefer Facebook for its community-oriented features, while Millennials and Gen Z are likely to be scrolling through Instagram and TikTok. Craft visually appealing content that speaks to each generation's preferences. For Baby Boomers, showcase the property's timeless charm; for Millennials and Gen Z, emphasize the property's Instagrammable and shareable aspects. Virtual Tours for the Win In a fast-paced world, convenience is key. Virtual tours are an excellent way to cater to all generations, allowing potential buyers to explore a property from the comfort of their own homes. Create immersive experiences that highlight unique features. For Baby Boomers, focus on spacious layouts and classic design elements; for Gen X and Millennials, emphasize modern amenities; for Gen Z, showcase the property's adaptability to changing trends. Storytelling with a Personal Touch Each generation has its own set of values and priorities. Tailor your property descriptions and marketing materials to resonate with these values. For Baby Boomers, narrate the history and charm of the neighborhood. For Gen X, weave in stories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. Millennials appreciate narratives that emphasize experiences and community, while Gen Z is drawn to stories of innovation and adaptability. Communicate Through the Right Channels Traditional vs. Digital Advertising Different generations consume information through various channels. Baby Boomers may still respond well to traditional advertising methods like newspapers and direct mail. Gen X might appreciate a mix of traditional and digital approaches. Millennials and Gen Z, being digital natives, are more likely to engage with online platforms and apps. Invest your advertising budget wisely by understanding the preferred channels of your target demographic. Responsive Website Design In the era of smartphones and tablets, a responsive website is non-negotiable. Ensure that your website is user-friendly across all devices to accommodate the diverse preferences of each generation. Baby Boomers might be accessing your site from a desktop computer, while Millennials and Gen Z are likely to be browsing on their smartphones. A seamless online experience enhances your credibility and accessibility. Personalized Email Campaigns Email marketing remains a powerful tool, but it's essential to personalize your approach. Segment your email campaigns based on generational preferences. Tailor your messaging to resonate with each group, addressing their unique concerns and aspirations. For example, Baby Boomers might be interested in investment potential, while Millennials may prioritize sustainable living features. To conclude, in the ever-evolving world of real estate, success lies in understanding and adapting to the diverse needs of each generation. By customizing your approach, you can build meaningful connections with potential buyers and elevate your marketing game. Remember, it's not just about selling a property; it's about selling a lifestyle that resonates with the dreams and aspirations of each unique generation. So, gear up, real estate rockstars, and get ready to make homes a perfect fit for every age! To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

It's Magic: New AI-powered Software Makes Photos Look Amazing
Did you know you've probably been using artificial intelligence nearly daily for several years? If you use your smartphone to take photos, you can thank AI for making your pictures look better than ever. Here are some of the super cool ways AI is powering new smartphone photo features that are helping all your photos look amazing, rivaling what professional photographers can produce with their DSLR cameras: Transforming night into day: Google's Night Sight (AI-powered software for photos) Have you ever tried to photograph a property at night and still be able to capture its beauty without being grainy? Google's Night Sight feature does just that. This AI-powered tool transforms poorly lit scenes into brightly illuminated images. For real estate agents, this means showcasing properties in their best light, regardless of the actual light conditions, and not having to pay for post-purchasing processing to get a great nighttime shot. iPhone 11 and beyond also offers a night mode feature, taking incredible pictures in low light conditions – grain-free. Magic Eraser: Removing unwanted elements (AI-powered software for photos) Have you ever had a perfect shot ruined by an unexpected intruder in the frame? The Magic Eraser from Google can save the day. With the touch of a button, unwanted objects or people can be removed from photos, making it look like they were never there. This tool is handy for real estate agents who need clean, focused images of properties without distracting elements. The good news for Apple fans is that Magic Eraser is available for iPhones. Change facial features (AI-powered software for photos) The correct expression is crucial, especially in client testimonials or team photos. AI now allows for adjusting facial expressions post-capture. Frowns can turn into smiles, and closed eyes can be opened, ensuring that every photo conveys the intended emotion. This feature ensures that real estate agents always have the perfect photo for their marketing materials. Non-distorting wide-angle lens (AI-powered software for photos) The wide-angle lens feature in smartphones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max can be a game-changer for real estate agents who want to shoot their own property photos. This feature allows agents to capture a broader perspective of a property, making rooms appear more spacious and inviting. It's beneficial for photographing small areas, ensuring potential buyers get a comprehensive view of each space. AI-powered software helps improve the capabilities of the lenses themselves. HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography (AI-powered software for photos) AI significantly enhances HDR photography in modern smartphones. The process involves capturing multiple images at different exposures, which AI then analyzes and merges into a single photo. This AI-driven approach ensures a more accurate balance of lighting and detail, crucial for showcasing properties in varying light conditions. For real estate agents, AI-enhanced HDR can effectively highlight the unique features of a property, from material textures to the interplay of light and shadow, providing a professional level of detail and clarity in their listings. Portrait mode with advanced bokeh effect The advanced bokeh effect – creating a soft blur to the background – in portrait mode is another example of AI's application in photography. AI smartphone algorithms focus on the subject, such as a piece of furniture or architectural detail, while creating a beautifully blurred background. This selective focus, managed by AI, accentuates the desired features while maintaining an artistic quality. For real estate agents, this means being able to capture interior shots or feature highlights that draw attention to specific selling points of a property. Additionally, agents can achieve studio-level results for promotional photos thanks to AI's precision and attention to detail. Time-lapse and hyper-lapse video features AI also plays a critical role in enhancing smartphones' time-lapse and hyper-lapse video features. In time-lapse mode, AI algorithms manage frame rate and exposure settings to smoothly transition from day to night, showcasing a property's lighting features and landscape. The hyper-lapse video feature also benefits from AI stabilization technology, creating smooth, stabilized walkthroughs of properties. This AI stabilization is crucial for maintaining video quality while moving, providing potential buyers with a dynamic and engaging view of the property. These AI-enhanced video features offer real estate agents creative and compelling ways to showcase their listings, adding a cinematic quality to their property presentations. AI-powered scene optimization Many modern smartphones, including the iPhone 15 Pro Max, have AI-powered scene optimization. This feature automatically adjusts camera settings based on the scene, whether it's a bright outdoor landscape or a dimly lit interior. For real estate agents, this means less time spent on manual adjustments and more assurance that their property photos will turn out clear and vibrant, regardless of the setting. A new photo future is here Catapulting on the scene is third-party photo processing software offering advanced AI capabilities for enhancing smartphone photography. One example is Glass Imaging's GlassAI. It utilizes sophisticated AI algorithms to refine images, focusing on details like interior lighting and architectural features. This software provides functionalities like raw burst data analysis, rapid neural network training, and real-time processing. These features can help real estate professionals present their properties more effectively, with stunning results. More AI improvements to come Integrating AI in smartphone photography is revolutionizing how real estate agents capture and present properties. While there is no substitute for professional real estate photography from a seasoned pro, new features are narrowing the gap. AI will bring even more advances, further streamlining and enhancing the quality and content of all listing photos – professionally shot or not. Remember, in real estate, a picture isn't just worth a thousand words: it's the opening chapter you create to sell every home. To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog. Related reading 4 Tips for Working with AI as a Real Estate Agent How to Choose the Best Real Estate Photographer Instagram Filters and Tools: How to Use Them in Your Real Estate Marketing

Friday Freebie: Scripts for Handling Objections, Lead Gen Strategies, and More
A challenging market is the perfect time to challenge yourself by getting back to real estate basics. By revisiting the fundamentals of real estate success, you ensure your business' foundation is solid — and that you're primed for profit no matter the market conditions. In this week's Friday Freebie, we're highlighting a guide that covers four fundamental areas of real estate — from filling your sales pipeline to answering objections — for you to master in order to crush it in 2024. Read on to find out how to download your free copy! Free copy of Back to Basics: Mastering the Fundamentals of Real Estate eBook, courtesy of Inside Real Estate Any real estate agent working in today's market knows that it's not as easy as it once was to convince consumers to buy or sell a home. You likely hear the same objections over and over, including these two big ones: Home prices are too high right now and I'm waiting for interest rates to go down. What's the best way to respond? This guide offers scripts for answering these two objections, as well as several others. In addition, when you download this guide, you'll learn the fundamentals of: Building Your Pipeline Mastering the Art of Follow-Up Scripting and Objection Handling 101 Using Social Media for Lead Gen Building a strong foundation is the best way to ensure your success. Get started by downloading your FREE copy of Back to Basics: Mastering the Fundamentals of Real Estate now! More Friday Freebies Friday Freebie: One Month of a .realtor™ or .realestate Premium Website Friday Freebie: 'Master the Market' eBook Series Will Help You Master Your Marketing

Elevating Client Experience through Real Estate Drip Campaigns
As a real estate professional, it's important to provide your clients with a smooth and stress-free experience. One way to achieve this is through good communication and the use of helpful tools like email drip campaigns. These campaigns can help keep your clients informed throughout the process and make things easier for you and your clients. Let's explore how they work and how they can make your clients' real estate journey more enjoyable. Unlocking the Potential of Drip Campaigns Segmentation and Personalization: Imagine this: You get a message from someone who is interested in your services in finding a new home. Your customer relationship management (CRM) system quickly identifies this lead as 'New.' Through automation, your CRM then sends a personalized email from you to welcome them, introduce yourself, and highlight your skills. This way, you can get off to a great start and show them that you're the right person to help them find what they're looking for. Progression through Transactional Phases: Let's say this lead shows interest and submits an offer for a home. As you update their status to 'Submitted Offers,' your CRM seamlessly transitions to a new drip campaign. This campaign enlightens them on the negotiation process, explains what occurs after an offer is made, and sets clear expectations for the upcoming steps. Closing and Post-Closure Support: With the offer accepted and the transaction labeled 'Under Contract,' your CRM prompts a new campaign. This campaign acts as a guiding beacon through the closing process, preparing your clients for inspections and outlining steps before the final move-in day. Upon successful closing, transitioning to 'Closed' prompts a post-closure campaign. It shares insightful home maintenance tips and local recommendations and expresses heartfelt gratitude for their trust in your services. Implementing Best Practices for Drip Campaigns in Your CRM Strategic Content Curation: Customize your content to cater to different transactional phases. For instance: During negotiations, provide clarity on counteroffers, offer tips to strengthen offers, and outline potential contingencies. After closing, offer resources for setting up utilities, recommend local service providers, or send a personalized 'Thank You' note. Automation for Streamlined Workflow: Harness your CRM's automation features to schedule emails or messages at specific intervals aligned with the transaction's progress. This automated approach ensures consistent and timely communication, elevating the client experience. Elevating Client Experience through Strategic Drip Campaigns The power of well-planned drip campaigns in your customer relationship management (CRM) system can be seen in real-life situations. By sending out personalized messages that align with each step of a customer's journey, you can make their experience smoother and show them that you are there to support them. These best practices are not just about using automatic messages but also about building trust, demonstrating your expertise, and ensuring that your customers have a seamless experience in the complex world of real estate. Mastering the art of drip campaigns in your CRM system can help you build long-lasting relationships that will keep your business successful as the real estate market changes over time. To view the original article, visit the Wise Agent blog.

Buyer's Market vs. Seller's Market: The Key Difference
The terms "seller's market" and "buyer's market" generally reflect which side of the real estate transaction has the upper hand when it comes to negotiating. While sometimes the entire nation can experience one type of market or the other, it's more common for market conditions to be tied to a region, a town or even a neighborhood. Multiple factors can influence housing markets including the local job market, new construction that offers more options for homebuyers, the reputation of various school districts, mortgage rates, home values and national economic conditions. How do you know if you're in a seller's market or a buyer's market? While there's no definitive answer to what type of market you're in, typically there are indications that demonstrate which side of the transaction sees more favorable conditions. In a seller's market, home prices are usually going up, homes are selling quickly and there are fewer homes on the market. In a buyer's market, the opposite is true: home prices are flat or falling, homes sell slowly and there are plenty of homes on the market. ‍What is a buyer's market? A buyer's market occurs when the real estate market has more homes for sale than buyers. In this type of market, buyers have more leverage over sellers, leading to potentially lower house prices, more time to make decisions, and oftentimes, the ability to negotiate favorable terms. This situation usually arises when the economy is weak, or there's an oversupply of homes due to various factors like new construction or demographic shifts. What is a seller's market? Conversely, a seller's market is characterized by a shortage of homes for sale and a large number of buyers. This imbalance often leads to higher home prices, quicker sales, and competitive bidding wars. Sellers in this market have the upper hand and can often choose from multiple offers, sometimes even above their asking price. This type of market typically emerges during economic growth, low mortgage rates, or when housing supply can't keep up with demand. Here are some of the indicators to watch out for: Price Trends: Take note of whether the average home price in the area is increasing or decreasing. Rising prices typically indicate a seller's market, while decreasing prices suggest a buyer's market. Number of Days Homes Stay on the Market: Homes that sell quickly, often in days, point to a seller's market. Conversely, if homes linger for weeks or months, it's likely a buyer's market. Market Prices Relative to Asking Prices: In a seller's market, homes often sell for at or above asking price due to high demand. In a buyer's market, homes may sell for less than the asking price. ‍Buyer strategies for any market In a seller's market, buyers need to be prepared with a preapproved loan, a higher deposit and a strong understanding of the market and their priorities since they may need to make a fast decision. In a highly competitive housing market, buyers may want to consider a cash offer program such as the one Revive offers. Essentially, buyers get preapproved for a loan and Revive makes a cash offer for the home they want. They can move into the new home before they sell their previous home. In a buyer's market, buyers have more options to consider and can take more time to make a decision. They can compare various homes and have more negotiating power. Just remind your clients that you may not get everything they want, so they'll need to set priorities for their home and their financing. Seller strategies for any market Even in a seller's market, homeowners need to clean and prepare their home to attract buyers. Pricing the home in line with market conditions is important, since a home that is overpriced may not get any offers and will eventually sell for less than it's worth. In a buyer's market, homeowners need to be more strategic in their pricing, be prepared to negotiate and to offer concessions to buyers such as paying closing costs. No matter what market conditions are like, homeowners may want to consider hiring a concierge service like Revive to renovate their home in order to get a higher price. Most home sellers are also buyers, so it's wise to consider both sides of the transaction when ready to move. Revive provides upfront funding so clients have their cash available for their purchase. The renovation costs will be repaid when they sell their home, typically for a higher price than if they sold it without fixing it. Bottom line Navigating the complexities of real estate markets requires insight into current trends and conditions. Whether you serve buyers or sellers, understanding whether it's a buyer's or seller's market can greatly impact your strategy. Revive offers tailored expertise and services to help your clients make informed decisions and capitalize on market conditions, ensuring they benefit from their real estate decisions. To view the original article, visit the Revive blog.

The Benefits of Partnerships for Real Estate Agents
Navigating the intricate world of real estate requires agents to orchestrate a delicate dance between buyers and sellers, all within the cutthroat confines of a fiercely competitive industry. Thriving in this environment demands perpetual innovation and a keen eye for untapped opportunities. One such avenue of potential is the power of partnerships. In this post, we'll delve into the myriad benefits these collaborations can bestow upon real estate agents while spotlighting some compelling instances. Buckle up for a journey through the perks of partnerships! Expanded Network and Exposure Real estate partnerships act as a gateway to an augmented sphere of influence and an extended network of potential clients. Picture this: Two agents or firms joining forces, opening the floodgates to each other's client databases, and catapulting listings into a wider audience. This synergistic approach not only broadens exposure but also unlocks new markets previously beyond reach. Take, for example, the partnership between Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and Nest Seekers International. This collaboration not only facilitated access to luxury listings but also opened doors to diverse clientele, resulting in boosted sales and successful market penetration. Pooling Resources and Skills Sharing resources and expertise emerges as a pivotal advantage of real estate partnerships. The amalgamation of marketing budgets and technological prowess can birth unparalleled efficiency and superior customer service. Consider the collaboration between Boston Logic and William Raveis Real Estate, culminating in a bespoke CRM system streamlining the entire transaction process. This partnership harnessed the collective resources and expertise of both entities, delivering substantial value to agents and customers alike. Fostering Collaboration and Innovation Beyond the realm of shared resources, real estate partnerships catalyze collaboration and innovation. The confluence of ideas and tactics propels the creation of novel products or services, pushing boundaries that a solitary entity might find insurmountable. Look no further than the partnership of Zillow and Realogy. This powerhouse collaboration birthed a platform elevating transparency in home buying. By synergizing Realogy's industry acumen with Zillow's online real estate prowess, the partnership empowered buyers and sellers with unprecedented information and transparency. Elevated Brand Recognition and Authority Partnering with established businesses or agents is a surefire strategy for enhancing industry authority and brand recognition. Collaborating with reputable entities allows agents to leverage existing reputations and networks to fortify their own brand. The alliance between Citi Habitats and the Corcoran Group is a case in point. By capitalizing on each other's strengths, both businesses expanded their market share and recognition. Corcoran agents gained access to Citi Habitats' rental listings and client database, while Citi Habitats agents tapped into Corcoran's technology, marketing tools, and management systems. In summation, real estate partnerships present agents with a cornucopia of advantages, from amplified exposure and network expansion to collaborative innovation. By forging alliances with fellow agents or firms, individuals can share resources and skills, pioneer novel products, elevate brand recognition, and venture into uncharted markets. The examples provided underscore how successful partnerships yield substantial benefits for all involved parties. For real estate agents eyeing business growth, exploring partnerships is not just an option but a strategic imperative. To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

Real AI: ChatGPT adds memory, Trying Perplexity.ai, facts, headlines and a Quote of the Week from Google
Real AI is a 100% human-created weekly roundup of all things AI in real estate and emerging AI innovations in other sectors likely to impact real estate. ChatGPT is adding a memory feature OpenAI revealed this week that it is testing a new memory feature for ChatGPT. The goal is a more personalized and valuable experience without providing expert prompts for ChatGPT to remember any previous prompts or stay within the same prompt set. A key new feature of this potentially potent addition is that you can control what ChatGPT remembers. You will be able to tell it what to remember, ask it what it remembers, and tell it to forget things it remembers conversationally or in settings: Settings > Personalization > Memory. You can view the memories and delete specific memories or clear its memory cache. You also will be able to turn off memory collection, so it won't create new or use existing memories, according to OpenAI. One caveat: deleting the chat does not erase the memory; you must delete the memory separately. This new feature will be handy for anyone using ChatGPT to write or think in a particular person's style. OpenAI offers a few other examples: You've explained that you prefer meeting notes to have headlines, bullets, and action items summarized at the bottom. ChatGPT remembers your formatting style and recaps future meetings this way. You've told ChatGPT you own a neighborhood coffee shop. When brainstorming messaging for a social post celebrating a new location, ChatGPT knows where to start. You mention that you have a toddler and that she loves jellyfish. When you ask ChatGPT to help create her birthday card, it suggests a jellyfish wearing a party hat. As a kindergarten teacher with 25 students, you prefer 50-minute lessons with follow-up activities. ChatGPT remembers this when helping you create lesson plans. Again, the new memory capability that ChatGPT is adding is being tested. OpenAI announced, "We are rolling out to a small portion of ChatGPT free and Plus users this week to learn how useful it is. We will share plans for broader rollout soon." One of the best parts of this new capability is that its memory (unlike ours) will improve over time: the more you use it, the better it will get. Over time, you'll notice it more and more. Again, this is another ChatGPT leap forward in its product personalization movement. Next week: A look at Sora, OpenAI's new text-to-video tool, in very limited release. Trying Perplexity.ai Staying on the personalization trend in AI, Perplexity.ai is worth a try. Dubbed a "conversational search engine," like ChatGPT, Claude.ai, or Gemini, it answers queries in natural language predictive text. But it focuses on helping you find through search by simply asking a question. It returns fully sourced answers. Perhaps its coolest feature is how it sources – embedding a footnote with an active link inside its answers. Most importantly, the sources were accurate, the links worked, and the information was current. Accurate sources and matching links are still hit-and-miss in the top AI tools, and most don't do very well with the most recent events. For example, we asked the free version of Perplexity.ai to tell us what it knows about something very current: the 2024 Delta Media Real Estate Leadership Survey. It provided an extensive answer, citing nearly two dozen sources. Below is an example of how it uses a citation from one of the bullet points in its answer: AI adoption in real estate is widespread, with 75% of brokerages already using the technology and nearly 80% reporting that their agents have adopted AI tools. Despite this rapid integration, there remains persistent anxiety over the adequacy of safeguards to manage the risks associated with AI. 2 5 The free model uses ChatGPT 3.5 and then fuses it with its own LLM or large language model. It also allows the user to save their conversations. Furthermore, it features a switch to turn on "Copilot," a mode that will enable you to refine your queries, often prompted by follow-up questions from the AI. Perplexity Pro, which we have yet to test, allows over 300 Copilot queries a day, which again, handles more complex prompts, more thorough research, and, as a result, provides more accurate answers. The most remarkable feature: You get to pick the underlying AI model to use, including ChatGPT-4, Claude 2.1, or Gemini, and you can switch between these to see which one provides the better answer. It also supports file uploads that can be read by Claude 2.1 and ChatGPT-4. Again, give it a try and share your feedback with [email protected]. AI Five Fast Facts Research shows that members of Gen Z —"Zoomers" — are more likely to want to learn AI skills than Boomers (1.6x) or Gen X (1.1x) – LinkedIn Around one-third of this year's graduating college seniors — and more than half of tech majors — say they plan to use GenAI in their careers – Handshake 57% of Gen Zers and 62% of Millennials surveyed said they were more excited about the potential benefits of AI than they were worried about the risks – Axios About 50% of graduating college students stated they plan to build their skill set in light of the emergence of generative AI – Handshake LinkedIn has seen an average increase of 75% each month in members worldwide adding terms like "GAI," "ChatGPT," "Prompt Engineering" and "Prompt Crafting" to their profiles in 2023 – LinkedIn Sources: Axios and Handshake AI Headlines Take 5 What's Wrong With This Rental Listing? The Furniture Is AI. | 2/12/24 - ViceShady real estate agents and landlords are using AI staging to make subpar rental listings look better. AI Could Kill Cold Calling | 2/14/24 - PropmodoAI is helping agents enhance their client list, but is it at the cost of engagement and efficiency? Family Office Investing Requires Mounds of Paperwork. AI Is Going to Help | 2/13/24 - Barron'sAI will make manual paperwork a thing of the past and maximize the time to analyze the gathered data. AI's Co-Pilot Role Could Increase Employment In The Real Estate Sector | 2/15/24 - Times PropertyAI is creating new roles in real estate such as AI trainers, system designers, data technicians, and so forth. AI and Automation: The New Weapons in Southern California's Slumping Real Estate Market | 2/14/24 - BNN BreakingSouthern California real estate agents are becoming more dependent on AI and automation to break the market slump. Quote of the Week To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

Friday Freebie: One Month of a .realtor™ or .realestate Premium Website
Want to give your online brand a boost in 2024? Consider trading in your tired .com website for a shiny, new .realtor™ or .realestate website. Switching to a real estate-focused domain announces that you're a trusted REALTOR® — and it looks pretty eye-catching on marketing materials, too. We want to make taking the leap as easy as possible for you, and that's why we're highlighting an exclusive offer from the National Association of REALTORS® Top Level Domains in this week's Friday Freebie. Read on to learn how to claim this deal! Get a Free Month of a Premium .realtor™ or .realestate Website, courtesy of Get.realtor! You're busy selling homes — and that means you probably don't have the time or the interest in becoming a webmaster. Fortunately, every .realtor™ or .realestate domain from get.realtor comes with a professional looking website that's easy to set up and edit as needed. Your website can be up and running in just minutes — and it's SEO-optimized, lead generating and mobile friendly, to boot. But if you'd like a little more flexibility (or just want a next-level site), consider upgrading to the Premium website package. Check out an example here! It's free for RE Technology readers to try for one month with promo code RETECH, and it includes these extra features: Full website editor capability: Access to all available widgets Multi-page website template with blog and video capabilities AudioEye, an ADA platform Onboarding and how-to videos, guides, webinars and more Unlimited client testimonials Ability to add your own IDX service And more! Ready for a website that helps you stand out from the competition? Use promo code RETECH to claim your FREE month of a .realtor™ or .realestate Premium website today!

Supercharge Your Lead Generation: Proven strategies for real estate agents in 2024
Need help to keep up with real estate lead generation? As an agent, you need top-notch leads in a competitive market. In 2024, effective lead-gen strategies are crucial. Stay ahead and adapt to attract and convert leads into valued clients. Ready to embrace innovative approaches to thrive in today's market? Let's explore strategies for sustainable growth. Understanding the evolution of lead generation The lead generation landscape in the real estate industry has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Understanding the historical evolution of lead generation methods to adapt and thrive in the modern market is important. Traditional lead generation methods Traditional methods like cold calling and direct mail generated leads in the past. But with changing consumer behaviors, these techniques can be time-consuming, costly and met with skepticism when trying to reach a digitally savvy audience. Digital transformation in lead generation The digital revolution has transformed real estate lead generation through platforms like social media, SEO and online ads. Using digital strategies allows you to reach a wider audience, connect with prospects personally, and attract leads through targeted campaigns. Embracing digital helps streamline lead generation processes, lower the cost per lead and remain competitive. Understanding the evolution of lead generation from traditional methods to digital platforms is pivotal for maximizing your reach and generating quality leads in 2024 and beyond. Leveraging data and analytics for targeted leads Leveraging data and analytics has become imperative to stay ahead. By harnessing the power of customer relationship management (CRM) systems and analyzing market trends through predictive modeling, you can gain a competitive edge in reaching potential leads and maximizing conversions. Utilizing customer relationship management (CRM) systems Embracing CRM offers numerous benefits. You can unlock a treasure trove of advantages that can elevate your interactions with customers. Dive deep into your prospects' preferences, effortlessly streamline tasks, and shift your energy toward forging meaningful connections that drive growth. Check out how companies like LionDesk and HubSpot CRM systems can revolutionize your customer interactions and supercharge your success. Analyzing market trends and predictive modeling Analyzing market trends and using predictive modeling helps you find potential leads and forecast buyer behavior. Integrating data and analytics into your lead generation strategies allows you to understand consumer behavior and tailor your outreach to specific demographics. Building an engaging online presence In today's digital landscape, an engaging online presence is vital for attracting and converting leads. Let's dive into the key strategies and elements contributing to a compelling online presence. Optimizing search engine visibility Enhancing search engine visibility through strategic SEO practices can help boost your online presence. In practice this means optimizing your website by incorporating relevant keywords, creating valuable content and ensuring mobile responsiveness. By prioritizing local keywords, meta descriptions and high-quality backlinks, you can significantly increase organic traffic to your website and generate more leads. Content marketing strategies Content marketing is key for building authority and attracting potential leads. Connecting with clients through blog posts, videos, and virtual tours is a key opportunity to generate leads. Valuable content showcases expertise and builds trust. You can nurture relationships and drive conversions by consistently delivering content that meets client needs. Nurturing leads with personalized communication In today's real estate market, building and maintaining relationships with potential leads is crucial. Personalized communication helps nurture leads and convert them into loyal clients. Use automated workflows and social media to connect with potential buyers and sellers more effectively. Implementing automated lead nurturing workflows Automated workflows are great for nurturing leads. They help you stay in touch with leads through automated email sequences, follow-ups and targeted content. This saves time and ensures that prospects receive relevant information. Tailoring content and timing can effectively guide leads through the sales funnel, increasing conversion likelihood. Utilizing social media for relationship-building Social media platforms offer a unique opportunity to engage with potential leads personally. You can establish yourself as a trusted advisor in the real estate industry by sharing valuable and relevant content on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions, answering questions and sharing success stories can boost your credibility and trust. By consistently connecting on social media, you can stay top-of-mind and build lasting relationships with potential clients. As a real estate agent, you must embrace a multifaceted approach to lead generation in 2024. By integrating traditional principles with modern technologies, you can expand your reach and engage with potential clients innovatively. It is crucial to stay adaptable and continuously evolve your strategies to align with emerging trends and consumer preferences. By doing so, you can position yourself at the forefront of lead generation efforts and drive sustainable growth in our businesses. Here's to a successful year ahead! Ready to explore iGUIDE floor plans and 3D virtual tours? Find a service provider to get started today! To view the original article, visit the iGuide blog. Related reading 10 Ways Real Estate Agents Can Stand Out Online 11 Ways to Maximize Your Real Estate Listing Exposure Optimize Your Online Listing (A 3-Part Series)

Exploring the Revolution of Real Estate Virtual Tours
In 2023, the real estate industry witnessed a significant shift in the way properties are showcased to potential buyers. Virtual tours have revolutionized the home buying experience, offering a cutting-edge, immersive, and convenient approach for prospective homeowners. Gone are the days of relying solely on static images and floor plans; real estate virtual tours now empower buyers to explore properties from the comfort of their own homes, making the home buying process more efficient and enjoyable. The Rise of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Advancements in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies have propelled real estate virtual tours to new heights. VR headsets have become more affordable and accessible, allowing buyers to step into a property and explore every corner virtually. Augmented Reality, on the other hand, has introduced a new way of envisioning properties in real-world settings. Buyers can use their smartphones or AR-enabled devices to superimpose virtual elements, such as furniture or decor, onto an empty space, providing a clear visualization of how the property can be personalized to suit their needs. Virtual Staging and Home Customization Virtual staging has become an indispensable tool in the real estate industry. Gone are the days of costly and time-consuming physical staging; instead, virtual staging allows real estate agents and sellers to digitally furnish and decorate properties with a wide range of styles. Buyers can see a property's potential, transformed into their dream home, without the need to physically move any furniture. Additionally, home customization have become increasingly popular in virtual tours. Prospective buyers can visualize and explore various design options for rooms, allowing them to tailor the property to their preferences before making any structural changes. Interactive and Guided Tours Virtual tours have evolved from static, pre-recorded presentations to interactive and guided experiences. Today, prospective buyers can take control of their tours, deciding where to navigate and what to focus on, enhancing their sense of autonomy during the exploration process. Guided tours have also gained popularity, where a real estate agent or AI-powered virtual assistant can accompany buyers throughout the virtual journey, providing insights and answering questions in real-time. This personalized touch helps build a stronger connection between the buyer and the property, leading to more informed purchasing decisions. Conclusion Recent times have marked a turning point for the real estate industry with the rapid adoption of virtual tours. By harnessing the power of virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and interactive features, real estate virtual tours have transformed the home buying experience for the better. The seamless accessibility, customization options, and global reach have made virtual tours an indispensable tool for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals alike, shaping the future of real estate in an increasingly digitized world. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.

Real Estate Lead Conversion: 12 Strategies to Turn More Inquiries into Clients
In the world of real estate, leads are key to grow your business. They are the potential buyers and sellers who express interest in your services, often by making inquiries online or through other means. However, the real challenge lies in converting these leads into loyal clients who entrust you with one of the most significant transactions of their lives. Which is why in this post, we'll explore some tried-and-true strategies for agents to master the art of lead conversion, turning those inquiries into satisfied clients. 1. Speed Matters – Respond Promptly Consider the following: a potential client fills out your website's contact form in the hopes of hearing from you soon. There has been no response for hours. They become frustrated and move on to the next real estate agent who promptly attends to their needs. The lesson is clear: speed is important. By promptly answering questions, you show your dedication and professionalism. Put systems in place to ensure that you never lose an opportunity because of a slow response. 2. Personalization Creates Connections One-size-fits-all responses are a thing of the past. For you to establish genuine connections with your leads, personalization is essential. Use the lead's name and specific details from their inquiry when responding to inquiries. This demonstrates that you have taken the time to comprehend their needs, which can greatly improve your conversion rates. 3. Build Trust Through Transparency Real estate transactions require significant investments—both monetary and emotional. Building trust with your leads is essential, and trust is based on transparency. Be forthright and honest about what they can anticipate at every stage of the procedure, including any potential difficulties. Leads feel more confident in your sincerity when you are open and honest with them. 4. Showcase Your Expertise Your leads want to work with a professional who is knowledgeable about the real estate industry. Through blog posts, social media, and other marketing channels, share your knowledge and expertise. Leads are more likely to choose you over rivals when they perceive you as an expert in the field. 5. Nurture Long-Term Relationships Not every lead is immediately prepared to buy or sell. Some people might need some time to weigh their options. These leads should be nurtured rather than ignored. Keep in touch with regular emails, newsletters, and market updates. They'll keep you in mind for when they are prepared to act. 6. Leverage Technology The modern era of digital technology is on your side. Use customer relationship management (CRM) software to efficiently track and manage leads. Utilize automated email campaigns to communicate with and benefit your leads. Your lead conversion process can be streamlined by technology, which will increase its effectiveness and efficiency. 7. Quality Over Quantity Although it can be tempting to go after as many leads as you can, quality is more important than quantity. Put your attention on leads that are likely to convert and who are genuinely interested. By posing pertinent questions and giving priority to those who fit your target market, qualify your leads. 8. Offer Exceptional Customer Service Being the best in the business sets you apart from the competition. To surpass your clients' expectations, pay close attention, respond quickly, and go above and beyond. Your clientele will grow as a result of satisfied customers recommending you to friends and family. 9. Use Social Proof Social proof can be a potent tool for lead conversion in the form of endorsements and reviews from pleased customers. To gain the trust of potential customers, prominently feature these recommendations on your website and marketing materials. 10. Continuous Learning and Adaptation The real estate market is always changing. Observe market trends, alterations in the law, and emerging technologies. To meet the evolving needs of your leads and clients, adjust your strategies. For long-term success, constant learning and adaptation are necessary. 11. Networking and Partnerships Create a solid network within the real estate sector and related industries. To offer your clients a thorough service, collaborate with mortgage brokers, home inspectors, and other experts. These partners can provide referrals that result in high-quality leads. 12. Clear and Compelling Call to Action A crystal-clear and compelling call to action should be included in every interaction with a lead. Make it simple for leads to take the next step, whether it's booking a consultation, signing up for your newsletter, or viewing a property. In conclusion, turning inquiries into clients in the real estate business is both an art and a science. It requires prompt responses, personalized communication, trust-building, and a commitment to ongoing improvement. By implementing these strategies, you'll not only convert more leads but also build a loyal client base that will help sustain your real estate career for years to come. Remember, in the world of real estate, it's not just about closing deals; it's about building relationships and helping people achieve their dreams of homeownership. To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

Real AI: An AI stock photos platform, AI disclosure efforts gain Google, facts, headlines and the Quote of the week
Real AI is a 100% human-created weekly roundup of all things AI in real estate and emerging AI innovations in other sectors likely to impact real estate. An AI stock photos platform We have covered that AI-generated photos could save agents and brokers a lot of money in licensing fees. Creating AI images for a website, social post, or promotional brochure instead of paying a fee to Adobe or iStock seems like a no-brainer. This is even though the stock photo firms are jumping headfirst into AI-generated images themselves! But if you have ever spent time creating photos with any of the many new AI image generators, your experience is probably hit or miss. Enter Lexica, which is basically crowdsourcing AI photos for its AI stock photo platform. Lexica allows you to generate your own images (48 a month for free) or search for images others have already created. To access the AI stock photos, enter a search word for the image you are looking for, and dozens of AI-generated photos will fill the screen. Below is a partial screenshot of the dozens of photos returned for the search "real estate agents selling a home." Want to create your photo? Lexica does that incredibly well, too. Select the "Generate" tab and enter your prompt. Here's what was returned for "A photo of craftsman home on Bainbridge Island, WA with a two-car garage bordered by evergreen trees." It's scarily accurate. One of the coolest generation features is you can change the dimension of the photo (much more flexible than DALL·E/GPT). You also can request a slow or fast generation. The slower generation selection allows higher-priced accounts to create "unlimited" generations. You'll find the fast generation selection wickedly quick. To get started, Lexica will ask you for an email address and send you a link to log in, and that's it. If you are going to need more images than what the free account provides, for $8-$10 a month (annual or month-by-month rate), you get: 1,000 fast generations per month. No slow generations. Two parallel fast generations. Commercial license (solo). Images are public. Note that last feature: "Images are public." That means you can use photos you create, but that photo now goes into its AI stock photo platform for others to find and use. If you want to keep the images you create for yourself so they are not publicly available, you'll need the Max account at $48 a month, 7,000 images, and unlimited slow generations. Lexica already has so many images and does a great job at image generation: it packs wow power. Most importantly, it feels like a huge shortcut and time saver at an incredibly low cost. AI disclosure efforts gain Google Speaking of AI images, Google is the latest major company to join an industry effort to attach "content credentials" to all AI-generated images. As the newest member of the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), Google joins fellow tech giants like Meta, Adobe, and Microsoft, along with media giants like the BBC and Sony, among others. Bringing AI generator Gemini (formerly Bard) and the world's biggest video player, YouTube, with its 2.5 billion users, into the fold for making sure AI image and video content is ID'd is a big deal. The goal of C2PA is to embed information into images and video when it is created. Right now, the solutions are focused on adding metadata. But bad actors can strip out metadata. As Axios pointed out in a recent newsletter, "Those most likely to share misinformation are often the least likely to take notice of information labels, let alone metadata." AI Five Fast Facts Over 20% of generative AI users are around 25 to 34 years old – Insider Intelligence Around 90% of data processing positions and 80% of data collection positions will likely become automated due to generative AI – Statista American AI startups in 2023 grabbed one out of four investment dollars. In contrast, AI startups received around 12% of total funding between 2018 and 2022 – Crunchbase Over 80% of Fortune 500 companies had adopted ChatGPT within their business by August 2023 – OpenAI The market size for AI in security was $21 billion in 2023 and is forecast to reach over $50 billion by 2028 – Mordor Intelligence Sources: Various collected by Semrush Blog AI Headlines Take 5 How AI is quietly changing everyday life | 2/4/24 - PoliticoAI is being integrated into our schools, homes, medicine, and more. Better Call GPT, Comparing Large Language Models Against Lawyers | 1/24/24 - ArxivSaul, you're fired – AI beats human lawyers finding contract errors and reduces costs by 99%. AI-Powered Excellence: Tools Every Real Estate Agent Needs | 2/4/24 - ACI InfotechA solid review of specific ways AI can help agents. Authenticity in the age of AI: real estate's new era | 2/7/24 - Elite AgentThe AI evolution pushes agents to strike a balance and remember: high tech, high touch. Rising Use of Artificial Intelligence Is Fueling Anxiety in Business | 2/5/23 - ForbesAI already is stressing us out! Quote of the week To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

[Podcast] Finding Your Resilience in Real Estate with Jennifer Branchini
In this episode of The RENEW Podcast, host Lauren Martin talks to Jennifer Branchini, COMPASS REALTOR® and a NAR Regional Vice President. The two women discuss Jennifer's 25-year real estate journey, her unexpected rise to the 2023 President of the California Association of Realtors, and conquering her initial shyness and video-recording fright with humor. During the conversation, Jennifer highlights the transformative power of networking and her instrumental role in launching the Young Professionals Network while expressing gratitude for empowering friendships and an all-female leadership team. Jennifer also shares tips for conquering public speaking fears, urging everyone to say "yes" to opportunities and speak from the heart. She encourages listeners not to forget the significance of pursuing passions alongside a fulfilling personal life. Listen to the full episode above, or click one of the links below to listen on the podcast service of your choice: ‍Apple Podcasts‍ Pandora Spotify‍ RENEW by RentSpree aims to help change the lack of women in leadership roles within real estate and foster a community that elevates female voices.

21 Awful Excuses FSBOs Give for Not Hiring a Realtor
Let's face it, there will always be FSBOs. It seems that those stubborn personality types will always be around. Convincing a FSBO to list with you takes time and dedication. In fact, on average a FSBO is not ready to list with an agent until after the fifth or sixth contact. However, there will be many instances when a FSBO is never won over by any agent ever. Over the course of your real estate career, you've likely heard some of the most ridiculous excuses. Have you ever heard any of these ridiculous FSBO excuses? Real estate agents don't realize my home's potential. Zillow said my home was worth way more. My third cousin twice removed sold their home for three times the market value. I plan on using Craigslist, that's how I sold my car. I've lived in the area for 5+ years and know plenty of potential buyers. I am recently retired and have a lot of spare time. Real estate agents are crooks. I am already a professional marketer and can easily sell this home. I know this town like the back of my hand. I don't believe my home is in need of any serious repairs as other agents have been telling me. What you can do, I can do better. Commision costs are too high. I don't see why anyone should be making money off my hard-earned property. I am in no rush to get my home off the market and can take all the time I need. I want to make sure I like the buyer of my home. I am not 100% sure I'd like to sell my home. I don't see any foreseeable benefits to hiring an agent. My ex was a real estate agent; I am sure I'm capable of the job. I watch plenty of HGTV and am actually a real estate guru myself, just not a licensed agent. We just don't have the time hire an agent right now. My friend had a horrible experience with a real estate agent. To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.

Top 10 Ideas for Staging a Bathroom to Impress Buyers
When listing a home, staging each room is crucial, but the bathroom often gets overlooked. A well-staged bathroom can play a huge role in a buyer's outlook, offering a spa-like oasis that impresses buyers. Let's explore the top 10 ideas for staging a bathroom effectively that you can share with your sellers. 1. Deep Clean Everything Start with a spotless canvas. Deep clean every nook and cranny, ensuring tiles, fixtures, and mirrors are sparkling. Don't overlook grout cleaning; consider re-grouting if necessary. A pristine bathroom sets a tone of care and quality. 2. Neutralize the Palette Opt for neutral colors for walls, towels, and accessories. Soft, soothing tones like beige, gray, or soft blues create a tranquil, spa-like environment. Neutral colors also help buyers envision their own style in the space. 3. Upgrade Fixtures Modern, stylish fixtures can transform a bathroom instantly. Consider replacing outdated faucets, showerheads, and cabinet handles with contemporary designs. This small investment can significantly elevate the bathroom's appeal. 4. Maximize Lighting Good lighting is key. Ensure there's plenty of light by cleaning windows, updating light fixtures, and using higher-wattage bulbs. Well-lit bathrooms appear larger and more inviting. 5. Organize and Declutter Clear countertops, shelves, and showers of personal items. Use stylish baskets or organizers to neatly store necessary items. A clutter-free bathroom appears larger and more serene. 6. Add Luxurious Touches Introduce elements of luxury. Display plush towels, high-quality soaps, and a few tasteful décor items like candles or a small plant. These touches suggest a pampering, luxurious bathroom experience. 7. Address the Senses Consider the bathroom's aroma. Use subtle air fresheners or diffusers with calming scents like lavender or vanilla. Avoid overpowering fragrances that might be off-putting to some buyers. 8. Showcase Storage Solutions If your bathroom has unique storage solutions, make sure to showcase them. Neatly organized linen closets or clever cabinet organizers can be big selling points. 9. Enhance with Art Add a piece of art or a framed mirror to bring character to the space. Choose something that complements the bathroom's style without overwhelming it. This can make the space feel more polished and designed. 10. Maintain Consistency with the Home Ensure the bathroom's style aligns with the rest of the house. Consistency in design helps buyers envision the home as a cohesive, well-thought-out space. Key Takeaway Staging a bathroom requires a blend of cleanliness, modern touches, and strategic styling. By following these tips, homeowners can create a bathroom that not only impresses buyers but also potentially increases the value of their home. Remember, the goal is to create a space where buyers can envision themselves relaxing and enjoying their time. To view the original article, visit the Revive blog.