I remember when I first got my real estate license, way back when in 1985. Listen up all you kids, as a real estate agent in those days I had to walk to work barefoot in the snow, uphill, both ways. A cup of coffee cost 5¢, a gallon of gas was 35¢… oh wait, wrong memory, sorry. Anyway, way back in 1985 it was important that a real estate agent have prospects that wanted to either buy and or sell real estate. Back then you needed to constantly be prospecting and looking for folks that met these criteria and that wanted to do business with you. Back then you needed to get your name out amongst the world as a person who had some knowledge and expertise and would be a good person to represent them.
Wait a minute, a lot has changed both in the world and in the real estate business since way back in 1985, but the basics are still the same. How people shop for homes is different and how people decide on what real estate agent they want to use to help them consummate the deal is different, but people still want and need an agent with knowledge, expertise and someone they can feel comfortable with.
How did you prospect in 1985? You called, sent letters, cards and newsletters to your sphere of influence and past customers, you also handed out tons of business cards. Also big in 1985 was print media and for sale signs in the ground. [click to continue…]
The virtualization of the modern day real estate agent has come about gradually until a certain point in the early 2000′s when it went into warp speed.
According to Wikipedia, vitualization means, the creation of a virtual (rather than actual) version of something, such as a hardware platform, operating system, a storage device or network resources.
In the real estate brokerage business, it means ………
Brokerage Virtualization is the connecting of all pieces of real estate brokerage functions like websites, consumer search portal, mobile platforms, apps, CRM, lead management, transaction management , and financial management in one seamless platform working with major MLS’s in the nation. That gives residential real estate brokerages a complete Web 2.0 based internet platform to automate and streamline all the real estate business processes, transactions, documents, and financial management online from start to finish. [click to continue…]
The Apple iPad is a great tool for Realtors. The iPad can be used for many things in the real estate biz, such as presentations, property searches, videos, communications with clients and other agents. Skype is also a tool with many uses for the tech savvy real estate agent. Combine the use of the two together and you are cookin’ with gas.
We have recently learned that the iPad “app” for Skype is up on the iPad App store. Following an official announcement on the Skype blog, the Skype for iPad is now officially released for the iPad.
The version of the app has been optimized for the iPad, making full use of the extra screen room that’s available on the tablet instead of just blowing up the size of the iPhone-optimized version. Skype for the iPad brings two-way video calling with other Skype users (on any platform), instant messaging, SMS texting, and more. One of the main advantages that Skype will have over FaceTime is the ability to make video calls over 3G – something that is rumored to be in future versions of iOS but currently not available.
Skype for the iPad is free, though you’ll need to pay fees if you’d like to make calls to regular phone lines. Head over to the Apple App Store to download it now.
Do you think you could put this tool to use in your Real Estate Agents Arsenal of tools to stay in touch with clients both local and across the globe?
For more Tech Tips for Realtors, give our brand a try.
Do you remember the day you got your real estate license and joined your brokerage office? In all likelihood, it was a happy day for you and it was the first step on the path for you to become independent, helping others pursue their dreams while simultaneously pursuing your own.
What’s interesting is the process that people use to choose the brokerage that they associate themselves with.
I know people use different criteria, such as the freedom to run your own business, training, leads, desk space, support, compensation, advertising, brand recognition and I have even heard people say they chose a certain brand because of the color of the blazers that their agents wear on commercials.
What ever the reason, I’ll bet that your needs and wants regarding your brokerage have changed with time. Experience in the real estate business tends to change the priority of the criteria mentioned above.
“Pong is no longer a high tech game, cell phones that only make phone calls are passé and commission splits with the brokerage are history! “[click to continue…]
Avoid the 5 Most Costly Mistakes You Can Make When Pricing Your Tampa Bay Area Home—Here’s How!
Mistake #1 Overpricing or Underpricing Your Home
Believe it or not, pricing your home too low may not bring you a quick sale. Buyers who have studied the housing market may think there is something wrong with your home if it’s listed well below market price.
Mistake #2 Listening to Friends and Relatives
They may mean well, but unless your friends are licensed real estate agents, they don’t have a solid basis for telling you how to price your home. A licensed agent can tell you which homes are actually comparable to yours and come up with a sellable market price for your home. [click to continue…]
I remember when I first got my real estate license, way back when in 1985. Listen up all you kids, as a real estate agent in those days I had to walk to work barefoot in the snow, uphill, both ways. A cup of coffee cost 5¢, a gallon of gas was 35¢… oh wait, wrong memory, sorry. Anyway, way back in 1985 it was important that a real estate agent have prospects that wanted to either buy and or sell real estate. Back then you needed to constantly be prospecting and looking for folks that met these criteria and that wanted to do business with you. Back then you needed to get your name out amongst the world as a person who had some knowledge and expertise and would be a good person to represent them. 
Do you remember the day you got your real estate license and joined your brokerage office? In all likelihood, it was a happy day for you and it was the first step on the path for you to become independent, helping others pursue their dreams while simultaneously pursuing your own.