Many first-time homebuyers (and sellers) can have a lot of questions about the real estate market, but might not also know what a REALTOR® does and how REALTORS® can assist in the buying and selling of homes. If you’re working with clients who are new to the real estate experience, or if you are a new REALTOR® yourself, here are 10 questions you can expect to answer frequently, and tips on how you might answer them.
1. What is a REALTOR®?
A REALTOR® is more than someone who works in real estate. A REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of Realtors. Make sure your clients know that as a NAR member you operate under a professional code of ethics that goes above and beyond what might be required of other real estate professionals. Let your client know about relevant certifications, and even offer a basic case study of a similar client you have successfully worked with in the past. Continue reading »
Congratulations. If you’re thinking of taking your real estate business to the next level or opening a brokerage, it likely means your years of hard work are paying off. If it’s time to grow your business there are many important considerations to make when it comes to ramping up manpower, adding certifications and developing business plans.
Are you considering starting a brokerage? Has an increase in sales made it necessary for you to hire an assistant? Do you have all your necessary certifications in order? If opening your own brokerage is the next logical step in your professional development, it’s important to consult with accountants and business professionals who can advise you on developing a plan to ensure that you’re on solid financial ground.
According to a 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Member Profile, 41% of REALTORS® are affiliated with an independent, non-franchised company. Among the decisions you’ll need to make is whether to buy a franchise or to go independent. REALTOR® Magazine’s 11 Tips for Starting Your Own Business offers great advice on everything from developing a business plan to recruiting other real estate professionals to join you. Continue reading »
Writing clear copy in real estate listings is more important than ever. Often the first contact a REALTOR® has with a potential homebuyer comes through a home listing. With the speed at which shoppers are able to jump from one listing to the next, especially online, it’s essential that your listings are written clearly and are engaging. And since the first contact you’ll likely have with a potential homebuyer will come through a real estate listing, the copy is your first chance to build a reputation and a relationship.
1. Write clear, catchy headlines
Describe the house factually, but add a sense of urgency so the property appears to be highly sought-after and desired. Nearly everyone will read your headline, while relatively few visitors will read the rest of the copy … unless you can capture their attention immediately, that is. A good rule of thumb is to spend half your time working on the headline. Continue reading »
Email marketing campaigns are a great way for REALTORS® to stay connected to real estate clients. Whether your clients are active in the real estate market or simply taking their time to make the right decision, email marketing will help promote both your listings and your personal brand, and can also be an effective tool for landing new clients. And while email marketing requires a bit of technological know-how, many of the basics are probably similar to other marketing initiatives you’re already working on. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Select an Email Service
MailChimp and Constant Contact are two great examples of services that provide customizable templates so your emails have a personal touch. Current and prospective clients will be more likely to read the material, since the message will come directly from you. If possible, make sure your service is optimized for smartphones; mobile, now more than ever, is where people consume their information. Continue reading »
Buying and selling real estate is said to be a largely emotional decision. So when the emotions of a divorce are added to what can already be a trying exercise, moving real estate can be a challenge for everyone involved, especially in areas where the housing market is in trouble. If you are tasked with selling a home for a divorcing couple, or if you’re working with a client who is purchasing a divorce home, it’s important as a REALTOR® to remember these seven tips for navigating the potentially turbulent waters.
1. Always remember that emotions are involved
Your clients are likely going through a trying and emotional period in their lives, made all the more volatile due to the large financial stakes that come along with real estate. It’s important for you to remain calm and reasonable, especially if the divorce is particularly turbulent. Be extra sensitive to everyone’s emotions and be careful with your word choices. Even seemingly innocent words and phrases can be taken the wrong way. Continue reading »
REALTORS® are presented with many challenges in their everyday life, but few can be as trying as working with a difficult client. Sometimes in can seem like the very people you are working for are trying to frustrate you, even sabotage your efforts to close a sale. When the going gets tough, it’s important to keep a cool head and make sure you know how to stay in control of the situation while making the process as easy as possible for your client.
As you navigate the real estate market you’re likely to run into the occasional difficult client. Each of these clients will have their own quirks and challenges, but they’ll typically fit into a few categories. Understand problems before they arise and have a plan of action in place. Are you familiar with any of these problem clients? Continue reading »
Get ready for Echo Boomers to become major players in buying and selling real estate. Young adults born between 1982 and 1995 — “echoing” the Baby Boom generation — are already at the age for entering the real estate market. Echo Boomers are much different from the Baby Boomers, and present unique challenges and opportunities for REALTORS® ready to help get them into a home.
Echo Boomers have a different perception of the “American Dream” than their parents did. Owning a home is not necessarily at the top of their list.
Echo Boomers prefer graduate degrees, living in social areas (not suburbs) and freedom instead of homeownership. And as USA Today points out, only 20% of Echo Boomers rank owning a home as a priority. Still, while marriage rates among Echo Boomers might be lower, this is group may just define traditional roles their own unique way — Generation Y still values family and children. Continue reading »
