AdhiSchools Blog

The dos and don'ts of real estate social media posting

Social media realestate media posting

Social media is a terrific way for real estate agents to gain more exposure. However,like any other marketing strategy, you want to be careful about how you post. To ensure social media results that promote Read more...

Social media is a terrific way for real estate agents to gain more exposure. However,like any other marketing strategy, you want to be careful about how you post. To ensure social media results that promote a smart strategy, follow these do’s and avoid don’ts when posting on the various platforms. Do’s of real estate social media posting Promoting positive interactions is a must for a successful social media marketing strategy as a real estate agent. Here are a few top best practices. 1. Be selective Be selective with the social media platforms you join. It’s nearly impossible for busy real estate agents to maintain a profile on every social media network. The U.S. NationalAssociation of Realtors (NAR) found in a study 97% of realtors chose Facebook as their preferred network. Facebook was followed by LinkedIn (59%), and Instagram (39%). Roughly one-third choose Twitter. Other possibilities include Pinterest, Snapchat, and YouTube. The key to choosing correctly is to know your target audience.. 2. Be active Promoting on social media goes well beyond setting up a profile and promoting listings.If you focus on self-promotion, you’re only going to alienate people. Instead, concentrate on being a part of the community. Share posts, make comments, ask thoughtful questions, and give shoutouts to connections. Bottom line, be consistent in terms of activity and be responsive to others. 3. Use visibility strategies When posting or sharing others’ posts, be sure to use visibility strategies to gain traction. Good methods include using keywords with hashtags and tagging others in your network to give them call-outs. Don’ts of real estate social media posting Just one blunder can soil your professional standing, but a series of bad practices can really hurt your reputation if not careful. Here are the top don’ts when it comes to social media marketing for real estate agents. 1. Don't be overly promotional This is #1 on the list of things NOT to do. Don’t try to oversell on your page, but use social media to share interesting news, customer interests, how-to’s, or even fun memes. By using your page strictly as a personal listing mechanism, people will disconnect from you or scroll through your posts without even looking. Always follow the 80/20 rule when using social media. 2. Use your own photos Photos are a critical aspect of promoting properties. Ideally, you want to use your own photos to highlight listings you promote. (20% of your posts!) If using others' photos, be sure to first ask permission first and then publicly give credit to the photo’s owner. 3. Don’t post constantly The trick to social media marketing success is balance. You need to find the “Goldilocks” level of posting. In other words, don’t post so frequently it becomes “noise”,or worse, social media’s version of unsolicited robocalls. Then again, you don’t want to post so infrequently that you become irrelevant. Focus on timely, thoughtful, and interesting posts, spread out. Determine what your audience likes and then deliver it. Savvy real estate agents know how to skillfully use social media to gain the trust of potential clients and maintain strong relationships with existing ones. Focus on good social media practices, avoid bad ones, and you’ll create a standout online presence.

Benefits of instructor-led real estate classes

Benefits using study group

As you prepare for your real estate exam you’ll no doubt take at least one of our crash courses. These lectures and online tools can be done in the comfort of your own home and are based on individual Read more...

As you prepare for your real estate exam you’ll no doubt take at least one of our crash courses. These lectures and online tools can be done in the comfort of your own home and are based on individual self-study. But what if you aren’t quite ready for a real estate crash course yet? What if you still need to complete Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice and the elective course in real estate school? While we offer an amazing self-study program to help you finish the required courses there are some students who don’t do well left to their own devices. Does this sound like you? What if you wanted a professional instructor who walked you through the course material, but didn’t need to drive to a physical location? A plus with gas prices being $7 a gallon. To bridge the gap between total self-study and a physical real estate school we offer an amazing Zoom-based option. I made a list of seven benefits of this program to prepare and qualify for the California real estate exam. 1. Eliminate procrastination By coming to our scheduled Zoom calls, you’ll be less inclined to put off studying the material to qualify for the exam. When working independently, it’s easy to procrastinate, but when you make a commitment to meet with our study group you’ll be more motivated to press on and prepare so you’re ready to cover the material with other group members. 2. You’ll Probably Learn Faster Members of study groups like those on our Zoom calls tend to learn faster than individuals who work independently. With any type of learning, it’s common to get stuck on a concept and have difficulty getting over the proverbial learning hump. With fellow students and an instructor to talk out concepts with, it can clarify some of the drier material. 3. Fill in Gaps in Notes While you might prepare for class by watching some of the videos on our YouTube channel questions might arise as you watch the videos or read the textbooks. Bring you questions to class and the instructor will answer them and encourage you to deep-dive into the course material. You can read the book on your own first, knowing that if you do have a question you’ll be able to ask it to the instructor and bounce ideas off other students in the process. As a result, fewer gaps exist, when it’s time to take the real estate exam you’ll be better prepared. 4. Sharpen Your Study Skills Everyone has their own techniques they use to study. However, working with a diverse group of other hopeful real estate agents empowers you to sharpen your own study skills. You’ll be able to learn from the strengths of others and maybe even share your own with them. 5. Break Up Monotony of Studying Alone Studying alone is very monotonous and it could lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and loneliness. On the other hand, working with a group pursuing the same goals not only adds socialization, it gives you something to look forward to nearly daily. Check out our schedule of Zoom classes here! <hyperlink to https://www.adhischools.com/schedule > 6. Hone Your People Skills Working as a real estate agent means you’ll need to hone your people skills if you don’t already possess them. Success in our industry is based on your ability to work with other people. In study groups, you’ll encounter a variety of personalities and this will strengthen your ability to communicate with different people - a must in real estate! 7. Get a Jump on Networking In a sense, a study group can be your first step into developing your professional network. In any industry, it’s not what you know, but who you know. Often, those on our Zoom calls have built a sense of camaraderie – the perfect seed to grow a professional network. Remember, not only can you connect with members of your group, but they can introduce you and vice versa to other people. Knowing you have friends in real estate upon passing your exam is a great feeling - It’s never too soon to build a professional network! In order to pass California’s licensing exam you’ll need to gain a full understanding of the topics and concepts used in everyday real estate business. Joining our Zoom calls can put you on a solid path. If you are interested in getting a free guest pass to check out one of our Zoom study sessions, click here and pick a day and time that works for you. I look forward to seeing you on an upcoming real estate Zoom call! Love, Kartik

5 Things that can make it harder to pass your real estate exam

Studying 5 things

Imagine you have completed all the required classes at our real estate school and now you are in the process of studying for your real estate exam. You’re probably taking our real estate crash course Read more...

Imagine you have completed all the required classes at our real estate school and now you are in the process of studying for your real estate exam. You’re probably taking our real estate crash course and are focused on prepping for the test. You can probably tell from our hundreds of 5 star reviews that we know a thing or two about getting students to pass their real estate exam Still, I wanted to write a quick blog outlining a few things that can actually make it harder to pass your test so you know what not to do. I’ve read some other articles from folks that incorrectly say that the real estate test is purposely and unnecessarily difficult. This isn’t really the case. If you understand the concepts and study you should have no problem passing. I’ve read some other articles from folks that incorrectly say that the real estate test is purposely and unnecessarily difficult. This isn’t really the case. If you understand the concepts and study you should have no problem passing. Consider the below list as you do: Bad Prep Materials or a Bad Exam Prep Program Call me a little biased, but I think that our real estate crash course is the best way to study for the real estate test out there. There are alternative products in the marketplace that aren’t California specific or that are written by people who have never even taken the real estate exam. Obviously, the purpose of real estate exam prep material is to increase comprehension of the subject matter. Understanding that most people are on their mobile devices the majority of the time, our team developed an app for Android and iOS devices that is second to none. If you don’t have this yet, get it! In the end, prep materials that do not play to your strengths decrease your chances of passing the real estate exam. 2. Too Much Study Time on What’s Not Important One of the common mistakes real estate examinees make is focusing on items not likely to be on the exam. What too often occurs is that folks can get bogged down in the minutia and lose focus on critical concepts and facts. Some call this not “seeing the forest through the trees.” I cringe when students send me articles about how to study for the “math portion” of the real estate test or 50 questions on the history of California. The truth is that there is very little actual arithmetic on the real estate test so spending 15 hours studying how to calculate capitalization rates isn’t going to do much good when there are other topics that appear far more frequently on the exam. The good news about our crash course system is that questions are weighted in the same ratio that the actual real estate exam is. Our system is organized in a fashion that emphasizes primary concepts and focuses your study time in ways that actually matter. The point is that investing too much of your limited time in minutia might not be a good decision. 3. Procrastination Procrastinators of the World Unite! Tomorrow.” People from all walks of life come up with seemingly good reasons to put off studying. These rank among the common reasons people procrastinate. Feeling Overwhelmed Lack of Urgency Lack of Discipline Don’t Like to Study Can’t Choose a Starting Point Giving in to these and other inclinations puts potential real estate professionals behind the knowledge curve. The sooner you crack open the materials and begin learning at a deeper level, the better your chances of passing the test. I would recommend doing all the questions in the training mode of our real estate crash course at least twice before attempting a mock exam. Focusing on our training mode will expose you to all the questions in our system and eliminate any false confidence from a high score on a random mock exam. 4. Failing to Follow a Study Plan Possessing an actionable study guide and plan cures some of the reasons to procrastinate. Of course, potential real estate professionals will need to leverage a study plan in a timely and orderly fashion. Common missteps involve jumping around and prioritizing topics you feel comfortable studying. Such practices are more a lack of discipline than an attempt to gain high-level knowledge. It’s essential to use a study plan designed to build one concept on another. Like many other industries and disciplines, real estate knowledge tasks people with possessing a broad understanding of how things intersect. Rifling through study materials and jumping ahead typically results in fragmented ideas that don’t translate to sound professional skills. Remember to set aside plenty of time before the test to ensure that you don’t feel overwhelmed - This leads me to my final point. 5. Test Anxiety and Last Minute Cramming When I was in high school and college, I would love the adrenaline rush of studying for an exam at the absolute last minute and leaving with a good score. While exhilarating, it’s important to realize that the real estate exam should not be approached in this manner. There is far too much material to only study the night before. A study schedule at least two weeks before the test will help you stay focused and ensure you have ample time to review and understand the material. It’s totally normal to feel a little on edge before the exam starts. Issues such as self-doubt or fear of failure can derail efforts to pass the real estate exam. The good news is that test anxiety does not have to stop you from beginning a new career. TLDR: Learn to Study Effectively Establish a Study Routine Practice Relaxation Strategies Exercise, Eat Well, Hydrate, and Get Restful Sleep Reach out to our office at 888 768 5285 or shoot us a message if you’re having a hard time passing the test. Love Kartik

Latest Home Design Trends

Patterned Hardwood Floors

Home design is an ever-evolving field that reflects our changing lifestyles, needs, and preferences while shaping the aesthetics and functionality of our living spaces. Keeping an eye on emerging design Read more...

Home design is an ever-evolving field that reflects our changing lifestyles, needs, and preferences while shaping the aesthetics and functionality of our living spaces. Keeping an eye on emerging design trends is crucial for homeowners, designers, and enthusiasts alike. It helps them stay up-to-date with the latest innovations and styles, ensuring their homes remain comfortable and visually appealing. Trends in home design ebb and flow over time, influenced by various factors such as technological advancements, shifting cultural values, and even global events. Exploring new design trends that inspire and redefine our living environments is essential, fostering spaces that cater to our evolving needs and preferences while simultaneously promoting a harmonious balance between form and function. In the competitive world of real estate, it is essential for professionals looking to become a Realtor or obtain their real estate license to stay ahead of the curve by keeping up with the latest trends in home design. A thorough understanding of current design preferences enables agents better to advise their clients on property improvements and market expectations, maximizing the property's appeal and value. Moreover, staying informed about home design trends establishes the agent as an expert, instilling confidence in their clients and setting them apart from the competition. As they prepare for their real estate license exam, aspiring agents should consider incorporating home design trends into their studies to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the industry and enhance their professional expertise. Patterned Hardwood Floors Patterned hardwood floors have emerged as a leading design trend in the real estate industry, redefining contemporary living spaces with artistic and visually appealing aesthetics. Known for their intricate designs, patterned hardwood floors provide a unique focal point that elevates the overall interior design. The popularity of this flooring option can be attributed to its ability to create a sense of luxury and sophistication while offering practical benefits over traditional carpeting. One significant advantage of hardwood floors over carpet in general is their durability. Hardwood floors are resistant to wear and tear and can be refinished multiple times, prolonging their lifespan and maintaining their appearance for years. Conversely, carpets tend to wear down and accumulate dirt, allergens, and stains, requiring more frequent replacement. Furthermore, hardwood floors provide a more hygienic living environment as they do not harbor allergens and are easier to clean and maintain. As homeowners and designers embrace the resurgence of patterned hardwood floors, certain wood types have become increasingly popular in real estate design. With its warm tones and distinctive grain patterns, oak is a favorite choice for creating striking floor designs, such as herringbone and chevron. Walnut, renowned for its rich and deep color, offers a luxurious and sophisticated touch, making it ideal for creating eye-catching patterns like parquet or basketweave. Another trending wood type is reclaimed wood, which contributes to a unique and rustic aesthetic and promotes sustainability by repurposing previously used materials. Bamboo is gaining popularity for those seeking an eco-friendly option thanks to its fast growth rate and inherent strength. Finally, exotic woods like Brazilian cherry, teak, and tigerwood are also making waves in the real estate design world, offering a range of stunning patterns and natural colors that will make a statement. Patterned hardwood floors are a popular design trend in real estate, offering many benefits over carpeted floors. They deliver an unparalleled aesthetic appeal, durability, and easy maintenance, making them a sought-after choice for modern living spaces. With various wood types, homeowners and designers can create personalized and visually captivating flooring designs that cater to individual tastes and preferences. Black Accents The rise in popularity of black accents in real estate design can be attributed to several factors, including their versatility, timelessness, and ability to create visual interest. Black accents have become a sought-after design choice in contemporary interiors, as they effortlessly complement a wide range of color schemes and styles, adding depth and sophistication to any space. One reason black accents are a good design choice is their ability to serve as a visual anchor, providing balance and contrast in a room. When used strategically, black elements can accentuate specific features or areas, drawing the eye and emphasizing the overall design. Furthermore, black accents can add a touch of elegance and refinement to a space, making it feel more polished and complete. Their neutral nature allows them to seamlessly blend with various color palettes, from minimalist monochromatic schemes to more vibrant and bold designs. Incorporating black accents in interior design can be achieved in numerous ways, depending on the desired impact and personal preferences. Consider using black hardware on cabinetry, door handles, or light fixtures for subtle and understated black elements. This approach adds a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the space. To create a more dramatic effect, opt for statement pieces like a black accent wall, a large piece of black furniture, or bold black-and-white artwork. These elements will draw attention and create a stunning visual contrast. Another effective way to incorporate black accents is through textiles and accessories. Black throw pillows, rugs, or curtains can add depth and richness to a room while allowing play with textures and patterns. For a cohesive and harmonious design, consider using black accents in multiple areas of the space, tying together different elements and creating a unified look. Black accents have risen in popularity in real estate design due to their versatility, timelessness, and ability to elevate a space. They can be used in various ways to create visual interest and provide balance and contrast in a room. By incorporating black accents in different forms, homeowners and designers can achieve a stylish and sophisticated interior that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Light Colored Floors The growing popularity of light-colored flooring in real estate design can be attributed to its ability to create a sense of openness, its versatility in complementing various design styles, and the trend toward minimalist and Scandinavian-inspired interiors. Light-colored floors have become a favored choice among homeowners and designers alike for enhancing and brightening any living space. One of the main reasons light-colored flooring is a good design choice is its ability to make a room appear larger and more open. Light floors reflect natural light, allowing it to bounce around the room and create a bright and welcoming atmosphere. This effect is especially advantageous in smaller spaces, where maximizing the perception of square footage is essential. Additionally, light-colored floors provide a neutral base that seamlessly blends with different color schemes and design styles, making them a versatile choice for various interiors. Depending on the desired aesthetic and functionality, incorporating light-colored flooring in interior design can be achieved with various materials and finishes. Light hardwoods, such as white oak, maple, or ash, are popular choices for their natural beauty, durability, and warmth they bring to a space. Light-colored laminates and luxury vinyl tiles offer more budget-friendly and low-maintenance alternatives while still delivering a visually appealing look. For a more contemporary or industrial feel, polished concrete or light-colored tile flooring can create a sleek and modern foundation for the room's design. When using light-colored flooring, it is vital to consider the balance and contrast with other elements in the room. Pairing light floors with darker or more colorful furniture and accents can create a striking visual contrast and ensure that individual pieces stand out. Alternatively, combining light floors with soft, neutral furnishings can create a serene and calming environment, perfect for spaces meant for relaxation and rejuvenation. Versatile Spaces/Home Offices The increasing prevalence of remote work and flexible working arrangements has led to a surge in demand for functional and versatile workspaces within the home. This trend has prompted homeowners and designers to create multipurpose spaces catering to work and leisure needs, ensuring that the home remains adaptable and efficient even as lifestyles and work arrangements evolve. A dedicated work area at home is conducive to maintaining productivity, providing a space where individuals can focus on tasks without the distractions of everyday household activities. Moreover, a well-designed home office can promote a healthier work-life balance, enabling individuals to separate their work responsibilities from their personal lives more effectively. I recorded a YouTube video explaining how to balance working from home that you can watch here. However, the need for a dedicated home office may diminish as work situations change and employees return to the office, either full-time or in a hybrid capacity. In such cases, it is beneficial to design a space that can serve multiple purposes, allowing homeowners to maximize the functionality and utility of their living areas. A room that functions as an office today can easily be transformed into a lounge, a display room, a guest room, or any other purpose the homeowner desires. To create a versatile workspace that can accommodate various needs, it is essential to select furniture and decor that are flexible and multifunctional. For instance, investing in a desk that can double as a console table or a fold-out wall-mounted desk that can be easily tucked away when not in use, can provide valuable workspace without compromising the room's potential for other uses. Similarly, incorporating modular storage solutions, such as bookshelves or cabinets with adjustable shelves, allows easy reconfiguration to suit the room's changing functions. In terms of decor, it is crucial to choose elements that complement both the office setting and the alternative uses of the space. Neutral color schemes, versatile lighting options, and adaptable decorative accents can help to create a cohesive and harmonious design that seamlessly transitions between different functions. In conclusion, the growing trend of incorporating a multipurpose work area at home is driven by the need for flexibility, efficiency, and adaptability in response to changing work arrangements. By carefully selecting furniture, storage solutions, and decor that cater to various uses, homeowners can create a space that serves their work needs and contributes to a comfortable and dynamic living environment. Biophilic design Biophilic design can be traced back to the 1980s when biologist Edward O. Wilson introduced the term 'biophilia' to describe the innate human affinity for nature and living organisms. However, integrating biophilic elements in architecture and interior design has gained significant momentum in recent years, particularly as environmental awareness and the desire for healthier living spaces continue to rise. The growing popularity of biophilic design can be attributed to the increasing recognition of its physical and psychological benefits. Biophilic design helps reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and promote overall well-being by incorporating natural elements into the built environment. Furthermore, as urbanization expands and people spend more time indoors, the desire to reconnect with nature becomes more pronounced, making biophilic design a sought-after solution to bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor living. To effectively incorporate biophilic design into homes, designers can consider the following tips: 1. Introduce greenery: Adding indoor plants, vertical gardens, or green walls enhances the aesthetic appeal of a space and purifies the air, and creates a calming atmosphere. 2. Maximize natural light: Prioritize large windows, skylights, and open floor plans to allow natural light to flood the living space, boosting mood and energy levels. 3. Use natural materials: Incorporate materials like wood, stone, or cork in flooring, furniture, and decorative accents to evoke a sense of connection to the natural world. 4. Embrace natural colors and patterns: Utilize earthy tones, such as greens, browns, and blues, or organic patterns inspired by nature to create a visually soothing environment. 5. Incorporate water features: The sound and sight of water can induce a sense of tranquility and relaxation. Consider adding a small indoor fountain, aquarium, or water wall to your design. 6. Opt for organic shapes and textures: Choose furniture and decor items with soft, rounded edges or irregular shapes that mimic the fluidity and unpredictability of nature. 7. Create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection: Blur the boundaries between the interior and exterior spaces by integrating elements like large sliding doors, outdoor living areas, or balconies that encourage interaction with the natural environment. The biophilic design trend has gained traction due to the increasing desire for a connection with nature and its numerous physical and psychological benefits. Designers can easily incorporate biophilic elements into homes by prioritizing natural materials, colors, light, and greenery. This creates a living space that promotes well-being and fosters a deeper connection to the natural world. Hope these design trends help. If you’re interested in learning about starting a career in real estate visit www.adhischools.com or call us at 888 768 5285. Love, Kartik

The Importance of Previewing Property

Agents the importance of realtors

One of my early real estate sales managers passed away a few years ago. When I think back on our interactions, one thing that stands out is his advice that an agent isn’t going to make money sitting Read more...

One of my early real estate sales managers passed away a few years ago. When I think back on our interactions, one thing that stands out is his advice that an agent isn’t going to make money sitting in the office behind a desk. You’ve got to get out there, pound the pavement and understand the local market. Previewing property is something that should be a non-negotiable for a real estate professional, especially a newer licensee. Even if you are just starting in our real estate license course you can still play around on websites like realtor.com or other IDX sites to sort of “arm chair” quarterback and see what’s going on in the market. Once you get your real estate license you’ll want to start physically entering as many properties as possible so you can keep a pulse on what’s happening in the marketplace. By the way, this shouldn’t seem like too much of a chore as most people that take our real estate classes have at least some interest in viewing homes and property for sale. I can’t tell you how many students I have spoken with that say “I love going to open houses! I want my license!” Now get out there and do it! What is involved in previewing property? Previewing property involves searching the MLS for homes and then scheduling times to physically walk the properties. As an additional prospecting method, some agents even knock on the doors of nearby homes to let neighbors know of the home that’s for sale. This can be particularly valuable in the event there isn’t a For Sale sign on the property you are previewing. When knocking, a good script could be to ask nearby owners if they know a friend, family member or co-worker that might be interested in the home for sale, it’s a great opportunity to “pick their new neighbor”. This is an easy and natural way of networking with nearby owners. It’s free for you to do One of the biggest benefits of previewing properties is the fact it’s an absolutely free method of gaining local market knowledge. The only investment is your time - and most new agents have more time than money. Savvy real estate agents who preview properties on a routine basis find they get more listings, obtain valuable market knowledge in the areas they work in and grow their businesses faster. You can obtain valuable knowledge about the market When you follow the strategy of previewing property you will gain a stronger understanding of the local inventory. This will empower you to rapidly identify properties for interested buyers. For instance, knowing a geographical area intimately means you’ll be armed with the ability to quickly answer questions clients have about inventory in the area. This boosts your professional reputation and people will start to see you as an expert. Agents who have previewed properties may also have earned access to unpublished or not widely publicized information. Additionally you’ll learn what homes are on the market and the routine of previewing property will force you to dig into the local inventory daily. You’ll have the ability to generate more leads Physically going out to look at homes in a specific market means you’re also actively meeting people and expanding your professional network. While you could just view Matterport tours from your home or office there really isn’ta substitute to getting out in the field and touching the inventory. An added bonus is that you never know who you’ll meet that wants to hire you. Buyers will be impressed with your proactive approach to understanding the market and know you’ll be equipped to help them find their dream home. Sellers will appreciate that you have your pulse on the market and are more inclined to list with you because they’ll have faith you can help them present a solid marketing strategy. Agents may also find as they preview homes, they stumble across properties not listed on the MLS, such as pocket listings, FSBOs, expired listings, and owners who want to sell but temporarily removed their homes from the market. Networking is an important activity for any industry but has a special place in a direct sales business like real estate. You gain information to have a powerful listing presentation When you are on a listing presentation, rest assured that the seller is looking to hire an agent who knows the neighborhood, knows the street and knows their home. Previewing 3-5 properties daily will aid in your listing presentations because you’ll be able to demonstrate to your seller that you intimately know the market having seen all the inventory in the local marketplace. This is a non-negotiable as you don’t want to be seen as an agent who knows less than the client. The net-net bottom line is that previewing properties will give you a reason to get out of the office – you just never know where it’ll bring you or what clients you’ll land next. Remember what that sales manager told me so long ago - the money in real estate isn’t made sitting in the office. Love, Kartik