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Real Estate Marketing Tips

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

By Kartik Subramaniam

March 29, 2022

Real Estate Marketing Tips

Overcoming the Fear of Hosting Open Houses

OpenHouse

As a new real estate agent, you're probably already aware of open houses' key role in the industry. They are a fantastic way to showcase a property, attract potential buyers, and build relationships within Read more...

As a new real estate agent, you're probably already aware of open houses' key role in the industry. They are a fantastic way to showcase a property, attract potential buyers, and build relationships within your community - which could lead to additional listings. But the idea of hosting your first open house can also be intimidating. You might feel fear and apprehension creeping in at the thought of stepping into the spotlight, fielding inquiries from seasoned home buyers, or handling unexpected situations. If you're nodding your head in agreement as you read this, don't worry—you're not alone. These feelings are more common than you think among new real estate agents. But the good news is that fear and apprehension are just feelings, and emotions can be managed and overcome. I’ve gotten so many calls from students asking me to address these concerns that I wanted to write a quick guide to provide practical tips to help you overcome your fear of hosting open houses. I want to turn that fear into confidence and that apprehension into excitement. It's all part of becoming a successful real estate agent. First of all, it’s essential to understand the fears that may arise when hosting open houses. There are several common concerns new agents often encounter: Fear of Rejection: The fear of rejection can be daunting. The thought of potential buyers dismissing the property you're showcasing or questioning your expertise can be unsettling. Fear of Public Speaking: Open houses are public speaking events. If you're uncomfortable speaking in front of a group or worried about how you'll be perceived, this can create a high level of anxiety. Handling Difficult Questions: Can you answer every question thrown your way? What if a visitor asks about a property detail you’re unsure of? The fear of not having all the answers can be intimidating. These fears are entirely natural and shared by many new real estate agents. Recognizing that these feelings are common and part of the learning curve is essential. They do not define your capability as a real estate agent or predict your future success. Understanding your fear is the first step to overcoming it. Once you've identified your concerns, you can begin to develop strategies to confront them head-on. As you gain more experience, you'll find that these fears diminish, and your confidence grows. Remember, every real estate agent (myself included) had to host their first open house at some point—and they survived, thrived, and continued on to successful careers. You can too. Preparing for Your First Open House Preparation is key in any professional undertaking, and hosting open houses is no exception. Let's delve into three fundamental areas where thorough preparation can help to alleviate your fears and set you up for success: Product Knowledge: Knowing your product inside and out is crucial in real estate. Your product, of course, is the property you're showcasing and the neighborhood it's in. Familiarize yourself with every aspect of the property - the year it was built, the type of architecture, any recent renovations, the unique selling points, and potential areas of concern for buyers. Also, expand your knowledge of the neighborhood - the schools, parks, shopping areas, local attractions, and anything else a potential buyer might be interested in. Buyers will appreciate your deep knowledge, and it will build their trust in you as a real estate professional. Role-play Scenarios: Role-playing is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the unpredictable nature of open houses. This involves envisioning potential scenarios, then acting them out with a colleague or mentor. Role-playing helps you prepare answers for tough questions, handle different types of clients, and become more comfortable with the whole process. The more you practice, the more confident you'll become in handling real-life situations. The Power of a Good Presentation: Hosting a successful open house is all about making a great impression. This means presenting the property in the best light possible. Staging is an integral part of this. Ensure the property is clean, decluttered, and visually appealing. Use signage to direct visitors to key areas of the home. Also, prepare handouts with property details and your contact information for visitors to take with them. The goal is to create a memorable experience that leaves potential buyers imagining themselves living in the property. The fear of hosting open houses can seem daunting, but with adequate preparation, you can confidently walk into each event. By knowing the property, practicing various scenarios, and staging a successful presentation, you'll reduce your anxiety and increase your chances of making a sale. Remember, a well-prepared agent is a confident agent. Building Confidence Confidence is an essential trait for a real estate agent. It helps you perform better and instills trust in your clients. Here are some strategies for building your confidence: Develop a Positive Mindset: I know this sounds cheesy, but your thoughts really do shape your reality. If you go into an open house expecting the worst, your actions might follow. On the other hand, if you anticipate success, you'll likely project positivity, attracting more potential buyers. Practice affirmations, envision a successful open house, and maintain a positive attitude. You might be surprised by how much of a difference this can make. Self-care: Stress can often lead to a drop in confidence. Make sure you're taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. This could mean taking time for regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or simply ensuring you have downtime to relax. When you feel good, you're more likely to perform well. Learn from Each Experience: Every open house is a learning opportunity. Whether you consider an event successful or not, there are always lessons to be drawn. Maybe you stumbled over your words when describing the property or needed an answer to a visitor's question. Instead of criticizing yourself, treat these instances as areas for improvement. Use them to prepare better for the next open house. Over time, your confidence will grow as you learn and adapt. Celebrate Small Wins: Did you handle a tricky question well? Or a potential buyer complimented your presentation. Celebrate these moments. They are signs of your growing competence and confidence. Building confidence is not a one-time event but a continuous process. With every open house you host and every challenge you overcome, you're becoming a more confident and capable real estate agent. Confidence comes with time and experience, so be patient with yourself as you navigate this journey. Effective Communication Skills Hosting a successful open house goes beyond acing your real estate exam; it's about engaging with potential buyers, building relationships, and addressing objections effectively. All these tasks require excellent communication skills. Here are some key aspects to consider: Active Listening: As a real estate agent, your job is to provide information and understand your client's needs. Active listening involves fully concentrating on what is being said, understanding the data, and responding thoughtfully. This skill helps you tailor your responses to address each visitor's unique needs and concerns. Clear Communication: From explaining the details of a property to outlining the buying process, your ability to communicate clearly is crucial. It's not just about using the real estate jargon you've learned for your real estate exam but making sure potential buyers understand the information you're presenting. Avoid using industry-specific language, and ensure your message is clear and understandable. Non-verbal Cues: Communication isn't just about the words you use. Non-verbal cues, like maintaining eye contact, using open body language, and nodding to show understanding, can help establish trust and rapport with potential buyers. For example, if you are continually checking your phone during a conversation with an open house visitor it's a clear sign you are not fully engaged. Handling Objections: You'll inevitably face objections or tough questions during an open house. How you take these can make a significant difference. Stay calm, understand the concern behind the objection, and address it confidently and professionally. Remember, every question or objection is an opportunity for you to showcase your knowledge and problem-solving skills. By developing effective communication skills, you're increasing your chances of hosting successful open houses and growing as a professional. This is integral to your journey beyond the real estate exam to become a successful agent. The Power of Networking and Mentorship As a new real estate agent, you must understand that you're not alone on this journey. A whole community of experienced professionals is out there, and many are more than willing to share their wisdom. Networking and seeking mentorship can provide invaluable support as you navigate the world of open houses. Networking: Attend industry events, join online forums, and engage in social media groups. These platforms provide opportunities to connect with other real estate professionals and potential mentors. By networking, you can learn about the industry's best practices, stay up-to-date with market trends, and gain insights that can help you host successful open houses. Mentorship: A mentor can provide personalized guidance, share their experiences, and offer practical advice. This one-on-one relationship can accelerate learning and help you avoid common pitfalls. For example, watching your mentor in action at an open house can be an absolute masterclass in hosting. You can observe how they handle tricky situations, engage with potential buyers, and showcase properties effectively. Building Confidence: Networking and mentorship are influential confidence builders. By learning from other's experiences and successes, you realize that your fears and challenges aren't unique - others have faced them and come out on top. This realization can inspire confidence and show you that you, too, can overcome any obstacles that come your way. Remember, the real estate industry thrives on relationships, not just between agents and clients but among agents themselves. By actively networking and seeking mentorship, you'll learn and grow and build a support system that will help you confidently navigate your career. Handling Setbacks and Rejections Setbacks and rejections are inevitable in the real estate industry, especially when hosting open houses. However, how you handle these situations can significantly impact your professional growth and success. View Rejections as Opportunities: Rejections may feel personal, but it's crucial to remember that they're often not a reflection of your skills or value as a real estate agent. Instead, consider each 'No' an opportunity to learn and improve. Ask for feedback and use it to refine your approach. Adopt a Growth Mindset: Adopting a growth mindset involves viewing challenges and failures as chances for growth rather than setbacks. If an open house doesn't go as planned, focus on what you can do better next time instead of dwelling on the negatives. Every 'No' is a Step Closer to a 'Yes': It's a well-known saying in sales for a reason - it's true. With each rejection, you're getting closer to a potential 'Yes.' Remember, real estate is a numbers game. The more people you interact with, the higher your chances of making a sale. Practice Resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks. This might mean taking a moment to acknowledge your feelings after rejection and then shifting your focus to your goals and the actions you need to take to achieve them. Stay Positive: Maintaining a positive outlook is essential even when faced with setbacks. Celebrate your wins, however small they may be, and let them fuel your enthusiasm. Positivity is contagious and can significantly impact your interactions with potential buyers. Remember, rejection is not a measure of your worth or capabilities. Instead, view it as a stepping stone towards success. The most successful real estate agents have learned to take rejection in stride and use it as fuel to keep moving forward. Embracing Technology As a new real estate agent, it's understandable to feel overwhelmed by the logistics of planning and hosting an open house. But fear not – technology is here to lend a hand. By embracing the right tools, you can streamline your processes, reach a wider audience, and host more effective open houses. Virtual Tours: Virtual tours are an excellent resource for pre-qualifying prospects. By offering a 3D property tour using Matterport as an example, potential buyers can experience the space virtually before deciding to attend the open house. This feature saves time and makes your open house more effective, as attendees are already interested in the property. It also offers you a chance to practice presenting the property's highlights in a less pressurized environment. Online Advertising: Digital platforms have made reaching out to potential buyers easier. You can promote your open houses on various platforms, such as social media, real estate websites, and email newsletters. With detailed targeting options, you can ensure your promotions reach the right audience, increasing the likelihood of attracting genuinely interested attendees. CRM Tools: CRM tools can significantly reduce the administrative workload associated with open houses. They help keep track of your contacts, automate follow-up communications, and even analyze attendee behavior to inform future strategies. By removing these administrative tasks, you can focus on what really matters: engaging with potential buyers and selling the property. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR technologies can enhance the open house experience for potential buyers, allowing them to visualize different furniture arrangements or renovations in real time. As an agent, this gives you an edge, making your open houses more engaging and memorable. Interactive Floor Plans: Interactive floor plans allow potential buyers to explore the property's layout interactively, giving them a clearer understanding of the space before they enter the house. By leveraging these technological tools, you can make your open houses more efficient and less intimidating. They allow you to focus on honing your hosting skills, addressing visitor inquiries, and making the sale rather than being bogged down by logistics. In the age of digital real estate, embracing technology isn't just a recommendation; it's a necessity for success. Embarking on the journey of hosting open houses can feel intimidating, especially for new agents, but remember, it's part of the growth process. This journey is an exciting opportunity for learning and personal development. It's normal to experience fear and apprehension; the key lies in acknowledging these feelings and taking proactive steps to overcome them. With adequate preparation, including thorough product knowledge and role-playing scenarios, you can navigate your open houses confidently. Remember, the power of a good presentation lies in effective communication and active listening. Don't shy away from seeking mentorship or networking - these interactions can provide invaluable insights and boost your confidence. Handling setbacks and rejections is essential; each 'No' is a stepping stone to a 'Yes.' Embrace them as learning opportunities, not failures. And last but not least, harness the power of technology. Tools like virtual tours, online advertising, and CRM platforms can make the process of hosting open houses less overwhelming and more efficient. Approach every open house as a new learning experience and an opportunity to refine your skills. The fears you feel today will pave the way for the confidence you'll have tomorrow. So, embrace the challenge, and remember success lies beyond fear. As always, if you are interested in getting your real estate license or building a career in real estate call us at 888-768-5285 or visit www.adhischools.com Love, Kartik

By Kartik Subramaniam

March 07, 2022

Real Estate Marketing Tips

How to Optimize Social Media as a Real Estate Agent

Real estate social media strategy

The basic goal of having a professional presence on social media is to increase your visibility among prospective clients. Your goal should be to establish trust and a professional persona, "friends" Read more...

The basic goal of having a professional presence on social media is to increase your visibility among prospective clients. Your goal should be to establish trust and a professional persona, "friends" and “likes" are a by-product of your content but should not be the goal. I’m going to go through the various platforms in this article and explain how they can be used to obtain business. If you’re wondering what to post online, I wrote an article about this here that might be of interest to you. You should strive to develop and maintain a social media presence that is diverse and steady and demonstrates to the public that you are knowledgeable and competent and likable. Does that sound like a tall order? It does not have to be. It doesn't have to take much time each week, but your activity on the various platforms should be coordinated and deliberate. You don’t have to be a professional writer, nor an accomplished photographer, but you should strive for personable and authentic posts. The Giants of Social Media The big four social media platforms are Facebook,Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn with TikTok <hyperlink to each of those websites> quickly accelerating and hoping to catch up to the established players. This will change over time, however. If you read old articles on the business of social media you’ll see references to Flickr, Myspace and even Friendster so I know that this article isn’t going to age well - but that’s kind of the point. Being able to bob and weave and pivot to where the puck is “going to be” will help you stay fresh and relevant as a business person. You really have to be fine with trying different approaches on all platforms. Some real estate agents find YouTube to be highly effective, while others migrate in the direction of short form TikTok videos or more graphic social media sites like Pinterest. Facebook With more than 2.7 billion users worldwide, Facebook could be seen as the anchor of your social media presence. Although it may not be the younger generation's favorite, your real estate clientele is likely to be among its users so embrace it. There is a debate around the ratio of personal posts compared to business ones. A best practice here would be to try all sorts of things until you find a rhythm that works for you and your audience. We would love to get you know you on Facebook! Connect with us here. Instagram Instagram is a quick and effective way to share photos and video content with your followers. With 1.2 billion monthly active users, it is another indispensable way to reach potential clients and boost your following. Another advantage is that, because of its affiliation with Facebook, each Instagram post can be shared on Facebook, and vice versa making posting to both platforms seamless. Don’t forget that Instagram has cool buttons like “vote”, “quiz”, and question/answer type buttons. These interactive features allow you to get to know your audience and also provides insight into what your followers like. If you are interested in connecting with our real estate school on Instagram we would love to connect! Twitter Tweets are short (they have been increased to 280 characters from their former 140) and short-lived, and the platform is instantaneous in a way all its own. It doesn't take much time to get the hang of it, and it can gain you a following fairly quickly as a knowledgeable real estate professional when used correctly. It's an ideal way to share information -- such as a daily change in the interest rate, an interesting new listing, or a price reduction -- with your followers. LinkedIn Microsoft purchased this business-oriented social media platform and its influence among professionals cannot be underestimated. LinkedIn also gained importance during the pandemic as the platform for B2B interaction. Be sure your personal profile is complete and that you use a professional photo for your headshot. Regular posts and interaction with other professionals is beneficial. LinkedIn can also be used to gain referrals for your real estate business from out of area agents. Every referral received by a real estate agent can be worth $10,000+ so being recognized as the go-to agent in your area can be very valuable. If you are one of our real estate school students, there’s nothing wrong with you posting right now that you are enrolled in our real estate classes online on your LinkedIn so that your audience knows that you are going to be a future real estate agent. Develop a Posting Calendar Develop a social media schedule. Aim for a minimum of two or three social media posts each week on each platform in the beginning and share links between platforms when appropriate. Send a tweet to point followers to a Facebook post, for instance, or share an Instagram photo automatically to your Facebook page. Write a short article for LinkedIn and post a short sentence and a link on Facebook. Use Twitter to tell your followers that a specific home you listed just closed, that the price on a specific property was lowered, or that interest rates are slated to rise next week, according to the latest financial news. Encourage interaction, try your level best to respond to comments, and thank your followers for their support. Introduce a new buyer to the community by posting a photo of them at their new front door (with their permission, of course). Lend your support to a community event or don’t be shy to promote your latest achievement to your audience. Share a humorous story or post a cute "puppy" picture just for the fun of it. Just make sure your posts are believable, accurate and in good taste. And have fun with social media. When done properly you’ll reap the reward through increased business. If you are interested in getting started in real estate courses, click here or reach out by phone at 888-768-5285 or @ us! :) Love, Kartik

By Kartik Subramaniam

December 27, 2021

Real Estate Marketing Tips

4 Email Campaigns to Send to Keep in Touch with Real Estate Clients

Real estate agent emailing her clients

As a real estate agent, the importance of keeping in contact with your past clients is something that simply cannot be overstated. On the one hand, if you've just put someone in a new home that they're Read more...

As a real estate agent, the importance of keeping in contact with your past clients is something that simply cannot be overstated. On the one hand, if you've just put someone in a new home that they're overwhelmingly enthusiastic about, you may be asking yourself "what's the point?" Why Staying in Touch with Real Estate Clients is So Important The point is, unless they've told you that they are 100% confident that this is their "forever home," they're eventually going to move again one day or even purchase income property. By staying in consistent contact with them over the years, you'll increase the chances that when that day comes, the first person they pick up the phone and call is YOU. Along the same lines, just because THEY aren't looking for a property doesn't mean they don't know someone who is - and with real estate being a word of mouth business, this is one effective way to generate as much of it as you can and a great way to create a real estate referral system. All of this is to say that keeping your clients for life means staying in contact with them, and email campaigns for your past and current clients are an effective way to accomplish precisely that. Creating the most helpful and effective campaigns, however, requires you to keep a few key things in mind. How Often Should You Email Your Real Estate Clients One of the most important things to consider throughout all of this has to do less with the type of emails you're sending and more about how often you're sending them to begin with. Running these types of email campaigns depends on consistency, but at the same time you don't want to send out messages too often or you run the risk of people tuning out. Typically, be prepared to send a few general updates once a month, or every two months, just to keep people informed as to what is going on in the community around them. This will help you stay at the top of their mind, all while continuing to establish yourself as the local market authority. 4 Email Campaigns You Should Send to Past and Current Clients 1.Reach Out to Your Real Estate Clients During the Holidays or to Celebrate Birthdays Having said that, there are certain situations where you should break from this consistency and send out messages more frequently. Whenever the holidays come along, for example, you'll absolutely want to check in with everyone and wish them well. If you know that one of your past clients has a birthday coming up, you'll also want to reach out to them with a personal message to show them that you're still thinking of them and paying attention. Any other types of big life events (if you know a past client just welcomed a baby into the world, for example) will absolutely fall under this umbrella. 2. When the Seasons Change, Share Home Décor Tips If you DON'T have a new listing on the market that you want to show off to people, you can still use these periodic check ins as a way to bring something of value to past clients, too. You could always send out an email message dedicated to nothing but home decor tips, for example - especially as the seasons change and people are thinking of switching up their current look. 3. Share Home Renovation Project Ideas If you know a certain number of your past clients have been in their homes longer than five years, you could also offer insight on potential renovation projects they may want to participate in. This would have been particularly helpful if you were able to do it at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as people suddenly found themselves stuck indoors with a lot of free time on their hands. 4. Send Delicious Recipes That Pair Well with the Holidays You could even just send out messages with recipes that people might want to try when they get the chance. Did you sell a lot of homes to first time homebuyers last year? With the holidays here, you could send out a message giving them all the ins and outs of cooking the perfect holiday treats to really "break in" their new home in style. Remember to Keep in Touch Regardless, you'll always want to capitalize on any opportunity you have to remind people that you're out there, and these are the types of email campaigns that allow you to do precisely that. Love, Kartik

By Kartik Subramaniam

December 07, 2020

Real Estate Marketing Tips

Social Media Strategies for Realtors: Making a Connection With Your Audience

Real estate agent writing a new facebook post

According to one recent study all of the popular social media networks combined have nearly 3.725 billion active users between them. To put that into context, this represents the vast majority of the 4.54 Read more...

According to one recent study all of the popular social media networks combined have nearly 3.725 billion active users between them. To put that into context, this represents the vast majority of the 4.54 billion Internet users worldwide - and a pretty significant percentage of the 7.8 billion people on our planet. Whether you're attempting to reach the largest audience possible as a Realtor or want to attract the attention of a small, niche and decidedly local market, social media can help you do all of this and more. But it's important to understand that you need a genuine strategy at the heart of your efforts - something to not only help make sure you're moving in the right direction, but that is also custom built to help you accomplish your specific goals (regardless of what they happen to be). Therefore, if you truly want to succeed on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as a Realtor in the modern era, there are a number of best practices you'll want to keep in mind. It All Begins and Ends With Value By far, one of the most important opportunities that you have to leverage social media to your advantage as a Realtor involves communicating the raw value you're able to bring to the table as clearly and as concisely as possible. Really, this is a best practice that you should be following across all of your marketing endeavors - not just social media, but it will certainly help. Generally speaking, everyone you're going to be communicating with probably already knows what a Realtor does in a large, over-arching sense. They don't need you to provide them with an overview of your job description. This means you shouldn't be afraid to dive deep into the parts of your job that a lot of people don't think about - like how you're an expert in the ever-changing conditions of your local market. Showcase your knowledge of the average time on the market for homes in your area and provide insight into what it means to be a buyer's market versus a seller's market. Ask yourself what you would want to see if you followed a local Realtor. The answers to this question will guide every piece of content you create - not only for social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, but all across your marketing strategy. Always place the emphasis on the people you're trying to reach instead of yourself. You Have to Play the Numbers Game Another important thing you need to be aware of in terms of leveraging social media as a Realtor involves the fact that you should NOT be shy to send direct messages on sites like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or even Twitter. If there's a particular niche that you serve, always go out of your way to reach out and make direct contact with someone to see if you can begin a conversation online and continue it in "real life." Now, the critical thing to understand about this is that you should NOT expect every single person that you message to write you back. They may never see your message at all - or they may leave you on "read" and never respond. This is perfectly okay... so long as you're aware that it's an inevitability and that you do NOT take it personally. Just keep reaching out to the people in your target audience in a concise, consistent manner. But if you send messages to 100 people, maybe 20 will respond. Good news - now you have 20 opportunities to convert prospects into genuine leads that you didn't have before you started. Always, Always, ALWAYS Research Someone First But while reaching out to people via direct messages is always recommended, it's definitely not something you should do blindly. Luckily, you already have a resource that will tell you just about everything you need to know about someone: Their social media profile. Before you send any type of message, make sure that you take a long, hard look at their account for five or ten minutes. This is critical because if someone just posted a picture 20 minutes ago about how their cat passed away earlier in the day, they're definitely not going to be receptive to a hard sales pitch. At best, you're wasting your time and you'll never hear a response from that person. At worst, you'll inadvertently cause such a negative experience that they'll tell their friends and family members about you and at that point, every one of those people is cut off from you permanently. Personalize, Personalize, Personalize Speaking of personalization, one of the biggest mistakes that you can make in terms of establishing your social media presence as a Realtor involves simply copying and pasting messages from person to person. There's no faster way to get someone to hit that "Delete" button than to open a message with "Dear Sir/Madame." These days, people don't want to be "sold to" any longer. They simply don't have the time or the patience for it, considering that they're being bombarded by marketing messages nearly every minute of the day. They get ads in their email inboxes. They get ads on the websites they visit. There are already paid ads on social media. People have started to tune them out - they're little more than "white noise" at this point. The Power of Visual Communication For example, don't be afraid to send pictures through direct messages of houses or buildings that you or your company has recently sold. Sure, you could go into detail about the transaction and what the property has to offer - but you won't be able to make the same type of immediate impact that a picture can with text alone. Overall, this visual approach helps you accomplish a number of things, all of which are critical to your social media success. For starters, images again are just naturally more engaging than text alone and if there's one thing you need as a Realtor on social media, it's engagement. But secondly, images are a great way to show off that you or your company (in the case of new agents) are very active in your community and the area you've dedicated yourself to serving. If people can see all of the real estate transactions you've been a part of, it again starts to establish you as someone worth paying attention to. This in turn generates an enormous amount of social proof as people start to share those images, thus exposing even more potential clients to your brand. Whether you are just starting out in our great real estate business or you are a veteran Realtor it doesn’t hurt to lean into social media as far as possible and cultivate new relationships. Love, Kartik

By Kartik Subramaniam

August 03, 2020

Real Estate Marketing Tips

Does Direct Mail Real Estate Marketing Work

Mailbox with a direct mail real estate postcard

The truth is that any marketing can work it’s just a matter of how effective it is. As it relates to direct mail, it’s hard to envision a world where the volume of mail is dropped to absolute zero. Read more...

The truth is that any marketing can work it’s just a matter of how effective it is. As it relates to direct mail, it’s hard to envision a world where the volume of mail is dropped to absolute zero. As a consequence, direct mail marketing should be here for a good while. The question really comes down to what are some best practices to succeed in making connections that start at the mailbox. 1. Test the Market It may take a few tries to get your target market down. But don’t give up — once you figure out what works, it will be so much easier to continue. Every real estate market has different types of clients, different price points and potential clients with varying needs. Consider creative approaches like sending direct mailers to those living in apartment complexes to convert them to buyers. Consider sending mailers to a down market on an up market listing and aim for two transactions from one mailer. As an example, let’s say you have a $900,000 listing. Consider sending information on that $900,000 listing to a $650,000 neighborhood encouraging them to sell their smaller house and upgrade to a larger one. To this end, A/B testing is absolutely critical. Keep track of what you are sending and to who you are sending it and note the response rates. Pour resources into it. You never know who is thinking about buying real estate and if they see your marketing materials, you’re going to get the call. 2. Point Your Direct Mail To Your Web Presence The world of print should always point to easy-to-find information about how to contact you on social media or online. People want to see that their potential agent is relevant online and has a web presence. By checking you out online, potential clients get a feel for whether you're a good fit. If they find you easily accessible and active, they’re likely to refer you to friends after you work together — or even call you again if they make another big decision! Consider linking all your social media channels on your postcard or letter to make it easy for leads to connect with you. Folks tend to lose interest if they have to search high and low to find you. 3. Be Personal Ever get mail that just reads “current resident” with your address? How impersonal does that feel? Include the person’s name, because a personal detail goes a very long way. If this person gets two mailers, the one that has their name will likely stick around awhile — at least longer than the one they received that could have gone to anybody. Most title companies will pass this information to you in the .csv file for your farm mailers. 4. Speak Highly of Yourself Include ratings, success stories or testimonials if possible. You could even center your whole campaign around a few happy customers in your target market. Hesitancy will decrease significantly if someone sees that other people have been happy with a service. 5. Make It a Keeper When considering USPS mail, consider adding features that will make your information less likely to go in the trash. As it relates to real estate, this means market data that is hyper local and relevant to the area you are mailing to is less likely to be thrown away. 6. Focus on Cohesive Horizontal Design Picture your client walking up the steps from their mailbox, likely at the end of the day, fumbling with groceries, keys or even more. Most of their mail, envelopes, postcards and menus will have a horizontal orientation. Don’t be an outlier, or you’ll likely get tossed. Design your mailer to be cohesive and not intrusive. Make sure they don’t have to turn it every which way to get your message. Make it easy for them. Direct mail is a great way to get exposure. It’s often less expensive than billboards or other advertising methods and it can be passed around and seen by many sets of eyes. Figure out what works for you, and you'll see success. Whatever the marketing channel, remember that consistency always beats out creativity so just keep going!

By Kartik Subramaniam

July 29, 2020

Real Estate Marketing Tips

The Matterport 3D Camera is the Future of Virtual Home Tours

Matterport camera

If you were searching for a home in the 1950s, you essentially had to do so "the old-fashioned way" - by driving around to available properties in your area and seeing as many of them as you possibly could. Read more...

If you were searching for a home in the 1950s, you essentially had to do so "the old-fashioned way" - by driving around to available properties in your area and seeing as many of them as you possibly could. Not only was this a time-consuming process for most people, but it was also inherently ineffective. There are only so many hours in a day and you needed to be very judicious about how you spent them while on the hunt. Then, in the early 1990s, something incredible happened: the World Wide Web was born. It's not a surprise that the prevalence of the Internet in the homes of average people (as opposed to college campuses and businesses) is directly related to the rise of real estate photography. Around that time, real estate agents realized that by including color photos on websites and listings for properties, they could generate more interest - and more leads - than ever before. Home buyers could benefit too, as now they could not only see properties in an adequate amount of detail without ever actually getting in the car, they could suddenly see homes for sale in other cities or even states. This gave everyone involved more options than ever and thus, one of the most important real estate trends of the last quarter century was born. Over the years, this technology has continued to advance and the visual side of the digital experience has become more crucial than ever. Now, it's not uncommon to see real estate agents buying drones so that they can capture high definition videos of a particular property from the air. All of this is in service of an essential goal for any agent: helping someone get a sense of what it might actually be like to live in a property through any means necessary. But as is true in so many other industries, technology in real estate has never really sat still for long. Advancements like the Matterport camera have not only changed the way that agents and buyers alike think about what a listing can be... they've also essentially changed the touring process itself, both for the better and for all-time. Enter: The Matterport Camera Image Source via matterport.com Originally founded in 2011, Matterport is a company that offers premium camera solutions designed to capture, store and share three dimensional images and models. Based out of Sunnyvale, California, the company's founders say that they started their business to support any customer that relies on integrated 3D models to operate their own organizations - which is a large part of the reason why the platform has been so successful particularly in the real estate industry. How Does the Matterport Camera Work? The actual Matterport devices themselves can be paired with any compatible camera, or a smartphone or other mobile devices like an iPhone. Though the specifics will obviously vary depending on the model you're talking about, in general the process goes like this: First, you use your camera and Matterport to capture HDR panoramic imagery. What makes this solution different from a standard camera, however, is that sophisticated depth information of the environment is captured at the same time. The Matterport platform synthesizes all of that spatial data and visual imagery, essentially combining it in a way that creates a dimensionally accurate 3D digital "twin" of the environment in question. The platform provides further tools that real estate agents can use to generate photo galleries and even virtual "walk-throughs" of a space. The Matterport SDK can be used to integrate this content into an agent's own website or branded applications, thus making it possible to share with anyone, at any time, and from any device. In other words, it's a way to transform standard 2D images into 3D "twins" that are spatially accurate and engaging in a way that regular photos can never be. What Are the Benefits of the Matterport 3D Camera? At the very least, it's a way to allow the photos of a house or other environment to "come alive," offering an experience that is far more interactive than ever before. Matterport images naturally have a bigger sense of dimension to them by design, meaning that people can get a feel for how big a room is or how tall the ceilings are without ever physically stepping foot in that place. Over the last decade, savvy real estate agents have started to use it to make those early stages of buying a home not only more efficient for their customers, but more fun and exciting as well. But as is true for so many other examples of state-of-the-art technology, a lot of people viewed Matterport as little more than a "fun addition" to the buying process up to this point. Yes, it's helpful to get a better sense of the way a home "feels" from the comfort of your computer chair. But for most people, it was a way to quickly disqualify a few homes from their tour list so that they can spend more time in those that remain when they scheduled their in-person tours. It was an asset to real estate professionals, to be sure - but few looked at it as something that was really going to "seal the deal" when it came to actually making a sale. Transitioning to 3D Tours During the Coronavirus Pandemic Until, of course, the Coronavirus pandemic hit in early 2020. Just because roughly 60% of Americans are currently under stay-at-home orders does NOT mean those people don't need to buy a new house. A lot of people were likely already in the process of searching when the COVID-19 situation first hit, and others knew that this summer would be the one when they finally moved into the home of their dreams. Being required to stay in your home for an indefinite period of time has certainly hampered those efforts, but luckily the wonders of modern technology have been able to step up and lend a helping hand the same way they always do. According to one recent study, Zillow in particular said that it saw a massive 191% increase in the creation of 3D home tours in one week at the end of March, 2020, when compared with the average number that were created in February. Likewise, real estate brokerage Redfin indicated that it saw a 494% increase in requests for virtual walk-throughs and agent-led video home tours, up dramatically since the beginning of March. Truly, this is something that couldn't have come along at a better time - though even those at Matterport would have had no way of knowing that just a year ago. For so many areas in the country, people have no idea how long current social distancing requirements will stay in place. Even once stay-at-home orders are lifted and things begin to get "back to normal," it'll be difficult to find people willing to walk through what is essentially a public space for a home tour with an in-person agent for the foreseeable future. Thanks to devices like Matterport, however, they don't have to. Virtual tours like those offered from Matterport are a perfect opportunity to show prospective clients a finished, furnished interior in a way that still keeps them as active and as engaged in the buying process as ever, all in a way that seems like it was tailor made for the current environment that we're currently living in. Tomorrow's Technology, Available Today In the end, it was already clear that the Matterport camera (or at the very least, something like it) was going to be the future of the real estate industry as we knew it. It's just that thanks to Coronavirus, few people likely could have predicted that the "future" would have arrived quite as quickly as it did. Even on a basic level, Matterport tours bring with them a host of unique advantages for real estate professionals that can't be ignored. First off, they save a tremendous amount of time because customers can see a property on their laptops, phones and other devices with an incredible sense of immersion. They can instantly get a feel for what it would be like to live there without physically seeing it, thus preventing the need for agents to field constant phone calls and allowing them to focus on other aspects of their business that demand their attention. They're also an incredible opportunity for real estate agents to cut costs, as they no longer have to spend countless hours driving back and forth to meet potential clients only to have them quickly realize that the property in question just isn't for them. But in an age when it will be difficult to get people to feel comfortable with actually walking into a home for quite some time, Matterport tours and other 3D options are a perfect way to keep the real estate industry moving forward as efficiently and as strongly as it can. It's also something that is going to continue to get even more popular as the technology at the heart of it continues to advance. Love, Kartik

By Kartik Subramaniam

May 18, 2020
 

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