Your time is too valuable to invest it in marketing and lead gen techniques aimed at the wrong audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Focus on each platform\u2019s U.S. demographics. That is what should inform your brand\u2019s social media strategy going into 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you consider any social media platform, keep in mind that, according to a recent Zillow study, the largest group of homebuyers is between the ages of 30 to 39. Right behind that group are homebuyers age 40 to 49.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home sellers are primarily between the ages of Gen Xers: 41 to 74 years old, according to the NAR\u2019s 2021 Generational Trends report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a look at some of the most popular social media platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook still reigns supreme when it comes to ranking the various social media platforms. It is, however, experiencing significant changes. Some are welcome (the youngsters are fleeing in droves) some, not so much (heavy-handed, arbitrary censorship and the various scandals). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that your most-likely clients still hang out there and engaging with them is easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

• There are 200 million Facebook users in the U.S.<\/li>
• 56% of US citizens over 65 are on Facebook.<\/li>
• Users aged 25\u201334 years are the largest demographic (a mix of Gen Z and Millennials), while those 35 to 44 (Millennials) make up the second largest group (Oberlo.com). <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

  While these demographics are ideal for the agent pursuing Millennial homebuyer leads, keep in mind that Facebook\u2019s popularity appears to be waning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  <\/figure>\n\n\n\n

  \u201c\u2026 while its global user base continued to grow, with 1.84 billion daily active users worldwide, there are serious signs of user fatigue in some of its core markets \u2026\u201d according to Geoff Desreumaux at wersm.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  In the United States and Canada, \u201c\u2026 daily active users dropped from 196 million in the third quarter [2020] to 195 million in the fourth quarter,\u201d he concludes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  Bonus tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • Best times to post to Facebook are from 9 am to 1 pm on Wednesdays<\/li>
  • The highest engagement times on Facebook are from 10 am to 1 pm weekdays. Weekends have the lowest engagement.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Instagram<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Peter McMahon, VP of Learning at Better Homes and Gardens\u00ae Real Estate, shared his recommendation not to neglect up-and-coming social platforms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cMake sure to also think about social platforms that the next generation of home buyers and sellers are using, like TikTok and Instagram,\u201d he cautioned at inman.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He also suggests that you consider \u201cyour current contacts: what platforms are they most active on?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Let\u2019s take a look at a few Instagram demographics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    • 31.4 percent of U.S. Instagram users are between the ages of 25 and 34.<\/li>
    • Nearly 26% of U.S. Instagrammers are between the ages of 18 to 24.<\/li>
    • More than 18% are age 35-44.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      (Statista.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      As you can see, your target audience as a buyers\u2019 agent doesn\u2019t hang out a lot at Instagram. If you are a listing agent, it appears that zero potential home sellers use the platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      As more evidence that Instagram might not be the platform for agents (at least right now), here are the top five interests on Instagram:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      • Travel<\/li>
      • Music<\/li>
      • Food & Drink<\/li>
      • Fashion<\/li>
      • Film<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Real estate isn\u2019t on the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        It takes from a half hour to nearly an hour and a half to create an Instagram post. Unless you have a staff member devoted to social media, that time will be better spent on Facebook or other platforms with people old enough to use your services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Listing agents should look for a social media platform that attracts older Americans. So far, that would be Facebook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        TikTok<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cThe rise of TikTok has given real estate agents another social media platform \u2026 to help promote their businesses,\u201d according to Libertina Brandt at Inman.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        Really? Take a look at the platform\u2019s latest U.S. demographics and then determine whether, at least right now, TikTok is worth your time and energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        • Only 1\/6 of monthly TikTok users live in the U.S.<\/li>
        • The largest group of users is between the ages of 10 and 19.<\/li>
        • 41 percent of TikTok users are aged between 16 and 24<\/li>
        • The two most viewed content categories are \u201cEntertainment\u201d and \u201cDance\u201d<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          You can find a more detailed demographic breakdown at omincoreagency.com<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Don\u2019t be impressed by other agents\u2019 number of views. Engagement is the metric used for success on TikTok, not views. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \u201c\u2026 the algorithm favors pieces of content based on the level of engagement (likes and comments) that they receive,\u201d according to Ada Cuica at outfront.kw.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          She goes on to tell the story on one agent whose TikTok video brought 32,000 views. This particular video included a call-to-action to receive a homebuyer\u2019s guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The response? Less than 1% of the views. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Yet the agent touted this campaign as a raging success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Real estate CTA\u2019s in general, by the way, have a 7.60% average response rate (VYE Agency<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          It\u2019s up to you to determine whether the time it takes to create and post these videos is worth the paltry return you may receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Pinterest<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          It is well-known that Pinterest\u2019s largest demographic is women. But, did you know that the platform \u201c\u2026 reaches 60% of all US women, including 80% of moms and 75% of millennial women?\u201d (searchenginejournal.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Women control 80% of household purchases. It\u2019s no surprise then that \u201cnearly 80% of the home-buying decisions \u2026 are made by women,\u201d according to research conducted by David Powers Homes, a new-home builder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Knowing this, check this out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The folks at Pinterest say that the search term \u201cHow to buy your first home\u201d has skyrocketed 124%.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Ok, so does your target audience hang out here? Yup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          • A full 50% of Pinterest\u2019s 478 million+ global users live in the US.<\/li>
          • The age group with the highest number of Pinterest users (38%) are 50 to 64 years old (home sellers!). <\/li>
          • 34% of Pinterest users are between 30 and 49 years old (homebuyers and sellers!).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Pinterest can be time consuming in the beginning. Once you get the hang of creating a post and how to link it back to your website the process goes a lot quicker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Aside from Facebook, we think Pinterest should be on your list. Get ideas from other agents who are active on the platform at pinterest.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            LinkedIn<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            LinkedIn doesn\u2019t get nearly enough attention when it comes to marketing for real estate agents. It\u2019s crazy because the platform\u2019s demographics are right in line with your target audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            • \u201cAs of 3rd quarter 2020, 40 percent of U.S. internet users aged 46 to 55 years used the professional networking platform LinkedIn,\u201d according to the number crunchers at statista.com. <\/li>
            • Another 40% of internet users age 56+ also use LinkedIn.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              No social media platform comes close to LinkedIn when it comes to the ideal user age and annual salary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              LinkedIn also offers some brilliant marketing solutions, including the ability to \u201c\u2026 define website audiences for your campaigns,\u201d according to LinkedIn\u2019s website.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Twitter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              I have a friend who is one of the most successful agents in the country. While his Facebook page is jammin\u2019, his tweets go largely ignored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              <\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              I chalk it up to the demographics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              • More than 81 million monthly users in the US (statista.com<\/a>).<\/li>
              • Most of these users are between the ages of 18 to 29 (statista.com<\/a>).<\/li>
              • Twitter users only spend, on average, 3.39 minutes on the platform (statista.com<\/a>). <\/li>
              • Most people that use Twitter say that they do so for news, according to Yin Ling at oberlo.com.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                The primary user\u2019s age group is far too young to have more than a small handful (if that) interested in buying or selling real estate. Add to that this question: What are the odds you\u2019ll get brand exposure in 3.39 minutes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Besides, Twitter is a rabbit hole that offers too many distractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                From our research, we recommend you go big on Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest. You\u2019ll get far more bang for the time you\u2019ll invest than any of the other platforms.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Things are changing on the social media front. What does it mean for agents?","post_excerpt":"A good agent knows they need to be online to be successful. Social media for real estate agents is a big part of the equation - But which platforms you're using can make a world of difference.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"things-are-changing-on-the-social-media-front-what-does-it-mean-for-agents","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-11-05 14:25:40","post_modified_gmt":"2021-11-05 20:25:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.easyagentpro.com\/?p=32252","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":32210,"post_author":"28","post_date":"2021-10-08 16:17:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-10-08 22:17:00","post_content":"\n

                Nearly 4 million Americans walked away from their jobs in July, 2021, a phenomenon labeled \u201cThe Great Resignation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The reasons for the mass exodus are varied, according to Carmen Reinicke at CNBC.com. Some of them include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                • The desire for more flexibility in their working conditions, especially the ability to work remotely. This is high on list of several of the surveys we viewed.<\/li>
                • Craving career advancement.<\/li>
                • Higher pay.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  As small business owners, real estate agents can grant themselves all the flexibility in their schedules that they want. In fact, it\u2019s what drew them to the industry in the first place. But it may come at a cost: Less income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Nobody seems to know the exact churn rate for real estate agents. Tom Ferry, referring to a 2014 NAR study, says 87% of real estate agents eventually leave the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  If you\u2019re contemplating joining them and don\u2019t have a clear idea of what you're looking for as real estate agent career alternatives, don\u2019t dump your real estate license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  1. Head out on your own<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  If you still have a bit of love for the real estate industry and want real estate agent career alternatives, consider starting your own brokerage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Your first decision will be whether you\u2019ll go independent or buy a franchise. That decision will depend on a couple of factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  • Do you meet the broker licensure requirements in your state?<\/li>
                  • Do you have the funds to strike out on your own?<\/li>
                  • Are you willing to take on all legal responsibility for your agents?<\/li>
                  • Do you want an even longer list of responsibilities?<\/li>
                  • Do you have the patience to work with new agents?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Naturally, these items aren\u2019t all you\u2019ll need to consider, but they do include the basics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    If your main goal is to increase your income, becoming a real estate broker is one way to use your sales license as a stepping stone to earn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \u201cAccording to the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), in 2019, the average annual income for a real estate broker was $163,540. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    2. Manage someone else\u2019s property<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    Have you considered property management careers as real estate agent career alternatives? While there are many factors that can impact a property manager\u2019s salary, the median salary is estimated at $101,956, according to the researchers at salary.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    This represents a range between $76,260 and $131,263.<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    Many property managers also receive bonuses and benefits, such as health insurance coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Let\u2019s take a look at some of the pros and cons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Pros of a career in property management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    • The average income of a property manager is higher than that of the average real estate agent.<\/li>
                    • Property managers often work on a salary basis, rather than commission-only.<\/li>
                    • Keep in mind that commercial property managers earn significantly more than residential property managers.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Cons of a career in property management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      • You will be the mediator between the tenants and the property owner. As we all know, there will be some contentious encounters with tenants. If you aren\u2019t good with conflict, you may want to consider another option.<\/li>
                      • You\u2019ll typically work longer hours than you did selling real estate. Emergencies happen as well, so you\u2019ll be on call, all hours of the day and night, to attend to them.<\/li>
                      • You most likely won\u2019t get to ditch lead gen duties. Somebody needs to find property owners who need management services. If drumming up and chasing after leads are among the reasons you\u2019re ready to kick real estate sales to the curb, this is something to consider.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                        If property management sounds like something you\u2019d like to do, the first step is to check your state\u2019s legal requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Some states require a broker\u2019s license and some want a property manager license. Still others don\u2019t require a license at all. To learn about requirements in your state, check out \u201cProperty Management Laws by State\u201d at allpropetymanagement.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        3.<\/strong> Appraise it instead of selling it<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        The bearer of either horrible news or lovely surprises, many real estate agents harbor a bit of a love-fear feeling for appraisers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Still, it\u2019s a rather cool gig where you aren\u2019t chained to a desk for the entire workday, and that's why it makes our list for real estate agent career alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        If you\u2019re considering becoming a residential real estate appraiser, consider the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        • You may not earn as much as you did when slinging houses. The national average salary for a residential real estate appraiser is $63,249 per year, according to research by ziprecruiter.com. The majority earn about $52,000.<\/li>
                        • Most appraisers are employees, rather than independent contractors.<\/li>
                        • \u201cAll states require appraisers to be state licensed or certified in order to provide appraisals to federally regulated lenders,\u201d according to the experts at The Appraisal Institute.<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                          Naturally, it\u2019ll feel a bit like starting over when taking the courses required to become a licensed appraiser. Once you get it done, however, and pass the exam, you\u2019re on your way to a new career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Find the licensing requirements in your state online at appraisalinstitute.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          4.<\/strong> Work on the lending side<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          There are several interesting career choices within the mortgage industry. Some are a better fit for those who like working with people while others are best for the number crunchers and those who enjoy remaining behind-the-scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Some of these positions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          • Loan officer: This is the guy or gal that you currently recommend to your clients as the first person to contact when they want to buy a home. Loan officers help your buying clients find the right loan for their circumstances. The average earnings, according to the folks at indeed.com<\/a>, is $179,205 per year.<\/li>
                          • Mortgage broker: \u201cMortgage brokers essentially work as middlemen [or women] between borrowers and banks\/lenders \u2026,\u201d according to Colin Robertson at thetruthaboutmortgage.com<\/a>. Compensation is much like that of real estate agents in that it depends on the number of loans they originate.<\/li>
                          • Loan processor: The processor is tasked with collecting all of the borrower\u2019s documentation that the underwriter will need to make a determination. He or she verifies that the documents are complete. The average base salary of a loan processor in the U.S. is $53,435 (indeed.com).<\/li>
                          • Underwriting: The underwriter is tasked with verifying the borrower\u2019s qualifications, such as income, employment, etc. The underwriter makes the determination as to whether or not the applicant is credit-worthy. The average base pay for a mortgage underwriter is a smidge less than $70,000 per year.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                            5. Go huge<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            Depending on how much college you currently have under your belt, attending law school may be one of the real estate agent career alternatives to think about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            As a real estate attorney, you may still perform many of the more pleasurable tasks of the real estate sales agent, such as advising clients who are involved in a transaction and attending closing as their advocate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Eight states require an attorney\u2019s involvement at closing, according to octoberresearch.com<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            • Connecticut<\/li>
                            • Delaware<\/li>
                            • Georgia<\/li>
                            • Massachusetts<\/li>
                            • North Carolina<\/li>
                            • Rhode Island<\/li>
                            • South Carolina<\/li>
                            • West Virginia<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                              Regardless of the area of the country in which you\u2019ll practice, there are other aspects of a real estate lawyer\u2019s business. \u201cReal estate law covers deeds, property taxes, estate planning, zoning, and titles,\u201d according to Troy Segal at investopedia.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              The average income for attorneys working in the real estate niche ranks third on the \u201cLawyers that Make the Most Money\u201d list compiled by thelawpraticedocotor.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              In case you\u2019re wondering, salaries for the top three niches are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              • Intellectual property lawyers \u2013 average salary of $155,000 per year<\/li>
                              • Health care lawyers \u2013 average $147,000 annually<\/li>
                              • Real estate lawyers \u2013 average $118,000 annually<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                To get your hands on this sweet gig, you\u2019ll need to hold \u201c\u2026 a bachelor\u2019s degree, pass the Law School Admission Test [LSAT], complete a graduate program at a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and pass the bar examination in the state where \u2026\u201d you want to practice, according to Eric Ciechanowski at jobhero.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                There is no shame in admitting that your real estate career makes you miserable. There is no rule that says you have to stick with it until retirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Changing careers is often cited as a life-changing decision. One that many don\u2019t regret. If you feel like you're in a rut, consider these real estate agent career alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Not ready to give up the gig? Consider switching to a website that takes the pressure off - LeadSites can help, learn how<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Feel like quitting? 5 ideas for what else you can do with your real estate experience","post_excerpt":"Real estate is a tough job, and not everyone who becomes an agent is going to want to continue. If you're ready to call it quits, consider looking into these real estate agent career alternatives.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"feel-like-quitting-5-ideas-for-what-else-you-can-do-with-your-real-estate-experience","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-10-18 14:44:11","post_modified_gmt":"2021-10-18 20:44:11","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.easyagentpro.com\/?p=32210","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":32206,"post_author":"28","post_date":"2021-09-29 14:38:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-09-29 20:38:00","post_content":"\n

                                Hey, have you heard this one?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \u201c85 percent of buyers and sellers want to work with an agent who uses video\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                The chances are good that you have because it seems like everyone who is trying to sell video services to agents uses it in their marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Sadly, although they credit the NAR for the finding, they neglect to tell their visitors that the research is from 2012, nearly a decade ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Technology has advanced rapidly over that decade. In fact, when we fast forward to last year, we find that 3D tours are all the rage, pushing the popularity of traditional video tours to all-time lows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Here's the thing though...<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                Video is far from dead and gone<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                <\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                You just have to adjust to the times.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                While tired old real estate video tours are most definitely a thing of the past, video is here to stay in a BIG way. After all, just look at the most popular social media app for people under 40: Tiktok.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                The key to marketing with video for Real Estate is to be creative and have fun - It's not enough to just be a talking head in front of a camera anymore... You have to make your viewers believe you WANT<\/strong> to be there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                More than that, you have to be genuine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Here are some great uses of video for Real Estate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                • An introduction to you and your services<\/li>
                                • Neighborhood tours<\/li>
                                • Educational videos about the process of buying, selling or obtaining financing<\/li>
                                • Client testimonials<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                  The last one, by the way, if done right, is a powerful way to showcase your expertise and amazing customer service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  There is a lot to consider before you jump in front of the camera, however.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Start with what will be behind you <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  <\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                  As you\u2019re well aware, just about everything you do in your business reflects on you, from your branding to your marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  What\u2019s going on in the background of your video has a huge impact on the overall vibe you\u2019ll give off, according to Phil Ebener at videoschool.com<\/a>. It also reflects on your professionalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  He goes into detail about the two types of video backgrounds, real and fake. Real backgrounds are actual locations, such as your office, outdoors or anywhere else you choose to shoot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Fake backgrounds include \u201cpaper, curtain, green screen,\u201d according to Ebener, and \u201cboth are great choices for different reasons.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Consider the fake background for a professional look and the real background to appear more friendly, homey or whatever feel your brand is attempting to relay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  For the former, you can use a curtain or something similar, or go pro by purchasing a backdrop:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  • Savage Seamless Background Paper<\/a>, available in an assortment of colors so you can match your brand colors.<\/li>
                                  • Search for studio backdrops on Etsy.com. We rather like this one<\/a> for real estate agents.<\/li>
                                  • Green screen. These are available online from an array of vendors. Do a Google search for \u201cgreen screen\u201d and click \u201cshopping\u201d on the results page. We even found one at Walmart.com. We also happened upon a brilliant walkthrough of the basics of green screen use for real estate agent videos at youtube.com<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                    If you decide to go with a real background, such as your office or an area of your home, does it go without saying that you should clean up the clutter?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Don\u2019t skimp on the lighting<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    According to the pros who do video for Real Estate, when it comes to lighting, there are some rules. Number one is most critical:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Don\u2019t place any lights behind you or directly over you<\/em><\/strong><\/h3><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

                                    When placed in back of you, the light dominates and you, the star, appear as a silhouette. Lights overhead \u201c\u2026 cast unflattering shadows on your face,\u201d said Melissa Dittmann Tracey, contributing editor at REALTOR\u00ae Magazine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    She goes on to cite recommendations from Jacqueline Whitmore, founder of Florida\u2019s Protocol School: \u201cPosition yourself about 2 feet in front of a lamp or window.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Lighting doesn\u2019t mean cannibalizing your marketing budget. The staff at masterclass.com offers the following purchase suggestions for agents on a budget:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    • Clamp lights<\/li>
                                    • An LED video light panel (available at amazon.com<\/a>)<\/li>
                                    • Tripod-mounted work lights (available at homedepot.com<\/a>, lowes.com<\/a> and amazon.com<\/a>)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                      They caution that these light sources \u201c\u2026 can be harsh and non-dimmable, so you\u2019ll need diffusers or reflectors to soften their effect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      You\u2019ll find additional lighting tips online at masterclass.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Look and sound like a star!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      <\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      • Choose your topic carefully and plan on addressing that topic and no others. Make additional videos for each topic you want to address.<\/li>
                                      • Write a script and memorize it. Rehearse what you\u2019ll say until it flows naturally.<\/li>
                                      • Keep that script and use it as the transcript of your video if you\u2019ll be posting to YouTube.<\/li>
                                      • Speak slowly and clearly.<\/li>
                                      • Don\u2019t raise your chin; nobody wants to see up your nostrils. Yet, this is a common mistake. Keep your head level.<\/li>
                                      • Look directly into the camera. This makes the viewer feel as if you are speaking directly to him or her.<\/li>
                                      • Dress professionally; no jammies or sweats.<\/li>
                                      • Wear a solid color instead of patterns or stripes.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                        For examples of real estate videos done right, check out \u201c5 Real Estate Agent Profile Videos Worth Imitating<\/a>,\u201d here on EAP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Need some help with your DIY editing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        There\u2019s lots of help online for the novice who wants to create video for Real Estate, and even for those with a bit of experience. Take a look at some of these companies and what they have to offer (We're not affiliated with any of these groups by the way - We're just fans!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Magisto.com<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Magisto\u2019s steps to creating video for Real Estate include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        1. <\/strong> Upload your real estate video<\/li>
                                        2. <\/strong> Choose an editing style and music from the library<\/li>
                                        3. <\/strong> \u201cOur A.I. powered professional video maker will analyze and edit your \u2026 real estate video.\u201d<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                           The company offers three plans that range in price from $4.99 to $34.99. Check out the details on their website<\/a>. Then, read the reviews on G2.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                           Videocreek.com<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                           Video Creek offers a YouTube video editor as well as an Instagram editor, promo editor, online video editor, free intros and more. It's perfect for video for Real Estate agents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                           Prices for their three plans range from $0 to $30 a month. See the details of what is included in each plan on the company\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                           Filmora<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                           Rave reviews<\/a> abound for Wondershare\u2019s Filmora.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                           • \u201cEasiest tool for video editing\u201d<\/li>
                                           • \u201cAll in one tool for video editing\u201d<\/li>
                                           • \u201cFilmora is the best software platform that can easily and quickly create high-quality videos.\u201d<\/li>
                                           • \u201cBest video editor for beginner's [sic]\"<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                             There are three plans from which to choose:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                             • $61.99 for the Annual Plan<\/li>
                                             • $89.99 for the Perpetual Plan<\/li>
                                             • $109.99 for the Bundle Subscription Plan<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                               Filmora offers a cancel-at-any-time policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               Follow this link to their website<\/a> and scroll to the bottom of the page for the button to claim a free trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               OpenShot<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               If you are an absolute newby to creating real estate videos, check out OpenShot. In fact, one g2.com reviewer claims that \u201cThis software is suitable for beginners who are making videos for the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               It\u2019s available for Windows, Mac and Linux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               And, best of all, this is open-source software, meaning that you don\u2019t have to pay for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               Adobe Premiere Rush<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               Reviewers almost unilaterally agree that Adobe\u2019s Premiere Rush is user-friendly, but only for beginners. Advanced users may want to step up to Premiere Pro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               That said, the price is reasonable (after a free trial), at only $9.99 per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               If none of the above work for you, check out the list of editing software for beginners at influencermarketinghub.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               Not a beginner?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                               Adobe Premiere Pro<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               \u201cAdobe Premiere Pro is our pick of the best video editing software.\u201d That\u2019s lofty praise considering it comes from the editors at Tom\u2019s Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               They go on to say, however, that with a hefty price tag of $20.99 a month, it\u2019s suited for someone who plans \u201c\u2026 to do a lot of video editing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               Check out the reviews at g2.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               Video Studio Ultimate 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               Once you have video editing basics under your belt, Corel\u2019s Video Studio Ultimate can take you the rest of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               Winner of PC Mag\u2019s Editor\u2019s Choice award, the pros at Tom\u2019s Guide claim that the software is \u201c\u2026 powerful but easy-to-learn, and can be used to create simple videos without fuss \u2026\u201d yet it also \u201c\u2026 supports a huge array of tools for when you're ready to make more complex videos.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               Do check out the tech specs<\/a> before committing. Some users complain about lagging during rendering and that some tools are slow to load.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               Corel offers a 30-day trial and, if you purchase Video Studio Ultimate, you\u2019ll be offered a 30-day money back guarantee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                               The price is typically $99, but, at this writing, you can pick it up for $69.99 and they\u2019ll throw in some goodies as well. Check it out at videostudiopro.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Video for Real Estate agents - How to create videos to get more real estate leads","post_excerpt":"Video for Real Estate agents is a great way to boost your site traffic and get more leads. If you want to start making videos but don't know where to start, or just need a little extra help, check out my tips below:","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"video-real-estate-agents-create-videos-get-real-estate-leads","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-09-30 15:47:02","post_modified_gmt":"2021-09-30 21:47:02","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.easyagentpro.com\/?p=32206","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":32139,"post_author":"28","post_date":"2021-09-13 12:17:43","post_date_gmt":"2021-09-13 18:17:43","post_content":"If ever there was a time that homebuyers required hand-holding, it is right now, in this<\/em> market.\r\n\r\nWhile the market is described by the media as \u201cwhite hot,\u201d \u201cbooming\u201d and \u201cskyrocketing,\u201d homebuyers who face bidding wars and inventory shortages aren\u2019t exactly happy campers. Which, as you know, is a pity.\r\n\r\nBuying a home should be a joyous occasion, not a battle.\r\n\r\nSo now, more than ever, they require a bit more nurturing than clients of the past. Knowing what to communicate to homebuyers is vital. At least if you hope to work with them, their friends, family and colleagues in the future.\r\n\r\nThe most important question of all is: do you know how to help them, counsel them and go to battle for them in the real estate wars they face?\r\n

                                               What keeps buyers awake at night?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nDo you understand\u2014truly understand\u2014their pain points right now? Are you aware of what keeps them up at night?\r\n\r\nMany are scared. Of a lot of stuff.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLet\u2019s start with you. Unless your homebuying clients are folks from your sphere, they don\u2019t know you. Without an established relationship, there is no trust. And that is a scary place to be when you\u2019re making such a huge investment.\r\n\r\nYet so many agents either don\u2019t hold a buyer\u2019s consultation or they run through it, spewing real estate jargon and assuming the people in front of them know what they\u2019re talking about.\r\n\r\nA full 60% of homebuyers responded to a survey claiming that the one thing they value more than anything else that their buyers\u2019 agent can provide is knowledge of the process. (magazine.realtor<\/a>)\r\n\r\nComing in right behind that one (at 56% of respondents) was an agent who was willing to point out a property\u2019s \u201cunknown\u201d features and faults.\r\n

                                               What To Communicate To Homebuyers Right Now\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nNow that you know a few things that are probably causing your homebuying clients the most angst, what will you do to help them conquer it?\r\n\r\nLet\u2019s take a look at a couple of the biggies and some solutions you can employ to put their banish their anxiety and relax into the process.\r\n

                                               I don\u2019t get it<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you weren\u2019t a real estate agent when you bought your first home, surely you recall how confusing the whole process seemed. The jargon, the contracts, the very real fear that you might be getting taken\u2014all of them add up to one anxiety-ridden client.\r\n\r\nThink back and get those feelings back. When it comes to determining what to communicate to homebuyers, you can relate to especially first-timers and show them you\u2019re in tune with how they feel and what they need.\r\n\r\nIt all starts with your buyers\u2019 consultation. Not only do you want to learn their needs and preferences in a new home, but you\u2019ll want to pay close attention to any and all things of a personal nature that they choose to share with you. These might include:\r\n

                                               \r\n \t
                                               • Where they grew up<\/li>\r\n \t
                                               • Information about pets and kids<\/li>\r\n \t
                                               • Hobbies<\/li>\r\n \t
                                               • Skills<\/li>\r\n \t
                                               • Career information<\/li>\r\n \t
                                               • Interests (golf, reading, tennis, etc.)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nMake notes of everything so that you can enter the information in your CRM when the meet is over.\r\n\r\nThen, ensure that you share with the buyer each step in the purchase process and everything you will do to facilitate it.\r\n\r\nDon\u2019t rush this process, and keep the information \u201c\u2026 appropriate for their needs [and] easily accessible,\u201d according to a white paper published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development<\/a>.\r\n\r\nIn other words, keep the language simple, yet thorough. Ensure that they understand every step of the way. Ask lots of questions and listen<\/em> to their answers.\r\n\r\nNot only is the buyers\u2019 consultation a brilliant service to your clients, it also helps you in that you\u2019ll be working with a more relaxed client. Plus, it decreases the chance of a poor outcome, paving the way for a smooth transaction.\r\n\r\nConducting the buyers\u2019 consultation in person is ideal. Barring that, other formats to consider include:\r\n
                                                 \r\n \t
                                                 • Via video conferencing (such as Zoom)<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                 • Compile the consultation in an e-book and post it to a dedicated spot on your website.<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                 • Compile a hard copy and bind it. Then, mail it to your clients so that they\u2019ll have it on-hand to refer to when needed.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nHere are some tips on what to communicate to homebuyers:\r\n
                                                   \r\n \t
                                                   • The mortgage process, from start to finish. Yes, that should be the lender\u2019s job, but few take any time to explain the process to clients.<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                   • Who does what during the lending process? For instance, what is an underwriter? What happens at closing?<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                   • The documents the lender will require.<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                   • The importance of loan preapproval.<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                   • The importance of the wish list. Not only does it help them be more realistic about what they can purchase, but it helps you determine what is truly important to them.<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                   • Describe the MLS \u2013 what it is and how it works.<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                   • Write up a glossary of real estate and contract jargon, from \u201camendment\u201d and \u201cearnest money\u201d to \u201cunder contract.\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                   • Explain your process, step-by-step, from the time they hire you as their agent until closing. Include even the smallest details.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nDetails are important when considering what to communicate to homebuyers, so use them when explaining your duties. Every last detail of every single thing you will be doing for them is crucial.\r\n\r\nRemember, the more information you provide and the easier it is to understand, the more value homebuyers will attach to it.\r\n

                                                     Communication is key<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nTimely response to all communication from your buyers and keeping them in the loop is crucial.\r\n\r\nEven if you have nothing new to tell them, reaching out to let them know you\u2019re still working for them from your end will go a long way in providing the kind of customer service that garners referrals.\r\n\r\nIn fact, everything you do with your buying clients, from beginning to end, should be another step to building a foundation for a long-term relationship.","post_title":"How to nurture the homebuyers you already have","post_excerpt":"In today's market, being a homebuyer can be a bit scary. As their agent, you owe it to your clients to help them through the process. Today, I'm exploring what to communicate to homebuyers to make sure they stay informed and optimistic","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"what-to-communicate-to-homebuyers-now","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-09-13 15:58:05","post_modified_gmt":"2021-09-13 21:58:05","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.easyagentpro.com\/?p=32139","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":32163,"post_author":"28","post_date":"2021-09-04 12:16:09","post_date_gmt":"2021-09-04 18:16:09","post_content":"Back in real estate\u2019s Jurassic period, those continuing education courses we need to take to maintain a real estate license were time-consuming and expensive. Pre-internet meant receiving the courses via snail mail or spending time at a local real estate school or association of REALTORS\u00ae.\r\n\r\nLucky is the modern agent who gets to go online to brush up on (and be tested on) contracts, agency and ethics.\r\n\r\nLaws vary by state, however. In Nevada, for instance, \u201cAt least 12 of the required 24 hours [of the continuing education requirement] must be taken through live instruction,\u201d according to the folks at theceshop.com<\/a>.\r\n\r\nAn agent in Iowa must complete \u201c\u2026 36 hours of approved programs, courses or activities.\u201d Of these, 24 hours can be done via \u201cdistance learning.\u201d\r\n\r\nFind requirements for all 50 states online at vaned.com<\/a>.\r\n\r\nAs you peruse the offerings of the various schools, the first thing to look for is which states they serve. Some, but not all, serve all 50 states.\r\n\r\nThen, check out the course format. Visual learners may become overly bored with strictly text-based courses.\r\n\r\nPrice is always a consideration so call each company you are considering to find out if they offer discounts for seniors and vets, if you fall into one of those categories.\r\n\r\nYou may also find discount coupons for everyone online. One agent found a 40% off coupon at groupon.com.\r\n\r\nIf license renewal time is approaching, take a look at the list below to help you choose an online continuing education program to meet your needs.\r\n

                                                     First timer?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nIf this is your first license renewal, you no doubt have tons of questions on how to choose a real estate continuing education provider.\r\n\r\nFirst, be aware that \u201cSome states require a special first renewal known as post-licensing that allows a salesperson to retain their active license,\u201d according to the pros at 360training.com.\r\n\r\n\u201cIn some cases, the post-license education must be completed on a different timeline than the standard renewal cycle,\u201d they continued.\r\n\r\nUnderstand your state\u2019s requirements for obtaining what you need for a license renewal.\r\n\r\nNext, ensure that the courses on offer include exactly what you need. You might be surprised at the number of agents we\u2019ve spoken with who thought they\u2019d taken all the hours in the required subject only to learn near the end of the courses that they took the wrong ones or not enough of the right ones.\r\n\r\nThe real estate continuing education providers listed below are listed in alphabetical order, in no particular order of preference.\r\n\r\n\r\n

                                                     Aceable Agent<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\r\nAceable Agent offerings are ideal for the newer agent who is still reeling from the complexities of real estate school jargon.\r\n\r\nAgents who\u2019ve used the services say the content is \u201cengaging,\u201d yet techy friendly. One Texas agent says that the courses are \u201c\u2026 mobile-friendly, app-friendly \u2026 you can study or read on your tablet, on your desktop, on your laptop \u2026 they\u2019re versatile on whatever platform.\u201d\r\n\r\nWe like the fact that you\u2019ll never lose progress, regardless of how many times you change platforms while studying. \u201c\u2026 each course supports multiple devices,\u201d according to a reviewer at ais-cpa.com.\r\n\r\n\u201cLearn at home on your computer, then continue later in the day on your phone. Plus, all content works with no issues on all devices\u2014 which is a far cry from services with tacked-on mobile features that were clearly designed with a desktop in mind,\u2019 he adds.\r\n\r\nIf you prefer your learning to be delivered in a light-hearted, conversational manner, check out Aceable.\r\n\r\nAceable Agent courses are not currently offered nationwide, but are available in 12 states:\r\n

                                                     \r\n \t
                                                     • Arizona<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                     • California<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                     • Colorado<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                     • Florida<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                     • Georgia<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                     • Michigan<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                     • New York<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                     • Pennsylvania<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                     • South Carolina<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                     • Tennessee<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                     • Texas<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                     • Virginia<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe mentioned earlier an agent who snagged a decent discount at groupon.com and it was Aceable that was offering it. So check there and the company\u2019s website for specials before signing up.\r\n\r\nRead additional reviews at trustpilot.com<\/a>, google.com<\/a> and facebook.com<\/a>.\r\n\r\n\r\n

                                                       Kaplan Real Estate Education<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\r\nIn business for more than 80 years, if you seek an experienced staff for your real estate continuing education provider, check out what Kaplan offers.\r\n\r\nThe company gets rave reviews at Trustpilot for their licensing classes but seems to struggle with their commitment to those seeking continuing education.\r\n\r\nReading the CE student reviews, it seems to boil down to a lack of customer service with the company\u2019s CE clients.\r\n\r\n\u201cMy continuing education credits have not been properly reported. I have called numerous times and the company representatives are very nice but nothing ever happens,\u201d claims one reviewer.\r\n\r\nAnother, states that the CE process was the \u201cWorst experience ever.\u201d He explains the problem at trustpilot.com<\/a> and said that \u201cI called Kaplan explaining the issue for 5 days straight, while also sending e-mails and not a single person has gotten back to me, and the issue is still not resolved.\u201d\r\n\r\nKaplan offers continuing education for real estate agents in all states but the following:\r\n

                                                       \r\n \t
                                                       • Alaska<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                       • Arizona<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                       • Connecticut<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                       • Delaware<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                       • Florida<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                       • Hawaii<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                       • Kansas<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                       • New Hampshire<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                       • Nebraska<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                       • Wyoming<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nTo get a better idea of what Kaplan offers for real estate continuing education, check out the course demos<\/a> on the website.\r\n\r\n\r\n

                                                         Mbition Real Estate<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\r\nIf you have a busy schedule and need a real estate continuing education provider with classes that allow you to go at your own pace, check out what\u2019s on offer at Mbition.\r\n\r\nReviewers laud the classes and the company:\r\n

                                                         \r\n \t
                                                         • \u201cFantastic customer service!\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                         • \u201cExcellent content and easy-to-read format.\u201d<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe downside is that Mbition doesn\u2019t offer a refund policy or free cancellation. Once you sign up and pay you\u2019re locked in.\r\n\r\nReal Estate Schooler has produced a video walkthrough of a sample CE class sign-on and it\u2019s posted at youtube.com<\/a>.\r\n\r\n\r\n

                                                           McKissock Learning<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\r\nIf you\u2019re a visual learner, skip this section. Some users complained that the material was \u201cdry\u201d and that they had hoped for at least some<\/em> video instruction.\r\n\r\nThat said, McKissock serves more than 300,000 students (real estate, appraisal home inspection and others) each year, so they are doing something right.\r\n\r\nThe course selection naturally contains the typical agency and contract classes, but you\u2019ll also find more interesting offers such as \u201cElements of an Eco-Friendly Home.\u201d\r\n\r\nNot all is rosy, however. Complaints from customers include two that claim the \u201csupervisors are rude,\u201d another who had an \u201cawful experience\u201d and another who had a \u201chorrible experience.\u201d Neither of the latter two went into detail.\r\n\r\nOthers claim the opposite is true: \u201cThe staff was extraordinary, and they always went the extra mile for their users,\u201d and \u201cService is perfect, they make it easy to navigate and to renew my license!\u201d\r\n\r\nMcKissock serves those seeking continuing education credits in all 50 states.\r\n\r\n\r\n

                                                           The CE Shop<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\r\nFive words: Average pass rate is 90% (agentadvice.com). We don\u2019t know of another real estate continuing education provider that can make that claim. But, wait, there\u2019s more to love about The CE Shop:\r\n

                                                           \r\n \t
                                                           • They welcome students from all 50 states<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                           • Free trial for 5 days so you know what you\u2019re getting when\/if you commit.<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                           • Customer support phones are peopled 7 days a week.<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                           • The CE Shop offers discounts to members of the U.S. military and their dependents.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWhile the majority of agents we spoke with mentioned The CE Shop positively, it\u2019s challenging to find online reviews for the continuing education program. Nearly all reviews came from those taking licensing courses.\r\n\r\nHere\u2019s a bit of what we were able to round up:\r\n
                                                             \r\n \t
                                                             • \u201cI like the wide range of topics and recommend them for all realtors.\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                             • \u201cThe only thing I would like to see is to have it on video or be able to listen to it instead of reading it.\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                             • \u201cOn completion of your chosen course, your completed CE requirements are automatically uploaded and a certificate is issued to you for downloading or printing.\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t
                                                             • \u201cI have been able to complete my continuing education without any issues \u2026 on my own time and in a timely manner.\u201d<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nA referral from colleagues to a real estate continuing education provider is most likely going to yield a solid choice, so ask around the office to learn which continuing education service they like best. Otherwise, we hope we were able to help you narrow down your list in your search for continuing education.","post_title":"5 real estate continuing education providers worth a look","post_excerpt":"Looking for places to continue your real estate education? Take a look at these!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"5-real-estate-continuing-education-providers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-09-13 15:32:12","post_modified_gmt":"2021-09-13 21:32:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.easyagentpro.com\/?p=32163","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"post_count":10,"current_post":-1,"in_the_loop":false,"post":{"ID":32292,"post_author":"28","post_date":"2021-11-29 10:34:36","post_date_gmt":"2021-11-29 17:34:36","post_content":"We\u2019ve been talking a lot lately about the importance of consistently nurturing those wonderful folks in your SOI.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s quite the balancing act, however, between performing that task and generating new leads.<\/span>\r\n\r\nVery often, one of them will fall through the cracks and, when agents realize this, there\u2019s a mad dash to rectify the situation.<\/span>\r\n\r\nDon\u2019t get caught by surprise. Build a lead generation task list as an addendum to your 2022\/2023 business plan.<\/span>\r\n\r\nWe just happen to have some tried-and-true ideas you may want to add to the list.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n

                                                               Work those open houses<\/b><\/h2>\r\nIt\u2019s highly unlikely that no event in your career will expose you, at one time, to as many potential clients as the open house.<\/span>\r\n\r\nYet so many listing agents dread them, pawn them off on other agents or talk their clients out of wanting to hold their homes open.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re back to holding open houses in your market, it\u2019s time to double-down on the effort you put into them.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAh, we know what you\u2019re thinking: \u201cOpen houses are a waste of time.\u201d<\/span>\r\n\r\nRE\/MAX agent and co-founder of CompleteAgent, Inc., Adam Year, used to feel like that too, \u201c\u2026 until the big a-ha moment, I mainly did open houses to please my sellers but I pretty much wrote them off as a 2-hour time slot for me to catch up on some admin work,\u201d he writes at <\/span>completeagent.io<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\r\n\r\nHe now recommends the humble open house as being \u201c\u2026 the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to generating new leads and building your pipeline.\u201d<\/span>\r\n\r\nAmong Yera\u2019s \u201c3 types of open house visitors\u201d are buyers not represented by an agent, buyers with a lousy agent (as Yera says \u201cWho sends buyers to open houses?\u201d) and \u201cThe Nosy Neighbor.\u201d<\/span>\r\n\r\nHe says that the first group is the one to pursue, and we agree, but not to the exclusion of the neighbors (group number three).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019ve been around the industry for more than a minute, you\u2019ve noticed clusters of listings; that is, several homes on the same street going on the market within weeks or months of one another.<\/span>\r\n\r\nSome call this coincidence, and they may be right, but it doesn\u2019t change the fact that it happens.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn fact, as a rookie agent, my broker told me that if one homeowner puts his or her home on the market, there\u2019s an excellent chance that another or even two to three more in the neighborhood will list in the near future.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re holding an open house because your client expects you to, work to get something out of it for you, as well.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nOne of the best ways to do this is to invite the neighbors. And, not just the next-door kind, but as many as possible.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe invitation can be proffered via a personal visit, a flier stuck in their front doors or a mailed invitation.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nCheck out the latter at:<\/span>\r\n

                                                               \r\n \t
                                                               • Breakthroughbroker.com<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
                                                               • Etsy.com<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
                                                               • Gotprint.com<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
                                                               • Canva.com<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
                                                               • Postcardmania.com<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nMany of these companies also offer fliers if that\u2019s your preference.<\/span>\r\n\r\nWhile it\u2019s important to invite as many neighbors as possible, it\u2019s critical that you keep track of which ones attend. Then, follow up with them. Again, this can be done by phone, email, snail mail or in person, but it\u2019s imperative that you follow up.<\/span>\r\n\r\nStuck for what to say? Michelle, at <\/span>keyrealestateresources.com<\/span><\/a>, offers up a sample.<\/span>\r\n

                                                                 You\u2019re not done yet<\/b><\/h3>\r\nDon\u2019t get lazy when it comes to handouts. When done right, information packets that include your branding and contact information will live on with attendees long after they visited your open house.<\/span>\r\n\r\nNaturally, you\u2019ll want to include information about the home you\u2019re holding open. Use a color copy of the flier and ensure that it includes the home\u2019s square footage, number of bedrooms, bathrooms and any special features.<\/span>\r\n\r\nCreate some pages with information about the neighborhood or surrounding area. How many parks, employers, which school district?\u00a0 Throw in information about the area\u2019s largest employers, a bit of history about the area and anything else that they may find interesting.<\/span>\r\n\r\nFor ideas on what to include, check out any city\u2019s relocation guide. Here are a few to get you started:<\/span>\r\n

                                                                 \r\n \t
                                                                 • Nevada Relocation Guide<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
                                                                 • Chandler Relocation Guide<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
                                                                 • Myrtle Beach Relocation Guide<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
                                                                 • Austin Relocation Guide<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
                                                                 • Santa Monica Guide<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nSure, the neighbors and other attendees are probably well aware of the area\u2019s attractions, but the more valuable the information you include in your packet, the more likely the recipients will be to hang on to it.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAgain, ensure that each page includes your branding and contact information. Then, bind all the pages and add an attractive cover. This is one of the more important tasks when putting together this information.<\/span>\r\n\r\nYour goal should be for attendees to hang on to your branded hand-out. If it\u2019s appealing visually and easy to flip through, they\u2019re more likely to do just that.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n

                                                                   Consider community involvement<\/b><\/h2>\r\nThere<\/span> are lots of ways to <\/span>get involved in your community<\/span><\/a>. The best place to start, however, is with a cause, group or organization that you are passionate about.<\/span>\r\n\r\nMany agents will hold an annual event to benefit their chosen cause, while others get hands-on involved with a group. Either way, community involvement helps expose your brand, repeatedly, to members of the community.<\/span>\r\n\r\nDo you have a niche that you specialize in?\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nConsider finding a cause that matches. For instance, if you specialize in senior real estate \u201cGather volunteers to spend one day each quarter helping senior homeowners with home repairs,\u201d (thanks to Michelle at <\/span>Key Real Estate Resources<\/span><\/a> for this brilliant idea).<\/span>\r\n

                                                                   \r\n \t
                                                                   • Get your brand out to families by sponsoring a local sports team. Hand out branded water bottles, t-shirts or provide the half-time snack as an additional bonus.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
                                                                   • Here\u2019s another one from Michele: Sponsor a community beautification event, like a beach or vacant lot clean-up, \u201c\u2026 graffiti removal, or community garden.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
                                                                   • Adopt a classroom at the local elementary, junior or senior high school and coordinate with the teacher to supply the semester\u2019s school supplies.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
                                                                   • Create an annual event around a holiday, such as October sock collections for the homeless (\u201cSocktober\u201d), a holiday toy drive for children, a holiday food drive or pet food drive.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nNot only will supporting your community make you feel good, you\u2019ll build your database as well.<\/span>\r\n\r\nHow?<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u201cFirst-time homebuyers Emily and Joseph Jared hired their Realtor, Sophie Mason, after seeing her posts on Facebook in support of Nashville Humane Association,\u201d according to Bill Lewis of the <\/span>Nashville Tennessean<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u201cThat impressed the Jareds, who adopted their cat, Sarah, from Nashville Humane,\u201d Lewis continued. \u201cIt\u2019s good to know the person I was working with was focused on giving back and not just taking,\u201d said Emily Jared.<\/span>\r\n\r\nNeed more ideas? Check out the <\/span>National Association of Realtors\u2019<\/span><\/a> list.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n

                                                                     More money than time?<\/b><\/h2>\r\nCommunity involvement and a well-executed open house take a big chunk of time out of an agent\u2019s schedule.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re pressed for time yet want to keep that sales funnel full create room in your marketing budget for Google pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.<\/span>\r\n\r\nNot only can it be cost-effective but results are typically quicker than other lead gen techniques as well. Traffic generated via organic searches, for instance, trails that generated by PPC by 50%, according to the folks at <\/span>Moz.com<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\r\n\r\nCheck out these additional Google PPC statistics:<\/span>\r\n

                                                                     \r\n \t
                                                                     • On average, businesses earn $2 in revenue for every $1 spent on Google Ads (<\/span>Google Economic Impact Report<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
                                                                     • Sixty-five percent of clicked Google Ads contain \u201cbuyer-intent keywords such as \u2018buy,\u2019 \u2018shop,\u2019 \u2018purchase,\u2019 etc.\u201d (<\/span>PowerTraffick<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
                                                                     • Paid ads that answer a question garner the highest number of clicks (33%). (<\/span>Clutch<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThere\u2019s a lot that goes into an effective PPC campaign, which is why many agents hire someone to do it for them.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re a beginner, check out some of the tutorials for agents on YouTube, like <\/span>this one<\/span><\/a> from Mike Sherrard and <\/span>this one<\/span><\/a> from Eric B. Preston.<\/span>\r\n\r\nNone of these lead gen techniques are earth-shatteringly new, but all will help stuff the pipeline, making them worth reconsideration as we head into the new year.<\/span>\r\n\r\n ","post_title":"3 tried-and-true real estate lead gen techniques for 2022\/2023","post_excerpt":"Getting leads to your online business is a constantly-changing challenge. How you drive traffic to your site is going to play a big part in how you convert that traffic into leads. Here are our 3 tried and tested methods for getting for leads in 2022 and beyond!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"lead-gen-techniques-2022","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-28 10:15:01","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-28 16:15:01","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.easyagentpro.com\/?p=32292","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"comment_count":0,"current_comment":-1,"found_posts":330,"max_num_pages":33,"max_num_comment_pages":0,"is_single":false,"is_preview":false,"is_page":false,"is_archive":true,"is_date":false,"is_year":false,"is_month":false,"is_day":false,"is_time":false,"is_author":true,"is_category":false,"is_tag":false,"is_tax":false,"is_search":false,"is_feed":false,"is_comment_feed":false,"is_trackback":false,"is_home":false,"is_privacy_policy":false,"is_404":false,"is_embed":false,"is_paged":true,"is_admin":false,"is_attachment":false,"is_singular":false,"is_robots":false,"is_favicon":false,"is_posts_page":false,"is_post_type_archive":false,"thumbnails_cached":false} -->
                                                                       

                                                                       3 tried-and-true real estate lead gen techniques for 2022/2023

                                                                       Getting leads to your online business is a constantly-changing challenge. How you drive traffic to your site is going to play a big part in how you convert that traffic into leads. Here are our 3 tried and tested methods for getting for leads in 2022 and beyond!

                                                                       Read More

                                                                       November 29, 2021Tyler Zey

                                                                       • Share

                                                                       

                                                                       It’s that time of year! Reach out to everyone in your sphere

                                                                       Just because we’re in the holiday season doesn’t mean you can’t be productive! Most agents lose focus during this time of year, but with a little hard work now, you can reap the rewards all year long!

                                                                       Read More

                                                                       November 18, 2021Tyler Zey

                                                                       • Share

                                                                       

                                                                       How to build a real estate vendor referral service

                                                                       Providing value and making relationships with local professionals is vital when you’re in real estate. If you’re considering building a lead-generating real estate vendor referral service, but don’t know where to start, read on

                                                                       Read More

                                                                       November 12, 2021Tyler Zey

                                                                       • Share

                                                                       

                                                                       How to convert real estate leads/prospects and still nurture your SOI

                                                                       Trying to balance between generating new leads and nurturing your real estate SOI can be a tricky task. Luckily, it’s not impossible – And using your blogs to appeal to the types of visitors you want on your website is a great way to start.

                                                                       Read More

                                                                       November 12, 2021Tyler Zey

                                                                       • Share

                                                                       

                                                                       Fall blog topics every Real Estate Agent should write about

                                                                       1. FALL CONTENT TO ATTRACT BUYERS “What you Need to Know About Buying a Home in [Your Town] This Fall” As we mentioned in our summer topic e-book, this one can (and should) be used at the beginning of each season. So, what do your readers need to know about buying a home (in your town) during fall? There’s lots to talk about right now: Explain what’s happening in the real estate market nationwide and then narrow the focus to how your local market compares (less competition, moderating prices, better inventory etc.). We found a brilliant example of a post…

                                                                       Read More

                                                                       November 9, 2021Tyler Zey

                                                                       • Share

                                                                       

                                                                       Things are changing on the social media front. What does it mean for agents?

                                                                       A good agent knows they need to be online to be successful. Social media for real estate agents is a big part of the equation – But which platforms you’re using can make a world of difference.

                                                                       Read More

                                                                       November 5, 2021Tyler Zey

                                                                       • Share

                                                                       

                                                                       Feel like quitting? 5 ideas for what else you can do with your real estate experience

                                                                       Real estate is a tough job, and not everyone who becomes an agent is going to want to continue. If you’re ready to call it quits, consider looking into these real estate agent career alternatives.

                                                                       Read More

                                                                       October 8, 2021Tyler Zey

                                                                       • Share

                                                                       

                                                                       Video for Real Estate agents – How to create videos to get more real estate leads

                                                                       Video for Real Estate agents is a great way to boost your site traffic and get more leads. If you want to start making videos but don’t know where to start, or just need a little extra help, check out my tips below:

                                                                       Read More

                                                                       September 29, 2021Tyler Zey

                                                                       • Share

                                                                       

                                                                       How to nurture the homebuyers you already have

                                                                       In today’s market, being a homebuyer can be a bit scary. As their agent, you owe it to your clients to help them through the process. Today, I’m exploring what to communicate to homebuyers to make sure they stay informed and optimistic

                                                                       Read More

                                                                       September 13, 2021Tyler Zey

                                                                       • Share

                                                                       

                                                                       5 real estate continuing education providers worth a look

                                                                       Looking for places to continue your real estate education? Take a look at these!

                                                                       Read More

                                                                       September 4, 2021Tyler Zey

                                                                       • Share