5 Ways to Promote Your Real Estate Video

1. YouTube It: YouTube is the Mecca of all things video. Listen to this: YouTube’s monthly viewership is the equivalent of roughly 10 Super Bowl audiences, 500 years of YouTube videos are watched every day on other social media sites and over 700 YouTube videos are shared every minute on Twitter. And it’s implications for real estate is pretty staggering – According to a study from Google and the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), 51% of home buyers chose YouTube as their preferred online video destination when shopping for homes. Further, 65% of YouTube videos posted by real estate professionals were able to pull leads. So our point here is, if you don’t yet have a YouTube account, get one stat!

2. #Hashtags, Keywords and Descriptions: Just as you would for traditional marketing materials, describe the property! However, by associating specific terms with your YouTube video, it can now be indexed by search engines that rank it so that home buyers can more effectively view it based on their search terms. Descriptions should identify its location, features and other branding information but try to add special details that were not revealed in your traditional marketing pieces. Use geo-targeted terms relevant to the location
including city, state, zip code and even neighborhood and community name (i.e. #oceanfront, #virginiabeach, #mainstreet, #Tribeca, #UpperEastSide, #ABCRealty, #wilmingtonhomesforsale, etc.). Hashtags allow users of sites such as Twitter, Google+, and now Facebook, to discover your video even if they aren’t following you.

3. Post, Share, Embed, Tweet and +1 that Video: Seventy percent of home buyers look for a video on a website, Facebook, or YouTube . So be there or be square! With one billion users on Facebook, 500 million on Twitter, and over 340 million on Google+, odds are your clients and prospects are among them and will likely view and share your video. Embed the video on your website, blog, newsletters and emails. Home buyers and owners researching real estate agents and properties like to see that you are incorporating the newest technology and marketing trends to help them buy or sell their next home.

4. FREE Homes.com Agent Profile: Nearly 12.5 million consumers visit Homes.com every month to find a home, real estate agent and other home-related services. Take advantage of this audience by showcasing your video on your free Agent Profile. Add your contact information, social media links, property listings, client endorsements and real estate videos in one place. For even more exposure, promote the video in a Local Ad in the city or zip code of your choice on Homes.com.

5. Video Marketing – the Next Level: To fully master video marketing in real estate, watch and learn. watch Realtor Guru's webinar's such as, the Secrets of Top Selling Agents free webinar on Tuesday, July 30th featuring , Raj Qsar of The Boutique Real Estate Group. National Speaker and named Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders by Inman News, Raj will show you how video marketing is done.

Now that you know what it takes to produce and share the most powerful form of real estate marketing that is video, it’s time to see it in action and evaluate your investment!

Is it a Boom or a Bubble?

The June jump in California home prices is the highest we’ve seen in years! DataQuick recently reported an increase of 28.3% in home prices within Southern California since June 2012, the largest growth recorded since 1989. With such a dramatic increase, many experts have found themselves asking one question – is this increase the boom needed for the market to recover or is it the start of another bubble?

Are you encouraging your clients to buy before prices go even higher?

Home values in Southern California have jumped by 4.6% since May, reaching a median price of $385,000, some of the highest prices seen in over five years. Although this is still well below the 2007 peak of $505,000, many brokers and agents believe this deficit will be cut soon.

One optimist, founder and president of Rodeo Realty Syd Leibovitch, reported that he expects the price of homes to double from the lows of last year. According to Leibovitch, prices have historically doubled in cycles like this before they begin to fall again. A doubling in price like this could be exactly what the market needs to return to its pre-crisis highs, but if it occurs too quickly we’re likely to see the market stall, potentially leading to another crash.

Similarly, hedge fund expert John Paulson believes there are more increases yet to come. In a conference on NCBC, Paulson stated that he believes we are at the beginning of the road to recovery, and expects this trend to continue for another 4-7 years.

On the other hand, there are numerous experts who believe this trend will end shortly. Glenn Kelman, chief executive of Redfin, is one of the many. Kelman has predicted that the market will cool off later in the second half of the year due to the loss of investor activity leading to a major reduction in demand. We’ve already seen some loss in demand over the past few weeks. In fact, home sales have dropped by about 4% since May.

Although many experts have speculated on the outcome of this increase, the ultimate impact of the price jump is still up in the air, so we’ll have to wait and see how things play out over the remainder of the year.

Do you believe this increase in price indicates the recovery of the housing market? Or will it turn into another bubble waiting to pop? What are your thoughts?

Buying A Second Home

Buying a second home - should you or shouldn't you - that is the question.  Well, buying a second home could very well be the absolute best thing you have ever done but you have to do it for the right reasons.  Let's talk about a few of the things you need to consider before making any quick decisions.

First you must ask yourself why you want to purchase a second home.  Is it to invest in your future?  Is it to use for a vacation home?  Are you doing it for an additional income?  The answer to these questions is critical so let's look at all of the facts.

If you are buying a second home as rental property to use as part of your retirement plan then you have made the right decision.  Buying a home forces you to make regular savings in the form of a mortgage payment each month and that is money in the bank when it comes to a retirement fund.

You must make sure,however, that you have enough money to cover the mortgage payments plus any additional expenses such as repairs, yearly taxes and insurance, if they are not a part of your mortgage payment, and anything else that may arise.  The good news is if you buy the right house at the right price, your rental property should always stay rented.

Another reason a second home as part of your retirement plan is a good idea is due to the fact that your investment money is subject to less income tax and the interest and taxes may be deductible.   So planning ahead could pay off in a big way.

Housing, for the most part, appreciates over time.  There are definitely ups and downs in the housing market but buying a home is a long term investment that can ride those tides very well.  A home is an inflation proof investment.

The experts have predicted that both fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgages will probably remain in the single digits for the foreseeable future.  Therefore, financing a home with a nominal down payment should remain achievable for quite some time.

Buying a home is very exciting and can be a very profitable experience but your decision cannot be made lightly.  It is wise to give a lot of thought to why you want a second home, then make a financial plan and stick to it.

If you have some disposable income, then purchasing a vacation home may be just what you need to add a little spice to your life.  Then by all means, go ahead and find the perfect house, buy it and enjoy.

Whatever the reason you want or need a second home, please think about your reasons, make a plan and follow through.  It is also advisable to talk to a real estate agent about all of your options before diving in.  A real estate agent can help you make the best decisions and could potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Why You Shouldn't Put Off Buying A New Home Any Longer

As you know the real estate market has been in shambles for about six or seven  years.  But you may have noticed that times are changing.  There is an upward trend in the housing market that should make you stand up and pay attention.
Here are a few reasons you shouldn't put off buying a new home any longer.

1.  Although interest rates have been at historic lows, there have been some small, but rather insignificant, increases over recent months.  However, the interest rates are still very low - but they won't stay that way for long.

2.  Some of the debt buyback programs the Federal Reserve has in place will be ending soon.

3.  Because of the interest rates being so low  and the number of below market value  homes on the market,  a buying frenzy has been created.   As these homes are purchased and the inventory  dwindles, the price of homes will go up and the interest rates will go up with it.

4.  HARP 2.0 is about to expire at the end of 2013.

5.  Rental rates continue to rise.   Therefore it is to your benefit to take advance of the below market housing prices and the low interest rates now before they increase any further.

6.  Home mortgage delinquencies are declining resulting in fewer foreclosures.  With fewer foreclosures on the market, the value of available homes will climb.  Meaning the price of homes currently on the market will rise.

7.  People are starting to get excited about buying homes again.  Over the past few years, due to  the downward economy and the rise in unemployment,  many people were not buying homes.  However, now that the economy appears to be stabilizing, many people are beginning to spend money again.  This includes buying a home.  An instant demand is being created because of the sheer number of people who were not spending money are now going out in droves to purchase a home.

How To Present A Winning Back Up Offer

Have you found your dream home but just learned that it already has a pending offer in place?  This is a very common occurrence,  especially if the home is in perfect condition and worth every penny they are asking for it.  So what should you do?  Should you give up?  No!  You should submit a back up offer.  However, there are a few things you should learn before submitting your offer.

Here are a few things that will help you submit a winning back up offer.

1.  It is not necessary to offer significantly more than the asking price.  You don't want to overpay for the home.  Remember, it will still have to have an appraisal and be approved for that appraised amount.  However, it is recommended that you offer the seller what they are asking for the home or just slightly more if the current offer is already at the asking price.

2.  You should always get pre-approved before attempting to buy any home.  This could mean the difference between having the seller accept your offer or someone else's offer.   If you submit a back up offer, and the other deal falters in any way, you will more than likely get the backup offer over someone else that has not been pre-approved.  In addition, you should include in your offer that your credit and your financials have already been reviewed by your lender.  This just puts you one more step ahead of everyone else.

3.  You should show the seller that you are flexible.  Sometimes sellers need to close quickly and others need a longer period of time close.  The more flexible you are the more likely you are to have your back up offer accepted over another offer.

4.  Try to write your offer without contingencies or as few contingencies as possible.  If  your offer has no contingencies and with the other offer the seller will have to wait for the buyer to sell their home, you will more often than not get the deal.

5.  Try to appeal to the seller on an emotional level.  Ask your realtor to give the seller a personal letter from you introducing yourself and letting them know what you love about their home and why you feel you are the perfect buyer.

Generally, a seller has an emotional attachment to the home and wants to see it go to someone who loves it as much as they do and will care for it as they do.  Also, by doing this, you will put a "face" to your offer whereas all of the other offers are all going to come across as impersonal, anonymous offers.  It's worth a try.  You never know what might get through to a seller.

Talk to your realtor about any other tactics they have successfully used to secure a winning back up offer.  Your realtor deals with these types of things every day and will be able to guide you through to the purchase of your next perfect home.

Curb Appeal Tips

How would you like to sell your home for top dollar?  Well of course you would!  You have probably heard of "curb appeal" .  Curb appeal is the first thing your buyer sees when he drives up to your home.   Yep, you got it - you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.  Your homes curb appeal can determine whether a buyer stops to consider your home or just drives on by.  It will also set the buyers mindset on whether or not your home has been well cared for and if it's worth what you are asking for it.

Here are a few curb appeal ideas that will help you sell your home for top dollar.

1.   You should take a look around your home with fresh eyes and ask yourself "what do I see?"  Take care of all major and minor maintenance issues.  Anything from loose gutters, crooked shutters, cracked windows and loose mortar.  Nothing should be left undone.  The time you spend on these things now could potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run.  For example:  if you have a cracked window, the buyer will have it in their mind that your home needs new windows , whether it does or not.  Once the buyer has a certain mindset, it's hard to change it.  Whereas it would have been much cheaper to just replace that one window and the buyer would have more than likely never noticed and therefore it would never have been an issue.

2.  If you can afford it, it will pay you back in spades if you paint your entire house.  If you can't, make sure you powerwash it or at least paint the trim and the doors.  You can  rent a powerwasher for a day or so to make your home look as fresh as possible.  This should include cleaning the windows as well.  This goes back to the scenario above.   If the buyer sees dirty windows, he might perceive them as old and in need of being replaced.

3.  Clean up all the clutter and anything that doesn't need to be there.  Depersonalize it as much as possible.  You want your potential buyers to be able to envision themselves living there.  You should add some fresh mulch and perhaps add some flowers to a nice pot on the porch or to  your flowerbeds.  A splash of color will catch their eye and enhance your curb appeal.

4.  Most people don't consider the little things like their mailbox and their house numbers.  What is the first thing your buyer will see when they are driving down your street looking for your house?  Your house number right?  So whether your house number is on your mailbox or on your house or both, that is the first thing your buyer will see.  So go ahead and spend a few extra dollars and get a new mailbox if you need it and if not, you can plant some flowers around the base and add some fresh new numbers to it. In addition to your mailbox, buy a nice, tasteful new plaque for your house with your house numbers on it.   It's the little things that go a long way.

5 Tips to Make Summer Home Renovations Pay Off

NEW YORK (MainStreet)—Younger homeowners are likely planning renovations this summer, according to a new study, with some improvements benefiting property values more than others.

The Zillow Digs Summer Home Improvement Trend and Spending survey found that 71% of those aged 18 to 34 plan a home improvement or addition compared to 51% of homeowners 55 and older.

The survey found that 40% plan to work on their outdoor spaces while 17 percent plan to improve their bathrooms.

"As we head into the long days of summer, we are seeing increased interest in outdoor spaces with very natural elements such as stone fireplaces as well as bringing more light into bathrooms with clear glass on the walls and shower enclosures," said Cynthia Nowak, a trend expert with Zillow Digs.

Overall, 60% of American homeowners plan renovations and expect to spend $1,200 with 65% of homes housing children planning three or more home improvements compared to 57% of homes without children.

But not all home improvements pay off and positively impact property values, according to the Appraisal Institute, a professional association of real estate appraisers.

Siding replacement, entry door replacement, attic bedroom addition, minor kitchen remodel and garage door replacement rank among the projects with the highest expected return on investment, according to Remodeling magazine's most recent Cost vs. Value report.

"Projects that take a home significantly beyond community norms are often not worth the cost when the owner sells the home," said Appraisal Institute President Richard L. Borges. "If they don't match what's standard in a community, they're considered excessive."

Other renovations with high expected pay-offs include basement remodel, deck addition and window replacement.

"Consumers should be aware that cost does not necessarily equal value," Borges said.

Below are 5 tips to consider before launching home renovations:

• 1. Arrange a feasibility study for an unbiased evaluation. "During a feasibility study, a professional real estate appraiser will analyze the homeowner's property, weigh the cost of rehabilitation and provide an estimate of the property's value before and after the improvement," said Borges.
• 2. Add green and energy-efficient renovations. "Adding Energy Star appliances and extra insulation are likely to pay the homeowner back in lowered utility bills relatively quickly. Lower utility costs also are a draw for potential homebuyers," said Borges.
• 3. The longer a homeowner stays in a property, the greater the opportunity for a return on investment As a result, Borges advises holding off on big renovations when a homeowner isn't sure how long they will be in their home.
• 4. Check online for home renovation ideas. About 37 percent of homeowners look to the internet for home improvement ideas and inspiration, according to the Zillow Digs survey. HGTV.com, Pinterest and Zillow Digs were among the most common online sources for inspiration.
• 5. Download the Appraisal Institute's free Remodeling & Rehabbing brochure at www.appraisalinstitute.org

--Written by Juliette Fairley for MainStreet

4 Factors for Effective and Successful e-Newsletters

e-Newsletters have always been a great way to keep in touch. It’s one way to remind past clients of you and your business as well as impress prospects who may convert into clients later on. Below are 4 factors to a successful e-Newsletter.

1. Reliable Information.
   • Make sure that the information and references you include are up-to-date and reliable.
   • Your readers are interested on how you can help them. That’s most likely one of the reasons they signed up in the first place.
   • You want to let your readers feel thankful that you shared this significant information.
2. Be Engaging and Creative.
   • Get creative with your subject line! Make your readers want to open your email. Instead of “October Newsletter”, go with “October Newsletter: So You Want to Sell Your House?“
   • Don’t forget about the design. It’s just as important as your content. Use color combinations that are easy on the eyes.
3. A Touch of You.
   • It’s a given that your e-Newsletter should have a professional voice but it would do more to give it a personal touch.
   • Write the way you’d talk face to face with a client or prospect and add a short anecdote from time to time.
   • If you have people writing for you, you can write an introduction or have your own corner where you’ll share a few words.
4. Feature a Client.
   • If a client will allow it, feature them and their story in your e-Newsletter. If it’s also possible, have them write a short testimonial.
   • People love to hear about other people’s smooth or successful transactions.
   • Let your prospects think, “Hey, I want that great experience too!”

With these factors applied to your upcoming e-Newsletters, clients will appreciate your expertise and, from your influence, consider you for their real estate business needs when the time arises.

The First Things You Should Do When Moving Into A New Home

Moving into your new home is a very exciting time.  There are so many things to do and so much to remember.  Sometimes we don't stop to think about what priorities should be put first.

Here are a few things you need to add to your what to do first list once you move into your new home.

1.  The very first thing you need to do is to change your locks.  All of the locks not just the doors.  You need to remember to change the locks on all other areas such as an exterior storage door or shed.

2.  Change the code to the garage door opener and the garage door keypad if you have one.

3.  Change the alarm code to the house.

4.  Check all of the plumbing for leaks.  Check under the sinks, check for dripping faucets, check for running toilets and check the water heater.   A good way to test your home for leaks is to do the following:  turn all water sources off, then read the water meter, wait for two hours - don't turn any water on during those two hours, then read the water meter again.  If you have different numbers, then you have a leak and will need to call a plumber unless you have to skills to fix it yourself.

5.  Have your carpets cleaned before you move in.  Make sure you allow enough time for them to dry.

6.  Clean your cabinets inside and out.  You never know what has been crawling around in there.

7.  Have a pest control company inspect and treat your home.  You probably had your house checked for termites as part of the home inspection.  But you need to have it inspected and treated for other pests as well.

8.  Find the breaker box and learn what breakers go where.  And if the breakers are not marked, you will need to label them appropriately.  Additionally, teach your entire family how to use it and show them how to turn off the main breaker in case of a fire or any other type of emergency.

9.  Locate your water meter.  Show your entire family where it is and how to turn off the water, not only at the main, but throughout the individual areas of your house as well in case of a plumbing emergency.  In addition, if you are going out of town or if you need to evacuate due to inclement weather, you will need to remember to turn off the water and the electricity to your home before you leave.

5 Mistakes You Shouldn’t Be Making on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the ideal social media platform for professionals and business owners. Unfortunately, you might be doing something wrong that could be costing you your connections. Review these five mistakes to improve your LinkedIn page:

1. Giving in order to receive.
   • One of LinkedIn’s features is that users are able to write recommendations for other users in their network which will be displayed on their profile.
   • It isn’t effective to write recommendations to others and expect them to do the same for you especially when the person you’re expecting it from does not know you professionally.
   • Give genuine recommendations. If people return it, then great. If not, it’s okay.
2. Waiting for a need.
   • This means you’re only active when you need something – clients, an online presence or a solid real estate network.
   • Envision where you want to be (socially online speaking) and start building your network now.
3. Forgetting where you are.
   • LinkedIn may be a social network but it isn’t the same as Facebook. Don’t get carried away with commenting. Keep the atmosphere professional.
   • You never know when a potential client or business opportunity may stumble upon it and decide you’re not the person for them.
4. Going generic and not sharing.
   • One great way to personalise your LinkedIn profile is by sharing posts that you like.
   • It gives other people a peek of who you are. You’ll also get to see who shares the same sentiments as you do.
   • Read up on the comments and know which topics tend to be popular within your connections.
5. Not nurturing your connections.
   • Building relationships in the real estate business is important because it gives you two things: Repeat business and referrals.
   • Chances are the people in your network will have the connections you need.

11 Tips to get More (Quality) Twitter Followers

1. Share Quality Content

While this one should go without saying, it is always worth repeating. Quality content gives people a reason to share, comment and come back for more.

Are you a blogger? Re-purpose your content to give it an added boost. Turn a post or survey  into an Info-graphic or share a single quote or thought to elevate the conversation and begin to better brand your tweets. You can use websites like Hootsuite & Buffer to schedule Tweets. 

2. Know Your Niche

Understanding who your potential consumer is and what needs you can solve is vital when crafting content.

Consider this as well. While many say to avoid politics or religion, that might not be the right solution for your business, it just depends. Don't be so bland that people are bored and you never seem to have an opinion, but in our Real Estate business we like to keep out- our political affiliations & religious views. 

Although anything positive on the subject is welcome. Twitter offers a platform where being a little controversial might be a great way for you to start a dialog. The important component is to always put the needs of your followers first.

3. Be Honest

When asking for followers, do not trick them into following. Be straightforward in your intentions and make it clear what you like to talk about or what your opinions are.

Expectations up front will connect you with the right people and avoid frustration and eventually, a loss in followers who feel mislead.

4. Use Hashtags

Use hashtags to find people and topics centered around subjects you are interested in. Our favorites are #RealEstate #Homes #buyer #RollingHills #HomesForSale #REtips

5. Join Twitter Chats

Twitter chats are an excellent way to connect with like-minded individuals who are tweeting about the same content that excites you. Check the frequently updated Twitter Chat Schedule.

The largest chat on Twitter, #Blogchat is one I recently joined and truly enjoy. It is a weekly chat about topics helpful to anyone blogging personally or professionally. Hosted by Mack Collier, topics cater to newbies as well as advanced. This means you can connect with people that are talking about what interests you. Build deeper, more meaningful connections through Twitter chats! 

If your in Real Estate find a chat that revolves around the business or even better find a chat that is in your community. 

6. Brand Your Twitter Channel

Take advantage of the customization options Twitter options including a branded background, adding your professional head shot and filling out your bio.

Take your time to carefully write a bio that expresses who you are, how your business can help consumers (this is your answer to the “what’s in it for me” question) and above all else, be authentic. Take your offline personality and accurately convey that on Twitter.

7. Get Engaged

Get involved in the conversation and make it a point to stay actively engaged. It’s not enough to schedule a few tweets. You must begin to create conversation.

Ask questions and craft them in a way that they are worth replying to. People and content are moving rapidly. Give them a statement worth replying to. Reply in kind and open the lines of communication.

8. Don’t Haphazardly Follow

Be strategic in who you follow. What is your niche, passion, favorite pastime or hobby? Follow people that share information similar to what you find interesting.

A few Twitter tools to find people to follow:

• Twellow– A directory of public Twitter accounts, with hundreds of categories and search features to help you find people who matter to you.
• WeFollow – Get the most out of Twitter by finding the right people to share the conversation: find new, like-minded friends.
• JustTweetIt – A user directory for Twitter organized by genre to allow for users to easily find other Twitter users to connect with.

9. Be Helpful

If you are only using Twitter to push out your marketing message, you are missing a huge opportunity. Twitter allows you to offer great content that provides a benefit. Share helpful information that solves a problem or provides a solution.

What content do you have sitting on your website or blog that could be shared in bite-sized snippets? Take your frequently asked questions, company about or top tips and use them as helpful and meaningful tweets.

10. Cross Promote

Use your existing social media accounts like Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest to cross-promote your Twitter channel. It’s a good marketing practice to drive people back to other social properties.

Not everyone chooses to engage on each social network, make sure you remind people where you are and how you would like them to connect with you.

11. Extend Your Twitter Karma

Be sure to re-tweet, share and actively support your community. If you get a reply or retweet, be sure to promptly tweet back a quick thank you or "Favorite" the Tweet. The more you do so the more you will get in return. 

Spruce Up Your “About Us” Page

After wowing your website visitors with your custom home page, their next stop is most likely your “About Us” page. Is this page as strong in reeling in potential clients as you think it is? If you’re unsure about that, don’t take any chances. Here are 7 ways to improve your real estate business information page.

1. Provide Them With What They Need.
   • What specific services do you provide? First time visitors will want one thing and it isn’t to just know more about you, it’s how your real estate business will help them buy or sell that home.
2. Use Facts and Let Them Decide.
   • Most ‘About Us’ pages make use of superlatives such as outstanding, influential, or world-class. Maybe you are what these words claim to be but also provide reasons and, more importantly, facts to back them up.
3. Don’t Rely on Stock Photos.
   • Stock photos can be attractive but they can also appear to be cold and impersonal. Use real photos whenever you can.
   • Let visitors see the faces behind your business. Use professionally taken photos of yourself, your office, and your associates if you’re a team.
4. Highlight Your Industry Awards.
   • Showcase your industry recognitions, charity participations and recent company milestones.
   • Add awards that would give an excellent impression of great service such as being the one of the top 3 Realtors in your area.
5. Keep Your Page Up-to-Date.
   • Inform your visitors of new developments such as entering new markets and adding more services, just to name a few.
6. The W5.
   • Just like how you should make sure your real estate website is user-friendly, you have to make sure that the information on your About page will answer the five “W”s: Who, What, When, Where and Why.
7. Get Visual and Add Video.
   • Did you know that visitors spend 100% more time on pages with videos on them? A thirty or sixty second visually pleasing company profile video will entice and keep them on your website longer.
   • You can also feature links to video testimonials from clients.

The best way to establish credibility through your ‘About’ page is to focus on objective information and guide your clients to deciding that you’re the best option for their needs. In the end, people want to do business with real people that offer personalized real estate service.

Spruce Up Your “About Us” Page

Top 10 Fastest Real Estate Markets in 2013

Redfin has come out with an interesting new metric for analyzing how fast moving real estate markets in the country. They have captured the flash sales, those homes that have gone to contract in under 24 hours after the initial listing, in major markets across the country.

As inventories tighten and buyers have returned to the market, we are seeing the days of people pouncing on homes the minute they are listed, very reminiscent of the early parts of the 2000′s. Over the past 5 months, Phoenix was by far the leader in this category with 540 flash sales, followed by Chicago with 261. Portland, Oregon brought up the rear of the list at 115.

Numbers like these have to make real estate agents salivate and start beating the bushes for listings. It is a profitable storm, homes that move quickly with no marketing costs. A few months of these hitting the market and agents will forget their abject fear of taking a listing that they experienced over the past few years.

Rank    City            # Flash Sales

1       Phoenix, AZ             540
2       Chicago, IL             261
3       Houston, TX             188
4       Dallas, TX              184
5       Austin, TX              163
6       San Diego, CA           135
7       Los Angeles, CA         132
8       Sacramento, CA          128
9       Denver, CO              115
10      Portland, OR            115

Six Tips For a Successful Follow Up

Are conferences and other networking events not getting you the results you’re looking for? Don’t give up yet! More often than not, the reason why many Realtors don’t gain the solid connections they want is because they skip the most important part – the follow up. You’re not going to be able to build relationships and establish the network you want if you don’t follow up and in this post we’ll share some of our tried and tested tips on how to get it done as effectively as possible:

• Don’t wait too long. If you don’t start following up within two to three days after the event, then odds are you’ll forget about it. It doesn’t have to be complicated – a short email conveying your delight at making a new acquaintance will do as a first step. Ask them if they want to be included in your mailing list, but only if you think they’ll actually be interested in whatever you’ll be mailing out.
• Maximize business cards – when you ask for one, don’t just tuck it away. Use the back to write down a note or two about your new contact such as why you’d want to build a relationship with them or what the most interesting point of your conversation was.
• Make sure your website is in good working order and that your social media profiles are up-to-date. People are going to be looking you up online and you’ll want your website to reflect your professionalism and your social media profiles to be current.
• Connect through social media. This is one of the easiest ways to follow up on those new contacts you want to cultivate a relationship with. If you have photos, create an album and share it with them.
• Nothing beats the personal touch – especially with those that you really want to nurture a connection with. Send a card through snail mail or make good on something you may have promised to send (a recipe, restaurant recommendations in your area, etc.).
• Are you a bit late in following up? While you may still remember the interesting conversation you had with a contact, there’s no guarantee that they’ll have as sharp a recollection of it. Refresh their memory and give details about what you talked about (your business card notes will really come in handy here).

Keep these tips in mind when attending your next event and start building that network today!
Six Tips For a Successful Follow Up

Evaluating Your Real Estate Marketing Strategy

Ask your self the following questions to find out if your strategy is working for you.

Is your marketing strategy tactical or strategic?

• You may be thinking, “Aren’t those are the same things?” but they’re actually not.
• A strategy determines the goal to be accomplished and tactics are the steps for you to achieve your goal.

Is your goal measurable and specific?

• It’s difficult, if possible at all, to manage a goal you can’t measure.
• If your goal is vague, you will not know what definite steps to take in order to reach it.

Is your goal clear for everyone?

• Make your goals specific. Outline details and steps that you or your team must perform in order to accomplish your goal.

Is your goal possible?

• Assess your resources and find out who or what you need in order to get things done.

Is your strategy changing?

• The one constant thing in life is change and your strategy should evolve and adapt as trends change.

 If you answered yes to most of these questions then your on the right track. If you answered No to the questions then you have some work to do. 
Evaluating Your Real Estate Marketing Strategy

Real Estate Marketing with Instagram

Businesses haven’t really taken advantage of the perks and benefits that Instagram offers. This holds true especially for real estate marketing. Due to tough and highly competitive world of marketing homes and houses, having Instagram working for you will truly help. Here are three reasons why you should use Instagram for your business:

1. Post Photos of Homes for Sale at Lightning Speed.
   • Timing is everything and when you want to sell a house. Many experts believe that timing is everything if you want to make the perfect sale.
   • As long as you have a smartphone and a stable internet connection, you can post photos of houses for sale.
   • You can even play to the strengths of the house that you are selling and post photos pertaining to that using Instagram.
2. Let #Hashtags Work For You.
   • Hashtags (#) serve as a way to work around the lack of tags in microblogging and social networking websites.
   • If you want to get people to notice your photo, then it would be a good idea to attach various hashtags related to the home in your Instagram post.
   • Putting hashtags on posts will also give your company an advantage in terms of searchability.
3. Tag Your Location.
   • Placing the location where the home is located is also a great way of marketing a house.
   • The location that you place in your post can greatly boost the sale of your real estate.
   • Best of all, these location tags can easily be spotted when using social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter side-by-side with Instagram.

Not a lot of folks have seen how powerful Instagram can be especially when it comes to marketing and raising brand awareness. This photo sharing application and software has been making waves with a lot of different age groups ever since it picked up steam. We can’t blame them; after all, it lets us show other people the things we see and experience.

Summer Cleaning Your Real Estate Website

It’s already the end of Spring & beginning of summer, its never to late do your Spring Cleaning… on your website? It’s the perfect time of the year to update your content and decide whether you’d like to change up the look of your real estate website. An updated and well-maintained website keeps visitors coming back. We’re giving you 6 simple ways to fix up your website:

1. Once you’ve sold a property, update your listing on your website so visitors won’t get confused.
2. Post about new developments in your neighborhood such as new establishments opening or upcoming community events happening soon.
3. Don’t forget to add beautiful photos and well made virtual house tours of your updated listings.
4. Show newly added agents to your team by adding a photo of them and necessary info on your Agent roster page.
5. Updating your website doesn't have to be a complete overhaul. Simple things such as changing your websites color scheme or updating the photo slideshow on the homepage can do the trick.
6. It’s important your contact info listed on your website is updated or you might not be able to get in touch with great leads.

Spring Cleaning Your Real Estate Website

A Back-to-Basics Look on Photo Blogging for Real Estate Brokers

Photo blogging has been a great marketing tool for a while now. It’s a proven way of showing potential clients the property that you are offering. Established real estate marketers have can attest that photo blogging just doesn’t make their lives easier it also gets to the point.

Here are a few incredibly easy ‘back-to-basics’ tips for photo blogging for new and old real estate agents alike:

• Take Photos of the Good Stuff
  Since you’re selling a house, it would be a good idea to start off your photo blog by showcasing all the positive and unique aspects of the property that will attract buyers. If, for example, the property lies on a hill, take photos of the scenic view from the top of the hill. Better yet, take photos of the scenery while in the veranda or the deck. These small things may or may not mean a thing for the future property owner but it still gets people visiting your site.
• Use your Smartphone
  Put your smartphone’s dynamic features to work. Take photos with your phone and take advantage of the multiple photo editing apps to liven up your images. Then, post your images to your blog. Most blogs should have a mobile app or mobile version to easily allow you to add posts with images.
• Connect with Social Networks
  Take your blog or site traffic to the next level by syncing it with your existing social networks, such as Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. Instagram is an extremely popular photo app that attracts numerous users. Upload your photos to Instagram and share them on your blog, Facebook and Twitter for more exposure. Remember to add hashtags relative to your property photos so that people can find your images easily.

Happy 4th of July !

We would like to wish you all a Happy 4th of July!Thank you for reading our blog.

The Inman Team

Creating your Mobile Marketing Strategy

Make sure your website displays properly on a smartphone and tablet.  If it does not, adjust your strategy.  Either make your site “responsive” to the device on which it’s being viewed – OR – drive mobile traffic to your profile on another responsive site.  For example,advertisers of The Real Estate Book get a mobile optimized profile and the ability to create a free basic mobile website or an reasonably priced enhanced mobile site.

Use offline tools to drive traffic to your mobile site.  For example, a text or a QR code placed on a yard sign, brochure, a postcard, or an ad will stimulate traffic to your mobile site.  In 2012, advertising pages in The Real Estate Book generated over 300,000 text leads for advertisers. It’s clear that having a call to action placed locally drives response.

SMS text codes placed locally generate more local leads.  Think about your website and those who surf homes online.  You do not know their identity until they decide to register or request more information.  Consumers who have to text a code to see a property are giving you their phone numbers to text them back.   You know who they are right away.

If they text you, respond with a text.   The consumer has chosen their preferred method of communication.  Respect it.  If, after a few texts back and forth, things would be easier explained with a phone call, then call them.  It’s not that you should not call them.  You should just not call them first.  It can be seen as intrusive or pushy.  Instead, text and say, “Did you find the information you needed?  Would you like to know more?”

Mobile leads are leads, not sales.  Recently a local representative told me that not every text lead was converting to business for him.  Let’s set the expectation correctly.  It’s a lead, not a guaranteed sale – or even a conversation.  You still have to work to convert the lead into a conversation, a meeting, some showings, and, hopefully, a sale.  Not every lead you receive from any source always results in a sale.   Also consider that the prospect may be working with another agent and may have that agent set up the showing with you once they've determined their interest.  It may end up being a sale, but you might not be aware of the source of the interest.

Use your mobile marketing strategy in YOUR LISTING PRESENTATION.  In survey after survey, home sellers say that the most important service their agent can offer them is marketing their home to potential buyers.  Make sure they know that you are ahead of the curve when it comes to current marketing trends.  It will increase your credibility, your competitive edge, and your listings. When we put together our presentations for our potential clients, we always include about 3 or 4 pages with how we will market there home. The pages usually include the
 social media websites we use and what advertisements there home will be in. Be sure to specifically write the web address so your clients cant go check out your Facebook page, twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, Instagram, etc. And for the advertisements put in examples, like if you put homes in the Daily Breeze or DIGS magazine, be sure to bring them a copy of the latest issue with your Ad in it. 

Help Discouraged Buyers Stay on Track

Inventory continues to shrink in dozens of metro markets all around the country, creating a headache for buyers who are ready to jump into the market but can’t find the right place. In some cases, these buyers are turning to new construction as an alternative.

How do you keep buyers in the game when demand is outpacing supply? Here are some key steps:

Encourage Them to Get Pre-approved
For starters, get your buyers pre-approved before looking at houses. This is crucial, perhaps more than ever, because of the tight time frames homes are selling in. Encourage buyers to gather documentation they’ll need to submit for a pre-approval, and connect them with a trusted lender in your area to move the process in the right direction. And then—only after this key step is completed—start looking at properties.

Don’t Waste Any Time
If you or your buyers find a home that fits their needs today, you’ll want to get them in for a showing within 24 to 48 hours. Waiting until the weekend to look at a home they really like is not a good idea; the home could be sold by then. Similarly, if your clients see a home they love and want to write an offer, be ready to do so on the spot.

Write Strong Offers
Some buyers think they can still get away with making lowball offers and asking for the washer, dryer and a carpet allowance. With the return of bidding wars and multiple offers, buyers must be ready to present their highest and best offer, and they should ask for minimal concessions. If your buyers can afford to put down more earnest money and a larger down payment, they increase their odds of beating out the competition.

Keep Expectations Realistic
If your buyers are bound to a restrictive price range, don’t let them fall into the trap of reaching beyond their means, no matter how much they’d like to get into a home. Keep their expectations realistic, and advise them to walk away if the transaction simply doesn't work for them. They’ll thank you for it.

Save the Listing Agent’s Time
Listing agents are busy and under the gun to get homes sold. Be the best agent they’ve ever worked with by submitting an offer package complete with a pre-approval letter, a strong, well-written offer and any other supporting documentation that could help your buyers make an impression. Be concise, thorough and responsive, and your efforts could put your clients at the front of the pack if all other things are equal. When it comes down to it, your buyers may still have a tough time finding their dream home in a low-inventory market. New construction is a great alternative; cultivate relationships with local builders and preview some of the up-and-coming projects to familiarize yourself with what’s there. Builders will pay you a commission for bringing a buyer, making this equally beneficial for you and your clients.

Whether it’s a traditional resale or a new home, your knowledge, market expertise and
proactive approach can deliver exactly what your clients are looking for—even in a seller’s market. Above all, stay positive and encourage your buyers not to give up.