Improving Your Business

Stories, articles and advice aimed at improving your business

Listing descriptions: words that could lower your listings’ days on market

We’ll begin with an obvious fact – listing descriptions are important. Indeed, according to the 2016 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors, a whopping 84 percent of prospective homebuyers think detailed information about a

Clients interested in smart locks? Help them prevent hacks

Nearly half of Americans either have or hope to invest soon in smart home technology, a Coldwell Banker survey found. They probably don’t know that the smart home feature the survey found “most appealing” to homebuyers can be hacked.

How will new real estate crowdfunding rules affect agents?

Chicago Agent (CA): What is the significance of Title III crowdfunding in regards to the real estate market? Ron Miller (RM): The significance of Title III is that it’s really the first time in 80 years that non-accredited investors,

Yelp and realtor.com provide new neighborhood-learning tool

Realtor.com and Yelp have partnered to give consumers easier access to neighborhood trend data – and agents could benefit. “Deciding on a potential neighborhood is often the first step in the home buying process,” says Ryan O’Hara, chief executive officer

Fannie Mae makes getting a 3%-down mortgage easier

Fannie Mae introduced its HomeReady mortgage last year as an inexpensive lending option that allows borrowers to come in with as little as 3 percent down. Now it’s making “enhancements” to that option, and that could mean more affordable financing

3 bad pricing habits to nip in the bud with your sellers

Just as everyone has an opinion on weather and sports, viewpoints abound on real estate, particularly the methods and prices one should demand when selling a home. Because of that, your seller clients are likely barraged by misguided advice from

Could Brexit send American real estate money back to London?

Houston Agent (HA): If you could, speculate a worst-case scenario for what Brexit could mean for the country’s residential real estate market? Abby Shemesh (AS): That’s a good question. As far as real estate, I don’t really see a terrible

CFPB proposes important TRID updates

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau today proposed new updates to TRID intended to formalize guidance in the rule, and provide clarity and certainty. The point is to help facilitate compliance within the mortgage industry. “The Bureau’s rules are designed

Can the new Haus app solve a “fundamental problem” in real estate?

One of the minds that brought us Uber is trying to change the face of real estate through a mobile app. The app, called Haus, is for buyers, sellers, and agents, and focuses on the offer process rather than home search.

Sophisticated vs. Salesy: 5 ways to hit the right balance

In the real estate business, agents have to strike a balance between engaging clients on a personal level and employing the sales tactics that will get a home sold. We asked Brian Rayl, a Realtor with Keller Williams who

5 apps helping agents stay safe on the job

Real estate is a people business, and unfortunately, dealing with people can be dangerous. Agents need to make their safety a priority, because not every brokerage will do it for them. According to a report from the National Association

The 10 qualifying questions that lead to a sale

Below are just a few of the questions agents need to ask to assess potential clients’ current situation, motivation, and timeline. How long have you been looking for a new home? How soon do you hope to move? Have

The 7 Deadly Sins of Real Estate

The Internet is such a great place. You get to see how everyone you know is living such a perfect life! Their kids and spouses and parents are just perfect! Real estate is so busy! That house is so perfect!

Four things to know about ultra-high net worth clients

Jerry Seinfeld lives in a $32 million mansion. Michael Jordan is currently selling his $16 million estate, complete with nine bedrooms, 17 bathrooms and a full-sized basketball court – which, according to Zillow, includes locker rooms, showers and a lounge

3 communication mistakes agents should avoid

The real estate agent’s business revolves around communication. Whether it be describing the qualities of a listing, explaining the nuances of the negotiation process, or recommending a top-notch affiliate for home improvement efforts, every aspect of the buying and

Dan Conn, CEO of Christie’s International, on foreign homebuyers in the U.S.

Houston Agent (HA): What factors are influencing international clients to buy U.S. property? Dan Conn (DC): The desire to move equity out of turbulent markets to stable locations continues to prompt wealthy foreigners to buy luxury property in the

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