Articles Index
How many Realtors have a website, or really better, how many bring business?
The National Association of Realtors just released their 2012 Member Profile with a lot of demographic data about real estate professionals. I want to concentrate on what I found interesting in the use of Web sites and the business they generated for the typical Realtor.
Buyer Agents Be Flattered by Commission Cut Requests
Buyer agents should welcome being asked to cut their commission late in negotiations because it means they're doing their job.
Open Houses - One-sided Benefits for Agents
Open houses will probably always be around, but it certainly isn't because they're a value to sellers.
Summary of NAR’s 2011 Commercial Real Estate Outlook
The National Association of Realtors has released its data and forecasts for the last quarter of 2010 through the last quarter of 2011. NAR's forecast focused specifically on rent, net absorption and vacancy rates across the multifamily, office, retail and industrial sectors of commercial real estate.
Which Search Engines Bring Real Estate Website Traffic?
After a number of years with the same major search engines dominating the market, which bring the most traffic to your real estate site? The numbers are very revealing...examples here.
The Importance of LinkedIn for the Real Estate Professional
Though many real estate professionals have set up profiles on MySpace and Facebook to communicate socially with consumers, there is a definite value to the more business-focus approach of LinkedIn.com.
What Does the EISA Rule Mean for Federal Building Leases?
In conjunction with Pres. Obama's goal to make government establishments more energy efficient and sustainable, the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, which was enacted on Dec. 19, 2010, mandates that all federal agencies must lease space in buildings that have earned the EPA's Energy Star label.
Marketing to a Real Estate Niche That May be Going Away
While things were bad and not looking hugely better from 2008 into 2012, and it's a given that many real estate agents had to adapt to keep working, there is a danger in dedicating all resources to a niche that can evaporate quickly.
The Mechanics of Real Estate Podcasting for the Beginner
Real estate podcasting isn't as difficult as you might think. Most computers have microphone and player software pre-installed, and all you need is a good quality headset or microphone to record your voice. If you want music in your podcast or its intro/ending, you should have some audio editing software, but music isn't required.
Working with Specialized Clients Like Dentists
Dentists are just one example of specialized clients that intimidate many commercial real estate agents. Many agents wrongly believe that these professions are best left to medical office experts, and that their expertise in retail or office space would not suffice for this client. That's not necessarily true, however.
Using Google Cloud Print in Your Real Estate Business
Whether you're a one-person show or a large brokerage, Google Cloud Print can improve your ability to print documents to multiple printers in different locations over the Internet. Learn how it works here.
Real Estate Podcasting - Taking Your Image to the Next Level
There is little doubt that this article is ahead of many real estate agent's technology curve. If you're not blogging yet, you need to look at that before you think of podcasting. If you're already blogging and have the time and inclination to put some audio out there about your area, your company and local real estate, this is a start.
The Virtual Real Estate Office with Evernote
Using Evernote, the real estate professional can bring a number of virtual real estate office functions into one application in the cloud for use on all of their mobile and office Web devices. Learn how to do it here.
Organizations that Can Foster Your Commercial Real Estate Career
Commercial real estate organizations increase your network and exposure, making it easier for you to build your client base. While commercial real estate organizations like CCIM are open to agents of every specialty, others, such as BOMA, ICSC, NAIOP and NMHC cater to agents who focus on specific product types.
Real Estate Blogs - A Necessary Real Estate Marketing Strategy
While you may not want to blog, may not think you should or can, you simply must have some type of real estate blog presence if you want a fully-rounded real estate marketing presence on the Internet. There's more than one way to get it done...learn here.
Real Estate Policy Manual - Office Duty and Sales Meetings
Offices that enjoy busy phone and walk-in traffic will want to set up an Office Floor Duty schedule. Associates should be there during business hours to answer questions and greet potential clients.
Blogging for Real Estate With Google +
Real estate blogging with Google + could work, but really well only as a straight real estate blog play. Learn why here.
The fastest way to throw away business is to pre-qualify Internet leads.
When you're told to put forms on your website or blog that ask a lot of questions to pre-qualify Web leads for real estate, IGNORE that bad advice. It simply isn't possible without running off ten times the business it helps you to "qualify."
Google Plus Will Change Real Estate Marketing With Circles
While the geeks like me and some real estate professionals are all over Google + in its first three months since release, it's nothing compared to what will happen when Google releases us to create business profiles. Find out why it's going to be a game-changer for real estate.
My experience with the Zillow Premier Agent program
I'm about ten months into my 12 month Zillow Premier marketing program, and I want to provide experience numbers and compare them with what I could have reasonably expected if I'd used the $468 paid for the Zillow service for one year instead for Google PPC.
Real Estate Investing Without Cash
There are ways in which to make money in real estate investing without cash out of pocket. If you want to get started in real estate investing, these are strategies that work.
Girl Scouts Open Pop-Up Shops in New York Boroughs
The Girl Scouts of America have launched a pilot program of pop-up shops throughout New York during their 2011 cookie season. If successful, Girl Scout executives said they may take the concept nationwide next year.
Early 2011 All About Tech Leases in Seattle
The technology industry has been a bright spot in the commercial real estate recovery. Seattle has been one of the regions that has benefited the most from the tech boom.
Walmart Opens Smaller Stores in Wake of Great Recession
After seven consecutive quarters of diminished sales, Walmart has once again amped up its expansion efforts. This time, however, it's not focused on megastores. Instead, Walmart is looking at modest locations that offer fewer items but more convenience.
Using the Sandwich Lease-to-Own Approach to Owning Rental Property & Profits
For real estate investors with little cash and financing challenges, the sandwich lease to own strategy can provide ownership, lease positive cash flow, and a profit at sale time. Learn how here.