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As a real estate agent, it is paramount that you tackle marketing with due care. And while most agents are aware of the importance of social media and email marketing, few realize the importance of word-of-mouth advertising. And, even amongst those that do, few can articulate the actual benefits. Well, to help combat this, we will use this article to elaborate on word-of-mouth advertising for agents. Interested? Keep reading. Understanding the basics of word-of-mouth marketing At first glance, you may think that word-of-mouth marketing is simply having your clients recommend you to their friends and family. And while this is an integral part of it, it is worth noting that word-of-mouth marketing entails a bit more than that. By tackling it properly, you ensure that your clients become a part of your marketing, not just passive observers. Can you work on it? If word-of-mouth marketing were simply getting recommendations from prior clients, you would not have to work much for it. Having a good rapport and making a generally good impression would be all you need. But, since word-of-marketing entails a bit more, you should be aware of different methods of improving it. What is important to remember here is that it, just like any other type of marketing, is an investment. As such, it stands to help you find new clients. But only if you tackle it with due care and research. Encouraging reviews A big part of word-of-mouth marketing comes through online efforts. While it is terrific for your clients to hear about you directly from their friends, it is also quite helpful for them to find out about you from other clients. And the easiest way to make that happen is to make reviews easy to see and easy to leave. Try to remind and encourage every client to leave a review after working with you. Google and Yelp are clear choices for reviews that you can later copy and post on your website. The critical thing to remember is that every review is helpful. Good ones will show you in a good spotlight and help build your brand as a capable real estate agent. Poor ones will help you learn from potential mistakes and help convince your audience that you are trustworthy. One thing good real estate agents never do is to argue with poor reviews or try to have them removed. By doing so, you put yourself in a lose-lose situation. Where gracefully accepting a poor review only stands to show you in a good light. Referral programs Referral programs are also an effective way to use word-of-mouth marketing to your benefit. It would be best if you found companies that have a natural connection with real estate. These are usually moving and storage companies, but you can also call plumbers and other maintenance specialists. A referral program entails that they will recommend you to their clients, and you'll recommend them. For instance, clients will likely have to find a moving company if they are selling their property. And you, the savvy real estate agent that you are can give them advice on finding the best fit for what they need. By understanding the client's needs, you can help them solve relocation problems more easily. And the more you work with local companies, the more you will know which ones to recommend and which ones to avoid. The one thing you really ought to avoid is connecting yourself to subpar companies. Benefits of word-of-mouth advertising for agents While there are other methods to improve word-of-mouth marketing, those as mentioned earlier are the ones most commonly used among real estate agents. So, to help you get the whole idea, we will now cover the benefits of word-of-mouth advertising for real estate agents. Finding more customers The unique thing about word-of-mouth advertising is that clients don't perceive it as traditional marketing. With standard marketing, you have to convince customers that you are worth working with. While with word-of-mouth, other people do it for you. As such, clients often perceive word-of-mouth as far more trustworthy than traditional marketing. This means that the people who hear about you from previous clients or through referral programs with companies like nwmoving.com and others are far more likely to employ you. Better rapport with future clients Another benefit is that the clients that come to you due to word-of-mouth advertising already have a positive image of you. If it were simply up to standard marketing, you would have to work harder to make an excellent first impression. Just because a customer called you does not mean that they trust you. And during their first meeting with you, they will make up their mind whether you can help them or not. Meanwhile, with word-to-mouth, an excellent first impression is pretty much guaranteed. Brand growth Even if it does not necessarily lead to new clients, word-of-mouth marketing will help you tremendously with brand growth. The more people talk about you, both online and in-person, the more established you will become in the local area. And before long, you will have companies looking to make lucrative referral deals simply to benefit from being associated with you. How important is word-of-mouth advertising for Agents - Final thoughts By now, it should be pretty evident that real estate agents need to invest in word-of-mouth marketing. In fact, few other marketing strategies are as effective as word-of-mouth advertising for agents. The only thing to remember here is that you need to tackle it with due care. This means researching your niche market and seeing how to best place yourself. And it also means answering any client request, comment, or review that you happen to come by. Your clients need to feel that you are constantly communicating with them and that you are more than willing to help them. The more they feel that you are a part of their team, the more willing they will be a part of yours. Written by: Lisa Robert with US Home Experts

Buying a house is the biggest investment in everybody's life. That's why it's normal for buyers to feel anxious, excited, and indecisive thought the whole process. After all, it's one of the most important decisions to make in life, so they want to feel confident they're making the right one. When overwhelmed with so many options and information, it's common to get confused and question everything. Therefore, as a real estate agent, you have to find a way to communicate with clients properly. You need to understand the reasoning behind their indecisiveness and help them get through it. That's why we've prepared some helpful tips for working with indecisive buyers. So, keep reading to find out how to make the whole process smoother. Stay on top of what they know regarding real estate Nowadays, you can find information about anything - everywhere. We are all just a few clicks away from anything we want to find out. With that said, homebuyers usually start their own research about real estate trends as soon as they decide to buy a home. This process begins long before they decide to hire a real estate agent. Therefore, your job is to find out what they already know and further build on this. One of the biggest problems is that buyers will listen to everybody - random people online, their friends, neighbors, to family. Unfortunately, none of these people are actually experts in real estate. So, your clients might easily get indecisive because of some false information they heard from someone that's not competent enough. Working with indecisive buyers means you'll have to learn where they gather their information and understand the core of their indecisiveness. Use your knowledge to educate them The best way to cure this indecisiveness in your buyers is by educating them about real estate and the current trends. As we said, they gather their information from everywhere and everyone, so it's your job to lead them towards the right sources. As a professional real estate agent, you have vast knowledge on this matter. So, use it to guide your buyers toward making the right decision. After all, you are your client's advisor. You should be able to back up everything with facts and examples. Once your clients realize you know what you're talking about, you'll gain trust. Having a trustworthy and reliable real estate agent by their side means everything to clients. For example, you can suggest your clients visualize themselves living in a house they're visiting. Tell them to think about where they would put furniture, what decoration would go with the house's style, etc. This is a great trick that will help them see if this is a good fit for them or not. Additionally, according to City Movers, this trick can also come in handy on the moving-in day. The clients can tell their movers exactly where they want their things to go. Be professional yet friendly The last thing indecisive buyers want is a pushy and unprofessional real estate agent. They want an expert who will listen to their wants and needs and advise them about their situation. This means you'll have to strike a balance between being professional and friendly. Indecisive buyers are more likely to listen to everything you have to say if they feel like you're there for them and not just to make a sale. They need both a friend and an adviser in you. Therefore, make sure you're always honest with them and show them that they are your priority. This way, they will know they can trust you and your suggestions. Always offer alternatives Too many options on the market often cause clients' indecisiveness. However, your job as a real estate agent is to find a few properties that check almost everything from their wishlists. When we say find a few properties, we mean give them a choice between 3 or 4 houses that match their needs and wants. The more houses they see, the more indecisive they will get. Therefore, 3 or 4 houses represent the perfect middle ground. You will show them a few alternatives and use your knowledge to explain the pros and cons of each property. The important thing is not to force one property on your clients. Instead, offer them your professional and honest advice and give them solutions to potential problems. For example, if they're indecisive because of the location, provide them with information about the neighborhood, transportation options, community activities, etc. You can even suggest a local moving company and tips on speeding up the moving process. If they like the house and you offer them some tips on this, they will feel more confident about making a final decision. Be understanding about their feelings Another tip for working with indecisive buyers is being patient and understanding about their feelings. If they feel like you are just there to sell them a house for your own profit, they won't cooperate at all. Therefore, you need to listen to what they say and show them you understand why they're feeling indecisive about buying a house. Many clients are indecisive because they don't have a clear idea of what they want. By giving them space and showing them you're accepting of their process, they will eventually set clear goals and become more decisive. Maybe you won't have clear answers at the very beginning, but if you understand that your clients need more time, they will let you guide them. Final thoughts on working with indecisive buyers While working with indecisive buyers can be challenging, knowing it's not impossible is important. There are many ways you can guide them through the process of buying a house. As an expert, you should rely on your knowledge and shower your clients with facts and advice. Additionally, show them you're understanding and that you're there to help them no matter how they feel. This will show them they have a trustworthy and reliable real estate agent by their side. As a result, you'll be able to lead them towards making the best possible decision. Are you ready to do it? Written by: Lisa Robert with US Home Experts

Numerous sales strategies are trending in the world of commercial real estate right now. However, it takes some research and consideration to choose the one that is best for your client. After thorough research, weighing out the pros and cons is perhaps the only way to sell the property at or above its market value. Keep in mind that property owners tend to gravitate towards the cheapest and least time-consuming methods of sale for commercial properties. However, taking such routes may be astoundingly ineffective. That is why successful real estate agents never go for the most obvious selling strategy. Sale at a fixed price is not the best method of sale out there An essential aspect of the selling process to keep in mind is the contingency of the marketing campaign on the selling strategy. Likewise, the usual ‘sale at a fixed price’ method is simply not applicable to all contexts, especially in commercial real estate. Experienced real estate agents in your area will be aware of this, so be cautious and explore other options carefully. Your clients will rely on your research skills, judgment, and expertise, so never lose this out of sight. But no need to worry. We are here to introduce you to the most effective commercial property selling strategies and the situations in which you can use them. So, let’s take a look. Sale by private treaty This sale method is also referred to as the ‘float and home’ method. Namely, the asking price is set very high at first. The idea is to allow the buyer to lower it, but only to work in the seller’s favor. This means that the seller is in control during the listing process and the buyer during negotiations. However, the given method allows the real estate agent to ‘haggle’ during negotiations. Yet, you must have the necessary negotiating skills and experience. If you choose this method, prepare yourself and your client for a potentially drawn-out marketing campaign. Following this selling strategy, you want to maximize the property’s exposure to the greatest number of buyers. Selling to the first bidder out there usually results in a non-lucrative sale. However, as we mentioned, waiting for an adequate offer might drag out the promotion of the property. Use the treaty method carefully Undertaking this strategy can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you might be able to drive the buyer to accept a higher price. On the other, you are risking selling the commercial property under the market value. As a result, most experienced commercial real estate agents tend to avoid this method of sale. This is particularly true when the market is saturated with good property listings. In other words, resort to this method only if the property has a lot of potential and the local market is unusually quiet. Also, take into account that you might have to go through several rounds of negotiations. The longer the commercial property lingers on the market, the more it is depreciated from the point of view of all the parties involved. Sometimes it happens that the interested party even backs out of the negotiations. This can seriously damage the seller’s plans, especially if they have set the moving out date. A remedy to this problem can be to hire the services of a moving company such as orangemover.com as their experience and flexibility can help you find a way around this problem. There is even a term established to describe such properties - lemon. The high pricing or too much time spent on the market puts off buyers like a domino effect. This sour situation is something you should avoid at all costs. So, make sure you don’t overinflate the asking price, as it might entirely extinguish the buyers’ interest. Sale by tender Selling a commercial property using this method allows you to remove the asking price entirely. As the interested buyers come forward with their offers, their value estimates can surpass the property’s expected or actual market value. This is one of the most popular methods of sale for commercial properties currently. However, many first-time buyers may not be as skilled when it comes to tenders. Hence, they may hesitate to get involved. This means you will lose out on this portion of potentially interested parties. Before you list the commercial property for sale by tender, take that into account. In addition, the waiting time between putting your home up on tender and closing might put off a portion of buyers on the lower end of the market. Renovation or relocation to a commercial property is typically much more demanding than residential properties. That is why most buyers want to wrap up the purchase as soon as possible. If you encounter a delay due to tender competition, it is best to find a company that ensures flexible and easy transfer to the new facility. Sale by public auction Finally, there is the sale by auction. The initial period of exposure of the listing on the market is most important. The sale by auction method takes advantage of the novelty of the listing and the interest it creates. The seller calls the shots here rather than the buyer. How so? The buyers have to conform to the auction terms in that there is a strict deadline for placing the offers. Note that the advertising in this selling scheme is intensive in the first month or so. It is also very widespread. In most cases, the marketing goes beyond the state’s borders, sometimes even internationally. With that said, it makes sense to join a referral program that can connect you with experienced commercial real estate agents abroad. This kind of exposure will help you attract only serious buyers. This is one of the best methods of sale for commercial properties as it stimulates competition. Hence, it brings several benefits to your clients. Written by: Lisa Robert with US Home Experts

After so many properties sold during the busy summer season, the Christmas holidays are typically when most professional real estate agents decide to take a break from showings, exhausting negotiations, and closing deals. So, as expected, there is a noticeable slump in the number of properties sold during Christmas. Nevertheless, it is best to devise a tenable Christmas real estate strategy so that you do not lose out on any lucrative sales over the holidays. Of course, it is perfectly fine to reduce your activities and get a well-deserved rest during the Christmas festivities. However, it may be a grave mistake if you completely let yourself go. Sure, homebuyers prefer the spring and summer seasons to venture into buying a property. Yet, this does not mean winter should be underestimated. Even if there are not as many sales going on, you should still use the time to expand your influence and reach. For instance, you can try out a real estate referral program and see if you can share or attain new clients from other real estate agents. Admittedly, you may not have as many opportunities to close a sale during the holidays. But precisely because you do not have any other responsibilities on your agenda, wintertime is the perfect season to perfect your marketing and customer satisfaction strategies. This kind of foresight will allow you to reap the benefits come spring as you attract new clientele over the winter. So, let’s take a look at a few strategies that can help promote your real estate services this Christmas. Think about ways to improve your marketing Just as people set down their New Year’s resolutions, many real estate agents use the Christmas holidays to anticipate what the next year may bring to them. Hence, it makes sense to critically analyze the extent to which your marketing efforts for the year paid off. In other words, assess the return on investment each marketing strategy brought to you and think ahead. What could you do this year to improve your reach, finances, and reputation? We have a few ideas on how you can improve your standing: Update your website Your online presence can be a good and efficient way to attract new clients next year. Use your website to put forward a recap of this year’s achievements. Yet, you can also present a few calls to action or overviews of future projects to entice interest. Potential clients will probably appreciate your online presence and proactive communication with your audience. Also, if your website is still not optimized for mobile phones, this is the perfect time to do so. Keep in touch with your (prospective) clients through email marketing Generating leads through an email marketing campaign is all the rage these days and for a good reason. Email marketing is an excellent way to expand your influence and get in touch with prospective (and current) clients. You can appeal to your email contacts with a simple but memorable holiday greeting card. Of course, be sure to integrate something useful for your clients into the email. A short and sweet introduction to what you can do for them is a great way to show off your practices. You can also include an entertaining overview of current and future real estate trends. This is a good way to entice interest even in those people who may not have thought about purchasing real estate in the first place. Or, you can make their planning easier by sending out a list of trusted moving agencies that do relocations in your area. Knowing that hnmovers.com, for instance, does short and long-distance relocations in Maryland should help the client devise a relocation plan in time and make them appreciate your help and resourcefulness. Stay active on social media So, even if you plan to take a break this Christmas, not everything has to go to a standstill. Your social media posts and activities are a subtle way to promote your services, give advice, and show what lies in store after Christmas in an approachable way. What’s more, you can choose which audiences you want to reach based on your plans for the following year. Remember, the sky’s the limit when it comes to advertising through social media. But, just as with email campaigns, it makes sense to devise your social media marketing strategy so that it gives people something of value. Quirky Christmas ads are perfectly fine, but they can only take you so far. A better approach is to educate your audiences and provide relevant information. For example, you can make a video explaining common staging mistakes, how to ‘winterize’ their home this Christmas, or office equipment packing strategies for an easy and stress-free transfer. Feel free to share industry tricks and insights in short, entertaining packages. Your efforts and real estate enterprise will stick to the hearts and minds of the audience. Remind clients you are active during the holidays All of the aforementioned real estate marketing strategies have a definite purpose. Namely, they serve to remind clients that you are available and active during the holidays. Hence, your marketing should be directed toward reassuring your clientele that they can still purchase property or list their homes for sale with your help. A single quick note or email newsletter could just as well turn into a gratifying project. So, if you have not tried this Christmas real estate strategy so far, now is a perfect time. Written by: Lisa Robert with US Home Experts

Becoming a real estate agent takes a lot of work and dedication. It is a profession you take home, not a 9-5 job that you won't think about during the off hours. However, the real question is whether you wish to separate the two. Do real estate agents need a physical office or are they better off handling their obligations from home? Although a complex subject, we're here to look at some facts that will hopefully help you reach a satisfying decision. Whether real estate agents need a physical office is subjective The first thing you should know before asking yourself whether RE agents need a physical office or not is whether this matters. Of course, you should do your research and come up with a decision that's reasonable and right. However, just as you become a real estate agent not only because of the statistics and objectively positive sides of this profession but because you enjoy it, you need to do the same here. All this to say that you should look at all the pros and cons and weigh in both sides, but make your final decision based on what you feel is best for you. The most critical RE work happens far from the office Not many people outside this line of work realize that a lot of what we as agents do happens outside the four walls of our offices. Of course, there's quite a bit of paperwork and dull obligations we need to do daily. However, communication with clients and connections with professionals in our line of work make us great and decide whether the job is done well or not. Most clients never even make it to the office of their RE agent. Nowadays, most deals are done over the phone, over a cup of coffee, or, ideally, over the internet. Of course, the most critical part of any RE transaction happens inside the property at hand. It all makes you wonder whether real estate agents need a physical office. Accessibility is key Being accessible to your clients is a great part of any real estate agent's job. In fact, this is one of the essential qualities clients look for while searching for a real estate agent. It means that you need to be as easy to reach as possible, whether you own an office or not. Are digital signatures a real thing? Many RE agents, especially those that have been in the game for a while and like to keep things traditional, wonder whether digital signatures have real value. This would be something that would genuinely make working from home rather than in an office easier. It's also something that could open doors for you if you wish to sell long-distance. You'll be happy to know that digital documents are perfectly valid and legally binding. Finding common ground If you haven't made up your mind about whether real estate agents need a physical office and wish to relocate your office to your home, that's perfectly fine. It's a great in-between option. You'll still have a place that you go to for work, but it won't be as obviously limiting and confining. But make sure to plan the office relocation properly to do it with ease. If you organize well and hire the necessary help, you will do it in no time and without sacrificing your work. You can work remotely during this time While your office is being moved, it's an excellent opportunity to see how well you'll work from home. Pick any room in your house that's quiet and isolated, and try to work from there. It may not go smoothly in the beginning, but you'll get used to it. Find reliable movers Look for a good moving company that'll help you achieve this in a short timeframe so that you can start your work as soon as possible. If you need advice on finding movers, experts at simplifystorage.com suggest beginning your search online. Check online databases, pay attention to the reviews, and visit the company websites. This search will help you weed out all the sketchy companies. When you narrow down your options to a few reliable companies, ask them to provide you with a moving quote. Then compare the estimates and the services they offer and pick the company that will give the best value for your money. Advantages of having an office There are certain advantages of having an office as an RE agent that you need to consider. ● Separate work from home You'll be able to separate work from home more easily if you own a physical office that's detached from your home. ● More productivity and motivation Having a physical place that you know is meant only for work is proven to help us concentrate and do what we need. ● More privacy If you have a large family with small children, working from your home can be stressful. By having a physical office, you won't have this type of distraction. Advantages of working wherever you feel like it Of course, a good real estate agent knows what works for them. Here are some positive sides of working from home or any other place. ● No commute-related stress Stressing out over commuting to work is a prevalent problem. It not only wastes your time, but it can also cost quite a bit. If you were to work remotely, this wouldn't be an issue. ● You'll save some money As we've mentioned, you'll save money on commuting. However, that isn't all. When you work from wherever is convenient, you won't have to spend a lot on eating out, fancy clothes, childcare, coffee, etc. ● More time for family If you decide to work from home, you can have more time for your kids and loved ones. Especially if you don't mind taking some calls during a family day, your options are endless. Always think about your clients Before you make your final decision about whether real estate agents need a physical office or not, there's one more thing to mention. Although you should always put your needs first, think about what's good for the business. What will be the best thing for your clients? Written by: Lisa Robert with US Home Experts

It is relatively common to have your vision, and thus, business strategy on how you need to do your job as a real estate agent. Yet, there are numerous skills and characteristics that an accomplished real estate agent should have. For starters, being informed, patient, and diligent when it comes to satisfying your customer's needs is a must. Furthermore, you need to be a consummate marketing expert to attract clients. Excellent communications skills are also a significant advantage. So, it is pretty easy to pinpoint what makes a good real estate agent. However, we will switch a different perspective and talk about the things successful real estate agents never do. It makes sense to acknowledge the things successful real estate agents never do. Taking a closer look at what not to do as a real estate agent is a relatively neglected point of view. Also, it is usually hard to see where your faults may lie. So, taking this perspective allows you to analyze your performance objectively and locate how you may bolster your career. Therefore, it pays to have a mental ‘rulebook’ to remind you what might be a wrong approach or conviction. In fact, showing a willingness to learn and adapt to changing circumstances is one of those invaluable assets your clients will immensely appreciate. Never expect immediate results Whether you are a new agent or just relocating to a new real estate market, you might be inclined to expect everything to roll out smoothly in the first few weeks. However, generating enough experience and clout to sell listing after listing does not usually happen immediately. The key is to be patient. Just as you advise your clients - manage your expectations and arm yourself with patience. Advertising is the real estate agent’s best friend Impactful advertising plays a pivotal role in a real estate agent's career. A good pop culture example illustrating this is Saul Goodman's marketing campaign in the wildly popular TV series "Breaking Bad." His brazen and unsubtle promotional videos and catchphrases "Better Call Saul" and "It's all good man" (that is, "It's Saul Goodman") do an excellent job targeting precisely the people on the wrong side of the law. So, it helps to have a clear idea of the kinds of properties and clients you want to attain. Firstly, you may want to figure out what kind of client profiles work for you best. Then, you can use this focus group as a foundation for establishing your brand. Essentially, investing in an engaging, memorable marketing campaign will make you stand out from the crowd. Furthermore, profuse and dedicated commitment to advertising is the easiest way to accumulate clout. That is why all good real estate agents know their market and play their advertising cards accordingly. Successful real estate agents offer a versatile range of services Another way you can make yourself more visible to potential clients is to offer them your skills in the field of real estate and access to other services they could find helpful. So, teaming up with a time-tested and experienced moving company is one way you can appeal to your clientele, as they can rely on you throughout the home selling or home buying process. And the experts from Slattery Moving and Storage confirm this. They cooperate with several agents from different areas who recommend their services. Good real estate agents never fail to make use of technology and social media Modern-day tech and social media trends offer us a fantastic way to assess current real estate trends. Communicating with potential clients in person and online can help you extend your area of influence considerably. So, your social media presence can help you gauge what appeals to people when they are looking to buy a property. For instance, most homebuyers in the US are exalted when the property has a kitchen island or plenty of storage space. There are many such structural and home decor trends you can take notice of and use to your advantage. This kind of awareness of what appeals to your clients will help you build a meaningful relationship with them. Knowing that you are in tune with current trends and their preferences will also allow clients to communicate their needs freely. They may perhaps even put in a good word for you with their friends and family. So, not only does this allow you to know which strengths of the property on sale you should highlight, but it can also help you guide the client through the home purchase, offering advice on how to add a personal touch to a home they may not feel like theirs. So, before they decide to buy or move into the purchased property, you can provide tips on making the place feel like home and help them ease into the process. Successful real estate agents are not solo players If you are still inexperienced or are struggling to establish yourself in the given real estate market, you may want to seek out a mentor or look into different career advancement options. Many real estate agents collaborate with real estate referral organizations that allow them to 'trade' their clients with other real estate agents worldwide. Also, you should do your best to become part of the local real estate community. You can do this by attending industry events and workshops. Use your networking skills and acumen to draw attention to yourself. Just stay motivated and try not to do the things successful real estate agents never do. Eventually, success will come your way. Written by: Lisa Robert with US Home Experts

As you may already know, the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred vast interest in real estate. The reasons are many. So many people have switched to remote working. In addition, the mortgage rates are fairly low, resulting in a considerable number of people investing in their first home or summer house. In total, what you have is one of the largest property-buying waves this country has ever seen. Consequently, median property listing prices have increased by 23% since the start of the pandemic. This is excellent news for anyone who made a career change to become a licensed real estate agent. Hence, we will discuss what to expect of the housing market in 2022 so that you can plan out your property selling strategies. So far, the real estate market has been predominantly a seller's market. However, the real estate predictions for next year are not as bright. Many homebuyers are expressing reservations in the face of exorbitant real estate prices and soaring prices of appliances and other home inventory. This means that building a solid relationship of trust with the clients is a top priority for real estate agents in 2022. But what does this waning of buyers’ interest hold in store for the housing market in 2022? How will the housing market fare in 2022 after a period of rapid increase in homebuyer activity? Growth of prices in the 2022 housing market - but slower Industry professionals mostly expect slower growth in the global housing market but growth nonetheless. Some research into real estate trends predicts just a 2.7% increase in housing prices in 2022. This comes as no surprise since this year has seen unprecedented price growth, the highest in the last 45 years. As income growth has not followed up the surge in real estate prices, it is only natural that the housing market will slow down compared to 2021 and 2020. In fact, the slowing appreciation is already quite apparent in the housing market. Some estimates show that median home prices from April 2020 to April 2021 grew by 17.2%. Yet, in the following months, it amounted to only 8.6% of an increase. Just by looking at the numbers, you could be swayed into thinking that real estate agents are in for a significant reduction in client interest. However, this decrease is unlikely to downturn home pricing developments in 2022. If you, however, notice these changes affect the buyer's demand in your local real estate market, then joining a real estate referral program might bring in a lot of benefits for you and your business strategy. Many successful real estate agents choose to build their client network in this way as it allows them to partner up with experienced real estate referral agents. This is just one of the ways you can prosper if the housing market affects your operations in the coming year. Millennials will positively influence the housing market in 2022 It is not just remote working induced by the pandemic that has instigated the increase in housing prices so far. There is a surge in demand as many Millennials are reaching an age when they can afford to buy their own property and move out of their parent's homes. Aside from Millennials, many people are now also working remotely. This has helped spur the growth of housing prices. Also, homebuilding companies have been playing it safe since the 2008 housing bust. Thus, the housing supply can hardly satisfy the combined demand of Millennials and remote workers. In fact, some claim the US housing market lacks a staggering 4 million homes than what will be needed in 2022. Some estimates even show this number is as large as 6.8 million! There is a shortage of homes, especially single-family homes. If you have finally purchased your own home or plan to do so in the next year, be sure to plan out your relocation in good time. Given that a large chunk of Millennials still express interest in buying property, the consultants at strongassmovers.com advise that you book a slot as soon as you seal the deal with your real estate agent. Second-home residential real estate might experience a softening The year 2022 might see the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, some estimates show that the trend of buying in second-home markets rather than metropolitan areas will significantly diminish in 2022. A lot of companies have already abandoned the remote working business model since many people are getting vaccinated. So, home values in large cities and economically developed neighborhoods should prosper continuously. But, vacation properties in rural or areas distant from big city centers are unlikely to stay in vogue in 2022. Second-home markets will likely plummet in 2022. Showings and offers in second home real estate are likely to diminish as well But what will all of this mean for real estate agents? How will these projections influence their workdays? Some experts believe that property sales in the last year indicate that the housing price will remain relatively stable in 2022. This means that an undersupply of affordable housing in the global real estate market is likely to stay. In addition, interest in the second home market will expectedly diminish, as we have mentioned. As a consequence, so will the number of showings and, with it, buyers' offers. For real estate agents, this is a fairly grim prediction of what to expect of the housing market in 2022. Hence, be sure to figure out a solution well ahead of time. You could expand your influence internationally or find more clients through a referral program. Whatever you decide, make sure you enter 2022 well-prepared! Written by: Lisa Robert with US Home Experts

Moving to a new place is often challenging. However, things get complicated if you also need to start your career from the beginning. Real estate agents base their businesses on the knowledge of the local market, sellers and buyers. Therefore, when they need to move and start working somewhere else, things get a bit challenging. However, this doesn’t need to be a problem for you. You can try out the best practices for relocating as a real estate agent that we selected to make the transition as easy as possible. Get the necessary licenses Moving to another state or country might mean you’ll have to get a new license. Make sure you research the reciprocity and portability between your old and new place and see what you need to do to start working as soon as possible. You can also begin the coursework online, even before you relocate. Some states allow taking courses and even the licensing exam through a professional provider, which can be a great way to save time after the move. Know the new location well Even if you haven’t lived there before, you need to know exactly where you’re moving to. This means you should do detailed research on the new area – market, competition, house prices, local amenities, etc. If you start moving preparations on time, you will have time to inform yourself about the local market and be ready for this new chapter in your career. If you're still not sure where you should move to develop your career, follow the people who have moved recently. See what the popular spots among US citizens are and take your pick. If you notice that some places gain most new residents, it is an important factor for every real estate agent. Such locations will make it easier for you to gain new clients as there’s enough business for everyone. Don’t underestimate the competition Depending on where you’re moving to, the competition you’ll face can be either high or low. It means there are either many small real estate businesses all around the city or only a couple of strong ones that have gained the most trust. In both scenarios, you shouldn’t underestimate your competition but try to pull your strongest game. It’s good to research the market and see what the other businesses in the area are. Next, choose the best strategy for gaining the trust of a new agent in the city. Try to convince people why you’re the best option – show some new energy and perspective as a refreshment in the local real estate market. Some of the strategies to try out It’s not easy to pick a strategy that will help you dive into the new real estate market. However, after you research the area, evaluate your strengths and see what businesses are your competition, you will be able to decide on the best strategy. You can try some of the following methods: • team up with the local agents – you can try to get in touch with the top local agents and ask them to allow you to work their excess customers in exchange for a referral fee; • you can also offer to help them out whenever they are not able to work or go on a vacation; • try out rental business for a while to help you gain more knowledge about the local market. Finally, it would help to remember the lead creation strategies you once used to create your previous referral network. There’s so much you can do here, from being active on social media, investing time in content marketing, etc. Do everything you can to catch the eye of your new potential clients. Remember: in general, social media and online presence is a powerful way to become known in a new place. Make sure you use it wisely to present your business, connect to similar accounts and companies, build partnerships, etc. Join a referral program Real estate referral agencies offer benefits for real estate agents and clients who want to buy a property. Joining such a program can help you get new clients and give you a chance to be helpful and recommend someone from your previous location. Introduce yourself to the community To be able to get new customers, people need to know you arrived. Connections and marketing are everything in this business, so be sure to meet as many people as possible. Relocating as a real estate agent is challenging as you need to gain the trust you once already built from scratch. However, it’s not impossible. Try meeting other agents in the area, host a housewarming party, and focus on open houses. Furthermore, inform yourself about the local events in your new neighborhood, and attend as many of them as you can. Connections are crucial when starting a new business chapter, so be sure to introduce yourself to the new community. Don’t forget to plan your relocation With all the real estate business plans, don’t forget to plan your relocation. The detailed organization will not only save you money and time but also minimize stress. Your mental preparation will start months before you move, but the actual moving plans should accompany it. It's always best to focus on safety and reliability – that’s why you shouldn’t skip checking the moving company you hire. The moving business has grown a lot, so browse reliable experts only on safe online locations. For example, you can find your match according to the place you're moving to on Verified Movers. Like many others, this is a secure database of professionals. Once you have found the best movers, schedule your moving day on time, and start packing bit by bit. Relocating as a real estate agent takes time Don’t forget that relocating as a real estate agent is a process that lasts long after the actual moving date. It’s a procedure that consists of several stages and takes a lot of effort – which will give positive results very soon. Set your goals and keep going towards them without any worries – hard work always pays off! Written by: Lisa Robert with US Home Experts

Not everyone has a knack for being in the sales business. It takes particular talents as well as guts. Selling real estate is not as easy as it might seem at first. You not only need to know how to work with people, choose and market the right properties, but you also need to have a license. Additionally, you must be at least 18 years old or a high school graduate and have a Social Security number issued by the United States. However, if you meet these fundamental prerequisites and are ready to start assisting folks in the Sunshine State with home purchases, you should go for it. Here's how to get your Florida sales associate license. Attend a pre-license course The first step to becoming a real estate agent is simple. To get a Florida sales associate license, you need to pass the state-approved 63-hour sales associate pre-license course and exam. The course covers real estate laws, practice, and principles, as well as real estate math. It's available online or in a classroom setting at a real estate school or at Realtor associations and boards throughout the state. The cost of a course program ranges from $100 to $500. However, you don't need to take the pre-license course if you're already licensed to practice law in Florida. By attaching a copy of your current Florida Bar card to the exam application, you can take the sales associate exam. Some of the topics you'll need to prepare for this exam are: ● The fundamentals of the real estate industry ● Statutes and rules governing real estate ● Relationships between agencies ● How to follow the rules of state and federal legislation ● Rules regulating real estate ● Mortgages and financing methods Take the Florida real estate exam to get your Florida sales associate license There is a course final test if you have completed all of the course materials, met the minimum time requirement, and passed the practice exam. 70 percent is the minimum score you need to have if you wish to obtain a sales associate license in Florida. You may retest once within one year of the initial exam. If you fail the final exam, you will have to restart the course before being allowed to retake it. Have your prints ready To take the exam and get a Florida sales associate permit, you'll need to acquire your digital fingerprints. They are required by the Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR). They use them to conduct a background check. You must get your fingerprints taken at least five days before submitting your application for a driver's license. Research where to get electronic fingerprints and how to get them in PDF. The cost of fingerprinting varies depending on the vendor, but it usually ranges from $50 to $80. You will also be required to provide your Social Security number. After that, go to the DBPR and fill out an application. The total cost of this service is $83.75. You can pay for it online or with a check or money order mailed to you. The DBPR reviews all applications. When your application is approved, you will receive an email from Pearson VUE (generally takes 10 to 30 days). The state test will be overseen by Pearson VUE, which offers the course in a variety of forms and locations. Keep an eye out for an email from Pearson VUE with the subject line "Authorization to Test'' informing you that you are qualified to take the exam. This email will contain your Candidate ID number, which you'll need to register for the Pearson VUE exam. Even though it may seem a bit complicated, it'll be all worth it once you get your Florida real estate license. Hire a real estate referral company If you wish to become a real estate agent, it's always best to have as much information as possible. Make sure to seek out the advice of people that are competent and trustworthy. One of the most valuable secrets of being a good real estate agent is knowing which pieces of info have value and which you should pass on. Contacting a real estate referral company for advice is a very smart move. Additionally, once you're done with all the technicalities, you can pair up with them and expand your business with their help. Pair up with movers Another kind of company whose advice and cooperation you may need is a moving company. If you manage to find trustworthy people to pair up with, you can offer your clients great package offers. People who are purchasing a house quite often need help moving into it. We talked to the team behind Big Man's Moving Company, who assured us that they gladly work with any reputable agent, as it is in both of their interests. Team up with a broker Until you are linked with a licensed broker, your real estate license is not officially active. Using the DBPR RE 11–Sales Associate form, a sponsoring broker will activate your license (you'll get a confirmation in PDF). Become a member of a local Realtor association or board Joining the local board linked with your broker is something you'll most likely do once you get your Florida sales associate license. Dues and offerings usually differ by the local board, so you should look into your options. You will automatically and officially become a member of the Florida Realtors state association as well as the National Association of Realtors after you join your local board. Deciding to move to Florida and become a real estate agent If you're just now moving to Florida and are researching how to become a real estate agent there, you'll also need to take care of some other things. There's really no definitively optimal season for this since it's pretty much always very hot in Florida. However, you can plan everything out in detail and make sure that your relocation happens as quickly and smoothly as possible. Once you're situated and refreshed, you'll get to enjoy the great sides of this climate. Choose quality over quantity Once you get your Florida sales associate license, don't simply do the bare minimum and call it a day. Make sure that you're using your real estate agent qualities to give your clients everything they deserve and everything they've paid for. Only then will you be able to fully enjoy your job and the fruits of your labor. Additionally, know that clients always sense if you're giving it your all, which is precisely how your business will expand and bloom. Written by: Lisa Robert with US Home Experts

When you’re beginning your career as a real estate agent, you might think that you should take on every client. Over time, you will learn that there are some clients you are better off without. Perhaps they are just asking around and aren’t really interested, but they end up wasting your precious time. To find out which clients you need to say ‘No’ to, here are 9 questions every agent should ask a new real estate client. 1. Are they going to be working with you exclusively? Don’t take on clients that already have another real estate agent. There is a code of ethics amongst agents to not interfere with the sales of another agent. If the client in question has already signed with someone else, they may also be violating their previous relationship. It’s best to steer clear of those situations and avoid violating any laws. To be on the safe side, you could meet your clients through a referral program. If that’s the case, both sides will know that the other is vouched for. 2. Have they bought or sold a house before? Find out if your clients have any previous experience when it comes to buying or selling property. This is one of the first questions every agent should ask a new real estate client in order to know who they are dealing with. If they have no experience when it comes to real estate purchases, you will need to spend some time explaining the process to them. 3. Why are they buying or selling the property, and why right now? Ask your clients about their motivation to get into the real estate market. This will help you evaluate their sincerity and willingness to follow through. If the clients have an urgent need to buy property, they will probably be more committed to closing the deal. It still doesn’t hurt to ask them why they are in a rush. When talking to your clients about their timing, you will also gain a lot of information on how much work they have put into preparing for the sale. This can give you a better idea of how much preparation is left and what kind of work still needs to be done. 4. How will you communicate? There is another question hidden inside this one, and that’s how often do the clients expect you to communicate. It’s up to the real estate agent to build a relationship with the client. However, some clients can take things too far and expect you to be available at all hours. Set expectations at a realistic level and agree on how communication will function beforehand. 5. When do they expect to be moved in? We already mentioned that some clients might be pressed for time, and you need to get a sense of their ideal timeline. Find out how flexible they are and how long they can wait to move in after the purchase is made. This can give them the option to consider properties that might require additional remodeling work or repairs. If your clients seem to be in a rush to get moved in, it might help to ask some follow-up questions. Try to find out how serious they are. If you found them a perfect home tomorrow, when could they move in? Do they already have the movers selected? Clients might be in a rush but lacking the movers to help them. In that case, you can refer them to brooklynmoversnewyork.com or other reputable moving companies, where they can start getting organized. However, if it turns out that your clients are reluctant and are delaying the move, you should ask more questions and try to get to the root of the issue. 6. Ask about their finances When talking to your clients, you need to discuss more than just the price range they had in mind. Inquire to see if they have been pre-approved for a loan. Being pre-approved can help them act quickly when they see a property that they like. Some clients also tend to overestimate their budget and look at properties beyond their means. Of course, luxury properties are going to look nice, but they definitely aren’t for everyone. Make sure they can comfortably cover the mortgage and inform them of any additional costs they might encounter. 7. What are they looking for? Some people have a crystal-clear idea of what their dream home looks like, while others might not be so sure. Ask your clients what kind of features they want from their future home. You can even help narrow down their search by pointing out some home design trends which most people are looking for. Once you have a list of features they are interested in, you also need to find out how important they are to the clients. Some features will be hard to find and can make house hunting an impossible task. Try to inform them of how the process works and set their expectations accordingly. 8. Do they have professionals for other services already selected? Your clients will probably need a wide range of services and professionals in order to get everything sorted. From home inspectors who can find out if there are any flaws, through contractors if the clients plan to do any remodeling, all the way to movers and packers to help them get relocated. They should have references for all of the professionals they plan to work with. Some background checks are easier to perform than others, but it’s good to make sure professionals are licensed. As a real estate agent, you can remember the contacts of these service providers and start building your network of professionals. 9. What are their deal breakers? After all the other bases are covered, ask your clients about deal breakers. Find out what they will instantly say no to, and save yourself the time you would otherwise waste on certain properties. Summing up Over time, all of this should become routine, and you’ll know the questions every agent should ask a new real estate client. For starters, you can make a list and be very thorough when questioning clients about their plans and ideas. Making sure you’ve covered everything is bound to boost your self-esteem, and it will instill confidence in your clients. Written By: Lisa Robert with US Home Experts

Many real estate agents are independent contractors, as being your own boss is something everyone aspires to. There is nothing better than having the privilege to control your schedule and working hours. However, gaining that independence requires a lot of sacrifices and developing a quality plan and strategy. But there are few secrets of a good real estate agent that not everyone knows about. You need a specific set of skills to do this job, but you need resourcefulness and understanding more than anything. You’re not only doing your job but changing people’s lives by helping them find homes. Providing the best customer service Leading a successful business is impossible without quality customer service. A good real estate agent is always available and easily accessible for his customers. Treating every client as your priority is the golden rule of every business. Such treatment leads to building strong relationships and gaining the trust of your clients. By establishing good communication, you will get the best insight into their demands and provide the best possible service. Marketing skills To thrive in the real estate business, you have to provide outstanding service and make yourself known to the community. Constantly promoting your work will not only attract more clients but can also help expand your business. At least today, advertising opportunities are plenty. From old-fashioned TV ads and billboards to internet and media outreach, you can choose the option you think is best to present your work and services. Still, it’s essential to make yourself stand out in the sea of good real estate agents. Since people can’t stay away from social media, one of the best options is to use it for your marketing campaign. Let’s take Facebook, for example. This social media platform has the perfect algorithm for targeting clients based on location, demographics, and interests. It’s never been easier to reach out to your potential customers than today. But, of course, there are other smart ways to do it as well. It all depends on your business strategy and size. A good real estate agent is there to consult The goal of every business is to make a profit, especially when someone is working for a commission. Still, one of the secrets of a good real estate agent is that they put their client’s needs first. Knowing how to listen and observe before making offers is very important for ensuring satisfaction. Often, people have limited possibilities and specific demands when buying a property. Besides, everyone is going through different situations when relocating to a new city or country. Being able to understand difficulties your client is facing takes a lot of compassion, empathy, and resourcefulness. Colleagues are not always competition In competitive markets such as real estate, we often forget the primary thing should be to help people out instead of just make a sale. Because if your customer is having doubts and you are not pushy, someone could easily slide in and steal the job from you. But instead of constantly obsessing about the competition, it might be better to make friends instead of rivals in the real estate business. By offering help and maintaining professional relationships with other agents, you’ll build meaningful partnerships. Professionalism is always first, but good communication and contacts in the business help more than you know. Resourcefulness From knowing the local market to staging properties, an excellent real estate agent is very versatile in their line of business. Still, when it comes to the most important traits, resourcefulness is valued more than anything. This includes tending to the client’s needs, making the best pitches, and finding ways to keep yourself in the business. Sometimes it can be hard to sustain in an ever booming market such as this. Therefore, developing a good strategy to make your services available is a game-changer. And while branching out and building a referral base of valuable connections is very important, you will need to explore every available option to make your business and credentials known. Using reliable real estate referral companies is one of the best ways to achieve this. Realistic expectations Making a sale at any cost is not the right way to present yourself in the real estate business. With that approach, your business will initially profit, but your customers will eventually regret going with your service. The consequences will sooner or later reflect poorly on your reputation. Becoming a real estate agent requires a lot of patience and objectiveness. Nothing can be built overnight, and the same goes for this job as well. Learning about the tricks of the trade and how to use them on your behalf comes with time. But one of the first things everyone learns here is the importance of the location. A good location of your market is one of the critical factors that help make a sale and target customers. Not all places have high property demands like Miami, LA, or New York. A location like Manhattan has always been interesting to investors because people want to be in the center of happenings. And owning property there is always a smart call since the market in such places will never lose its value. A good real estate agent works on his self-improvement No one is perfect, and as soon as we realize that, the faster we can make the wrong things right. We constantly learn and try to improve ourselves, but we often forget to ask for help when necessary. Every career faces difficulties at some point. Thus, to make the right decisions, sometimes we might need a second opinion. Knowing when to consult with your mentors and more experienced people in the business will help you become a better agent and a better person. The best thing about this career is that there are no limits to growth. In the end, it all comes down to your motivation and the pace you want to take for your career advancement. How to find one? These are just a few secrets of a good real estate agent, but every person has their own recipe for success. Since the real estate market will always thrive, this career has no limits on growth. In the end, it all comes down to your own motivation and pace you want to take for your career advancement. Written by: Lisa Robert with US Home Experts

Choosing a profession is tough enough on its own. And in an overpopulated world, there's a real oversaturation of professionals inside nearly every occupation. That's why it's important to dive deeper once you've decided what you want to do. Real estate agents have a great number of niche fields to choose from. Finding your niche and becoming a real estate specialist is a crucial step toward becoming successful. Let's go through some tips that'll help you get there. Why should you choose a niche and specialize when becoming a real estate agent? If you're wondering why you should choose a niche, you're asking a valid question. Simply because there's a vast number of different avenues investors can choose to pursue, you shouldn't spread yourself too thin. Once you've become a real estate agent, the process shouldn't end there. Choosing your niche and becoming a real estate specialist will significantly impact your business and your overall reach. People are much more likely to take on a real estate agent with excellent experience inside a single field. Never stop researching no matter which niche you choose Something that you should be aware of before becoming a real estate specialist is that you've chosen a profession where you'll never stop learning. Although it can sound a bit tiresome, if you genuinely love what you do, you'll see it as a real gift. No matter which niche you end up choosing, paying attention to and learning about different fields of real estate can't hurt. Knowing about many aspects of your work, even the ones that don't directly affect you, can be a great way to show your worth to potential buyers and sellers and come across as reliable and knowledgeable. Find the right real estate referral company Once you've narrowed down your search, you need to find a way to finalize your decision and be happy about it. Working alongside a real estate referral company is a great way to get more out of your profession. Create a thorough analysis of your local demographic Knowing your demographic and what they're after will help you become a great real estate specialist. Researching the trends that are common in your target demographic is an excellent way to do this. If there's a surge of Millennials in your area, you'll adjust to their needs, and so on. Something that you should take into account is paying particular attention to under-served groups. One of the largest under-served groups in the US is the Hispanic population. Learning about the differences between their subgroups and being cautious about accidentally alienating some of these groups will make you a great real estate agent. You should narrow down your geographic area as well Paying attention to the geographic area that you're targeting is also really important. If you wish to become a real estate specialist that's respected and offers quality, focus on a specific area. This is mainly because buyers and sellers often go through different referral programs to find the best agent. If you're connected to a referral program and pick a geographic niche, you can increase your market presence more quickly. This will result in your name popping up and being among the top results when people search for specialists in their area. Popular niches to choose from If you're not too sure what you want to specialize in after becoming a real estate agent, make sure to be informed about your options. Here are the most common career choices that real estate agents go for. ● Working only with high-end properties ● Specializing in property management ● Choosing only one type of client ● Internet buyers ● Distressed properties ● Focusing on fixer-uppers ● Combining two or three niches once you become well-versed in one of them (gradually adding to the mix) What are you passionate about? Don't pick your real estate niche solely on what's popular or profitable. Make sure that you like what you choose to do. Becoming a real estate specialist isn't a piece of cake, and you shouldn't put that much effort into something you're not passionate about. Think about the things you enjoy about real estate. Where do you see yourself? What are you good at? Answering these questions will get you closer to your answer. Another thing that might help is talking to the real estate agents that work inside the niche fields you're considering. This way, you'll get all the good and the bad sides from someone who has experience. Pair up with other specialists to offer a complete package service No matter what kind of a real estate specialist you choose to become, make sure you create a business plan. One of the best things you can do for your career is pair up with some other specialists. That way, you can offer your clients the whole package and save them a lot of time, which will make them much more likely to choose you. For example, teaming up with skymoving.net will ensure that you offer your clients a quality moving service - something they are highly likely to need once they buy or sell their property. You can also begin cooperation with layers, notaries, storage providers, etc. But, be very careful when choosing who to partner up with. Stay connected Everyone you meet along the way might serve their purpose in your professional career. Make sure to always be friendly and helpful to the best of your abilities. You never know where you'll get recommended. Instead of focusing on building only professional connections, make sure to develop your local ones as well. Becoming a good real estate specialist depends a great deal on how much of a people person you are. You can do this through various local groups and organizations. Make sure to market your business correctly It's not a secret that people want to find top real estate agents that'll be able to help them. However, if you're too hard to find, it doesn't matter how great your services are. You need to be on the radar. The more people get a chance to see you and hear about your business, the more they're likely to choose you. Attaining a good marketing strategy is vital for this. Becoming a real estate specialist takes hard work Proving that you're good enough won't happen overnight. Becoming a real estate specialist takes time, energy, dedication, and luck. However, luck is a byproduct of hard work. You need to build your career smartly and over a more extended period of time. Be prepared for a lot of sleepless nights and long hours. However, once you begin to see the progress, it'll all be worth it. Written by: Lisa Robert with US Home Experts