Videos for Learning

There is money to be made in property management if the job is done efficiently. For example, a cloud-based storage system using Google Apps can hold videos, files, documents, emails and more, allowing team members to be totally mobile. A paperless forms system connects leasing agents and clients online. Using outsourced services, such as a 24-hour maintenance company, lets agents concentrate on generating revenue rather than chasing vendors. Watch the video for more tips.

Realtors who schedule prospecting time into their workday can net more listings and keep business booming. I make 40 to 60 outgoing prospecting calls — every day. The calls are scripted, and the goal is to get face-to-face with these potential clients. I follow up with more calls and written correspondence. I also work my database of past clients. Follow-up and personal contact make the difference.

When clients are interested in buying "a diamond in the rough," your job is to help them make a smart choice. It's all about building a team of professionals. Not all agents know what to look for in distressed properties, so build your team with contractors and engineers that can point out problems and offer solutions. When you surround yourself with pros, you reaffirm to your clients why they should work with you. Watch the video for more tips.

If you want to go paperless, PDF Expert is a great app for the mobile Realtor using Apple products. Consider using it for notes, presentations, contracts and signatures when you are working in the field. This app —  great to use on an iPad — allows you to email, modify, sign, annotate and brand PDF documents. These are all great uses when time and distance can hold up getting documents to buyers and sellers. Watch the video for more tips.

Blogging allows people to get to know you before they meet you. If they like what you are talking about, they may want to do business with you. Many potential customers want local information. These blog visitors want market updates, as well as lifestyle and community information. That means for you, the blogger, it's important to update your blogs regularly to keep people's interest. Watch the video for more tips.

Internet-savvy buyers and sellers want "great content" — and lots of it — on your home page or toward the top of each page. If they find what they are looking for, they are more likely to do business with you instead of your competitor. Visitors want local lifestyle, community and market information, along with a robust IDX component to compare properties and prices. Also, build a simple contact form so you'll be able to feed visitors with updates. Watch the video for more tips.

It's well-known that Realtors need referrals from friends, family and satisfied clients. But how can you make that happen? You need to build genuine relationships and have a process in place for following up. Try following this advice.

Realtors are always on the go, meeting clients at their homes or taking them to check out a new listing. That means your real estate business has to be mobile, too. The right technology tools can help you transform your office into a paperless real estate business as nimble as your fast-paced lifestyle. Watch the video for technology tips.

Most consumers start their home searches on the Internet. For Realtors who blog, hyper-local marketing means you are targeting these consumers by writing about the nitty-gritty details of a particular neighborhood. Your goal is to be the neighborhood expert. Internet savvy buyers will find your blog and contact you. Sellers also may spot your blogs and ask for listing appointments.