Real estate has always been, and will continue to be, an industry centered on relationships. As such, real estate professionals are poised to exploit social media to further build relationships and their engagement of sphere of influence. However, many agents use Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Instagram, and the other social media sites merely as platforms of ‘marketing’ – and by that it’s merely spouting listings without any real value to the audience.

Here are a few tips based on observations of social media successes and failures:

1. Be REAL. Don’t just talk about your latest and greatest listings – that’s a surefire way to get your audience to tune you out. Show your personality, relate to people, and be genuine. Be the real you, for better or for worse (hopefully for the better), and customers will respond accordingly.

Continue reading this post

Vacant homes can be a security risk for both agents and customers. However, there are options to keep you both safe. More real estate agents are turning to portable home alarm systems to help minimize these risks. While considering alarms, it is important to do what you can to keep the home from being a target. Security is best done in layers.

Secure in layers
Consider the first layer of home security while staging a vacant home; it is important to maintain a “lived-in” look from the street. This can be done by putting lamps on timers or using basic home automation lamp modules that turn on and off at different times. Put porch lights on a dawn-to-dusk sensor, to illuminate the front of the home at night. A porch light left on all day is a dead giveaway for a vacant home.

Keep the yard landscaping clean and trimmed and gates locked. Enlist the neighbor’s help if appropriate. Asking them to help keep an eye on the house, parking in the driveway periodically and contacting you if there are any concerns. Building relationships with neighbors may benefit you in the future, and it gives the neighbors a sense of community in their neighborhood.

Continue reading this post

Home security and automation gadgets include products that are designed to make your life easier or safer. Anything from mobile light switches to video surveillance equipment can fall under the umbrella of related technology. Many products are geared towards the novice and can be expanded upon as you learn more about the technology and use the gadgets more often. Generally speaking, these devices are relatively simple to set-up, and there is a wide-range of products available at varying price levels, making it possible for anyone to improve their quality of life.

Whether you are interested in increasing the security of the place you live, or simply want to enjoy the luxury of controlling many functions in your home with the switch of button, the constantly evolving home security and home automation industry has something for you.

1. SmartLinc INSTEON Wire-In Starter Kit
Starter kits are an ideal way to dabble with home automation for lights and appliances if you have never used any before. The SmartLinc INSTEON Wire-In Starter Kit features an easy-to-use system that includes a controller, an on-and-off switch and two dimmer switches.

2. Driveway Patrol – Wireless Alert
Gone are the days when your neighbor regularly popped over to your house for small talk. In the fast-paced world of today, people enjoy their privacy, and aren’t as keen on unexpected visitors arriving at their homes. When it does happen though, you be prepared if you have the Driveway Patrol – Wireless Alert. This gadget will notify you when someone steps onto your property.

3. Night Owl LION-4500 Four-Channel Video Surveilance System
The Night Owl LION-4500 Four-Channel Video Surveilance System equips you with the ability to monitor the activities of your home remotely. Take a peek at your house when your away to make sure all is well, with this system. The video footage is fed through the Internet, so you are able to check in from your office computer, Smartphone or anywhere with a connection to the Web.

Continue reading this post

Like virtually everyone else on the planet, I’ve finally succumbed to tablet-mania and become an owner … of an iPad. I coupled it with a totally cool Zagg Folio leather case/keyboard combo. Although it’s an incredibly useful tool in so many ways, I’m particularly excited about how it can totally transform the home buying process.

Picture the following:

Not knowing where to start in the search for a great local Realtor, a potential homebuyer from Fremont, California grabs their iPad during their lunch break and loads the Google app. They type in “find a realtor in Fremont, CA” and, at the top of the list, they see “Find Local Realtors® – Research & Compare Realtors Online.” A tap on the link takes them to HomeGain.com’s homepage where they can enter their criteria and then search for a top-notch area Realtor – anonymously. As proposals start to come in from Fremont Realtors, they select a few profiles they like, click through to email the agents and ask for interviews with their top three choices. A quick tap on their Starbucks app allows them to share the address of their favorite location with the Realtors and appointments are quickly set up.

Continue reading this post

I’m an early adopter with all things technology and as an early adopter, I’m keenly aware that there are pros and cons to buying in early. I’m ok with that. Technology changes rapidly and those of us that are early adopters buy the new technology as it comes out. The latest and greatest as they say.

Real estate marketing, however, has not changed too much for most agents. We all take photos, we all list in the local MLS system(s) and we all try to get the best price we can for each and every new listing we take. After all, it’s the price as it relates to condition and location combined with the photos that attract buyers and beget sales. Right? I think that’s true, but I think we need more, better marketing, in light of the fact that traditional resale homes are having to compete directly against somewhat comparable short sales and foreclosures that have spread like a virus across the real estate landscape.

I don’t think photos are enough. In this market, I think we have to make a more compelling case that are listings are better – worth more than the foreclosures and short sales down the street. I think we need video. I don’t mean panning still images set to some cheesy music either. I’m talking about videos that make your listings (and maybe even you) look fantastic. Here’s a video from some guys in Australia that have taken video over the top!

Continue reading this post

Maybe you got one because you liked the idea of staying connected even while out of the office. Maybe you were drawn in by all the exciting “apps.” Or maybe it was the best deal when it came time to upgrade your cell phone. Whatever the reason for its purchase, if you have a smartphone (one that offers more advanced computing fuctions) are you making the best use of it to help your business?

Real estate professionals are especially likely to be aided by a smartphone. Rarely are they tied to a desk all day, and even more rarely do they work a “normal” 9 to 5 schedule.

Here are 6 functions that might make your job a bit easier:

1. Email – Having mobile access to email is often one of the primary attractions of a smartphone. If your company email doesn’t support mobile phone use you may be able to log into your webmail account using the internet browser on your phone. Alternatively you may be able to auto forward a copy of each email to a gmail or other personal address that you will be able to receive on your phone. Check with your company to be sure this is permitted.
2. The MLS – Stay on top of new listings by keeping the MLS at your fingertips. Access it through your web browser or through one of the many available MLS Applications. A company called Smarter Agent has even created an MLS App you can customize with your name and logo and offer to your clients.
3. Social Networking – If you are using Facebook, Twitter, FourSquare, or any other social networking platforms in order to stay in front of your clients you are probably aware that these tools are only successful when you continue to provide current and interesting content. Stay connected using your smartphone and you can update your status or weigh in on a conversation on the go. Continue reading this post