If you’re a podcast listener, the solution is obvious. Listen to your favorite episodes to get expert real estate tips and tricks while you work out or chop vegetables.

The abundant selection of real estate podcasts makes it easy to keep up with real estate industry developments, even when you’re short on time.

But if you’re new to podcasts, don’t worry — Amitree has put together the ultimate real estate podcast guide, complete with our favorite picks for 2024. Read on to learn more.

Real Estate Podcasts for New Agents

Podcasts are more popular than ever, with half of households being listeners according to Nielsen.

Unlike a regular radio show, you can listen to podcasts on your schedule. Many agents download or stream episodes to listen to during commutes, workouts, or while doing errands.

For agents, a podcast is a great way to hear what’s new, pick up useful tips and invest in your professional development. Real estate podcast topics include tips for new agents, interviews with experts, market trends, career coaching and real estate investment.

Below, you can check out our favorite picks for real estate agents, brokers and teams in 2024.

Great All-Around Real Estate Podcasts for New Agents

The Agents of Change Podcast

The Agents of Change podcast is full of marketing tips to increase your online visibility, drive qualified web traffic and grow your business. Host Rich Brooks interviews a new marketing expert each week for their SEO, social media and mobile marketing advice.

Bare Naked Agent Podcast

Bare Naked Agent Podcast uses a Q&A format to help real estate agents with marketing, sales and career questions. Even though host and bestselling author Pat Hiban has moved on to two other podcasts on this list, the BNA archives are still a great resource for agents.

The Massive Agent Podcast

The Massive Agent Podcast is a top-rated pick. This podcast covers all things real estate from lead generation to home sales, social media marketing, and virtual tours. Host Dustin Brohm and a rotating roster of guests have weekly tips for both agents and loan officers.

Best Real Estate Investing Podcast Advice Ever With Joe Fairless

Yep, that’s really the name of Joe Fairless’s top podcast covering real estate investing, business, commercial property and other topics. This one features house flippers, renters, builders, investors and more. It’s great whether you’re an investor, agent or entrepreneur.

Rev Real Estate School Podcast

Rev Real Estate School host Michael Montgomery offers real estate agents actionable tips on business, sales, marketing and social media. This is one of the best real estate podcasts for new agents and offers career advice to help reach a goal of 50 deals/yr.

The Tom Ferry Podcast Experience

Podcast Experience host Tom Ferry has over 30 years in the real estate business and is considered a number-one real estate educator. His podcast teaches agents and brokers the tips and tricks used by some of the world’s most successful real estate agents.

The Margaritas and Video Marketing Show Podcast

On The Margaritas and Video Marketing Show Podcast, host George Cuevas teaches agents how to maximize their photo and video marketing efforts, while sipping margaritas. As an agent turned pro videographer, Cuevas offers agents a unique insight into the art of visual marketing.

Keeping It Real Podcast (by Real Geeks)

Keeping It Real works as a hangout where real estate professionals share tips and tricks on business, sales, marketing and technology. Created by the Real Geeks real estate tech company, recent episodes include interviews, roundtable talks and even roleplay segments.

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Expert Real Estate Podcasts for Agents and Brokers

Super Agents Live Podcast

Super Agents Live features some of the top real estate agents with $50 million or more in annual sales with tips to take your business to the next level. Host Toby Salgado helps break down the sales and persuasion tactics needed for agents to reach the same level of success.

Real Estate Rockstars Podcast

Pat Hiban’s weekly Real Estate Rockstars podcast features interviews with some of the top performing agents in the business. And they really get into the details, with recent episodes talking paid leads strategy, building your agency, and choosing the perfect niche.

Unlisted with Brad Inman Podcast

In Unlisted, Inman Media founder Brad Inman talks with top real estate industry leaders with the goal of helping inspire and motivate agents. Episodes include heavy-hitters, such as the heads of StreetEasy, DocuSign and Realogy, plus top brokerage managers from around the country.

News and Trends Real Estate Podcasts for Industry Pros

State of the Market

Veteran podcaster Pat Hiban’s latest project, State of the Market, delves into the real estate market happenings with insightful commentary and guest experts. The podcast covers topics like taxes, regulations and politics that could impact the local markets. 

Real Estate Today Podcast

Real Estate Today is the National Association of Realtors’ weekly podcast. It’s geared towards homebuyers, investors and agents who want to keep up with the latest news. Host Stephen Gasque covers industry trends, market movements, buying and selling advice and more.

The Kevin and Fred Show

The Kevin and Fred Show, formerly the Next Level Agents Podcast, features tips, news and interviews with top experts in the real estate industry. Hosts Kevin Kauffman and Fred Weaver produce weekly content that’s consistently one of the top-rated podcasts on Apple Podcasts.

Coaching Real Estate Podcasts for New Agents or Old Pros

Kevin Ward’s YES Talk Podcast

In the YES Talk Podcast, top speaker and real estate trainer Kevin Ward delivers high-octane coaching to residential agents who want to become a top-producer. Each episode features sales, marketing and business advice to improve your skills, strategy, and mindset.

Jared James Today Show Podcast

In the Jared James Today Show Podcast, host Jared James offers practical tips to help real estate agents increase sales. As a renowned entrepreneur, speaker, author and real estate coach, James has a lot to say about building a successful real estate business.

Real Estate Coaching Radio Podcast

Real Estate Coaching Radio Podcast is one of the top industry podcasts, with coaching advice, industry news and interviews from notable experts. This podcast broadcasts every day, with hosts Tim and Julie Harris, who are top real estate coaches and best-selling authors.

GSD Mode Podcast

GSD Mode Podcast interviews top agents, entrepreneurs, and others who dominate their space. It offers agents coaching tips for their lead generation, sales and marketing. Host Joshua Smith takes a unique approach with hip-hop beats, informal style and can-do attitude.

Favorite Real Estate Podcasts for Investors

Cashflow Diary Podcast

Cashflow Diary Podcast is one of the top picks for real estate investors. Host J. Massey is an investor, entrepreneur, coach, instructor and master facilitator of Robert Kiyosaki’s Cashflow 101 games. This podcast covers winning strategies for just about every aspect of real estate investing.

BiggerPockets Podcast

BiggerPockets Podcast offers the chance to grab a beer with top real estate investors and entrepreneurs to hear their stories and insight. Hosts Brandon Turner, David Greene and Joshua Dorkin provide actionable advice and tips on the fundamentals of real estate investment.

The Real Estate Guys Podcast

The Real Estate Guys Podcast started out as a conventional weekly radio show all the way back in 1997. The podcast delivers fun, fast-paced info on topics you won’t find anywhere else. It is hosted by professional investor Robert Helms and financial strategist Russel Gray,

Subscribe to Your Favorite Real Estate Podcasts

That’s it for our top real estate podcasts 2024 favorites. Be sure to subscribe to your favorites to stay up to date with industry developments easily during your your commute, at the gym or around the house.

And don’t forget to check out our other great articles with helpful tips and best practices for real estate agents.

The post 21 Real Estate Podcasts Agents Should Listen to in 2024 appeared first on Amitree.

You can create real estate lead follow-up email templates for just about all parts of your communications — from buyer leads, to seller leads and even referral asks.

Here are 12 free real estate templates to use in 2024 that will save you time and help you take your business to the next level.

Using an Email Template for Real Estate Leads

Email is the preferred way of communicating for home buyers and sellers. But no one wants to spend all day writing the same messages over and over again — while making typos and leaving out important details.

Using templates and email scripts for real estate leads is the most effective solution — you write a great email once and use it again and again with all your leads whenever you need it.

A template can include variables that you switch out. Maybe you say [this] for buyers, but tell your sellers [that]. It’s easy once you get the hang of it.

Below, we’ve shared 12 email templates that you can take and use right now. Just tweak the details to suit your own business and the leads you’re following up with.

Real Estate Buyer Lead Email Templates

Buyers need a variety of responses, depending on where they are in the process. Here are a few of the buyer email templates you will definitely need on hand, such as an automatic text sms and email combo, that can really get a lead’s attention:

Initial Lead Response Email Template

[SUBJECT:] Did you get my text?

Hi [John],

I just texted you about your home search. Is [555-555-5555] still the best number for you?

[City name] is a great place to buy  right now but I know purchasing a home can be overwhelming. Do you have any questions about the local market or the buying process? I’d be more than happy to answer any questions you have. Let me know when is a good time for you.

[agent signature]

Early on, buyers also need guidance when it comes to financing:

Lender Referral Email Template

[SUBJECT:] Lender info and resources for you

Hi [John],

Here’s the lender info I mentioned earlier. These are [3] I am familiar with who have provided great results for past clients.

I recommend you talk with a couple of them to see what programs are available to you and whose customer service you like.

The next steps will be getting “pre-approved” to get a better idea of your price range. The pre-approval, along with other criteria we’ve discussed, will allow me to custom tailor the homes I send to you to. It will also enable us to move quickly when we find a home you’d like to put in an offer on (which is critical in this market).

[info for preferred lenders, including website, phone/email and pre-approval form links]

And here’s some information on what to expect when you meet with a lender:

[links to your website resources for buyers]

Keep me posted and if you have any questions along the way, or need anything, I’m here for you anytime!

Thanks,

[agent signature]

You can save a lot of time with a repeatable process, such as developing a template for listing feedback:

Listing Feedback Request Template

[SUBJECT:] Re: Listings… What’d you think?

Hey [John],

I wanted to follow up and see what your thoughts are on these first [three] homes. Did you like any of them? Did you hate any of them? Any questions about a property?

If you’d like tour any of these properties in person, just let me know. I am happy to set up a time to tour these or any other listings that interest you.

Note: In this market, desirable properties can go under contract fast, so be sure to let me know as soon as you see something you like.

In the meantime, I’ll keep my eyes open for potential matches that tick all your boxes and will send them your way as soon as they come up.

Best,

[agent signature]

P.S. – Be sure to shoot me a quick note about your thoughts — it helps me fine-tune the listings I send you.

P.S. – Don’t be afraid of postscripts — they’re one of the most read parts of an email.

You can also create templates for home showings:

First Showing Follow-Up Email Template 

[SUBJECT:] Re: The homes we saw today

Hey [John],

I wanted to follow up with you to go over the homes we saw today. Now that you’ve had a chance to see a few listings, I’d love to know your thoughts on them. I also want to offer my take — but keep in mind it’s just my opinion and you’re ultimately in charge here.

[listing 1]

I think [street address] has a lot of positives, like [1, 2, and 3]. However, I could see [x] being an issue, so it’s something to keep in mind and a be realistic if this is one you want to pursue.

[listing 2]

[Street address] has some nice amenities, including [a, b, and c], but the asking price seems high to me. I’d be interested to know what your thoughts are here?

[listing 3]

Of the ones we saw today, I think [street address] was the best overall. Since you also like it, I am going to check in with the listing agent tomorrow to see what more I can find out about the general interest in the property.

I’m also attaching a list of more homes I think could work for you. How about next Sunday again for showings? Let me know which ones you want to see soon? — I want to make sure we can get a spot on their schedules.

Thanks again!

[agent signature]

Buyers also need a quick follow-up after they’ve attended your own open houses:

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Open House Follow-up Email Template

[SUBJECT:] Thanks for stopping by!

Hello [John],

Thanks so much for stopping by the open house at [street address] on [day of week]. It was great meeting you!

If you’re interested in seeing more homes in [neighborhood], there are several more great properties coming on the market that I can show you.

It would be great to find out more about what you’re looking for and I can answer any questions you have about [neighborhood] and the local market.

Feel free to email, text or call me anytime. I look forward to speaking with you!

Best wishes,

[agent signature]

A great “coming soon” template can also help bring clients in the door:

Coming Soon Listing Email Template

[SUBJECT:] Great pre-market [neighborhood] home!

Hi [John],

Are you still thinking [neighborhood]? I found a great new listing coming on the market next week and wanted you to be the first to know.

Let me know and I can send over the details.

[agent signature]

Real Estate Seller Lead Email Templates

Sellers also need a variety of responses that can be pre-planned with your templates. Here are a few seller lead templates that will come in handy, starting with a template you can automate to go out whenever a seller requests a comparative market analysis on your site:

Initial Lead Response Email Template

[SUBJECT:] Re: Selling price for [street address]

Hi [John],

Just finished the market analysis for [street address] — very interesting home… Want to grab a coffee at [nearby cafe] to discuss your real estate needs? When’s a good time for your schedule?

Best wishes,

[agent signature]

You can use a seller template to help set appointments for an initial meeting:

Initial Sit-Down Meeting Request Email Template

[SUBJECT:] Buyers love your neighborhood!

[John],

Houses in your neighborhood are being snapped up faster than you would believe! It’s very in-demand for buyers right now.

Does 5 p.m. tomorrow at [the coffee shop by your house] work to show you some numbers? I think you’re going to want to see this.

Best,

[agent signature]

Or, use a template to follow up after that first meeting:

Meeting Follow-Up Email Template

[SUBJECT:] [John], let’s chat about selling your [home/condo/property]

[John],

It was a pleasure meeting you [last week] to talk about selling your [home/condo/property]. I always aim to make the selling experience as easy and stress-free as possible. Are you still looking at [date range] as your timeline for selling?

I’m putting together a custom home valuation for [street address] to share with you and get your feedback. In the meantime, I’ve got resources for current sellers on my website here [link] and my number is [555-555-5555] if you have any other questions.

Thanks again for your time and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions that I can answer for you!

[agent signature]

When you need more information from a seller, use a template to make sure you ask all the questions you need. Just tweak it to suit your needs:

Follow-Up Seller Needs Email Template

[SUBJECT:] [John], some home selling questions for you

Hi [John],

Thanks again for taking time on [conversation date] to chat with me about selling your home. I would be happy to help guide you through the process. Can I ask you a few questions to help me better understand your needs:

• I remember you said you were thinking about [upsizing / downsizing / relocating / retiring] — were you interested in [more space / less house] or different amenities?

• Was there a particular neighborhood you were considering?

Let me know when is a good time for me to stop by and do a walkthrough of your home with you.

Thanks,

[agent signature]

Real Estate Testimonial and Referral Email Templates

You can use email scripts for real estate leads in other parts of your process, too. Here’s an example of how to share one or more testimonials with your new clients:

Client Testimonial Email Template 

[SUBJECT:] Ready for the next steps to [buy / sell]?

Hi [John],

Thanks again for meeting with me on [conversation date] to go over your [home buying / home selling] needs. I think you’re headed in the right direction.

I’ve attached some info below for you to take a look at that can help you put yourself in the best position to [have your offer accepted / get the best price for your home].

Often it can even come down to who you work with and how hard they’re going to work for you. Check out a few of my recent reviews to get an idea of the kind of service I provide to my clients:

[“When I first met [agent first name], I wasn’t sure we’d find the kind of home I wanted in my price range, but [agent first name] knew just what to do to get our offer accepted. I couldn’t be happier!”]

[“There were 3 other families bidding on my dream home, but with [agent first name]’s help we were able to submit the winning offer! It wouldn’t have happened without [agent first name].”]

[“I had a short time to get ready to sell before starting my new position out of state, and [agent first name] kept me on track and got me a better price than I thought possible!”]

For your home [sale / purchase], [John], my goal is to deliver these same high level results! Thanks again, and let me know if you have questions about the attached info.

[agent signature]

[information attachment]

You can also use templates to streamline the process of asking clients for referrals. Here’s one example:

Client Referral Ask Email Template 

[SUBJECT:] Enjoying the new home?

Hey [John],

I was in the area this weekend and thought of you. How are you liking your new home?

Have you tried the [best dish] at [the restaurant nearby]? It’s fantastic!

Drop me a line to let me know how you’re doing.

Best wishes,

[agent first name]

P.S. – Know anyone thinking about buying or selling? We’ve got a giveaway of [nice referral perk] for anyone who sends their friends our way.

[agent signature]

More Real Estate Lead Email Template Resources

The possibilities are wide open when it comes to using email templates in your process. You can design templates for almost every possible scenario, and tailor the wording to suit your own professional personality.

Comparing more examples and writing styles can help you decide what’s most important to say, then tweak it to suit your own needs. Here are more great resources to check out from The Close, Zillow, Campaign Monitor, HubSpot, Easyagent Pro, and Market Leader.

Once you try out real estate lead email templates, you won’t want to go back to writing long follow-ups by hand. Start with these free templates and see what works for you.

Templates help you find the right words, but what if you can’t find the right email? Folio is our email add-on that solves that problem and helps organize the chaos of your inbox, so you never lose track of important messages from your buyers, sellers, inspectors or loan officers.

Folio has automatic AI-powered algorithms that intuitively understand your real estate business, helping sort your transaction communications by client and property, right from your Gmail or Outlook inbox. Give it a try for free today.

The post 12 Free Real Estate Email Templates to Use in 2024 appeared first on Amitree.

Boosting productivity is a great way to get more done. Incorporating the right real estate productivity apps into your work can make a huge difference for your business.

Here’s a list of our 7 favorite ways for real estate agents to boost productivity. Each tip is paired with great real estate agent productivity software recommendations to help you!

1. Identify Your Most Productive Hours

Have you ever thought about whether you are an early-bird or a night-owl? Recent research suggests many people might even be at their most productive right after lunch.

Identifying your own best hours can transform your real estate business, because you’ll be able to take full advantage of your peak productivity.

Find your peak by spending a couple weeks tracking when you usually feel the most focused and motivated. Look for a pattern, then try blocking that time out each day for your most demanding client or transaction tasks.

Real Estate Productivity Apps to Help Identify Your Best Hours

Identifying your most productive hours is easier with a little help. You can use apps like Harvest and Toggl to track time spent on each task and get insight about when and where you’re putting the most time.

2. Work on Your Morning Routine

A good morning routine can be transformative for your personal life as well as your real estate business. The key to a routine is making it something you can repeat every morning, before you have to jump into your main day’s work.

A morning routine can include breakfast with family, a workout, yoga, walking, meditation, journaling, or anything you enjoy. Check out My Morning Routine if you need inspiration.

Real Estate Productivity Apps to Help Your Morning Routine

For a little help with your mornings, try the Alarmy app for a motivational alarm clock that will help you get up and going on time. Use the Oak app for mediation and breathing exercises or practice mindfulness with the Headspace app. Or get super organized with Morning Routine.

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3. Stay Focused During Your Workday

A good morning routine helps get real estate agents off to a good start, but what about the middle or end of the day when you find yourself having a hard time focusing?

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by a full plate or let your mind wander as you do your most tedious tasks. Using tricks such as the Pomodoro Technique, where you focus on one task then celebrate by taking a short break, can help you power through.

Real Estate Productivity Apps to Help You Focus

There are a lot of great apps to help you stay focused during the day. Apps like Focus To-Do and Focus Keeper help you utilize the Pomodoro Technique to boost your productivity. Forest app coaxes you to grow a beautiful digital forest by staying on task. Or try background noise, such as nature sounds from Noisli or the bustle of a trendy coffeehouse with Coffitivity.

4. Create an Evening Routine

Evening routines can be just as important as morning routines. All work and no play not only leads to a dull life, it’s recipe for burnout.

Taking time to eat well, unwind, work out, spend time with friends and family, and do activities you enjoy is time well spent.

But it’s also a trick that will help you recharge so you’re ready for another productive day spent furthering your real estate business tomorrow.

Real Estate Productivity Apps to Help Your Evening Routine

Apps are a great help after work, too. Try Mealboard for help with shopping and meal planning or Paprika if you’re looking for smart grocery lists. Use the Strong app to track your workout progress. sleepyti.me

5. Stick to Your Routines

Routines only work if you stick to them. To truly improve your productivity, you have to follow through.

Getting off track with either your morning or evening routine is likely to throw off your whole day. And it could be difficult to get back on track. Many people even keep their routines going on the weekends to help get a better start on Monday morning.

While the work schedule of a real estate agent can vary throughout the week, a stricter morning and evening routine can help ground you, even if you need more flexibility during the day.

Real Estate Productivity Apps to Help You Stick to Your Routines

There are some great apps to help you stay on track, such as the Streaks app to build good habits with a morning to-do list. Try Momentum to build new habits and Habitica to motivate you to keep up with them, or Coach.me to get help from a pro.

6. Focus on Your “MITs”

Productivity is about accomplishing what needs to get done. If you can’t make it through your list, your productivity isn’t going to improve.

If you find your routines and to-do lists getting too long and unrealistic, sometimes it’s better to pull back and focus on just a few main MITs or Most Important Tasks, as Leo Babauta calls them.

Focusing on 2–3 MITs can help you make progress on long-term goals, which can help motivate you to be more productive.

Real Estate Productivity Apps to Help You Focus on MITs

Apps can be a big help when you’re setting your MITs and checking them off. The Todoist app can help you free up mental space and organize everything you need to do. Or try 24me for a smart virtual assistant that can even integrate with your CRM.

7. Streamline Your Communication

One of the biggest drains on a real estate agent’s productivity can be filtering through the noise in your email inbox. A disorganized inbox can easily add hours of extra work to your week, slowing you down.

Managing your real estate email communications is essential, since this is where all your important transaction communications take place.

And if you can move deals through the closing process more efficiently, it will have a huge impact on your overall productivity.

Real Estate Productivity Apps to Help You Streamline Communication

At Amitree, we’re focused on helping you be more productive and saving you time on email with our Folio email add-on. It’s made just for real estate agents, with AI-powered algorithms that sort your inbox into workflows that make sense for your real estate business. With Gmail and Outlook integrations, it’s an easy way to further boost your productivity and get the most out of your week.

Improving your productivity doesn’t have to mean spending more hours at the office. With the right tricks and tech helping, you can streamline your work day, get more done, and enjoy life to its fullest.

The post 7 Ways Real Estate Agents Can Improve Their Productivity appeared first on Amitree.

But building the same great connection virtually is possible if you have the right tools and techniques.

Even if you’ve been video conferencing with clients for a while, you can always step up your game with some new tips and tricks that increase the professionalism and efficacy of your video-based meetings.

To help, we have created a real estate agent guide to video conferencing to help you connect with clients like you’re face-to-face even when you’re working remotely.

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Video Conferencing Tips

Hosting or joining a virtual video conference meeting today is remarkably easy. Open your laptop, click a few buttons, and you’ll soon be chatting with your client over Google, Zoom or Skype.

But while it’s easy to get started, looking and sounding your best on a video call can be tricky. Most real estate agents don’t have a background in video, so it can be helpful to brush up on some of the tricks of the trade.

1. Set Up Your Camera at Eye Level

The right camera angle can make a world of difference. Most built-in laptop, phone and tablet cameras are too low, meaning viewers are looking upwards at your nose or chin while you look down at them.

Instead, set up your device so that the camera is right at eye level, either by stacking a few books or using a laptop stand.

Make sure to look at the camera when you’re talking. If you look below the camera at the viewers on your screen, it will feel like you’re looking away from them.

2. Work on Your Lighting

Lighting is another key to looking your best in front of a camera. But agents don’t need fancy equipment to make a great impression. The trick is to get the most out of the lights you already have. Here are some tips:

• Try setting up indoors near a window with moderate light with the camera pointed away from the window.
• Place a desk or floor lamp just behind the camera at eye level. Make sure to choose a lamp with a shade for a softer light.
• Feel free to take video calls outdoors if you can find a shady spot where the sun won’t cause glare and shadows.
• Avoid mixing warm and cool lighting types, such as incandescent bulbs and sunlight, which can confuse a camera sensor.
• Always avoid having a strong light source behind you, which can wash out the background and silhouette your face.

3. Avoid Noise and Movement Distractions

Think carefully about your choice of location and background in order to minimize distractions for your clients during the video conference.

Noise from family, coworkers, traffic, and coffee shops can be distracting for callers. A private office or conference room may offer more privacy and fewer interruptions.

Be careful, too, about what appears behind you on camera. Keep busy backgrounds, family members, coworkers and shots of sensitive information out of frame.

4. Prepare for Your Meeting – Checklist

Keep this checklist handy to ensure a great video conference call. Allow some time to get set up and prepare yourself for your virtual meeting.

1. Device is charged or plugged in
2. Internet connection tested (play a YouTube video or do a test call with a co-worker).
3. Camera at eye-level
4. No glare or heavy shadows
5. Background is free from distractions or sensitive info
6. Webcam and mic have been tested
7. All files and docs you need are nearby or open on your device
8. You look professional and ready

And think ahead about your wardrobe when you know you’ll be on camera.

• Stripes, checkered patterns, and all-white or all-black tops can cause exposure issues for the camera sensor.
• Jewelry noise is more easily picked up by sensitive microphones causing distraction.
• Glasses without an anti-glare coating can reflect lights and distract from your presentation.

Video Conferencing Gear Guide

Simple setups and minimal equipment are the way to go for a busy on-the-go real estate agent. You only need a couple pieces of gear to look and sound great in a virtual meeting.

Today, most laptops, all-in-one computers, smart phones and even tablets come with a good quality camera and microphone already built in. But if you’re using an older desktop computer or you’d like higher quality video or audio, you can purchase a camera and microphone separately.

Choose a Webcam

A dedicated webcam offers flexibility, since it can be positioned independently of your laptop or mobile device. Plus, HD video quality can help you make a better impression on clients.

• A standalone webcam like the Microsoft LifeCam offers HD video resolution and built-in microphone for business conferencing.
• The line of webcams from Logitech is especially popular, including the Logitech C920 HD external webcam with built-in mic and speakers, the updated Logitech C922 for low-light conditions and the Logitech C930 with onboard video recording. 

Choose a Microphone

Audio quality impacts how viewers feel about video quality, and a built-in laptop or webcam microphone can pick up typing, background noise and room echo. The more virtual meetings you host, the more you’ll want a better microphone so you sound your best.

• Earbuds with an inline mic, such as Apple EarPods or wireless AirPods, are a step up from your laptop’s mic and you may already have a pair in your desk drawer.
• An affordable business headset with a boom mic, such as the one from Mpow, is a popular choice that can offer noise-cancelling features.
• For a freestanding desk microphone, the Rode NT-USB microphone or Samson Meteor Mic are popular plug-and-play USB-input options.

Consider Other Equipment

A webcam and microphone are all you really need to start video conferencing, but some additional tools can help, such as a laptop stand, a tripod, and a storage case.

If you will be referring to documents and taking notes while meeting with clients, you might consider investing in a second computer monitor, so you can have your clients on one screen and your work on the other.

To stay organized in front of a camera, consider using Folio to keep all your transaction documents neat and organized.

Folio uses an AI-powered approach to identify and sort your emails in a way that make sense for your real estate business, whether you’re using Folio for Gmail or Folio for Outlook.

It’s one more way to make life easier working remotely and make connecting virtually with clients feel like you’re in the same room.

The post The Real Estate Agent Guide to Video Conferencing appeared first on Amitree.

Many real estate professionals find it convenient to keep a home office. But during COVID-19, a home office has become many people’s only office. With stay-at-home orders still in effect in many areas, your home office may have transformed into your business command center.

Whether you’re working from the dining room table or a dedicated office space, getting your workspace organized during this time is key, both for your productivity and your sanity.

But keeping things organized can be a challenge, especially when you’re not used to working from home. It’s important to take a few minutes each day to get organized. You will feel refreshed, reduce stress, and save hours per week by keeping your space neat and organized.

Here are five tips that can help you stay on track and look like a pro with your tidy real estate home office.

1. Keep Your Desk Clear

One of the biggest challenges of organizing a home office is that the job is never done. New work piles up on top of old and if you aren’t careful you can get buried.

The benefits of a clean desk are well known, including:

• Better focus
• Less stress
• Increased efficiency
• Higher productivity
• Better security

Take out only what folders you need and refile when finished. It keeps documents from getting lost and keeps work out of the way during meals, homework, and playtime with kids and pets.

Ending each day with a desk that’s clear of clutter feels amazing and makes you look like a professional, even under difficult circumstances.

2. Keep Your Physical Files Organized

Real estate business generates a mountain of documentation and everyone has their own method of organizing it. The key is to find something that works for you and stick with it.

Vertical files, shelves and storage boxes are all good storage solutions, and with a home office the choice is up to you. Any of these will work, as long as you prioritize what’s important and cut out what isn’t.

For everyday documents, it makes sense to create a ready-access folder that is close at hand with all these handouts, forms and documents.

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For long-term filing, keep backups of what’s most important in a different secure location for emergencies.

And know when to cut back. When it’s time to discard sensitive personal information, make sure to do so safely and use a shredder.

3. Keep Your Digital Files Organized

Keeping digital files of your real estate transactions greatly cuts down on stacks of paper, but organization is still crucial even at home.

Make sure to create and maintain systems for digital file naming, folder organization, and storage so you don’t lose access to important files.

Include key info when naming your digital files, such as client name, property address, document type or date. This makes it easy to search for what you need.

Manage your files with a few key folders, such as contract forms, listings, and clients. Then organize specific documentation into subfolders under each heading.

Use tools to make home office data storage easier. Try Adobe Scan to make fast, high-quality scans of important paperwork, then store your documentation securely in the cloud with Google Drive or DropBox.

4. Keep Your Team Organized

With everyone working from home, coordinating with your team can be a challenge. There’s still a need to check in, and with everyone out of their usual element, your team may have questions about sharing and accessing documents and forms.

Using tools like Zoom and GoToMeeting, you can check in and learn what files, documents, forms and records need to be shared and accessed and then develop a plan to stay organized.

Cloud sharing tools like Google Drive and DropBox not only allow you manage your own files, but to share documents and folders safely and securely with your team.

Take advantage of Adobe Scan to digitize any hard copies and then use DocuSign (a Folio partner) to get all your transaction documents securely and digitally signed.

5. Keep Your Inbox Organized

Whether at the office or at home, a deluge of emails can be a massive drain on your time, productivity, and sanity. When tidying up your home office workspace, don’t forget about your inbox.

With Folio’s AI-powered approach, you can keep your email inbox neat and organized, saving you from hours of extra work every week.

Both Folio for Gmail and Folio for Outlook integrate seamlessly into your inbox. Our algorithms understand how to identify and sort emails into workflows that make sense for your real estate business.

Keeping your real estate home office organized will save you a lot of time. Just a few simple steps every day can help you keep your desk, files, team, and inbox organized and your business on track. It’s a great way to reduce stress and remain focused during COVID-19.

The post 5 Tips for Organizing Your Real Estate Home Office appeared first on Amitree.

Like many real estate agents, you may be wondering how to keep your real estate transactions on track and how to keep your business going.

While these are challenging times for everyone, the good news is that home sales seem to be starting to move in a positive direction. The DHS has deemed real estate an essential service, some states are now easing restrictions, and many people are embracing new technologies.

Given all of this, buying and selling a home during COVID-19 is possible despite the challenges. With some flexibility and creativity, you can start new transactions and keep them moving forward and help your clients make it to closing day.

Here are three tips that can help you make it through:

Check for Status Updates, Frequently

One of the challenges of COVID-19 is that it’s a moving target.

Today’s current status in your city or state could change tomorrow. Officials could ease restrictions making appraisals, inspections and signings easier, or tighten them making closing more difficult.

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In this situation, one of the best ways to make sure your transactions stay on track is staying in the know.

Sign up for local alerts and email newsletters. Call or email everyone involved in the transaction at least once a week to check on everyone’s health, progress, questions and challenges. Remember to loop in the:

• Appraiser
• Inspector
• Title / escrow company
• Mortgage lender
• Closing team
• Deed recorder

It’s a lot of work, so save yourself some time by using Folio’s powerful AI tools to keep your email updates organized so you can streamline your transaction communications.

Get Everyone the New Paperwork

Closing during COVID-19 comes with a lot of uncertainty. The typical milestone deadlines agreed to in the purchase agreement for appraisals, inspections, closing and move-out dates may become unworkable and require changes.

Adding a COVID-19 clause or addendum to the purchase agreement is something a lot of agents have already done. NAR offers helpful advice on the topic and you should check with your local real estate association for any guidance or new requirements.

While it doesn’t let the buyer or seller off the hook for just anything, a coronavirus clause can offer the necessary flexibility to get the deal done, something not offered by the usual force majeure provisions.

Of course one question is how to get everyone the coronavirus amendments, as well as all the other paperwork, when there are lockdowns and stay-at-home orders for a pandemic.

DocuSign is a Folio partner and the industry leader in secure and legally binding electronic signature services. Without having to meet face to face, you can get all your transaction documents signed to keep the closing process on track.

Meet Colleagues and Clients Online

It’s not possible or advisable to meet with colleagues and clients face to face in a pandemic, and that’s a big challenge for a business like real estate.

Appraisals almost always involve a firsthand look at the house. Inspections always have to be done in person. And under normal circumstances, closings happen with everyone seated around the same table.

But around the country, real estate service providers are finding coronavirus workarounds.

The FHFA has offered flexibility on appraisals until at least June 30th, meaning your client can get a desk appraisal based on comps and market data, or a hybrid appraisal with a drive by visit or even a look-through with video chat.

Inspections have to be done in person and sometimes can’t be waived due to state regulations or insurance requirements. But many inspectors are suiting up in protective gear and holding post-inspection findings meetings virtually.

Other client meetings, from making an offer to reviewing the purchase agreement to the closing itself can often be done remotely.

Tech tools such as Zoom, GoToMeeting, and FaceTime can all help you and your clients stay connected and on track with the process. But be prepared to help clients get up to speed if the technology is new to them.

In states where the closing can’t be remotely, signings have been held in separate rooms or even in the parking lot with the buyers and sellers each in their own vehicles.

There’s no question that the current situation is unprecedented. But with some flexibility and creative solutions like Folio, DocuSign, and Zoom, closing during COVID-19 is almost always possible. With these tools, you can help reassure clients that their real estate transaction will stay on track.

The post Closing During COVID-19: How to Keep Your Real Estate Transactions on Track appeared first on Amitree.

We are living in unprecedented times. The kind of times that turn what used to be fairly straightforward processes, like getting groceries, into ultra-orchestrated events that require protective gear and get-in-get-out-quickly plans. 

The effect that the coronavirus has had on everyday life is incredibly far-reaching and has changed the way we do most things.

But even with the “new normal,” savvy real estate agents are still finding ways to close transactions, though the process looks a little different. One of the adjustments is doing showings with as little in-person contact as possible — no easy feat.

Luckily, we are living in a world where existing technology is making things like virtual showings possible and allowing business to continue (though it’s definitely not business as usual). 

And as a bonus, many virtual showings can be conducted with apps and software that you are already using, allowing you to show homes without purchasing expensive software or hiring a crew.

In order to make the most of virtual showings (without using dedicated virtual real estate software), these 4 tips can help to maximize your efficiency and ensure that the virtual showing goes smoothly.

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1. Plan ahead

Before you start the virtual walkthrough, plan the route that you will take through the house that matches the talking points that will highlight the features of the home. 

Turn on the lights and open the shades throughout the home before filming. While this is something you may already do before an in-person showing, it’s even more important to do it ahead of the virtual showing and video creation. Fumbling for a light switch while juggling a phone takes away from the experience for the potential buyer and could cause you to need to re-shoot.

Planning ahead will ensure that you’re able to conduct a smooth showing where the home takes center stage.

2. Create a script

After shooting the video, you can decide whether or not to lay audio over the video. Doing so allows you to send the video to potential buyers for them to watch at their convenience.

But a script is also a necessity if you are doing a “live” showing where you’re sharing your screen with a potential buyer and walking them through the home as the video plays.

Either way, having a script will streamline the information that you wish to share and ensure that you’re highlighting the most important features of the home, while also ensuring that you project how professional you are.

Many computers have video editing software (Windows Movie Maker for Windows and iMovie for Mac) already installed that will allow you to lay audio over the video.

3. One video can serve multiple purposes

While some potential buyers may prefer a live walkthrough, so they can ask questions and look at specific features, many buyers will be comfortable having you send a pre-recorded video with a voice over that they can watch on their own time. 

A third option is to use a version with no voice over to give the potential buyer a “live” tour where you are on a video call and sharing your screen as the video plays. This means that you can talk the buyers through the house and answer any questions that might come up as you watch the virtual showing together.

Once the video is ready to go, upload it to Google Drive or Dropbox, so you can easily share the file with potential buyers.

4. Communicate with the seller

If the home is occupied, you’ll have to coordinate with the seller to set up a time to record the video. But as opposed to doing live virtual showings where you will have to coordinate multiple times to be in the home, recording a video allows you to only enter the home once. When you set up a time to film, you can work with them to ensure that their needs and safety concerns are addressed. 

Ask them to do as much of the prep work as possible, such as opening all interior doors, raising the shades, turning on lights, cleaning up, and clearing walkways. This will allow you to touch as little as possible and avoid transferring any germs.

You can also ask them how much protective gear they would like you to wear. They may prefer that you wear a mask, gloves, and/or shoe coverings when you enter the home.

Make sure you’re clear on how they would like you to leave the house when you’re finished, and adhere to any safety measures they put in place for you.

5. Choose the best platform

If you and the buyer decide to do a “live” virtual showing there are a number of video chat apps to choose from, many of which you’re probably familiar with or already using.

Decide ahead of time which will work best for your client and make sure that you have it installed, are signed in, and understand how to use it. Each one allows you to share your screen.

Some apps to choose from include:

• Google Hangouts
• Zoom
• Skype

No matter how well the virtual showing goes, don’t be surprised if the potential buyers end up wanting to do an in-person showing before making their final decision. But doing a virtual showing can speed up the in-person walkthrough, making the process safer for everyone involved.

Utilizing virtual showings is a key tactic leading real estate agents are using to keep their businesses operating right now — and it doesn’t have to be expensive! 

By using the tips above, agents can execute professional and informative virtual showings without paying for an additional piece of software or a video crew. However, if you are looking to use software to take your showings to the next level, look out for our next post on how to select and maximize the value of virtual tours and software.

The post Tips for Successful Real Estate Virtual Showings on a Budget appeared first on Amitree.

Due to the workload, many agents seek ways to save time and become more efficient. The time you save can be reinvested in your business and enable you to close more deals, while still providing the high quality of service your clients expect. Even more, you can free your time for the strategic, relationship-building and transaction-closing parts of your job, as opposed to the tedious, administrative aspects.

Fortunately, as a real estate agent, you have many tools and techniques at your disposal to help you become a lean, mean transaction-closing machine. Let’s take a look at the top five ways you can save time in 2022!

Save Time With Advanced Technology

Use advanced technology in any way you can. This doesn’t just mean having an email account, a smartphone and a tablet – every agent has those. To save time, you need to leverage technology to become more organized and reduce noise.

Use a service like DocuSign to handle all your contracts. We (obviously) recommend using Folio to categorize your emails and stay on top of deals with minimal effort.

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You can also use CRM (customer relationship management) software to maintain a list of all your leads and set reminders of when to call, follow-up, or send an email. HubSpot and Copper are fantastic generic CRMs, while products like Wise Agent cater specifically to real estate agents.

Don’t Be Late by Automating Your Texts and Other Responses

As you know, people browse properties online. When they submit a contact form on Zillow or a similar site, you need to message them immediately. There are sites online that let you automate your responses, such as Follow Up Boss and SimpleTexting. The moment the customer submits an inquiry, you can have an automated text go out saying something like “Hi [name], thank you for viewing [property address]. I’d love to tell you more about the property. When’s a good time to chat?”

By automating these replies, you don’t have to type any texts, and you don’t need to waste time monitoring your phone and replying to leads. You’ll only engage leads that message you back and are truly interested.

Collect Buyer Desires and Request a Pre-Approval Upfront

Agents spend a lot of time showing homes to buyers. Develop surveys and questionnaires to give to buyers to fill out. Get buyers to think about what they want and what price range they can afford (ask them to get pre-approved first) before starting the home search. A lot of times, real estate agents spend time with clients who are not pre-approved and who are unsure of what they want. These clients often don’t have a high probability of closing. You can sometimes avoid unnecessary showings with upfront communication and guiding your leads to get serious with a pre-approval.

Plan Your Client Communications in Advance

Decide how often you will contact your leads, how often you will do promotional events, etc. in advance, then put those dates on your calendar. For example, some agents ascribe to a rigid “36 touch” system that suggests four calls, two client events, four promotions, and 26 emails (once every two weeks) per year.

As a real estate professional, you may or may not subscribe to that exact system, but you do need emails to nurture leads through the pipeline. Plan for these emails and activities in advance and give enough spacing between touchpoints. You’ll have a regular cadence of clients this way who, when the moment is right, will respond to your email because you’re top of mind. If you don’t plan, you might forget to send these emails, and then your lead pipeline becomes stale, requiring significant time to fix.

Many times, agents are wasting significant time on cold-calling stale leads or trying to figure out how to acquire new ones. A well-oiled marketing machine keeps the client pipeline full and reduces your time commitment.

Hire Some Help

If your business is robust enough that you can hire help, go for it. In this context, the term “help” is broad. You could hire a freelance blog writer to help with your website. Hire a developer to add a chatbot. A virtual assistant can help you with scheduling showings. Delegate what you can to professionals so you can focus on your core business.

Save Time in 2022

If you want to save time in 2022, the three keys are to plan, automate, and communicate. Real estate is competitive, but that doesn’t mean you need to be working excessively. With these tips, you’ll be able to maintain and grow your income with less time, leaving you with more time to do what you do best, better!

The post 5 Ways Real Estate Agents Can Be More Efficient in 2022 appeared first on Amitree.