Real Estate Technology & Tools

Meat and Potato simple real estate video. Roll your own for the show and tell a new real estate listing. Or hire it out, do video take out for the all done and ready for an upload to your established real estate video channels. Which of the two video camps are you in? Or is none of the above box checked off? "N/A". Nada for video. Are you still trying to convince yourself of the merits of real estate video? (Removing painful slivers sitting on that wooden fence waiting for what?) If you check out the forums for the folks who produce the real estate videos, the word "cheap" is often mentioned. Those hired to do real estate videos openly complain that, looking at the real estate property listing commission, spending a little on the video application is justified. Many videographers perce... 01/17/2025

In today's real estate market, simply putting up an Open House sign isn't enough. Using a multiple listing service (MLS) enhances visibility and potential sales, requiring high-quality photos to attract house hunters online. This post delves into the essentials of preparing your real estate photos for MLS, ensuring they draw the highest amount of attention.MLS Photo Specifications: A PrimerAdhering to MLS specifications is key to successful property listings. While requirements can vary by region due to local regulations, certain photo specifications tend to remain consistent across major platforms like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com. These include technical details about the size and quality of photos that help maintain a standard and ensure your listings look professional.Essential D... 01/16/2025

Today I attended the weekly AR Zoom meeting with speaker Lisa Spampinato. The title of her session was "AI and ChatGPT for Realtors - How to Improve Your Marketing Game".Most of us are familiar with ChatGPT, which has tons of business applications. The most common use for real estate is writing or editing the property description in MLS, but there are many other uses. I've used AI to "write it better" when the words don't flow as smoothly and eloquently as I would like. Since my office encourages us (Realtors) to use more video in our marketing efforts, Lisa said something today in her presentation that immediately triggered me to create a reel using ChatGPT. It's a good thing I was taking notes!Once the zoom call was over, I asked ChatGPT for "5 Tips to Sell a Winter Home Faster". With... 01/14/2025

I have run into SEVERAL people lately who are still using paper calendars (daytimers).      I am not sure when I moved over, as I didn't even keep the Daytimer, and I did love it.    It just didn't fit in my purse very well, and was cumbersome.  At an event I attended last week, there was another agent sitting at the table next to me, with her Daytimer out, and she was emailing someone.   I had to laugh.   I have two friends still using paper calendars too. SO glad I moved over.   I was trying to find the date when I replaced my carpet in my basement bedroom, and couldn't remember what year it was.   I keep receipts for things that have to do with my house, but did not for this.   My credit card company only goes back 3 years, and thought it could be further back than that.I had no idea... 01/14/2025

For those members in our AI Zoom calls know, I am very fond of Adobe Acrobat. The AI Assistant is fantastic and now it is even better!! Now it is more interactive. Their ads tout this but they are not very clear.For one thing, you can now chat and suggest and make edits/improvements.  This makes it easier to create and edit your documents.  It is also faster. Of course it takes some time to acclimate to this.I frequently suggest for agents and brokers to utilize Adobe and this is a game changer. All of these improvements require a subscription. The basic Adobe is very useful but the subscription programs are far superior and reasonably priced .  Subscriptions are relatively inexpensive but for the time they save and the benefits they are well worth the expense of time and money!!Happy N... 01/06/2025

Here is the north Texas real estate market update for January 6 2025.New properties for sale 130Back On Market 37Price Decrease 143Price increase 7Active kick out 0Active option contract 94Active contingent  16Pending listings 115Sold listings 38Expired listings 47Cancelled listings 21Withdrawn listings 1Temporary off market listings 36Coming soon listings 26 01/06/2025

Where Virtual Staging Shines in Real EstateVirtual staging is quickly becoming a go-to option for real estate pros who want to present their properties in the best light without spending exorbitant amounts on actual furnishings. Thanks to easy-to-use tools, quick results, and realistic imagery, this approach has turned into a favorite in the listing game. Some realtors are drawn to it because they can update a space’s look in minutes, while others appreciate how it allows them to experiment with different styles before committing to one. Picture an older condominium that needs a touch of modern décor to catch the eye of a younger crowd—virtual staging achieves this swiftly, often at a fraction of the cost of a traditional staging service.Contrasting Methods for Digital FurnishingsWithin... 01/06/2025

The real estate industry is undergoing a seismic shift, with technology at the forefront of its evolution. From virtual reality tours to blockchain transactions, these advancements are reshaping how we buy, sell, and interact with property. Let’s dive into the key technology trends transforming real estate and what they mean for the industry’s future.Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)Gone are the days when potential buyers had to physically visit every property on their list. With VR and AR, they can now explore homes remotely, walking through virtual spaces as if they were there in person. This technology is particularly beneficial for: Buyers relocating from distant areas. Real estate agents showcasing multiple properties efficiently. Developers offering virtual previews of under-c... 12/27/2024

A number of folks were interested to see how they can use their Microsoft 365 to create custom graphics for marketing and social media. But let's face it - less than 2 weeks until the new year and a lot of folks think about their goals for the coming year.Walter Sanford was the first residential real estate agent to earn $1,000,000 a year in commissions during a 1 year period.  This was around 1986 or 87 if I remember right. And this was also with out a staff of listing and showing agents. He was operating like a doctor having clients come to him to sign documents in his office.  If I remember right, he had an average sales price of around $75,000 to $80,000 back then.One thing Walter taught me is to take your goals and divide them into the 5 Fs.FaithFamily FunFitnessFinancesSo that is ... 12/21/2024

In this week's Zoom meeting, I learned a new trick from my dear friend Margaret Rome. I also enjoy our Zoom meeting and all the members that attend I have always learned something from Margaret. She is such an intelligent lady, and I could hug her this week. She also hosts a radio show every Sunday. Sell Your Home With Margaret RomeRadio Host ALL ABOUT REAL ESTATESundays noon.Author: Real Estate The Rome Way There are so many days when I misplace my phone. I have even emailed friends, asking them to call me, but that usually does not work and is not quick.The fastest way was to knock on my neighbor's door. When I gave up looking for the phone, I asked her to call me. She laughed but called me a few times until I found it. Margaret had a brilliant secret way to find it. It was simple and... 12/19/2024

There are many things (and I mean a GREAT many things) that make the Active Rain community a valuable asset. One of my favorites is the brain trust that exists within it's members. One of the members that has saved me hundreds if not thousands of dollars is Craig Daniels .I don't recall the subject matter, but I am pretty sure it was one of our Tuesday Zoom meetings where Craig dropped bombshell I wasn't expecting.  He spoke about Microsoft 365.  For only $70 per year, I get the complete Microsoft 365 (formerly known as Office) as well as 1 TB of data storage. That in itself was a no brainer.  Then I started discovering some of the great ways to use the tools of 365.Yes - Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint are amazing. But have you really looked at Publisher? I have been creating and a... 12/17/2024

Have you been hearing that there are a lot drones flying these days especially in New Jersey? Some people think that foreign powers are canvassing our neighborhoods. I guess that could be true.(Image: Drone by Fajaws, Pixabay)Others think, with all the air traffic, it could be Santa's elves checking out the best delivery altitudes for Santa to avoid mid air collisions on Christmas Eve for Santa's all night ascents and descents. Could the North Pole be considered a "Foreign Power"?Ouch! Be careful Santa!The foreign powers theory for the drones could also be true, I guess.Since the Federal Government is not telling us what is going on, I guess I will just have to reveal what is really going on.REALTORS® love new technology and love shooting aerial pictures of homes and swimmning pools and... 12/17/2024

Great information with us novice You-Tubers. Bill  YouTube shorts vs long form real estate videos. The long and short of it is the two real estate video formats application for is not the same. Different format, not the same application means different approach in your real estate marketing. Just as the SEO strategies not quite the same either for YouTube Shorts and long-form videos. Why? Because of variations in their format, viewer behavior, and algorithm preferences. The length of each YouTube video format production means short and sweet. Or settle back, make it detailed and lengthy for increased watch time engagement. Here's how SEO differs for each to help in your real estate video marketing. YouTube Shorts Keywords and Titles: You should keep titles short and engaging to grab att... 12/09/2024

YouTube shorts vs long form real estate videos. The long and short of it is the two real estate video formats application for is not the same. Different format, not the same application means different approach in your real estate marketing. Just as the SEO strategies not quite the same either for YouTube Shorts and long-form videos. Why? Because of variations in their format, viewer behavior, and algorithm preferences. The length of each YouTube video format production means short and sweet. Or settle back, make it detailed and lengthy for increased watch time engagement. Here's how SEO differs for each to help in your real estate video marketing. YouTube Shorts Keywords and Titles: You should keep titles short and engaging to grab attention quickly. Including "#Shorts" in the title o... 12/09/2024

I’m thrilled to share that I was recently quoted in the Nov/Dec 2024 issue of The Residential Specialist! The article dives into how the real estate industry is adapting to changes surrounding the MLS, particularly after the recent NAR settlement. As someone deeply passionate about fostering transparency, trust, and efficiency in our industry, I’m honored to contribute to this important discussion.In the article, I highlighted how MLS systems remain a cornerstone of our profession, providing accurate data, fostering market competition, and leveling the playing field for all participants. I also touched on areas where MLS systems can continue to grow—such as enhanced usability and integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI and big data analytics.While I’m truly grateful to have my per... 12/06/2024

The RealBird PRO listing marketing suite is only $1 for the rest of the year. That's a 96% savings over our regular monthly fee.We are practically giving the house away :)Please note that this is a new PRO member special.For existing free RealBird members:If you already have a free RealBird account, you can upgrade to PRO for only $1Make sure you log in via this link to be redirected to the special upgrade page:https://www.realbird.com/member/login.aspx?int=t6fu7yrnshywY8Don't have a RealBird account yet?You can create an account via the registration link below and follow the instructions to upgrade at this 96% discount for only $1https://www.realbird.com/member/register.aspx?p=register&int=t6fu7yrnshywY8Sharing is much appreciatedIf you have real estate friends, coworkers, and partners... 11/27/2024

As a busy real estate professional managing multiple rental properties, your schedule is hectic enough as it is. The last thing your rental business needs is a tenant-related issue, leading to an eviction, property damage, late payment, or vacancy – ultimately, lost revenue. That’s why we at RealBird were happy to partner with RentRisk to bring you free tenant screening to add peace of mind in your day to day. Our hope is that this partnership adds one more tool in your toolbelt to bring value to both your business and clients in a practical way.Proper tenant screening is crucial for any real estate professional – it helps mitigate risks and ensures you find responsible, trustworthy tenants. However, there is a low standard in the industry when screening. Some think that basic credit ch... 11/27/2024

Hey guys!This year, I have been focusing on helping our clients get up to speed with Privacy compliance related to their website, and I’m recommending a solution I use on my own website, Termageddon.If you missed my Active Rain Presentation a couple of weeks ago - check out the presentation slides below!Yeah, I know - you think because I am a affiliate that I get a commission and that is why I recommend them. Well, I AM an affiliate AND a reseller - but I don't recommend them because of this. I have personally worked with Termageddon since 2018 and their product and customer service is TOP NOTCH. There are other privacy policy generators I could have partnered with but these guys are the best and THAT is what I want for my clients. Plus....they give my clients a discount, which makes it... 11/26/2024

Avoid Feeding the Beast‼️ Using discernment to determine which tech tools work for business sake and what is a potential waste of resources, I was recently invited to sign up for REO listing opportunities, again. The following paragraph was part of the call to action:It read:" With the season of gratitude upon us, we want to thank you for being a valued partner. To show our appreciation, we’re excited to assist you in reinstating your eligibility to receive listings by offering you our largest promotion of the year."• For a Limited Time‼️• Sign up by November 29th‼️• Before this opportunity passes you by‼️ My response:"No thank you. After signing up a few times, hoping to earn some business, I never received any - NOT ONE LISTING‼️ Perhaps too many other agents are better connected, tho... 11/27/2024

50 Proven SEO Tactics for Real Estate Agents - SEO – Search Engine Optimization or maybe you’ve heard of SEM, which stands for Search Engine Marketing, are essentially the same thing. It’s setting up your online presence, be it your website, blog or social media presence, for the best possible return on investment, time and energy. Simply publishing a website is not going to get you the leads and traffic you want. As with anything, you have to take the time to nurture it, work it, hone it, and perfect it to really get it to work for you. Once you get that snowball working, but once it does, it can be quite the machine. While there’s no ONE way to do SEO or ONE tactic that will work, we can implement a few of them to really start making an impact. I have reached out to 50 real estate pro... 11/21/2024