Focus Makes the Difference

Focus Makes the Difference

RECBL - Real Estate News

When does that racehorse really pour on the power? You guessed it...in that final stretch of the race, with the finish line in sight.

It’s hard to believe were heading into the final days of the year, when our focus should be all about rocking our numbers as we reach the finish line. It’s time to maximize these final weeks to meet or exceed those goals we set many months ago.

Will you meet your goals, or fall short?

Many agents use the slowdown of the market as we near the holidays as an excuse to slack off.

We all love the holidays, and while life is about enjoying these special times, for the savvy agent, ramping up when everyone else is gearing down offers the best competitive advantage.

While everyone else is sipping cider and decorating for the holidays, here are a few proven ways to take advantage of the lull and score big.

Set up a face-to-face touch with everyone you did business with this year.
The end of the year is a logical time to contact past clients, your sphere of influence, current prospects and strategic partners to say a special "thank you." Consider hosting a fun event or a pie promotion to past clients, customers, referral resources and current prospects.

Contact prospects who aren’t ready to buy or sell, and ask what date they want you to contact them after the holidays. Pop by with a small holiday promotional gift or card that tells them a donation has been made by you in their name. These are solid ways to keep the connection going.

Support a give-back campaign within the community.
Check with your local Chamber of Commerce for details on drives to benefit the local food pantry, animal shelter, homeless shelter or senior center and discover different ways to support them through your sphere of influence. Be present at each of the various venues for the distribution or pick-up of the drive. Make sure to take plenty of photos and videos to post on your Facebook business page. Sharing the combined efforts of you and the participating vendors creates high visibility and endless goodwill.

Inspect what you expect from your various service providers.
Do a deep dive into inspecting what lead generation and CRM (client relationship management) platforms have proven to be profitable. When you study the actual return on the investment, you’re better equipped to make the decision to renew those particular services or start looking for a better solution. As an example, if you’ve been paying every month for a lead-generation service, now is a great time to determine what percentage of those leads have resulted in sales. Service providers count on the fact that a monthly billing will continue to ping your credit card and go unnoticed. Knowing what your real costs are can make the difference between buying leads and actually converting them into real profits.

As the year draws to an end, keep your eye on the goal to go, and we’ll see you in the profit zone.

Terri Murphy is a communication engagement specialist, author, speaker and coach. She is the author/co-author of five books, and founder of MurphyOnRealEstate.com. Contact her at TerriMurphy.com, MurphyOnRealEstate.com or Terri@TerriMurphy.com.

For more information, please visit www.workmansuccesssystems.com.



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Better Your Business: Become a Real Estate Resource for Seniors

Better Your Business: Become a Real Estate Resource for Seniors

RECBL - Real Estate News

NARs Seniors Real Estate Specialist(R) designation draws attention to an aging demographic. As a real estate agent, you may be focused on wrangling in younger clients-millennials making that first big home purchase, or those looking to jump from their starter home to their forever home. But real estate professionals fixated on younger clients alone are missing out on a major demographic that needs attention: seniors.

"Our country’s population of older residents has grown significantly over the past several decades," says Chris Read, a broker/owner in Illinois.

Read notes that according to the United States Administration of Aging, the number of residents who are 65 and older will more than double by 2040 to represent 20 percent of the nation’s population.

"To meet the special housing needs of our maturing population, REALTORS(R) need special knowledge and expertise to appropriately counsel clients with major lifestyle changes associated with seniors," says Read.

But what exactly are these senior-specific housing needs? Think tax and legal matters, retirement challenges, exploring assisted living options and understanding how to search for properties that allow independent older clients to age in place.

How can real estate professionals work to meet these needs? The answer is the NAR Seniors Real Estate Specialist(R) (SRES(R)) designation, which provides the knowledge and resources needed for agents to offer a better level of counseling for senior clients.

"The SRES(R) designation provides the awareness and knowledge of issues facing seniors, in addition to a multitude of resources for client solutions and assistance," says Read, who was named the 2016 REALTOR(R) of the Year by the Illinois Association of REALTORS(R).

"Knowledge is power," notes Read. Understanding the issues 21st century seniors face will place you ahead of your competition, draw in more business, and allow you to better serve your senior clients by customizing your services as needed. "Many housing and service organizations will market contact info for the SRES(R) member. It’s a symbol for competency, awareness and skills in navigating a senior through the process of relocating."

To earn the SRES(R) designation, a licensee must be an active member of the National Association of REALTORS(R) (NAR). Following that, you must become an active member of the SRES(R) Council, and complete the two-day designation course-available online or in a classroom. "I completed the course online within one week, stopping and starting as my schedule permitted," says Read.

Read is far from the only real estate professional investing in the senior population. The Senior Services activities of both the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS(R) and the Illinois Association of REALTORS(R) have been making large moves to support seniors in housing. With a membership of 17,000-plus, the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS(R) is the largest local association in Illinois, and its Senior Service committee is comprised of REALTOR(R) members maintaining the SRES(R) designation whose business focuses on servicing the senior demographic, explains Read.

The committee’s goal is to provide education, share resources, create tools, promote advocacy and give support to seniors and their communities. In the past, the organization has sponsored senior expos and seminars on powers of attorney, senior housing options, de-cluttering, senior fraud protection and preparing for the future.

Through these services, the organization not only supports their senior community members, but directly connects them with SRES(R) designees who can meet their needs, driving business for the agents, and a higher quality of aging for the community’s seniors.

For more information, please visit www.seniorsrealestate.com.



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Is History Repeating Itself? Is a Bubble Next?

Is History Repeating Itself? Is a Bubble Next?

RECBL - Real Estate News

Demand is forcing home prices in the West to keep ticking up, even though the home-buying and -selling season is winding down, according to the September Zillow(R) Real Estate Market Report. Appreciation is highest in the San Jose, Calif., and Seattle, Wash., metropolitan areas, where prices have rocketed (in order) 10.3 percent, to a median $455,800, and 12.4 percent, to a median $1,052,500, year-over-year. Appreciation nationally is 6.9 percent, to a median $202,700.

Rents out West are also on a swift upswing. Rents in Riverside, Calif. have climbed 6.0 percent year-over-year-the most of the metro areas in the report-to a median $1,833.

Rents in Seattle have gone up 5.5 percent to a median $2,189; rents in Portland, Ore., have increased 4.7 percent to a median $1,863; and rents in Los Angeles, Calif., have risen 4.5 percent to $2,714. Appreciation nationally is 2 percent, to a median $1,430.

"In these West Coast markets, heightened demand is being met with limited supply of homes for sale, which naturally causes prices to rise," says Dr. Svenja Gudell, chief economist at Zillow. "That limited supply and high demand dynamic is a widespread phenomenon impacting high-growth metros like Seattle, as well as slower-moving markets, like Indianapolis.

"It might be easy to assume another bubble is emerging, with home values growing 10 or 12 percent per year, but don’t worry-the market is reacting to basic economic laws, and is behaving exactly the way we would expect it to given good overall growth, limited supply of homes for sale and decent housing affordability thanks to low mortgage interest rates," Gudell says.

Nationally, there are now 12 percent fewer homes for sale compared to one year ago, the report shows.

The current growth in home prices is echoing the lead-up to the recession. Is history repeating itself?

The answer is likely not, according to a recently released realtor.com(R) report. Building is lacking in many markets-one hallmark 10 years ago was over-construction-and credit standards are more stringent, says Danielle Hale, chief economist of realtor.com.

"As we compare today’s market dynamics to those of a decade ago, it’s important to remember rising prices didn’t cause the housing crash," Hale says. "It was rising prices stoked by subprime and low documentation mortgages, as well as people looking for short-term gains-versus today’s truer market vitality-that created the environment for the crash."

In 2016, home prices (the national median home sales price) were 2 percent higher than they were in 2006, the report reveals. Pre-recession prices have returned in 31 of the 50 largest metropolitan areas.

In contrast with 2006, however, are today’s credit conditions. Currently, the median FICO score for a mortgage is 734; the median in 2006 was 700.

Builds and flips are also different from 2006-starkly. The credit environment, among other factors, is keeping a lid on unfettered flipping and over-construction. In 2006, one household formation generally equaled 1.4 single-family housing starts; in 2016, that number shrank to 0.7 single-family starts. Flips accounted for 5 percent of sales in 2016; in 2006, they comprised 8.6 percent.

"Lending standards are critical to the health of the market," says Hale. "Unlike today, the booms under-regulated lending environment allowed borrowing beyond repayable amounts and atypical mortgage products, which pushed up home prices without the backing of income and equity."

Additionally, economic indicators point elsewhere. Employment was healthy then and is now, but inventory is limited more today-at a 20-year low. Presently, the average month’s supply is 4.2; in 2007, the average month’s supply was 6.4.

"The healthy economy is creating more jobs and households, but not giving these people enough places to live," Hale says. "Rapid price increases will not last forever. We expect a gradual tapering as buyers are priced out of the market-not a market correction, but an easing of demand and price growth as renting or adding roommates becomes a more affordable alternative."



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Real Estate Investing: It’s not in the property

Real Estate Investing: It’s not in the property

RECBL - Real Estate News

Thomas Edison was quoted as saying, “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.”

If you are new to real estate investing you probably have a ton of questions. Real estate investing is more than just the purchasing, owning, managing, renting and/or selling real estate for profit. Real estate investing, realistically, is a career and way of life.

There are people whom have chosen a path, who’ve pursued degrees to become lawyers, doctors and even bartenders because those career areas are compelling and give them reason to live a certain lifestyle.

I am not talking about getting a license to become a real estate agent so you can become the middle man of property transactions. I am talking about becoming a real estate investor which does not require a real estate license but does require skills such as patience, a willingness to succeed and most of all knowledge of the industry you call real estate investing.

To become successful in the real estate investing industry, here are 10 must-haves to help get you started in your new lifestyle.

Know Your “WHY?”
Ask yourself the main reason you are choosing real estate investing as your career and lifestyle. You may say money but go beyond the obvious and dig deep. Is it to help yourself, your family and/or your community? Is it to create a legacy which will continue long after you’re gone? Understanding your “WHY” will support your passion, drive, motivation and focus. Keep your “WHY’s” written down and close to you at all times so you never lose focus of your purpose for your choice.

Create Realistic Goals
This can be a tough one, however, if you have spent time on your “WHY” your vision for your goals will develop easier than you may realize. And in the same manner you have written down your “WHY’s” and kept them close to you, write down your goals and place them in plain view throughout your home so you can read them at every turn. In everything you do have purpose. Your goals are your roses, stop to enjoy them and remind yourself as to the purpose of your “WHY’s”. Maintaining that focus and passion will forge your goals into results.

Find a mentor
This step is probably one of the most challenging. Finding a mentor requires you to test your comfort zones and allow yourself to become a clean slate for someone to help you become what you have never been before. This step requires more than just visiting your local REI meetings and introducing yourself to a seasoned real estate investor. This step is about finding someone who is passionate about mentoring. Remember, a mentor is both an experienced and trusted advisor. A mentor is as passionate about teaching and mentoring just as much as you are about learning and being mentored. You want to find real people, with real knowledge who provide real estate mentoring and who produce real results in real estate.

Create a to-do-list
You’re probably thinking, “How many lists am I going to have to make?” The answer is, “However many lists it takes to help you get started and keep moving forward.”

Start with creating a simple to-do list. Make the list aesthetically pleasing so you are able to read it easily. You can create a daily, weekly and monthly to-do list. Whether it’s on a piece of stationary or your smart phone, make sure to create a list which inspires you to stay motivated and focused in order to get your tasks completed.

Create a minimum of three columns.

• First column: Task – what is task you want to complete (e.g. attend 3 REI meetings)
• Second column: Time – what time are your tasks to be completed? (e.g. REI meetings at 6:30 pm)
• Third column: Due Date – how soon do you want this task to be completed (e.g. Dec 1, 4 and 6)

This is just a rudimentary beginning and you can develop your own list to meet your needs. However, as you accomplish each task mark them off the list. At the end of the day you create a new list and move everything forward. Do the same thing with the end of the week and month. You’ll instantly see progress which will help you stay focused and motivated and before you know it, your goals become concrete accomplishments and results will follow.

Become the Socialite
Announce yourself into the market by telling people who you are and what it is you do. Your mindset makes a huge difference in how people will accept you and what you do. If you want to be a real estate investor then you must believe you are a real estate investor. Whether you’re a novice or pro is irrelevant, it’s all about your belief in yourself. You must embrace the real estate investor mindset and work ethic.

Advertising and Marketing Yourself
Vehicle signage, business cards and flyers still work, however you want to get your name on the Internet. Social media can help tremendously in this area. You can reach more people in a shorter period of time. Facebook, Instagram, Google+, YouTube are all fantastic ways to help get the word out about yourself. If people don’t know who you are or what it is you can do, breaking into the real estate industry can be even more challenging. The Internet is the number one area to get your business to the next level. Eighty six percent of first time home buyers hit the Internet first in search of their dream home. This step is definitely a to-do list item especially due to the positive impact it can make on your introduction.

Build a buyers list – Lead Generation
This is a critical step and everyone is trying to do this. This reason this step is so important is because you want to have a network of people who are looking for real estate, just like you. You want to find cash buyers who are accustomed to buying real estate for cash. You want to know what other real estate investors are buying and where they are buying. This step is all about lead generation. If you are looking to find real estate cash buyers there are many different ways from software purchases, real estate lead providers, visiting the county recorder’s office and getting a list of all cash sales in the last 30 days in your area. The goal is to find real estate cash buyers and their parameters so you have an idea of what to look for so you can find it, lock it down and flip it for a profit.

Deal or No Deal?
Now you are in the meat and potatoes of the real estate investing industry. Finding a deal may look easy for some and that’s only because they have done everything else already to make sure they can get to this point. The only way you are really going to be able to determine whether or not you have found a deal is if you run the numbers. Remember, if the numbers don’t make sense, then your deal is not a deal. Also, the deal not only has to be a deal for you, but also for the real estate investors you have connected with. You want to make sure you are able to win-win-win situation for you the seller, you and the buyer. It’s a balance you will have to learn to implement correctly.

Get an Agent
Some say this is a must. You probably remember reading earlier that a real estate license is not a necessity and it isn’t, however having a great real estate agent who knows and understands the areas in which you are interested in can be a real game changer. Also, you want to be able to find a real estate with an investor mindset as well. (You’ll understand this more in depth as you meet different agents.) An agent with an investor mindset will have a bettering understanding of you and your goals. You may have to meet with a few agents to determine who you feel comfortable working with but in the end it pays off and you can build a long-lasting relationship.

Continue your pursuit for your goals
This article opened with a Thomas Edison quote and we will close with a Thomas Edison quote. Thomas Edison was also quoted as saying, “Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” True, true, true!

You will experience obstacles in your pursuit for your goals. Obstacles are not dead ends. Obstacles are milestones on your path to success. Most people experience rejection and give up. If you give up you will never realize how close you were to success. When you experience obstacles, remember your “WHY’s”. Reach into whatever pocket you have your “WHY” list so you never lose focus of your purpose for your choice.

You can try doing all of this yourself or you can connect with a network of investors who can teach, train and mentor you in all of these areas. This is your opportunity to make a difference, not just for yourself but to accomplish the bullet points you have on your list.

Don’t wait, click here to connect and get started.

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High Achievers and their 7 Traits

High Achievers and their 7 Traits

RECBL - Real Estate News

With a new year right around the corner, now’s the time to tap into your full potential and realize your dreams. "Never have I seen an opportunity where it's so straightforward to do well in real estate," said Brian Buffini, founder of Buffini & Company, an organization dedicated to sharing Buffinis powerful lead-generation systems with others.

Author of "The Emigrant Edge: How to Make It Big in America," a best-selling book, Buffini shared the following principles-and how to apply them-during the REALTORS(R) Conference & Expo in Chicago, Ill., earlier this month.

1. A voracious openness to learn. "The ability to earn and the desire to learn are extraordinarily linked," said Buffini, who explained that being open means not having all the answers and being willing to try new things, while voracious means there’s an appetite. "When you come here as an emigrant, you have to learn everything," added Buffini, who noted that its easier than ever today thanks to the accessibility of information through a variety of formats.

2. A "do whatever it takes" mindset. "I see real estate transactions fall apart all the time because the agent encountered a problem," said Buffini, who recounted an adventure early on in his career that involved putting together a crib for a client when no one else was around to help. "Over the next seven years, this woman sent me more referrals than I’ve ever received in my life," noted Buffini. While we’ve all heard that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care, unleashing a "whatever it takes" attitude is instrumental in producing advocates.

3. A willingness to outwork others. "Americans, by nature, are hard-working people," noted Buffini, "and a willingness to outwork others in the real estate business boils down to the difference between being busy and being productive." While transactions have gone up significantly over the last four years, with less FSBO’s than ever before, Buffini turned his attention to the sales agent-and how they’re faring in this environment. Dissecting numbers reported by the National Association of REALTORS(R) (NAR), Buffini noted the following about sales agent income:

• In 2013, the gross commission for the average sales agent was $37,200.
• In 2014, the market went up 7 percent, but agent income came down 2 percent to $36,500.
• In 2015, the market went up 11 percent, and REALTORS(R) made $29,560 (20 percent less).
• In 2016, real estate professionals made $31,670 before split and expenses.

"When we get a listing, we get so excited that we got a listing that has no guarantee of payment, except the money we pay to promote, market and try to sell that property," added Buffini. "That’s why I love the real estate business."

4. A heartfelt spirit of gratitude. The nuclear fuel for success, Buffini noted that you can’t have gratitude in your mind and heart and entitlement/envy at the same time. "Our product is the American Dream, and every time we sell it, we get paid thousands of dollars. Were very blessed with high-quality problems," said Buffini, who encouraged audience members to travel, go see, go serve and come back and kiss the ground. "Can you imagine if you walked around so thankful every day for where you lived and the opportunities you have? Reignite the gratitude in your own heart for where you live and what you do."

5. A boldness to invest. When people become moderately successful, they tend to become more risk-averse and they ultimately end up giving less; they simply take calculated risks. "The first thing I invest in is relationships," said Buffini. "Does it involve service and the opportunity to grow my skills?"

6. A commitment to delay gratification. A hard sell across the board due to the fact that in America, if you can’t afford something, you can still have it, Buffini noted that people are overburdened today when it comes to their expenses at home and within their business-which is typically underfunded. "Your business is the golden goose, so don’t starve it," noted Buffini. "It needs to be fed, nurtured and mated so that it can produce other golden gooses." With the end of the year approaching, now’s the time to commit to taking things down a bit and eliminating expenses that are no longer necessary.

7. Remember where you come from. "I want to remember where I came from, and where my people came from. I also want to remember who they are and what they would do with my opportunity," explained Buffini, who encouraged the audience to take a step back in order to gain perspective. "When you're complaining about the buyer, remember when you didnt have the buyer," noted Buffini. "And when you’re talking about inventory, remember when there was so much inventory that everybody was upside down on their houses and they were going into foreclosure."

"It’s our time to shine," concluded Buffini. "If you focus on building relationships, offering superior service and growing your skills as a professional, you’re going to win-and you’re going to win big."


For more information, please visit www.buffiniandcompany.com.




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Local Hyper-Targeted Marketing

Local Hyper-Targeted Marketing

RECBL - Real Estate News

Hyper-targeted marketing has emerged as a definite trend in the real estate market. The ability to reach prospective clients according to closely targeted locations via zip code and neighborhood data can be an effective way to establish and grow connections.

What exactly is this buzz phrase that’s capturing the attention of real estate professionals nationwide? It’s a series of techniques that involve narrowing your focus and marketing efforts, versus more traditional approaches like casting a wide net.

When combined with the technology available for agencies, homebuyers and sellers, hyper-targeted marketing can be an effective way to create and establish important connections. How to use it?

Go local-hyper-local. When advertising a new listing, open house, sale or other important update, focus your efforts on targeting very specific regions. If you have the available info, try reaching people based in relevant zip codes, subdivisions or neighborhoods, rather than just an entire city or suburb.

Know your target audience. Are you looking to reach current homeowners? First-time buyers? Millennials? Empty nesters? Zeroing in on your desired audience can help make your communications more effective by making sure the right message is relevant to the right people.

Marketing by home type. Hyper-targeting can also apply to the type of home you’re trying to help your clients buy or sell, from condos and townhouses to estates and duplexes. For example, lofts located downtown may be a great fit for working professionals, while lakefront properties may be sought after by empty nesters looking for just the right vacation property.

Targeting by move time. In addition to location, timing is another important factor in the marketplace. Considering the timing of your communications is also important. Would you like to reach people looking to move now, next year, or in a few months? Or do you know which prospects are likely to respond during traditionally busy versus quiet moving seasons?

In today’s increasingly competitive real estate market, it’s not just about delivering the right message, it’s also about reaching the right audience. While your prospective clients may be fielding a sea of information from both competitors and businesses outside of your industry, you can still cut through the clutter to let them know about what you have to offer. Hyper targeted marketing combined with iIntercept Media’s local target marketing redirect solution can help you gain the edge over your competitor. Are you looking to step in front of your local competitor?

What would give your business the edge? Here’s what all of your competition does:

• Yellow page ads
• Radio advertising
• Newspaper ads
• TV commercials
• Social media and even
• Google advertising...

What’s the problem with all of this? It’s expensive and everyone’s doing it.

If you want your business to explode it’s imperative that you learn how to gain the edge over your competition. That’s where our local marketing redirect solution comes in.

Imagine this scenario; two local pizza parlors are competing for business, pizza place A is advertising on Google, the radio and a ton of other expensive mediums. Pizza place B is only using our local pop-up redirect marketing services.

A customer hears about pizza place A from radio or TV or any of their other expensive advertising so they simply go online and type in their address, www dot pizza place a dot com. Immediately a nice ad from pizza place B shows up over and on top of the competitors’ website saying, “Hey we’ve got great pizza too, plus we’ll give you a five dollar discount if you print this page immediately.”

What just happened here? Pizza place B just stepped in front of the customer and gained their business from an extremely targeted and inexpensive ad, something that your competition won’t be able to do.

When you enroll and use our services we guarantee we won’t sell this service to any of your competition within a five mile radius or you can contract us exclusively. You get the exclusive ability to absolutely gain the most targeted customers you’ll ever find. Our service is inexpensive and can be live within just hours. You gain the edge over your competition and many new customers as well. 

That’s the power of local pop-up marketing.

That’s the power of our company.

To find out more contact us at marketing@iinterceptmedia.com for a consultation and a demo.


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Facebook Video Marketing

Facebook Video Marketing

RECBL - Real Estate News

Did you know that, this year, 74 percent of all content online will be video?

Marketing with it is a must, according to Marki Lemons Ryhal, a social media speaker who recently shared tips on video at the National Association of REALTORS(R) 2017 REALTORS(R) Conference & Expo.

One of the easiest, and most inexpensive, marketing methods? Facebook Live, Lemons Ryhal explained. On Facebook, an audience two billion strong contains your next homebuyer or seller and a live video can help them find and get to know you as their real estate professional.

Anyone can "go live" at any time, but it does pay to be prepared, Lemons Ryhal said. Dispel the fear of imperfection-"People do not care how you look" -and pick up some tools:

Extra Juice - A backup battery and/or charger
Lighting - A ring light
Mic - A lapel microphone (more than one, if youll be sharing screen time)

Give your followers and friends a heads-up youre planning a video-"about 24 hours in advance," said Lemons Ryhal. Is it a how-to for homebuyers? A Q&A? Give some thought to what you will say, even though it will be (mostly) unscripted, and market it. Avoid, however, promoting properties.

"Every listing has three disqualifiers in it," Lemons Ryhal noted. "Most dont care about the location, and either they can or cannot afford the price point, and maybe a two-bedroom, two-bathroom home is not ideal for them. Every time you post a listing, youre posting content that does not resonate with people in your sphere because it has those disqualifiers."

Carrie J. Little, managing broker of a company in West Chicago, Ill., appealed to a broad group with her first Facebook Live video:

After going live, Little advertised her video again from her Facebook business page, and earned $42,000 in just six months off eight transactions-a 2,105 percent return. According to Lemons Ryhal, Little did a lot of things right: she introduced herself, explained what she was going to talk about, and took questions. She also included a call to action and interacted with viewers.

"Ask people what they want to know and what their problem points are so that you can solve them, or, develop content [around them] and start researching it," said Lemons Ryhal. "Become the problem-solver for real estate in your community."

The other key to Little’s success? Timelessness. Consider the diversity of your followers and friends, and also how you might repurpose the video. Some tools Lemons Ryhal uses:

aTubeCatcher - Creates an MP3 (ideal for podcasts)
Fiverr - Hire someone to transcribe (ideal for blogs, e-books)
Zoom - Cross-promotes/syndicates to other platforms
Explaindio 3.0 - Video creator for a more professional rendering

"We should, as real estate professionals, originate all content in video format because of the ease of converting it into other content," Lemons Ryhal said. "All you got to do is do it."

​For more information check out Facebook Media for tips.




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3 Tips to Work Less and Make More

3 Tips to Work Less and Make More

RECBL - Real Estate News

You have probably heard the phrase, "Work smarter, not harder," plenty of times. Why? Because it just makes sense. Looking at your past sales volume, have you sold a $70,000 house and then turned around to sell a $300,000 house? I know I have. Obviously, the $300,000 house is a much greater benefit to your pocketbook. Raising your average sales price can be a great advantage to real estate professionals.

While many real estate professionals focus on overall volume, wouldn’t fewer sales at a higher commission rate still reap you the same (or greater) financial benefit? Wouldn’t having more time to spend with friends and family be nice? Let’s discuss how to work less and make more.

Here are three recommended ways to start increasing your average sales price:

1. Socialize with those in higher-priced areas.
2. Connect with local businesses and focus on business owners.
3. Focus on clients you’ve sold higher-dollar homes to, and maintain those relationships.

Get Social:
First, we’re real estate professionals...so get socializing. Join a golf club or get involved in some social clubs where those around you are in a high-income bracket. Enjoying dinner and other events a country club may put on would be a great way to get involved and network. Sponsor a hole at golf outings, attend Sunday brunch and visit the pool on the weekends with your kids. You’d be surprised how quickly your kids can make friends, opening the door wide for you to introduce yourself to other parents.

Create Business Connections:
Secondly, network with local business owners in networking groups by joining professional associations, attending local Chamber of Commerce meetings or Toastmasters Club International meetings. This is a great way to meet fellow business owners and managers in the area who may not only utilize your services, but can become a great referral partner for you, as well.

Client focus:
Lastly, focus on the clients you’ve sold higher-dollar homes to in the past, in addition to those in your sphere of influence. If you take care of your past clients and stay in touch with them frequently, you should be able to expect referrals because you’re at the top of their mind. Whether it be newsletters, handwritten notes, meeting for lunch or getting together for a couples date night, it’s important to stay in touch with past clients through several touches each and every year.

Now that you have three areas to focus on to get that average sales price increased, it’s time to put them into action. Set a measurable and attainable goal for the year. Track how many business cards you pass along at networking events and where your leads are coming from. And, most importantly, have fun.

Brooke Sines is a Workman Success Systems Coach and full-time REALTOR(R) who has been in the business of working with people all of her life. After working for several years as an entertainment agent, she wanted a profession that would allow her to be home more to enjoy the day-to-day with her family. It was her love of people and real estate that led her into a career as a full time REALTOR(R), where in her first year she was awarded the Rising Star award for sales and excellence. Contact her at Brooke@WorkmanSuccessSystems.com.

For more information, please visit www.workmansuccesssystems.com.



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Effective Real Estate Ads

Effective Real Estate Ads

RECBL - Real Estate News

If you are in the real estate game, a necessary skill in today’s digital marketing era is to learn how to write compelling real estate ads. As a real estate agent, getting the best leads is typically your number one priority. That starts with getting lots of targeted traffic to your lead generator with a balance of strong SEO tactics and strategic real estate advertising ideas.

An effective ad has the power to sell your properties quickly. When creating real estate ads, you should take time to brainstorm features that will make your ad special. That means the phrases you choose, the buyer you’re speaking to, and the best qualities of the listing or your business that convey a clear benefit to the consumer.

Here are five tips to help you write compelling ads for your real estate business.

Attention-Grabbing Headlines
With thousands of property listings currently available on the internet, you need your ad to pop and immediately grab the reader’s attention. You can accomplish this with an eye-catching headline. Because your headline is the main draw of your real estate ad, your headline should depict the strongest pull for a user’s search terms. With the limited attention span of most people who read content online, a headline may be your only chance. The best headlines will give readers a reason to click on your listings. An effective headline includes something that benefits the reader and has a curiosity element. For that reason, it’s also ideal to put at least some of the keyword terms you’re targeting in your headline.

Your headline should be no more than 25 characters. It’s best to use keyword-rich, attention getting action verbs with bold language.

Concise Property Features
Few agents think from the customer’s perspective when creating ads. Because there are so many ads on each page, you must appeal to consumers’ needs within seconds using tactics which are proven to get clicks. Your ad should engage both a consumer’s logic and emotions to get them to take action. An effective real estate ad gets to the point and immediately lists the property’s primary features. Don’t just highlight the number of bedrooms/bathrooms and the property’s overall square footage. Inform your readers about any recent renovations/upgrades or if the home has any unique characteristics. Discuss the property’s location and any nearby schools. Make the ad easy to read by pointing out this information using bullet points. Here are some examples depending on what you’re advertising.

• Single Property: Beautiful renovated beachfront home; Secure a virtual or in-person tour!
• Area Properties: Premium Coastal Listings for Sale; Search 100s of area listings first.
• Brand/Business: Top-ranked agent 3 years running; Call for free valuation report!
• Overall, develop a variety of terminology so you don’t repeat yourself in your ad’s small space.

Promotions
If you want to keep a prospective buyers attention while they are reading your ads, you should point out any special promotions you are offering. Promotions may include a discounted list price, seller financing, an offer to pay the buyers closing costs or any rent-to-own or lease-purchase agreements.

Sell a Lifestyle, Not a House
Many folks in the real estate industry think they are selling houses to potential buyers. In reality, the most successful real estate pros know they are selling more than a house; they are selling a lifestyle. Most prospective buyers will picture themselves living in a house. An effective ad actually draws your readers in to their new home. Many leads are searching for homes in a particular area for a variety of reasons beyond the physical property. Whether it’s proximity to culture, great schools, or a relaxing environment, describe some great things about actually living in the area.

Inspire Your Readers
Words are a powerful tool when selling real estate. If you can write well, there is serious value in putting compelling words in your ad copy. Describe to your readers that your properties have panoramic views or 1,900 square feet that will give them plenty of space without losing the coziness of a smaller home. Inspire your readers to enjoy the property’s breathtaking sunrises. Choosing the right words in your ad will give your content tremendous power.

The words and phrases you use should be alluring, aspirational, relatable, and not alienating or used in every other ad. Also, you should use action verbs and bold language to get users’ attention.

Note some guidelines for popular real estate advertising words:

• Positive: beautiful, move-in ready, spacious, turn-key, remodeled, master bathroom, etc. are top performers. Try playing around with these examples.
• Overused: Stunning, designer, updated, gourmet kitchen, and more tend to be overdone.
• Negative: Cozy, charming, needs paint, must sell, motivated seller, potential, and others should be avoided.
• Offer Exclusivity: Tell users they’ve come upon the best deal, or that they’ve found the most savvy agent in the area.
• Build Urgency: Give viewers the feeling that if they don’t click on your ad, they’ll miss out on an important deal or a great agent.

As a reminder, do not forget to include a strong call to action. Kick it up a notch and play on the prospective buyer’s sense of urgency.

Here is an example: "If you are still reading this, you should stop and call us now. This might be your last chance to make an offer on this incredible property!"

Are you looking to increase your real estate lead generation?

For more information visit www.placester.com.​

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Pioneering Agent Tackles Intricacies of Team Building

Pioneering Agent Tackles Intricacies of Team Building

RECBL - Real Estate News

Team structures are becoming an attracting force for some brokerages, and are gaining traction throughout the real estate industry. The reality is that 10 percent of real estate agents nationwide are making around $22,000 per year, while 25 percent are making around $29,000 and 50 percent are making around $44,000, according to the May 2016 Occupational Employment and Wages Report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Agents are jumping at opportunities to form a power group that can be more successful than the average solo real estate agent.

Real estate professional Melissa Crockett Willis shared her insights on team building at this year’s National Association of REALTORS(R) (NAR) REALTORS(R) Conference & Expo in Chicago, Ill. Crockett Willis has been in the real estate industry for 30 years and was a pioneer of the team structure. She developed her team in the early 90s and taught team training and system implementations through STAR POWER University. In 2007, she joined the management team of a regional leader in Cleveland, Ohio. Here’s what she had to say:

Considering a Team Structure
Before agents decide to pursue the team route, Crockett Willis suggested they think about the difference between an entrepreneurial agent (where they are responsible for themselves), a partnership (where a partner is needed for delegation purposes to enjoy more free time) and a real estate team (which she calls a game changer because agents are responsible for all team members and not just themselves).

Additionally, agents need to understand that forming a team entails delving into business building.

"A lot of times when you look at teams that don’t succeed, it’s because they haven’t been a student of the business long enough," said Crockett Willis, emphasizing that agents must first educate themselves on the business aspect and not just the real estate aspect before hiring team members. Crockett Willis also suggested that agents step back and think about the following questions:

• Why are you thinking of forming a team?
• Do you just need to create more systems?
• Do you need administrative help?
• Have you mastered the basics yourself?
• Do you like teaching and leading?
• Have you listed and sold enough business by yourself?
• Do you want the responsibility of a team?
• Do you know how to run a business?

Once committed to the team structure, agents should be able to clearly visualize what they want their team to become. They should also create a mission statement that inspires others to take action, as well as focuses on the present and what the organization will accomplish. A successful team leader should be able to distinguish between their role (what they do) and their identity (who they are).

When the ideals are set in stone, Crockett Willis said the next steps are creating a strategy with systems and forming a business plan, which should constantly evolve. "The most successful teams do not over-complicate the business," said Crockett Willis, declaring that no matter what systems are put in place, they should always be simple.

Hiring for a Team
While hiring can seem simple, its undoubtedly the most intensive part of the team-forming process and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Crockett Willis recommended that agents narrow down what type of assistance they need before beginning the hiring process. Agents should ask themselves: Do I need an administrative assistant in order to spend more time with clients, or will I handle secretarial work while someone else takes out buyers to free up time?

Once the positions are clearly defined and are posted on job search platforms, agents should hire slowly to make sure they have the right person for their team. According to Crockett Willis, if the wrong fit is hired, always fire quickly or rearrange duties to make use of everyone’s strongest skill sets.

Crockett Willis said the quality of the interview questions asked should match the quality of the answers they would like to receive. In addition, agents should place prospective employees in an interview position that matches their role. If they’re going to be an admin that makes a lot of phone calls, start with a phone interview to gauge their skills. If they’re managing the front desk, what impression do they make during first interactions?

According to Crockett Willis, candidates can be broken down into two categories: farm animals and jungle animals. She reminded agents that most people fall under these two segments, and they should decide which one would be more successful in the open position. Are they looking for someone who can be aggressive and self-sufficient, or do they want someone who can be shy but is patient and focused?

Working With A Team
Once positions are filled and the business is ready to move forward, agents should focus on being a leader that welcomes risks, instead of a manager who needs balance and sees problems rather than opportunities. Most importantly, leaders must learn how to delegate and communicate in order to have a successful team.

Team members that are constantly involved and are frequently asked for feedback, tend to have a stronger sense of loyalty to the business. Leading agents must remember to elevate team members, one step at a time to show them how valuable they are.

Having a Successful Team
Success never has an ending. Crockett Willis reminded agents to always celebrate success, no matter how small. This also applies to learning new ways to build up the team. "Agents should be a sponge for knowledge," she added.

If the implemented systems aren’t working as planned, agents should always have an exit strategy. It’s a trial and error process and not everything will run smoothly during the first go-around. Crockett Willis told agents that they are their biggest competitors. If they can get past their own obstacles, they will be successful.

And lastly, agents should enjoy the journey they are on with their team.

For more information, please visit www.nar.realtor.

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9 Ways to Save for a Down Payment

9 Ways to Save for a Down Payment

RECBL - Real Estate News

(TNS)-You’ve found the perfect house. Interest rates are still low. There’s just one thing standing between you and your dream home: a down payment.

Don’t abandon your homeownership dreams just yet. Here are nine ways to come up with the cash for your new home.

Pay Off Your Credit Cards
Paying bills will help in your hunt for down payment money. When you carry a credit card balance, the ever-accumulating interest charges mean more of your money goes to the card company each month.

Keep that cash for yourself by cutting your debt load. With the "avalanche" method, you prioritize your debts and pay the most on the one with the highest interest rate. Once that’s paid, shift your focus to the next highest rate and so on. You’ll get the most money-sucking credit card bills out of the way more quickly, freeing up more of your income to go toward building your savings.

Ladder CDs to Boost Savings
Once you have a few extra bucks, put it to work making more money for you. Certificates of deposit are low-risk and relatively accessible. But when interest rates are low, the return isn’t always what a saver hopes. You can maximize the earning power of CDs by opening different certificates at varying maturity dates.

For example, instead of buying one big CD, spread your money into three-month, six-month and one-year certificates. Known as laddering, this gives you flexibility to adjust your savings as rates change. Laddering allows you to lock in when rates are high and when rates are not so good. The process keeps you from being stuck for too long with low earnings.

Use Special Programs
There are many programs for homebuyers struggling to save for a down payment, especially for first-time homebuyers. Borrowers in a wide range of incomes, locales and professional groups may have access to aid from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored offices that buy mortgages and package them as investments. Various nonprofit and community groups also lend a hand to buyers struggling to put money down on a home. And don’t forget about assistance from state agencies.

Tap Your IRA
If you’re looking to buy your first home, let the IRS help. Tax laws allow you to use up to $10,000 in IRA funds as a down payment if you’ve never owned a house. If you’re married and you both are first-time buyers, you each can pull from your retirement accounts, meaning a potential $20,000 down payment.

Even better is the IRS definition of "first-time homebuyer." Technically, you don’t have to be purchasing your very first home. You qualify under the tax rules as long as you (or your spouse) did not own a principal residence at any time during the two years prior to the purchase of the new home. In these instances, Uncle Sam waives the penalty for early withdrawal, but you may owe tax on the money, depending on the type of IRA.

Get a Gift
Aunt Edna always liked you best. Take advantage of that favored family status and ask her to make a present of your down payment. Tax law allows gifts of several thousand dollars a year to be bestowed without tax consequences to either the giver or recipient. The gift-exclusion amount is $14,000 for 2017 and is adjusted annually for inflation. The gift exclusion isn’t limited to relatives. The monetary present can be from anyone, so track down a well-off friend now.

Ask for a Raise
No luck finding a benefactor? Then maybe it’s time to ask your boss for more money. Just make sure you do your homework beforehand and base your request for a salary increase on your accomplishments rather than your needs.

Get a Second Job
Boss turned down your request for a raise? Moonlighting could help you earn the extra money. This option makes the most sense for those who are young and not yet fully established in their professional lives.

Look for Lost Money
Do you have any money stashed somewhere? Around $23.5 billion worth of matured savings bonds remains unredeemed, according to the Treasury Department, ignored by owners and not earning a penny of interest. Make sure your bonds and other investments are still adding to your net worth.

You could also have money languishing in an old bank account somewhere. You can file a claim with the Treasury to claim lost, stolen or destroyed savings bonds, or check the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators to see if you have any missing money.

Sell Unwanted Items
You likely have some used furniture you no longer use or old clothes that are no longer in style. Sell it to make a few more bucks to use for your down payment.

You can sell your items on sites like Craigslist, eBay, Facebook and Amazon to turn your trash into someone else’s treasure.

(C)2017 Bankrate.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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Tips to Help Market Yourself

Tips to Help Market Yourself

RECBL - Real Estate News

Marketing is the action or business of promoting and selling products or services. When it comes to real estate there is no shortage of products or services to market.

If you’re like many real estate professionals, you can market properties with surprising ease, but may have difficulty when it comes to marketing yourself.

Even if it’s not something you particularly enjoy, marketing yourself and your services is a necessary part of helping your business grow and being in the real estate business marketing yourself is essential.

Whether you’re a new real estate professional or a veteran agent, here are some "Marketing Yourself 101" tips and reminders that you may find helpful:

• Brag a little in your marketing materials. Potential clients want to know what you’ve accomplished and what your professional strengths are. Were your sales figures last year commendable? List them in your marketing materials. Have you won professional awards over the years? Don’t be shy about sharing them. Were you recognized in the community for volunteer efforts or generosity? Be sure to include that information, too.

• If you have trouble writing about yourself, ask colleagues and clients who know you well to describe you. Then, consider using those words in your marketing pieces. Sometimes the people who’ve seen you in action recognize things that you don’t necessarily see in yourself.

• Find your niche. Do you enjoy working with first-time homebuyers? Is there a particular part of town that you know extremely well? Do you have a lot of experience with corporate relocations? If so, make sure your materials reflect your experience with these business segments.

• Update your marketing materials regularly. If you’ve been using the same resources for more than a year or two, it’s probably time to refresh them. Include any new sales data, accomplishments, or professional descriptions. Make sure your contact information is accurate. Have new professional photographs made, and include those. 

• Don’t be afraid to share some personal information. While your marketing pieces should be professional and focus mostly on your business acumen, remember that your goal is to form relationships with your clients. Divulging a little bit about your family life, hobbies, or interests can give potential clients a glimpse about who you are as a person as well as add a little warmth to your communications.

• Consider using testimonials. Ask permission from long-term or favorite clients to share some statements about working with you.

Remember, there are many other ways to promote you in addition to marketing collateral and social media.

• Be involved in your community.

• Volunteer your time at community and charity events.

• Sponsor a Little League team or buy an ad in a local sports team or arts program.

• Socialize often and actively look for ways to meet new people.

• Join your area alumni association, be active in your children’s schools, and participate in neighborhood associations.

The more people you meet and the more you get your name out, the more connections you will make that may lead to new business opportunities.

Source: HSA Home Warranty

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5 Travel Predictions for 2018

5 Travel Predictions for 2018

RECBL - Real Estate News

Hitting the road in 2018? You’re far from alone. Booking.com has analyzed its data for 2018 travel to offer up the following predictions.

New tech frontiers
​Immersive experiences will reach the next level in 2018, with travelers looking to technology to help better understand a destination or accommodation before they book. Artificial intelligence and digital technology are helping consumers turn the corner when it comes to smart destination intuition, reshaping the way we research, book and experience travel.

Almost a third (29 percent) of global travelers say they are comfortable letting a computer plan an upcoming trip based on data from their previous travel history and half (50 percent) don’t mind if they deal with a real person or computer, so long as any questions are answered. Over six in 10 (64 percent) of travelers say they would like to try before they buy with a virtual reality preview, while 50 percent find that personalized suggestions for destinations and things to do encourages them to book a trip. Taking all the hard work and stress out of decision making, in 2018 technology will continue to guide us seamlessly to find the best stays and experiences for us.

From dream to reality

2018 is the year to dream big as 45 percent of travelers have a travel bucket list in mind and the majority of those (82 percent) will aim to tick one or more destinations off their list in the coming year. The yearning for experiences over material possessions continues and drives our desire for more incredible and memorable trips. With dwindling patience, instantaneous appetites and empowered by technology, travelers in 2018 will seize the moment like never before.

Most likely to feature on a bucket list is seeing one of the wonders of the world, as almost half of travelers (47 percent) will look to tick this off in 2018. Over a third (35 percent) yearn to tantalize their taste buds by trying a local delicacy, 34 percent want to head to an island paradise and 34 percent are thrill seekers wanting to visit a world famous theme park. Adrenalin junkies should consider Orlando, Fla., The Gold Coast in Australia and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the top destinations endorsed by Booking.com travelers for theme parks. The other top travel activities to complete in 2018 are experiencing a unique cultural event (28 percent), learning a new skill (27 percent), going on an epic road or rail journey (25 percent) and visiting a remote or challenging location (25 percent).

Retro reboot

As well as new experiences, travelers will be revisiting their favorite childhood memories as part of their trips in 2018. Blending the future with the past, next year’s travelers will be inspired to return to previously loved destinations and explore them in a whole new way. A third of travelers (34 percent) will consider a holiday they experienced as a child for 2018.

The popularity of these vintage vacations stems from the feelings of nostalgia and happiness the destinations evoke. Travelers say that former family holidays recall the fondest memories, even more so than childhood sweethearts or family pets. Millennials look set to be even more sentimental with 44 percent of 18 to 34 year old's keen to hark back to favorite family destinations. With 60 percent of travelers in 2018 intending to post on social media each day, we can expect to see these nostalgic places brought back to the future and captured for social posterity.

Pop culture pilgrimage

With the world at our fingertips, we rely on many sources to inspire us to travel to new destinations. Tapping into our passions is one way of helping to identify the locations most suited to us - from culture and entertainment, to food and history. In 2018, television shows, films, sport and social media in particular look set to have an increasingly significant sway over booking decisions, as travelers turn to pop culture for their travel inspiration. Reading blogs or watching YouTuber recommendations will spark ideas for four in ten (39 percent) travelers and on-screen locations from television, film or music videos will win over 36 percent of travelers in the coming year. More than a fifth (22 percent) of travelers will be tempted by travelling for a major sporting event, with 43 percent of those considering a summer of football in Russia.

The top television program locations travelers most want to visit in 2018 are Croatia, Spain and Iceland inspired by Game of Thrones (29 percent), London as seen in Sherlock and the Crown (21 percent and 13 percent), New York and Manhattan from Billions (13 percent) and Los Angeles viewed in Entourage (10 percent).

Walk your way to wellness. The trend for wellness getaways isn’t slowing down for 2018, with almost double the amount of people planning to take health and well-being trips in 2018 compared to 2017 (from one in 10 in 2017 to nearly one in five in 2018). Trips enjoying particular prominence will be those that involve travelling on two feet. A brilliant way to take in the local landscape, walking will be the ultimate way to explore next year, with 56 percent of travelers saying they want to do walking or hiking trips in 2018.

Source: Booking.com

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Facebook Shops Around for Its Next Business Endeavor: Rental Listings

Facebook Shops Around for Its Next Business Endeavor: Rental Listings

RECBL - Real Estate News

Once touted as the most popular and innovative internet community of its time, Facebook is now pushing to compete with trendy social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. As part of its rebranding efforts to become an all-in-one service, Facebook recently added payment capabilities to its messaging service, along with various filters to its camera settings to mimic Instagram’s photo editing settings.

It is now making a move into the real estate industry by adding apartment and home rental listings onto its existing Marketplace storefront, which so far only included household items, job postings and car listings.

Adding a social media twist to a popular Craigslist service, Facebook is transforming apartment searching into an interactive experience by providing 360-degree photo capabilities and using social media profile information to reduce the chances of scams and unsafe transactions. And while consumers will be able to search for properties based on location, price, size, bedroom number and animal restrictions-information that is provided by landlords and leasing companies-a real estate agent is nowhere in sight. So, how is this going to be impact the industry?

For many real estate agents, being fully entrenched in the rental business is a great way to transition into buying and selling. This is especially true for greener agents that don’t yet have the real estate experience, and need to build business by working primarily with renters. After all, it’s safe to assume that many of those renters will become buyers someday. Not only is it a great way for agents to familiarize themselves with the industry, but it’s vital to building a contact database that they can grow.

Not only is Facebook looking to list its consumer’s properties using Marketplace, but it is also pulling property information from partnered sources-Apartment List and Zumper-which will integrate hundreds of thousands of listings. Although only in the early stages of adoption, the industry could see this as a direct challenge to Zillow and other popular home search sites. Unless Facebook decides to go the lead marketing and agent branding route with brokerages, as Zillow does, the real estate industry may see this as an unwelcome addition. So far, it doesn’t sound great for the industry overall. But here’s why it won’t be an overnight success:

Consumers Want Simple
The more capabilities are added onto an app, the more complex it will be come. Yes, consumers expect a one-stop shop for services that make sense together, such as ordering food and getting it delivered; however, Facebook is primarily a social media site, and thats what it will always be known for. While some community aspects like groups and neighborhood tag sales are successful, trying to condense an entire rental industry into an apps subcategory may be a stretch.

It’s Free, but at a Cost
While Facebook maintains that the service is free of charge, putting a rental listing on the market is well worth the commission paid. When using a real estate agent, the rental commission goes toward listing services, such as photography and staging, as well as marketing, consulting and vetting renter prospects. While working with a real estate agent may be more expensive, the money paid goes further in providing clients with piece of mind and ensuring a quick and smooth transaction. And while the partnered companies say they are relying on brokers, agents and other property managers to fill out the housing section, Facebook has not yet clarified how it plans to involve industry professionals in the process.

Transactions Won’t Be So Easy
The problem with marketing a rental outside a multiple listing service is visibility. A brokerage will be able to promote the listing, making it visible to its own set of renters, as well as the clients of other brokerages. By using the Marketplace platform, landlords will have to settle with renters who are primarily on Facebook, which may lengthen the renting process. There is also no vetting by an experienced agent involved. Landlords will have to deal with all credit types, and will have to request and go through references and rental histories on their own. Unless landlords find renter candidates from their own friends list, they will still be interacting with strangers, regardless of being members of the same social media site.

It will be interested to see how Facebook fares in its latest endeavor. But the industry will have to keep a watchful eye for signs of this social media enterprise involving itself in buying and selling real estate.

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