4 Must-Have AI Mobile Apps to Level Up Your Real Estate Game
Want to leverage the power of artificial intelligence while you're on the go? You're in luck — there are several AI-powered mobile apps available to help you do everything from research to crafting social media posts. Today, you'll learn about four of them. In this video, Jimmy Burgess and Rajeev Sajja highlight four mobile apps that put the power of AI right in your pocket. Check out brief descriptions of each below, and click the links to download each app. For a more in-depth explanation at how to leverage each app, watch the video above. Perplexity - Need to research something? This app does it for you — complete with sources and none of the counterfactual "hallucinations" that some AI chatbots have been known for. (iOS, Android) ChatGPT - Everyone who hasn't been living under a rock for the past year knows what ChatGPT is. The mobile app lets you interact with the AI on the go. Jimmy and Rajiv recommend it for creating engaging social media posts, especially Reel descriptions. (iOS, Android) Co-Pilot - One downside of ChatGPT is that it's not connected to the internet. Co-Pilot to the rescue! This app combines the power of OpenAI models with Bing search so you can search smarter. (iOS, Android) Captions - Use this app to look and sound your best in videos. Captions can generate, well, captions — but it does a whole lot more, too. Use it to remove filler words like "um," create voiceovers, edit clips, and much more. (iOS, Android) Related Reading 8 Browser Extensions for ChatGPT 15 Best AI Commands for Real Estate Professionals Influencer Approved: 6 Game-Changing ChatGPT Prompts for REALTORS

[Best of 2023] Top 10 Mobile Apps for Real Estate Agents
We're continuing an annual tradition of counting down our top 10 articles of the year. The following article was originally published in February and is #7 in our countdown. See #8 here. Is your phone dialed in to the latest and greatest digital applications? Apps for real estate agents have become essential tools to streamline business workflows. As independent contractors and entrepreneurs that are always on the go, your business has to move with you. Good real estate apps can help agents edit videos and photographs, schedule and track social media, increase efficiency, manage projects and expenses, keep tabs on industry trends, maintain their CRM – and the list goes on. Here's RPR's (Realtors Property Resource) recommendation for 10 solid apps to download and try for 2023: 1. Promo The app: More and more agents are using video to liven up their social media channels. Viewers simply engage with it more, and your posts on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn will perform better in a video format. The Promo app is perfect for creating compelling video ads, social media videos, walkthrough tours and more. Priding themselves on "smart and easy video creation," Promo gives its users access to over 100 million premium photos and videos from Getty Images and iStock, and provides thousands of themed templates to make video magic that much easier to attain. The cost: You can try Promo out for free, and a "Basic" subscription is $25 if you opt for the annual structure. 2. Lensa The app: This AI-powered photography app is an editing experience that elevates your photos to a different league. Spice up your photos and videos with instant retouching, custom backgrounds, and other fun features such as filters, effects and borders. But what's really hot about this app right now is the Magic Avatars you can create. Have you noticed that your social media feeds are full of cartoon selfies of people? That's the Lensa AI Magic Avatars at work. The cost: When you download Lensa, you get a seven-day free trial. Then have the option of paying a one-time fee for a specific number of unique avatars ($3.99 for 50 is the cheapest option) or shelling out $35.99 for an annual subscription and unlimited avatars. 3. Sphere The app: Everyone should be utilizing a CRM, but Sphere goes beyond a traditional CRM by offering lead tracking, transaction timelines, to-do lists, contacts, deadlines, coaching and more. They also promise that you can create your own unique business plan in just five minutes. Another nifty feature about Sphere is that it caters to real estate teams by giving multiple users access to the same account. The cost: Sphere's pricing structure is interesting. A transaction timeline only account is attainable for $10 per month. The full package option for agents runs you $49 a month, and each one of these versions is available for a 30-day free trial. Here's what makes Sphere really special: new agents (licensed in the last 12 months) can subscribe for one year for FREE. See their website "Pricing" section for details. 4. Bubble Level app/Bubble Level app The app: Bubble Level is just what it sounds like: a working level on your phone. While you might not use it every day, it is a handy tool to keep in your pocket—as opposed to an actual, physical level! Some clients are very detail-oriented and might ask: is that door frame level? Is this floor uneven? Just pull out your phone and get a quick reading. The cost: Free! And it's available for both Android and iPhones. 5. Hound The app: We're guessing that most agents don't have the budget to hire their own personal assistant. However, if you download this app, it will sniff out just about anything you ask it to do! Hound is an AI-powered voice assistant app that uses "proprietary Speech-to-Meaning and Deep Meaning Understanding technology." In English? You can speak to it in your normal, conversational voice and it will understand you. While not real estate specific, the possibilities are endless. Ask Hound for driving directions, to make phone calls or send texts, set alarms and timers, weather updates, real estate news, or any other task you need help with. The cost: Another freebie! Available for both Android and iPhones. 6. Fyle The app: Keeping track of receipts and credit card transactions for you and your employees can feel like a job in and of itself. To simplify the process, check out the Fyle app: it accurately pulls and codes data from expense receipts using its AI-powered data extraction engine. Here's how this "real time expense management" works: you slide your card for some printer paper, and then you instantly get a text asking for an image of the receipt. Take a picture of the paper receipt, and then it's added and matched to your credit card card expense, freeing you of bank statement reliance. The cost: Starts out at $6.99 a month, or you can upgrade to $11.99 for more features. 7. Substack The app: First off, Substack is not a real estate app. However, it is a journalism disruptor and a really cool way to receive content from your favorite writers and creators. With it, you can subscribe to independent writers and podcasters who publish directly to their audience. These "newsletters" help you keep your favorite writers in one dedicated space, with zero ads, noise or spam. Which means you can keep up with real estate industry insights by subscribing to creators such as Real Estate Simpleton and CalculatedRisk and Housing Market Insights. The cost: Subscription plans, such as monthly and annual, are set by writers. 8. Microsoft Lens/Microsoft Lens The app: This one is perfect for agents out in the wild. With Office Lens, you can easily turn just about any written surface (whiteboard, blackboard, receipts, pieces of paper, contracts, business cards, articles, sticky notes) into digitized files, such as PDF, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. With a scanner in your pocket, you'll never lose any written down words again! The cost: If it's free, gimme three! Available for both Android and iPhones for no cost. 9. Later The app: If you're a real estate agent, being active in social media is very much a mandatory activity. But keeping track of all your channels, posts, photos and videos can really eat up your valuable time. Later is a social media management platform that helps you plan, analyze, and publish content in advance—so you focus your time on your business and nurturing clients and prospects. The cost: Monthly fees start at $18 per month, but a yearly plan will run you $15. You can also try it out with a free 14-day trial. 10. RPR The app: Did we save the best for last?! The RPR Mobile™ app provides agents with an almost unlimited supply of "listing intel." Your buyer has a question about a property that's across the street from the one you're touring? Look it up in a flash with RPR. Better yet, text your client a report on the property in minutes. In addition, the app has recently been refreshed and revamped: the property search filters are more in line with the desktop version, the Buyer Tour feature has been improved, and the reports generation experience has been streamlined. The new RPR app offers all that and much more. The cost: If you're a REALTOR®, there's no cost whatsoever. And only REALTORS® can use it! RPR is included with your membership in The National Association of REALTORS®. To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.

Top 5 Tech Gifts to Buy Yourself
As the gift season is approaching, it's important to note that technology has become omnipresent in our daily personal and professional lives. Given this, many of today's gadgets promise to improve efficiency, be fun, and help your well-being. Here are five top tech gifts for self-indulgence that can help elevate your game, save time, protect you from wasting time, capture fun and memorable moments, and maybe even save your life! 1. AI tech A subscription to ChatGPT 4 will cost you about $240 a year, or $20 a month, but for agents who use this online tech tool – also available in a smartphone app version – it will more than pay for itself by saving you time when you use it to draft content. If you are looking for an AI image creation tool, DALL-E 3 can be fun and will soon be part of ChatGPT for subscribers, but Canva's new built-in AI tool is impressive and easier to use for image and graphic promotional material creation. Canva Pro is $119.99 a year. Other options: Google offers Bard as its ChatGPT competitor, and other subscription-based content creation tools use ChatGPT and other AI tools to create content, including Jasper, Writesonic and Ink. 2. Laser Measurement Not too long ago, laser measuring devices were priced north of $200, but accuracy has increased, and prices have dropped. Amazon's best-selling laser measuring device (RockSeed 165 Feet Digital Laser Distance Meter with 2 Bubble Levels) is less than $30. While many smartphones have built-in measuring capabilities, these devices were built to measure, are far easier to use and highly precise. You can measure any room within 1/16th of an inch in accuracy. It is more compact – fitting in the palm of your hand – and can be used to measure indoors or outdoors. These devices can assist with more accurate square footage measurements. Place the device at one end on the wall and push a button, and the laser light dot shows on the opposite wall, displaying the distance instantly. It sure beats a tape measure! 3. AirTags If you have an iPhone, this is a great gift to give yourself to protect valuable items and locate things quickly that you commonly misplace. AirTags are small tracking devices from Apple that use Bluetooth technology to communicate their location to nearby Apple devices. When you attach an AirTag to something, you can use the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to see the item's location on a map. If you lose it, the Find My network can help track it down securely and privately. Additionally, you can have the AirTag play a sound to help locate it if it's nearby. Place one in your purse or briefcase, your luggage when traveling, even your car (ever forget where you parked?). Most importantly, you'll never misplace your keys again! AirTags are $29 or less at Apple.com and are often on sale at Amazon and other retailers. Other options: Android is planning on releasing a similar device, but there are alternatives like the Tile Pro ($35), which works with Apple or Android mobile devices, but these are short-range only devices (~ 400 feet max). 4. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses AI wearables will be the hot tech trend in 2024. Just $299 (available Oct 23) delivers the newest "cool" tech by Ray-Ban and Meta. Google Glasses may have flopped, but these smart glasses are almost undetectable from the standard Ray-Ban frames. Features include a built-in, ultra-wide 12 MP camera with a five-mic system. Open-ear speakers deliver clear, rich sound even in noisy and windy conditions – without others being able to hear. Say "Hey Meta" to get your desired answers via Bluetooth connection to your smartphone. Voice commands and AI allow you to call and message, and a single touch on the side allows some manual control. The case the glasses come with recharges your smart glasses. And because Ray-Ban has partnered with Meta (Facebook and Instagram), sharing videos and photos you create with your glasses or even streaming live will be fast and easy. 5. Heart-Healthy Tech Help protect yourself with wearable technology that has already saved lives. Since Apple Watch 4, owners can take an electrocardiogram (also called an ECG or EKG), the test that records the timing and strength of the electrical signals that make the heartbeat. Using the ECG app and built-in heart sensor, an Apple Watch can record heartbeat and rhythm and then check the recording for AFib or atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular rhythm. Apple Watch starts from $399 at Apple.com. Cell providers and other major retailers often offer discounts. Other options: New Samsung Galaxy Watch6 offers similar features from $299, and as you may have seen on TV, KardiaMobile offers an EKG on the go device that synchs with most smartphones to provide "medical grade EKGs in 30 seconds" with a list price of $99 but often available at Amazon for $79. Final Note on Tech Gifts These hot tech tools you should buy for yourself blend work with wellness and whimsy. They can give you more personal time and help you do things faster, smarter, and better. If you need help with your new technology, reach out to a Tech Helpline analyst, available by chat on our app (Apple or Google) and always just an email or phone call away! Related Posts 6 New Cutting-Edge iPhone Features are Coming Soon to iOS 17 5 Things Every Agent Needs to Know about 5G 4 questions to always ask to pick the best technology for work To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog.

Need a Good Read? Here Are 8 Great Books for Real Estate Investing
Real estate investing is a great way to build wealth and create passive income, but it can also be challenging for both new and seasoned investors (at times). Fortunately, there are many books available that can help real estate agents navigate the world of investing and make informed decisions. If you're looking to hit the books and learn some new knowledge, gain experience, and hear the best insights from experts in the real estate space, read on — we've got you covered! Here are eight of the best books for investing in real estate: 1. The Intelligent Investor, by Benjamin Graham Anyone who is serious about investing in real estate should read this classic book, which is regarded as the bible of investing. The book offers a thorough guide to investing in stocks, bonds, and real estate and was written by Benjamin Graham, considered the father of value investing. It covers all aspects of investing, from the fundamentals to more complex ideas like risk management and market analysis. 2. The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, by Gary Keller The co-founder of Keller Williams Realty, one of the biggest real estate firms in the world, is the author of this book. Keller offers his advice on how to find the best deals and finance your investments as well as other tips on how to become wealthy through real estate investing. Additionally, he offers thorough examples of how to evaluate potential investments and write a strong business plan. 3. Real Estate Riches, by Dolf de Roos A successful real estate developer and investor shares his insider tips for making money in real estate in this book. He discusses everything, including how to choose the best properties, manage your investments, and create a real estate empire. Additionally, he offers thorough case studies of his own profitable real estate transactions. 4. Real Estate Investing for Dummies, by Eric Tyson and Robert Griswold For new investors who are only now learning about real estate investing, this book is a great resource. The fundamentals of real estate investing are covered, such as how to locate and assess properties, how to finance purchases, and how to manage and market your properties. It also offers advice and practical hints for avoiding common blunders. 5. The Book on Rental Property Investing, by Brandon Turner The author of this book is a seasoned real estate investor with a focus on rental homes. He describes in it how he finds, finances, and oversees rental properties for long-term cash flow and wealth accumulation. Additionally, he offers in-depth case studies of his own profitable rental property transactions. 6. The Real Estate Game: The Intelligent Guide to Decision-making and Investment, by William J. Poorvu The fundamentals of real estate investing are covered in this book by a Harvard Business School professor, including how to analyze and evaluate potential assets. Additionally, he presents thorough case studies of real estate transactions that were successful as well as advice on how to negotiate the real estate market. 7. The Real Estate Rehab Investing Bible: A Proven-Profit System for Finding, Funding, Fixing, and Flipping Houses, by Paul Esajian An experienced real estate investor who specializes in house flipping wrote this book. He reveals his methods for locating, financing, and improving properties for profit in it. Additionally, he presents thorough case studies of his own profitable flips, along with pointers and guidance for avoiding common blunders. 8. Build a Commercial Real Estate Empire, by Mark Ferguson An experienced real estate investor and landlord explains his methods for locating, financing, and overseeing properties for long-term cash flow and wealth creation in this book. Additionally, he offers thorough case studies of his own profitable real estate transactions, detailing how he earned millions of dollars by investing in rental homes and flipping houses. The book provides a step-by-step manual for profitable real estate investing, including topics like how to choose the finest opportunities, finance your investments, and draft a strong business strategy. It also offers pointers and guidance on how to maximize gains and steer clear of common blunders. In conclusion, these books are a great resource for real estate agents and investors to understand the real estate market. Each of these books provides a unique perspective on the real estate market and investing strategies. From the classic The Intelligent Investor to the specific focus on rental properties in The Book on Rental Property Investing and flipping in The Real Estate Rehab Investing Bible, these books can help real estate agents to make informed decisions and navigate the world of real estate investing. It is essential to read and understand the books before investing in real estate to minimize the risk and increase the chances of success. To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

8 Browser Extensions for ChatGPT
ChatGPT is here to stay. However, for now, it's penned up in its environment on OpenAI (and its new iOS app), and anytime you want to use it, you have to schlep over there or open the app. While that's not exactly a hardship, it is inconvenient when you want its help on, say, writing an email or social media post. That's why we've rounded up this list of ChatGPT browser extensions. They bring the power of ChatGPT directly into Gmail and social media, summarize web pages and videos, and so much more. Check out these eight Chrome browser extensions out to see how they can help streamline your real estate business: 1. Talk-to-ChatGPT Using ChatGPT requires writing a lot of prompts. If spoken conversation is more your speed, this extension lets you talk aloud to ChatGPT. Use it to get help with tasks, generate content, and even just have a conversation. 2. YouTube Summary with ChatGPT YouTube videos…sometimes you just don't want to watch them! Whether it's the time commitment or that you're in a place where you don't want to use audio, there are plenty of reasons to go "Ugh…" when encountering a video online. YouTube Summary with ChatGPT brings the efficiency and convenience of skimming an article to video. This extension summarizes videos, giving you the gist without you having to watch the entire thing. 3. Merlin Speaking of summarizing, this extension will summarize not only videos but articles across the web. It can also translate languages and create content for Gmail, Twitter and LinkedIn. 4. ChatGPT Prompt Genius Your ChatGPT output is only as good as the prompts you put into it. The ChatGPT Prompt Genius extension helps you to create better ChatGPT prompts. Consider it your in-browser prompt coach. 5. TweetGPT Still on Twitter? If your efforts there have lagged recently, whip your profile back into shape with TweetGPT. This extension can help you to improve your Twitter engagement by generating creative and interesting tweets and replies. 6. Engage AI for LinkedIn LinkedIn is one of those social media channels that are often neglected in real estate marketing. Neglect no more with this extension, which works right in the comment field of LinkedIn so you can engage your sphere with sparkling, witty remarks! 7. ChatGPT for Google Supercharge your Google searches with ChatGPT for Google. This extension shows you Google search results alongside ChatGPT responses for the same query. And if Google isn't your search engine of choice, no worries—this also works with Bing, DuckDuckGo, and more. 8. ChatGPT Writer When you started in real estate, did you realize how much writing was in store for you? From emails to listing descriptions and various marketing materials, writing skills are always in demand in this career. ChatGPT Writer lets you harness the power of AI to write emails and other messages. It can help you to improve your writing style, generate more engaging content, and save lots and lots of time.

Software and Desktop Apps Every Real Estate Agent Needs
Recently, RPR (Realtors Property Resource) published a popular article: RPR's top 10 Mobile Apps for Real Estate Agents. And questions and comments from that write-up got us thinking… What about desktop applications and online software? Websites you use on your computer or laptop, that can be an app, but are not designed to be mobile or on your phone. There's quite a few you might not be aware of that can help you and your real estate business. Get help with accounting, graphic design and layout, project management, CRMs, social media scheduling and more. Here's RPR's list of software and desktop apps that real estate agents need to take for a spin: Prospecting/communication Avochato: When it comes to communicating with clients, texting is the clear winner over email and phone calls. Avochato uses SMS and live chat to manage text communication with new and current clients. Customers of all ages simply prefer communicating via text and it ensures a higher response rate and increased conversion rate because it makes it easy for clients to respond and hold conversations throughout their day. With Avochato, you send automated messages to your clients to keep them engaged. It can also be used for client outreach if you have a client list by blasting out a text message to the entire list at once. The cost: After your free 30 day trial, Avachato starts at $19 per month, and there's also a popular plan that runs $35 per month. Parkbench: Parkbench believes that relationships are more powerful than marketing. They specialize in helping REALTORS® become more involved in their local communities, which helps them meet and interact with homeowners and business owners in a given area. They do this by helping agents claim an area with one of their neighborhood website pages, which helps to create a hyperlocal platform so they can give value to locals, grow their sphere of influence, and establish their brand as the local market expert. Each website is tailored to its unique neighborhood and updated daily to feature relevant news, events, and more. This way, the site and you become an invaluable hub for businesses and residents alike. The cost: Pricing requires a phone call to a Parkbench representative, which tells us it's probably pretty pricey–think four digits per year. But if you look at it like a lead gen program, it's quite comparable. Lead Generation leadPops: With leadPops, you don't buy lists of bogus leads—you create them yourself! leadPops bills itself as "Lead funnels, websites, and marketing systems built by lead generation pros." They provide a slew of technical tools to real estate agents, including lead generation funnel click starters and mouse traps such as quizzes. They also offer complete website design and a website grader. Their "plug-and-play software solution" was born from lead generation systems that were originally developed for heavy hitters such as Zillow and Bankrate. leadPops helps you gain and track traffic through organic or local SEO, Google Ads, social media, blogging, videos, email marketing, traditional advertising, or a combination of all the above. The cost: leadPops offers three individual pricing options: Marketer, Marketer Pro, and Marketing Bundle. The prices vary from $97 a month up to $297 a month. Accounting Xero: Small businesses need accounting software to stay on track and on budget. Xero includes several features that make it suitable to handle accounting processes for small- and medium-sized businesses. The software makes it easy to pay bills, claim expenses, accept payments, track projects, manage contracts, store files and more. Xero's invoicing capabilities allow you to create and customize an invoice for clients and then accept credit card, debit card or bank transfer payments within the invoice itself. The cost: From $13 to $70 per month, depending on the level you need and choose. They also offer a 75% off discount for your first three months. Marketing/Communications Canva: For successful real agents, producing high-quality content and marketing materials is a "must-have" component for their branding and their day-to-day business operations. However, creating professional-looking visual graphics and content is time consuming and costly. Canva, a desktop software for creating quick and easy layouts, gives REALTORS® the ability to design anything with thousands of free templates, photos, fonts and more. Canva also lets you create a design that's easily resizeable and scalable, so you can use the same design for multiple channels: a social media post, a real estate flyer, or a "just listed" postcard. And you can place them or print them with just a click. Bonus: RPR has designed some free Canva templates for agents to share local market stats and trends. To see the different options available to you, check out this article, Free Canva Templates to Help you Create Social Media Market Updates. The cost: There is a basic, free version of Canva available that gives users access to its drag and drop editor system, and also comes with hundreds of thousands of free templates. If you want to take it the next level of design capabilities, you can also opt for the Pro version, which is $13 per month (a little less if you pay annually) and includes a laundry list of great tools, including access to stock photos and video, even more templates, and a terabyte of cloud storage. The bargain: Adobe Express (Formerly Adobe Spark): Easy to create layouts, plenty of templates and access to free stock photography make Adobe Express a cost-conscious alternative to Canva. There's a free version, and the "Premium" upgrade is only $9.99 per month. Placester: Placester helps real estate businesses (brokers, admins and agents) create and manage beautiful custom websites. You can design your own site from scratch or transfer content from your already existing website. Or, if you're not comfortable or simply don't have the time, they will do it for you! Their "Do It For Me Website" is a subscription for agents, brokers, and teams and it sets you up a site with IDX listings, lead capture tools, and property landing pages. The websites you create are flexible, user-friendly and easy to use and maintain. Bonus: REALTORS® enjoy special pricing through the National Association of REALTORS®‘ REALTOR Benefits®. The cost: The REALTOR® pricing starts at $79 per month, and their DIFM (Do It For Me) version starts at $119 monthly. Social media management Hootsuite: If you're reading this, we're going to go out on a limb and assume you're active in social media. Which means you know that keeping up and staying active on your channels can be a full time job in itself. That's where Hootsuite comes in! As a social media management platform, it's the perfect tool for planning out social media posts and it's especially helpful if you run multiple social media accounts for your business. Ahead of time and all at once, you can easily schedule and publish content to all of your social profiles. And the best part is, you can track the effectiveness of your posts, with analytics and metrics that let you know what content is garnering the most eyeballs and engagement. Ain't that a hoot? (Sorry–couldn't resist!) The cost: Single accounts will run you $99 a month, which is a pretty penny, but if you're successful at using social media as a lead generation magnet, you know that it can pay for itself. There's also a free 30-day trial for you to try it out and see if it's worth it. "Team" accounts offer the service for three users, at $240 per month, and so on. The bargain: Loomly: Social media management is made easy with Loomly, which offers you a way to manage social media content, including organic posts and ads, in one platform. Loomly starts out at only $26 per month. Project management Monday: There are tons of digital project management software systems available for businesses, teams and individuals, but Monday.com ranks as one of the standouts. Monday is intuitive, user friendly and a breeze to use. With it, you can oversee, manage and keep tabs on multiple projects at once and create workflows that help you optimize your time and efforts. With dashboards, business tool integrations, automations, docs and files, synced message updates and color-coded status "pulses," it's no problem for teams of people to work and get updates "at a glance" as to whether a project or task is close to completion. (It's so good, the RPR marketing staff uses it every day!) The cost: A "Basic" subscription costs $8 per month; "Standard" is $10; and the "Pro" level runs $16. CRM Follow Up Boss: If you're looking for an all-in-one customer relationship management software tool, Follow Up Boss sits proudly in the corner office. This well-reviewed real estate CRM is designed to help sales agents follow up faster and more often, with the people most likely to turn into deals. Notable features include auto-send for emails, inbound and outbound call management, drip emails, and automated text messaging in one streamlined interface. Another huge benefit of Follow Up Boss is that it integrates with tons of lead sources, including Zillow, Realtor.com, Homes.com, Ylopo, Facebook and many more. And its list of business-building features is never-ending with categories including basic CRM, marketing, reporting, lead providers and integrations. Check out their site for full details or listen to our podcast, Decoding Real Estate, where we sit down with Ricardo Bueno from Follow Up Boss to talk about CRMs. The cost: Free trial for 14 days, then $69 per month, with price increases depending on the number of users. There's a reason Follow Up Boss is pricey—it packs a performance punch and should be looked at as an investment vs. an expense. RealGeeks: RealGeeks claims to offer "Sleek, elegant, modern, websites with seamless integration into the industry's most powerful CRM. Built for agents by agents." The company was founded in 2010 by real estate agent Jeff Manson, and his company's mission is simple: build IDX websites and a CRM that generates tons of leads for real estate agents. While other sites might have more bells and whistles, Real Geeks' focus is on lead generation. Which means you'll spend more time on the phone with real people who want to buy or list a home, and less time fiddling with graphic design and code. The cost: Build a website and get a CRM, plus lots of other great features and tools, for $299 a month. Property database, reports and more RPR: Shocker! No real estate agent list of digital tools is complete without RPR (Realtors Property Resource). It's the nation's largest property database, exclusively for REALTORS®. RPR puts data, tools, and reports at your fingertips so you can respond to questions and requests instantly, and position yourself as an essential part of every transaction. CMAs, prospecting, property research, eight types of property reports, mailing labels, and the list goes on. In fact, here are 50 Ways REALTORS® are Using RPR in Their Real Estate Business. The cost: If you're a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, there's no cost to access and use RPR (it's part of your yearly dues). No upsells, add-ons, premiums or tiers. RPR is yours to take advantage of with no fees whatsoever. If you haven't already, create your RPR account today. To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.

Top 10 Mobile Apps for Real Estate Agents
Is your phone dialed in to the latest and greatest digital applications? Apps for real estate agents have become essential tools to streamline business workflows. As independent contractors and entrepreneurs that are always on the go, your business has to move with you. Good real estate apps can help agents edit videos and photographs, schedule and track social media, increase efficiency, manage projects and expenses, keep tabs on industry trends, maintain their CRM – and the list goes on. Here's RPR's (Realtors Property Resource) recommendation for 10 solid apps to download and try for 2023: 1. Promo The app: More and more agents are using video to liven up their social media channels. Viewers simply engage with it more, and your posts on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn will perform better in a video format. The Promo app is perfect for creating compelling video ads, social media videos, walkthrough tours and more. Priding themselves on "smart and easy video creation," Promo gives its users access to over 100 million premium photos and videos from Getty Images and iStock, and provides thousands of themed templates to make video magic that much easier to attain. The cost: You can try Promo out for free, and a "Basic" subscription is $25 if you opt for the annual structure. 2. Lensa The app: This AI-powered photography app is an editing experience that elevates your photos to a different league. Spice up your photos and videos with instant retouching, custom backgrounds, and other fun features such as filters, effects and borders. But what's really hot about this app right now is the Magic Avatars you can create. Have you noticed that your social media feeds are full of cartoon selfies of people? That's the Lensa AI Magic Avatars at work. The cost: When you download Lensa, you get a seven-day free trial. Then have the option of paying a one-time fee for a specific number of unique avatars ($3.99 for 50 is the cheapest option) or shelling out $35.99 for an annual subscription and unlimited avatars. 3. Sphere The app: Everyone should be utilizing a CRM, but Sphere goes beyond a traditional CRM by offering lead tracking, transaction timelines, to-do lists, contacts, deadlines, coaching and more. They also promise that you can create your own unique business plan in just five minutes. Another nifty feature about Sphere is that it caters to real estate teams by giving multiple users access to the same account. The cost: Sphere's pricing structure is interesting. A transaction timeline only account is attainable for $10 per month. The full package option for agents runs you $49 a month, and each one of these versions is available for a 30-day free trial. Here's what makes Sphere really special: new agents (licensed in the last 12 months) can subscribe for one year for FREE. See their website "Pricing" section for details. 4. Bubble Level app/Bubble Level app The app: Bubble Level is just what it sounds like: a working level on your phone. While you might not use it every day, it is a handy tool to keep in your pocket—as opposed to an actual, physical level! Some clients are very detail-oriented and might ask: is that door frame level? Is this floor uneven? Just pull out your phone and get a quick reading. The cost: Free! And it's available for both Android and iPhones. 5. Hound The app: We're guessing that most agents don't have the budget to hire their own personal assistant. However, if you download this app, it will sniff out just about anything you ask it to do! Hound is an AI-powered voice assistant app that uses "proprietary Speech-to-Meaning and Deep Meaning Understanding technology." In English? You can speak to it in your normal, conversational voice and it will understand you. While not real estate specific, the possibilities are endless. Ask Hound for driving directions, to make phone calls or send texts, set alarms and timers, weather updates, real estate news, or any other task you need help with. The cost: Another freebie! Available for both Android and iPhones. 6. Fyle The app: Keeping track of receipts and credit card transactions for you and your employees can feel like a job in and of itself. To simplify the process, check out the Fyle app: it accurately pulls and codes data from expense receipts using its AI-powered data extraction engine. Here's how this "real time expense management" works: you slide your card for some printer paper, and then you instantly get a text asking for an image of the receipt. Take a picture of the paper receipt, and then it's added and matched to your credit card card expense, freeing you of bank statement reliance. The cost: Starts out at $6.99 a month, or you can upgrade to $11.99 for more features. 7. Substack The app: First off, Substack is not a real estate app. However, it is a journalism disruptor and a really cool way to receive content from your favorite writers and creators. With it, you can subscribe to independent writers and podcasters who publish directly to their audience. These "newsletters" help you keep your favorite writers in one dedicated space, with zero ads, noise or spam. Which means you can keep up with real estate industry insights by subscribing to creators such as Real Estate Simpleton and CalculatedRisk and Housing Market Insights. The cost: Subscription plans, such as monthly and annual, are set by writers. 8. Microsoft Lens/Microsoft Lens The app: This one is perfect for agents out in the wild. With Office Lens, you can easily turn just about any written surface (whiteboard, blackboard, receipts, pieces of paper, contracts, business cards, articles, sticky notes) into digitized files, such as PDF, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. With a scanner in your pocket, you'll never lose any written down words again! The cost: If it's free, gimme three! Available for both Android and iPhones for no cost. 9. Later The app: If you're a real estate agent, being active in social media is very much a mandatory activity. But keeping track of all your channels, posts, photos and videos can really eat up your valuable time. Later is a social media management platform that helps you plan, analyze, and publish content in advance—so you focus your time on your business and nurturing clients and prospects. The cost: Monthly fees start at $18 per month, but a yearly plan will run you $15. You can also try it out with a free 14-day trial. 10. RPR The app: Did we save the best for last?! The RPR Mobile™ app provides agents with an almost unlimited supply of "listing intel." Your buyer has a question about a property that's across the street from the one you're touring? Look it up in a flash with RPR. Better yet, text your client a report on the property in minutes. In addition, the app has recently been refreshed and revamped: the property search filters are more in line with the desktop version, the Buyer Tour feature has been improved, and the reports generation experience has been streamlined. The new RPR app offers all that and much more. The cost: If you're a REALTOR®, there's no cost whatsoever. And only REALTORS® can use it! RPR is included with your membership in The National Association of REALTORS®. To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.

The Ultimate Realtor Toolkit
Staying ahead of the competition is crucial for long term success as a Realtor. But staying ahead and constantly finding new edges can feel overwhelming. The truth is that it's worth investing the time upfront—certain tools will save you precious time and create new avenues to pursue. This article highlights tools that are crucial to setting you up for long term success. TikTok Featuring quick videos and straight to the point messages, TikTok is the hottest social media platform around. The sensational growth of TikTok can't be slept on anymore by Realtors. In 2018, TikTok was already larger than Instagram after surpassing the one billion downloads mark. It's not just for teenagers dancing and lip-syncing either. Most popular brands and businesses are taking advantage of the staggering amount of organic reach achieved on the platform. Here are some ideas for how to engage your audience: Combine trending music with a tour of your newest listing. Guide potential buyers through the negotiation process. Offer tips on how to navigate a bidding war. Show turnkey properties before and after renovation. As the gen z and millennial demographics continue to gain more of the market share, this is the perfect way to plant seeds for the future of your business. Social media automation and beyond With so many platforms to manage, social media can easily become its own job. Luckily, there are ways to automate your posts. Buffer connects to various platforms and enables you to plan posts days in advance. You can create a backlog of content on your slow days, then set it and forget it. When pre-planning your posts, use Canva to create crisp content. Features include aesthetically pleasing graphics for Instagram, Facebook, and beyond. It's free and so easy to use that just about anyone can do it. To complete the marketing flywheel and enhance your SEO, repurpose your social media content. Start a blog, podcast, or even host webinars. Over time, keywords that you use specific to your area can earn you front page real estate on Google. Hello, inbound leads! Virtual tours Most professional real estate photographers now offer packages combining static photos and virtual tours. Providing a virtual tour of homes is far more interactive than just posting images of a home for sale. It gives users full control as they observe every part of a home and aerial views of the neighborhood captured by drones. It's one of the best tools for Realtors because it's a flexible option for clients. The upfront cost will be higher, but consider how much time you save yourself, potential buyers, and even sellers by not having to be physically present at each tour. In contrast, those who request an in-person tour likely have greater interest. This is a win-win-win situation. Home concierge Buyers are looking for turn key properties. Homeowners are looking for creative solutions to sell for the highest ROI possible. Partnering with a full-service home concierge company gives your clients more options. Concierge services may not be the industry standard—YET. However, there's a reason brokerages across America are entertaining this model. Imagine a listing appointment where you put owners in the driver's seat? Coming to the table with an as-is marketing plan and a renovation option does just that. Sometimes clients don't have the resources or experience to make renovations before a home sale. For that reason, they may have never entertained the idea. Working with a home concierge provider gives them the funds, manpower, and experience to make it happen. Empower your clients with choices, the rest will follow. Differentiate yourself from the competition As you know, trends are everything in real estate. It's important to pay attention to where the market is going as well as how to navigate change. Staying ahead of the curve creates a window of opportunity for your business, but also gives advantages to clients who work with you. Start laying the groundwork for future success by adopting the latest technologies and services. To view the original article, visit the Revive blog.

4 Chrome Extensions to Make Your Browser Work for You
Did you know that Google's Chrome browser offers thousands of extensions that you can install to boost your productivity? Like apps for your mobile phone, these add-ons range from social media sharing buttons to extensions that block online distractions so that you can better focus on important tasks. In this video, Realtor Loida Velasquez shares her four MUST-HAVE extensions for real estate. Watch the video above to learn how to put your web browser to work for you! Note: One of Loida's recommended extensions is for her preferred eSignature program, CocoSign. If you don't use that program, don't worry! Other eSignature and transaction management apps, like DocuSign and dotloop, offer similar extensions for their platforms.

Real Estate Tools for Agents to Save Time and Money
Real estate agents are at the frontlines of a historically dynamic housing market, meaning they must innovate and adapt to keep pace. Whether they're representing buyers or sellers, having the right repertoire of digital tools at hand can help agents close sales faster, save time and money, and gain a coveted edge in a hypercompetitive market. Here's a look at some of the ways top real estate agents are utilizing technology to get ahead. 1. Lead generation With more than three million Americans holding active real estate licenses, it can be difficult for agents to stand out among buyers or sellers looking for representation. Tech-savvy real estate professionals are utilizing lead generation software such as Zurple, which helps identify prospective buyers by preferred ZIP codes and fosters relationships with them through personalized correspondence. It also keeps tabs on progress made on identified leads. Explore Lead Generation solutions in our Product Directory. 2. Keep clients organized Keeping track of your clients' various needs–and the stages of their home buying or selling journey–can be overwhelming. Customer relationship management softwares can help agents keep track of leads, track metrics and cultivate relationships within a single repository. CRM platforms such as KW Demand, MoxiWorks and kvCORE can help agents manage the entire lifecycle of a client relationship, from prospect to sale. Explore CRM solutions in our Product Directory. 3. Listing templates Marketing plays a key role for agents seeking to network, promote listings, or seek new clients. When it's time to advertise a new listing or create a new set of flyers, having access to editable, predesigned templates can be a huge timesaver. Companies such as Lab Coat Agents offer dozens of templates to choose from that can be used for hardcopy marketing, as well as email and social media. 4. Hassle-free scheduling Scheduling mutually convenient times for an in-person showing or meeting can be a challenge, but tools are available that make it easier to lock in a timeslot. Calendar management tools like Calendly allow people to schedule a call or meeting without the back and forth usually needed. 5. Digital staging During a recent National Association of REALTORS® poll, 47% of buyers' agents said home staging affected their clients perception of the home, and 82% said that it made it easier for buyers to imagine living there. Prepping a home for sale doesn't have to involve renting furniture and hiring interior designers to place it strategically throughout the property. Digital staging has become a popular alternative, with companies such as BoxBrownie employing professional photo editors to dress up properties more efficiently and affordably than traditional methods. 6. Virtual open houses There's not yet a technology available that allows us to be in two places at once, but we're getting close with virtual open houses that allow buyers to tour homes remotely. Companies such as Matterport and Kuula make it easier for listing agents to create 3D and 2D tours for clients to view online. As an alternative, consider using a live streaming app to give viewers real-time access to a property. Such technologies are especially useful during a time when 29% of millennials say they would be comfortable with making an offer on a home after only seeing photos or virtual tours, according to recent research. Explore Virtual Tour solutions in our Product Directory. 7. Sealing the deal The process of lifting contingencies can be stressful. Before the sale they've worked so hard to secure is finalized, agents must facilitate inspections and ensure financing is in order. Modern technologies can help. For example, Blend helps keep the financial aspect moving with a mortgage suite that facilities application-to-close lending. Applications such as DocuSign Rooms for Real Estate help out on the transaction side by streaming collaboration and accelerating workflows. Explore Transaction Management solutions in our Product Directory. 8. Paperless forms and signing Agents can modernize how they complete transactions with DocuSign Agreement Cloud for Real Estate, which simplifies the end-to-end contract process with a customizable platform of applications. You can use eSignature to securely send and sign agreements electronically and streamline the preparation of real estate forms with pre-filled data. Another DocuSign feature, Forms for Real Estate, provides brokers and agents with access to state and local association real estate forms and allows them to fill out, sign, and store the forms in a secure digital workspace. Forms for Real Estate accelerates deals, improves agent experience, and minimizes compliance risk by streamlining the forms workflow. Explore eSignature and Forms solutions in our Product Directory. To view the original article, visit the DocuSign blog.

8 Books That Every Real Estate Pro Should Read
There's no doubt that the real estate industry is a challenging one to break into. However, having a better perspective of what to focus on is a significant step towards achieving success in real estate. Whether you're a seasoned broker or a novice real estate agent, the eight books listed below are among the must-read for real estate professionals to understand what strategies work when investing and obtain valuable insight into business operations. 1. Building a StoryBrand, by Donald Miller In real estate, much of it is about telling stories. Whether it's the journey of a new house or the story of your firm, there's always a story to tell. Unfortunately, business owners these days find it almost impossible to break through the noise to connect with their consumers successfully. Donald Miller, New York Times bestselling author and marketing expert, discusses his proven methodology for real estate agents in this book. One of the most common methods to set the tone for communication and express your brand's image to clients and prospects is the StoryBrand style. If your clients can't tell what you can do for them, you will miss out on possible sales, the ability to engage consumers, and so much more. In Building a StoryBrand, Donald Miller trains marketers and company owners to leverage the basic characteristics of compelling stories to develop their businesses. His proven strategy has served several firms, helping them gain a substantial competitive advantage. 2. Leaders Eat Last, by Simon Sinek Picture a world in which practically everyone wakes up excited to go to work, feels valued and trusted all day, and returns home satisfied. Today, many successful firms are led by excellent leaders who cultivate environments wherein people organically collaborate to be the best they can be at their job. To establish and maintain a successful, unified, and committed brokerage team, leadership should inspire trust and instill a sense of worth in each team member. Using ideas from military, business, and government leaders, in Leaders Eat Last, Sinek suggests that companies can effectively thrive only when they develop an environment of safety and teamwork. 3. Dare to Lead, by Brené Brown Dare to Lead, named one of the best books of the year by Bloomberg, analyzes how bravery and courage can improve a corporate brand and motivate employees to push themselves beyond their comfort zones to reach their goals. This easy read will help readers, especially real estate professionals, establish their brand and maintain a dynamic team. 4. The Ten-Day MBA, by Steven A. Silbiger Do you wish you had more time to go back to school and study the ins and outs of running a business? The Ten-Day MBA is an easy-to-read review that covers the most recent subjects taught at America's best business schools, from corporate ethics and compliance to financial planning and real estate to leadership and negotiation. This international bestseller compiles the popular lessons taught at Stanford, Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern, the University of Chicago, and the University of Virginia. In addition, this book has helped many real estate practitioners gain confidence and basic knowledge and resources that they use repeatedly. 5. How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie Read Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People. The phrase, "Real estate is a relationship business," is true in this case. The ability to put oneself out there daily in a business built on connections is essential for a new practitioner in this industry. Real estate agents can have all of the technical knowledge in the world, but if they cannot effectively express their ideas, they will have minimal success in real estate. 6. Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill If you are a real estate practitioner aspiring to build a real estate empire, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is the book for you! If you rely just on building your real estate expertise and don't invest in your intellect, you'll have plenty of money and most likely lose a lot too. Think and Grow Rich has been termed the "all-time great motivational text." This is because the book was the first to ask the question, "What makes a winner?" Today, Napoleon Hill, the guy who asked the question and listened for an answer, is among the world's most outstanding winners. When our net worth increases through real estate, investing in stocks or business, our mindset is what determines what we can maintain and expand in the foreseeable future. Thus, real estate agents must invest in their minds. 7. The Mindset, by Carol Dweck This book explains the distinction between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. With a growth mindset, you have to believe that you will learn, grow, and improve with the proper motivation and effort. On the other hand, with a fixed mindset, individuals believe that success has a predefined limit or a fixed set point. In real estate, agents either have a growth mindset or a fixed mindset. For example, when agents avoid uncomfortable situations or difficult tasks, they are displaying a fixed mindset. When they go out of their comfort zones, the reverse is true. With a growth mindset, agents take on complex tasks and challenge themselves in unfavorable situations. The Mindset is a must-read even for those who have been in the real estate industry for several years. 8. Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones, by James Clear According to several experts, keeping good habits and changing bad ones are the keys to achieving success in real estate. Even while it appears to be so straightforward, the difficulty is that it is all too easy to lose sight of the goal and slip into poor habits. Real estate agents can succeed in this challenging industry if they learn and prospect daily. The most challenging part about habits is that they appear insignificant until they become impossible to break. Good habits also take effort. Good habits need patience, particularly in real estate. To succeed in real estate, you need to develop good habits quickly. Atomic Habits will help show you how. Final Words As a real estate professional and a businessperson, reading is vital for your personal growth and business growth. There are many ways to get your daily dose of reading. So choose a method that works for you. Whether it be audiobooks in the car or setting time aside to read, decide on some books you intend to read and make sure you follow through on your commitment. Read and learn, not just for your knowledge, but your hunger for more! To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.

9 Best Apps for Real Estate Agents
Looking to use the best apps for real estate agents? We've identified nine apps that help agents generate leads, organize tasks, and run an effective business. Use these nine real estate apps to increase your number of clients, close more deals, and run the strongest real estate business possible. 9 Best Apps for Real Estate Agents in 2022 As a real estate agent, you work on the move. From office meetings to client training to listing presentations to open houses – you operate as a one-person mobile office nearly every day. You're already using your smartphone to field calls, texts, and emails. So, make sure that you get the most out of your iPhone or Android by identifying and using the best apps for real estate agents. Apps real estate agents use are sometimes designed specifically with you in mind, while others are meant for anyone who is running a small business or trying to be more efficient with their workday. Either way, using these apps will make you a better, more responsive agent who can meet your clients' needs, close deals, and earn new business. Best Apps for Real Estate Agents: Lead Generation Homesnap Pro As an agent, you won't find a more informational, lead-generating tool for selling homes than Homesnap Pro. Homesnap Pro features direct integration with hundreds of MLSs across the country so that you have access to comprehensive MLS data such as price history, showings instructions, commission splits, property summary, recent sales, comps, school districts and property lines. Homesnap Pro also incorporates third-party data to surface listing details that agents otherwise wouldn't have access to, such as historical deed, mortgage, and tax records. Homesnap Pro is built for agents and has a variety of productivity and engagement tools, all available from the app or on a desktop browser. You can also share a branded version of the app with clients to collaborate on their home search and ensure that clients aren't poached by third-party advertisers. Plus, you can message directly with their leads and clients on the app – making Homesnap Pro a one-stop location to coordinate your clients' home buying and selling activities. Homesnap Pro also doubles as a home showing app: Homesnap Showings is a new, free, and modern showings management tool for agents in participating MLSs. Showings is a one-stop solution for buyer and listing agents, and will help you run the smoothest home showings possible for your clients. Homesnap Pro also has paid features, such as the ability to launch multi-channel ad campaigns that are fully managed by the Homesnap team. With Homesnap Pro+, you receive the best online reputation and lead generating marketing tool on the market. Pro+ helps you own Google local search results, build a strong Google business profile, provides you a custom, personalized website, and features advanced lead prospecting tools that helps you find homeowners who are ready to sell. Cost: Homesnap Pro is FREE. Talk with a Pro+ consultant to learn about upgrades. Get Homesnap Pro for Android or iOS. Homes.com You're already aware of how essential it is that you reach prospective home buyers and sellers on Google, social media platforms, and other digital channels. If you want to connect with high-intent buyers and sellers searching for their next home, you should also be working to reach prospective clients on Homes.com. Homes.com is the premier online home buying site, and endeavors to connect agents, buyers, and sellers. With over 1 million listings, you should feel confident that if you're on Homes.com, you'll reach the highest-intent, highest-value consumers on the market. Just how valuable are Homes.com users? 85% of Homes.com visitors who are planning to sell have not yet selected a listing agent. 73% of buyers on Homes.com have not yet selected a real estate professional. 56% of buyers on Homes.com plan to move in the next six months. In other words, Homes.com users are ready to buy or sell a home and have also generally not yet selected an agent to help them do it. You owe it to yourself to develop a presence on Homes.com so that you can reach these future leads. Better yet, Homes.com and Homesnap are now part of the same family at CoStar Group, and agents who upgrade to Homesnap Pro+ will now receive the added benefit of a boosted profile on Homes.com. Now, when prospects look for a real estate agent, Pro+ members get priority placement in the Homes.com agent search directory. Being at the top of the list means more eyeballs, leads, and local awareness. If you're a Pro+ member, you'll also have an enriched Homes.com profile that shows your five-star Google reviews, review rating, Google posts, agent stories, photos, and business hours and information. Use Homes.com to reach high-intent customers with a profile that showcases your real estate expertise. Then, enjoy more and better leads. Cost: Listing properties and creating a profile on Homes.com is FREE. Unlocking the full range of Homes.com lead generation possibilities is made easier with Homesnap Pro+ membership. Get Homes.com for Android or iOS. Apartments.com If you're an agent who is looking to reach renters, there is no better place to find leads than Apartments.com. Apartments.com is the leading online apartment listing website, offering renters access to information on more than 1 million houses, townhomes, condos, and apartments that are for rent. When you list your rentals on Apartments.com, you receive free and exclusive leads, as Apartments.com works directly with hundreds of MLSs across the country to provide brokers and agents like you maximum visibility for each of their listings. Your listings get seven times more exposure across the web thanks to the Apartments.com network of sites. Unlike other websites, Apartments.com never sells or shares your leads with your competitors. All leads for your listings are sent directly to you free and are yours exclusively. Plus, once you have leads, Apartments.com helps you expeditiously close deals with advanced tools and technology such as online applications and digital leases. Cost: FREE, so long as your MLS is a participating member. Check if your MLS is a data feed partner. Get Apartments.com for Android or iOS. Waze You likely already know about Waze as a useful app that gives you driving instructions and live updates to avoid traffic on the road and get places without delays or stress. What you may not realize is that Waze does more than get you from Point A to Point B. Waze Ads are an effective way to reach potential buyers as they drive by your home listings and neighborhoods where you do business. The COVID-19 pandemic upended many forms of digital marketing, and we've registered an incredible increase in the number of agents using Waze Ads since the start of the pandemic – upwards of 150%. Agents have found that Waze is particularly effective at advertising specific events, such as open houses. As you advertise on other channels such as Google and Facebook, consider taking out a Waze Ad close to and during the hours of the open house. You may find that drivers saw the the ad while stopped at a red light and decided to come by. Homesnap Pro agents have an advantage when it comes to advertising on Waze: Homesnap automates the Waze ad buying process, so you don't have to create ads from scratch or have an extensive knowledge of digital marketing targeting and optimization techniques. Plus, Homesnap leverages consumer behavior to target in-market consumers with precision, making it easier than ever for agents to drive interested, likely-to-buy prospects to your open house. Cost: For users, Waze is FREE to download and use. Waze Ads are affordable, especially if you buy them through Homesnap Pro Ads. Get Waze for Android or iOS. Best Apps for Real Estate Agents: Task Management and Organization Todoist Todoist is a task management app with a host of capabilities. With Todoist, you can: Organize tasks and projects Apply labels and filters Set reminders, priority levels, and due dates You can also add other people to projects you create so they can see the details, comment, share files and more. One of Todoist's best features is its integration capabilities with other apps. You can sync your Todoist account with the tools you use every day, such as Gmail, Google Calendar, Chrome, Zapier, Alexa, and Slack. Productivity apps are most useful when fully synced with all of your devices, and Todoist does that well. Besides the smartphone apps, you can download Todoist to your desktop, add it as a browser extension, enable it as an email plug-in, and add it to your smartwatch. Cost: FREE. Subscription upgrade options available. Get Todoist for Android or iOS. 1Password If you have the same password for every one of your online logins, your data simply isn't secure. But practically every site and digital tool requires a password, and it can be difficult to remember them all. That's why you need a password manager. 1Password provides you a place to store various passwords, software licenses, and other sensitive information in a virtual vault that is locked with a guarded master password. Once you program the app, you simply open it, tap the account you want to access and 1Password will launch the app or website automatically (and autofill your login details). 1Password is able to store logins, lockbox combinations, credit cards, addresses, notes, bank accounts, driver's licenses, and passports – so you can use it for your professional and personal needs. Cost: Starting at $2.99/mo with a free 14-day trial Get 1Password for Android or iOS. Photoshop Express Photo Editor If you want leads, it's essential that you have compelling, professional listing or ad photos. Adobe Photoshop Express has all the crucial tools you need to have the best listing photos possible. Photoshop Express provides all the typical quick fixes, such as cropping, straightening, rotating and auto-adjusting for contrast and exposure enhancements. You can also dig deeper with filters and color effects that help make your photos look sharp and eye-catching. Best of all, Photoshop Express has tools to create collages and add text, logos, watermarks, and borders to any image. Cost: FREE. Subscription upgrade options available Get Photoshop Express for Android or iOS. Best Apps for Real Estate Agents: Accounting and Contracts QuickBooks As an agent, you often operate more like an entrepreneur or individual contractor than a traditional, salaried employee. That means you need to manage your own professional finances, and may mean that QuickBooks from Intuit is an important app to have at your fingertips. QuickBooks is one of the best apps for real estate agents because it helps you track and itemize your many expenses. Need supplies for an open house or even to get a quick coffee with a prospective home seller? QuickBooks helps you track these expenses and compare them to your income. Plus, QuickBooks accepts credit cards and electronic payments and money transfers. Know how much money you have coming in, how much is going out, and whether or not your real estate business is meeting your financial benchmarks with QuickBooks. Cost: Plans start at $25 per month. Get QuickBooks for Android or iOS. DocuSign The reality of real estate is that verbal agreements only mean so much: Contracts have to be put down on paper. But given the on-the-go nature of your job and the increasingly digital business atmosphere you and your clients live in, it's essential that you are able to seamlessly and quickly prepare, send, sign, and document your contracts from your phone. That's where DocuSign can help. DocuSign is a suite of applications and integrations for automating and connecting the entire agreement process. You can sign documents electronically, automate when and how you send different contracts, generate new documents and contracts, and even analyze contracts with artificial intelligence to make sure they meet legal standards. DocuSign saves you time and money printing and mailing contracts, and is accessible wherever you are or plan to be. Cost: Plans range from $10 per month to $40 per month, with a $25 plan designed specifically for real estate agents. Get DocuSign for Android or iOS. Use the Best Apps for Real Estate Agents to Grow Your Business In a competitive market, it is essential that you have the technology to attract new leads, effectively service your existing clients, and do it all from your phone. The nine top apps for real estate agents featured above will help you earn leads, stay organized, and manage your finances and contracts. Download these apps to become the go-to agent in your neighborhood and town for home buyers and sellers. To view the original article, visit the Homesnap blog.

Top 5 Real Estate YouTubers to Follow This Year
The internet made everything easier and available for everyone. Just imagine, with several clicks you are able to have access to thousands of blogs/videos related to your subject of interest. If you know how to use the internet, you can achieve success and gain a huge range of knowledge. YouTube, which is a huge platform for videos, connects people around the world. This is the best opportunity for any influencer around the world, especially for those who are already professionals in the industry. Real estate professionals are no exception; they actively use YouTube to promote their ideas and to help others on the road to success. Today, we are going to talk about five real estate influencers and their channels on YouTube. We will discuss their videos and how they can help new real estate agents, brokers or anyone else interested in the industry. Grant Cardone According to Forbes, Grant Cardone is one of the top social media business influencers in the world. He is the author of eight books written about business, and he is the CEO of seven privately held companies. He is very active on social media, especially on YouTube, which he joined in 2007, and now he has more than 1.9 million subscribers/followers. He is an "undercover billionaire," which is mentioned in almost all of his video titles. His YouTube videos include different topics for discussion: Roleplay and sales scripts for sales people Pitfalls to avoid — real estate investing Ryan Serhant Ryan Serhant is one of the best known YouTubers in the industry. He joined YouTube in 2013, and he has more than 1 million subscribers. Ryan is an American producer, TV personality and real estate mogul who tries his best to express his success and visions in his videos. He speaks about different subjects in his videos and covers everything that real estate agents should know while being in the industry. The titles of his videos on YouTube include: How much do real estate agents actually make? How to find real estate leads using social media ads What $4.5 million gets in Manhattan vs. Brooklyn Inside a $16 million massive NYC apartment with private pool Enes Yilmazer Enes Yilmazer is a YouTuber who shows his subscribers' stunning houses in California and what they have to offer. His videos mostly consist of house tours. To have a better idea, let's have a look at his video titles: Inside an affordable Los Angeles mid-century modern home Touring a $44,000,000 Lake Tahoe waterfront mansion Inside a Los Angeles modern home with a secret room He joined YouTube in 2010, and as of 2022, he has over over 1.6 million subscribers. His community is mainly interested in households as Enes mostly shows property interiors in his videos. He lives in Los Angeles, but his area of activity is broader. Kris Krohn Kris Krohn is one of the successful real estate influencers on YouTube. He started uploading videos in 2014. To know more about what he offers to his subscribers, let's check some of the video titles: How much does it cost to invest in real estate? How to perform financial analysis Why you should sell your house over the holidays He has 764,000 subscribers, so his community is very big. As he mentions in his description, his main goal is to make his followers wealthy and to acknowledge what it feels like to be a part of the real estate industry. After watching some of his videos, you will definitely have a general idea of how this industry works and how you can become successful in the real estate industry. Graham Stephan Graham Stephen is one of the most influential people in the real estate industry. He has over 3 million subscribers on his YouTube channel despite the fact that he only joined the YouTube platform in 2016. He is also active on different platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. He also has his own website where he shares his experiences. If someone wants to be a professional in the real estate industry, then this is definitely the right person to follow. On his YouTube channel, he stresses his success, failure and, most importantly, his experience in the real estate industry. Some of his video titles include: The next market crash—7 ways to make money Real estate is about to drop—again Millionaire TikTok entrepreneurs must be stopped The ultimate guide to investing in real estate step-by-step As you can see, he is open to speaking about his way of success, his career, what you need to have in order to achieve your success and much more. He is also very open to stressing his own ideas. While he is making videos on what he thinks about TikTok influencers, you can easily see how his subscribers love his vision and thoughts. Last Few Words YouTube marketing has become the main tool for influencers and for beginners. Influencers share their experiences and newcomers get information about the industry they are interested in. Choosing the right YouTubers to subscribe to can be considered a first step towards your success. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.

10 Gifts for Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents are great at picking homes, perfect neighborhoods, and helping their clients through complicated contracts. And, of course, they're also great spouses, partners, friends, siblings, and parents! Got a real estate agent in your life that you want to spoil this holiday season? Want to treat yourself to something sweet? See 10 gift ideas for real estate agents below. 1. Engraved Business Card Case Check out this engraved business card case from Etsy! Real estate agents are always on the go and ready to give out their business cards to rental leads, landlord, or potential investors. Consider giving your mother a stylish case to keep her business cards in order. If you're searching for some extra personalization, engraving with her name or initials is a great way to make your gift special. 2. A Good Real Estate Read Try One Rental at a Time by Micheal Zuber Consider giving your colleague a great real estate read that'll give her some solid inspiration during the new year. Here's some recommended reads: One Rental at a Time by Michael Zuber, Shift: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times by Gary Keller, and YouTube for Real Estate Agents: Learn How to Get Free Real Estate Leads and NEVER Cold Call Again by Karin Carr. 3. A Rental Beast Subscription Are there some real estate agents that you really want to spoil? One of the most perfect gifts for real estate agents: A Rental Beast subscription. This holiday season, give the gift of a pipeline of future homebuyers! Rental Beast is the end-to-end leasing platform that simplifies the whole rental process and helps agents make rentals an integral part of their business. Rental Beast has the largest database. And, because we know how brutal the real estate industry can be, we give the most tools possible for agents to succeed. Learn more! And, no need to pay for expedited shipping! We're always here to give you more information about Rental Beast, talk through how our platform can work with your business, and guide you through a demo. 4. Real Estate-Related T-Shirt Check out real estate related shirts like this on Amazon.com Looking for something cozy to lounge in that still reminds your colleague that they're an awesome real estate agent? Try searching for a real estate related t-shirt with a funny slogan, or something more understated, that they can wear to meet clients, grab groceries, or have a Netflix marathon on the couch! 5. Keep It Classic with a Personalized Mug for Your Favorite Real Estate Agent Check out mugs like these on Etsy This classic gift is perfect for the real estate agent who loves a coffee or tea, or sipping on anything that gives them that little extra boost in the mid-afternoon (energy drinks? Soda? We don't judge). And a personalized mug is a stylish addition to any desk! A little bit of personalization goes a long way, too. Think of your colleague's favorite color, favorite pattern—or even brainstorm some animals and TV shows—and see if you can find something related that will work well on a customized mug. Think about pairing their new personalized mug with some tea bags, hot chocolate mix, or ground coffee to complete your gift. 6. A Nimb Ring Let's get real about real estate agent safety. Every time a real estate agent is alone with strangers (like at an open house or at a showing), there's an element of risk involved. Even if they feel as safe as can be in their neighborhood, nothing beats peace of mind. Check out the discreet and powerful Nimb ring. Here's how it works— this stylish oversized ring doubles as a smart safety device. If the wearer's in trouble, a quick tap to the panic button will alert nearby police services and text your emergency contacts. Buy a subscription starting at $29.99. 7. Real Estate Agents Will Love a New Tote Bag or Backpack Real estate agents carry a bunch of luggage from showing to showing, from open house to open house. Real estate agents are typically carrying at least their flyers, some portable speakers, paper applications for hopeful renters, and their laptops to respond to leads on the go. Think about buying a new tote bag or backpack for your real estate colleague to carry all their essentials. Chic tote bags and backpacks can be found at almost any price point. Just go to your favorite online boutique and search by your preferred price, color, and size to choose something your colleague will love. 8. A Point-and-Click Camera Is your real estate colleague hoping to get into YouTube or seriously considering a side business of becoming a real estate photographer? (Or do you think she'd just like to capture some better quality holiday photos?) Consider a point-and-click camera. Prices range from super affordable for basic cameras to highly expensive for a piece of tech with all the bells and whistles. 9. A Car Charger Check out this car charger on Amazon Simple, user-friendly, and usable throughout the year—a car charger is small but mighty holiday present. Pair the car charger with some good books, beautiful flowers, or gifts you know your real estate friend has been looking for. 10. Some Great Real Estate Education Learning and sharpening your real estate skills are great ways to decrease anxiety, have fun, and build a sustainable business. This learning platform is easy to fit into even the most packed schedules. If you haven't already built rentals into your business plan, now is a great time to start building rentals into your business plan. At Rental Beast, we believe that agents and brokers of all levels should have accessible education. So, we're opening the doors to Rental Beast University, our interactive online education platform for all agents for free. Get free resources. To view the original article, visit the Rental Beast blog.

Cool Tools and Hot Hacks for Photos Every Agent Will Love!
High-quality photos for your listings, promotional activities, website, and social media are crucial. They help appeal to your audience, sell properties faster, and gain more listings in the future. However, even if you have the right photo, you may benefit more if you also know how to fine-tune them. Some edits you can make to increase the impact of a photo include correcting color or image brightness, resizing your image, and removing an unnecessary background. Plus, to manage the size of the space that photos consume on your laptop or desktop, you can use a handy tool to delete duplicates automatically. Best of all, you don't have to use expensive software like Adobe Photoshop or be an image editing expert. Happily, we've found that the following excellent tools and hacks can assist an agent even with limited tech skills. Removing Image Background Have you ever seen a headshot of someone with an all-white background? It's probably the most popular hack for professional photos. And did you know you can remove an image's background and make the focus just on the subject by turning the background white? It's a great way to make a headshot easier to use and stand out more. The coolest tool to do this is remove.bg. This background removal tool instantly removes a photo's background in just five seconds and zero clicks. Remove.bg will save you a significant amount of time versus trying to accomplish the same thing with other photo editing applications. Click on the "Upload Image" button on the site or drop a photo in the tool's box, and the background is automatically removed for you and ready to download and use. Remove.bg can help you create more engaging images, bringing a professional quality to your photos. And if you use Adobe Photoshop, remove.bg also is fully integrated and can speed up your workflow in fixing images. Best of all, remove.bg offers a free plan. They also provide a subscription plan if you need to remove more than a handful of backgrounds. Prices range from 23 to 11 cents per image, depending on how many credits you purchase a month. A reminder to not go too far with Photoshopping with listing photos: NAR states, "Don't retouch pictures to cover up significant property imperfections or repair issues; doing so could violate the REALTORS® Code of Ethics." So while brightness, color correction, making sure images are vertically aligned, or removing a trash can from a driveway are edits that can be done to listing photos, be careful not to misrepresent the property. Resizing Photos Having the right size for your photos can make all the difference in maximizing the effectiveness of your image. Often when you reduce the size of a photo to save space, you lose quality. One such photo editing hack that helps you avoid that is BeFunky, a nifty creative platform that allows you quickly resize the photo, reduce its data size, and maintain a high-quality image – for free. When emailing an image to a client, having a small file size will save the hassle of waiting on a large download. Some email providers also have limits to the size of the files you can send. BeFunky's resize tool helps you change the image's file size without cutting anything out or decreasing the quality of the image. It also allows photo adjustment for your blog or website if needed. Editing Photos There are many potential online and offline choices for what you need in photo editing. For example, GIMP is a free, open-source photo editor available for Windows and Mac and allows high-quality photo editing. Adobe also offers a free web application called Adobe Spark to remove photo backgrounds and resize images. Furthermore, it also provides unique hacks, such as converting JPGs into PNGs and vice versa, which comes in handy if a client requires a specific type of photo from you. Remove Duplicate Photos While you may need to temporarily keep several variations of the same photo for your listing or website, eventually, you may want to remove the duplicates because they drain storage space. You can download a free tool called Duplicate & Similar Photo Cleaner if you own a Windows computer. This software scans all photos stored on your device and auto-selects similar images across multiple formats, along with similar ones that may have been edited. This allows you to delete the photos you want gone in one go, saving you space and time in searching for duplicates. If you have a Mac device, you are in luck, as you don't need a particular program, just follow the instructions that MacKeeper provides. Or, you may also download the Mackeeper app, click on the Duplicates Finder from the sidebar, hit the Start Scan button. Then it will locate all the images that are similar to the originals. Then, select the remove duplicates option, and you will be all set. Remember, if you need any assistance on editing images or figuring out photo editing software, Tech Helpline is here to help, only a click, call or email away. To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog.

Best Closing Gifts Under $100
It's no secret that referrals are the bread and butter of our business. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, more than 42% of new clients came to agents by referrals, including renters and buyers. Giving your clients a small token of appreciation at closing is a thoughtful and effective way to complete your transaction on a high note while teeing up a referral ask. Closing gifts are a meaningful gesture that go a long way in maintaining a long-lasting client relationship and generating referrals. Closing gifts don't need to break the bank to be valued and appreciated. Whether you are looking for a gift card, treat basket, or anything else to give your clients as a housewarming gift, we got you covered. Here are a few affordable options that are big hits with clients. Personalized Cheese Board or Throw Blanket Cheese boards and throw blankets are long-lasting, memorable gifts that, especially if personalized, show that there was a great deal of thought put into the purchase. Options: Personalized Cheese Board with Name Watercolor House A custom watercolor house portrait is a digital painting that can be the perfect housewarming gift for a new homeowner. It's simple to order and will leave a lasting memory for your client. Options: Watercolor House Paintings A Welcome Plant or Tree If your client has a knack for nature, a potted plant or fruit tree could be the perfect gift. Placed in pots for indoor use, or planted outdoors, these inexpensive gifts are a living reminder of the service you provide. Options: Small Plants Small Trees Pet Gift Basket and Treat Subscription Box Gifts for a furry family member are always appreciated by pet lovers. Small gift baskets with toys and treats show pet owners you care by helping them pamper their fur babies! Options: Pet Lover Gifts Here are some tips when choosing the best gift for your client: Avoid cookie-cutter gifts or perishables like fruit baskets. Instead, find lasting, usable objects or art with a hint of personalization. Monogramming and engraving are easy to order and relatively inexpensive and can elevate even the most simple gift. Assume every client will close, keeping a mind's eye to identifying a meaningful closing gift. Ask questions about their hobbies and after-work activities. Pro tip: Don't spend money adding your brand to closing gifts. Most people do not want brand-based products in their brand new homes and will often throw them away. Make it about your client, not you. To view the original article, visit the Rental Beast blog.

3 Apps Guaranteed to Save You Time
Agents are busy. Very busy. The one sunny break in an otherwise gloomy economic forecast during the pandemic has been the real estate industry. Home sale activity has exceeded the most optimistic projections, and many agents have been inundated with business. It's extra tough when most of your free time and work time are now spent under the same roof: at home. Ensuring you continue to remain productive is vital for closing transactions today and building new business tomorrow. You can increase your efficiency while still building future business if you get a little help. The good news is there is technology available today that you can use to help you speed up or simplify some time-consuming tasks. Here are three apps that can help you save time, make you more efficient, and help you build future business:

Free Video Editing Apps for Real Estate Videos
Creating real estate videos can be a daunting task, especially if you don't already have access to the equipment and programs you need to film and edit your videos. Luckily, getting set up is easier than you think. Most modern smartphones have decent cameras, so there's no need to buy a pricey camera. You may want to purchase a tripod to stabilize your video or a lapel microphone or headset to boost your sound quality, but your first videos don't need specialized lighting or other fancy equipment. If you do want to get some basic video equipment, check out this list for inspiration.

5 Gift Ideas for Real Estate Agents
Looking for the perfect gift for a real estate agent in your life? Look no further! Here are some top gift ideas to help agents grow their business or relax after a long day. 1. Real estate books As technology advances and the economy shifts, the way real estate agents find leads, nurture their contacts, and even network with peers shifts. Real estate books can help agents find new ways to approach tested business strategies as well as explore new ways to build their business.

[Best of 2020] 5 Real Estate Apps that Will 'Wow' You and Your Clients
We're continuing an annual tradition of counting down our top 10 articles of the year. The following article was originally published in March and is #9 in our countdown. See #10 here. At this point, digital applications are as much a part of real estate as photos on your business card and yard arms. With an app on your phone or device, you can schedule showings, manage documents, create CMAs and complete just about any task in a transaction. Here's RPR's yearly look (usually one of our more popular blog entries) at our short list of buzzworthy real estate apps. Or in some cases, apps that can be applied to the real estate biz.

These Are the 5 Best Real Estate Apps for 2021
One thing that all dedicated real estate agents have in common is that they're always on the move. They're running from office trainings to client meetings to listing presentations to open houses--fielding calls, texts and emails on their smartphone along the way. This little pocket computer is essentially a mobile office, but it obviously has the capability to do much more than standard call and email communications. Apps, of course, are what unlock that potential. Below are five of the best real estate apps on the market. Not all of these are geared purely toward agents, but that doesn't stop them from being excellent tools for the job. Make your work life easier by downloading and becoming acquainted with these apps.

5 of the Best Real Estate Coaches in the Business
The best real estate coaches are known for their success and expertise in the industry. They share their methods and tactics with you in order to help your business grow like never before. Real estate coaching would benefit any agent, but especially one who is committed to the success of their business. If you value continued education and training in the real estate field, coaching is one of your best avenues to attain that. Begin your journey of growing your business, and furthering your real estate knowledge today by considering one of these top coaches to guide you.

Restream for Real Estate: How to take a home showing live everywhere
Real estate is a corner of the economy that has been largely spared from the economic impact of the COVID pandemic. Low interest rates, federal economic support, and the spirit of wanting to be a homeowner in uncertain times have led to massive expansion and record setting transaction volume. But we must think of safety first. Many buyers are purchasing homes subject to viewing and inspection. In other words, buyers are submitting offers sight unseen. The belly of homebuyers today are relying on livestream showings. It's a simple concept. An agent turns on their camera phone and walks through the house talking and pointing the camera.

5 Real Estate Apps that Will 'Wow' You and Your Clients
At this point, digital applications are as much a part of real estate as photos on your business card and yard arms. With an app on your phone or device, you can schedule showings, manage documents, create CMAs and complete just about any task in a transaction. Here's RPR's yearly look (usually one of our more popular blog entries) at our short list of buzzworthy real estate apps. Or in some cases, apps that can be applied to the real estate biz.

Trello: A Great App to Help You Organize and Prioritize Your Workflow
Sometimes the out-of-the-box apps that come with your phone just aren't quite enough to organize and prioritize your workload. Whether you are a standalone REALTOR or you have an assistant or team, everybody needs a workflow system. In the old days, we could tape a paper or card on the wall for all involved to see and document progress. Back then, we worked in an office about eight hours a day, no internet, cellphones so all work happened in that space. Today, our systems need to be mobile, remote and accessible to one or many as we collaborate on tasks and projects. Workflows used to be simple. Today? Not so much, so we need a system to take that paper or card we, in the past, taped to the wall and make it work for today's technology. Now, please picture a paper or card taped to the wall as I explain Trello.

10 Valentine's Day Gifts for Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents are great at picking homes, perfect neighborhoods, and helping their clients through complicated contracts. And, of course, they're also great spouses, partners, friends, siblings, and parents! Got a real estate agent in your life that you want to spoil this Valentine's Day? Want to treat yourself to something sweet? Check out this list of 10 gifts for the real estate agent in your life.

[Best of 2019] 10 Real Estate Apps that Will Amplify Your Productivity
We're continuing an annual tradition of counting down our top 10 articles of the year. The following article was originally published in March and is #9 in our countdown. See #10 here. Welcome to our annual "Best Apps" article; a yearly entry that has proven to be very popular among agents. Once again, we've researched and gathered up an impressive collection of digital applications that will make you a more efficient and more successful REALTOR. Gone are the days when apps were strictly for early adopters and tech wizards. Nowadays, incorporating business apps into your everyday workflow is the price of admission in the ever-changing, on-the-go real estate landscape. Using these apps can make you more productive, more responsive, and more capable to serve your clients and gain new ones. Enjoy this year's 10 Real Estate Apps That Will Amplify Your Productivity:

Top 10 Closing/Housewarming Gifts for Your Buyers
Want to create a gift that is memorable and will bring you repeat business and referrals? You, as the real estate agent, are their first gift, as getting to the closing table can be an arduous process. Then comes something fun, creative, unique and memorable that will set you apart and potentially win you repeat business and referrals. Many real estate agents have said that they prefer to call it a housewarming gift and have it personally delivered when the buyers move into their home. Any way you choose to call it, a thoughtful gift in addition to your outstanding service will be welcomed and remembered by your clients.

Top 22 Real Estate Marketing Tools and Strategies for Agents
Real estate marketing has never been easier – or harder. You can setup an ad campaign in minutes, but so can everyone else. And you're not just competing against other agents. Now you're also competing against new real estate tech companies like Opendoor and Knock, which have raised hundreds of millions of dollars. On top of all that, you're juggling sellers, buyers, lenders, inspectors...we can keep going. So how are you staying ahead?

Best Real Estate Instagram Accounts to Follow
When I decided on a career in real estate, my parents weren't surprised at all. Back in my school days, kids my age were watching MTV Road Rules while I was watching The Real Estate Channel. It's weird, but true, call my mom. (MTV did finally jump on the boat and introduced MTV Cribs.) We may have traded the listings channel for HGTV, but one fact remains: these channels exist for the millions of us who are fascinated by other people's homes. Now, to get your real estate fix on the go, let's explore the best real estate Instagram accounts to follow.

6 Tools to Help Your Social Media Thrive
Most agents know what social media platforms they should be using. What they don't know, however, is that there are many tools that can make success on social media easier. Take a look at these six recommended tools to help your social media thrive.

Top 10 Closing Gifts for Your Clients During Hurricane Season
Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th every year, and each year many people are unprepared when a storm heads their way. If you're tired of buying the same old closing gift or still searching for a gift that really resonates with your buyers and sellers, consider some of these closing gift ideas. They're not just perfect for new homeowners; they are a great way to help your clients get a headstart on their hurricane preparedness.

5 Facebook Groups Realtors Should Join Today
Whether you're a personal Facebook fanatic or prefer to keep things strictly business, there's no doubt that the platform is a valuable place to exchange ideas with like-minded people. REALTORS have much to gain from engaging through Facebook--and we're not just talking about social media marketing. Facebook Groups for real estate are excellent places to trade tips, speak with other pros, and catch up on the hottest trends in the real estate industry. Now it's simply a matter of finding the right Facebook Group for you, and there are loads of great options to choose from. Start your search with our guide to five Facebook groups that REALTORS® should join today.

The 5 Real Estate Apps Every Agent Should Be Using
In this day and age, it is not hard to be addicted to your phone. Real estate agents are always on the go, making their mobile devices crucial to the way they run their business. While you probably have your go-to apps that help you get through your day, there are a few real estate apps that can make your life as a busy agent a little bit easier. Try out these five real estate apps and see if they can help you accomplish more tasks in a shorter amount of time:

Get Ready to Knock Your 2019 Taxes Out Cold with These Apps!
Sometimes in real estate you have to learn to roll with the punches, but other times your success can be assured with a little advanced planning. For tax purposes, that means choosing a good expense-tracking strategy before the year is too far along. So, let's get ready to itemize with this list of popular, well-reviewed expense tracking apps!

Outsource These 6 Tasks to Save Time
As a real estate agent, there's plenty of work that you want to manage yourself — as Jessica Stanley, founder of HomeFile, says, "Anything that has to do with negotiations or money ... you should be aware every step of the way." There are plenty of professional and personal tasks that require your oversight, but there are others that take up time you could be spending on more important things. It makes sense to outsource some routine tasks because it'll free you up to focus on things like business development and lead generation, and that can lead to faster revenue and growth. So where can you start to get some time back each day? Here are six tasks — with accompanying apps — that you can leave to someone else:

Holiday Gifts Your Clients Are Sure to Love
The holidays are a fun time of year. Spending time with family and friends seem to be the common theme for the season. Of course, you will also spend plenty of time selecting gifts for your family and friends. But what about your clients? There is no rule that says that you MUST get your clients a gift for the holidays. But if you feel that you should, we have some ideas for you. With everything from home decor to a gift card to a local restaurant, we've got you covered. After you read this, you should be able to get that holiday shopping list finished up pretty quickly.

8 Cool, Affordable Tech Gifts
Each year, we try to find affordable, cool tech tools and gear of the season that real estate agents and brokers would either like to give (great closing gifts) or even receive! Here's our holiday gift guide to tech gifts that are cool, affordable and highly practical.

9 Ways Real Estate Agents Can Boost Their Productivity
Real estate agents pack as much into each day as possible — from client meetings to open houses to contracts — all while on the go and from their phones. Every minute made more efficient means more time to spend on lead generation and growth, so anything to help productivity makes a huge difference. Here are nine ways to help you work smarter every single day — plus the apps that'll help you get there:

From Books to Podcasts: Best Resources for New Real Estate Agents
New real estate agents everywhere--it's time to study up! From your lunch break to your morning commute to the office, reading real estate books, listening to awesome podcasts, and browsing some of the best online resources is the best way to advance your career (other than getting out there and working with more clients). We've compiled a group of resources for new real estate agents that includes websites, books, and podcasts to keep your brain active and entertained, and most importantly provide you with skills and knowledge to help you advance your marketing strategy, client relationships, and overall expertise.

6 Apps to Help You Take Better Listing Photos
Photos are often the first thing a potential buyer sees, and they leave a big first impression — buyers spend just seconds looking at that first photo before deciding whether they're interested. Houses are huge investments, so even if a home looks stunning in person, a bad photo can sour buyers on it instantly. Many real estate agents hire professional photographers and consider the cost to be an investment in their own marketing (and time-saving) that'll pay off in the long-run. Though we encourage agents to bring in outside expertise, we also understand that it's an investment not everyone can make. So if you're playing the part of photographer and agent, check out these tips and apps that you can use to show your listing in the best possible light (there's really an app that can help you find the best light!):

Good Small Business Solutions: What They Are and How Agents Can Take Advantage
Whether you're looking for something that can help you with finances or document management, there are solutions for almost every need. Here are some of the best software tools and apps that are ideal for real estate agents. They can help you be more productive, develop better client relationships, and generate more sales.

Top Apps for Real Estate Agents in 2018
Your job as a real estate agent is complex, with lots to remember and lots to get done every single day. There are innumerable contact management, CRM tools and apps available. But you need to be sure they actually help and don't simply add more work for you. Instead, take advantage of this list of contact management software and customer relationship management tools we've gathered from top agents to help you accomplish things more quickly and efficiently.

9 Apps for Mastering Productivity
Looking for real estate productivity tools to help you make the most of your ever-shrinking calendar? No matter how or where your schedule's ailing, rest assured, there's an app for that.

The 12 Top Real Estate Podcasts
If we've learned anything, it's that podcasts are here... and they're here to stay. They've simultaneously brought back the art of the classic radio show in episodic form, or serial, as well as given voice to a lot of experts in fields that may not have necessarily had an outlet or voice before podcasts entered the scene. Now, what good is this for you, a real estate agent? The rise of podcasts' popularity has been large in part due to the fact that the information is easily digestible while on the go—and whether you're listening on your daily commute to and from work, or listening to your favorite podcast while cooking dinner, podcasts have become the perfect multi-tasking information source. Perfect, if you ask us, for real estate agents who live largely on their mobile devices or in their car, and who might just need a diversion or an information boost from fellow agents and real estate professionals. That's why we pulled together this list of the top real estate podcasts.

14 Best Apps for Real Estate Agents in 2017
Chances are you're a busy REALTOR® who relies on word of mouth or happenstance to learn about the latest and greatest apps. If so, the RPR team is here for you. Here are 14 top trending real estate apps that we believe will support your core business activities. The list might even include apps for tasks or practices that you have yet to consider or procrastinated on, concerned they are too expensive or too difficult to adopt. Fear not, almost all of these apps are free or have upgrades starting at just $5 a month.

5 Email Tools to Make Follow-Ups Easier
Do you remember the days when email was in its infancy? Do you remember the days when you spent more time checking your answering machine and fax machine than your inbox? While this may have been a simpler time in some ways, things have changed over the years. In today's world, email remains the number one form of professional communication. It's common to have a love-hate relationship with your inbox. On the plus side, you enjoy the fact that you can communicate in a fast and efficient manner, all without having to jump on the phone or meet in person. Conversely, there's no denying the fact that "inbox overload" is a real thing. Some people become so overwhelmed that it negatively impacts the way they manage their inbox and how they follow-up on important conversations. Fortunately, there are a variety of email tools that can help you get organized and stay organized. Here are several of the top tools that make email follow-up easier. 1. FollowUp.cc If Gmail is your email provider of choice, FollowUp.cc is a feature packed tool that can save you time and keep your inbox organized. Top features include: Schedule follow-up reminders (these cancel automatically if you receive a response before your scheduled reminder). Add notes and tags for any contact. View your conversation history to ensure that you take the right steps in the future. FollowUp.cc is lightweight, easy to use, and powerful.

Four Time-saving Tools that You Need For YOUR Real Estate Practice
Recently, I wrote an article about specific ways you can ensure consistency in your real estate marketing plans. One part of the article talks about using technology, and I am remiss in that I promised to share with you some of my favorite tools and have not. So today, to right that wrong, I am going to share some of my favorite time-saving technology tools that you can institute today to help you become more consistent in all your real estate marketing practices. 1. Boomerang If you are anything like me, you are getting hundreds and hundreds of emails per day. Some of them are simple interactions that you can handle right at that second and move on. Some, though, are things that maybe you want to temporarily ignore and come back to later. Or, even something you give an immediate response to, but also need a reply from whomever you sent that reply email to. The more emails you deal with, the more likely emails like those are going to end up buried in your inbox, or forgotten all together. Boomerang keeps this from happening. It works with both Gmail and Outlook. Using their "in browser" tool, you can take any email message and set it to reappear in your inbox, at a later date. For instance, if you just don't want to deal with a message at the moment, schedule it for a later date, and it will appear at the top of your inbox at that date/time. If you reply to someone, you can set the Boomerang reminder to appear at the top of your inbox at a specific date and time, as well. BUT, more specifically, you can specify that you only want it to do so if no reply has been received. That is a pretty handy way to instantly be reminded that you did not hear back from someone. How many times have you gotten leads, only to eventually have them fall through the cracks when communication suddenly broke down? Boomerang will eliminate that possibility.

3 Real Estate Tech Tools This YPN Chairperson Can’t Live Without
Young people are entering the real estate industry in waves, and among them is a new breed of tech-friendly enthusiasts who believe digital is today and tomorrow's path to success. Yet, with new tech tools introduced almost daily to the real estate market, identifying and adopting only the most valuable digital assets becomes a challenge—and sometimes with very little return on investment. Five years ago, Jesicca Skoloda, a degreed business major who worked about 70 hours a week managing a jewelry store, decided she had more to bring to the table. Recognizing her aptitude for generating business, her love of technological tools, and her entrepreneurial spirit, Jesicca set out to earn her real estate license. Today, Jesicca is within the top one percent of producers for the Luzerne County Association of REALTORS® and is consistently a Top Producer at Classic Properties—a company that serves more than five Pennsylvania counties with about 100 agents. Jesicca, 30, has already sold nearly 20 million dollars in real estate since entering the industry. To what does this rising star and chair of her local Young Professionals Network (YPN) attribute her good fortune? In addition to intrinsic qualities such as self-determination, energy, and confidence, Jesicca says her success stems from a willingness to embrace the tools that keep her and her clients informed and on track. Here are Jessica's top three producing apps.

5 Professionals for the Best Real Estate Partner Referrals
If you don't have specific referral partnerships with other professionals in your community, then you're missing out on some piping hot leads. As a Realtor, you're expected to be the person that is well connected and can make introductions for just about anything someone new to the neighborhood might need or is looking for. Getting strategic and thinking about all the needs your clients might have – ahead of time – and knowing the right person to introduce them to, will be valuable to your clients and those professionals you end up recommending. If you set up partnerships, those introductions will turn into leads as well. If you need more proof before moving forward, check out this study from Community 2 Business. Eighty percent of people look to others for referrals before making a purchasing decision. That's good news for you and your partners. You can both grow your businesses for each other. If you're looking to go down the path of garnering more partnerships with local business people and professionals, these are our top 5 recommendations. A partnership with these professionals could go a long way in creating a healthy relationship that acts as a source for trusted and qualified leads from referrals. Home Service Providers If you're trying to find more people who are selling their homes, these people are definitely going to know who they are. Having one person you have a partnership with in each will make this a lucrative category for you. Plumber Electrician Painters Lawn Care/Landscaping Full Service Construction Contractor