document management: Using Twitter Lists to Organize Your Contacts - 10/13/11 09:47 AM
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If we’ve learned anything from social media, it’s that not every contact falls into the same category. You probably aren’t going to send out the same information to current clients as you would prospective clients. You may want to send introduction information to new contacts while friendly updates might be more suitable for people you have sold to in the past.
Different People Need Different Information
Your clients can also be grouped by social dynamic. For example, young families might not be in the market for properties preferred by retired couples, and young professionals could be searching for … (8 comments)

document management: How Organization Leads to Optimization - 10/10/11 12:44 PM

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You may be familiar with the saying, “A cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind”. If you’re like many people who let documents, notes and important information pile up with no method to the madness, it can be difficult to stay organized.
Organize your Office
A high degree of organization helps you to accomplish more and boosts overall efficiency. In the office, you don’t leave documents scattered around your desk because it takes too long to find important files. Instead, you file them in alphabetical order or by category in order to find all of … (2 comments)

document management: Is Face-to-Face Communication Being Phased Out? - 06/06/11 10:39 AM
 

Everybody wants me to “Facebook” them, send an email or write a txt (intentionally misspelled).  However connected someone may be, face-to-face communication skills are still very important in business and in life. The right communication skills allow people to connect in a more meaningful and impactful way.
One of the many complaints about society today is the lack of personal communication skills and the preponderance of new media.  This complaint is often attributed to a generation adept to social media and mobile technology, but lack basic interpersonal skills. The problem with these “non” personal forms of communication is people rarely … (4 comments)

document management: Rising Gas Prices Change the Way We Do Business - 05/19/11 10:18 AM
 
Over the last few months, Americans have seen gas prices jump 20 percent or more.  The significant spike that occurred over a short period of time has forced people to change their habits and balance their budgets around the rising prices at the pump. Realtors® leveraging the right technology recognize this unfortunate trend and serve their clients from the convenience of a computer or mobile device.
Driving Is a Financial Burden on Some
Many people only drive when absolutely necessary, because doing otherwise has become a luxury.  Consider how this affects Realtors® and their clients during real estate negotiations. 
Often … (2 comments)

document management: Agents: You're More Tech Savvy Than You Think - 04/26/11 11:02 AM

Recently, I attended a few DotLoop training sessions where groups of real estate professionals were introduced to a new online transaction platform that utilizes the Internet and state-of-the-art collaborative technology to close deals.  During the training, I was struck by the disparity between the “tech-savvy agents” and the others struggling to grasp – conceptually – what they were seeing (a collaborative workspace). 
Real estate agents use of technology mirrors the general population and is typically driven by three things:
Individual passion for using new technology,
Desire to expand their “brand” recognition in the market, and
Need to communicate with clients in a manner they prefer. 
… (0 comments)

document management: Effective Communication Practices Boosts Home Buyer Confidence - 04/18/11 11:22 AM
Proper document management and electronic signatures increase efficiency in the home-buying
 process, but effective, one-to-one communication between agent and client remains of basic importance for selling real estate. People are naturally cautious about buying real estate because it’s typically the most important investment they’ll ever make. They need to feel confident, with a sense of trust in their Realtor® as they make the decision to become a homeowner. The key to gaining this special type of trust comes from good interpersonal communication
 
Here are some tips to communicate with potential clients to help them feel comfortable about buying real estate:
… (2 comments)

document management: Environmentally-Conscious Home Buyers Present Great New Opportunities for Realtors - 04/14/11 11:01 AM
 
Iridescent light bulbs, low-flow plumbing and energy-efficient windows are among the new considerations for building a home these days. “Green” real estate that is more ecologically sound and environmentally friendly is resonating with a new generation of home buyers concerned with environmental impact and utility costs. With rising prices in oil and other fuels, home buyers want to stretch their dollars as far as they’ll go. Therefore, Real estate professionals must meet and address the home buyer’s considerations and connect with them on the issues they care about.
Here are a few ideas for connecting with such people to tap into … (0 comments)

document management: The Entrepreneurial Spirit Begins with the Basics - 04/13/11 11:05 AM
I had the opportunity to visit my Alma Mater this week to give a presentation on entrepreneurship to this year’s senior class.  The invite came in light of today’s challenging job market and the idea that graduates need to be more entrepreneurial in their efforts.
I’ll be the first to support entrepreneurship as viable avenue to job creation, self-fulfillment and prosperity.  When opportunities fail to present themselves (as is the case for most college graduates), it makes perfect sense to create your own opportunities… or as I say, “make your own luck.”
But here’s the catch… it’s not for everyone.  While I believe everyone … (0 comments)

document management: Driving Through Spring Rain Now a Thing of the Past - 04/11/11 01:24 PM
 
The month of April often produces rain showers and thunderstorms providing much needed water to gardens and lawns.  While the spring rain brings new life to the earth, it can also become a major inconvenience, often times a danger, when driving.
Most residential real estate professionals understand the hassle and dangers that come with driving to and from meetings in heavy rain and storms.  When severe weather strikes, safety while driving becomes an immediate concern for agents needing to acquire signatures to close a deal.
On a promising note, this problem is quickly becoming a thing of the past.  With … (0 comments)

document management: The Twenty-First Century Calls for a Collaborative Workspace in Real Estate - 04/08/11 10:54 AM
The twenty-first century began more than a decade ago and since then, we’ve certainly seen our fair share of technological improvements. The Internet has undoubtedly changed the way people do everything in their daily lives.  Things like banking, shopping and taxes are done online by a growing majority of people because it’s quicker, simpler and more efficient.
In the last few years, social media has reinvented the online space.  The advent of facebook and twitter has inspired new sites catering to more specific niches and functions to simplify every aspect of people’s lives. With user-driven content dominating the Internet, real estate … (0 comments)

document management: Basic Considerations for Agents Using Video in Their Marketing - 04/07/11 11:57 AM
Video is becoming an ever present force in the marketing strategy of real estate professionals and
understandably so.  Today’s shoot and share culture is ideal for agents to show homes in more dynamic way than taking still pictures or highlighting home specifications. There are basic considerations that every agent should maintain when using video in their marketing.
Anyone can hastily shoot a video and post it to the web.  However, real estate professionals should take the time to shoot quality video that accurately captures the space of a home, the neighborhood and near by attractions.
Consider this.  When shooting with a … (3 comments)

document management: Sharing Documents for Simpler Real Estate Transactions - 04/06/11 01:02 PM
 
Anyone working in real estate is accustomed to dealing with large numbers of documents and the numerous copies that follow. For many deals, tracking the transfer of properly signed and dated documents among all parties can be a challenge for even the most organized and meticulous real estate agents.
How often have you experienced the frustration of driving back and forth to acquire signatures, only to fax them once again to make sure everything is correct?  If not, you drive yet again to acquire the same signature on the newly revised document.
Differences in schedules and distances among all parties … (0 comments)

document management: Time Management Begins With You; Not With Some Book - 04/05/11 12:47 PM
The funny thing about “time management”, is the multitude of books, articles and seminars on the
subject, all suggesting “easy” or “guaranteed” techniques and tips.  Set goals, prioritize your tasks, eliminate non-essential “to-do’s” and find that magical system that will give you more time for your family.  While many of these articles, books, podcasts etc., usually vary in catchy vocabulary and clichés, successful time management boils down to one’s determination and discipline. 
Spending your time reading about how to manage your time, the techniques to use and steps to follow seem to waste rather than save time. Also, not every system … (4 comments)

document management: Adjusting Your Business for Generation Y Home Buyers - 03/30/11 11:59 AM

When it comes to Generation Y home buyers, as a real estate agent you’re going to find that their needs are different from the previous generation of home buyers.
Who is Generation Y anyway?  Generation Y is anyone born between 1977 and 1995. 
This generation is accustomed to operating in a world with remote controls, Internet and smart phones.  In other words, they are accustomed to instant communication at the tips of their fingers.
When it comes to building, selling and marketing to this generation – it’s totally different.  They'll expect home to be wired with the necessary technology and connectivity to accompany … (1 comments)

document management: Join Us for the REtechSouth Conference 2011 - 03/28/11 11:55 AM
Located within the friendly confines of the Gwinnet Center in Duluth, Georgia, this years REtechSouth conference will be powerful, engaging and unforgettable.
DotLoop recently joined REtechSouth as a premiere sponsor for this year’s conference as well as the official host of the REtechSouth after party with the Young Professionals Network of Georgia.
 
What it’s all about?
REtechSouth is all about learning how to leverage new technologies, get more out of existing technologies you already use and create valuable content for potential home buyers.  Along with the valuable content, REtechSouth will host leading industry specific speakers including:
·      Amy Smythe Harris (@AmyOutLoud)- … (0 comments)

document management: Simple, Secure and Efficient Collaborative Workspaces Address the Needs of Agents and Home Buyers - 03/25/11 03:52 PM
Buying and selling real estate doesn’t need to be a complicated process. Some might accept the “choke holds” of a typical real estate transaction such as printing, redrafting, faxing and driving, but realtors using an online, collaborative workspace to conduct business with clients have an upper hand in the realm of efficiency, security and simplicity.
While selling a home is never as simple as selling something like furniture or fruit at the market, the process isn’t intrinsically difficult. The process of physically drafting, printing and signing contracts can all be done electronically.  
Most industries have made the switch to all electronic transactions due to the simplicity, security and customer … (2 comments)

document management: ROI = "Retention" of Investment - 03/24/11 03:41 PM
 
Real estate is a numbers game. Commission splits, brokerage fees, closing costs, price drops, foreclosures, down payments, mortgage rates, negotiations etc… 
Yes, real estate is most definitely a numbers game.
Real estate is also a people-pleasing, bend-over-backwards, ‘yes sir (or ma’am)’, smile and nod game. Agents get this. They deal with it directly day in and day out. However, for brokers, this part of the game often gets lost in translation. Instead, “What are the numbers and how do we improve them?” is the name of their game.
It seems as if brokers tend to their numbers just as … (0 comments)

document management: Bottom Line...A Collaborative Workspace Saves Time and Money - 03/23/11 02:33 PM
The highly competitive atmosphere in the 2011 economy puts more pressure than ever on real estate brokerages and agents to close deals with as little overhead as possible. Since many potential clients are still very financially cautious, the hefty overhead fees related to an agent’s travel, meetings, and office space might be enough to keep them from committing to a significant purchase such as a home. Fortunately, real estate management software that uses an online platform provides an easy solution to cutting overhead. Here are a few of the ways that such technology reduces expenses:
·  Efficiency- The ability to save time … (1 comments)

document management: In Case You Haven't Noticed...The 90's Are Over - 03/22/11 02:48 PM
So I decided to purchase a condo in downtown Cincinnati a few months ago and found myself engulfed by the overly cumbersome financing process.  It’s been a few years since I had been in the market, so I expected to jump through a few more hoops than were necessary. My expectations were reminiscent of ‘05 or ‘06… but little did I know we actually fell back into the 90’s. 
Like anyone with a busy life (isn’t that everyone these days), the thought of sitting down with my wife and signing a bunch of documents during the day is just not practical.  So when … (1 comments)

document management: Green Building Practices Reduce Utility Costs and Entice Buyers - 03/17/11 11:27 AM
The term “Green”, once thought of as a fad, has now transcended almost every sector of business, namely real estate and construction.  Whether it’s green building or LEED certified structures, you noticed the growing influence environmental consciousness is having on the industry, particularly in terms of heating and cooling. 

Long-term costs for utilities are reduced when structures are designed to be highly efficient in terms of heating and cooling. Building in relation to the natural heat of the sun has considerable effects on energy costs.
For instance, a house built in a desert climate such as Arizona would benefit from … (1 comments)

 
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