realtors: 10 Truisms for Successful Real Estate Agents - 03/14/23 07:34 AM
Truisms are principles that have been proven time and time again to be accurate and reliable.
They help real estate agents remember general principles that can used to guide decisions and actions.
Here are 10 Truism's you may have heard in the real estate industry: Location is key in real estate. Presentation is everything - staging a property can make all the difference. The first offer is often the best offer. Always disclose any known issues with the property. Pricing a property correctly is crucial to a successful sale. Negotiation is a key skill in real estate. Communication is essential throughout the buying … (7 comments)

realtors: How Reverse Mentorship Can Help Experienced Agents - 03/03/23 02:53 PM
Are you an experienced real estate agent looking to expand your skills and perspectives? Consider reverse mentorship - a concept in which a less experienced person mentors a more experienced one. 
Here are some examples of how an experienced real estate agent could benefit from reverse mentorship:  Learning about new technologies: Younger colleagues are often more comfortable using new technologies and can teach you about the latest tools and platforms that can help you better serve your clients. 
Improving your social media presence:  If you're not as comfortable with social media, a younger colleague can teach you about the latest trends and … (14 comments)

realtors: Key Characteristics of a Helpful Real Estate Agent - 02/15/23 06:21 AM
In the real estate world, real estate agents can sometimes be referred to as "helpful" versus "salesy."While, a salesy agent is primarily focused on making a sale, a helpful agent is focused on prioritizing their clients' needs. So what are some of the key characteristics of a "helpful" agent? 
Here are some signs of a helpful agent to watch out for: They listen to your needs: Helpful agents take the time to listen and understand your specific situation. They will work hard to find properties that meet your criteria and will give you honest feedback and advice.
They provide value: Helpful agents … (0 comments)

realtors: Pro-Ledgers has Moved to the Cloud. What on Earth does that Mean? - 06/12/21 05:27 AM
After 8 years of providing a bookkeeping desktop software program, the Pro-Ledgers desktop version has migrated to the cloud in what is now called Pro-Ledger Online.
WHAT IS THE CLOUD?In essence, the Cloud is simply a different way of storing and accessing data.  Rather than having all the computer hardware and software sitting on the hard drive or somewhere inside your companies network, it is on the internet. 
The software and data are accessed over the internet in a seamless manner.  Hassles are eliminated. Furthermore, your bookkeeping data is where the internet is.  All you need is internet access, your password to … (2 comments)

realtors: How to setup a "Paperless" Bookkeeping System - 12/31/18 11:50 AM
There are many great advantages of a "paperless" system of bookkeeping and document management.  Digital documents never fade,  they are easy to find (if you set the system properly), and sharable. Imagine, no more digging through paper documents from months years gone by.   Plus, paperless bookkeeping and document management has never been easier!
 
But, going paperless does require setting it up right.   The video below, explains how you can make paperless bookkeeping happen very easily using your computer, smartphone, or desktop scanner.  
Near the end of the video, there is an explanation on how to implement "Evernote" to automatically grab your … (3 comments)

realtors: Easy Bookeeping Software for Real Estate Agents - 12/29/18 07:29 PM
Looking for a bookkeeping program specifically designed for Real Estate Agents? 

Check out http://www.agentledgers.com for an inexpensive and easy to use bookkeeping software program. No bookkeeping or accounting knowledge required.  Comes with free apps, a free trial, free upgrades, and no ongoing fees.  Just buy it once and use it forever.
 
Here is a video on the basics of the program (enjoy!):
 
(3 comments)

realtors: 2018 IRS Entertaiment Deduction Changes - Watch out Agents! - 02/01/18 11:43 AM
 
Real Estate Agents should be aware of the IRS changes to meal & entertainment deductions that started Jan 1,  2018.
 
There are a number of significant changes to meals and entertainment deductions ... rather than me telling you all about it,  you may want to watch this 5 video from tax expert Mark Kohler (posted with permission).
 
UPDATE: Oct 31, 2018... see video below for details.
 
 
Our Products and Services:
** bookkeeping software for real estate agents: www.agentledgers.com
** virtual bookkeeping services for real estate agents: www.myvirtualbookkeeping.com 
 
Note: This is general information to help you gain an understanding of U.S. tax laws. I am not a tax attorney or tax … (9 comments)

realtors: Bookkeeping Software Designed for Real Estate Agents in the USA - 12/23/17 08:09 PM
Just released this new intro video on bookkeeping software designed for Real Estate Agents in the USA. 
 
Features include: Free apps for smartphones and tablets, take pics of receipts that attach themselves to your entries,  import data from online accounts. Super easy to use & setup in minutes. Free trial, 90-day money back guarantee, no ongoing fees, free tech support. Works on both Mac and PC.
 
For details & download visit: www.agentledgers.com
 
Here is the intro video:
 
 
 
(10 comments)

realtors: The "How" & "Why" of Virtual Bookkeeping for Real Estate Agents - 12/04/17 11:20 AM
Many Real Estate Agents do their own bookkeeping, some will hire a bookkeeper... but what about virtual bookkeeping?
How does "virtual bookkeeping" work? Why & when should an agent consider a "virtual bookkeeper"?  
Here is a flowchart on the "HOW" question:
 
 
A few thoughts on "WHY" use a Virtual Bookkeeper:
 
1.  You hate bookkeeping or are no good with numbers.  Many real estate agents are "people" oriented and would rather keep the number crunching and paperwork to an absolute minimum.  They just don't enjoy it, and as a result, it gets done late, or not at all and is a constant source of stress and … (3 comments)

realtors: Agents: What Qualifies as Business Mileage for Tax Purposes? - 12/01/17 12:17 PM
Agents will typically spend a good part of the day in their vehicle conducting business in the local market... this article will discuss...
  
... what is considered a deductible local business trip? 
Costs of local travel are deductible if:
They are ordinary and necessary for your business The cost is common, helpful, appropriate for business Not considered a "commute" (from home to  office)  
This chart may help:
 
 
Notes and Explanations:
 
Home Offices and Commuting (2 Scenarios):
#1: If you do not have a home office that qualifies as your principal place of business, then all trips made between your home and your brokerage office are … (6 comments)

realtors: Home Office Deductions for Real Estate Agents - 11/24/17 08:00 PM
As a real estate agent,  you may be eligible to deduct expenses for the business use of your home. These expenses may include mortgage interest, insurance, utilities, repairs, and depreciation.
To qualify to claim expenses for the business use of your home, you must meet both of the following tests:
The business part of your home must be used exclusively and regularly for your trade or business.
The business part of your home must be: Your principal place of business; or A place where you meet or deal with customers in the normal course of your business; or A separate structure (not attached … (5 comments)

realtors: Bookkeeping PROCESS for Real Estate Agents - 11/21/17 12:21 PM
As in every aspect of your real estate business, things go better when you can work out a "process" that is effective, then turn your brain off and "rinse and repeat"!  
 
Keeping in mind that the main thing is to "have a bookkeeping process" that works for you...  here is one bookkeeping process, which is very simple and can work very well for Real Estate Agents:
Collect receipts, paperwork, docs. Put all receipts and invoices from wallet, mail etc, go to an "In Basket" Log (daily/weekly/monthly) all in-basket receipts & paperwork into a bookkeeping system. Put all logged/processed receipts into a 6" x … (2 comments)

realtors: 'Gift' versus 'Entertainment' Tax Deduction for Real Estate Agents - 11/20/17 04:38 PM
Gift or Entertainment tax deduction expense? … as we enter into gift giving and entertainment season.. a common question arises among Real Estate Agents with sometimes much confusion:
 
Here are a few TIPS:  click here for IRS article
Here is our Agent Tax Deduction Checklist:  click here to download free
 
GENERALLY:
Any item that might be considered either a gift or entertainment generally will be considered entertainment.  However, if you give a customer packaged food or beverages that you intend the customer to use at a later date, treat it as a gift.
If you give a customer tickets to a theater performance or sporting … (0 comments)

 
Steve Penner, REALTOR® / Pro Ledger Online (owner) (Royal LePage Dynamic RE / Pro Ledger Bookkeeping Software)

Steve Penner

REALTOR® / Pro Ledger Online (owner)

Winnipeg, MB

More about me…

Royal LePage Dynamic RE / Pro Ledger Bookkeeping Software

Address: 1450 Corydon Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3N 0J3

Office: (877) 800-5066

Fax: (204) 989-7911



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