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Closing Deals & Clicking Apps- 6 Tech-Savvy Tools

By
Real Estate Agent with Samson Properties VA0225077251

Picture this: It’s 2002. I’m sitting at my desk with a big stack of papers, a pager on my belt, and a cell phone as big as a brick! The fanciest tech I had was MapQuest directions printed out and stuffed in my car. Those were the “good old days” of real estate! Fast forward to now, and I’m practically a walking app store. Yep, after over 22 years in the business, I’ve gone from a pager-loving Realtor to a tech wizard. Let me take you on a fun trip through how I became an app expert!

Canva: The Design Wizard

Canva transforms the way I create marketing materials. Whether it's eye-catching social media posts, listing flyers, or property brochures, Canva's intuitive platform makes design simple. Its pre-made templates and easy drag-and-drop features let me produce professional-looking content in minutes, no graphic design degree needed. For a busy Realtor, it’s an invaluable tool for creating beautiful visuals that elevate my brand.


DocuSign: The Speedy Closer

DocuSign lets me finalize contracts without ever chasing a pen. With digital signatures, I can send, sign, and manage real estate documents on the go. It streamlines transactions, saves time, and ensures all legalities are handled efficiently, all while offering a secure platform for both me and my clients. No more printing or scanning—just quick and easy closings.

Instagram: The Digital Open House

Instagram is where my listings come to life. Using Reels, Stories, and posts, I can show off properties in a visually engaging way, reaching hundreds of potential buyers. It's my go-to platform for building client relationships and showcasing the local market. With hashtags and location tags, I can extend my reach and build a brand presence that resonates with homebuyers and sellers.

Mailchimp: The Digital Mail Carrier

Mailchimp helps me keep clients informed with personalized email newsletters. Whether it’s sending market updates, new listings, or home-buying tips, Mailchimp’s automation features ensure I stay in touch with past, current, and potential clients. Its analytics give insights on open rates and clicks, so I know what resonates most with my audience.

 

Forewarn: The Research Crystal Ball

Forewarn is my safety net for real estate research. It provides instant background checks on potential clients and properties, including criminal records and financial history. It’s essential for confirming identities and safeguarding interactions before showings or meetings. With Forewarn, I know who I'm working with, giving me confidence and security.

Smartphone: The Swiss Army Knife

My smartphone is the ultimate real estate tool. From recording videos, taking listing photos, negotiating contracts, and staying connected via social media, it handles everything. It's my camera, negotiation desk, and communication hub, all in one. With apps for everything from video editing to property data, it’s my pocket-sized office.

 

What's your favorite tool? 

This blog is part of the October challenge 2024 ActiveRain Tech Tools Challenge

Posted by

 
                             
Associate Broker
MRP, ABR, ePRO

NVAR, Life Time Top Producer
NVAR,Multiple Million Dollar Sales Club Member
Samson Properties
Cell - 703-625-4949
Email - info@eNOVAHomes.com
Web: www.eNOVAHOMES.com
 
Residential real estate agent serving Northern Virginia in Fairfax & Loudoun county over a decade and almost $100+M in sales volume experience. 


 
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Ritu and all great suggestions that you are sharing in your tech blog today in the Rain.  Make it a great one

 

Oct 30, 2024 09:13 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Ritu,
What a great post. I've heard about the Forewarn app, and what a wonderful tool for agents. Unfortunately, I'm retired and don't qualify for a subscription. I need something like that for dating. LOL   I love how you compare the smartphone to a Swiss Army Knife because that's exactly right. If I were still working, I'd definitely be using Canva. I've played with it a bit but not enough to be good with it.

Thanks for your post!

Oct 30, 2024 10:09 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

I use all but Forewarned.  Not comfortable with their format.  I am looking for a new book reader, audible should not get all my money, and I am looking at Grammarly as being ended with this subscription.  I just can't keep spending in this market.

Oct 30, 2024 11:50 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Ritu, I'm retired but I still love my apps. You're right about our iPhones being like a Swiss Army Knife.   I've done a few things on Canva and it's pretty easy to use!!! Ritu, how about joining us on Tuesdays at 2 pm EST for our weekly Zoom meetings!!

Oct 30, 2024 12:00 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good afternoon Ritu,

I love your post and all the apps you recommend! I second Kathy Streib request! Please join us for our Zoom meetings on Tuesdays!

Oct 30, 2024 12:43 PM
Frank Worrell
BPOS FOR LIFE LLC - Chesapeake, VA
Turning BPOs Into Six-Figure Incomes

Hi Ritu,

What a fantastic lineup of tech tools! Your journey from pager days to app wizardry is both impressive and relatable. Each tool you listed plays a key role in modern real estate, from creating stunning marketing materials with Canva to managing efficient, paperless transactions with DocuSign. Instagram as your “Digital Open House” is brilliant—it’s such a great way to reach and engage clients visually, and Mailchimp keeps them connected through valuable updates.

Forewarn is a savvy choice for safety and preparedness, and of course, the smartphone as your “Swiss Army Knife” ties it all together, letting you handle every aspect of the business in one device. Thanks for sharing these top picks for the October Tech Tools Challenge—it's inspiring to see the transformation of real estate through your experience!

Oct 30, 2024 06:22 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Ritu - the reality of a "paperless" life escaped me while I was active in the industry.  Some of the tools you mention helped reduce the amount of paper. Closing deals while clicking seems to be working out nicely for you.  

Oct 31, 2024 03:28 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Hello Ritu... I use Canva almost daily. Our MLS provides us Forewarn as part of our dues, which I consider a value-add. I use Mail Chimp for one monthly mailing, but overall find them difficult to use and instead lean on mailing through my CRM.

Oct 31, 2024 04:22 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Ritu it is fun looking back to all those years ago and knowing how each new product helped us run our businesses so much better and faster.  I liked all the ones you mentioned and used them all too.

Oct 31, 2024 06:45 PM
Gloria Todor
Premier Property Sales & Rentals - Springfield, PA
& Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA

Ritu, Enjoyed reading your post about your journey with technology.  I must check out Canva.  Thanks for your post and insights.

Nov 03, 2024 02:23 PM
J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

I really need to start playing around with Canva. I have seen what it can do, but I have not been able to find some time to sit down and learn how to use it and create what I want.

Nov 05, 2024 10:03 AM