Real Estate Leads 101:A System For Success

When dealing with real estate leads and converting leads to clients, there are three important questions to ask yourself:

1. How are you getting real estate leads?

2. How are you following up with your real estate leads?

3. Are you usinf a system for effective follow up?

How to Get Real Estate Leads

For questions 2 and 3 to even be an issue, you first have to figure out a way to GET real estate leads. You can't follow up with something you don't have! There are several traditional ways for real estate agents to collect real estate leads in their pipeline. One way is the direct marketing approach - basically you send out a whole lot of newsletters, fliers, and postcards with your contact information to homes in the neighborhood you're farming for real estate leads. If you start getting calls and emails, you've started building your own pipeline.

A second way of getting real estate leads is to network and ask past clients for referrals. As a real estate agent, you should always be talking to be people in the outside world, letting them know what you do, handing off business cards. Whether you're at a sports event, a dinner party or you're child's school play, there are plenty of opportunities to build real estate leads. Never be afraid to call on old clients for referrals either - if you did your job right,t hey should be more than happy to send friends and family your way.

A third way to get real estate leads is through internet marketing. In this case, I mean building your own website with contact pages as well as subscribing to some kind of online lead generation service. By doing both, you can both harness your own real estate leads and also get plenty of leads from an outside source.

Common Real Estate Programs Available

Are you interested in learning more about the real estate market? If you are, you may want to think about taking a real estate program or class. Real estate programs are available in classroom-like settings, as well as online. What is nice about real estate programs is that they are designed for a wide variety of different individuals; individuals with different goals. A few of the most common real estate programs available are touched on below.

One of the most common types of program available are for those who are interested in becoming real estate agents. If you are looking for a career change, you may be interested in becoming a real estate agent. Real estate agents help homeowners sell their homes and they also help prospective home buyers find and buy the homes of their dreams. Most real estate programs, which have a focus on becoming a real estate agent, also test and certify their students. If you are looking to become a real estate agent, a real estate program, particularly one that has a focus on making a living as a real estate agent, may be perfect for you.

Another common type of real estate program available are those that are designed for home buyers. Buying a home can sometimes be a long, complicated, and frustrating task. Many first time home buyers are unsure as to what they should be looking for in a new home. If you are one of those individuals, you may want to think about taking a real estate program that aims to educate students on what to look for in a new home.

There are also real estate programs that are designed for those who are looking to sell their own homes. Many home sellers turn to real estate agents for assistance, but not all do. If you would like to sell your own home, that is fine, but you need to know what you are doing. A real estate program that aims to educate homeowners on how to sell their own homes often offer tips on marketing, as well as information on how to deal with prospective buyers.

Another type of real estate program available is for those who are interested in making a living a real estate investor. Real estate investors are those who buy real estate properties and then either rent them out or resell them to make a profit. Although real estate investing is a great way to make money, it can be a tricky business. That is why real estate programs, with a focus on real estate investing, have increased in popularity. Real estate programs, with a focus on investing, often teach students how to make money as real estate investors by outlining some techniques that work, as well as ones that don't work.

As outlined above, there are a number of different real estate programs that you can take; programs that can fit your needs. In short, whether you are looking for a real estate program that will teach you how to properly buy a home, properly sell a home, make a living as a real estate agent, or make a living as a real estate investor, there should be a real estate program out there that is perfect for you.

Real Estate Auctions - The New Land Rush

On a sunny afternoon in Florida, an energetic crowd gathers on the lawn of a high end luxury estate. A loud and eager banter between an auctioneer, a group of bidders and bidder assistants fills the air. For several minutes the auctioneer asks for the next highest bid and the bidders respond. Suddenly the bidders grow silent. The high bidder holds his breath in anticipation of winning the auction. The auctioneer calls for one more bid. In a loud clear voice which rolls over the audience he says, "Fair warning, last chance" the auctioneer pauses, "SOLD!" And in less than 10 minutes another multimillion dollar estate has changed owners.

Successful real estate auctions like the one above are happening all over North America and the Caribbean. Recently real estate auctions have been on the rise, the increase in popularity is partly driven by growing inventories and fading buyer confidence. Properties that were selling in weeks using traditional methods are now languishing on the market unable to attract buyers even as seller's lower prices. Many say the real estate boom is over but savvy buyers and sellers are profiting from real estate auctions.

Real Estate Auctions Work in Up or Down Markets.

Regardless of trends or market cycles, real estate auctions provide an open and transparent process for buyers and sellers. Properly conducted real estate auctions attract ready and willing buyers and motivate them to act now.

The auction method removes the "wait and see" attitude which serves to further depress real estate values. Buyers are always concerned about overpaying. Buyers gain confidence with their purchases at real estate auctions because they can see what others are willing to pay.

When market demand is high and inventories low, real estate auctions can deliver selling prices well above what a willing seller would have accepted in a negotiated private treaty sale. In good selling climates many property owners using traditional real estate methods; negotiating with one buyer at a time, leave thousands of dollars of equity on the table. During up markets real estate auctions are the best way to establish top market price.

Evaluating Your Real Estate for Auction

Not every property or seller for that matter makes a good candidate for auction. First of all sellers must be ready to sell now and for the current market value. Also a real estate auction will not fix problems caused by a downturn in market value of your property, if you owe more than a willing buyer will pay, be prepared to come to closing with your check book.

Properties that do well in real estate auctions have a high uniqueness factor. Ask your self, "What makes my property different from most others?" Maybe you own a resort property or high end luxury home, commercial properties and land do very well at auction. Real estate auctions thrive on uniqueness. If your property is like everyone else's, the best thing you can do is offer the most competitive price.

Most importantly sellers must be reasonable about setting a minimum bid. A seller must look at the lowest, most current comps and price below that to generate the interest and urgency necessary for a successful real estate auction. Once the auction begins and qualified bidders start competing against one another you can watch the selling price increase.

Locate a Qualified Real Estate Auctioneer

Start by checking with the National Auctioneers Association, the best real estate auctioneers belong to this organization. These real estate auctioneers are well trained and adhere to a standard of practice and a code of ethics. Many attend the annual International Auctioneers Conference where the latest techniques and innovations in the real estate auction industry are presented.

Find out if the company you are interviewing is a full time real estate auction firm. Many real estate agents are getting auction licenses yet have no experience with the auction method of marketing. Conducting a successful real estate auction is nothing like (private treaty) traditional real estate sales. Go with a real estate auction pro.

You're probably better of with an auction house that specializes in real estate auctions. There are many qualified auctioneers who have generations of experience selling personal property; furniture, dishes, lawn equipment and the occasional rare painting. Selling real estate at auction is a complex matter that should only be attempted by full time experienced real estate auction professionals.

Commissions and fees may vary, sellers must pay all marketing expenses up front and buyers typically pay 10% of the sales price to the auctioneer of which a share goes to participating real estate agents.

Money-making investments in the real estate market?

The real estate market is one where a profitable investment is always to be found; somewhere amidst the foreclosure lists or lying dormant on a real estate agent's desk. This guide aims to give you the background necessary to allow you to find profitable investment real estate.

The first key to profiting from real estate is to find a highly motivated and urgent seller. The idea is that to negotiate a lower price on a piece of real estate requires the seller to want to sell their house quickly or desperately. If you are talking to an unmotivated seller on the telephone then it will soon be very clear that you are not going to get a discounted price on this real estate. If the seller is unmotivated then you will be unable to negotiate a lucrative deal.

One counterintuitive aspect of real estate investment is that you normally make a profit when you buy real estate and not when you sell it. This means that, while there is often little you can do to increase the value of real estate; sellers are human and are often willing to negotiate their price. Saving money while buying real estate is the key to selling homes for a profit in the real estate market.

With that in mind, your first step is to develop a list of real estate properties that you are considering investing in. You are going to need to view around ten pieces of real estate before you careful choose which one will be your chosen investment.

One useful technique for sourcing profitable real estate properties is to interview real estate agents; the people that profit from real estate on a daily basis. Interviewing a real estate agent and finding out if they own any investment real estate they would be very useful. Remember, they will be more than willing to be interviewed because you are offering them your regular custom.

Real estate agents understand the market "inside out" and can be an excellent source of investment properties with low prices because others have not seen or understood the potential of them. After you create a good relationship with some local real estate agents you will typically receive a phone call every time they notice a good property reach their desk. Remember, they receive a lot in return for this relationship because the more real estate that they sell the more commission that they earn.

Another very useful method for sourcing great real estate deals is the use of foreclosure lists. All you have to do is to search Google for "foreclosure lists" in your local area. Typically, you will have to pay a subscription fee to access this but it is definitely worth the cost.

In order to profit from foreclosure lists easily and quickly, follow these steps:

* Firstly, buy the daily foreclosure list for your area and flip through the pages. 

* Select the only the real estate that has been on the list for less than thirty days. 

* Highlight the real estate that is within your budget. 

* Look particularly for real estate that is located in nice surroundings or desirable neighborhoods and only select properties that are within fifty miles from where you live. 

* Using the internet, access the local tax records and obtain the tax value of this particular piece of real estate. 

* Also, search for the real estate in question on meritrealty.org. This website is also designed to give clues as to the value of real estate.

Once you have picked a few potential properties then ask your real estate agent to take you for a viewing. If you are happy with this real estate then hire a real estate property surveyor to make sure that the house is structurally sound. This step is necessary to ensure the value of your investment.

After this point you will be in a position to make an offer on this real estate and to attempt to "buy low" in order to "sell high".

Admittedly, finding a profitable piece of real estate is usually the result of a small amount of hard work. However, this article has put you at a great advantage in the real estate market. Also, the rewards of finding valuable real estate speak for themselves. Buying an under priced piece of real estate can mean profits of tens of thousands of dollars.

Pop Quiz Commercial Real Estate Investing

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28with+a+lease+about+to+expire%29%2C+and+wraps+behind+a+gas+station%2Fmini-mart+on+the+corner.+The+purchase+price+is+%248%2C000%2C000%2C+but+the+net+operating+income+looks+pretty+good.+You+figure+if+you+turn+the+bowling+alley+into+a+full+service+restaurant%2Fbanquet+facility%2C+and+convert+the+dry+cleaners+into+a+24-hour+coin+laundry%2C+the+net+operating+income+will+increase+and+the+shopping+center+will+turn+into+a+spectacular+investment.+You+plan+to+pull+together+much+of+your+life+savings+and+put+down+%242%2C000%2C000+to+buy+this+strip+shopping+center%2C+borrowing+the+balance+of+%246%2C000%2C000.+You+remember+that+your+lawyer+friend+handled+the+purchase+of+your+home+several+years+ago%2C+so+you+know+he+handles+real+estate.%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+style%3D%22line-height%3A+1.5em%3B+margin-bottom%3A+1em%3B+padding%3A+0px%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0ATRUE+OR+FALSE%2A+Commercial+real+estate+is+the+same+as+residential+real+estate+%5BHey%2C+its+all+dirt%2C+isn%27t+it+%28%3F%29%5D%2C+so+you+are+being+a+shrewd+businessman+by+hiring+your+lawyer+friend+who+will+charge+much+less+than+a+lawyer+who+handles+shopping+center+purchases+several+time+a+year.+%5BWhat+is+this+%22due+diligence%22+stuff+anyway%3F%5D%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+style%3D%22line-height%3A+1.5em%3B+margin-bottom%3A+1em%3B+padding%3A+0px%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0AANSWERS%3A%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+style%3D%22line-height%3A+1.5em%3B+margin-bottom%3A+1em%3B+padding%3A+0px%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0AIf+you+answered+%22TRUE%22+for+any+of+the+foregoing+Scenarios%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+style%3D%22line-height%3A+1.5em%3B+margin-bottom%3A+1em%3B+padding%3A+0px%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0ASTOP%21%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+style%3D%22line-height%3A+1.5em%3B+margin-bottom%3A+1em%3B+padding%3A+0px%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0AThe+Quiz+is+over.%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+style%3D%22line-height%3A+1.5em%3B+margin-bottom%3A+1em%3B+padding%3A+0px%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0APlease+find+a+quite+place+to+reflect+upon+your+life+and+consider+whether+the+decisions+you+make+consistently+give+you+the+results+you+desire.%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+style%3D%22line-height%3A+1.5em%3B+margin-bottom%3A+1em%3B+padding%3A+0px%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0AIf%2C+on+the+other+hand%2C+you+understand+that+the+answer+to+each+of+the+foregoing+questions+is+FALSE%2C+I+am+available+to+help+you+in+Scenario+No.+3.%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+style%3D%22line-height%3A+1.5em%3B+margin-bottom%3A+1em%3B+padding%3A+0px%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0AFor+Scenario+No.+2%2C+you+should+follow+your+sister-in-law%27s+suggestion+and+contact+her+eye+surgeon%2C+or+some+other+eye+surgeon+with+equal+skill.%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+style%3D%22line-height%3A+1.5em%3B+margin-bottom%3A+1em%3B+padding%3A+0px%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0AFor+Scenario+No.+1%2C+you+are+on+your+own.+%5BBut%2C+if+you+answered+TRUE+for+Scenario+No.+1%2C+you+may+be+FOREVER+on+you+own.%5D%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+style%3D%22line-height%3A+1.5em%3B+margin-bottom%3A+1em%3B+padding%3A+0px%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0AInvesting+in+commercial+real+estate+can+be+profitable+and+rewarding+-+but+it+requires+good+critical+thinking+skills+and+competent+counsel.%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+style%3D%22line-height%3A+1.5em%3B+margin-bottom%3A+1em%3B+padding%3A+0px%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0AYou+have+a+have+a+brain.+It+is+strongly+recommended+that+you+use+it.%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+id%3D%22article-resource%22+style%3D%22color%3A+%23333333%3B+font-family%3A+Arial%3B+font-size%3A+12px%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+style%3D%22line-height%3A+1.5em%3B+margin-bottom%3A+1em%3B+padding%3A+0px%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0AR.+Kymn+Harp+is+a+seasoned+attorney+based+in+Chicago%2C+Illinois+with+30+years+experience+representing+commercial+real+estate+investors%2C+lenders+and+developers.+He+is+a+frequent+speaker+at+continuing+education+seminars%2C+and+is+a+widely+published+author+on+commercial+and+industrial+real+estate+topics+including+due+diligence%2C+entitlements%2C+commercial+real+estate+financing%2C+and+Brownfield+development+and+financing.%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A

Top 10 Real Estate Marketing Tools

Real estate agents often ask me, what's the best marketing tool for real estate? In fact, if I had a dollar for each time I heard this question, I would be on vacation right now!

So what are the best marketing tools for real estate? Well, I'm always quick to say that you are your best real estate marketing tool. Yes, you ... the real estate agent reading this article. I've gone so far as to write an article about the most powerful real estate marketing tool, which is the agent behind the marketing.

So that automatically gets into the top-ten list of marketing tools for real estate. But what are the other nine? Here's my list.

1. A Real Estate Website

Each day in your market area, hundreds (possibly thousands) of home buyers and sellers turn to the Internet for real estate information. Having a real estate website is the first step to connecting with this ideal audience. Thus, the website is a core marketing tool for real estate in the modern age.

2. A Web "Presence"

What's the difference between a web presence and a website? Plenty. A website is a grain of sand on a long beach, with little hope of standing out in any significant way. But a web presence increases the chance people will find you online. A web presence includes such things as the real estate website, online press releases, real estate blogging and other online ventures. your chances of be. In an age where so many people use the Internet for real estate research, a strong web presence is a necessary marketing tool for real estate success.

3. A Real Estate Blog

In my opinion, real estate blogs can be one of the most effective marketing tools for real estate agents. Especially when they're used properly. When you publish quality content to a real estate blog on a regular basis, you are increasing your web presence (mentioned above). You're also positioning yourself as an authority in your area. These are just a few of the reasons a blog makes a good marketing tool for real estate success.

4. Real Estate Postcards

"Postcards," you say, "aren't those a little outdated?" Not at all. The postcard marketing strategies used by a lot of real estate agents are indeed outdated, but the medium itself can still bring great rewards. Real estate postcards have been a reliable marketing tool for real estate agents for decades. They can still be highly effective, especially when integrated with some of the other marketing channels on this page.

5. Home-Buying Seminars

I frequently recommend home-buying seminars as a marketing tool for real estate agents. No other real estate marketing technique can produce a room full of potential clients, eager to hear what you have to say. Sure, there are plenty of logistics involved, but the rewards usually outweigh the effort. Home buying seminars are most effective as a real estate marketing tool when conducted in collaboration (i.e., a real estate agent teaming up with a home inspector, mortgage professional, etc.

All About Real Estate Agents

Who Are They...

Real estate agents are professionals instrumental in connecting the buyer with the seller. 

Additionally, many real estate agents manage rentals wherein they introduce tenants to landlords and oversee the maintenance of the property on behalf of the landlords. 

In most areas real estate agents are required to be highly educated, licensed and are regulated by a governing body. 

Some real estate agents are also Realtors. 

To use the title Realtor, a real estate agent must be a member of the National Association of Realtors which in addition to a number of other requirements, requires Realtors to adhere to a strict code of ethics and offers Realtors additional educational and designation opportunities. 

Though not required by rule or law, it might be a wise decision to seek the services of a Realtor.

What Do They Do....

Real estate agents bring together two or more interested parties, perform those steps necessary to successfully conclude a transaction and charge a commission for their services. 

For sales transactions, they charge commission to the seller while for rentals, commission is typically charged the landlord. 

Real estate agents generally calculate their fee as a percentage of the selling price (in the case of a sale) and as part of the rent for rental units.

How Do They Do It...

People who want to sell or rent their property leave details of their property with the real estate agent. 

Along with all property details the real estate agent will typically have keys to the house to facilitate showings. 

The other interested party (i.e. the buyer/tenant), gets access to this information and to the property by contacting the real estate agent. 

That's how the real estate agent becomes a hub of information. 

Contrary to some common misconceptions, real estate agents typically represent the seller or the buyer but rarely both.

Why Should I Use One...

First and foremost, to protect yourself. Real estate transactions are highly regulated, highly paper (document) intensive transactions. 

The real estate agent possesses an in depth knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, disclosures and documentation necessary to successfully complete the transaction to the satisfaction of the buyer, the seller and the law.

Because real estate agents are most familiar with local real estate market conditions, it is wise and makes sense to seek the advice of one to get an idea of the current trends and pricing for properties within that market. 

A good real estate agent will know the prices (or price range) of various properties of different types and at various locations within the region.

Because of the real estate agent's knowledge and expertise, property sellers often get a few thousand dollars more for their property.

Many home seekers, including seasoned real estate investors use the services of real estate agents to locate the best real estate bargains in the easiest and quickest manner.

Furthermore, the best agents analyze the wants and needs of a home buyer/tenant and provide valuable input as to the kinds of properties available to them within their budget. Therefore, a good real estate agent will not just present a list of available properties to the buyer/tenant but will actually discuss their needs and make suggestions.

The good real estate agent, working in this manner benefits in at least two ways... 

First and most obviously, when the real estate agent is able to successfully complete the transaction the commission is earned and the real estate agent is paid... 

and secondly, if they make the customer/client happy they earn a good reputation and often receive referrals (hence more business).

Worth Noting...

It is worth noting that there is a myth floating around that real estate agents only work on behalf of the seller, buyer beware. 

This is not written in stone nor is it always the case. Real estate agents are, in most regions, highly regulated. 

With few exceptions, real estate agents work either for the seller (as is the case with many listing agents) or for the buyer (as is the case for a buyer's agent). 

Additionally, some areas allow for dual agency where an agent can work for both the seller and the buyer or as a transaction broker where the agent represents the transaction itself and neither the seller nor buyer individually. 

However, in the case of dual agency/transaction brokerage, note that rule, regulation (law) and ethics do not permit the agent to act in favor of either party while in detriment to the other. 

If you are unsure of the relationship between you and your real estate agent, do not hesitate to ask.

Dave Jarvis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in Florida and is Broker and Owner of Realty Concepts, Inc. a Southwest Florida Real Estate Corporation. If you are interested in Southwest Florida Properties see his website at [http://www.rciflorida.com]

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