Real Estate Agency News

Latest Scam: Fake Citizens Insurance Websites

State-run Citizens’ policies are sold only through insurance agents, but scammers are creating fake websites to target Fla. homeowners seeking coverage. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Citizens Property Insurance Corporation sent out a consumer alert to help Florida homeowners avoid scammers. The warning: Be wary of internet schemes by entities masquerading as Citizens “selling” fictitious insurance products … Read more

Bring Purpose Back to Your Brokerage

“I’m going to do this better,” brokers say when starting a new business, but that purpose can get lost in day-to-day operations. Is it time to bring it back? NEW YORK – As the marketplace slows, it’s essential to pause and think about new strategies. As the backbone for everything that comes next, a brokerage should … Read more

7 Non-Salesy Reasons to Contact Your Database

Since people love friends and generally avoid salespeople, a call to “check in,” or an “I stopped by with this small gift” makes you seem more like a friend. NEW YORK – A prime source of leads for real estate professionals is their database list of previous clients. Many agents hesitate to call clients because … Read more

Hope to Buy a Canadian Home? Wait Two Years

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TORONTO – On January 1, 2023, the Canadian government’s Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act (the Act) and the associated Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Regulations (the Regulations) came into effect. The Act prohibits “non-Canadians” – which, by virtue of the Regulations, includes entities formed outside of … Read more

Report: Housing Market Has Started to Recover

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While the phrase “not out of the woods yet” is still used, Redfin economists say the market probably hit its cycle-low trough the second week of Nov. 2022. SEATTLE – The housing market has begun to recover after hitting a low point in the second week of November, according to a report from Redfin. The … Read more

Marketing Tip: Go for the Easy ‘Wins’

The “easy wins” don’t result in immediate leads, but simple marketing – such as optimizing social media network profiles – can be the bedrock of long-term success. NEW YORK – In a challenging market, real estate professionals should make sure they’re focusing on easy “wins,” such as optimizing their profiles across agent-based and social media … Read more

Turn One Listing Into Five or Six Sales

An open house is a listing generator. Network with potential clients during the open house, but also canvas the neighborhood beforehand and meet the neighbors. NEW YORK – Open houses should be seen as listing lead generators. In addition to advertising a current listing, it gives agents an opportunity to meet the neighbors, pick up … Read more

Recruiting Better Agents Starts with Research

Bernice Ross says an agent’s job description is short: “Generate leads, convert leads, close transactions” – and a lot can be discovered before an interview. NEW YORK – Bernice Ross, president and CEO of BrokerageUP and RealEstateCoach.com, offered advice in a recent column for vetting top agent talent. Ross emphasizes steps a broker should take … Read more

What Social Media Platform Works Best for You?

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Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter: Agents can spend hours on social media, but often one or two platforms work best to create a balance for time spent securing leads. NEW YORK – Which social media platform should an agent use to expand their business? To choose the best platform, real estate agents should consider factors like comfort … Read more

Don’t Cut Service Because Markets Slow

When income drops, business people cut expenses. But in real estate, customer service shouldn’t be reduced as competition heats up. NEW YORK – With the near-time future of real estate still uncertain at the beginning of 2023, agents need to think about changing market conditions and how the brokerage can help them navigate those changes. … Read more