How to Overcome Low Inventory and Get More Listings

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Hello Readers,

We’ve partnered with Landvoice to provide a FREE TRAINING on April 20th at 11:00 AM. This is a virtual discussion on How to Overcome Low Inventory & Get More Listings Now. Register HERE to get your access code to the live class.

Landvoice is really trying to help agents right now, so they’ve completely waived all regular class fees. That means you can all join for FREE.

Image 9bAbout the Class

Learn how to uncover motivated sellers in your local market, while creating a constant stream of fresh buyer leads through technology and automation. Join national trainers, Christoph Malzl and Jonathan Metoyer, as they share ways that work right now to find and approach homeowners who are motivated to sell. They’ll share scripts and tools used by top agents to consistently add 3 to 5 more listings a month like clockwork to crush your listing goals.

Attendees will receive lots of free scripts and downloads.

About Landvoice

Landvoice has been investing in real estate agent success for nearly 30 years. They’ve helped agents thrive through all economic conditions. They make sure you wake up every day to a new list of local sellers, which includes property details, homeowner contact information with mobile numbers and even email addresses. Landvoice adds fuel to your fire so you can list more properties and close more deals.

We hope you’ll join us. To register, please visit:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_r0OYqKgqR6azVzFVtfjLVA
When:  April 20, 2021 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where:  Your Home or Office
Cost:  Free
Contact:  Realty411.com | 805.693.1497 | Email

Solar is Disrupting Real Estate – Learn How Investors/Brokers Can Benefit Now

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Investors, it’s time to take our Powur back. How will we take our Powur back? Powur delivers home-energy solutions that save residents, investors, builders money and lower their carbon footprint.

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Homeowners have had a variety of reasons why they’ve switched from traditional to solar energy. Many have done it for the long-term financial savings it provides. In this enlightening episode, we interview Powur Ambassador, Robyn Mancel. She will discuss creative ways real estate investors are utilizing solar for more than just financial benefits.

Here are some examples:

Solar is a great way for sellers to make their home more attractive for buyers. Powur offers 12 months of zero payments, so sellers won’t feel the pinch while adding value to their largest investment. Landlords can add solar to their multifamily properties and then lease back the energy to their tenants, while increasing profit and cash flow. It’s time to learn about the benefits of solar with Robyn Mancell. Solar provides a great opportunity for Realtors® to provide homeowners with a solution to rising electricity costs and to add value to their homes.
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Robyn has been self-employed over 30 years and is very much a serial entrepreneur. After a divorce that left her to raise three sons, Robyn went back to school for Environmental Studies.
Since then, she became active in spreading the word about solar and renewable energy. Powur has a program specifically designed to educate agents, Realtor.com®, and brokers to add another stream of income to their existing portfolio of business. It’s a win/win for everyone.

Listen to our latest Realty411 Radio podcast below to discover how the solar industry is impacting real estate on a national scale.

Learn more about Powur: CLICK HERE

Realty411’s Virtual Investor Conference – Learn to Grow Your Portfolio

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Image by TeeFarm and kalhh from Pixabay

When       :  May 15, 2021 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Where     : Online/Virtual

Cost         :  Free

Contact   :  Realty411.com |  805.693.1497  |  [email protected]

Prepare for a Weekend of Investor Education and Motivation

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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Get ready for a weekend of solid education and extreme motivation on Saturday, May 15th and Sunday, 16th. Reserve the weekend now, and prepare for a special complementary virtual event.

Realty411 will again unite the most successful, knowledgeable and savvy investors in the REI (Real Estate Investing) industry to help our readers make educated and informed decisions.

Realty411’s 2021 Virtual Investor Conference will begin at 9 AM PST. The online event is complimentary to attend. Please note: Recordings will NOT be made available later, this is a LIVE CONFERENCE for dedicated investors.

Joining us on this special conference to help guide our readers will be HIGH-LEVEL industry experts ready to spill their secrets of success. Get educated, motivated and prepare for success for 2021 and beyond.

Realty411 wants to make sure all investors start 2021 with the right information to take them to new levels of success.

2021 success

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

With nearly 14 years experience in hosting live real estate industry events, in twelve states, Realty411 expo guests can rest assured that the best companies and professionals in the industry are invited. And, for our first virtual event of 2021, we’re bringing many of these awesome experts together for one special online conference.

This is the place to learn time-tested tips and techniques from some of the industry’s most sought-after leaders.

Normally, virtual events of this caliber are hundreds of dollars to attend, but Realty411 is making this special weekend conference COMPLIMENTARY for everyone.

TO LEARN MORE DETAILS, CLICK HERE OR BELOW:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/realty411s-virtual-investor-conference-learn-to-grow-your-portfolio-tickets-150669202641

WHAT TO EXPECT — LEARN TO REHAB ONLINE – LEARN ABOUT HOT MARKETS FOR BUY-AND-HOLD INVESTORS – HEAR ABOUT OUR BIGGEST MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM – NO FAIRY-TALES – HONEST, REAL AND RAW

Trion Acquires MF Portfolio Totaling more than 400 Units in Colorado Springs for $80MM

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Special to Realty411

Trion Properties, a private equity real estate firm based in West Hollywood, California specializing in value-add multifamily investments, and equity partner, PCCP, LLC, an investment manager, have acquired a two-property portfolio located in multiple submarkets of Colorado Springs, Colorado for a combined total of $80 million.

The properties, totaling 406 units, include Quail Cove and Highland Park. The properties represent an opportunity for Trion to acquire well-maintained assets with strong value-add potential in a rapidly growing market, according to Max Sharkansky, Managing Partner at Trion Properties.
Trion Properties and equity partner PCCP, LLC have acquired a two-property portfolio including Quail Cove, a 200-unit multifamily community located in the Cheyenne Hills neighborhood of Colorado Springs.

Trion Properties and equity partner PCCP, LLC have acquired a two-property portfolio including Quail Cove, a 200-unit multifamily community located in the Cheyenne Hills neighborhood of Colorado Springs.

“Colorado Springs was the third-best housing market for multifamily rental investments in 2020, and recently ranked fourth as the best place to live in the United States,” says Sharkansky.
“Colorado’s strong military presence, booming aerospace and high-tech manufacturing industries are just a few reasons why the region has seen exponential growth and an influx of top talent over the past few years.” Mitch Paskover, Managing Partner at Trion Properties adds: “Last year, despite the pandemic, Colorado Springs experienced a significant rent increase due to the area’s desirability, high-quality lifestyle in place, and relatively low cost of living.” Paskover notes that this acquisition brings Trion’s total number of multifamily units in Colorado to nearly 700. The firm’s first acquisition in the state, The View Apartments in the Northglenn submarket of Denver, took place just seven months ago, speaking to the firm’s diligent sourcing and impressive track record.
“A large part of what attracted us to the Colorado Springs market is the diverse economy and major industries that have a presence in the region,” says Farhan Mahmood, Managing Director at Trion Properties.
“The city has always been predominantly driven by military, as it is home to Fort Carson, North American Aerospace Defense Command, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. But that has diversified in recent years to include a number of technology start-ups, insurance companies, and UC Health, a nationally recognized hospital that provides nearly 7,000 jobs. This, combined with the new construction of Amazon’s new four million square-foot distribution center and Space Force’s military construction at multiple Colorado Springs bases, further positions the city as an extremely attractive market.” Quail Cove is one of two properties acquired, a 200-unit community located in the Cheyenne Hills neighborhood of Colorado Springs. David Moghavem, Director of Acquisitions at Trion Properties, says: “Solid economic drivers have created excellent fundamentals in Colorado Springs as a whole, and the Cheyenne Hills neighborhood in particular is a desirable submarket to execute a high-quality renovation program. The location has strong demographics with average incomes over $80,000 within a mile radius, while also offering access to strong local schools nearby. The property itself is also surrounded by gorgeous panoramic views of the mountains, with a portion of the property overlooking Quail Lake.” Quail Cove was built in 1983 and has been well maintained by ownership, with approximately $5 million spent on capital expenditures within the past 5 years including new roofs, new landscaping, a clubhouse upgrade, among other items. The property offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, while also overlooking Quail Lake which resides right next to the community.
Moghavem notes: “Quail Cove is a tremendous blank-canvas value-add opportunity for our team to implement our proven strategy to modernize and reposition the interiors.”
Quail Cove consists of a mixture of one- and two-bedroom units with spacious floorplans, washer/dryer hookups, wood burning fireplaces, central heat and air, walk-in closets, and private balconies and patios. The property is located at Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Trion Properties and equity partner PCCP, LLC have acquired a two-property portfolio including Highland Park, a 206-unit multifamily community in the rapidly growing Northeast Colorado Springs sub market.

Trion Properties and equity partner PCCP, LLC have acquired a two-property portfolio including Highland Park, a 206-unit multifamily community in the rapidly growing Northeast Colorado Springs sub market.

Trion Properties and equity partner PCCP, LLC have acquired a two-property portfolio including Highland Park, a 206-unit multifamily community in the rapidly growing Northeast Colorado Springs sub market.
Highland Park is a 206-unit multifamily property in the rapidly growing Northeast Colorado Springs submarket.
“Highland Park is located off of Union Boulevard and Academy Boulevard, offering plenty of visibility to prospective residents,” explains Moghavem.
“The property boasts beautiful views, easy accessibility to Interstate 25 and the Mountain Metro Bus Line for shopping and entertainment options, hiking and biking trails, and is just five minutes away from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.” Similar to Quail Cove, Highland Park was also well maintained by the previous owner, with nearly $2 million spent on improvements within the last five years for new landscaping, roofs, paint, among other items. The property is highly amenitized with courtyards, a dog park, pool, sauna, and picnic areas on-site. Unit amenities include spacious floorplans, washer/dryer hookups, wood burning fireplaces, central heat and air, walk in closets, and private balconies and patios. Highland Park is also located in Colorado Springs, Colorado and offers a mixture of one- and two-bedroom units. Trion acquired both properties from one seller who had legacy ownership over each. Winston Black at Berkadia and Frank Farrel represented both parties in the transaction. Continental Partners arranged the financing of both deals from Freddie Mac, through Andrew Kwok from Capital One.
About Trion Properties Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Los Angeles, Trion Properties is a private equity real estate firm that invests in value-add multifamily throughout the west coast. Trion has completed more than $700 million in transactions, with a portfolio of over $550 million in assets, generating an average internal rate of return in excess of 30 percent. With its fully built-out operator platform, Trion has repositioned and stabilized undervalued assets, leveraging its expertise in real estate finance and renovation of multifamily properties to drive returns for its investors. Since its inception, Trion has acquired the fee interest—or in certain instances the debt secured by the fee interest—of over 3,550 multifamily units. To date, Trion has successfully repositioned and resold over 1,750 units and over 200,430 square feet of commercial real estate space. The principals of Trion Properties are Max Sharkansky and Mitch Paskover, two real estate professionals with over 30 years of combined experience in finance, acquisitions, management and redevelopment. Additional information is available at http://www.trion-properties.com/

My Billionaire Mentor Died. But His Life and Business Lessons LIVE With Me Forever

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Image by Johana Peña from Pixabay

By Hector Padilla,

Broker, GRI, Accredited Investor

It’s no secret that a HUGE key to my success has been having time-proven and vetted mentors.

In 2007, I received an invitation to fly to Scottsdale, Arizona, to have breakfast with a billionaire. If you had this opportunity, would you hop on a jet to go meet a billionaire? Do you think that I capitalized on this “opportunity of a lifetime”? Yes or YES?
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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

If you answered YES, then you are 100% correct. Unfortunately, Bill the Billionaire* passed away in 2016 at the young age of 68. Very sad. In 1997, Bill was listed in Forbes Magazine as one of the 400 richest people in America. Inc. magazine estimated Bill’s net worth to be in the range of $2.4 to $3.5 billion. Let me share with you some of the lessons Bill the Billionaire taught me that I implemented into my real estate business. These solid strategies helped me purchase over $100,000,000 worth of real estate.

#1. A Daily To Do List = Millionaire Lesson.

A STOP doing list = Billionaire Lesson. Focus on Money Making Action.
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Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay

STOP = The drama, TV, News Papers, Happy Hour, Social Media Addiction = Don’t be full of energy wasting activity.

2,500-year-old, time-proven wisdom = six days of skilled labor, and one day of rest.

#2. Finish your day on paper before you start.

Needs VS. Wants. What NEEDS to be done today? What do you WANT to do today, but can be pushed till tomorrow/next week? Who can you delegate your tasks too?

#3. You must do what is important, BUT not urgent:

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Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

The fundamentals of success are important = Reading, Audio, GYM, Meditate/Prayer, Prospect, Lead Follow up. It takes discipline & focus to do what is Important, but NOT urgent. The masses run around like a chicken little, doing what is urgent, but NOT important.

#4. You can NOT earn $1,000,000 a year doing a $12-hour task!

If you do NOT have an assistant, then you are an assistant. How can you delegate and empower?
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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

#5. Remain in control, BUT not in charge of Daily Minutia.

YES, control your business. But NOT the day-to-day operations. Focus on wealth creation. Focus on prospecting and networking with people of substance.

#6. The broke & Billionaires have 24 hours in a day.

How do Billionaires get more accomplished? They buy time by being a blessing. HOW? By recruiting a skilled team. Then, they delegate and outsource. YOU become a blessing by creating jobs and opportunities.

#7. Don’t be the FLY on the window.

Don’t bang your head on the widow, till your death, with WRONG repetitive activity. Land, re-anchor yourself to find a new proven path to wealth and time freedom
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Image by Ronald Carreño from Pixabay

#8. Leverage of Time and Expertise.

Recruit a skilled TEAM and a proven vetted Mentor/Coach/Chairman. A mentor/coach/chairman can show you how to create exponential growth, so you can earn more in the next 12 months than you have in the last 12 years.

#9. Goals VS. Values:

Goals change like the weather. Values are consistent like the climate. Paycheck Goals VS. Family Values

#10. Pocket Promises.

Goals VS. Promises. What is the difference? When you promise your mother, wife, daughter, family, friends, staff that you will accomplish “a promise you made them” you have a 90% chance of accomplishing it, as long as you have a written Plan of Action. If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.
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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Plan your work and WORK your plan. Remember, as human beings we tend to do more for others than for ourselves. Write down your TOP 5 Promises on an index card with a simple Plan of Action on HOW you will accomplish your Pocket Promises. Be sure to read your Pocket Promises three times per day. I once asked Bill: “Knowing what you know now, what business would you get into?” He replied, “Find a NEED that the masses have and provide a solution”. For me Real Estate is that NEED. People NEED a place to live, work and play = Real Estate. Plus, in what other Time-Proven Business can you buy an asset with NO money and terms? Creative real estate investing opens the doors to that Billionaire Lifestyle, that so many of us desire.
 

Learn about Hector Padilla, Broker/GRI

*For privacy reasons, Bill’s last name has been purposely omitted. Mr. Padilla owns and operates HP Capital Investments, Inc, a real estate acquisition and investment firm in Los Angeles. Be sure to follow Mr. Padilla on Instagram #MyChairmanHP

Leading in Leads

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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

By Bruce Kellogg

Got Leads?

Back in 1981, real estate agents in Silicon Valley agents gathered buyer and seller leads by open houses, door-knocking, “floor time” in the office as a receptionist, and some direct mail. None of this was sophisticated.
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Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

Things got sophisticated around 2005, before the Great Recession, when computers started being used for “data mining” or “data scraping”. Sellers of leads were able to access local governmental data bases for such leads as: 1) pre-foreclosures, 2) evictions, 3) building code violations, 4) probate estates, 5) tax liens, and more They then sold the leads to agents/brokers and investors. Or else they licensed the software on a monthly subscription basis. This still goes on, but it’s less effective now because the software is sometimes “dueling” with other companies’ software. This is a mature market now. With the arrival of social media, another source of leads has emerged. This article presents Atman Real Estate, “The Premier Real Estate Marketing Lead Generation Service”, and Victoria Kennedy, its Chief-Executive Officer (CEO). They are leading in leads.

Victoria Kennedy

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Victoria Kennedy
Victoria Kennedy is the CEO of Atman Real Estate, a lead-generation agency that is committed to providing more leads and closings for real estate professionals. She is a highly in-demand speaker on all things digital marketing, and has helped many clients boost their visibility and revenue. Because of her expertise in real estate, she has been a trusted speaker and contributor to such organizations as the National Association of Real Estate Brokers and Inman Connect.
In addition to running a successful marketing agency, she also has given talks, workshops, and has worked as a trusted consultant for Realtors®, title companies, investors, and top-producing agents.
She has a degree summa cum laude from the University of Southern California (USC) and is located in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Atman Real Estate

With a staff of five, Atman finds and cultivates buyer and seller leads for brokers and agents using the client’s social media, primarily Facebook and Instagram. They pre-qualify each lead to determine their needs and motivation. They then actually set the initial appointment for their client and the already-qualified lead. This saves their client a tremendous amount of time and rejection. Plus, some Realtors® do not prospect as much as they should to realize their aspirations. Atman advertises “an additional 2-4 closings per month” for its clients.
After the Atman client meets with a new lead, there might not be an immediate agency buy or sell transaction. Then Atman uses its Contact Relationship Manager (CRM) to text and email the lead up to 12 months on behalf of their client. This reminds the lead of the client’s continuing interest and support. This helps keep the lead from wandering off! (How many agents follow up as thoroughly as this? Just saying!)
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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

The messages that Atman sends to a client’s leads are customized for the client. These are not generalized and copies as some lead services do. Atman nurtures the leads for its clients. Additionally, Atman’s leads are exclusive. They accept one client per city based on a 25 mile radius, and they NEVER sell leads multiple times.

Atman’s “Unique Selling Proposition” (USP)

To be successful, an enterprise needs to adopt a Unique Selling Proposition that distinguishes and distances it from its competition. There is a lot of competition in the “lead purveyor industry!” Atman leads the pack by cultivating leads for its clients to the actual appointment, then following up for 12 months, if necessary. Find out more about Atman and their ROI guarantee here: atmanrealestate.com.
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Bruce Kellogg

Bruce Kellogg has been a Realtor® and investor for 38 years. He has transacted about 800 properties in 12 California counties. These include 1-4 units, 5+ apartments, offices, mixed-use buildings, land, lots, mobile homes, cabins, and churches. Mr. Kellogg is a contributor and copy editor for two national real estate wealth-building magazines: Realty411, and REI Wealth Monthly. He is a recipient of an Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, listed in Who’s Who in America – 2019. He is available for consulting with syndication, turnkey, joint-venture, and other property purchasers and note investors nationally, and other consulting assignments. Reach him at [email protected], or (408) 489-0131.

Realty411 VIP Membership Portal Has Launched

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In an effort to save Realty411 and REI Wealth magazine readers, subscribers, and VIP monthly members money to invest more, Realty411.com has launched a special portal dedicated for this purpose. Introducing Realty411VIP.com*, a dynamic and cost-savings’ website with national and locally-featured companies. One of the unique features of this platform is that real-time savings are shown immediately, plus a toll-free concierge number is also available for assistance. Paid VIP Magazine Monthly Members can participate and search for savings with top merchant brand-names, as well as lesser-known, local retailers.
In addition, to help our real estate industry and the investor community recover after a year-long global pandemic, all readers, whether they are subscribers or not, can now save money on their travel excursions.
With Realty411VIP.com travelers can compare hotel accommodations instantly and know exactly how much money will be saved beforehand.
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Additionally, as a special incentive to investors in search of their next investment market, a special “Drop Destination” will be spotlighted each month. Realty411 and REI Wealth readers can now save as much as 50% on travel during a specific time period with each “Drop Destination” promotion. Now, there is absolutely no excuse for readers not to see their properties before investing in these important assets.
Are you looking for properties in new markets? Need to travel for a real estate conference or meeting? Ready to take the family to explore a new location?
Before booking, be sure to visit Realty411VIP.com.
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Currently, the “Drop Destination” featured is Nashville, Tennessee. If travel is booked between April 2 to April 16, 2021, members could potentially receive savings of up to 50% or more. Travel dates to Tennessee can be extended up to December 2021, be sure to log on Realty411Vip.com to compare just how much money can be saved. Another bonus of Realty411VIP.com is the special discounted admission to world-famous resorts across the nation, which undoubtedly will be one of the first leisure destinations for our readership and their families. For additional details and explore our money-saving new website, please visit Realty411VIP.com or CLICK HERE.
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Disclosure: Realty411VIP.com is a membership rewards’ site specifically for Realty411 and REI Wealth magazine. Commissions from this website will be used to continue our mission of providing complimentary real estate education to the masses. Since 2007, Realty411 has provided life-changing information and access to solid companies and educators to assist investors in making wise decisions. We have served tens of thousands of investors across the nation, and around the world, make sound real estate decisions.

Enter Realty411’s “Virtual Expo World” for Direct Access to Top Companies

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The numbers are in: nearly 400 investors and real estate leaders from around the nation attended Realty411‘s first “Interactive Investor and Industry Expo”, which was held live this past weekend, Saturday, March 20th and Sunday, March 21st.

What made this weekend’s past online expo so unique is the new platform implemented, which was a first in the real estate investment community. With a joint partnership Realty411 and Silicon Valley-based eZ-Xpo completed their first joint conference utilizing this latest dynamic technology. Numerous additional online events are being planned now, investors, real estate professionals, and service providers are encouraged to register today to explore this latest event technology. Attendee Registration — Realty411’s Industry & Investor INTERACTIVE Expo (ezxpo.biz)
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Highlights of the two-day conference included 14 renowned educators sharing their expertise and secrets of success, as well as networking time with top companies in the investment industry.
The dynamic aspect of Realty411.com’s “Virtual Expo World” is the direct access registered guests have at all times to top companies ready to assist them in their real estate investment journey. Inside this new online platform, “Virtual Vendors” have already spotlighted special videos, offers, and downloads for all guests to enjoy at their leisure. Explore the “Exhibit Hall” page with amazing companies ready to assist and help meet your real estate investment goals for 2021, and beyond. Real estate investors and industry leaders are encouraged to REGISTER NOW to explore the latest technology available in online conferencing.

>>> Please view this quick intro video below before registering:

Navigating this online dynamic world is easy. Once guests enter the lobby section, they can explore different pages on the upper left-hand side, where they can navigate and explore Realty411‘s “Virtual Expo World”. Realty411 is introducing this new technology for the entire real estate community to enjoy and explore. It is complimentary, engaging, educational, and it can be explored at any time. Realty411‘s “Virtual Expo World” is continually updated with videos, offers, updates, downloads, webinars, virtual-only messages, and more. Be sure to explore our new virtual world today, and log back in on a regular basis to get the most out of Realty411‘s unique and interactive education. This new platform makes real estate investing information easy to access and review. Having direct access to top companies, ultimately saves real estate investors time and money.
Investors can rest assured when accessing this secure portal in knowing that Realty411 has worked with these sponsoring companies for many years. Since 2007, Realty411 has been assisting both new and sophisticated investors to make educated investment decisions.
Prepare for additional live meetings, events, and conferences on this new platform by registering and exploring it today. Please follow the link below.

DIRECT REGISTRATION LINK:

Attendee Registration — Realty411’s Industry & Investor INTERACTIVE Expo (ezxpo.biz)

Watch this video to see how this new platform works.

3 Ways Mortgage Loan Officers Can Grow Leads Without Spending Money on Ads

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By Luke Shankula

The coronavirus pandemic has affected virtually every aspect of our daily lives, from schooling to socializing to business. Since lockdowns commenced nearly a year ago, I’ve had mortgage loan officers, long accustomed to building relationships and generating leads through in-person networking, asking me how they can generate new business.

Sure, spending money on advertising is one strategy. But in a brave new world where people are spending huge amounts of time online, my advice to loan officers is this: go social like you mean it. These are my top three ways that loan officers can grow leads organically—that is, without spending a dime.
  • Be strategic with social media engagement.
  • Create quality content that people want to consume.
  • Present yourself in a genuine manner—i.e., be the “real you.”

Choose your platforms strategically

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Image by nominalize from Pixabay

Unless you’ve got a monstrous amount of time to devote to social media or the budget to pay someone else to do it for you, it’s difficult to have a huge presence across several different platforms. Instead, I tell my clients to choose one, two, maybe three social media platforms, and get really good at using those. This comes down to researching which audiences you’ll reach on different platforms and honing in on those that can be the most fruitful. Here are just two examples of how I tell clients to use the many platforms out there:
  • LinkedIn: While LinkedIn isn’t exclusively a B2B platform, it is the place where you’re more likely to network with referral partners, such as real estate agents and other loan officers. It’s a great place for work-related content, but posting links to shared content will actually reduce your engagement here, since LinkedIn (and Facebook) wants to keep people in the site. Instead, create short, original posts that talk about your business. This doesn’t have to be “hard sell” stuff. Try posting video or screenshot testimonials from happy clients, or you celebrating closing a loan in record time. This is called “social proof”—it’s what establishes you as a leader in your field and attracts potential colleagues and referral partners. Also, be sure to congratulate colleagues who post about promotions or job change. But go beyond a simple “Well done!” with substantive, sincere praise. “Congratulations Jan! I’ve been following your career since we worked together at ___, and it’s no surprise you’ve been so successful.”
  • Facebook: If LinkedIn is your office, Facebook is your living room. Use your personal Facebook page—yep, that’s right; your personal page, as it’s amazingly difficult to generate organic traffic on a business page—to share your original content on mortgage news, career wins and challenges. Intersperse these with normal Facebook stuff, whether it’s family photos or funny animal videos. When you sprinkle in the work-related posts, always think about engagement: “The Fed is threatening to raise interest rates again: do you think it’s too soon for another rate hike?” Make your non-personal posts public so that they can be shared with anyone. Accept friend requests that don’t seem sketchy or stalkerish. And engage, engage, engage.

Create quality content

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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

I say it all the time and I’ll never stop saying it. When it comes to growing organic leads, it’s about quality, not quantity. Posting 60 pieces of shared content a day, regardless of the platform, is going to turn people off and make them reach for the dreaded “mute” button—and it might also get you flagged as a spammer. Instead, post original, quality, shareable content that people can use. Here are just a few ideas:
  • A short video (60-120 seconds is ideal) of you explaining how the mortgage pre-approval process works, or telling folks how they can improve their credit score
  • An attractive infographic showing the steps from loan application to closing
Remember, most first-time buyers—and a lot of second- or third-time buyers—have no clue how this stuff works. By creating content that explains the process, you establish yourself as an expert. Just don’t forget to add links to your email address and business website!

Just do you

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Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

They say that all business is personal, and that’s truer now than ever before. There might have been a time when prospective loan applicants could choose from just a handful of loan officers. Now, there are more than 300,000 loan officers in the US, most of them reachable with the click of a mouse. So how do you stand out in a crowded field? Just by being you—and social media is the place to do it.
  • Be genuine. Share your kid’s stellar report card and your spouse’s new promotion just as readily as you do mortgage industry news. You’re a lot more than just your job, and your clients want to know that.
  • Engage actively, but naturally. Make a concerted effort to share and comment more on social, but don’t fake it. If you’re interested in a topic, try to generate lively discussion around it. If you’re happy for a friend or colleague’s positive news—express it!
  • I tell my colleagues to be themselves online and in-person, with one caveat: stay as apolitical as possible. Mortgage loans aren’t red or blue!
Building a social media presence that generates organic leads won’t happen overnight. It takes months, if not years, to create and curate quality content, build your followings and raise your profile. But when it all starts to click, it’s some of the most rewarding business you can land—and not just because it’s free. For loan officers, marketing and lead generation through social media enables you to really create a trusted brand. And the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself, using your own initiative, creativity, and industry knowledge? That’s priceless.

How This Powerhouse Woman Created an 8-figure Real Estate Business and How You Can, Too

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By Victoria Kennedy

I am no stranger to the determination it takes to grow a real estate business. As a teacher turned Realtor®, I knew from the very beginning that I had to forge my own path.

When I first obtained my license in 2001, I was brand new to the industry with no one to show me the ropes. It was a time of unpredictable growth in northern California’s market, but with a little hard work and a lot of passion, I learned the ins and outs of the industry. I have faced numerous challenges throughout my years as an agent, including recessions that affected not just me, but the entire nation. As many agents were exasperated with endless foreclosures and short sales, I decided to do something about it and obtained my Certified Distressed Property Expert in order to better serve my client’s needs as I continued to grow my business to the empire it is today, selling an average of 100 plus homes a year with a career total of more than 2,200.
It all goes to show that in this industry, you have to be willing to adapt, have an exceptional work ethic, a knack for marketing and a devotion to your clients. The educator still in me from the years I spent as a third-grade teacher drives my desire to teach others, and I have decided to combine my two passions to educate other realtors how they, too, can grow their real estate business to 8-figures.

Keep learning.

Even if you have been in the business for years, there is always something learn from other real estate agents, articles or even seminars. None of us should ever be too proud to continue broadening our minds as a way to better help the people who are entrusting us with one of the biggest decisions of their life: selling or buying their home.
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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

I realize my background in education makes me a bit more passionate about learning than the typical Realtor®, but it is a tool that has served me well. I have been able to hone my marketing skills, learn more about the tools available to me, discovered the ins and outs of the real estate market and how to best connect with others.

Understand marketing.

Marketing is the key to success for any industry, but it is such an important component to real estate. It is the way we generate solid leads that turn to business. Of course, social media and online marketing has become the driving force behind much of today’s marketing. Did you know 99 percent of millennials begin their home search online? Think of the multitude of customers you are missing by not taking advantage of social media platforms.
Any Realtor® needs to have a concrete marketing plan in place. A Google My Business listing is a must. This is the sidebar that appears on the page when you Google a business or service. How are the thousands searching for agents in your area going to know you exist if they can’t see you on the biggest search engine available?
From Facebook to Instagram to LinkedIn, there are a number of platforms out there ready to help you expand your business. You just have to do your research to determine which fits your company the best, or if it is a combination of several. Facebook continues to be the most used by agents as its demographics tend to represent the target audience for many agents across the country.
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Image by Pixelkult from Pixabay

Instagram is on the rise as one of the best ways to reach potential clients as stunning home photos can capture a wide audience. LinkedIn might not be the best use of your time for finding potential home buyers or sellers, but it is a great way to connect with other agents.
Make sure to use local hashtags with your industry to help reach people in your area looking to purchase their next home.
Another part of marketing is to never underestimate the little things, such as staging and a professional photographer – particularly on platforms like Instagram where a visual representation is everything. Videographers and done photographers also make for great additions to your real estate team. Don’t forget to combine your social media marketing with a mixture of local resources, such as your community newspaper or area billboard companies.

Engage the audience.

While picturesque photos and informational posts are great tools, I have discovered videos are crucial to engaging the audience. Video posts are 12 times more likely to be shared than those without. When you share a video, people are connecting with you. They are getting to know your voice, your face, and what you stand for. You can establish yourself as a professional as you interact with the audience on a wide variety of real estate topics, from tips on purchasing a home to the latest trends in countertops to the hottest neighborhoods in the area.
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Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

The more videos you publish, the bigger your audience will become. When one of those viewers is ready to buy their home, they are going to want the professional they have come to know and trust to walk them through the process.

Build relationships.

Many agents are so focused on new clients, they underestimate the power of keeping existing ones. It costs a Realtor® a whopping seven times more to land a new client than it does to keep one who previously bought or sold a home with them. Do you know how you keep those customers and increase your profits from a possible 25 to 100 percent? By building relationships.
It does not matter if your customer is buying a $200,000 home or a $1 million dollar home. That couple searching for their starter home might have built an incredible life that affords them a luxury home in a few years. You just never know. By treating everyone with kindness and respect, you will be treated the same in return. Another way to develop relationships is through making connections in your community. This is another way social media comes in handy. Search for businesses, nonprofits and groups in the area. Make sure to follow them and engage in their posts by liking and commenting.
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Image by Werner Moser from Pixabay

Agents often overlook the importance of helping out the community. Doing so is a great way to portray the integrity you want to run your business with while creating trust. For example, education remains dear to my heart, so I enjoy being involved with programs and scholarships at the local schools. Find what your passion is and help out your community. Continuing to always expand upon your skills while creating a network in the community around you will always be a step in the right direction. However, if you find yourself ready to grow your digital footprint and become an authority in your industry, we host monthly Accelerator programs for FREE to help you take your business to new heights.
Krista Mashore has an exclusive coaching program that teaches professionals how to become the go-to authority in their communities. She has spoken on the Inman stage and has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Wall Street Journal, Authority Magazine among other publications and has been a guest at numerous podcasts including Conscious Millionaire. Click here (https://kristamashore.com/2DaysLive) to join the 2-day Live Coaching Event with Krista and transform your Real Estate Business. Learn more from Krista at her next event, HOW TO CLOSE 100+ HOMES A YEAR (kristamashore.com), March 23-24.