Videos for Learning

For Realtors who are looking to invest in real estate or help customers find innovative ways to finance properties, consider a self-directed IRA. Start with consulting a tax advisor who can explain the legal requirements and restrictions associated with this type of investment. The program isn't for everyone, although savvy investors are successful in this endeavor. Watch the video for more tips.

BlogTalkRadio is a popular Internet venue Realtors can use to build a local customer base and a referral network. The goal is to brand yourself as a real estate expert who is involved in the community. A broader audience listens if your level of expertise goes beyond real estate. Think about local and national trends, and mix those topics with local housing information. Don't stop there. Market your shows to the world via social media. Watch the video for more tips

Out-of-town prospects usually fall into two categories — first-time visitors and those ready to buy. For first-time visitors, think of yourself as a tour guide and concierge. These potential buyers want to know if a particular locale meets their lifestyle expectations. Spend more time showing them the area rather than home shopping. Returning customers or investors require a different level of service, which focuses on the property search and writing an offer to purchase. Watch the video for more tips.

Are you looking for sales opportunities in the investment and retail sector? The key is to think outside the "big box." Look for empty freestanding buildings that might become an entirely new business enterprise. Partner with other associates — those within your company and outside. Find out what's trending locally and nationally. Ultimately, working together puts more money in everyone's pockets. Watch the video for more tips.

A successful business plan consists of four steps — along with a lot of hard work in between. First, devote a whole day to creating your plan. Second, examine your goals realistically. Third, analyze what's working and what's not. Fourth, adjust the plan based on your analysis. In the process, also remember that rejuvenation time helps you stay focused.

Your goal is to get sellers to say "Yes," as in "Yes," they want you to sell their home. One sure-fire way to separate yourself from the crowd is to get "face time." During the first visit, get to know the sellers on a personal level, tour their home, and start the soft closing process. Ask them to write down what features they love about the house. Then ask them to collect documents so you'll have the opportunity to meet again. Watch the video for more tips.

Live-streamed video helps out-of-town homebuyers feel like "locals" long before they buy. Strategically placed webcams showcase the area's amenities, such as beaches, restaurants, attractions and events. Webcams also tend to keep people on your site longer. And those visitors tend to come back, which increases search engine ranking. Watch the video for more tips.

Understanding and explaining market data to customers will lead to more listings and closed sales. Three market stats that tell a story about your local market include absorption rates, closed sales and median prices on a year-over-year basis. These valuable reports are available free to members in our website's Tools & Research section.

There is money to be made in property management if the job is done efficiently. For example, a cloud-based storage system using Google Apps can hold videos, files, documents, emails and more, allowing team members to be totally mobile. A paperless forms system connects leasing agents and clients online. Using outsourced services, such as a 24-hour maintenance company, lets agents concentrate on generating revenue rather than chasing vendors. Watch the video for more tips.