An effective team is comprised of talented individuals who complement each other’s strengths, visions and work ethic. Here are a few strategies for hiring brokerage staff across various departments — plus some positive qualities to look for
It's your responsibility to ensure that your client is well-represented by having excellent knowledge of the process, great relationships with builders, creating clear communication channels and providing the best experience possible for your clients
Providing clients with incredible customer service, hearing their feedback and having their best interest at heart will ensure an enduring relationship that can turn into new business should they choose to refer you to friends and family
Rebecca Nazareth, Realtor with eHomes, shares her top tips for brand new agents in this competitive market
Realtor, trainer and consultant with Doorbell Real Estate in Tennessee, Laura Fangman shares her top tip for reaching potential clients
Nothing is more impactful than letting homeowners know the value of their homes in the current market, and nothing will keep you top-of-mind more than this process. Enter the unsolicited seller CMA video
Be sure to avoid these common mistakes, and you are well on the way to controlling the market and the ultimate success of your career
How you respond to clients matters. When you can answer their questions with confidence and clarity, they will put their trust in you and your team to do the best job possible. Here are a few common questions clients will — at one point or another — ask you
Opinion
If you’re not out there interacting with the public on a face-to-face basis, chances are you’ve become a secret agent — and that has to change. Here is a variety of fun and engaging ways to get strangers to ask you about your job and real estate
Opinion
What's far more critical in building your business than a speedy reply or dropping someone into a system that will pound out messages to a contact database? Answering the phone
Broker-owner Barbara Betts shares why it’s imperative to build trust with your sphere — those people who already know and like you
Being a real estate agent is much more like operating your own business than working any other regular job. There's a huge learning curve, and it can often feel overwhelming. That's why, if you're a newbie, you have to be prepared. Here's what to expect
These 12 video templates, together with the two search rank term tools, will help you reach your target clients and build trust by answering their questions before they ask
Senior Vice President of Windermere Services Michael Fanning explains why setting yourself up for success at the beginning of the day matters so much in your business
Opinion
Here’s how to recognize why some teammates burn out and address those issues head-on
Opinion
Build a foundation now for daily strength and continued growth, and when the tough times hit, you'll be ready
Confidence is an important aspect of becoming a successful real estate agent. Luckily, it's a skill that can be learned and sharpened. Here are a few powerful (and effective) ways agents can boost their self-confidence
This month, we’re focused on making you more money. Here are the top stories from our Back to Basics series published thus far. We'll keep this list updated all month long.
Consumers increasingly write, read and follow online web assessments. So, have you accepted reviews as a part of your communication with the market? Here are a few compelling reasons why you should
Opinion
What differentiates a rookie from a top-notch, seasoned pro, you ask? Well, it starts with an in-depth knowledge of the market and a knack for accurately gauging property values. Here's how you can hone that skill and set yourself up for long-term success
Opinion
Here’s a better approach to time management that’ll help you stick to your priorities and knock out those dollar-producing activities
Senior Vice President at Highgarden Real Estate Brian Walker shares a simple way to get more listings in this heated seller’s market
Julie Nelson, chief success officer at The Nelson Project, eXp Realty, shares her tried-and-true formula for going back to the basics. For Nelson, it's all about starting conversations on real estate
Even though many buyers are opting to forgo inspections, agents still need to be familiar with them to protect their buyers as much as possible. Here are a few inspections that'll help pinpoint problems within a property — and avoid a major deal-breaker
For new agents, time-blocking helps provide a clear understanding of how you are currently spending your days and allows you to maximize every hour. Here's how to get started
Realogy national trainer Jay Luebke shares why it’s absolutely critical for agents to know their numbers
There's no doubt that the art of persuasion has a critical place in real estate sales. Here's what agents can learn from bestselling author Daniel Pink's MasterClass on sales and persuasion
Whether you're a newly minted agent or an experienced pro, business planning can be a challenging task. But there's a simple-to-follow approach that'll help you create a timeless plan for your business — and it starts by answering these key questions
For the entire month, we'll be laser-focused on what's working in the industry and how to set your business up for more profit
This week, we're exploring what going back to the basics really means for real estate professionals in 2021. What fundamentals should agents be focusing on, tweaking or relearning this year?
Opinion
Take the time to demonstrate your trustworthiness, constantly work on your listening skills, do the right thing, and remember it's not about you, and you'll find your clients — and yourself — well-rewarded
Think you're a good listener? Now's the time to put your skills to the test. Answer these questions to determine if you're really hearing your clients and their needs and concerns, and then implement these best practices to improve your communication
Opinion
Imagine cutting your to-do list in half and being 2X-5X more effective? It's possible when approached with intention and clarity
Opinion
Last year forced real estate agents to adapt in an ever-evolving landscape. Here are the top challenges agents face daily
To aid in your expanding marketing efforts, here are 5 simple types of videos you can easily make and creative ideas for pushing them out into the world
In this hot, competitive market, clients need reassurance, which might mean customizing your service based on their 'love language.' Here’s how to do that
Find out how South Florida’s Chad Carroll has grown his brand through patience and perseverance
Your ability to generate real estate listings will be key in 2021 being your best year in the business — take action now with one of these strategies
Add these into your cadence of accountability with your team, and watch your relationships grow and your team members flourish
It’s critical to understand where, how and why millennials are searching for homes right now
Whether used for reputation management, keeping an eye on the agents you work with or getting an edge on the competition, Google Alerts are invaluable
Opinion
In today’s frenzied markets, real estate agents have to be on top of every aspect of the deal. Here’s what buyers and sellers should expect from agents
Without even realizing it, agents often get in their own way and self-sabotage their success by making excuses. As a result, they miss out on important opportunities to grow. Do any of these common excuses sound familiar?
Although grounded in experience, knowledge and skill, a reputation as an authority can only come through objective, outside validation. Here are a few basic ways agents can position themselves as authority figures in their markets
Opinion
Here are 3 easy ways agents can prepare for a potentially hustling and bustling spring marketplace even without the downtime that a slow winter market usually provides
Opinion
Be sure to always ask if the other agent has promised anything that you haven’t. That will be your opportunity to counter any lies with truth
Statistics show that this old-school marketing strategy is coming back in a big way. Find out why — and how to implement it — from 2 of the industry’s biggest names
Opinion
As an industry, we should stop obsessing over things we can’t or won’t fix and take a look inward at the things that make us special as individual agents and organizations. Here's why
From how to get better leads to what books to read, here are some of the most common queries team leaders hear — and how to answer them
For Douglas Elliman NYC agent Jared Halpern, patience and persistence pay dividends
Professional photographs are great, but sometimes, there's the issue of budget, time and nowadays, COVID-19. Luckily, you can still take superb headshots right in your own home. Here's how
From getting the most out of your transaction software to being the master of the office calendar, a transaction coordinator's value to an ever-more digital office environment is more valuable than ever before
As a real estate agent, you've likely had clients question your value, with many thinking they can handle the complexities of buying and selling on their own. Here are a few ways to illustrate just how much you bring to the table
Thinking of making a switch and moving your business? As you evaluate the brokerage you're currently with and consider exploring new horizons, keep these points in mind
For mother-daughter duo Ida and Minette Schwartz, a focus on relationships informs every aspect of the real estate business
Opinion
Do what it takes to ensure that the last few moments of a transaction end in a completion that will ensure a win, leave your clients cheering and set you up with clients for life
Be more intentional with your social media strategy. Here's where to start and how to keep it consistent all year long while growing your reach
Plucked from a handful of superior, attention-grabbing agent 'about us' pages, these tips and strategies will help you whip up a stellar bio that gets read and noticed
Opinion
This very valid question is one that clients will undoubtedly ask at some point. Here’s look at how to respond when clients ask what to tip movers
Opinion
For some homebuyers, down payment assistance can prove to be a game-changer. Here's why, at the very least, real estate agents should familiarize themselves with affordable financing options for purchasing a home
In real estate, as in life, there are no guarantees, but following these tips will give any new agent a solid foundation for a successful career
HomeLight and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers have partnered to launch a new initiative that will provide financial resources and a year of mentorship and training for aspiring Black agents
This week, our readers share some of the worst counsel they've ever received from fellow industry professionals — and what they learned from their experiences
Opinion
Fill your mind with uplifting material, and you’ll feel positive and motivated all year long. If you haven’t already read these books, add them to your 2021 reading list immediately
Paid or organic? Email marketing or direct mail? The Inman Handbook on lead generation is here to help you understand the nuance in lead types, qualification and marketing tactics
As President of R New York, one of New York City’s largest brokerage companies, Stefani Berkin never lets an agent get left behind
Developing confidence in your abilities and high-level knowledge of your marketplace will turn you into the sort of professional most clients seek out. Here are a few habits to adopt
John McCarthy increased his production by millions without leaving the house to meet clients. Here’s how he leveraged resources to get deals done
Insurance remains a challenge for many agents, many of whom have independent contractor status. But there are more and more options out there
The Inman Connect audience was offered a unique look at what website developers Agent Image believe is the future of listing presentations and online open houses.
For a transaction to go over smoothly, agents have to maintain professionalism while keeping the process as pleasant as possible for everyone involved. If you're a listing agent, now's the time to stop these irksome behaviors
Choosing a new real estate brokerage is harder than ever as new models emerge, technology has risen to prominence and outside industrialists are pushing for mindshare
Find out how Realty ONE Group CMO Cory Jo Vasquez learned that real estate is all about building solid relationships
Opinion
You don’t need to build your own real estate brand to be successful. One team leader outlines why conventional wisdom about brand-building is dead wrong and what agents should do instead
This week, our readers tell us about a time another agent went the extra mile to save them in a bind. Here are all the positive and uplifting stories you shared with us
The real estate market boomed last year, as people sought more space, amenities and new jobs that required relocation. But what will 2021 look like? Here's what will likely change — or stay the same — this year
Here’s a look at the latest trends in advanced audience segmentation and how to jumpstart your 2021 sales using Facebook Ads
Creating a culture of community at your company will help everyone feel more appreciated, engaged and acknowledged — not just now, but into the future. Here are a few ways that you can foster that
Opinion
Looking for ways to make this your best year yet? If you want to make the most of each day, feel more balanced and foster positivity, start with these tips
Opinion
Every year, Inman contributor Brandon Doyle delves through newly published real estate and sales books so that you don’t have to. Here are his top finds
Agents are a lot like computers — they need several key systems to function properly. Here are a handful of crucial components every agent needs to operate efficiently and without a hitch
Opinion
To help consumers, you must first be a good neighbor
There are many facets to consider when working with buyers who want to go the new construction route, especially with COVID, tariffs and uncertainty at play. These questions tackle some major issues clients could face
Opinion
An exceptionally well-orchestrated rental business app for small landlords, you'll be hard-pressed to find a stone this software doesn't uncover
Opinion
Rebranded from Zephyr Leads, Ascend Lead Sites focuses on offering IDX-powered websites for lead generation that rests on a fully featured CRM, content management system and a menu of digital advertising integrations
Work from home is here to say for the foreseeable future, and as a team leader, it’s up to you to remove any communication barriers and encourage your team to find the momentum to move forward. Here are a few tips
Take a look back at all of the agents and brokers we featured this year, and revisit their best advice as you look ahead to 2021
What’s the difference between a top performer and everyone else? Even more importantly, how can you know where you stand? Here are a few questions that’ll help you figure out how you’re doing — and what you need to improve in 2021
Everyone makes the occasional mistake, but rookies often make more than their fair share. Here are the biggest failures to watch out for and avoid
As an agent, you spend a lot of your time out in the field — which is why you need to have the right set of tech tools in your arsenal at all times. Here are a few invaluable apps that will make your work life easier and more efficient
BoomTown is one of the more popular sales and marketing software solutions in real estate. It's rich array of marketing technology and CRM tools can be a lot to take on for some brokerages. Find out what its major offerings entail, and why it's not just for the big national players
Find out how Atlanta-area real estate agent Lanissa Sudler learned the value of hanging in there and never taking no for an answer
Struggling with writer’s block? Take a look at these stellar agent bios, and use their best features to guide your writing process
Whether you’ve decided to build a solo business or are determined to hire and scale, both require a lot of sweat equity, focus and consistency. Here’s how to tell which direction is right for you
After-work drinks and coffee dates with colleagues may not be an option during COVID, but here are 3 creative ways to network in our socially distant world
Opinion
If you are an aspiring agent, or know someone who wants to join the ranks, here is a little food for thought on the highs, lows and everything in between
Is 2021 the year you make digital advertising a part of your success? Here's everything and more you need to know about Adwerx, one of the industry's longest-standing platforms for web and streaming media display advertising
Opinion
The butts-in-seat model of building a brokerage may make a lot of money, but it rarely makes top producers. Doing better by your new recruits starts with better onboarding.
Real estate is an attractive career path for people of all ages and backgrounds, but what do newbies in the industry think of it as a whole? What surprises did they stumble across this year?
Opinion
When it comes to the few out there who are always angry, bitter and divisive — flush the toilet, and block them. No one has time or energy for toxic people
If you're a new agent, at some point, your clients will likely ask you about the best way to dispose of their moving boxes. Here are a few ways you can help them avoid sending cardboard to a landfill
Opinion
What worked for you at the beginning of your career might not be what's best for you as your career evolves
Opinion
Here are a few ways to make a significant impact on your client relationships
Opinion
Tools that serve agents well on the path to the final solution are integrity, honesty, transparency and the ability to communicate
Making 50 cold calls a day, knocking on doors and cutting your commission are just a few of the most common pieces of advice real estate agents get. But does conventional wisdom work?
Here’s how to present information in a clean, organized way that makes sense to sellers
By keeping the framework current, you’ll ensure that your social media efforts have an informative and engaging foundation from which to grow
When it comes to drive, resilience and brand power, there's a lot agents can learn from the fitness world. Here, two SoulCycle master instructors share their top tips for tapping into the athlete mindset
Here, seasoned independent brokers share their best advice on ways to drive business success — from branding to marketing to giving back to the community
Opinion
This week, Byron Lazine and Nicole White discuss NAR’s stance on school rankings, mistakes new agents make and where sellers should put their TV
This week, we're asking our readers to share their best words of wisdom — the advice they'd like to pass onto aspiring and new independent brokers trying to get their business off the ground
Map-based lead generation and farming is not new, but there is a growing number of proptechs that offer fast, web-based list creation and built-in marketing
Opinion
A simple shift in thinking can transform your database from a list of leads into a concrete, passive income machine that will rival a real estate investment portfolio
Opinion
With so many aspects of the career to master, it’s easy to get distracted, but avoid these errors from the beginning
Opinion
We come into contact with so many different personalities. Knowing how to effectively communicate with them is the first step in closing the deal
Opinion
You hired someone — now what? Here's how to set the stage for team members to have a fruitful career
Talking to family members, close friends and neighbors is one of the most fundamental conversations agents can have. Here's how they can help you find leads — plus a few tips
A lot has changed since Jasen Edwards first earned his real estate license — but a lot hasn't. Here are a few lessons that matter most in real estate today and into the future
Opinion
Although developed for a range of service-based business, ReferMe IQ has a unique appeal to real estate — and comes ready to go with automated email campaigns
To get into the conversation, luxury agents need websites that exude luxury, exclusivity and profesionalism
For broker, coach and trainer Lee Davenport, experiencing microaggressions over years of working in real estate did more than just sting. Here, she shares her story — and what she hopes readers can learn from it
From learning opportunities to schedule flexibility, being a real estate agent has its perks. So, if you're considering a career in this industry, here are a few reasons to give yourself the green light
Real estate can be a highly rewarding business — provided you have certain behavior styles and personality traits. These questions are highly predictive of whether a newbie will do well in this industry
YouTuber and producer Erik Conover has joined Nest Seekers after building one of the top luxury real estate and lifestyle channels with 1.5M followers
For agents, education goes hand in hand with having a positive work environment and company culture. The more resources they have at their disposal, the more likely they are to thrive. Here's why
Find out how Northrop Realty’s Creig Northrop succeeds by putting the client first
Even though events are held virtually now, they still offer tremendous value — and a chance to connect with some of the best real estate experts in the world. Here are a few noteworthy digital happenings
Opinion
Asking about fees is valid, but there are better questions that can be posed in more valuable ways to evaluate a potential brokerage before discussing fees
Find out how to hone the skills that’ll get you to the top from veteran Realtor and team leader Jeff Quintin
Branding will define who you are as a professional and communicate your value to existing and potential clients. If you're a new agent, here are a few things you should be thinking about when cultivating your brand
For agents and teams looking to build their bench and expand their businesses, today's employment landscape provides a previously unimaginable opportunity to hire top talent. Here are a few ways to make the most of it
From marketing tips to advice on exercising your mindset muscle, last week's Connect Now was chock-full of useful information all agents need to hear. Here's a list of the most important takeaways
This week, we want to know the one marketing tip you swear by. How has it worked for you in the past, and why do you think it had an impact on your business?
It might not come as a surprise that a lot of agents still experience an intense fear of rejection, which might stop them from prospecting and attracting new business. But why is that? And how can they learn failure resilience?
Veteran real estate professionals share what it takes to build a business, forge relationships, manage finances and create a mindset built for success
In this podcast, Century 21 Real Estate's global CMO Cara Whitley reflects on her career journey and chimes in on the things agents can do to stand out from the crowd
Opinion
If you’re ready to become a better negotiator, choose one word from this list, and work on eliminating it from your negotiation vocabulary
'Don't say 'no' in fear, say 'yes' to success,' advised broker Sabrina Brown during the first day of the California Association of Realtor's WomanUP! 2020 virtual event
The number of new real estate licenses fell by more than 90% in Florida and Texas in April when COVID-19 made the industry hit pause
Find out how Atlas Real Estate’s Ryan Boykin turned his entrepreneurial talents toward a career in real estate and a belief in the power of investing
Is a weekly program best, or do you need the structure of a brokerage with daily sessions? Knowing what types of coaching are available can help you choose the best program for your business
Here are the 10 books every real estate professional must read to improve their personal and professional life, according to Inman readers
Hiring isn't easy. It's even harder in real estate. Echovate's Trait Activation Theory offers brokers and team managers a host of ways to coach agents and lead teams
The 'people management' aspect of team-building doesn't always come easily to leaders. But letting go of control over the business you've painstakingly built is a critical step in growing and building trust with your team. Here's how to do it
From finding clients to thinking of what to say, there are so many things that run through a new agent's head. This week, Byron Van Arsdale, a coach and former broker-owner, talks about the most vital things rookies need to succeed
As a newly minted agent with a limited budget, how do you stand out from the competition? That's the question Roh Habibi gets asked the most. Here are his top 3 tips
Opinion
By being present and helping along the way, you have the opportunity to show your future leaders that a broad view and understanding of the business will aid them in the future to succeed in whatever they endeavor
Real estate coach Mike Pallin shares how he broke into the field, why he keeps prices low and why eight is the magic number for group sessions
Find out how the brokers at Charleston’s Maison Real Estate put their collaborative approach to work for buyers and sellers
For a leader starting a brokerage or a team, there are hundreds of ways to structure agent commissions. Here's how one broker-owner approached the task and what he learned along the way
If you’re thinking about becoming a mentor, you should have a solid picture of what you’re getting yourself into before committing to working with a new agent. That agent's career depends on your leadership
As a luxury collection specialist at Engel & Völkers, Leah Robinson-Christian uses her experience, expertise, and strong people skills to offer a higher level of client service while growing her business
As founder and CEO of Minnesota’s Realty Group, Long Doan has overcome overwhelming obstacles to realize the American dream — and share it with others
It can happen to any agent: Your buyers visit a new construction site without you, and you lose out on the commission. Here's how to avoid that and make sure you get paid
Here's how to keep your business moving as the situation shifts
Opinion
Now is the time to give your web presence a second look. Follow these steps to create a profile potential buyers will gravitate toward
Now more than ever, NYC real estate broker Tania Isacoff Friedland keeps the focus on client needs to provide the best possible service
They say you are known by the company you keep. Find out how this Arizona broker leverages partnerships to do more, whatever the market brings her way