Redfin Expands Redfin Next Agent Pay Plan to Additional Markets, Offering Big Splits with Zero Expenses
Redfin announced it is expanding the Redfin Next agent compensation plan to seven additional markets: Chicago, Connecticut, Dallas, Miami, New York, Palm Beach, and Washington, D.C. Under the Redfin Next plan, agents in these markets earn competitive splits as high as 70%, have virtually all business expenses covered, and get technology, support, benefits and customer introductions from Redfin.com. Redfin initially announced the plan in San Francisco and Los Angeles in late October 2023 and added San Diego and Orange County in December 2023. Since then, the brokerage has recruited more than 90 top producing agents in California. Because of this recruiting success, and the positive reception among Redfin's existing agents, the company is now expanding the plan to new markets and will continue to evaluate rolling it out to all agents in 2025. "We've never seen more enthusiasm for a new compensation plan from agents than we've seen with Redfin Next," said Jason Aleem, senior vice president of real estate sales at Redfin. "No other brokerage can offer agents a big traditional split and all the benefits, support, technology and customer introductions that we provide here at Redfin. These resources are what agents need to serve buyers and sellers well, and let those buyers and sellers keep more of their hard-earned dollars. In the wake of the NAR settlement, customers are telling us this is more important to them than ever before. We've always been focused on giving consumers a better deal, so we're well equipped to support them. We believe Redfin Next will be transformational for our brokerage, helping us retain our best agents, recruit top talent, and grow market share faster through both the ups and downs in the market." The Redfin Next plan includes: Big splits. Zero expenses: At Redfin, what you earn is what you keep because we cover all your necessary business expenses and cover benefits, mileage, payroll taxes and listing expenses. Meet over 100 customers a year: By plugging into the Redfin platform and the 50 million people who use Redfin's app and website every month, agents can grow their business rapidly. Business in a box: Redfin's technology and staff handle qualifying new customers, scheduling tours, conducting follow-up tours, and coordinating sales and listings. Agents focus on closing deals for customers. Top-tier benefits: Redfin's benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; fertility benefits; 401(k) employer match and employee stock purchase program. Define the future of real estate: Redfin puts the customer first, makes the industry more fair and transparent, and uses technology to modernize the real estate experience and make it better. Agents in the Redfin Next plan will continue work as employees, not independent contractors. Redfin's unique employee agent model was built to put the customer first by ensuring agents are held to a high standard and have the support they need to deliver consistently great service. Redfin uses technology to make real estate more efficient, which is one reason Redfin has the most productive agents in the industry, closing more than twice as many transactions as the average agent every year. Gabe Schmidt, who recently joined Redfin's Orange County team, says the quality of customer leads and Redfin's technology have already made an impression on him. "It's like someone at Redfin followed an agent around and figured out every pain point in their day, and then created technology or a process to circumvent it. I have bought leads from practically every lead source out there, but I have never in my life had a more qualified lead come across my phone as I have with Redfin." The seven expansion markets will move to the Redfin Next pay plan on May 5. In other markets, Redfin agents will continue to operate under Redfin's existing plan, earning a base salary and bonuses for every closed transaction. Nationwide, Redfin agents earn more than double the typical real estate agent and the company's best agents have earned more than $750,000 under the existing plan. Redfin expects top agents to earn even more with the Redfin Next plan.

LeadingRE Announces 36 New Members from Across the Globe
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE) has announced the addition of 36 new members to its professional community in 2023. The new member firms to have joined LeadingRE's network last year include property businesses from the UK, Europe, United States, Canada, Latin America, Caribbean, Asia the Middle East, and Africa. This remarkable expansion brings the firm's worldwide membership to 550, representing a network of more than 138,000 real estate associates in more than 70 countries worldwide. As an invitation-only business-to-business real estate community, LeadingRE interconnects top local and regional real estate firms across the world and supports their success with best-of-industry assets, like referrals, exclusive events, elite training and education, marketing and technology resources, and support. Chris Dietz, President of Global Operations at LeadingRE, commented: "Last year we experienced some global economic uncertainty and challenges including interest rates rises and unforeseen fiscal fluctuations. Real estate is a people business and by connecting professionals around the world, we can enhance our understanding of property markets – both locally and internationally. We are delighted to see such diverse new members from APAC, EMEA, LATAM and North America join our ever-expanding community of leading professionals. We look forward to continued growth in 2024 as we embrace another exiting global real estate market of opportunity." Selected companies in the LeadingRE international network are recognised for their expertise and superior knowledge of both local and global markets. All LeadingRE members are vetted, not just for performance, but a continued commitment to quality customer experience. A full list of new LeadingRE member firms can be found below: Asia-Pacific: Cambridge Real Estate (Cambridge, New Zealand) Lodge Real Estate (Hamilton, New Zealand) Richmont's (Sathon, Thailand) Canada: MacKay Real Estate (Wolfville, Nova Scotia) Real Estate Centre (Taber, Alberta) Team PowerHouse (Prince George, British Columbia) Boldt Realty Inc., Brokerage (St. Catharines, Ontario) Europe, Africa and Middle East: Boulevard Group (Nice, France) Castelhana Real Estate (Lisbon, Portugal) Ismail and Partners (Lagos, Nigeria) Maior Capital (Olbia, Italy) Oria Advisors (Lisbon, Portugal) Philip & Frank (Prague, Czech Republic) San Patrik Real Estate (Zagreb, Croatia) Savoir Prive Properties (Dubai UAE) Strand Properties (Marbella, Spain) The London Broker (London, United Kingdom) Latin America and the Caribbean: CENTRAL MAXRE SRL REAL ESTATE (Buenos Aires, Argentina) Dominican Properties (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) Panama Sovereign Realty (Pedasi, Panama) Peters & Romero Real Estate (Mexico City, Mexico) Propiedades Cancun (Cancun, Mexico) Vida & Co. Ltd. (San Ignacio, Belize) United States Chisum Realty Group (Angel Fire, New Mexico) Christie's International Real Estate Bluegrass (Lexington, Kentucky) ClearView Realty, LLC (El Paso, Texas) Denovo Realty (Melbourne, Florida) DiPietro Group Real Estate (Windham, New Hampshire) DJ & Lindsey Real Estate (Saint Augustine, Florida) Galles Properties (Pagosa Springs, Colorado) Hogan Associates Christie's International Real Estate (Middletown, Rhode Island) Homepage Realty (Louisville, Kentucky) Huntington & Ellis, A Real Estate Agency (Las Vegas, Nevada) Liz Moore & Associates (Williamsburg, Virginia) Meservier & Associates (Auburn, Maine) St. James Properties (St. James, North Carolina) Wallace Real Estate (Knoxville, Tennessee)

Real AI: AI in 2024, fast facts, top headlines and Quote of the Week
Real AI is a 100% human-created weekly roundup of all things AI in real estate and emerging AI innovations in other sectors likely to impact real estate. AI in 2024 "This is only the beginning." That's what my youngest son said when we talked about AI during a holiday family dinner with three generations this week. He was explaining this to his 83-year-old grandparents how AI's exponential growth will continue. Proud dad here: He is one smart kid (Boise State grad with highest honors in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Electrical Engineering, now working for Epic Systems in Madison, WI), who sees what we see in terms of AI being a fabric of our lives and not a fast-fading fad. 2024 could make 2023's rocket-speed growth of Generative AI look more like a trot than a sprint. The real estate industry has a jump-start on embracing AI and we see that continuing. The emergence of AI personal assistance is not a future thing, it's a 2024 thing. If you want to validate the continued explosion of all things AI, as my wife's dad told me years ago: follow the money. The Economist got it right: Generative AI will go mainstream in 2024. Data firms are going to continue to be showered with dollars. Ponder this: ChatGPT is only a year old; think what it might do as a two-year old! Yes, there will be bumps in the road. We had to chuckle when the NY Times claimed in its lawsuit against OpenAI that ChatGPT alters The NY Times content and even attributes stories that The Times never wrote. No duh (see "AI lies"). But AI will prevail in 2024. Watch out for greater use of these buzz words, driven by AI advancements: voice activated, content intelligence, smart search and personalized search, omnichannel experiences, AI analytics, immersive experiences, mixed reality, super screeners, and your own personalized bot. And because of real estate love acronyms, because of AI, more of us will be using ML, NLP, and LLM in our daily lexicon, not just tech heads. Ryan Thomson, a sports enthusiast and motivational speaker said, "It's not about how fast you go. It's about how long you go fast," which is likely to be the mantra for AI in our lives in 2024 and beyond. AI Five Fast Facts Generative AI's potential annual impact on the global economy may range from $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion, based on the 63 use cases examined by McKinsey. Note: The total GDP of the United Kingdom in 2021 was $3.1 trillion. Goldman Sachs reports that AI could potentially replace 7% of all jobs in the United States, while improving 63% of US jobs, and leaving 30% untouched by AI. Generative AI has the potential to boost marketing productivity, with a value equivalent to 5% to 15% of the entire marketing spending, according to McKinsey. Media firm Insider found 56% of survey participants believe that AI-generated content is biased or inaccurate. A study by Tidio discovered the tasks that people most frequently delegate to ChatGPT are writing code (27%), explaining complex concepts in simple terms (25%), and preparing for job interviews (24%). Source: Various collected by AIMultiple AI Headlines Take 5 Demystifying Responsible AI For Business Leaders | 12/22/23 - Information WeekStriking a balance between ownership, privacy, and accuracy is crucial for using AI successfully. After a big 2023, make no mistake: Artificial intelligence is here to stay | 12/26/23 - Inman NewsAI is no fad, fast becoming an essential part of the real estate industry. New York Times Sues Microsoft and OpenAI, Alleging Copyright Infringement | 12/27/23 - Wall Street JournalWhen content is used to train AI, is it "fair use" or "copyright infringement"? The courts will eventually decide, and the impact could be massive. Trends to Watch: The Impact of AI on Startups Across Industries in 2024 | 12/22/23 - AI BusinessConsolidation of AI platforms, the adoption of fully integrated solutions, and focus on specialized sectors are some of the emerging trends among AI startups. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the real estate market | 12/26/23 - MediumA practical review of how real-estate related consumer search, marketing, and investing will impact real estate. Quote of the week To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

eXp Realty Incentivizes Teams to Join with New Equity Incentive
eXp Realty announced the launch of its new Thrive program, which is designed to incentivize culturally aligned, producing teams to join the eXp Realty family. Once onboarded, the team lead will receive an equity award based on their previous 12-month production, subject to future vesting. "As a company committed to continuously pushing the boundaries in support of our agents, eXp Realty is always looking for new ways to enhance the agent experience," said Michael Valdes, Chief Growth Officer, eXp Realty. "Earlier this year, we introduced two incentive programs, Boost and Accelerate, aimed at helping independent brokerages and individual agents transition to eXp Realty. Now with the addition of Thrive, we are offering teams an accelerated equity opportunity. We understand that each team has its own unique culture and way of doing business, and we want to provide a platform for them to thrive in our agent-centric environment." eXp Realty will provide this equity incentive to team leads of culturally aligned teams with more than 10 agents in addition to the team lead and a minimum of $40 million (U.S./CAD) in sales volume in the originating country over the previous 12-month fiscal period. International qualifications to be released. Additional qualifications apply. A core criteria of this program is for team leads to commit to team training and ensuring their team members integrate with the eXp Realty ecosystem as part of their cultural alignment with eXp. The Thrive incentive program is rolling out in the United States and Canada immediately and will soon be available in eXp's additional 22 global markets, subject to applicable law. To learn more about eXp Realty's new Thrive program and how it can benefit your team, please click here.

The Real Brokerage Offers Healthcare Benefits Resources to Its Agents in the U.S. and Canada
The Real Brokerage Inc. announced that it has partnered with Global Benefits Partners in the U.S. and Sterling Capital Brokers in Canada to help its affiliated agents gain access to a wide range of healthcare benefits. The partnership allows Real agents to benefit from group purchasing power, which can translate into more competitively priced insurance options. As independent contractors, real estate agents have historically had difficulty securing access to healthcare. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, up to one-third of its members go uninsured every year. By offering education and expert planning assistance, Real is attempting to close this gap. "Gaining access to affordable, quality healthcare plans to protect themselves and their families has been one of our agents' top concerns and one of our key priorities," Real Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tamir Poleg said. "We are excited to provide access to resources that give our agents across the U.S. and Canada the ability to not only have more choices when it comes to obtaining healthcare coverage, but the expertise of consultants who can help them make informed decisions." In the U.S., Real agents can work with Global Benefits Partners to educate themselves about and potentially select from curated medical, dental and vision plans, voluntary benefits, disability income insurance and term life insurance at group rates at a savings of up to 35% depending on the plans and coverage they select. In Canada, agents working with Sterling Capital Brokers have the option of selecting supplemental health and dental insurance, wellbeing programs and income replacement insurance that meets their needs. These partnerships are the latest ways in which Real is creating value for its agents. In addition to offering some of the highest commission splits in the industry, Real provides increased earnings opportunities for agents through a culture that encourages collaboration as well as stock ownership in the company and revenue sharing. Throughout 2023, Real has enhanced its Revenue Sharing Program by making more agents eligible for the program and introducing an industry-first Co-Sponsorship and Williable Revenue Sharing programs.

Anywhere Settles Moehrl and Sitzer/Burnett Lawsuits
Anywhere Real Estate, owner of Coldwell Banker, Century 21, Sotheby's and several other iconic real estate brands, has reached a settlement on two pivotal lawsuits for the real estate industry. Court documents submitted yesterday show that the plaintiffs in both the Moehrl and Sitzer/Burnett lawsuits have reached a preliminary settlement. Details haven't been released, but a statement by Anywhere says that the settlement covers the company and all of its franchisees. According to the statement from Anywhere: "We believe the settlement will remove uncertainty with respect to the upcoming trial, potential additional claims, and legal expense, enabling Anywhere to focus on and continue to deliver what's next for agents and franchisees." There are billions of dollars at stake for brokers in these legal goings-on. If the plaintiffs prevail in these industry-changing lawsuits, brokers will be responsible for refunding buy-side commissions to all their clients from 2014 forward. As an example, a broker in Missouri transacting 1,000 buy side deals a year would be responsible for paying back $32,000,000 in commissions. While Anywhere may be close to a resolution, its codefendents in the suits, which include the National Association of Realtors, HomeServices of America, Keller Williams and RE/MAX, are still scheduled to go to trial. We'll keep updating the story as more details emerge. To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

eXp Realty Accelerates Agent Rewards by Reducing Revenue Share Criteria
eXp Realty announced that, for the first time, it is refining revenue share criteria for its agents. eXp Realty is reducing its current Frontline Qualifying Agent (FLQA) tier 7 threshold from 40 to 30 FLQA. Revenue share is one part of eXp Realty's aligned compensation model, which also includes competitive commissions and stock equity programs designed to enable its agents to build for their future. "At a time when other companies are increasing their rev share thresholds or imposing new fees, eXp Realty is the only brokerage lowering revenue share criteria for agents, fueling exponential opportunities for them to build their legacies," said Glenn Sanford, founder and CEO of eXp Realty. "Revenue share is an important income opportunity for agents, so this change is a testament to the singular agent-centric focus we were built on. We believe in our aligned compensation model, which was created to reward agents for both production and contributions to eXp Realty's growth."

The Broker Public Portal Appoints New Chairman and Welcomes 3 Additional Board Members
The Broker Public Portal (BPP), a collaborative venture between real estate brokerages and MLSs to create a national consumer home search experience that connects home searchers directly with the listing agent, announced the appointment of a new Chairman and several distinguished individuals to its board of directors. This strategic move marks a pivotal moment in the company's journey towards continued innovation and expansion. Under the guidance of the newly appointed Chairman, Dana Strandmo, who is also Chief Administrative Officer of HomeServices of America, the BPP is poised to further strengthen its position and drive groundbreaking initiatives. Strandmo is a seasoned industry veteran who is also known for his previous role as general counsel providing legal advice and guidance to HomeServices from its inception. With an impressive track record of successful leadership and a deep understanding of legal real estate dynamics, Chairman Strandmo brings invaluable expertise to the company. "I am honored to accept the position as the new Chairman of the Broker Public Portal and work alongside such accomplished brokerage professionals and MLS executives on the board," said Dana Strandmo. "Together, we will harness the collective knowledge and experience to drive innovation, push boundaries and lead the BPP to new heights of success." Joining the board are the following accomplished professionals (in alphabetical order), each recognized for their exceptional achievements and unique perspectives: AnneMarie DeCatsye, CEO of Canopy Realtor® Association and Canopy MLS: Named in the Swanepoel Power 200 report since 2018 as one of the most powerful people in real estate, she serves on the MLS Roundtable, Realtor.com MLS Advisory Board, and is the corporate secretary for the MLS Grid. Charlie F. Hunt, President of HUNT Real Estate: Hunt is involved in the local and state real estate community, serving on the New York State Multiple Listing Service Board of Directors, as a Director and Secretary for the Upstate New York Real Estate Information Service, Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors, Greater Rochester Association of Realtors and Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors. Dave Wetzel, President and Chief Executive Officer of MLSListings: Prior to his current role, Wetzel made his mark as a Silicon Valley software and technology executive, with companies such as IBM, Siemens, and Cisco Systems, in positions spanning product management, marketing, software architecture, and software development. He is also designated CMLX3 (Certified Multiple Listings Expert), which is the most comprehensive MLS industry leadership program. "We are thrilled to welcome AnneMarie, Charlie and Dave, as well as our new Chairman Dana," said Rebecca Jensen, freshly appointed Vice Chair of Broker Public Portal. "We collaborate with a dedicated team composed of seasoned leaders representing the nation's finest brokerages and MLSs, who are committed to helping real estate professionals serve consumers on their quest to achieve homeownership." Their collective expertise across various domains will serve as a catalyst for transformative growth and empower the BPP to embrace emerging technologies and seize new opportunities in the landscape of this dynamic collaboration of brokerage and MLSs. "Each industry expert that the BPP is composed of will lean on their technology expertise and leadership skills to continue to execute on its mission — to deliver a consumer experience provided by people who sell homes not ads," said Chairman Strandmo. For a full list of the board members, visit the BPP Leadership page.

Keller Williams Debuts Three More Business Communities
Keller Williams announced three additional business communities – KW Operations, KW Wellness and KW Clarity. "Our latest communities were specifically designed to develop and grow vital skills for real estate professionals in day-to-day business operations roles, while also promoting wellness practices," said Vanessa Hadrych, director of communities, KW. "Our business communities enable our real estate entrepreneurs to continue to thrive in today's shifting housing market, while fostering a strong sense of connection, empowerment and impact," said Hadrych. KW agents who join an established or emerging KW community have access to specialized training, technology, coaching, mastermind events, and referral opportunities. The franchise currently has 15 communities with more than 22,000 agent members. In December 2021, KW first announced a major expansion of its community-based business initiative. In 2022, the franchise unveiled KW Sports + Entertainment (KWSE), KW Wealth, KW Relocation, KW Style to Design, KW Real Estate Planner, KW Talent, and the KW Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) communities. KW Operations KW Operations is a new community for leaders in operational business roles to lean into their core strengths to grow. Members can access monthly education and training, income-producing referral opportunities, and a membership portal with access to on-demand training and resources. An emerging community, KW Operations is led by Nicole Zuber, who serves as the director. Since 2003, Zuber has produced more than $8 billion in sales via real estate and coaching partnerships. As a business owner, she has also served in roles, including listing agent, director of operations, and CEO. "All eyes are on expenses right now and ensuring operations staff are maximizing the return on investment," said Zuber. "By bringing a laser focus on client care, systems, and scalability, our goal is to ensure administrative and operations staff remain on the cutting edge of our industry." KW Wellness KW Wellness is a community built around physical, mental, and emotional wellness pillars that inspire personal development and foster community with like-minded individuals. Members have access to monthly learning events, masterminds, a wellness platform with activities, resources and more. Kimberly Guiry serves as the director of KW Wellness. Guiry is a certified Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) workplace wellness coach and a neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) master certified practitioner. She has served as a business coach for KW MAPS Coaching, the coaching division of KW. "As true wellness is more than physical health, we offer education and community benefits to members that align with a complete approach to wellbeing," said Guiry. "By investing in your wellbeing, the stressors of the industry and demands of the market can be more easily navigated." KW Clarity KW Clarity is a community focused on supporting and empowering individuals active in their recovery, seeking recovery, or supporting those in recovery from substances. Along with monthly meetings and business-building activities, the community offers substance-free activities at KW's training conferences. KW Clarity is led by Shelly Seidemann, who serves as the director. From 2017 to 2021, Seidemann served as team manager on the Stamford, Connecticut-based Len Schwartz Team. She remains an agent on that team currently. "We're providing a space in our ecosystem for agents who are building businesses while navigating recovery," said Seidemann. "And we aim to be the place where they can go further, faster." "With a focus on privacy and discretion, KW Clarity members share wins, struggles, grow in their recovery and find support for themselves and their real estate careers," said Seidemann. More information on KW's communities is available at communities.kw.com/community. By the end of 2023, KW is expecting to have three to four more emerging business communities launched.

Our Top 10 Most-Read Articles of April
When you're busy, nothing's better than clear-cut guidance. That's probably why, in our latest monthly round-up of the most-read articles, posts about "do's and don'ts" were our most popular pieces of April. Check out articles #1 and #2 below for the do's and don'ts of texting and presale home renovation, respectively. Also on our list was advice for making your social media better — both for attracting clients (article #9) and for improving your feeds by avoiding suggested posts from strangers (#3). And if you're producing videos for social media, scroll down to #8 for apps that will help you quickly edit and polish your content. What else were agents and brokers reading last month on RE Technology? Check out the full list below to find out: 1. Text Etiquette: The Do's and Don'ts When TextingTexting has emerged as the "go-to" communication tool for real estate agents and their clients. The most recent NAR study shows texting is now the No. 1 way agents connect with their clients (93%), topping telephone and email communications. More importantly, agents texting past clients and prospects have grown more than 25% since 2016. Here's a quick primer on texting etiquette – some of the essential dos and don'ts you should follow when texting. 2. The Dos and Don'ts of Presale Home RenovationPresale home renovations can make a significant difference in the value of a property and the speed of its sale. However, if not done right a presale renovation can be littered with pitfalls. Here are some do's and don'ts of presale home renovations that real estate agents should keep in mind when advising their sellers. 3. How to Make Your Social Media Feeds Less Awful in 2 SecondsOnce upon a time, social platforms were for keeping in touch with friends, family and your sphere. Now they seem more like places to be assaulted by ads and video posts from "suggested accounts." It's a frustrating experience, to be sure. But there's a way to see posts from only the people and pages you follow. Here's how. 4. Selling Properties? Here's 10 Tips to Make Your Listing More Attractive to BuyersIf you're a real estate agent or a homeowner looking to sell a property, you know that creating an attractive listing is key to getting buyers interested. But what makes a listing truly stand out? Here are 10 tips to make your real estate listing more attractive to potential buyers. 5. How Rising Interest Rates Are Affecting RealtorsA rising tide lifts all ships, but rising interest rates may sink your sales for real estate in 2023. Home sellers are pulling back and waiting for a sign that the market is leveling off. Some home buyers are choosing to rent before they dive back into the water. how do you capture the attention of the remaining few and how do you spark an interest in those standing on the sidelines? 6. 8 Real Estate Marketing Ideas for AprilIn March, we started a monthly series that shared marketing ideas specific to each month. Now, we're back with more ideas you can use to kickstart your real estate marketing efforts. Read on for eight marketing ideas for April. 7. How to Handle These 4 Tough Conversations with ClientsAs a real estate agent, you aren't just dealing with the intricacies of transacting a property — you're also dealing with the complexities of people. And it's no surprise that tough conversations coming up can be inevitable. Here are some uncomfortable scenarios you may face and strategies to help you overcome these challenges and easily navigate those tough conversations. 8. 2 Apps for Editing Real Estate Videos QuicklyEver seen a video on social media from a competing real estate team and thought, "Wow, how did they make that look so good?" Sure, they may have had a production team…or they may have simply used an app to give their videos a quick polish and shine. But which apps are best to help you spruce up your content? 9. 5 Facebook Hacks to Help You Grow Your BusinessSocial media has revolutionized how real estate agents can engage with their sphere. Among all social media channels available to real estate agents, Facebook remains the single most important one. Let's explore five Facebook hacks that can help you grow your real estate business and reach more clients, and potential clients, than ever before. 10. What to Know When Buying Real Estate LeadsWhen it comes to real estate, finding and nurturing leads is key. That's why lead generation platforms have become popular in recent years—and why they've developed the many nuances that agents need to know. Here, learn about the two different types of lead gen platforms: pay-at-close models and monthly models.

RE Technology's Own Marilyn Wilson Lund Becomes Vice Chair of the National Small Business Association
RE Technology is excited to support our co-founder, Marilyn Wilson Lund in her role as Vice Chair of the National Small Business Association (NSBA). This organization has been serving as an advocate for small business in America since 1937. The NSBA is a staunchly nonpartisan organization and the nation's first small-business advocacy organization. The NSBA is focused on enacting critical access to capital programs, preventing unfair small-business tax penalties, and repealing some of the most potentially damaging laws and regulations that impact small business. Marilyn's heart and career have been vested in improving the real estate industry for more than two decades. The alignment with the NSBA is that nearly every business in real estate is a small business – broker, Realtor association, and MLS. Beyond real estate, the NSBA serves the interests of 70 million small business owners and their employees. Some of the key issues of our day include preventing the IRS from unfairly targeting small business through The Inflation Reduction Act, which included $80 billion in increased funding for the IRS to attack business tax filings. The NSBA is constantly working with congress on regulator reform and paperwork reduction to comply with federal reporting requirements that disproportionately burden small business. They support the effort to eliminate the self-employment tax on healthcare and urge lawmakers to simplify interstate sales tax laws. There is a much longer list, but I invite you to discuss this with Marilyn. Please join us in thanking Marilyn for her contributions to this worthy cause, and congratulating her on being offered the opportunity of executive leadership for this great organization. Please see below for the full press release: National Small Business Association Appoints Marilyn Wilson Lund of WAV Group as 2023 Vice Chair Arroyo Grande, Calif. – February 8, 2023 – Marilyn Wilson Lund, co-founder and managing partner of WAV Group, has been appointed Vice Chair for the National Small Business Association (NSBA). NSBA is the nation's oldest small-business advocacy organization and operates on a staunchly nonpartisan basis. Wilson, a recognized leader in the small-business community, has been an asset to the leadership team in promoting the interests of small business to policymakers in Washington, D.C. "Small businesses make up 99.4% of all businesses in America. In California, my home state, 4.1 million small businesses represent 99.8% of all businesses in the state and employ 7.2 million people, or 48.5% of the private workforce. Since small businesses do not have the lobbying power and influence that large industries have, I look forward to continuing my work with NSBA in the coming years to ensure small business has a seat at the table in Washington," stated Wilson. "It is critical that Congress and the administration do everything in their power to support small businesses as we face economic uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and unprecedented labor shortages." Wilson also continues to lead two high-profile, California-based small businesses: WAV Group, a leading real estate consulting firm working with hundreds of other small businesses in the real estate industry, and RE Technology, the number one online source for real estate technology education and information. Wilson has been active with NSBA for several years and has been an exemplary representative of small business issues in San Luis Obispo county. She has driven extensive advocacy initiatives throughout the real estate industry. In addition to the leadership role with NSBA, Marilyn has been an outspoken advocate for small-business issues with her elected officials. "I am grateful for the vision and insight Marilyn has provided to NSBA as our community is making its way out of the pandemic," stated NSBA President and CEO Todd McCracken. "She has been an asset to our leadership team, NSBA's members and the American small-business community, and I look forward to another impactful year together pushing policymakers to seek and support pro-small-business policies." "WAV Group is honored to have Marilyn continue her role in the Executive Leadership team on the NSBA. She will carry on fighting for small businesses by lobbying for pro-business legislation, making it easier for entrepreneurs to realize their dreams," said Victor Lund, WAV Group co-founder and managing partner. For more on NSBA, please visit www.nsba.biz or follow at @NSBAAdvocate. Wilson welcomes suggestions for the NSBA by sending an email to [email protected]. About WAV Group WAV Group is the leading consulting firm in the residential real estate industry, serving many of the largest and most successful small businesses, including real estate brokerages, technology companies, and local, state and national real estate associations. WAV Group helps each of its clients evolve and grow by delivering an unsurpassed depth of experience in technology, strategic planning, research, business development, sales, product development, marketing and communications in the real estate industry. The firm's diverse collection of global industry experience allows it to cross-fertilize ideas and bring best-of-breed solutions to its clients. More information is available at wavgroup.com. About RE Technology RE Technology is the nation's leading source for real estate technology education, reaching nearly one million real estate professionals daily. RE Technology's goal is to help every real estate professional learn how to leverage technology more effectively so they can be more successful. Consumers expect the seamless use of technology in real estate transactions. RE Technology delivers daily educational content to make it easy for every real estate agent to find the technologies they need to become the most responsive and successful professionals they can be. More information is available at retechnology.com.

Inside Real Estate Announces the Acquisition of BoomTown
Inside Real Estate announced the acquisition of BoomTown, an industry leading cloud-based sales and marketing automation platform serving more than 100,000 real estate professionals. This combination creates an industry leading provider of residential real estate software and services, across product and customer segments. In addition to exceptional product innovation, Inside Real Estate will now deliver even higher value through top-shelf client support and services, and one of the largest and most engaged communities of top producing real estate professionals. As a result of the acquisition, Inside Real Estate is well positioned to help top performing franchises, brokerages, teams, and agents manage their business more effectively by providing an unparalleled technology, services and partner ecosystem. "I'm thrilled to welcome BoomTown to the Inside Real Estate family!" said Joe Skousen, CEO, Inside Real Estate. "I commend Grier and the BoomTown team for what they have built and accomplished with their clients over the past 15 years. Our companies share a common DNA that is focused on driving real results for every client, every day. Together, we will deliver an unmatched experience for every user from single agents, to top performing teams and mega teams, to robust national enterprise brands. Our #1 job is being a tech partner to our clients — this combination reinforces that commitment." Inside Real Estate and BoomTown each have a proven track record of delivering high value solutions to help real estate professionals drive more effective business outcomes, achieve a competitive market advantage, and ultimately generate more transactions and revenue. The combined resources and backing will help deliver: The #1 Front Office Experience for Every User: The combined technology will deliver an enhanced and elevated front office experience that supports every type of user, from single agents, to top performing teams and mega teams, to top brokerages and enterprise brands in growing their business. The First Complete and Modern Back Office Suite: Together, the company's combined portfolio of back office solutions, including CORE Back Office, Brokermint and Inside Real Estate's recently acquired AmpStats, will provide the foundation for the industry's most innovative, modern and complete back office solution. Marketplace and Tech Partner Ecosystem: Inside Real Estate's Marketplace of leading add-on services and solutions, including the Propertyboost listing promotion and lead generation tool, will continue to expand, and be paired with a new Preferred Partner program, unlocking additional value and differentiation for customers through a vetted, network of premium, tightly integrated partner solutions. Industry Leading Home Ownership Solutions: Inside Real Estate will continue to invest heavily in the first integrated lifetime homeownership platform, CORE Home. The technology, paired with smart affiliated services solutions, and branded for Inside Real Estate's customers, will place brokers and agents at the heart of the consumer relationship. "This combination brings together significant capability to innovate as a true technology partner and support the needs of our customers," said Nick Macey, President, Inside Real Estate. "Our passionate, capable team is committed to leading the market with the features, products and solutions that drive agent, team, brokerage and enterprise brand success." Inside Real Estate's Joe Skousen will continue as Chief Executive Officer leading an experienced executive team of industry veterans from both Inside Real Estate and BoomTown, including Nick Macey as President and Grier Allen of BoomTown as Chief Strategy Officer. The combination of the two employee and client-centric cultures will create a company that continues to be consistently recognized for their culture and as one of the best places to work. The company is headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, with offices in Charleston, SC and Carlsbad, CA, and employees located throughout the U.S. "This is the first day of an exciting new chapter for BoomTown and our clients!" said Grier Allen, CEO, BoomTown. "Joining Joe and the talented Inside Real Estate team enables us to continue on our combined mission to serve the real estate industry with world class technology and services. With a clear vision for the future, we look forward to accelerating the pace of innovation to fuel our clients' growth and success." Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor to Inside Real Estate. Houlihan Lokey served as exclusive financial advisor and DLA Piper LLP (US) served as legal advisor to BoomTown.

Renwick Congdon: A Gentle Giant Passes
Renwick Congdon, founder of Imprev, which he sold to MoxiWorks and Vector Capital in November 2019, shockingly passed away a few days ago at just 60 years old. He was my mentor and forever changed my life. As I posted in a comment on Greg Robertson's Vendor Alley, Renwick was a gentle giant of the business world, a proud leader in EO, and a serial entrepreneur. He was my mentor, and I was blessed to be a loyal Imprevian, having worked for and with Renwick at Imprev for several years. He was a true thought leader of our industry and one of the very few people who could see where the puck was going next. Wickedly smart and always ahead of his time, he actually started Imprev in his garage, complete with Herman Miller dividers. Most importantly, Renwick was a great human: kind and caring with an abundance of empathy. He treated his team like family and was a remarkable father and husband. The phrase may be cliche, but he indeed was one-of-a-kind. A father of four daughters and an Alaska native, he was an ice-hockey-playing and yoga-practicing serial innovator. Renwick would rather find a quiet corner and have a discussion one-on-one while enjoying a well-aged single malt scotch or a fabulous bottle of red than work a room. Let me share the backstory about how Renwick and I connected, which resulted me joining him at Imprev in 2011 as Vice President Communications and Marketing. Several years earlier, when I had my own PR firm, I published a weekly real estate email newsletter for agents and had over 50,000 subscribers. I discovered Imprev and wrote a highly positive review. Little did I know that single act would seal my future business fate. Fast-forward to the spring of 2011 and a LinkedIn post by Renwick noting he was looking for a Director of Marketing. I finally was getting out of the mortgage business – impacted horribly by the financial collapse of Fannie and Freddie – struggling to get back into PR. He messaged me back to say he filled the position but still wanted to talk. We met at the Bookstore Bar & Café at the base of the Alexis Hotel for lunch. Almost five hours later, I walked out with a new job, overseeing the new marketing director he hired to run communications and marketing for Imprev. He told me one of the reasons he wanted to meet, and talk, was that "you broke my website." Apparently, the review I wrote in my newsletter years ago drove so much traffic to imprev.com that it overloaded his servers. "We were serving jpg images fully rendered," Renwick told me at the time, "and learned why we needed to change that because of your article!" I will be forever grateful for his indelible impact on my professional and personal life. He pushed me to make the toughest career change: to do for others what I was doing for Imprev. He is why I ended up joining the WAV Group – and that was the best business decision of my life. I will miss him beyond words. As a final tribute, below is the corporate bio I wrote about Renwick shortly after joining Imprev: Renwick Congdon CEO and Founder Corporate Biography Renwick Congdon: headshot used in 2012, the year after I went to work for Imprev Renwick Congdon is a serial innovator. He's been inventing trendsetting technology for the real estate industry for nearly two decades. Imprev, the marketing technology company he built literally from his garage – complete with cubicles – has not only survived the last decade but also flourished. Today, no other real estate marketing technology corporation works with more agents and brokers than Imprev. Congdon honed his marketing skills as a top-producing loan officer in the 1980s. He helped the agents he worked with create personalized marketing flyers for their listings, relieving them of a time-consuming task. A life-long adopter of technology, Renwick invented software to automate this process. In the mid-1990s, he began writing code for a PC and Mac desktop software program called "Flyerware," which would instantly create personalized real estate flyers for agents and brokers. It would become a 1996 Top Product Finalist at the National Association of Realtors Convention. Congdon would continue to innovate, integrating a feature called "Phrase Assistant," which helped agents add pre-written property descriptions, automating another daunting task for many agents. The product became so popular some agents still have a copy of this legacy program on their computers today. In 1997, Congdon joined the online lending pioneer Homeshark (later iOwn.com) after it acquired the technology he invented. His penchant for innovation continued as he created the industry's first online-consumer education campaign, rolled out the first online valuation engine, and helped the company acquire and re-develop "HomeScout" as real estate's first listing aggregator and lead generation system. Congdon bought back his technology and, in 2000, established Imprev. He would quickly unveil the first subscription-based virtual tour solution, creating the first online Design Center that featured multi-product and multimedia marketing solutions. His inventions helped move the industry from border-centric designs to "full-bleed" magazine-ad style flyers and postcards that dominate current designs. Since 2002, Congdon has kept Imprev at the forefront of marketing technology. He created the first Enterprise marketing technology solution for real estate brokerage firms, the first multilingual real estate marketing application, and the first private-label Marketing Center for a leading franchise. In addition, he helped to pioneer MLS integration for automated, data-enabled marketing materials. Congdon is aggressively pushing his Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Creative teams to provide the latest marketing technology for agents. At Imprev, he launched the industry's first iPad app for Listing Presentations (the RE/MAX Presenter), a "one-click" to Facebook and Twitter feature from within Imprev-powered Marketing and Design Centers, and the integration of an Imprev Marketing Center into a new, award-winning campaign platform. Congdon regularly speaks on marketing technology and trends and was an Inman News Innovator Award finalist in 2004 and 2011. He graduated with a degree in History from Western Washington University. The father of four and an Alaska native, the ice-hockey-playing and yoga-practicing Congdon lives with his wife and daughters in Seattle's Eastside. To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

The Broker Public Portal Welcomes Its Two Newest Board Members
The BPP has excellent governance that welcomes brokers and MLSs to serve three-year terms, rotating one-third of the board each year. Today, the BPP's board of managers is evaluating technology offerings and selecting a replacement for the JV with Homesnap. Both Barbaro and Long are technology-driven brokerage leaders who contribute tremendous experience in real estate technology to the board. Please see below for the full press release: The Broker Public Portal Welcomes Two New Board Members SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif – December 7, 2022 – The Broker Public Portal (BPP), a collaborative venture between real estate brokerages and MLSs to create a national consumer home search experience that connects home searchers directly with the agent, today announced the appointment of two new board members, Michael Barbaro, CEO of Redwith Inc. and RJ Long, managing partner of Coldwell Banker Real Properties Group. "We are thrilled to welcome Michael and RJ to our Board of Managers," said Alon Chaver, Chairman of the Board. "Our dedicated team is composed of seasoned leaders representing the nation's finest brokerages and MLSs, who are committed to helping real estate professionals serve consumers on their quest to achieve homeownership," added Chairman Chaver. "As the BPP continues to execute on our mission – to deliver a consumer experience provided by people who sell homes not ads – RJ's and Michael's technology expertise and leadership skills will be indispensable." Michael Barbaro is founder and CEO of Redwith Inc. and its subsidiary companies, including Redwith Real Estate, a technology-driven, impact-focused real estate brokerage and Redwith Technologies, a B2B & B2C (SaaS) software development company with a primary concentration in the ReTech and FinTech verticals. Barbaro also remains at the helm and CEO of his flagship firm, the philanthropically inspired Huntsman, Meade & Partners Compass Realty Corporation, a residential and commercial real estate brokerage which he founded in 2008 and Omni Consulting, a strategic consulting firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions, crisis mitigation and litigation consulting launched in 1999. In addition to his personally held corporate entities, Barbaro is president of SmartMLS – a nationally ranked, top-20 statewide multiple listing service in Connecticut with nearly 22,000 subscribers.   RJ Long is the Managing Partner of Real Properties Group and its Coldwell Banker franchises, including CB Prime Properties; collectively, the 7th largest Coldwell Banker franchise in the US by units. RJ is a strong advocate for quality and providing value in the real estate industry. Over the years, he has held several NYS leadership positions, as well as serving on several industry Board of Directors in various capacities. In addition, his experience has included investment sales, government consultation, asset management, commercial real estate development and he is currently serving on the Executive Committee of the Make-A-Wish NENY Board of Trustees, helping to spearhead its mission of creating life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses.   RJ Long The nominating committee of the Broker Public Portal is led by Lyon Real Estate CEO, Pat Shea. "The term for the board of the BPP is three years and they are staggered to blend new thinking with historical perspective," says Shea. "We do have a few more broker positions available. Both Long and Barbaro join the board at a critical juncture as we review proposals to replace the Homesnap partnership that terminated on November 1st, 2022," says Shea. Both new board members have served on MLS boards and each offers deep technical SaaS experience. For a full list of the board members, visit the BPP Leadership page. About Broker Public Portal Broker Public Portal (BPP) is owned and operated by real estate brokerages and MLSs to deliver a better home search experience, with the same comprehensive, real-time MLS data used by real estate professionals – the people who list and sell homes, not ads. The BPP mission is guided by delivering a national home search platform powered by real-time MLS data and following Fair Display Guidelines. Broker Public Portal, LLC was founded in 2014 and operated under the Homesnap brand through our joint venture from January 2017 to October 2022. Broker Public Portal serves more than 120+ MLSs representing 850,000 real estate agents and brokers. Learn more at BrokerPublicPortal.com. To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

Our Top 10 Most-Read Articles of September
Autumn is here, and like the seasons, the real estate market is changing. Are we in a recession or correction? Article #4 on our list of September's most-read articles dives in to this question. September was also Realtor Safety Month, and #10 on our list explores phone apps that can help keep you safe on the job. Speaking of the phone, is it a friend or foe? Check out article #3 to find out. For more of what agents and brokers were reading last month, check out our full list of September's most popular articles below: 1. 22 Ideas for Showing Clients Your AppreciationWhat's an impactful way to show clients your appreciation? (Hint: It's not branded merch!) Jimmy Burgess, CEO of BHHS Beach Properties of Florida, shares 22 unique client appreciation ideas in the video above. Try a few to help establish and maintain warm relationships with your clients and community. 2. Friday Freebie: 7 Real Estate Spreadsheets + Calculator ToolsTo know where you're going, you've got to know where you've been. And when it comes to business, that often means a little number crunching. Fortunately, there are tools that can do that for you. And in this week's Friday Freebie, we're highlighting an entire toolbox—seven spreadsheets and calculators for everything from daily planning, to budget forecasting, to mortgage calculators, and beyond. 3. The Phone: Friend or Foe?Joy Daniels, a real estate agent with Joy Daniels Real Estate Group, Ltd., discusses the importance of making phone calls your strength and being mindful of how you speak to people. 4. Is the Housing Market in a Recession or Correction?At this stage, everybody agrees: The housing market is cooler than it was one or two years ago. Lacking consensus is the best word to describe this market slowdown. What are we witnessing? A market in ominous decline, or one that is shifting to a more reasonable post-pandemic normal? Learn why experts disagree, and what to tell your clients. 5. 11 Ways to Maximize Your Real Estate Listing ExposureTo reach a high level of sales, you must always present your real estate listings in a manner that enhances the home's appeal and decreases its time on the market. Below are some actions you can take to deliver excellence and increase exposure for your listing. 6. Does Your Listing Presentation Nail the One Thing Sellers Need Most?Listing presentations are adapting to share market changes with sellers and what it means to their home sales. But they are missing some of the most critical factors influencing today's real estate market. The biggest change is a decision that sellers must make before listing their homes. So what's missing from your listing presentation? 7. 5 Things Real Estate Photographers Wish Sellers Did—and Did Not—DoHomeJab polled more than 100 professional real estate photographers to get their "rants and raves" for listing shoots. The survey uncovered a series of "best practices" for home sellers – comments, ideas, and suggestions shared almost universally by our photo pros. 8. 4 Top Communication Tips for Your Real Estate ClientsReal estate is a social industry. In this business, strong communication skills can carry you a long way. As an agent, a key strategy for converting leads and streamlining transactions with active buyers and sellers is to prioritize clear, efficient communication with your real estate clients. 9. Checklist: Is Your Website ADA Accessible?Making sure your website meets ADA requirements can do more than protect you from potential liability. An ADA accessible website also offers agents and brokerages market advantages that we detailed in the past. Here are summary checklists that help highlight what you need to know about websites and ADA compliance. 10. 5 Realtor Safety Apps to Help Protect You and Your ClientsBeing a professional real estate agent involves working with new people you do not know, and that alone can be risky business. Fortunately, technology can help. Here are five real estate apps for smartphones that are designed to keep agents safe.

Realty ONE Group Partners with NAHREP
Realty ONE Group is partnering with the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) as it continues to strategically grow and expand its diverse, global network. This is the first of several partnerships Realty ONE Group plans to launch in order to broadly represent Realtors and their clients around the world. "We believe that formalizing our partnership with NAHREP will allow us to help so many more Hispanic homeowners and our REALTORS who work so hard for them every day," said Kuba Jewgieniew, CEO and Founder of Realty ONE Group. NAHREP has a network of over 40,000 real estate professionals and is The Voice for Hispanic Real Estate®, advocating for more Hispanic families to achieve the American Dream of homeownership for generations to come. As part of the formalized partnership, Realty ONE Group will add even more representatives to serve on NAHREP boards and throughout the organization. This year, Realty ONE Group was ranked a Top 100 Recession-Proof franchise by Franchise Business Review and the company claimed the No. 1 spot for real estate franchisors on Entrepreneur's highly competitive 2022 Franchise 500® List. Realty ONE Group now has more than 18,000 real estate professionals in more than 400 offices in 49 states, Washington D.C. and Canada and will be opening in Ecuador, Costa Rica, Italy, Singapore, Spain and Portugal in addition to the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. Learn more at www.OwnAOne.com.

Beverly-Hanks REALTORS Joins Howard Hanna
There is a certain DNA to Howard Hanna. Despite the company's size and breadth of market coverage, they have developed a company culture that attracts and welcomes legendary firms like Beverly-Hanks REALTORS. This is the 22nd merger in the past five years by the Hanna family of companies. As you reconstruct their recent growth, you recognize an impressive pattern and structure to their strategy. When they partnered with Allen Tate Realtors, they found an anchor partner in the Carolinas from which to build. The management team at Allen Tate were like family to the Hannas before the two came together. That relationship has become stronger through the development of operational best practices. Moreover, the direction of Allen Tate is a clear focus on growth and expansion. Howard Hanna did not have the intent of partnering with Allen Tate then moving on; their intent was to use Allen Tate as a beachhead from which to develop more regional partnerships. Introducing the great agents and management team from Beverly-Hanks strengthens their resolve and market coverage. This may sound hokey, but seeing these companies come together is like watching two of your good friends get married. It fits. If you look at the partnership with the Rand family and how they have rolled in other mergers under that brand—or go back to their growth patterns in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, New York, etc—they are following a script: identify a large regional player with a great management team, and partner for growth. The press release below outlines the Hanna value proposition. It's impressive and hard to match. With each organization that joins the Hanna Family of Companies, they gain access to products, services, and tools that help them grow and become more productive. These benefits include access to a best-in-class marketing and productivity suite, an innovative health and wealth program, an income advantage program that gives agents financial peace of mind, and a full complement of mortgage products. Additionally, acquired companies also enjoy a robust relocation network, agent connections, and overall support from Howard Hanna empowering partner and subsidiary companies to continue to grow within their own markets through regional acquisitions. Beyond our excitement here at WAV Group, there is a curious new chapter being written. We are very excited to see the dream team of Neal Hanks and Gary Scott hit the field together. They are two of the most accomplished and respected executive leaders in our industry. WAV Group's Mark McLaughlin, who joined our Mergers and Acquisition team last month, has burned a keynote of success into my brain over the years. "The most important ingredient of success in brokerage is getting the people right." The one thing that you observe about the Hannas is that they repeatedly do that. See below for the full press release. Nation's Largest Privately-Held Real Estate Brokerage Firm Expands into Western North Carolina The Hanna Family of Companies' Subsidiary Allen Tate Realtors® Acquires Beverly-Hanks Realtors ASHEVILLE, NC (August 2, 2022) – With the recent acquisition of Columbus-based HER REALTORS® executed and integrated into the organization, the Hanna Family of Companies is pleased to announce an expansion into the Western North Carolina region. Allen Tate Realtors®, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services' subsidiary company in the Carolinas, has acquired Beverly-Hanks Realtors, the market-leading independent real estate brokerage headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina. This announcement marks the fifth acquisition completed by Allen Tate Realtors® since joining forces with the Hanna Family of Companies in 2018. "We are proud to welcome Beverly-Hanks Realtors to the Howard Hanna Family of Companies," said Howard W. "Hoby" Hanna, IV, President of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. "As we continue to grow our company and our footprint, we are pleased to support Allen Tate's continued growth strategy, which solidifies our market position in the Carolinas and the Southeast." As the Hanna Family of Companies continues to build their organization through organic growth and strategic partnerships, they are proud to be the real estate industry consolidator of choice for companies across the nation. Throughout the past five years, the company has grown tremendously with more than 22 mergers and acquisitions. With each organization that joins the Hanna Family of Companies, they gain access to products, services, and tools that help them grow and become more productive. These benefits include access to a best-in-class marketing and productivity suite, an innovative health and wealth program, an income advantage program that gives agents financial peace of mind, and a full complement of mortgage products. Additionally, acquired companies also enjoy a robust relocation network, agent connections, and overall support from Howard Hanna empowering partner and subsidiary companies to continue to grow within their own markets through regional acquisitions. "Our partnership with Howard Hanna has enhanced our ability to pursue planned growth among our target markets," said Pat Riley, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Allen Tate Companies. "Almost five years ago, I was in Neal's shoes when Allen Tate sought a partner that would take our company to the next level. And that was Howard Hanna, the leading independent real estate company in the country." This announcement marks Allen Tate's entry into the Asheville/Mountain region and the growth of a homegrown business as Beverly-Hanks joins a family of the nation's top independent real estate brokers. With this acquisition, Allen Tate will add 18 offices and 460 experienced Realtors to further serve clients across North Carolina. The firm ranks No. 1 in its nine-county footprint, based on closed sales volume for 2022 YTD, in Buncombe, Haywood, Yancey, Rutherford, Transylvania, Henderson, Polk, Madison, and Mitchell counties. Beverly-Hanks was founded in 1976 with the merger of Beverly Realty and W. Neal Hanks & Associates, two of the area's most prominent real estate firms. The market-leading firm in Western North Carolina for the last 46 years had closed sales in excess of $2.6 billion in 2021. Beverly-Hanks ranks among the top 200 real estate firms in the nation, according to REAL Trends 2021. Beverly-Hanks will now use the combined name, Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks Realtors. Clients will continue to have access to in-house mortgage services and will now have access to in-house insurance services via Allen Tate Insurance. Neal Hanks, president of Beverly-Hanks since 1999, will continue in his role as president of Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks Realtors. Amy Hanks will continue as president of Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks Mortgage Services, and the Beverly-Hanks leadership team will remain in place. "For more than three decades, I've had the privilege to collaborate with leaders from Allen Tate and have immense respect for the independent real estate organization that they have built," said Beverly-Hanks President Neal Hanks. "As a homegrown business in Western North Carolina, local expertise, personal service and respect for our special corner of the Blue Ridge guides everything we do. This new partnership will allow us to expand that vision while deepening our commitment to the communities we serve." "I've known Neal for a long time, and my respect for him and Beverly-Hanks continues to grow. Partnering with Neal and his team is a huge win for Allen Tate, as well as buyers, sellers, and real estate investors," said Gary Scott, president, Allen Tate Realtors. "Together, we'll be ready to face the competitive challenges of today's real estate market by investing in the best technology, recruiting and retaining the best talent, continuing to make a meaningful impact in our communities, and aligning ourselves with the #1 independent family-owned real estate company in the country." In September 2018, Allen Tate Realtors entered into a partnership with Pittsburgh-based Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, creating the No. 1 privately owned real estate firm in the nation, with more than 14,000 agents and employees in nearly 500 offices across 13 states. About Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the largest privately held real estate broker in the United States. The full-service real estate company has nearly 500 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title, and escrow service offices across 13 states, including Allen Tate Realtors® in the Carolinas and F.C. Tucker Company in Indiana, with more than 14,000 sales associates and staff, including many of the industry's top-producing real estate agents. For more information, visit www.HowardHanna.com. To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

LeadingRE Announces 21 New Members in the First Half of 2022
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE), the global network of top independent real estate firms, announced that 21 new members have joined its professional community since the start of the year. The firm now boasts more than 550 members worldwide representing more than 136,000 agents in over 70 different countries. The newest member firms in LeadingRE's network include property businesses from North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia Pacific and Europe. The company also welcomes a new affiliate from Antigua and Barbuda for the first time. Chris Dietz, Executive Vice President, Global Operations at LeadingRE, says, "We are thrilled to significantly expand our global network of real estate businesses this year, welcoming 21 new property companies from across the globe in H1 2022. We strongly believe those in the global real estate sector can learn valuable lessons from one another, no matter which corner of the world they are based. We have seen brokers and experts support fellow members in many ways, from knowledge and experience sharing to referrals and new business leads. We offer international members a platform of training, support and advice, as well as the relevant tools to help grow and evolve their business with the help of our extensive affiliate network." Selected companies in the LeadingRE network are recognized for their expertise and superior knowledge of both local and global markets. All members are vetted, not just for performance, but also for a continued commitment to quality customer experience. "Our networking events draw a truly global audience, and our members consistently introduce clients across borders, which is why we're so thrilled to have the opportunity to grow and work in existing and new international territories this year," says Dietz. Full list of new LeadingRE member firms United States: @properties Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Ind. Capstone Realty, Huntsville, Ala. Dahlquist Realtors, Great Falls, Mont. Houlihan Lawrence Wareck D'Ostilio, Milford, Conn. The Moore Group – A Division of the Litchfield Company, Orangeburg, S.C. Village Real Estate Services, Nashville, Tenn. Asia Pacific Region: Arcadia Consulting, Singapore HOPPLER INC., Philippines INTEREALTOR SDN BHD, Malaysia Canada: Boyes Group Realty Inc. Creativ Realty Lake City Realty LTD. Revel Realty Inc Brokerage Europe: Baumann Estate AG, Switzerland Burnier & Cie SA, Switzerland M.E. Estates – Private Brokerage, Spain Modern, Portugal One Global Property Services (UK) Limited, United Kingdom Latin America and the Caribbean: Caribbean Luxury Villas, Antigua & Barbuda Homes in Paradise By Grace Bay Realty, Turks and Caicos Islands WhereInRio Luxury Real Estate, Brazil

WAV Group Partners with Mark A. McLaughlin
As a Founding Partner of WAV Group, we take great pride in selectively adding only seasoned and highly successful real estate veterans to our team to deepen the support and counsel we can provide. We consistently seek ways to enable our clients to achieve their dreams of highly differentiated brands that deliver relevance, growth, market share dominance and profitability. Mark A. McLaughlin delivers on all of those traits – and more. First, he is a long-term colleague and friend of both Victor and I. We have been honored to be one of his long-term partners on his journey with Pacific Union to become the second largest brokerage in California – and one of the top brokerages in America. Those incredible results were not achieved by accident. McLaughlin's unique skills in inspiring his team to collaboratively build and follow his strategic vision have always impressed, and even amazed us. He knows how to pull together a team to make great things happen. Mark is a tough, but supportive leader and a highly effective coach. He genuinely loves people and wants to bring out the best in every one of them. Working with brokerages all over the country, McLaughlin has taught managing brokers and their teams how to outline strategic plans; he leads by walking around and staying close to the key people drivers of their businesses. We can't wait to introduce you to him so he can help you deliver incredible results for your businesses as well! Please see below for the full press release. Mark A. McLaughlin Partners with WAV Group Former Compass Chief Strategist and CEO of Pacific Union International, McLaughlin Brings Deep Experience to Global Real Estate Advice Arroyo Grande, CA – June 28, 2022 – Real estate entrepreneur Mark A. McLaughlin just deepened the bench for the Mergers and Acquisitions advisory team at the WAV Group. The industry's leading real estate consulting and research firm announced a partnership today with McLaughlin Ventures to provide expanded M&A services to brokerage firms, property management firms, technology firms and lenders in the U.S. In addition, the collaboration of McLaughlin Ventures and WAV Group is advising foreign investors in the U.S. residential real estate industry. McLaughlin, a strategic advisor to real estate industry CEOs, brings deep personal experience leading all aspects of strategic planning and M&A execution. McLaughlin's proficiency stems from his leadership across a dozen mergers and acquisitions as CEO and the largest individual shareholder of Pacific Union International. McLaughlin purchased the San Francisco-based real estate firm from GMAC Home Services in 2009 with sales of $2 billion and nurtured its expansion across the West Coast to sales of over $14 billion before selling to Compass in 2018. "Our partnership with Mark delivers a depth of experience that is unmatched in our industry," says WAV Group Partner Victor Lund. "This collaboration with our current team, including M&A veterans George Slusser and Finley Hair, brings a fresh perspective and innovation to The WAV Group's M&A consulting services." "Teaming up with Victor Lund and Marilyn Wilson, co-founders of the WAV Group, is such an exciting and strategic fit for me," says McLaughlin. "Their values, approach to client services and industry reputations are impeccable. Together with George Slusser, Managing Director of WAV Group M&A, our industry relationships, negotiating experience and operating experiences will serve our clients in an extraordinary way. The difference is experience." At WAV Group, the M&A Advisory Division offers a comprehensive range of quality services for clients. McLaughlin joins a team that has participated in over 300 acquisitions and mergers with purchase prices exceeding $1.1 billion. The Division handles a wide range of deals, ranging from small mergers or partnership buy-outs to the largest, most complex industry transactions. "Having Mark's experience on both the selling side and the acquiring side will be hugely beneficial to companies that will benefit from this strategic independent counsel," says Marilyn Wilson, WAV Group Founder and Managing Partner. "With record consolidation in the industry at a high, and senior leadership searching for executable succession plans, Mark's experience is key to meeting the motivations and expectations of our clients who need strategic guidance as they look to the future." About WAV Group WAV Group delivers innovative and effective guidance to help each of its clients continually evolve and expand. Specializing in the real estate industry, WAV Group is a full service consultancy and trusted advisor for many of the industry's most successful brokerages and Proptech and Fintech firms. Our key service areas are strategic planning, public relations, technology, research, recruiting, venture capital, and mergers & acquisitions. Visit us at www.wavgroup.com. About McLaughlin Ventures McLaughlin Ventures deploys strategic advisory services, based on decades of experience as a principal with balance sheet risk, to the real estate industry. Far different than a consultant, McLaughlin's operations experience is founded on real-time, in market, leadership collaboration, open communication, and a keen emphasis on fact-based decisions. McLaughlin Ventures has been highly effective in building dynamic organizations and developing successful strategic outcomes by establishing clear, measurable objectives for his team and clients. Visit us at mclaughlin-ventures.com. To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

Our Top 10 Most-Read Articles of May
What kind of data is hidden in your listing photos? How do you fire a bad real estate client? What should you know about solar-powered homes? RE Technology readers learned the answers to these questions and more in May. In fact, each of these questions were explored in our most read articles of last month (see articles #4, #3 and #10, respectively, in the list below). What other topics did RE Technology readers dive into last month? Check out our full list of our most popular articles of May below to find out! 1. Is a Recession About to Rock the Housing Market?The signs are clear and causing alarm: The U.S. may be on the verge of entering a recession. Learn why some experts think a recession would upend the housing market, and others believe the factors driving high prices and low inventory will persist – regardless of whether the economy is growing or not. 2. Friday Freebie: 67 Text Message Templates that Get Replies‍Text messages have one of the highest open rates of any type of communication. But that doesn't mean leads will respond to it. How can you up your chances for starting a conversation with real estate leads over text? In this Friday Freebie, get 67 text message templates that are designed to reach leads and initiate a response. 3. How to Fire a Real Estate Client GracefullyDoug Rogers brings us a great post about how to fire a real estate client gracefully. No agent likes to let go of business, but sometimes circumstances just don't play out right and you have to cut someone loose. So how do you initiate an amicable split? 4. How Much Data Is Hidden in Your Listing Photos?When you hire a professional real estate photographer to shoot your listings, you may not realize that the photo files you receive contain a lot more than images of the home's interior and exterior. An image taken with a digital camera captures an incredible amount of data embedded in each photo file. Here's what you need to know. 5. The Online App that Can Take Your Real Estate Marketing to the Next LevelRealtor Loida Velasquez shares the app she uses to turn her guides into eye-catching flipbooks that make her stand out from competing agents. Watch to learn how she uses QR codes and lead capture to take her marketing to the next level. 6. One Simple Rule to Ensure Your Ads Don't Violate Fair Housing LawsIf one thing is hammered into real estate agents' minds, it's this: don't violate Fair Housing rules! This applies not only to in-person interactions with clients, but also to your marketing and advertising. Want an easy way to make sure your ads stay on this law's good side? Read on to learn a simple rule for staying on the right side of the law. 7. Real Estate Hashtags for 2022Social media is a gold mine for any real estate business. To ace the social media concept, you need to have a solid strategy to navigate the social media waters. A great way to get started is by using hashtags. 8. 5 Ways RPR Can Jumpstart a Realtor's CareerStarting out as a new real estate agent can be overwhelming. It can be difficult to decipher and filter out what you really need.RPR is a perfect way for agents to get productive, efficient and on their way to their first deal. We've come up with five ways you can use the RPR website, app or blog to accelerate your business and get going in the right direction. 9. 25+ Best Real Estate Software, Tools and Apps for RealtorsThere are thousands of options for apps, tools, and software for real estate agents in every stage of their career. You'll find solutions for more effective lead generation and nurturing and automated scheduling, transaction management and coordination, offer management, and systems that improve productivity and communication. Where do you start Here are essential tools for real estate agents to make your life easier and free up time for what's important. 10. 6 Things Every Agent Needs to Know About Solar Energy for HomesSolar energy for homes is surging in popularity. Homeowners remain motivated by increasing electricity bills brought on by more time spent at home, power outage experiences, and low financing costs to add solar features to their homes. Real estate agents will need to become "solar savvy" about the unique features and benefits of solar-powered homes. Here are six things every agent needs to know about solar energy for homes.

EXIT Realty Supports Creative Solutions to Help People Afford Homes
With U.S. housing prices rising exponentially faster than incomes, EXIT Realty is driving creative solutions at local, state, and even national levels to make housing affordable for all. Recent reports show stark disparities between people's income and the cost of homes. The median sales price of homes nationwide has nearly doubled in the last decade, to about $408,000, while incomes from 2010 to 2020 increased just 15%, to about $67,500. That means buying a home is more challenging than usual. The traditional rule of thumb is that a home's price is about two and half years of income. Now, on average, it's six times a person's annual income. "Over the last 30 years, the median income really hasn't gone up that much for a household or a family, compared to how much housing and the cost of living have increased," said Tami Bonnell, Co-Chair of EXIT Realty Corp. International. "On top of that, housing prices increased even more during the pandemic and rent costs are higher in many places than owning homes. Simply put, safe, affordable housing is an urgent need." "However, as we look around America, there is hope for solutions to this problem, and at EXIT Realty, we are helping to lead these creative solutions that can get more people into homes they can afford." Individual real estate agents can make a difference, Bonnell said, such as EXIT's Corwyn Melette, broker and owner of EXIT Realty Lowcountry Group in North Charleston, South Carolina. Melette grew up in the rural South at a time when tobacco farming was declining and military bases closing, so he has been dedicated to finding affordable housing solutions and helping people build the dream of homeownership, especially first-generation homeowners. In a webinar interview with Bonnell, as seen below, Melette shared teaching moments, including the importance of exposure through experience, the first places people should look for affordable housing options, success stories and next steps. Bonnell also points to bigger system-level fixes, like a California Association of REALTORS'® plan, in partnership with various nonprofits, to close the gap that impacts the state's underserved communities regarding homeownership, and the National Association of REALTORS' call for measures to develop affordable housing. EXIT also supports measures to encourage the construction of what Bonnell calls the "missing lane" to homeownership: the multi-family duplexes, triplexes, four-plexes, and townhomes, traditional affordable starter homes that have dropped out of favor with builders. Local and state governments can promote their construction with remediation, zoning changes, financing adjustments, tax credits, and other programs, Bonnell said. "We're extremely encouraged by the creative solutions we're seeing enter the marketplace and by seeing organizations join together to create affordable housing," Bonnell said. "We're also proud of our real estate professionals who are educating potential buyers on financing the homebuying process in their local communities and helping them become homeowners. EXIT was founded on the idea of helping people — both our agents and their clients — to live their dreams, and so we are dedicated to homeownership, the traditional number one way to build true family wealth and stability."

Realogy to Rebrand, Change Name to 'Anywhere Real Estate Inc.'
Realogy Holdings Corp. announced the company will rebrand as Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (referred to as "Anywhere"), signaling a deep commitment to reimagine the consumer experience at any point in the real estate transaction journey. Home to renowned real estate brands, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, CENTURY 21, Coldwell Banker, Corcoran, ERA, and Sotheby's International Realty as well as national title, settlement, and relocation companies and scaled mortgage origination and underwriting joint ventures, the company expects to implement the rebrand by end of second quarter 2022. During an investor event today, Realogy also laid out the next phase of its strategy, which will leverage its advantaged market position and ability to invest to improve and simplify the home buying and selling experience for consumers who are demanding a more seamless, integrated transaction. "With very positive momentum, we will harness the power of our extensive agent network, leading brands, scaled core services, deep technology and data, and strong financial flexibility to create a better transaction experience for any consumer, anywhere," said Ryan Schneider, Realogy president and chief executive officer. "We are so excited about the opportunity ahead of us that we chose to rename and rebrand the company to reinforce our commitment to delivering this future." "While buying or selling a home can be an exciting next chapter for any individual or family, the process around that experience hasn't kept pace with the digital transformation in other industries," said Melissa McSherry, Realogy chief operating officer. "Our goal is to leverage our differentiated market position, including with technology, to streamline the buying and selling journey and allow consumers to focus on what matters most – the joy of home ownership. This focus will guide how we evolve our product strategy for both consumers and agents as the trusted advisors of the transaction." Since 2018, the company has been executing a largescale transformation that has led to increased profitable growth, a fortified balance sheet, innovative technology and marketing products, and an invigorated culture with a track record of attracting great talent and driving success. "I am incredibly proud of our industry-leading talent, franchise owners, and affiliated agents who have contributed to Realogy's significant transformation progress," continued Schneider. "We are stronger, we are operating with greater speed and agility, and we are consistently delivering impressive results as we move real estate to what's next." During the investor presentation, leaders also laid out bold 2026 financial targets, including the goal of surpassing 20% market share through its accelerated expansion. An updated capital allocation strategy, leveraging the company's free cash flow, aims to balance investments in powerful growth initiatives with the flexibility of returning capital to investors. "We have demonstrated unmatched operational execution to drive above market growth, increased top and bottom-line performance, and a significantly stronger balance sheet," said Charlotte Simonelli, Realogy chief financial officer. "Our consistency of delivery, financial flexibility, and differentiated track record of free cash flow generation enable us to further reinvest in our business and return additional value to shareholders. I am proud of the success our team has driven to pave the way to a new era of growth for our company, serving an ever-expanding market." A New Name, a New Day for Real Estate Taking inspiration from the company's strategy, the Anywhere brand represents the desire to meet consumers anywhere on the transaction journey across the entirety of the market. The "re" at the end of the Anywhere name nods to the brand's prominence within the real estate industry. The Anywhere mark is an eight-stroke asterisk, symbolic of depth, connectivity, and amplification, with the bottom vertical stroke falling away to lie horizontally as the foundation of a home. While the two lower strokes of the asterisk come together to form a pitched roof, the linear middle strokes form the horizon line and the upper three strokes form the arc of a sun rising above the home, conveying the potential that comes with a new day. The Anywhere logo colors are deep midnight blue, expressing vast opportunity, and vibrant orange, evoking hope, joy, and illumination, all benefits the Anywhere brand will bring to the consumer experience. "We are home to a dynamic portfolio of real estate brands that each have their own unique story and power in the market," said Schneider. "As we set forth our bold consumer-first, agent-led strategy, it was clear there was one brand that did not carry that same emotional connection – the Realogy brand. The Anywhere name and identity serve as both our aspiration and commitment to changing the transaction experience for consumers. It's truly a new day for real estate." As part of the rebrand, the company will also align to a new enterprise positioning to further move its culture and talent strategy into the future. The purpose, "Empower everyone's next move," speaks to many of the company's stakeholders, including employees, entrepreneurs, and consumers, by pledging to provide the products, tools, and resources to foster a culture where anyone can win. "This is not only a business and strategic transformation but also a culture change," said Tanya Reu-Narvaez, Realogy chief people officer. "Our talent strategy, led by our new purpose and positioning, enables us to engage employees anywhere in their career journey. Additionally, with our remote-first, hybrid company approach, many of our people can literally work from any place, offering employees the benefits of productivity gains, flexibility, and choice." The Anywhere naming and brand development was led by multidisciplinary San Francisco-based design studio, Hybrid Design. For more information on the launch of the Anywhere brand, please visit anywhere.re.

Howard Hanna Real Estate Announces Merger with HER, REALTORS
Wow, this announcement will shake up a few board rooms. The Howard Hanna and HER merger is a huge win for Hanna Real Estate Services. This "merger" proves that a privately owned firm (albeit a very large one) can compete and succeed against the Wall Street funded competition. Any national competitor would have been proud to have HER be a part of them. I know for a fact many nationals have tried over the years (some continuously). Congratulations on a great move for both firms. Please see below for the full press release. Howard Hanna Real Estate Announces Merger with HER, REALTORS® to Expand Services in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton Markets Columbus, OH (April 7, 2022) – As the year progresses, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services (Howard Hanna) continues to execute its long-term strategic growth plan by announcing a merger with HER, REALTORS®, the country's largest agent-owned real estate firm. This transaction adds approximately 1,200 agents and 90 offices to Howard Hanna's portfolio, expanding its footprint in Ohio, Michigan, and northern Kentucky. Founded in 1956 by Harley E. Rouda, Sr., HER, REALTORS® has grown throughout the years to become a powerhouse brokerage firm in Ohio. Closing out 2021 with 12,193 closed units and $3.4 billion in closed sales volume in Ohio, HER, REALTORS® is the independent leader in the combined Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton markets. Similarly, Howard Hanna was founded in 1957 by Howard Hanna, Jr. and has evolved through the decades to become the largest independently owned brokerage firm in the United States. With both organizations built and operated as family companies with strong values and respect for their agents, employees, and clients, the relationship between Howard Hanna and HER, REALTORS® is poised for future success. "We are excited to welcome HER, REALTORS® to the Hanna Family of Companies," said Helen Hanna Casey, Chief Executive Officer of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. "The cultural and operational synergies between our companies, paired with our mutual respect for one another, makes this merger an important step toward the future as we expand our presence and service offerings in the greater Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton markets." Since entering the Ohio marketplace in the early 2000s, Howard Hanna has grown to become a driving force within the state. Howard Hanna finished 2021 with 28,810 closed units and $7.4 billion in closed sales volume, securing a market-leading position in northeast Ohio. "As individuals, and as an organization, we must thoughtfully consider the past and the present to plan for a successful future," said Harley E. Rouda, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of HER, REALTORS®. "And as HER, REALTORS® moves into the future, I'm excited to say that we have chosen to do so beside another central figure in the real estate industry by joining the Hanna Family of Companies." This merger brings two incredibly formidable companies together to form the #1 brokerage firm in Ohio offering real estate services to home buyers and sellers across the Buckeye State. By combining two powerful forces, the organization will benefit from increased collaboration across markets, bringing together the best of each company to enhance our offerings statewide. "We believe this is a great opportunity for our agents – and we want to spend the next part of our career with the Hannas," said Shawn Adams, President of HER, REALTORS®. "It's not only the resources we gain in tools and technology, but this opportunity will allow us to continue to grow with our local leadership and support staff – and have the addition of more benefits and more offerings for our agents." With this merger, HER, REALTORS® agents will gain access to a best-in-class marketing and agent productivity suite, a robust local, regional, and global relocation network through the Hanna Family of Companies, and their relationship with LeadingRE, and enhanced agent connections and lead generation opportunities. These resources have given Howard Hanna agents a competitive edge over their peers, and in a recent review of the suite, it was determined that agents increased their production by 36% in 2021 by utilizing the productivity suite. "Our commitment to implementing innovative marketing programs and technology in our real estate brokerage, as well as our mortgage, title, and insurance businesses, continues to be the differentiator for Howard Hanna," said Howard W. "Hoby" Hanna, IV, President of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. "By leading through innovation and investing in the right tools and resources for our agents, we've achieved a national #3 ranking in agent productivity. We look forward to learning and growing with the HER, REALTORS® agents in the coming months as we find the path forward by becoming stronger together." About Howard Hanna Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the #1 family-owned and -operated broker in the U.S.A. The full-service real estate company has nearly 400 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title, and escrow service offices across 13 states, including Allen Tate Realtors® in the Carolinas and The F.C. Tucker Company in Indiana, with more than 13,000 sales associates and staff, including many of the industry's top-producing real estate agents. For more information, visit www.HowardHanna.com. To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

Our Top 10 Most-Read Articles of March
Ready for the spring and summer real estate market frenzy? If our list of March's most popular articles is any indication, our readers are definitely getting ready. Working with buyers? Check out article #1 for insight into what message the car you drive sends. Or check out #2 for checklists you can use with your clients, including sellers. If sellers are more your thing, article #4 offers advice on growing your listing business. And #9 pulls back the curtain on the intriguing differences in marketing spend in red versus blue states. What else were agents and brokers reading in March? Check out the full list below to find out! 1. What Type of Car Should Realtors Drive?You've probably asked yourself, "Does it matter to my clients what car I drive?" There are many sides to this argument and many points to be made. We've listed these considerations agents should make with regard to their set of wheels, as well as a list of dos and don'ts. 2. Friday Freebie: 8 Homebuyer and Seller ChecklistsTo help you and your clients stay on top of everything during the home sales process, we're highlighting a collection of eight buyer and seller checklists that will keep everyone organized all the way through moving day. 3. How to Convert an Internet Lead via PhoneThe strategies you use to successfully convert leads are a big factor in your level of productivity. One traditional, yet effective way to move an online inquiry into the pipeline is to make contact by phone. Here's a roundup of wisdom on the subject from four real estate coaches. 4. Tips for Growing the Listing Side of Your Real Estate BusinessBuilding the listing side of your business will help you become a more balanced agent that can thrive in any market, whether it's favoring buyers or sellers. Here are essential tips that can help agents expand their listing services to grow in their markets. 5. 9 Best Apps for Real Estate AgentsLooking to use the best apps for real estate agents? We've identified nine apps that help agents generate leads, organize tasks, and run an effective business. Use these nine real estate apps to increase your number of clients, close more deals, and run the strongest real estate business possible. 6. RPR: Your Open House Secret WeaponEvery state has lifted pandemic restrictions. That means everything is open! If you're thinking of holding an open house, this article is for you. We'll tackle the basics of prep and planning, and tips for how to promote and host. We'll also cover important ways that using RPR can help you sell this listing. 7. TikTok: Video Makes the Real Estate StarTikTok became a rising star in social media at the start of 2020, and it has been going strong ever since. With more than a billion active users, it has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, and creative real estate teams have found many interesting ways to integrate TikTok into their social media marketing. If you're new to TikTok, consider this your introduction to the platform and your guide for how to get started. 8. How to Use Digital Flyers to Market Your Real Estate BusinessThere are several ways to use flyers for marketing your real estate business effectively. We'll discuss how marketing through real estate flyers has evolved in the digital age and how you can effectively use this strategy to generate more leads and create new business opportunities for your real estate brand. 9. New HomeJab Study Reveals 'Blue vs. Red' State Agent Marketing SpendAfter studying more than 43,000 professional real estate photography assignments over the last five years, HomeJab discovered a significant difference in the amount of marketing dollars agents spent for listings before the pandemic and what they spent coming out of the height of the COVID-19 outbreak. There was another significant difference in spending by agents in prominent "Blue states" versus "Red states." 10. 5 Ways You Can Help a Non-digital Client Go DigitalIt's likely that even if you work primarily with younger home buyers and sellers, you will find that not all your clients are digital natives or tech-savvy. For these clients, technology can feel intimidating or make someone feel like they are failing if they can't get it to work. How can you help a non-digital client go digital?

4 WAV Group Executives Named to RISMedia 2022 Real Estate Newsmaker List
2021 was a busy year for real estate, and, as always, the team at WAV Group was right in the middle of it all. We are humbled and grateful to be recognized by RISMedia Newsmakers for our contributions to the real estate industry. However, it is our forward thinking-clients who trust us to help them with their goals and projects that are really behind all the progress we have seen over the last year. They continue to innovate and lead the industry to new heights, and we are honored to help them along the way. WAV Group Communications division has been doing such great work. Kevin Hawkins and Myra Jolivet deliver unmatched experience and expertise to their clients. We are extremely proud of the work they accomplished in 2021 and are excited to see what they can continue to do this year and in the future. Victor Lund, Managing Partner Named to the Influencer list, Victor was recognized for his continued work with the Broker Public Portal and his real estate policy advocacy, including Clear Cooperation and DEI. Marilyn Wilson, Managing Partner Named to the Achievers list, Marilyn's achievements in 2021 included the launch of a statewide broker-owned MLS and the creation of the Broker Resource Network, which helps brokers from across the country share ideas to build better businesses. She continues to push the MLS industry forward with the recent launch of a new customer experience program and in depth strategic planning. Kevin Hawkins, President of WAV Group Communications Named to the Trendsetters list, Kevin helped clients such as zavvie and Ben Caballero position their companies as leading experts in their fields, generating massive news coverage and dramatically increasing their visibility and brand recognition. Myra Jolivet, PR and Communications Strategist Named to the Trailblazers list, Myra has helped clients, throughout the added challenges of the pandemic, craft the compelling stories they need to stand out in the crowded and noisy real estate space. Her ongoing efforts helping many organizations with DEI and continuity plans continue to raise the industry standards for inclusion. We launched WAV Group because of our passion for real estate. All these years later, we remain dedicated to the goal of helping our clients move the industry forward with the power of knowledge. If we can assist you with your next project, please contact us to learn more. See full press release below: Managing Partners Marilyn Wilson and Victor Lund are joined by WAV Group Communications President, Kevin Hawkins and PR and Communication Strategist, Myra Jolivet in this year's exclusive group of industry leaders who have made newsworthy contributions to the real estate industry Feb 2, 2022—WAV Group is honored to announce that Victor Lund, Marilyn Wilson, Kevin Hawkins, and Myra Jolivet have all been selected as RISMedia 2022 Real Estate Newsmakers—a dynamic group of key influencers making headlines as a result of their newsworthy contributions to the real estate industry and their efforts to positively affect the consumers and communities they serve. RISMedia, the leader in U.S. real estate news and information services, announced its more than 300, 2022 Real Estate Newsmakers on Feb. 1, in both an online directory on RISMedia.com and in the February issue of its flagship publication, Real Estate magazine. RISMedia's 2022 Real Estate Newsmakers were nominated in 2021 by RISMedia readers and editors and are showcased in the following categories: Influencers, Trailblazers, Futurists, Achievers, Crusaders, Motivators, Luminaries and Trendsetters. "From records being broken, to the glass ceilings being shattered and the creativity and technology innovation being implemented through our changing times, to the always-inspiring and wonderful charitable work being done across the nation, we continue to be amazed by the incredible ingenuity and success of the professionals in the real estate community, over 300 of whom we are celebrating our fifth year of Real Estate Newsmakers," said John Featherston, CEO, president and publisher of RISMedia. "Once again, we are proud to recognize the hard work, dedication and determination of real estate's finest professionals—the 2022 Real Estate Newsmakers—who went above and beyond in 2021 amid the challenges and opportunities of this historic market. Help us in celebrating their hard-earned recognition," Featherston added. Within RISMedia's Newsmakers showcase, you'll also meet this year's "Hall of Fame" class—a select group of 10 industry icons who have gone above and beyond toward the betterment of the real estate industry. RISMedia will honor this year's Real Estate Newsmakers, including the 2022 Hall of Fame, at RISMedia's Newsmakers Reception & Dinner, being held Sept. 7 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with our 2022 CEO & Leadership Exchange. About WAV Group WAV Group is a premier business and marketing consultancy serving the nation's leading real estate brokerages, real estate technology firms, Multiple Listing Services (MLS), and real estate Associations. For over 20 years, WAV has embodied an unmatched passion for real estate and a unique depth of knowledge in the industry. The WAV Group's C-level professionals provide world-class strategic planning and business advice to individuals, organizations, and companies seeking to grow and improve within the real estate industry. Learn more at wavgroup.com. About RISMedia For more than 40 years, RISMedia has provided the residential real estate industry with news, trends and business development strategies through its flagship publication, Real Estate magazine; its leading website, RISMedia.com; its award-winning Housecall blog; and its iconic networking and educational events, including RISMedia's CEO Exchange; RISMedia's Power Broker Forum, Reception & Dinner; and RISMedia's Newsmakers Reception & Dinner. Through RISMedia's content programs—including ACE, a turn-key social media content system—real estate professionals share thousands of articles, infographics and videos each day created by RISMedia editors and contributors, helping them influence hundreds of thousands of consumers as they consider buying and/or selling a home. Visit RISMedia.com and ACESocial for more information. About RISMedia's Real Estate Newsmakers RISMedia's Real Estate Newsmakers is designed to recognize those individuals making headlines as a result of their newsworthy contributions to the residential real estate industry, and their efforts to positively affect real estate professionals and the consumers and communities they serve. RISMedia's Real Estate Newsmakers were chosen based on nominations received through an online nomination process on RISMedia.com, and by nominations from RISMedia's in-house editorial team and other industry sources. Nominations for RISMedia's Real Estate Newsmakers are collected on an ongoing basis throughout the course of the year. There is no fee to nominate a Newsmaker or be recognized/featured as a Newsmaker. Due to deadline and production criteria, RISMedia's 2022 Real Estate Newsmakers Online Directory may not currently be in its final format. Please check back for ongoing updates.

NFT Art Traded for Home in Real Life
NFTs are tokens that allow you to own digital assets. In this example, I am going to be talking about digital art NFTs that are owned on the blockchain. One of the most famous of all NFT projects is arguably Bored Ape Yacht Club (a.k.a. BAYC, which also includes Mutant Ape Yacht Club and Bored Ape Kennel Club). These funky digital drawings sell for luxury art prices. Justin Bieber just purchased one for USD$450k; many believe that these pieces of art will hit $2 million by this summer. In a post on Twitter today, one of the better known artists in the space, @FVCKRENDER, a rare owner of four of these highly desirable pieces of art, is offering to trade them for a home in Vancouver. Well, hey, the Vancouver real estate market is hot and growing at double-digit percentages year after year—but Bored Apes are growing in value by triple digit percentages every quarter with no ceiling in sight. This exposes a problem with investments in Crypto and NFTs—how do you get your money out? I do not know this owner's story or what they purchased these for (side note: you can check this on the blockchain) or how much equity he has in the art, but this @FVCKRENDER clearly needs a home in real life. If this person minted these Apes, they were in at an initial price of $190. Imagine creating something that starts around that price and watch it grow to what it has become today—and they just continue to increase in value. WAV Group has been entrenched in researching the NFT ecosystem and has already initiated its first NFT project, set to launch in Q1 2022. There is no greater success story to understanding NFTs than that of BAYC. All of the 22,000+ owners of these pieces are part of a pretty small club. This club includes celebrities like Eminem, Jimmy Fallon, Rich the Kid, Steve Aoki, Steph Curry, Snoop Dog, Justin Bieber and more. The lowest price for an NFT in the Bored Ape family (at the time of this article) ranges from $26,000 to over $450K. A key feature of BAYC utility is the participation in their online community and gated Web3 experiences—a lot like a social club. A way to understand this is to think about luxury communities or, in this case, metahumans who are building relationships in a digital world. Huge brands are doing NFT collaborations with BAYC owners. In many cases, BAYC holders are gifted NFTs in exchange for helping to promote a new NFT drop. This social equity has been built from the BAYC value and hype. Some BAYC owners have literally become major influencers in the NFT space. If they give a shout out for a new NFT drop, their influence can move the needle on the promotion of the NFT and speculators will drive up the value of the new release. The success of BAYC has also translated into very cool IRL events (they actually rented a huge yacht in NYC for a party with BAYC holders). For example, Snoop may have a meet-up that he sponsors in L.A. for BAYC owners. They stream the meet up to Snoop's gallery in The Sand Box metaverse where Snoop has a digital twin of his real-life home. This is called a "gated experience" where only members of Snoop's metaverse can digitally join the party. What I am explaining here is something called the Utility of an NFT. NFT owners are offered perks in real life, or sometimes gifts. I had a hard time understanding Web3 out of the gate, but our research into the space and our experience launching our first NFT has become a bit of a rabbit hole of learning. If Web 1.0 was about brands shouting at consumers with information, Web 2.0 was about brands having an open dialog and interacting with consumers. Web3 is a shift to privacy, security and tight-knit digital communities that mirror interests, giving brands full ownership of the digital experience. We are receiving a lot of interest in a webinar to help people better understand this space. Keep an eye on our blog, newsletter and socials for an upcoming time and date. To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

Our Top 10 Most-Read Articles of November
It's begun: the deluge of holiday-focused everything. According to our monthly list of the top most-read articles of the month, it started a bit early here at RE Technology, with an article about holiday marketing ideas coming in at #3 in November. But plenty of non-holiday content made the list last month, including articles on text messaging etiquette (#4 on the list below), how to perk up idle listings (#7), and even a satirical take on how to become a terrible real estate agent (#6). For those articles and everything else, check out our full list of the most-read articles of November below: 1. Can a Buyer Back Out of a Home Purchase Contract?In an intense seller's market, it's not unusual to see buyers waive contingencies or place an offer on a house sight unseen -- both of which can lead to buyer's remorse. Once a buyer's offer is accepted by the seller, the buyer is contractually obligated to the home purchase. Or are they? 2. Friday Freebie: 51 Home Improvement Projects Guide to Share with SellersThe market favors sellers right now—but even so, homeowners still want to get as much as possible for their home. In this week's Friday Freebie, we're highlighting a gift you can share with homeowners—both leads and recent clients—to underline your value and help them get as much value from their home as they can. 3. 3 Easy Holiday Marketing Ideas for Real Estate Agents‍Somehow it's that time of year again! Before you know it, you'll be going full-speed ahead into 2022. While the holidays are a great time to slow down, enjoy family time, and focus on business planning, we all know there is always the opportunity to generate more business. So here are a few quick marketing ideas to capitalize on this holiday season! 4. Text Etiquette: What's a Faux Pas in Real Estate Text Marketing?Real estate agents use different means for communicating with their clients and potential leads. One such means is SMS text marketing. But not all of us are familiar with the regulations and the best ethical practices being set and established in SMS marketing. In this article, we will go through some of these practices. 5. One Agent's Simple, Effective Strategy for Finding SellersREALTOR Julie Toy explains how she's currently prospecting for clients using RPR's Seller Report. This easy to implement way of using RPR Sellers Reports to prospect for leads and clients is really working wonders for Julie. We were so impressed, we decided to pick her brain and get some more details. 6. 10 Tips to Becoming the Worst of the Worst Real Estate AgentI'm running into agents who do not know what they are doing. It's as if someone gave them a page telling them how to get paid without really doing any work. Great job, really. Maybe we should try it out? Here are 10 tips to help you become the very worst real estate area in your market. If you do this right, you'll quickly build your reputation! 7. Drive Those Idle Listings Off the MarketIt's well-known that as a listing sits on the market, it becomes less likely to capture an attractive offer. This is highly frustrating for sellers, and it's also one of the situations most likely to lead to a bad review. Sometimes, there may be many factors outside your control making the road ahead difficult for your listing. The key is to seize on what's in your area of influence and course correct as soon as you can. 8. How to Get Real Estate Leads with No Upfront CostsIt sounds too good to be true, we know: But you can actually generate real estate leads with no upfront costs. The main activity you'll need to focus on to fill the top of your funnel is building a strong online presence and improving your online reputation. That, in combination with outreach and lead nurturing, is the recipe for generating and ultimately converting real estate leads with no upfront costs. Let's dive into the details. 9. What Should a Buyer Look for During a Final Walk-Through?‍Final walk-throughs give you a chance to take care of any matters before the closing. Most times, if you find something after the closing, it can be challenging to resolve, so you want to take your time when going through the place. Here is a checklist you should have with you set you up for success on your final walk-through. 10. Cool Tools and Hot Hacks for Photos Every Agent Will Love!High-quality photos for your listings, promotional activities, website, and social media are crucial. However, even if you have the right photo, you may benefit more if you also know how to fine-tune them. Fortunately, you don't have to use expensive software like Adobe Photoshop or be an image editing expert. These excellent tools and hacks can assist an agent even with limited tech skills.

Our Top 10 Most-Read Articles of October
How you communicate with leads, prospects, and other real estate professionals can make or break your business. In October, RE Technology readers learned how to leave voicemails that can win more calls back from leads, and how to negotiate like an FBI agent. You can see those articles at #3 and #2, respectively, on the following list of our Top 10 articles of the month. Instagram (articles #5 and #9) and Google Ads (#6 and #8) made double appearances on our Top 10 list last month, too. To see what else agents and brokers were reading in October, check out the full list below: 1. The Top 5 Reasons Real Estate Agents Get SuedBeing an agent requires you to keep track of sensitive client information and meet deadlines for those clients without letting anything slip through the cracks. Even the slightest mistake can cost you your career. While accidents are inevitable, it is important to know what real estate mistakes you should try to avoid. 2. FBI Negotiating Skills Every Real Estate Agent Should KnowHow can you sharpen your emotional IQ and excel in negotiations? No better place to start than the country's top FBI negotiators. Chris Voss, former negotiator for the FBI, shared his top strategies from the bureau in his book, Never Split the Difference. The real estate process and sales scenarios don't necessarily warrant the delicacy of a hostage situation, but you and your business can benefit from his tactics and experience. 3. Friday Freebie: Leave Better Voicemails with This Guide (Plus Scripts!)A voicemail is the first contact you'll have with many leads. How can you increase the chance that a prospect calls you back? In this week's Friday Freebie, we're highlighting a voicemail guide, complete with scripts and tips, that shows you how to leave a voicemail that gets more calls back. 4. 3 Tips to Find Listings in the Current MarketThe real estate market appears to be cooling off a bit and leveling out in many areas, but that doesn't mean finding listings and sellers is going to get easier overnight. You need motivation, a plan, data, and market insight. You need to get in front of would-be sellers to earn their trust and pique their interest. Here are three ways to do it with help from RPR. 5. How Instagram Hashtags Can Make All the DifferenceInstagram is one of the best places online to promote your real estate brand. That also means that there is plenty of competition for attention on Instagram, which is why it's so important to have a plan for earning new followers and generating meaningful engagement. Instagram hashtags are a great tool for accomplishing those goals, and using hashtags correctly can really help you jumpstart your social media presence. 6. New Update to Google Ads: What Agents Need to Know‍It's the biggest news you probably haven't heard: last-click attribution has been replaced by data-driven attribution as the default conversion model in Google Ads. In this article, we'll define attribution models and learn how they help agents, and establish the difference between last-click and data-driven attribution. 7. Friday Freebie: Finish 2021 with More Money in Your Pocket with this CRM and All-in-One Marketing PlatformWe just hit the home stretch of 2021--the final quarter of the year. How many of your commission goals did you successfully achieve? In this week's Friday Freebie, we're introducing you to a tool that can streamline your real estate marketing efforts and put you on track to meet your annual commission goals. 8. How to Rake in Leads Using Google Ads for Real EstateMany real estate agents wonder why they should even bother to start marketing on Google Ads. You are not wrong in questioning whether or not this might be the best way to grow your business, but let's see how you feel by the end of the article. 9. How to Use Instagram Carousel to Boost Your Business and Win More ListingsInstagram is a great social platform for agents to expand their network, market properties, and acquire more listings. One of the hottest new ways to give your listings a big boost and make your sellers smile is by leveraging the power of Instagram carousels. 10. YouTube Marketing: Fresh Ideas From Real Estate Influencershttps://retechnology.com/article-lists/27956-youtube-marketing-fresh-ideas-from-real-estate-influencersNeed fresh ideas to keep your YouTube channel relevant to consumers (and YouTube's algorithm)? Try these six real estate video ideas.

Realogy Adds Industry-First Retirement Plan Offering to Exclusive Benefits Program
Realogy Holdings Corp. and The Platinum 401k, Inc., America's leading retirement plan outsourcing resource, announced the establishment of the SPARK Members Pooled 401(k) Retirement Plan. Available exclusively to all real estate agents in the U.S. affiliated with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, CENTURY 21, Coldwell Banker,  Corcoran, ERA and Sotheby's International Realty who are Premium Level members in the SPARK Association of Real Estate Professionals personal and business benefits program. The new retirement plan offers real estate agents an easy and cost-effective way to save for their future as independent contractors. A first of its kind in the real estate industry, the new SPARK Members Pooled 401(k) Retirement Plan provides Realogy affiliated real estate agents the opportunity to easily set up their own 401(k) and take advantage of features such as a higher-than-average contribution limit of up to $64,500 per year and the ability to borrow tax free for home purchases or other needs. The plan also offers members a significant offload of fiduciary liability, more investment options, and low administrative costs. "As independent contractors, we know that convenience, savings and versatility is essential for Realogy's affiliated real estate agents, and that retirement planning can sometimes seem confusing and stressful. That's why we established this unique 401(k) retirement plan for our SPARK members to make the process as seamless and beneficial as possible," said Realogy Executive Vice President of Product and Innovation, Simon Chen. "With SPARK, Realogy affiliated real estate agents can now confidently plan for their futures while they work hard to achieve their professional goals." "We understand that many independent real estate professionals find it difficult to save for retirement since their income can vary from month to month, or because they are self-employed, they do not have access to an employer-sponsored 401(k)," said Scott Reid, SPARK Membership Director. "Through SPARK in partnership with Realogy, we are pleased to offer our members a way to start saving for their future and do so easily with multiple ways to make contributions from their earnings and without many of the barriers that individuals who establish their own retirement plan can face such as set up costs, ongoing audits and fiduciary exposure." SPARK is a membership association that was created by real estate professionals designed to offer real estate agents a selection of personal and business benefits, including access to individual healthcare, disability insurance, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as auto and home insurance, identity theft protection, cyber and data breach insurance, human resources solutions, workers' compensation insurance and commercial property or building insurance and a pooled 401(k) retirement plan. Additionally, SPARK offers members a slate of discounts and services, including complimentary access to FOREWARN, an instant risk management, due diligence, and agent safety app. For more information or how to enroll in SPARK, visit www.SPARK-Benefits.org.

Our Top 10 Most-Read Articles of August
RE Technology readers had offers on the brain last month, if our list of the top 10 articles of August is anything to go by. Our #3 most-read article offered suggestions on driving multiple offers, while article #4 shared ideas on how to survive a bidding war. Offer accepted and sale completed? Check out article #1 for closing gift ideas that will make a lasting impression on your clients. Then slide on over to article #5 to get a free cheat sheet that will help you turn that lingering seller lead in your next client. For more of what agents and brokers were reading last month, check out our full top 10 list below: 1. Best Closing Gifts Under $100Closing gifts don't need to break the bank to be valued and appreciated. Whether you are looking for a gift card, treat basket, or anything else to give your clients as a housewarming gift, we got you covered. Here are a few affordable options that are big hits with clients. 2. 4 Reasons Why the End of Forbearance Will Not Lead to a Wave of ForeclosuresWith forbearance plans about to come to an end, many are concerned the housing market will experience a wave of foreclosures like what happened after the housing bubble 15 years ago. Here are four reasons why that won't happen. 3. How to Drive Multiple OffersGetting multiple offers on your listing is the ideal situation, but it is not as easy as just posting for sale and putting the sign in the front yard. Luckily, there are some things you can be doing (or that need to happen) to increase the chances of getting multiple offers on your listing. 4. A High Offer Isn't Everything: How Buyers Can Sweeten the Deal in Other WaysJeff Lichtenstein of Echo Fine Properties says that buyers need to think beyond price when they find themselves in a bidding war. Lichtenstein says that the highest offer doesn't always win, and offers some tips on being prepared in competitive situations. 5. Friday Freebie: Cheat Sheet for Talking Sellers Off the FenceThere are a lot of reasons that homeowners today are reluctant to sell--they're afraid they won't find a new home to buy, they like their current mortgage rate, etc. How you respond to their objections could win you a shiny new listing. But what if you're unsure of your powers of persuasion? Lean on this week's Friday Freebie. 6. 7 Emails You Need to Send to Real Estate LeadsProspects these days have an inbox full of info and offers, most of which they will consider "junk," and delete. This is why you have to follow the best practices to help your email outshine the rest. Readers don't delete emails that interest them. Easy as that. The seven emails below will help you earn your way into their inbox. 7. RPR's 10 Best Real Estate Apps for 2021Tech is no stranger to the real estate business. Nowadays you can perform a laundry list of tasks by just using your phone. However, sometimes all that technology can get a bit overwhelming and it's tough to keep up with all the tech tools available to you. Here's a quick list of helpful apps that can make you a more proficient and efficient agent. 8. 6 Tips for Realtors to Generate Real Estate Leads OnlineGenerating leads takes a lot of time and effort, and you won't see immediate results. However if you stay with it, the results will pay off handsomely. How does a couple new leads per day sound? If you aren't already using these strategies for generating leads online, you should consider starting today. 9. Thinking of Joining a Real Estate Team? Consider the Pros and ConsThere are many different paths to take when you begin a career in the real estate world. One important decision you'll make is whether to go solo or join a team. Everyone has different priorities and goals when it comes to mapping out their career, so your decision is unique to you. Learn the pros and cons of joining a real estate team to help you decide if it's best for your growth as an agent. 10. What Are the Most Requested Home Qualities that Buyers and Sellers Are Looking for?‍In this edition of "Ask the Industry," three real estate professionals share which home qualities buyers and sellers are in their markets are looking for right now.

Mark McLaughlin Announces Departure from Compass
Marilyn and I would personally like to wish our friend Mark McLaughlin best wishes on his transition into "what's next." We have had the pleasure of working with Mark and his teams since his departure from Loopnet in 2001. Over those past two decades, we have developed a deep friendship, and it has been inspiring to endure this journey with Mark through the best of times and darkest days of real estate brokerage. Since joining Compass, Mark has contributed outstanding vision to his colleagues and the company is positioned for continued growth and success. His LinkedIn profile states the mission of Shared Vision Producing Shared Achievement | Transformative Growth. He delivered on that vision and departs the ship at Compass in great hands. Time to move on. Not sure what chapter Mark and his partner Monique will write next, but I am sure that it will be as outstanding as the achievements that precede them. Go get it, Mark! The following is a statement from Mark McLaughlin: Dear Colleagues: For twenty-four people, this journey started in Marin County in September 2006 – sunrise so to speak! Our journey was joined by many of you to ultimately create a CA powerhouse in Pacific Union International and Chartwell Escrow – a blending of ten acquisitions, cultures, people, successes and traditions. Over the past 15 years, we stretched, excelled, tackled challenges, survived several crises, embraced change, created opportunities and set records. In 2018, we began our journey with Compass, the industry leader! Compass empowers and embraces agents and our professional staff. Delivering the finest technology, escrow, title and soon mortgage services for you to reach your personal best – – – yet again! My sunset from this journey is now on the horizon and I will depart my full-time role on September 30, 2021. Thereafter, I will be available as needed to Compass as a Strategic Advisor. I leave knowing our business and your performance is the best shape it has ever been. We have grown over 25 percent since 2018 and we deliver the highest level of service in our history during one of the most trying times. Congratulations to each and every one of you! I vividly recall my first regional meetings around the Bay Area with Pacific Union in the Fall of 2009. These were the most important job interviews of my life. I needed you more than you needed me. Same is true for The Mark Company, Empire Group, John Aaroe Group, Partners Trust, Gibson International and the escrow businesses, people and passions that joined our vision. We all needed each other! It is my hope I walked this walk for the last twelve years. I have always believed, "get the people right or nothing else matters." I have learned more from all of you than you could ever imagine. I will miss this team and know it's irreplaceable – a unicorn of a different kind. Compass has amazing vision and sets a ferocious pace. Such a pace that at times it's only appreciated after you pass a milepost vs. while you are approaching it. Growth, technology and tools before you know you need them. Please embrace this pace, absorb what you can, when you can – you will be better for it! When you think of my departure, please know I am at the age and time in my life that it's only appropriate rising stars take over day-to-day operations. My journey will certainly continue, but more likely in strategic roles lending my vision and experience to emerging or transitioning businesses. Monique and I moved to Jackson, WY and are remodeling the home we bought in Q4 '20. I hope to catch up to her on the number of ski days [72] she had this past year. I will soon be more actively working on a few investments we have made and will look to make several more. I will be moving around our CA operations in the coming weeks – I look forward to connecting eye-to-eye. You will be able to join my blog or find me at McLaughlin Ventures, [email protected], or 415-699-5906. I am grateful for your trust. Cheers to a journey I will never forget! This is Where We Are Now. P.S. Remember where the magic happens. To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.

Our Top 10 Most-Read Articles of June
High home prices are on everyone's mind, especially potential home buyers and the agents that serve them. That's likely why our #1 article on our monthly top 10 most read articles list is a look into what's driving today's outrageous prices. Part of the issue with today's market is the amount of corporations who are buying up homes and pushing home ownership out of the reach of average consumers. Read more about this trend in #10 below. Want to make working with buyers easier? Check article #2 for a free downloadable homebuyer's packet. Want to win more listings (of course you do)? Check out article #9 to learn more about leveraging pre-listing presentations. To see what else made it into the top 10 most read articles of June, check out the full list below: 1. When Will U.S. Buyers See Relief From Skyrocketing Home Prices?U.S. home prices have increased for an astounding 110 months straight; and since the pandemic began, they've risen at an extraordinary pace. Just this past April, the median home sales price in the U.S. was $341,600, nearly 20% higher than the year before. So when can buyers expect to see some much-needed home price relief? 2. Friday Freebie: Homebuyer Packet Template‍It's a tough time to be a home buyer—and a buyer's agent. While you can't fix today's inventory problems, you can make the home buying process as smooth as possible for both your clients and yourself. In this week's Friday Freebie, we're highlighting a homebuyer packet that you can use to educate buyers, qualify buyer leads, and more. 3. What's the Big Deal about Google Local Services Ads?If you're in the real estate business, there's a good chance you've been hearing a lot about Google Local Services Ads, or Google LSA. The industry has been buzzing with talk about how this new seller lead source can generate a lot of inexpensive ready-to-transact leads and even produce inbound "come-list-me" calls. The question is -- is this lead source actually worth it? 4. 8 Strategies for Dealing with Difficult ClientsHave you ever been exasperated by a difficult client or conversation? Interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence are abilities that real estate agents need to master. Take courage – you can remain calm, professional and make your way through skillfully to overcome challenges and defuse conflict. 5. How to Write the Perfect Real Estate Agent BioMaking a good first impression online is far more difficult than doing so in-person. Luckily, you don't need to be a creative writing major to craft the perfect real estate agent bio. If you follow our suggestions, you'll be able to make a great first impression with anyone who reads about you online. 6. How Much is That Home Upgrade Worth?The ability to accurately price a property for sale is arguably a listing agent's most valued skill. But when it comes to making tweaks and adjustments, how can you refine value based on upgrades made or repairs that need to be made? RPR's Refine Value Tool is the perfect solution. 7. Do You Own Your Real Estate Photos?When a home's been listed for sale and arrangements have been made for a photoshoot, who owns the property photos once they've been taken? There are legal complications to consider, but to present arguments for both the agent and the photographer, we'd rather stick to the guidelines that dictate how property photos get used before, during, and after a real estate sale. 8. The Ultimate Script for Reconnecting with Past Real Estate ClientsHave you fallen out of touch with some past real estate clients? If you're like most of us, it's likely that you have. You need something like a script to help you in reconnecting with past real estate clients, since it can be difficult to consistently keep in touch with them, especially as your career progresses and your database grows. Here's what to say. 9. Want to Win More Listings? Learn the Art of the Pre-listing PresentationWinning a listing is a multi-step sales process. There's the introduction, the meeting (in person or remotely), seeing the property, and the follow-up. Sending a pre-listing presentation ahead of your first meeting acts as a "door opener," and is your opportunity to set the stage and make a great first impression. 10. Are iBuyers Good for Consumers?Cash-rich corporations are out-gunning desperate individual consumers with all cash offers to snap up more and more of the fewer and fewer homes available for sale. Increasingly these corporations are selling these homes to corporate landlords, off-MLS, and without ever making them available to families seeking homes to buy. What should we do when we encounter an existential threat to home ownership?

Marilyn Wilson Joins Board of Trustees for National Small Business Association
Marilyn Wilson, Managing Partner of WAV Group, Inc., is re-joining the Board of Trustees for the National Small Business Association (NSBA), the nation's oldest small business advocacy organization. Marilyn will also serve as NSBA's Chair of the Economic Development Committee. ­­ Wilson was chosen based on her ownership of two highly impactful California based small businesses, and her ongoing commitment to the growth and progress of hundreds of other small businesses through WAV Group, a leading consulting firm, and RE Technology, the number one online source for real estate technology education and information. Wilson has driven extensive advocacy initiatives throughout the real estate industry and technology in promoting legislation that advances the needs of small businesses and their employees. "Small businesses in America deliver 44% of GDP, but are among the most underrepresented groups in framing legislation and shaping opportunities for America's workforce. The NSBA contributes an immeasurable benefit to its members and I am honored to represent their interests," says Wilson. "Marilyn was an outstanding contributor to NSBA and delivered many unique perspectives developed through her professional practice. We are thrilled to have her join us once again during a season of unprecedented challenges to businesses across North America," says ML Mackey, Chair of the NSBA and Co-Founder of Beacon Interactive, a military defense contracting firm. Wilson will offer in-depth perspectives to the National Small Business Association. The majority of board members reside in the Northeast, thus, her experience as a West Coast small business owner and her experience serving small businesses and technology companies around North America will expand the perspective and help shape priorities for this great organization. Since 99.8% and 3.8 million California entities ­­­­are small businesses, Wilson will be working with NSBA to represent their best interests and advocate for policies to enable business growth and profitability. WAV Group is excited for their founding partner Marilyn Wilson to rejoin the National Small Business Association Board of Directors. This board lobbies congress for pro-business legislation and fights against legislation that harms small business. Last week, Marilyn led the executive board with a conversation with Pete Buttigieg (Mayor Pete), United States Secretary of Transportation; it is widely known that congress is working on a massive transportation bill to improve our failing roads and bridges. If there are any suggestions for the NSBA, please reach out to Marilyn. She is a fierce advocate.

Our Top 10 Most-Read Articles of March
Real estate professionals received good news in March: they're eligible to apply for and receive federal loan funding. Not surprisingly, an article announcing that hit our top 10 list of the most-read articles of the month (#3). A chance at federal funding was not the only thing RE Technology readers got last month. They also could download a free piece of marketing (#2), and learn a plethora of advanced lead generation strategies (see articles #7 and #8 below). To find out what else agents and brokers were reading in March, check out the list below. 1. The Big Lie: 'The House Is Not in a Flood Zone'When flood insurance is so $#@!&^% confusing, why would you spend more time on it than you have to? Yet, when your clients are committing much of their life savings to a 30-year investment, they want to feel confident they're doing everything they can to protect that investment. Following these three steps to simplify flood insurance places you in a position to confidently lead the conversation. 2. Friday Freebie: Get the 'Rent vs. Own Report' to Move Renters Off the Fence‍If you're looking to build a base of lifelong clients, there's no better niche than first-time home buyers. But persuading high-income renters to become homeowners can be tricky--until you put the cold, hard numbers in front of them. In this week's Friday Freebie, we're highlighting a free Rent vs. Own report that will help you do just that. 3. Real Estate Agents Eligible for PPP Loans Until March 31‍The second wave of federal loan funding includes $250 billion earmarked to small businesses. As of right now, about $128 billion of that money is still available. Last week, the federal government extended the benefit to independent contractors, including real estate agents. 4. Top 8 Things to Make You the Realtor of Choice for Sellers and BuyersWith over 5 million homes selling annually, what is it that makes you the Realtor of choice? The real reason is that you are the one who can provide the most benefit to both the seller and the buyer on their real estate journey. Here are the top eight things that make you stand out. Do you have all these qualities? 5. 7 Ways to Get More Seller Leads in a Tight MarketResearch, reports, and expert opinion claim that the housing market will continue to see a strong buyer presence in 2021, thus creating a tighter market. To leverage this increased demand in a tight market, real estate agent marketing can work wonders. How can real estate agent marketing work for you? Here are seven ways to get more seller leads in a tight market. 6. 3 Apps Guaranteed to Save You TimeYou can increase your efficiency while still building future business if you get a little help. The good news is there is technology available today that you can use to help you speed up or simplify some time-consuming tasks. Here are three apps that can help you save time, make you more efficient, and help you build future business. 7. Get More Listings: Pursue Absentee OwnersHave you vegged out enough on Netflix over the past few months or are you ready for the new world of real estate? We've found a couple of niches that we think will be especially worth your time and effort to pursue in a post-lockdown real estate market. One of these is landlords, a.k.a. "absentee owners." 8. Top 5 Real Estate Lead MagnetsMany real estate agents are unsure of the best way to capture leads. The secret actually isn't much of a secret. Across industries, marketing professionals use what's called a lead magnet to entice consumers to willingly provide their contact information. We'll explain what this tactic is and share the best real estate lead magnets that will help you grow your business. 9. The Golden Rule for Your Real Estate Social Media StrategyAs you're building your brand following on your website, social media, and business pages, remember the following – content is king, but consistency is key. When you're building and executing your social strategy, remember to be consistent in these three specific ways. 10. 4 Ways You Can Digitally 'Hand-hold' Clients and Why You ShouldWe all know that staying connected to your clients may be more important now than ever. And we know that understanding the importance and the value of the digital tools you are using can help you use them better to strengthen your relationships with your sphere of influence. Here are four ways you can digitally "hand-hold" clients and the benefits of doing so.

Our Top 10 Most-Read Articles of January
January is all about gearing up your business for the year ahead. That begins with understanding what the real estate market is likely to do in the coming months. That's why "5 Predictions for the 2021 Housing Market" was our most read article of last month. RE Technology subscribers also prepped for 2021 by diving into articles about CMAs (#7), listing presentation checklists (#3), YouTube advertising (#9), and the mess Zillow is making of rental listings (#6). What else were agents and brokers reading in January? Check out the full list below to find out! 1. 5 Predictions for the 2021 Housing MarketFollowing one of the strongest years for residential real estate on record, the 2021 housing market has some large proverbial shoes to fill. Optimistic housing economists expect a recovering national economy to improve the housing market even more in 2021. So what can we truly expect for 2021 housing market? Here are five predictions. 2. Common Misconceptions Agents Have About Real Estate WebsitesWhen it comes to real estate websites, there are a few complaints that we hear more often than others. This is typically due to misconceptions or assumptions. We are here to clear all that up. Here are common misconceptions about real estate websites. 3. Your Real Estate Listing Presentation ChecklistYou should never treat the listing presentation as just a formality. Walk into each one with the mindset that you need to outperform steep competition. So, what's the best way to do that? We'll review the key areas that you need to cover. 4. Social Media for Real Estate Agents: Do's and Don'tsIt's no secret that a killer social media game should be an an important part of every real estate agent's marketing strategy. But there's lot of social media platforms and each is a little bit different, but some similar rules should govern your interaction with all of them. Get started on your social media strategy with confidence using these do's and don'ts of social media for real estate agents. 5. How One Email Generated $2 Million in New Business in One DayWe love to learn about the nitty gritty details that go into a successful real estate marketing campaign. That's why we were so excited to hear about Randall Martin, who generated $2 million in new business with a single. Learn more about how he achieved this by downloading a FREE Success Kit exclusively for RE Technology readers. 6. Zillow Does It Again: This Time They're After Your Rental IncomeThis month, Zillow announced that your MLS rental listings would no longer be syndicated directly to Zillow. With this policy change, Zillow you to create an account with Zillow Rental Manager and pay a hefty fee to appear on Zillow. The potential economic impact on real estate is massive: potentially tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars. 7. How to Get More Listings with a Comparative Market AnalysisWhen discussing marketing for real estate agents, a lot of attention is given to attracting leads. Once your leads convert into customers, however, you still need robust resources to help them meet their goals. One piece of content that appeals to both leads and customers is the comparative market analysis. 8. Read This First If You Need Help Setting Up a New Tech DeviceNew year, new devices. Did you know that the Tech Analysts at Tech Helpline also can help you with setting up many other new tech devices? Or help you switch from an Android to an iPhone, Windows to Mac, or vice-versa? Learn more about this free benefit from your MLS, association or brokerage. 9. Guide to YouTube Ads for Real Estate AgentsDespite YouTube being one of the most successful and popular social media platforms, for real estate agents, it's still a relatively untapped territory. But YouTube is a huge marketing platform that gives you the opportunity to reach every kind of audience you need. Here's what you need to know about advertising on YouTube. 10. 6 Feet Under: Stop Killing Your Listings with Inaccurate MeasurementsEver been in a position where the house that you just sold ended up being not as presented? What if the square footage of the property wasn't accurate? The expectation of professionalism, reliability, and accuracy is something that every real estate agent is held accountable for. It all begins with best practices when it comes to marketing a property, by targeting one of the most important factors of any listing: accurate square footage.

Our Top 10 Most-Read Articles of December
Happy New Year! Before we dive fully into a new year and a new decade, let's take a look at the month and year that just passed. As our regular readers likely know, each month we publish a list of our most read articles. But every December, we go one step further and count down our 10 most popular articles of the year. You can see the full list of our best articles of 2020 here. Below is our final monthly list of articles from 2020. Check out what your fellow agents and brokers were reading during the waning days of that challenging year. 1. 10 New Lead Sources to Explore Before New Year's‍Consistently generating new leads is one of the most important tasks real estate agents must master to be successful. Most experts recommend nurturing at least 3-5 different lead sources to fuel your business. Here are ten lead sources you should explore for the new year that may help you reach your business goals. 2. 40 Post Ideas for Real Estate Social MediaDo you feel like your real estate business is getting the cold shoulder from people on social media? You're probably right! Your social media pages are prime spots to connect with clients on a personal level—if you know how to get their attention. Make people stand up and notice your real estate business with this list of our 40 favorite social media posts to attract clients. 3. Friday Freebie: Exceed Your 2021 Goals with this CRM and All-in-One Marketing Platform‍A goal without a plan is just a wish. If one of those goals is closing more deals in 2021, it pays to have a detailed marketing plan. That's why in the last Friday Freebie of the year we're introducing you to a tool that can streamline your real estate marketing efforts and put you on track to meet your 2021 commission goals. 4. Real Estate Scripts and How to Use Them‍Every agent needs an arsenal of real estate scripts that cover the gamut of common situations, from reaching out to a new lead to asking a past client to write a Google review. If you don't already have a variety of go-to scripts, now is the time to get started. 5. How to Optimize Your 'About Me' Page for ConversionsThere's a good chance your About Me page is one of the top five most visited pages on your website. However, there are so many poorly constructed About Me pages that we felt compelled to write an article about it. If your About Me page receives views but no clicks, form fills or any other engagement, it's time to revamp and optimize it for conversions. 6. How to Create a Custom Short URL for Your Real Estate Website and BrandSome real estate companies use short URLs on Twitter and other social media. Have you noticed them? Realtor.com uses rltor.cm. Zillow uses zlw.re. Inman uses inmn.io. Short URLs can be a fun, creative way to further integrate your real estate brand into your content. And they are not that complicated to set up. In this article, we will show you how to create a custom short URL for your real estate website and brand. 7. How Every Agent Can Help Solve Our Inventory ShortageMany homeowners are not only stuck, they're overwhelmed. They want to sell, but they don't know where to move, so they see selling as too much of a hassle. They are fearful and have safety concerns, especially with the impacts of COVID. They are in lockdown mode and sitting on the sidelines. How can an agent change that mindset? 8. Friday Freebie: Audit Your Tech Stack with This WorksheetIf 2020 has taught us anything, it's that we often don't need all the things we once thought of as necessary. And with just a few weeks left in 2020, it's time to figure out what you want to carry forward with you into 2021. This free worksheet can help you figure out which technology you should keep in the year ahead—and which you should dump. 9. 3 Ways to Be More Productive in Real EstateTime is of the essence in the current real estate market. How are you staying on top of your productivity goals? Here are three quick (but impactful) ways you can be more productive right within your database. 10. The Top Producers' Road Map to Delivering Great Experiences for Buyers and SellersHigh-performing real estate professionals leverage their time with an efficient and focused approach. Instead of trying to manage all aspects on the buying/selling continuum, they focus on the most critical moment of truth in the real estate cycle: the client experience.

Upstream Reports Progress, Plans and Transition
UpstreamRE, LLC, the broker-owned company responsible for overseeing the Upstream real estate data management solution, announced specific plans for rolling out the first features in select markets in 2021, reflected on the project's purpose and progress, and reported the initial success of a planned transition.

More Competitors than Ever... and Counting: REALTOR Membership Sets a New Record
Last year, the National Association of REALTORS reported 1.4 million members. As of October, the NAR total membership number stands at 1,453,128 -- up some 50,000 new members in growth during the middle of a pandemic. In certain states, the growth has been stunning. The second biggest state association -- the Florida Association of Realtors -- has added 8,300 members in the last ten months, totaling 193,000 Realtors at the end of October. That means that Florida Realtors now has just under 8,000 fewer members than the nation's largest state association, the California Association of REALTORS®. Get ready for more growth – and competition.

Keller Williams Forms New Holding Company
Gary Keller steps down as KW CEO and remains executive chairman of board Gary Keller has developed an impressive business over the years, building an international company 160,000 agents strong. Like many other great business leaders in our industry, his success has come from being a visionary. Keller will be restricting his role to the Chairman of the holding company for all KW related businesses. Looks to me like they are clearing his schedule so he can work on something big--like an IPO perhaps.

So Long, 2020: 3 Questions to Help You Prep for Year-end
If you're just waiting to see 2020 solidly in the rearview mirror, you're not alone. It's been a long, stressful year for everyone--with more ups and downs than a theme park's newest roller coaster. One silver lining in all of this, though, is that real estate has stayed strong. In fact, we're seeing agents ramping up in productivity, and the time is drawing near where brokerages need to evaluate those agents' production either through budgeting or reviewing year-over-year reports! So today, let's get a jump on end-of-year reporting and information, because we can't wait for 2021, either.

Top 10 Most Popular Articles of July
"Communication" was the unofficial topic of the month, with July's list of our most-read articles touching on the subject multiple times. For drumming up more seller leads, try the script/questions in article #3. For lead-converting voicemail messages, see article #2. For better texting, #5 is for you, and for advice on better Zoom meetings, check out article #8. If you're feeling crafty, check out article #10 to learn how to build a flyer on Google Slides. Need to draw a floorplan by hand? Article #1 has a foolproof method for. For everything else, there's the full list of July's top 10 articles below: 1. How to Draw a Floor Plan without a Laser MeasureDid you know that one in five buyers would ignore a property listing completely if it didn't include a floor plan? That means you could be missing out on 20% of your inquiries with potential buyers scrolling right past your listing. But don't panic! We're going to show you the easiest and fastest way to create a floor plan without using a measuring tape or laser measure. 2. Friday Freebie: Voicemail Scripts that ConvertYou're a proactive agent—when a new lead comes in, you call them ASAP. But what if that hot lead sends you right to voicemail? The message you leave is the first impression you give a prospect. That's why in this week's Friday Freebie, we're highlighting a new guide with sample voicemail scripts you can use to make you the Realtor that lead will want to work with. 3. Want More Listings? Call Your Database and Ask These 4 QuestionsWhy do some agents get all the listing clients, while others have to settle for buyers? It all boils to one simple truth. "The people that get all the listings talk to more people," says real estate coach Tom Ferry. In this video, he offers four simple questions you can ask your database to spark a conversation that gets homeowners thinking about selling. 4. 5 Shocking Yet True Real Estate StatisticsA recent article highlights 57 real estate statistics that help real estate agents and those in the industry understand their market better. Understanding and leveraging these statistics to your benefit is the goal of this blog post. We have highlighted five of the statistics in the article that we feel is the most crucial to your real estate career. 5. Warm Up Cold Real Estate Leads with SMS TextingThese days, people want speed and convenience. Providing rapid, responsive service is crucial for top-notch customer service. One of the best tools for growing rapport is something you probably use daily but might not have applied to your business just yet. It's SMS texting. 6. Is TikTok a Good Social Media Platform for Realtors?TikTok is a social media channel that has become very popular recently. Realtors have started using the social media platform to get noticed and target certain market segments. But how and why should you use TikTok for real estate? In this article, we will provide you with some examples and arguments. 7. Your Guide to Hosting Virtual Open HousesReal estate agents have successfully been throwing open houses for decades, but virtual open houses are a different ball game. It can be hard to know where exactly to start, though. So we have prepared some easy guidelines for you to follow. Who knows? With some practice, virtual open houses could become your new favorite marketing tactic. 8. Zoom for Real Estate: 4 Hacks You Need to KnowZoom has become a new real estate go-to tool for communications with millions of Americans working from home and attending online classes. As with all new technology, the more you become familiar with it, the more features you uncover. Once turned on, some hidden features give real estate professionals more ways to use this communication platform to engage clients and prospects. 9. 6 Real Estate Video Production Resources for Agents‍It's true you can spend a lot on video production if you have the budget for it, but many real estate businesses are producing their own video content cost effectively without hiring professionals. Some of the services discussed below cost less per month than a daily cup of coffee! These services are also very easy to use and you will quickly discover you don't have to have a background in design or video to produce effective videos. 10. How to Make a Flyer in Google Slides‍If you're looking for ways to add value, reach a larger audience, attract more visitors to your website, or capture more leads, downloadable guides, flyers, and checklists may be the tool you're looking for. Here's how to make your own for free in Google Slides.

Insightful Tech: Project Team Mistakes, ADA Review, Web Analytics and Bots, Zoom Security Vulnerabilities, and Together Mode
Product Teams and Usability As part of my business, I provide a partner selection service to assist brokerages in vetting products. A product team's role is to deliver the product's vision to the customer. An area that the team puts a lot of effort into during the development process is to ensure their product is usable by the customer.

Top 10 Most Popular Articles of June
Advertising. It was on the minds of agents and brokers in June, judging by our monthly round-up of RE Technology's most read articles. Check out article #6 for a look at real estate's hottest new advertising trend, and #9 for the science behind the effectiveness in ads. Special types of sellers got a lot of attention last month too, with an article about FSBOs clocking in at #2 and absentee owners at #5. And for insight into a perennial favorite—social media—check out articles #7 and #8. For everything else? Browse through the full list of our most popular articles of June below: 1. Friday Freebie: Handle Objections Better with These Brochures‍If you've been practicing real estate for any amount of time, you've surely heard more than your fair share of objections. For some clients, patient explanation is all that's needed to gently nudge them along. As for others? Well, sometimes you need a little more. In this Friday Freebie, we highlight three brochures made to counter the most common objections you'll hear from real estate clients. 2. Converting FSBOs to Clients: 4 TipsConverting FSBOs to clients could just push you over your sales goals this year. It is difficult to build a relationship with someone who wants nothing to do with your services, but that needs to be your focus. FSBOs will not be easy to recruit, so building a meaningful, trusting relationship with them over time is your best bet to successfully convert them to a client. Follow these tips in order to learn how to foster these necessary relationships, and eventually make them profitable. 3. Agent Advice: How to Ask Clients for Online ReviewsOnline marketing tools have become indispensable. Still, one thing has not changed: prospective clients will always want to know what your previous clients think about your services. Reviews and testimonials are essential for growing your business. But why are they so important, and how do you get them? We're here to offer up some answers. 4. How to Build an Income-Producing Referral BusinessReal estate is an essential business built on relationships, and your database is your goldmine. By following the suggestions below, you can begin learning the skills to effectively communicate, network and grow your business. It all begins with who you know. 5. Get More Listings: Pursue Absentee OwnersThings have changed, from buyer preferences to how homes are shown. We've found a couple of niches that we think will be especially worth your time and effort to pursue in a post-lockdown real estate market. One of these is landlords, a.k.a. "absentee owners." 6. Waze Is the Hottest Trend in Real Estate Marketing. Here's WhyWaze advertisements have experienced a 173% surge in usage among agents when compared to this time last June. The year-over-year jump is the largest we've seen from any digital real estate marketing channel—including stalwarts like Facebook, Instagram, and Google. So why has Waze become one of the most popular advertising platforms—and how can real estate agents take advantage of it? 7. 8 Great Facebook and Instagram Hacks‍Social media sites like Facebook and Instagram are experiencing record volumes of visitors. To take advantage of the massive traffic on Facebook and Instagram to raise your local visibility now and when real estate begins to rebound, here are eight great hacks. 8. How to Use RPR and Canva to Make Shareable Market Charts for Social MediaREALTORS who want to up their game when it comes to social media marketing can quickly adapt RPR data and charts into a campaign that will draw attention from your network. There's a lot of eyeballs in social media, and it's easier than ever to grab them! Here's how to use RPR reports and Canva to create attention-getting, data-packed graphic posts. 9. Ad Science: Ads with Faces Eleven Times More Likely to Get NoticedThe average person sees about 360 commercial messages daily. This has led us to minimally process online content that looks like an ad, a phenomenon called banner blindness. However, you likely see a lot of faces in advertising, and this is not a coincidence. There is science behind the phenomenon. Here's how to create eye-catching ads based on subconscious reaction to human faces. 10. 12 Tips for Marketing to Buyer's AgentsWhen an agent receives a listing, they use different marketing strategies to let the public know there is a property for sale. But before informing the public about a new listing, talk to your colleagues first! There are lots of buyer's agents who will be happy to hear there is a potential home for their clients available. Here are some tips to help you better market your listing to buyer's agents.

BHGRE Announces First Company in Brand History to Affiliate Through Entirely Virtual Process
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC announced that Gaetano Marra, the lead of the Gaetano Marra Homes Team, has opened a new Connecticut brokerage and affiliated with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. The new Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra Homes is based in Monroe and serves Fairfield and New Haven Counties. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra Homes is the first company in the BHGRE® brand's history to affiliate with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate through an entirely virtual process. Marra, the broker/owner, will be joined by nearly 30 agents and his existing support staff in the new brokerage. The team did 281 transactions in 40 different communities in 2019 equating to $67 million in sales volume.

Top 10 Most Popular Articles of May
The COVID-19 lockdown is coming to an end in most parts of the country, and many of our most read articles last month reflected that transition. For example, article #6 on our list below talks about how open houses have changed in the wake of the pandemic. Want to better understand how real estate consumers feel about buying and selling homes during this time? Scroll down to #10. To learn about technology that you can use both during and after quarantine, check out articles #3 and #8. To see what else was popular with agents and brokers during the month of May, check out our full list below! 1. Friday Freebie: Download a COVID-19 Postcard and Reach Out to Your Sphere‍The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live--and the way we need to communicate. So how do we communicate in this new era while remaining sensitive to changing norms and our sphere's changing needs? Find out for yourself in this week's Friday Freebie. We're introducing you to a series of coronavirus-related postcards that hit just the right note for reaching out to those who matter most to your real estate business. 2. A TikTok Guide for Real Estate AgentsThere's a number of reasons why you should start branding yourself on TikTok as an agent. Approximately 50% of U.S. users are between the ages of 18 and 34 with an additional 20% between the ages of 35 and 44. Not only are those prime home buying ages, but 37% of its users have stated they have a household income exceeding $100K! Your target demographic is on TikTok, so why aren't you? 3. 3 Easy Ways to Scan Documents, Create PDFs with Your PhoneIn the mobile age, sending photos and documents can be done on your smartphone through text or email. Best of all, today you can turn just about any image or document into a PDF. With a simple smartphone app, you can teach your clients to do the same. Here are three real estate agent-friendly options. 4. 10 Things to Do When you Receive a Referral‍There are 10 things you ABSOLUTELY must do each and every time you receive a referral to ensure you get more and more referrals each and every year, month, week, and even day. Here's what you do each time someone sends you a referral. 5. 6 Apps to Help You Take Better Listing Photos‍Many real estate agents hire professional photographers, and though we encourage agents to bring in outside expertise, we also understand that it's not always possible right now. So if you're playing the part of photographer and agent, check out these tips and apps that you can use to show your listing in the best possible light. 6. Everything You Know About Open Houses Is About to ChangeWhile agents rushed to provide virtual showings to fill the immediate void, "open houses" are starting to return, but they are not the same. In fact, everything you know about open houses is about to change again with an innovative new service: Open House Every Day. 7. Cloud CMA Releases Impressive Upgrade for Live PresentationsWe recently saw a preview of the new Cloud CMA Live. The best part is that these additional new features are included for no additional charge. If you are a current Cloud CMA user, there is nothing that you need to do. The upgrade is automatically added to all existing and future accounts. Learn more in this article. 8. Business Unusual: 3 Things to Do Right Now in RPRWe're just over a month in and everyone is feeling the corona crunch. Many WFHers are facing the question of "What can I do right now to help me prepare for later?" RPR has your back. Here are three easy things you can learn to do in RPR right now. 9. 3 Ways to Become the GO TO Agent in Your Neighborhood without Leaving Your House!Albert Clark of HomeActions joined us on a Coffee Chat last week to teach us how to support your clients with insightful and unique homeownership information and market data to become THE go-to agent in your neighborhood. Here are three key takeaways. 10. What Homebuyers and Sellers Think About COVID-19We read a lot about what the so-called 'experts' think will happen to the real estate market as a result of COVID-19, but what do homebuyers and sellers think? Transactly conducted a market survey of 800 consumers who planned on buying or selling a home in 2020, prior to COVID-19, to hear their opinions. Here's what we learned.

Top 10 Most Popular Articles of April
As in March, strategies for handling the COVID-19 related business slowdown are a prominent part of our monthly top 10 articles list. But in April, real estate agents and brokers began to turn their attention to other topics. In fact, our top three articles don't pertain to the coronavirus at all! (Does that suggest a return to normalcy soon? We hope so!) April did, however, see the launch of RE Technology's new Coffee Chat series—short, daily webinars that offer real estate pros practical tips and ideas for navigating the pandemic. Check out article #6 for a taste of what they offer. And there are bright spots in all the coronavirus gloom. For example, online advertising costs have dropped significantly—you can learn more about that in article #10. Want to check out a lucrative, untapped business opportunity that requires no in-person meetings? Scroll down to #8 to find out more. For everything else, check out the rest of our top 10 most read articles of April! 1. How to Use Your New Smartphone Camera Like a ProSmartphones are well on their way to replacing more than tablets and PCs; they also are well on their way to replacing SLR cameras. If you have the newest Pixel, Samsung or Apple iPhone 11, you can take photos that, until now, you could only take with professional equipment. Here are ways you can use your new phone's camera like a pro. 2. Protect Yourself from Identity Theft: A Must-Do for All Agents‍It is paramount that real estate agents protect themselves from identify theft. It is not just happening online. The types of crime identity theft includes range from credit card fraud to having all your financial and personal information stolen. If it happens to you, it can be very scary and time-consuming to fix. Now is your opportunity to be proactive. Here are the top nine ways you can protect yourself. 3. How to Set Up Facebook Instant Replies to Convert Real Estate Leads‍Did you know that it is a really simple process to convert a Facebook follower into a real estate lead? Being able to generate business from a Facebook page is an equation that agents are always trying to crack. If you read further, we provide you with some information that not many agents know about. 4. Video Tours: Buyer Tested, Social Distance ApprovedShowing a home is one of the most important steps in selling, but arranging a time when the house can be clean, the sellers can be out, and the buyers and their agent can view can be a handful. However, a lot of the logistics involved with showing your listings can be solved by creating a video tour. It also helps promote safe physical distance and reduces the opportunity to spread germs. 5. How to Write a Strong Call-to-Action and Convert More Real Estate LeadsWords matter in real estate. The message you craft for leads will determine how many convert. If you are not seeing the sales figures you need, you may want to take a look at your call-to-action on Facebook and other platforms. 6. Create Your Own FREE Virtual Listing Presentation with RPRHistorically, many agents delivered listing presentations in person at the kitchen table. With COVID-19, that is not possible, but RPR has a way to do the next best thing—deliver a customized, branded virtual listing presentation and then use GoToMeeting, Zoom, Google Hangouts or even the Facetime feature on your phone to have the conversation you would normally have in person. 7. National Association of Realtors' Response to COVID-19The National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced last week that they would be helping their real estate community amidst the COVID-19 virus outbreak. With President Trump's recommendation to extend social distancing practices now until April 30th, this continues to leave real estate agents wondering when their business will return back to normalcy. 8. How to Find Income During the Real Estate Slowdown: Adapt and Diversify!‍There's a lucrative corner of the real estate market that's largely unknown to most real estate agents--a corner where $100 billion changes hands every year. And it's far easier to get in on the action than you could imagine. We're talking about property rights, and today there's an online exchange where you and your clients can list their property rights as available to interested buyers. 9. Friday Freebie: Targeted Mailing List to Jumpstart Your Print CampaignsTechnology has made it easy to target specific groups of consumers for real estate marketing and advertising campaigns. We all know the targeting power that social media ads offer--but what if you want to target consumers offline? In this week's Friday Freebie, we'll introduce you to a way to easily target consumers for print marketing campaigns--and get 100 FREE verified names and addresses in your area. 10. Analysis: Agents Should Double Down on Facebook and Instagram Ads as Advertising Costs DropAs agents feel the effects of the novel coronavirus on their business, they'll instinctually want to cut spending on digital advertising--but our latest analysis implores worried agents to do the opposite.

The Top 10 Most Popular Articles of January
We've rounded up our most popular articles of last month--which, being January, you know what that means. That's right, plenty of advice on how to take on the new year! Check out articles #3 and #6 on the list below for tips on giving your 2020 a jumpstart. If your resolutions involve building crucial skills, see #4. Considering joining a real estate team? Article #2 will help you weigh the pros and cons. If you just want to market more consistently, scroll down to #7 for a year's worth of real estate newsletter ideas. What else were agents and brokers reading in the first month of 2020? Check out the full top 10 list below to find out! 1. Read This If You Use a Mac, iPad or iPhoneThe moment I experienced the seamless integration between the iPhone and the MacBook for the first time, my life changed for the better. Today I run a MacBook Pro, an iPad Pro, and an iPhone 11 Pro. I started using a few pieces of native Apple software that work beautifully for project management across these three devices that you may not have tried yet in this context. Here they are. 2. Should I Join a Real Estate Team?One of the things real estate agents should no doubt put some time into considering is joining a real estate team. While it's not for everyone, there are some pretty good perks to joining a real estate team. There are also several factors to consider if you think it might be the right fit for you. 3. Friday Freebie: Business Planning Checklist for 2020Today, we're highlighting a free business planning checklist that agents can use to make sure their business is prime, commission-earning shape for the year ahead. Read on to learn how you can end the first month of 2020 poised for success. 4. 4 Skills That Will Catapult You to SuccessWould you like to make 2020 your best year ever? It is a time to leap, yes 2020 is a leap year, and your opportunity to leap into spectacular performance in all areas of your life. Make the first year of the decade one worth remembering. Here are the top skills that will greatly enhance you in every area of your life. 5. Repurposing Your Listing Photos: 3 Timeless Shots that Live on Beyond the SaleReal estate is a hyper-local business, and your photos should help you sell your expertise in your market. Repurposing your listing photography investment can save you money on an independent lifestyle shoot. Ask for these three shots from your real estate photographer to use on social media, your website and print marketing materials. 6. 5 Ways Real Estate Agents Can Hit the Ground Running in 2020Real estate agents know there's no such thing as a slow season for them. During the winter months when most markets are quieter, agents need to be ramping up their marketing and prospecting efforts so they have a deep well of leads going into the busy spring season. While the season is slow for your clients, move fast to hit the ground running in 2020 with these five real estate tips. 7. 51 Content Ideas for Your Real Estate NewsletterA real estate newsletter is a great way to generate leads and develop brand identity. But you need to fill these newsletters with content that is unique and valuable to your readers. To get you started, here are 51 content ideas for your real estate newsletter. 8. Instagram's Latest Change: What It Means for Your BusinessA recent announcement from Instagram's CEO shared that the platform would be removing public likes. In a follow-up tweet, the company said they wanted users to "focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get." Their main focus is to make users' well-being and mental health a priority, rather than popularity. Here's what you need to know. 9. Is Your Listing Description Turning Consumers Off?Imagine if you had a magic power to know exactly how readers would react to the description text that you write about your new listing. According to research, the word "fixer-upper" is a horrible term. Here are other phrases to avoid (and include!) in your listing descriptions. 10. How to Actually Generate Good Quality Leads on FacebookOther industries have been very successfully using Facebook to generate leads, but for some reason, the real estate industry has lagged behind. Up until now, many agents have been using the 'shotgun' approach, which in the context of marketing, is a strategy where a promotional campaign for services or products targets as large of an area or population as possible. It's time to shake things up!

Latest Swanepoel Power 200 Names Zillow CEO Rich Barton as Real Estate's Most Powerful Leader
The Swanepoel Power 200 (SP200), the definitive ranking of the residential real estate industry's most powerful and influential leaders, has named Zillow Group Co-Founder and CEO Rich Barton as the most powerful leader in 2020. Published by T3 Sixty, the seventh annual edition of the report is out today at sp200.com. The four most powerful executives after Barton are, in order: Keller Williams Realty CEO Gary Keller, HomeServices of America CEO Ron Peltier, Realogy CEO Ryan Schneider, and Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman.

Broker Public Portal Names New Board Officers
The Board of Managers of the Broker Public Portal today announced its Board members for 2020. The Broker Public Portal, which is owned and operated by real estate brokerages and MLSs and operates a joint venture with Homesnap, Inc., connects consumer home searchers to over one million real estate professionals in America today through more than 200 MLS agreements. The five real estate industry leaders joining the Broker Public Portal Board of Managers include Nick Bozovitch, Chief Information Officer of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services; Chad Gilbert, President and Owner of RE/MAX Suburban; Tom Hosack, CEO, President, and Broker for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty, and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwood Realty Services; Donna Kreps, President of F.C. Tucker Company; and Stan Martin, Chief Operating Officer of Austin Board of REALTORS® and ACTRIS. "The surging success of the Broker Public Portal attracts real estate industry's most trusted and forward-looking leaders," said John Mosey, Chairman of the Broker Public Portal and CEO of NorthstarMLS, a regional MLS serving Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. "We have almost 90 percent of the property listings in America coming from 48 states. The Broker Public Portal with Homesnap has delivered millions of free leads to agents, a number we expect to grow significantly every year. Our new Board of Managers will accelerate the reach of, and our industry's commitment to the mission of, the Broker Public Portal," Mosey added. The Broker Public Portal Board of Managers includes, as it notes in its charter, a "fair and balanced group of executives who represent the interests of large brokers, medium brokers, small brokers, independent managers and multiple listing service organizations." The agent count of participating firms establishes the size of brokerages eligible. 2020 new Board members: Nick Bozovitch, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Chad Gilbert, RE/MAX Tom Hosack, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwood Realty Services Donna Kreps, F.C. Tucker Company Stan Martin, ACTRIS 2020 Board of Managers also includes: Alon Chaver, HomeServices of America Tim Dain, MARIS Craig Cheatham, The Realty Alliance Joan Docktor, Fox and Roach Realtors Rebecca Jensen, Midwest Real Estate Data Craig McClelland, BHGRE Metro Brokers Bill Miller, Metrolist John Mosey, NorthstarMLS Christina Pappas, The Keyes Company Pat Shea, Lyon Real Estate Gurtej Sodhi, Crye-Leike Andy Starck, Starck Real Estate Each officer term is three years, with about one-third of the directors rotating off each year. About the New Board Members Nick Bozovitch Bozovitch is the Vice President of Technology at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. Working closely with the executive team, he oversaw all IT operations and technology initiatives in support of the company's growth as it became the third-largest brokerage firm in the United States. Bozovitch also serves in advisory roles for the Allegheny County Airport Authority and the Greater Pittsburgh CIO Group. Before joining Howard Hanna in 2014, he served in key strategic, operational, and technical positions at a large global law firm for more than 13 years. Chad Gilbert Gilbert is President and Owner of the rapidly growing RE/MAX Suburban and Precision Title Company. From 2015 to 2016, the company grew by $250 million and was recognized as the No. 1 RE/MAX in Illinois and the No. 14 largest RE/MAX by volume in the country. Gilbert and his wife and co-owner Sarah Gilbert were honored in 2016 with RE/MAX's "Above the Crowd!" award, which recognizes individuals for their commitment to the RE/MAX brand within their office, the RE/MAX network and their community. Tom Hosack Hosack is the CEO, President, and Broker for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty in southwestern Pennsylvania, as well as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwood Realty Services in northeastern Ohio. With over 1,800 agents and 54 offices, they are ranked No. 1 in market share in their region. Before his 26-year career in real estate, he was the principal of a general contracting company, but has now been in real estate for over 26 years. Currently, Hosack serves as President and board member of West Penn Multi List, top 75 director for NAR, RES board member for NAR, and board member and executive committee member for UpstreamRE, as well as a past Chairman of the Realty Alliance. Donna Kreps Kreps is President of Residential Real Estate for F.C. Tucker Company. With over 1,500 agents statewide and over $3.2 billion in sales, it is the largest independent real estate firm in Indiana. It also ranks among the largest independent real estate firms in the nation. She has been with the 100+-year-old firm for over 25 years. She was named Executive VP in 2007, President of the Residential Division 2016, and is the first female executive of the company. She has won numerous awards including the recipient of the coveted Fred C. Tucker Senior Award in 2016. She holds a Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation. Stan Martin Martin is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) and ACTRIS, which provides MLS services to over 15,000 subscribers in Austin, Texas. He has worked in the MLS industry since 2004, providing a strong combination of product management and operational expertise to organizations. Martin currently serves on The MLS Grid Board of Directors, NAR's Leading Edge Advisory group, and was appointed by the Council of MLS to serve on the MLS Technology and Emerging Issue Advisory Board beginning in 2020.

Top 10 Most Popular Articles of November
Is November too early to start talking about the holidays or the new year? Not according to last month's Top 10 Most Popular Articles list. November saw articles on holiday marketing (#4 on the list below), 2020 market predictions (#3), and gift giving (#1) make our round-up of the most-read posts. CRMs were also on the minds of our readers. Not only did we release a Success Guide to CRMs in November, but articles #2 and #5 touched on the topic, as well. What else were agents and brokers reading in November? Check out the full list below to find out! 1. Top 10 Closing/Housewarming Gifts for Your BuyersWant to create a gift that is memorable and will bring you repeat business and referrals? Many real estate agents have said that they prefer to call it a housewarming gift and have it personally delivered when the buyers move into their home. Any way you choose to call it, a thoughtful gift in addition to your outstanding service will be welcomed and remembered by your clients. 2. The 6 Trends We're Seeing in Top Real Estate CRMsCRM is a constantly evolving category of technology for real estate. Vendors in this category regularly introduce new functionality to improve the breadth of services that agents or brokers can accomplish. Here are a number of new functions and trends that we see emerging across the real estate CRM landscape. 3. Friday Freebie: 2020 Real Estate Market OutlookA special annual event is upon us—and no, we're not talking about the holidays (yet). It's Brian Buffini's Bold Predictions: 2020 Real Estate Market Outlook, a free live webcast on Dec. 10 that we're telling you about a FULL MONTH in advance so that you can be sure to secure a seat. Why is this event so in-demand? Read on to learn all about it in this week's Friday Freebie. 4. 3 Easy Holiday Marketing Ideas for Real Estate AgentsSomehow it's that time of year again! Before you know it you'll be going full-speed ahead into 2020. While the holidays are a great time to slow down, enjoy family time, and focus on business planning, we all know there is always the opportunity to generate more business. So here are a few quick marketing ideas to capitalize on this holiday season! 5. 5 Reasons You Need a Real Estate CRMDo you want to be more productive, better organized and have more control over your business? Use a real estate CRM. A Customer Relationship Management program is intended to help professionals stay on top of their businesses and succeed. Here's how an investment in a real estate CRM will take your business to the next level. 6. Real (Estate) Talk: How a Single Mom and New Agent Achieved Success in 6 MonthsAs a new real estate agent and a single mom to an autistic son, Tina Minshall had worries about earning enough. But those concerns quickly receded as Tina built a real estate family of mentors and caring clients. In just six months, she has created an impressive book of business and far exceeded the goals she initially set for herself. How did she do it? Learn more in this video interview. 7. How Much Do Bad Real Estate Photos Cost You?Before the average buyer even considers visiting your property, they will look at your photos. With so much competition in the real estate market, you cannot afford what you lose when you just take a few pictures with your iPhone. Here, you'll find what bad or even average real estate photos cost you with every listing. 8. How to Grow Your Business with Leads from InstagramReal estate is more visually driven than ever before and to be a successful real estate agent, these days you need to know how to utilize all the tools. That is exactly what Marki Lemons-Ryhal explained when she shared her tips and best practices to help your Instagram business boom. 9. Enhancing Photos and Virtual Staging: Know the RulesDid you know that enhancing a listing photo could be a violation of your local MLS rules? It could be if you run afoul of your local MLS guidelines. There's another catch: the rules surrounding enhancing photos and using photos are unique to each MLS. 10. Success Story: How One Agent Knew It Was Time to 'Level Up'Realtor Don Harkins took his business to the next level—twice. Like other agents, Don realized he was "leaving money on the table," and decided to take steps to maximize his profits. Find out how in this week's Success Story.