Before Your Open House

Getting ready for an open house is more than just a task. It’s an opportunity to impact the future of the property significantly. As the big day approaches, you must tackle several essential tasks to ensure everything runs smoothly and impresses potential buyers. 

1. Consider Professional Staging

Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. If your new listing needs a little extra pizazz, consider the expertise of a professional staging company or software. They can make the most of your client’s existing decor or spice it up to help your listing pop. And if your listing is vacant, adding a few things to give context to the space is essential to attract the perfect buyers.

Check out Apply Design, the ultimate user-friendly app that empowers everyone to stage their listings effortlessly. Unlike other virtual staging apps, Apply Design still gives agents the freedom to work their magic. It has an intuitive interface and a vast selection of elegant furniture, art, lighting, rugs, and plant renderings!

2. Get Pro Photography

Now that you’ve got the place looking super-fly, it’s time for real estate photography. Word of warning—don’t skimp on the pictures! You’re about to post this listing for everyone to view and want these pictures to draw potential buyers to your upcoming open house. Be sure to hire a professional to get the job done. Or, if you DIY, at least check out our tips to ensure buyers stop scrolling through Zillow to add your open house list to their calendar.

Pro Tip: While your pro photographer is already in your new listing and everything looks perfect, get them to shoot some video for you, too. Some photographers can create Reel-style short vertical videos that you can use to post to social media to announce your upcoming open house. If your photographer doesn’t offer this service or you want to do some DIY to save some cash, make some quick videos yourself using your cell phone camera.

3. Boost Your Open House Post on Facebook

Given that most of your potential open house guests are conducting their house hunting online, boosting a Facebook post to announce your open house can be a game-changer. Just ensure your Facebook ad is designed to cut through the noise on Facebook. If you’re yet to set up a Facebook business page, you can find a comprehensive guide in our How to Set Up a Real Estate Agent Facebook Page to Get More Leads article.

4. Decide Which Food & Drinks You Want to Serve

Believe it or not, the refreshments you serve at your open house can greatly impact how you are perceived as an agent. Remember, most of your guests don’t know you. That means they will be judging you on everything, including food! By serving high-quality open house refreshments, you will enhance your professional image and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

If you’re ordering food, give the restaurant or caterer enough time to prepare it. Two days before the open house should usually be enough lead time, but call ahead to make sure. If you’re making refreshments alone, shopping and preparing a few days before couldn’t hurt. 

5. Send an Email Blast or Newsletter Reminder

You worked hard to build your email list; now is the time to use it. Include your open house announcement in your weekly newsletter, or better yet, send out a dedicated email blast if you think the house is a good deal or it offers something curious neighbors might want to see.

Looking for a simple way to send out your email blast? Pipedrive provides a customizable email builder with impressive templates and email analytics. Its intuitive interface lets you create visually appealing emails tailored to your branding and audience. Its robust analytics offer valuable insights into email performance, including open rates, click-through rates, and engagement metrics.

6. Post Your Open House on Zillow & Realtor.com 

Of course, not all your potential guests will be on your email list, but they will be scrolling Zillow and realtor.com if they’re looking to buy. Zillow’s dedicated setting for scheduling open houses is a convenient tool to help you plan your event. You need to plan it early, but not too early. Four days or so before your open house should do the trick. 

Why stop with your open house? Zillow Premier Agent is a powerful tool that lets you connect with buyers where they’re already looking, giving you the confidence that your property is being seen by the right people.

7. Text Buyers You’re Already Working With

If you’re working with buyers, send them a quick text to announce the open house. It might not be the perfect home for them, but it gives you another chance to connect and will show them you’re working hard for your seller client.

8. Text Your Seller a Checklist to Prepare the Home

It’s important to give your seller time to prepare for the open house. They might need to clean, hide valuables, or make arrangements for pets. To show your thoughtfulness and care, offer to send a house cleaner, even though they might refuse. It’s the thought that counts!

Two Days Before Your Open House

Are you ready to host an open house for your real estate listing? Two days before the big day, you must utilize social media to reach out to the neighbors and prepare essential materials. These steps not only help you maximize attendance but also create a buzz that can make your open house an exciting event. 

9. Post an Instagram Reel Preview Announcement 

Since your Facebook post has already been boosted, take a few minutes to create a quick Instagram Reel to announce the open house to your followers. It doesn’t have to be Hollywood-quality, but it should tell them the date, time, and address and maybe include a sneak peek of the home. 

Highlight the benefits of attending, such as getting a first-hand look at the property, meeting the real estate agent, and asking any questions you may have. Shoot and edit this in advance, posting it two days before the open house.

Example of Instagram Reel open house preview announcement (Source: Instagram)

10. Do Some Circle Prospecting

Agents may shy away from knocking on doors (even though you should do that, too). Still, circle prospecting is a unique way to establish a personal connection with the neighborhood around your listing. Circle prospecting is a real estate strategy to generate more leads by focusing on a smaller area around a specific property. This makes building relationships and showcasing experience easier, creating a more personal outreach than cold calls. 

This personal touch can significantly enhance your chances of gaining another client. So, step out, knock on those doors, personally invite the neighbors to the open house, and then follow up with the results using a Just Sold postcard after you close.

11. Review Your Open House Scripts & Icebreakers

If you’re a new agent or haven’t held an open house in a while, it’s crucial to freshen up your open house scripts and icebreakers. This preparation will ensure you don’t stumble on the big day, making you feel more reassured. You want to be loose and spontaneous, but having some snappy phrases in your arsenal can’t hurt! A great example of an icebreaker and script from Laura Marie, Team Leader, eXp Realty:

12. Add Your Open House Sign 

Consider installing the open house sign a little earlier than scheduled. This can notify neighbors and passersby that they are welcome to drop by and view the home at their convenience without making an appointment.

13. Print Out Your Sign-in Sheets or Set Up Your App

It also helps to print out your open house sign-in sheets a few days before the event. The last thing you want is to have a printer malfunction or discover you’re low on ink the morning of the event.

By the way, printing your open house sign-in sheets is so 2020. Savvy agents are stepping up their open house game with apps like Curb Hero, which feeds leads directly to thousands of customer relationship managers (CRMs) to help you easily stay on top of your potential new clients. And it’s free!

The Day of Your Open House

Get ready for your open house by taking care of these key tasks: think about what to bring to an open house as a realtor, put up directional signs, jazz up your for sale sign with balloons, and set up welcoming signs, eye-catching open house flyers, and important disclosures. Paying attention to these details will help set the right tone and make your open house a hit!

14. Install Open House Directional Signs

Given that many locations restrict the placement of directional signs to the day of your open house, it’s crucial to take the initiative and wake up early to install them. This proactive approach ensures you’re in control of the event’s logistics.

15. Put Balloons on Your For Sale Sign

While some realtors may dismiss balloons as tacky, they are a practical and effective tool to prevent your guests from getting lost and to attract attention. Embracing this strategy can give you confidence in the smooth running of your open house.

16. Put Out Welcome Signs, Flyers & Disclosures 

Once your directional signs and balloons are in place, it’s time to prepare the house for viewing. Set up a visible and informative entrance with a small table displaying your welcome sign, sign-in sheet, flyers, and disclosures. This clear guidance ensures your guests are well-informed from the moment they arrive.

Two Days After Your Open House 

As a realtor, your work doesn’t end when the last visitor leaves the open house. Completing post-open house tasks is a key part of your real estate agent open house checklist. It’s not just about wrapping up the event—it’s about maximizing your chances of getting property offers, generating new leads, and making a lasting impression on your sellers. The diligence and focus you put into these tasks can lead to approving reviews of your services and boost your professional reputation.

17. Text Buyers’ Agents for Feedback 

If you know any agents who brought or sent buyers to your open house, text them and ask for feedback. You can also include them in your follow-up emails, but texting will likely get you a faster—and hopefully more honest—response. 

18. Add Sign-ins to Your CRM 

This step should be fast and easy if you use an app that integrates with your customer relationship manager (CRM) like Pipedrive. If you’re working with paper sign-in sheets, enter them manually or send the list to your virtual assistant.

Pipedrive’s email segmentation allows agents to filter contacts based on various criteria, such as activities, products, and deals. This enables personalized emails to be sent to all clients, resonating with each recipient. Additionally, Pipedrive automates tasks such as reminders and email follow-ups, streamlining client management for real estate agents

19. Text Hot Sign-in Leads for Feedback 

After having great conversations with your guests, sending a friendly text is a more personal way to follow up than emailing. Remember to offer something of value, like inviting them for a coffee to discuss their real estate needs and desires further.

20. Email Cold Sign-in Leads

Finally, it would be best to take all the people who gave you their contact information and put them on a drip campaign. A drip campaign is a series of pre-written emails that are automatically sent to a specific group of people over a period of time. You can start with an email request for feedback and follow up with hot new listings. Make sure you ask for their business in your call to action. An example of an open house follow-up email is shown below:

copy to clipboard

Subject line: I Need Your Opinion…

Hi {Contact name},

Thanks for stopping by my open house this weekend at {open house address}.

Really quick, what did you think of the open house? I try to make my open houses fun and informative experiences for all my guests, but because we get so busy, I don’t always have enough time to hear from every guest.

I would love to get your feedback, warts and all. If something went wrong, that would help me get it right next time.

We can also chat about the market if you’d like. I have {#} years of experience in {your farm area}, so I can talk about this market for days. I’m an open book!

What’s a good day to chat?

Best regards,

{Your name and title}
{Your contact info}

21. Share All Feedback & Performance Data With the Seller

After receiving feedback about the home, put it all together and send it to your seller. Apps like Spacio will give you a form to send them with the data, making the process convenient and easy. However, you can always write it in an email or text message along with your analysis if that’s more comfortable for you. 

Bringing It All Together

Hey there, everyone! I’ve created a comprehensive open house checklist for realtors, but I’d love to make it even more impressive with your help! If you think anything should be added to the open house checklist for sellers, please feel free to share your ideas in the comments. Your input is incredibly valuable, and together, let’s make this real estate agent open house checklist absolutely fantastic!

The post The #1 Open House Checklist Top Agents Use to Get Amazing Results appeared first on The Close.

The Close Scorecard

Pros

• Has built-in lead capture tools
• Has integrations with CRM
• Provides phone and email support
• Leverages artificial intelligence for lead conversions

Cons

• Doesn’t provide free trial
• Lacks IDX website features
• Doesn’t offer team distribution capabilities
• Only provides customer service during business hours

The Close Score

4.7

Pricing:

3.8

Lead generation features:

4.4

Advanced lead generation features:

3.4

Customer service:

2.5

Customer rating:

3.1

Expert score:

3.9

out
of

5

My Verdict on Offrs & Why You Should Trust It

As a meticulous real estate technology tracker, I spent hours researching and testing lead generation platforms to offer agents sound insights. My immense experience lets me provide an in-depth Offrs review and draw sharp conclusions based on a profound understanding of the product and needs of real estate professionals at large.

What differentiates Offrs from the rest in the ocean of lead generation tools is its advanced predictive analytics and the ability for agents to obtain exclusive leads that their brokerages may otherwise not provide. Offrs’s value for agents lies in its leverage of artificial intelligence to identify potential sellers before their homes ever hit the market. However, like any other tool, it may not always fit into the wheelhouse of every real estate agent, especially those looking to represent buyers.

All in all, Offrs provides a rather well-built lead gen solution, especially for those users who benefit from the early stages of seller leads. After a close look at the feature set, usability, and value proposition, I came to this conclusion so that you can use this review as a guide in your decision-making process.

Offrs Alternatives

Some agents might look for other alternative lead generation platforms due to cost, the learning curve for its advanced features, or the need for an all-in-one platform that covers more in terms of marketing and CRM tools. Exploring other options could provide a better budgetary fit, more functionality, or a better match with the overall business strategy.

Platform	Why It’s a Great Alternative	Learn More	Ready to Purchase?
	Allows agents to create IDX websites for lead generation	CINC Review	Visit CINC
	Can distribute leads via round-robin to team members	Market Leader Review	Visit Market Leader
	Provides access to voicemail scripts that can help agents convert leads	Zurple Review	Visit Zurple

What Current Users Think of Offrs 

Offrs has quite a mix of reviews from all its users, with an overall customer rating of 3.3 out of 5 on Sitejabber. Some agents have found value in its Big Data capabilities and lead generation. Others’ experiences have been quite varied. Before deciding, it’s helpful to read Offrs reviews to see how other agents have benefited from the platform.

Some real estate agents have expressed concerns about certain aspects of the platform, which have contributed to the overall rating. Here is what one user had to say about their less-than-ideal experience.

Key Features of Offrs 

Offrs has positioned itself as a top option for any real estate agent looking to harness the power of predictive analytics for their lead generation. Offrs believes it’s arming agents with the edge they need to win listings by providing leads for potential sellers before they ever hit the market. Its technology and approach set it apart in the crowded lead generation space. Below, we’ll run through five top features that help Offrs stand out as a real estate professional.

Free Marketing Plan

It includes a free marketing plan as part of the full service offered by Offrs. This plan provides a personalized way for agents to maximize their lead generation effort by suggesting how many leads are needed from Offrs for agents to reach their desired gross commission income. The plan also considers the zip code agents are interested in to obtain their lead number. The marketing plan gives agents a starting point for helping them reach their desired financial goals from the platform alone. 

Exclusive Leads

One of the standout features of Offrs is its exclusive leads offering. Unlike other platforms that sell leads to multiple agents, Offrs exclusively provides leads within a specified territory. This uniqueness reduces competition and increases the chances of converting that lead into a client. This specificity allows an agent to focus on cultivating these leads without fighting for the same prospects as other professionals.

ISA Team

Another critical factor that makes Offrs standout is the ISA Team. This team of inside sales agents ensures pre-qualification of leads, so the agents only deal with people ready to engage. They make the initial contact, confirm interest, and gather details necessary to make it easy for the agents to follow through on closure. This support layer streamlines the lead conversion process and generally raises productivity.

Predictive Seller Leads

Predictive seller leads are at the very core of what is offered by Offrs. Using sophisticated algorithms coupled with big data analysis, Offrs points out those homeowners likely to sell soon. Knowing exactly when people sell lets real estate agents get in touch before they list their properties, providing a much-needed edge in securing new listings. One of the biggest reasons agents join Offrs is this predictive lead generation accuracy, which allows them to get an edge over the competition.

Lead Capture Ads

Offrs also provides lead capture ads and landing pages designed to help agents generate leads directly from their online advertising campaigns. The ads are specifically set up and optimized to capture contact information from interested prospects and place it directly into the agent’s lead pipeline. With Offrs handling ad creation and targeting, agents can focus on converting the leads into clients. It’s a great feature for real estate agents and those looking to grow and attract new business through digital marketing.

Offrs Pricing

Offrs has variable pricing depending on the size of the region or zip code that an agent would want to target but requires a 6-month commitment to a contract. This pricing scheme allows agents to scale their lead generation efforts according to their budget and desired market coverage while committing to a longer-term investment. It is also worth noting that the pricing may vary by zip code, and no free trial or free plans are available in Offrs. 

Subscriptions start as low as $200 per month to target a region with about 4,000 homes. For example, for those targeting coverage of a whole zip code, it would cost around $300 a month for nonexclusive access and $600 per month for exclusive rights to the leads of a specific area. Their pricing model is a per-property fee, wherein Offrs charges $0.05 a month for every property in a targeted area and $0.10 per property if someone wants exclusivity.

Methodology

Our team at The Close performs extensive research to identify a list of the most efficient lead-generation platforms for real estate professionals. With due care, we have considered Offrs’ ability to generate leads, available features, ease of use, pricing framework, and quality of customer support extended to users. In addition, we went through user feedback and ratings to find out if Offrs serves its purpose and meets the requirements and expectations of real estate agents.

Accurate and reliable insight empowers agents and brokers by allowing them to make informed decisions in a very competitive marketplace. Through this research, we aim to provide our readers with the critical information required to succeed in real estate.

How we came up with our Offrs.com review: 

• Pricing: 3.75 out of 5
  • Assessed the cost of plans relative to the value offered and compared to other platforms
• Lead generation features: 4.38 out of 5
  • Evaluated the platform’s core lead generation capabilities, focusing on predictive analytics and exclusivity
• Advanced lead generation features: 3.38 out of 5
  • Reviewed the availability and effectiveness of more sophisticated tools beyond basic lead generation
• Customer service: 2.5 out of 5
  • Considered the methods for contacting support and the consistency of the assistance provided
• Customer rating: 3.06 out of 5
  • Looked at how past clients rated the platform and its popularity 
• Expert score: 3.88 out of 5
  • Derived from expert analysis and hands-on experience with the platform’s overall performance

Read more about our methodology here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I ensure the quality of leads generated from the platform?

What is the usual conversion rate of leads obtained from such platforms?

How will the lead generation tool or platform integrate with my existing CRM and marketing tools?

The Bottom Line: Is Offrs Worth Your Money?

Unparalleled analytics and exclusive leads, combined with a free marketing plan, make Offrs perfect for the agent looking for seller lead generation. Its ISA Team provides further value in pre-qualifying leads for agents who need the team to support their lead-generation efforts. However, limited customer service hours and a lack of advanced CRM features could be detractions, along with committing to a required 6-month contract with no free trial.

If you’re at a point in your career where you are ready for more seller leads and securing exclusive opportunities, the price through Offrs is a worthy investment. It may be short on advanced features and top-tier support, but no one can match its real estate lead generation capabilities to help any agent looking to get ahead in the market.

The post Offrs Review: Pricing, Features, Pros & Cons (2024) appeared first on The Close.

Realtor & Real Estate Agent Defined

When asking, “What is a realtor vs real estate agent, and what does it stand for?” it’s best to look at the definition. 

Realtor: According to NAR, the term REALTOR® has one, and only one, meaning: REALTOR® is a federally registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

Real estate agent: The Cambridge dictionary defines a real estate agent as someone who arranges the selling, renting, or management of homes, land, and buildings for the owners. 

Differences Between a Realtor and a Real Estate Agent

The public widely adopted the term “Realtor” as a universal title for real estate agents, but that’s not how it was initially intended. Realtors are National Association of Realtors (NAR) members, and the title was once reserved for members only. That aside, real estate agents and Realtors mostly share the same job responsibilities, but there are distinctions between them. Here is a further breakdown of the difference between a Realtor and a real estate agent:

Important Note: The term ‘Realtor’ is a registered trademark and should always be spelled with a capital ‘R’ when referring to a real estate agent who is a NAR member. However, the general public often uses ‘realtor’ to refer to all real estate agents, not all of whom may be NAR members. In this case, the term should be spelled with a lowercase ‘r.’

Shared Duties & Responsibilities

Now that we’ve broken down the differences between a real estate agent and a realtor, let’s look at some similarities. When it comes down to it, the main goal of both is to represent our buyer, seller, and renter clients to the best of our abilities. But there are other shared duties and responsibilities that include the following:

• Abide by Fair Housing Laws
• Complete continuing education
• Find and evaluate properties
• Write contracts
• Provide market data
• Market their brand
• Generate leads
• Close sales
• Deliver necessary documents to all parties of a transaction
• Coordinate appraisals and home inspections
• Negotiate on behalf of clients
• Market their listings

Pros & Cons of Real Estate Agents vs Realtors

Of course, we can’t discuss the difference between a realtor and a real estate agent without breaking down the advantages and disadvantages of each. Before joining NAR to become a Realtor or choosing to remain a real estate agent independent of additional affiliations, take a look through the pros and cons of these two real estate roles. 

Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent is the most common among real estate professionals, as obtaining this license is the first step to working in the real estate industry. It’s a slightly more cost-effective option since agents don’t have to worry about additional membership dues to NAR.

Realtors

Any real estate agent can join NAR by paying their membership dues. But depending on where they work and which brokerage they’re affiliated with, some agents might even be required to join if their broker is a member. Being a Realtor under NAR means they’re held to higher ethical standards, so there’s a perception that they’re more trustworthy.

What additional benefits does NAR give to its members?

When further diving into the difference between realtor and real estate agent, let’s take a closer look at NAR. As the largest trade association in the U.S., NAR provides its members with support and resources, including professional development courses, local discounts, and opportunities to contribute to charity and volunteer events. Some additional benefits of being a Realtor include the following:

• Public advertising and campaigns supporting Realtors
• Support for federal, state, and local policy initiatives
• Resources like Realtor Magazine, designations, and certifications
• International network
• Discounts for equipment, insurance, services, and tools
• Further educational and networking opportunities at the state and national conventions
• Opportunities to contribute to local and national charities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it better to say Realtor or real estate agent?

Is a real estate agent and broker the same thing?

Bringing It All Together

So whether you are a real estate agent, a NAR Realtor, or labeled a realtor by a client, it’s safe to say that there are more similarities than differences. As we’ve learned today, the term Realtor comes from being a part of the NAR network and gaining access to those advantages. However, guiding clients through the journey of buying, selling, and renting homes is paramount. No matter your title, working in real estate offers a chance to build rewarding relationships and enjoy the flexibility to create your success.

The post Realtor vs Real Estate Agent: What’s the Difference? appeared first on The Close.

• Pipedrive: Best for email marketing
• Wise Agent: Best for transaction management
• LionDesk: Best for texting and calling
• Follow Up Boss: Best for real estate teams
• IXACT Contact: Best for managing contacts
• Realvolve: Best for automating workflows
• Lofty (formerly Chime): Best for lead generation and nurturing
• Real Geeks: Best for multichannel marketing
• Market Leader: Best for lead generation
• Sierra Interactive: Best for real estate websites
• Top Producer: Best for lead nurturing

The Close’s Top Picks for Real Estate CRMs

Featured Partner

Top Producer has paid for this placement. However, our team of experts approved Top Producer as an appropriate product and our content remains editorially independent.

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• Automated lead follow-up: Text & email drip campaigns educate & engage leads
• All-in-one system: Manage contacts & transactions in a centralized, intuitive dashboard
• Powerful integrations: MLS data, 150+ lead providers, plus Gmail, Outlook, iCloud and more

Visit Top Producer

Why Real Estate Agents Need a CRM

As real estate agents, making connections and building a network are essential to success. You must consistently communicate with them to nurture leads from your sphere of influence or your other marketing strategies. If you try to do all this manually without keeping track of your contacts and communications, you’ll inevitably (and probably immediately!) see some potential clients fall through the cracks.

Real estate CRMs are designed to solve this problem. Instead of trying to manually keep track of things and do all of the marketing tasks you want to do, a CRM is like an all-in-one tool to maximize your productivity. This increased efficiency will generate more leads and more clients. In 2023, a survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that 36% of Realtors said their CRM gave them the highest volume of quality leads.

However, every CRM is different—just like every agent and team’s business is different. These are a few features to look for in a strong realtor CRM:

• Contact management: A CRM should make it easy to import contacts, keep track of their contact information and communications with them, and even evaluate how likely they are to become a client.
• Lead generation: This can look significantly different, but many CRMs include landing pages, real estate websites, social media contacts, or advertising.
• Automated follow-ups: This follow-up includes emails, texts, direct mail, and sometimes phone calls. 
• Task management: A good CRM will help you organize the tasks involved with leads, clients, and transactions and use reminders, calendar features, or workflows.
• Analytics: Reporting tools are key for helping you track progress and determine what is and is not working within your marketing and nurturing strategies.
• Mobile app: Not all CRMs have a mobile app, but this is ideal for real estate agents who are often on the go and not near a desk.
• Pricing & plans: There are plenty of free real estate CRMs. There are also plenty that cost two or three figures per month. For new or individual agents, it’s best to find a CRM with multiple package options or add-ons so it can grow with your business.

Pipedrive: Best for Email Marketing

Pros

• Most affordable CRM on our list
• 14-day free trial
• Easy to use
• AI Assistant
• Unlimited, customizable workflows

Cons

• Limited integrations
• Limited functions in mobile app
• Security alerts and two-factor authentication only available on higher tiers
• Phone support only available in higher tiers
• No free forever plan

The Close Score

4.9

Pricing:

5.0

General Features:

5.0

Advanced Features:

4.0

Customer Service:

5.0

Customer Rating:

4.7

Expert Score:

4.6

out
of

5

Why I Chose Pipedrive

• Pricing: Plans start at $14 per month

I chose Pipedrive as the top realtor CRM for many reasons, but it stands out for its extensive and easy-to-use email marketing tools and its affordable price. Pipedrive is designed for sales professionals, so it includes a variety of beautiful and functional email templates that realtors can tailor to their branding and audience. 

Their email marketing platform also includes segmentation, which connects to the data from the CRM to help you create the most personalized and effective emails. Plus, analytics make it easy to see your open rates, click-through rates, and engagement metrics. The variety of Pipedrive’s features at its affordable price makes it the best realtor CRM.

Additional Features

• Integrations: Pipedrive rivals the integrations of Follow Up Boss with a giant library of tools. These include integrations for lead generation, lead qualifying, nurturing, video meetings, document management, payment tracking and invoicing, and project management.
• Pipeline management: Pipedrive focuses on creating a highly visual platform to manage your pipeline without letting leads slip through the cracks. The dashboard is customizable, easy to use, and helps prioritize leads and deals.
• Lead automation: Tasks such as reminders and email follow-ups are automated, streamlining the agent client management process. Automation helps improve response times and gives agents a better chance of converting leads into clients.

Wise Agent: Best for Transaction Management

Pros

• User-friendly
• 14-day free trial
• Mobile app
• Customizable landing pages
• Unlimited document storage

Cons

• No phone dialer
• No mobile app
• No texting capability
• No live chat support
• Credit card required in the free trial

The Close Score

4.9

Pricing:

5.0

General Features:

4.8

Advanced Features:

4.8

Customer Service:

4.0

Customer Rating:

4.6

Expert Score:

4.2

out
of

5

Why I Chose Wise Agent

• Pricing: Plans start at $49 per month

Wise Agent is one of the top real estate CRMs because it is designed to be a one-stop shop for agents and brokers, providing tools to manage clients from beginning to end. Some of my favorite Wise Agent features allow transaction and listing management and drip campaigns. Real estate professionals can also create customized landing pages and integrate them with multiple social media tools.

Additional Features

• Real estate content: The platform includes an extensive library of stock photos and real estate content for emails, written letters, text messages, newsletters, postcards, and flyers. There is even an AI writing assistant to help you create content more effectively.
• Customer service: Wise Agent has standout customer service available 24/7, unlike other real estate CRMs with strict business hours.
• Team and broker options: Although Wise Agent is often used by individual realtors, it includes multiple tools and add-on options built specifically for teams and brokers.

LionDesk: Best for Texting & Calling

Pros

• Affordable pricing
• 14-day free trial
• Power dialer
• Automated drip campaigns for text and email
• Customizable dashboard

Cons

• Unsophisticated transaction management
• Basic analytics
• Not ideal for scaling teams or brokerages
• Not the most user-friendly platform
• No AI assistant

The Close Score

4.8

Pricing:

4.0

General Features:

5.0

Advanced Features:

5.0

Customer Service:

3.5

Customer Rating:

4.0

Expert Score:

4.1

out
of

5

Why I Chose LionDesk

• Pricing: Starting at $25 per month

LionDesk is another top CRM for real estate because it was specifically designed for realtors. It offers a fully customizable dashboard that helps you decide what you want to see in your CRM. It also includes the most important tools for real estate agents, like contact organization, task reminders, email marketing, transaction management, lead generation, and a power dialer. LionDesk stands out because it includes automation tools for texting clients and email drip campaigns.

Additional Features

• Customizable landing pages: Although this is an add-on feature, LionDesk allows agents to create customizable landing pages. It also includes landing page templates to build high-converting landing pages tailored to your brand.
• Video email & texting capabilities: LionDesk is the only realtor CRM able to send videos through your emails and texts. Videos in real estate are compelling, and LionDesk is an ideal tool to leverage this marketing strategy.
• Integrations: It has a large library of third-party integrations for everything from lead generation, contact management, and communication to finances.

Follow Up Boss: Best for Real Estate Teams

Pros

• Easy-to-use platform
• 250-plus integrations
• 14-day free trial
• Phone dialer
• Great for solo agents and teams

Cons

• Setting up can be time-consuming
• Limited features in mobile app
• No live chat support
• Costly premium plan
• Difficult cancellation process

The Close Score

4.7

Pricing:

4.0

General Features:

5.0

Advanced Features:

4.3

Customer Service:

3.3

Customer Rating:

4.7

Expert Score:

4.6

out
of

5

Why I Chose Follow Up Boss

• Pricing: Plans start at $58 per month.

Follow Up Boss is a well-known realtor CRM with various features, such as texting, email drip campaigns, text automation, and built-in calling. It stands out for teams because it’s an open platform with over 250 integrations. Its collaboration features are woven into the platform, with public comments, communication tracking, lead distribution, and visual tracking of each agent and each lead. Plus, real estate CRM reviews praise the fact that the interface is simple and can easily be integrated with the majority of other tools on the market.

Additional Features

• Advanced lead routing: The platform automatically assigns leads to individual agents based on specific criteria and organizes leads for each agent.
• Mobile app: The mobile app is user-friendly and instantly notifies each agent of new leads. It makes it easy to send emails and texts or call new or current clients, even on the go.

IXACT Contact: Best for Contact Management

Pros

• 5-week free trial
• Mobile app
• Lead generation website tools
• Detailed contact profiles
• Email marketing tools

Cons

• No audience segmentation
• Lack of automation
• Clunky user interface
• Limited website customization

The Close Score

4.7

Pricing:

5.0

General Features:

4.3

Advanced Features:

4.5

Customer Service:

3.3

Customer Rating:

4.2

Expert Score:

4.1

out
of

5

Why I Chose IXACT Contact

• Pricing: Plans start at $46.75 per month

This CRM says it all in its name: IXACT Contact is an ideal tool for managing contacts from their first connection through every transaction. Every new lead, current client, and past client has a detailed contact profile that shows their phone number, address, email address, family information, birthdays, anniversaries, property details, and all your referral and communication history. Plus, real estate CRM software reviews say the interface is highly user-friendly, and users love the 5-week free trial.

Additional Features

• Direct mail: IXACT Contact includes various built-in direct mail newsletter options. “The Preferred Client Update” sends mail to your past clients, and “Homeowner Update” is for marketing to homeowners in your farm area.
• Social Stream: This add-on feature allows agents to select exclusive real estate articles and videos to share with their network. While you can’t create custom content, it’s a great way to automate social media content.
• Personalized agent roadmap: The IXACT Contact CRM includes a personalized roadmap. This feature allows agents to set specific goals within the platform, and it will generate a plan to help reach them with specific tasks and activities.

Realvolve: Best for Automating Workflows

Pros

• In-depth contact management
• Mobile app
• Great for individuals and teams
• Suite of marketing tools
• Efficient task management

Cons

• No 24/7 customer support
• No assisted onboarding for basic plan
• May be too complex for newer agents
• No website and landing page creation features
• One of the higher-priced CRMs on our list

The Close Score

4.7

Pricing:

4.0

General Features:

5.0

Advanced Features:

4.3

Customer Service:

4.3

Customer Rating:

4.1

Expert Score:

4.6

out
of

5

Why I Chose Realvolve

• Pricing: Plans start at $94 per month

Realvolve is one of the top real estate CRMs for individuals and teams. It includes the most important features in a CRM, like a visual dashboard, contact organization tools, and lead nurturing strategies. However, its most standout feature is its workflows and automation that help real estate professionals scale. There are many workflow templates to customize, and the Realvolve platform is remarkably flexible and adjusts to your activities. Realvolve is an ideal real estate CRM for individuals or teams focusing on productivity and efficiency.

Additional Features

• Document management: Realvolve keeps all your documents organized. Each workflow includes a comprehensive checklist of all necessary documents to complete a transaction. 
• Automated drip campaigns: Realvolve includes prebuilt lead sequences for buyers and sellers through email and text. These sequences are customizable and are designed to have a more personal touch than other automations.
• Integrations: The platform integrates seamlessly with some of the most-used apps, like Google and Zapier.

Lofty (formerly Chime): Most Advanced Lead Generation & Nurturing

Pros

• 33 different lead generation features
• Mobile app
• Google PPC advertising tools
• 360° marketing to target customers on multiple platforms
• Customizable IDX websites

Cons

• No free trial
• Steep learning curve
• Most expensive CRM on our list
• No 24/7 customer service
• Not ideal for solo agents

The Close Score

4.3

Pricing:

1.0

General Features:

5.0

Advanced Features:

5.0

Customer Service:

4.3

Customer Rating:

4.2

Expert Score:

4.6

out
of

5

Why I Chose Lofty

• Pricing: Specific pricing is not available on their website, but our team found that plans start at $449 per month, plus $15 per seat, per month

Of all the real estate CRMs I’ve found, Lofty offers the most extensive and impressive combination of advanced lead generation tools and features. It is one of the only CRMs to offer exclusivity to your farm area, which means no other agent who uses Lofty in your area can target the same leads. However, its real estate CRM pricing reflects its advanced features and is the most expensive on this list. It might not be ideal for beginner agents, but Lofty offers packages specifically crafted for agents, teams, and brokers.

Additional Features

• Automated lead nurturing: Lofty automatically imports leads from multiple sources. It also creates property alerts for your leads, sends regular market analyses, and will match listings to leads automatically.
• Power Dialer: Lofty’s 3-line power dialer allows you to click to call leads until you connect. You can leave prerecorded voicemails, schedule follow-ups, or leave notes. When a call goes through, the call is transferred to you or an available agent on your team.
• Social Studio: This is a built-in social media management tool. It allows you to create content within Lofty’s platform and automatically share it on multiple real estate social networks simultaneously. 
• AI Assistant: Automated assistant helps you become more efficient and minimize the Lofty learning curve at every step. The assistant will customize workflows, manage and organize leads with tags and notes, set reminders, and send automated responses.

Real Geeks: Best for Marketing

Pros

• Modern, intuitive interface
• Multichannel marketing campaigns
• CRM available on desktop and mobile app
• Website visitor tracking analytics
• Variety of integrations

Cons

• Significant learning curve
• One of the more expensive CRM options
• Limited customization

The Close Score

3.7

Pricing:

1.0

General Features:

5.0

Advanced Features:

4.0

Customer Service:

2.3

Customer Rating:

4.4

Expert Score:

3.3

out
of

5

Why I Chose Real Geeks

• Pricing: Plans start at $299 per month + one-time $250 sign-up fee

Similar to some of the other top real estate CRMs, Real Geeks offers complete support from prospect to closing, including a website and lead generation tools. It’s a great all-in-one CRM for individual agents, small teams, and expanding brokers. Its website and CRM work seamlessly together, making managing leads and automating your marketing and nurturing strategies easy.

Additional Features

• IDX websites: Real Geeks offers some of the best real estate website templates, with IDX capabilities and built-in lead generation strategies. Websites include property valuation tools, landing pages, a property search app, and many other integrations.
• AI Chatbots: The GeekAI assistant helps you speed up the follow-up process with an automatic chatbot. There are premade scripts that you can customize to provide specific information for your clients.
• Email & SMS marketing: Automate your communications and follow-ups with all your leads with drip campaigns on email and text. These are built through CRM, so you can ensure each lead gets precisely what they need.
• Facebook & PPC advertising: Real Geeks has a unique Facebook marketing tool to streamline your ad creation and maximize your return on investment. Alternatively, Real Geeks also offers managed Facebook and PPC ads.

Market Leader: Best for Lead Generation

Pros

• Exclusive buyer and seller leads
• Powerful and user-friendly CRM
• Great mobile app
• Easily scalable to teams and full brokerages
• Transaction management

Cons

• No free trial
• No live chat support
• No advanced analytics feature

The Close Score

3.7

Pricing:

1.5

General Features:

4.5

Advanced Features:

3.5

Customer Service:

2.5

Customer Rating:

4.3

Expert Score:

3.8

out
of

5

Why I Chose Market Leader

• Pricing: Plans start at $189 per month for agents

Market Leader is primarily a lead generation company, but it also offers a CRM that is so good that it needs to be included in the conversation. Market Leader is one of the only CRMs to offer exclusive buyer and seller leads—plus, you can integrate the platform with virtually any real estate lead source! As if that wasn’t enough, the CRM is intuitive and includes some of the most valuable and powerful tools, like marketing automation, real estate websites, print marketing tools, and a mobile app.

Additional Features

• Customizable websites: Market Leader includes a variety of customizable, professional, prebuilt website templates for your brand. They have IDX capabilities, so your clients can search for properties on your site!
• Listing marketing system: Easily create single property websites for your listings, and Market Leader automatically generates a professional listing email and social media posts for Facebook and LinkedIn. You can also customize ready-to-print flyers and postcards for each listing.

Sierra Interactive: Best for Real Estate Websites

Pros

• SEO website optimization
• Powerful website lead generation tools
• Lead-specific action plans for personalized automation
• Mobile app
• Variety of integrations

Cons

• Pricey—which doesn’t work for some solo agents
• Relatively limited customizations
• Limited email marketing strategies
• No analytics and reporting

The Close Score

3.5

Pricing:

1.0

General Features:

5.0

Advanced Features:

3.5

Customer Service:

2.5

Customer Rating:

3.9

Expert Score:

3.3

out
of

5

Why I Chose Sierra Interactive

• Pricing: Starting at $499.95 per month

Sierra Interactive is a versatile real estate platform with a powerful real estate website creation tool, a good CRM, and marketing automation capabilities. Sierra Interactive’s websites are some of the most advanced in the industry, and they offer an unrivaled level of SEO optimization that can allow you to generate thousands of website views and organic leads.

I have personally worked with multiple brokers who use Sierra Interactive. Both teams had well-optimized content on their sites and generated millions of website visits from Google. Plus, the websites include various lead capture tools and are well integrated with the CRM, so it’s easy to attract high-quality, organic leads and nurture them through text and email.

Additional Features

• Powerful IDX platform: Users can search for properties using detailed search filters. Agents can also generate specific listing results on different pages throughout the website.
• Ad management: Multiply your reach by outsourcing advertising to Sierra Interactive. They manage a variety of ad types, including Google search, Facebook retargeting, and Facebook listings.
• Lead routing: It offers multiple methods of distributing leads to team members, like price, location, property type, or round robin.

Top Producer: Best for Lead Nurturing

Pros

• 30-day free trial
• Listing alerts for agents and clients
• Automated SMS marketing
• Excellent transaction management features
• Detailed reporting

Cons

• Many features not available on Pro Plan
• No storage system
• No document management features

The Close Score

3.4

Pricing:

1.0

General Features:

5.0

Advanced Features:

3.5

Customer Service:

3.5

Customer Rating:

3.6

Expert Score:

3.3

out
of

5

Why I Chose Top Producer

• Pricing: Starting at $129 per user, per month

Top Producer is one of the OGs in the real estate CRM space. It recently updated its CRM platform, which is called Top Producer X. This update includes tons of valuable features, like a 360° contact view that includes social media activity, branded MLS reports, email and text message templates, and an AI assistant. Top Producer also has dynamic workflows to help with transaction management, like syncing with calendars, contacts, and over 150 real estate lead sources.

Additional Features

• Market reports: Top Producer automatically creates and sends a branded “Market Snapshot Report” to clients periodically. This tool keeps your leads and clients engaged and educated and shows professionalism while saving you time.
• Automated communication: Like other CRMs, Top Producer includes email and SMS marketing. It also autosends new listings and price updates to each customer, so you don’t have to spend hours scouring the MLS.
• Training webinars: Top Producer has a library of support articles and bimonthly training webinars in addition to live onboarding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are CRMs in real estate?

Do I need a CRM for real estate?

What is the best software for real estate brokers?

Methodology: How I Chose the Best Realtor CRM

As an experienced real estate writer, I’ve spent many hours researching and evaluating real estate CRMs over the last five years. However, you don’t have to just take it from me! At The Close, we have a team of real estate professionals, researchers, and editors who have developed a detailed rubric to evaluate a dozen top realtor CRMs objectively. You can read more about our methodology here.

We’ve based our evaluation on the following:

• Pricing (20%)
  • I checked, updated, and evaluated each CRM’s pricing, subscription plans, and whether there are free trials and bulk discounts.
• General CRM Features (20%)
  • I considered basic features such as contact management, text and email capabilities, task management, task reminders and notifications, lead management, pipeline or dashboard customizability, audience segmentation, transaction management, and integrations.
• Advanced CRM Features (25%)
  • This includes listing management, customized reports and analytics, document management, storage, AI lead assist or lead automation, team management, marketing tools, social media integrations, and mobile apps.
• Ease of Use (10%)
  • I evaluated each CRM’s user interface, customizability, and how easy it is to operate and set up each one.
• Customer Service (5%)
  • Should real estate agents need additional support, customer services such as live chat, phone, email, and ticket systems are necessary.
• Customer Rating (10%)
  • We collect information from multiple third-party sources to determine how real users have rated each CRM.
• ri
  • The Close reviews each realtor CRM for standout features, additional considerations, and value for money spent from a real estate expert’s perspective. 

Your Take

So, what is the best CRM for real estate? After reading this guide, you should understand that the top real estate CRMs are as different as the individual agents who make up the industry. We’ve evaluated, researched, and compared the top CRMs to help you make the best choice, but our advice is to try, try, and try again! Think about what is most important for you in a CRM, and then take advantage of the free trials to find what really clicks.

Which CRM do you use? Tell us how you like it!

The post The 11 Best Real Estate CRMs of 2024 appeared first on The Close.

Pros

• Has IDX integrations
• Includes a mobile-friendly website
• Has CRM integrations
• Has help center for assistance

Cons

• Lacks social media posting capabilities
• Lacks free plan or free trial offered
• Charges a set-up fee
• Doesn’t include white label capabilities

The Close Score

4.1

Pricing:

1.0

General features:

3.6

Advanced features:

4.3

Customer support:

2.0

Ease of use:

5.0

Customer feedback:

4.4

Expert score:

4.6

out
of

5

My Verdict on Real Geeks & Why You Should Trust It 

After rigorous research and examining the platform’s capabilities, along with taking into account the Real Geeks reviews provided by current users, I can adequately review Real Geeks unbiasedly. With my experience in reviewing real estate technology platforms, user feedback, and comparison with industry trends, I am well versed in giving a trustworthy assessment of this platform.

Real Geeks is a robust real estate platform designed to suit an agent’s needs. While it does have some learning curve and a few design limitations, it’s a powerful website creator and CRM to help any agent or broker create a more efficient business operation. The platform allows agents to serve their clients better and grow their businesses. Real Geeks strikes the right note between functionality and support for real estate technology.

Real Geeks Alternatives

While it’s a powerful marketing tool, Real Geeks won’t always be a good fit for everyone. There are a few worthy competitors that may be a better fit for some business needs or personal preferences. It’s important to explore different options to find the tool that best puts you at the top of this competitive real estate market.

Software	Why It’s a Great Alternative	Learn More	Ready to Purchase?
	Is a budget-friendly website builder without sacrificing essential features	Placester Review	Visit Placester
	Provides robust social media integrations for agents to connect their website and marketing efforts seamlessly	No review yet	Visit Luxury Presence
	Allows real estate professionals to brand the platform as their own with white-label capabilities fully	No review yet	Visit Easy Agent PRO

Real Geeks Reviews: What Current Users Think

Real Geeks is well-known to real estate professionals, as reflected in the impressive rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 on G2. Many reviews have mentioned that the system is a complete toolset with an easy-going user interface and an excellent way to manage leads and clients. All the reports indicate that Real Geeks has become part of the everyday activities of real estate agents since it has assisted them in growing their business. Here are a few Real Geeks reviews from current agents: 

As with any platform, Real Geeks could be better. Users have expressed concerns over specific areas of the service that point out where improvements could be made.

Key Features of Real Geeks

Real Geeks offers a feature set that helps support the different needs of many real estate professionals. From lead generation to client management, the platform binds all necessary tools into one easy-to-use system. Let’s dive into what makes this platform extremely valuable for real estate agents and brokers. Here’s a short video overview of the Real Geeks platform:

Property Valuation Tool

One of the most distinguished features of Real Geeks is its property valuation tool, arming agents with a sales weapon to procure Real Geeks leads based on instant property value estimates for prospects. Very few tools on the market can interest homeowners as much as knowing the current market value of their property. 

It invites visitors to input their property details through a user-friendly interface. In return, they receive an estimation of the value of such property based on current market trends. This estimation will help generate more leads for the agents and make them an information-rich source within their local market. 

Powerful Integrations

Real Geeks excels at offering powerful integrations that give agents more versatility and functionality from the platform. It connects very well with third-party tools and services, allowing agents to customize and extend the platform’s capabilities in many of the workflows that real estate professionals want to use. 

It integrates well with email marketing services, analytics platforms, and other real estate software to ensure all tools are within a working agent’s reach. These integrations will smooth operations by reducing the need for switching between different applications, which makes it much easier for an agent to maintain a cohesive and efficient workflow. 

Facebook & Google PPC Management

Real Geeks offers turnkey Facebook and Google Pay-Per-Click (PPC) ad management to help agents increase their visibility online and attract high-quality leads. With this add-on service, Real Geeks’ expert team will create and manage the perfect mix of strategies for lead generation across social media, search engines, and remarketing campaigns. This hands-off approach allows agents the freedom to pursue a core business while availing professional, data-driven advertising strategies that maximize ROI while consistently delivering quality leads.

Customer Relationship Manager

The real estate CRM with Real Geeks is another one of the base elements of this product to help real estate professionals manage and cultivate their leads. It offers mobile app access, so no matter where they are, every agent has at their fingertips the contacts, tasks, and important client information necessary for responding to inquiries and following up. 

The CRM also has SMS text capabilities, so agents can communicate directly with leads and clients via text messaging. This feature is especially valuable for quick, informal communication, allowing one to send appointment reminders, property updates, and follow-up messages right to a client’s phone. 

MoveTo Application

Another innovative feature set provided by Real Geeks is the MoveTo application, intended to enhance the client’s experience by making the property search process very smooth. Leveraging MoveTo, clients can access property listings and push notifications to update them on their selected listings. Additionally, MoveTo integrates well with the Real Geeks platform to ensure that all activities related to a client are logged and managed within the CRM. 

Real Geeks Pricing

Real Geeks offers a tiered pricing structure, which can be a big consideration for prospective agents. The plans are split into three tiers targeting different sizes and business needs. At $299 per month, it provides users access to the platform’s core features. Those needing further advanced tools or support will use the Grow plan at $599 monthly. An available $999 per month Expand plan and a $1599 per month Conquer plan will give the product’s most comprehensive set of features and capabilities.

It’s worth noting that the Real Geeks pricing offers no free plan or trial and no money-back guarantees. There’s also a $250 setup fee tacked on. Agents should be confident in their decision before subscribing. The pricing is steep, and it could prove to be too pricey for smaller teams or individual agents who want all of its features compared with other real estate platforms.

Methodology 

Our team of real estate-centered analysts and editors did deep research to come up with the best website builders for professionals in the real estate industry. We have observed Real Geeks regarding features like its lead generation, CRM functionality, ease of use, pricing, and how support is offered to users. We also took the time to look through Real Geeks reviews and feedback to understand if the product meets the needs and expectations of real estate professionals.

Our mission is to deliver accurate and dependable insights to agents and brokers for informed decision-making and workflow optimization within this highly competitive market. Essentially, we want to help you answer the question, “Is Real Geeks worth it?” Our fair and extensive research will equip our readers with the most correct and valuable information necessary for success in real estate.

Here’s how we came up with our Real Geeks review:

• Pricing: 1 out of 5
  • We evaluated the cost of plans and the value for your money versus competitors.
• General features: 3.63 out of 5
  • We reviewed the overall functionality and range of standard tools available on the platform.
• Advanced features: 4.25 out of 5
  • We looked at Real Geek’s more sophisticated tools and capabilities, like landing pages, lead capture forms, and IDX integrations. 
• Customer support: 2 out of 5
  • We based this on the availability of customer service along with methods for contacting support. 
• Ease of use: 5 out of 5
  • This score determined if technical capabilities were required to set up and operate the platform. 
• Customer feedback: 4.35 out of 5
  • We evaluated the reviews and user satisfaction rating of Real Geeks.
• Expert score: 4.56 out of 5
  • We based the score on industry experts’ reviews and our hands-on experience with the platform.

Read more about our methodology here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an IDX website, and why is it important to a real estate agent?

How will the CRM benefit my real estate business, and what features should I look for?

What are some things to consider when choosing a lead generation platform for my real estate business?

The Bottom Line: Is Real Geeks Worth Your Money? 

Real Geeks offers a comprehensive package for real estate professionals because it’s an extremely easy-to-use platform that generates leads, manages clients, and runs all marketing campaigns. It provides a solid suite of tools for enhancing productivity and allowing agents to stay closer to their clients from outside the office. 

However, the platform’s limitations in terms of design flexibility and lack of a free trial, coupled with its higher price point, should be considered for smaller teams or budget-conscious users. Real Geeks is good at what it does if you can cover its monthly pricing fee.

The post Real Geeks Review: Pricing, Features, Pros & Cons (2024) appeared first on The Close.

I’ve put together a variety of scripts to cover you from initial contact to closing day. Plus, I’ve included a six-day text campaign for new leads below that you can start using right away.

Initial Contact Scripts for Buyer Leads

• Objective: Introduce yourself to potential buyers using texting scripts for real estate and encourage them to engage with you.
• What to keep in mind:

• Keep it short and to the point.
• Introduce yourself and your brokerage.
• Personalize the message and include an action item.

Script 1

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“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Realty]. I noticed you’re interested in [property type/location]. I’d love to provide more details or schedule a time for you to see it. When’s a good time to chat?”

Script 2

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“Hello [Name], I’m [Your Name] from [Your Realty]. I saw your inquiry about [property address]. Are you available for a quick call or text to discuss what you’re looking for in a home?”

Script 3

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“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Realty]. I’d love to help you find your next home. Do you have any specific properties in mind or a general idea of what you’re looking for?”

Send one of these real estate text message scripts as soon as the lead comes in to get the highest response rate. For a more automated system, try adding real estate text scripts to your CRM. Most CRM platforms allow you to store text message scripts and track everything you send.

If you’re looking to boost your lead conversion by using real estate SMS scripts, LionDesk CRM has you covered. Its Text Manager feature lets you easily manage and automate text messages, helping you stay connected with your leads and respond faster. Whether it’s follow-ups or reminders, LionDesk makes it simple to keep your pipeline moving. You can try LionDesk free for two weeks and see if it improves your productivity. 

Initial Contact Scripts for Seller Leads

• Objective: Use texting scripts for real estate to engage with leads looking to sell their homes.
• What to keep in mind:

• Be prepared with market knowledge and a comparative market analysis (CMA).
• Converting FSBO leads can be the most challenging because they are most likely trying to save money.
• Ask questions. Show your value.

Script 4

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“Hello [Name], I’m [Your Name] from [Your Realty]. I saw your inquiry about selling your home at [property address]. Are you available for a quick call or text to discuss next steps?”

Script 5

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Agent: “Hi! Is this the owner of {home address}?”

Lead: “Yes.”

Agent: “Great! This is {your name} with {your brokerage}. I was checking the market and noticed that your home is no longer available. Are you still interested in selling?

Script 6

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Agent: “Hi! My name is {your first name}. I’m a Realtor with {your brokerage}. Is your home at {home’s address} still for sale?”

Lead: “Yes.”

Agent: Awesome! Are you working with buyer’s agents? I’d love to come by and preview the home in person. It shouldn’t take more than 10 to 15 minutes. That way, I can see it in person, take some notes, ask any questions about it, and see if it matches any of my buyers.

Text scripts for real estate agents are helpful when approaching a seller of an expired listing. When a listing first expires, sellers are flooded with calls from agents. Instead of joining the rush, smart agents wait at least two months to reach out to expired listings—or even up to 12 months. By then, the sellers’ objections are usually limited, they are often still interested in selling, and competition is minimal.

Follow-up Scripts for Unresponsive Leads

• Objective: Reengage unresponsive leads with persistence—without being pushy.
• What to keep in mind:

• Be patient—convey understanding that they may be busy.
• Offer new information to renew their interest.
• Be aware of your tone—you’re there to help, not pressure them.

Script 7

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“Hi [Name], I just wanted to follow up and see if you’re still interested in [property type/location]. I’m here to help whenever you’re ready. Feel free to reach out with any questions!”

Script 8

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“Hello [Name], it’s [Your Name] from [Your Realty]. Just checking in to see if you’re still considering a move to [location]. I’d be happy to assist with any next steps.”

Script 9

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“Hi [Name], I know you’re busy, so I wanted to quickly check if you’re still interested in [property address]. I’m available to answer any questions or arrange a viewing at your convenience.”

These text messaging scripts are simple and clearly outline the next steps for your lead. They work because they’re not salesy—they’re simple and easy to understand. If you need a powerful system to manage your leads with built-in text messages you can send right from the platform, try Zurple.

Their campaigns include both text and email scripts designed to keep your leads engaged, ensuring no opportunity slips through the cracks. Content is tailored to each individual lead and includes valuable information specific to their location and price range.

Appointment Reminder Scripts for Leads

• Objective: Ensure your leads remember their scheduled appointment and know where to meet you.
• What to keep in mind:

• Send a reminder the day before the appointment.
• Include all necessary details like time, date, and location.
• Offer directions or to meet them at a public place—whatever is easier for them.

Script 10

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“Hi [Name], this is a quick reminder about our appointment tomorrow at [time] to view [property address]. Looking forward to seeing you there!”

Script 11

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“Hello [Name], just a friendly reminder of our showing at [property address] on [date] at [time]. Please let me know if you need to reschedule.”

Script 12

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“Hi [Name], excited to meet with you tomorrow at [time] to tour [property address]. Let me know if anything comes up or if you need directions!”

The main goal of the text conversation is to get in the door. Set the appointment, and then make your move once you’re face-to-face with the lead.

Property Update Scripts for Interested Leads

• Objective: Keep leads informed of new listings, price changes, or other relevant information to maintain interest.
• What to keep in mind:

• Make sure the update pertains to what the lead needs.
• Highlight the significance of the update.
• Encourage immediate action.

Script 13

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“Hi [Name], I wanted to let you know that a new property just came on the market in [location] that fits your criteria. Would you like more details?”

Script 14

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“Hello [Name], I have some exciting news—[property address] just had a price reduction. It’s a great opportunity if you’re still interested. Let me know if you’d like to see it again.”

Script 15

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“Hi [Name], a new listing in [location] just became available. It’s similar to the one you liked at [previous property]. Want to schedule a viewing?”

Event Invitation Scripts for Engaging Leads

• Objective: Build relationships by inviting leads to events where they can view properties and engage with you personally.
• What to keep in mind:

• Emphasize why they should attend your event.
• Be specific—provide the date, time, and location.
• Follow-up after the event.

Script 16

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“Hi [Name], we’re hosting an open house at [property address] this Saturday from [time]. It’s a great opportunity to see the property in person. Can I count on seeing you there?”

Script 17

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“Hello [Name], I wanted to personally invite you to an exclusive open house this weekend at [property address]. Let me know if you’re interested in attending!”

Script 18

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“Hi [Name], we have a special event at [property address] this weekend—a first look before it hits the market. Would you like to stop by?”

Thank-you Scripts to Nurture Leads

• Objective: Express appreciation to leads after meeting in person and keep lines of communication open.
• What to keep in mind:

• Keep your tone warm and genuine.
• Personalize your message.
• Encourage them to reach out with questions or take action.

Script 19

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“Hi [Name], thank you for meeting with me today to view [property address]. I’m here to answer any follow-up questions you might have. Let’s stay in touch!”

Script 20

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“Hello [Name], thanks for taking the time to explore [property address] with me. If you have further thoughts or questions, I’m just a text away.”

Script 21

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“Hi [Name], it was great meeting with you today. I’ll be in touch with more information, but feel free to reach out if anything comes to mind before then.”

If you’re still struggling to convert leads, try using the LPMAMA framework—location, price, motivation, agent, mortgage, and appointment. It helps you quickly qualify leads by focusing on what matters most, making guiding them toward a decision easier. This simple approach can boost your conversion rate and streamline your conversations.

Referral Request Scripts from Satisfied Leads

• Objective: Ask for referrals from satisfied clients to expand your network.
• What to keep in mind:

• Don’t wait—clients are more likely to refer you right after a positive interaction.
• Make it easy by providing a digital contact card.
• Show your appreciation.

Script 22

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“Hi [Name], I’m glad we connected about [property address]. If you know anyone else looking for a new home, I’d appreciate it if you could share my contact info!”

Script 23

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“Hello [Name], I hope our meeting was helpful. If you have friends or family considering buying or selling, I’d love to assist them as well. Referrals are always appreciated!”

Script 24

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“Hi [Name], it was great working with you. If you know anyone else who could benefit from my services, please feel free to pass along my information.”

Lead Nurturing Scripts for Long-term Prospects

• Objective: Maintain regular contact with leads who aren’t ready to buy or sell immediately.
• What to keep in mind:

• Check in periodically.
• Share relevant market updates.
• Be patient and offer support.

Script 25

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“Hi [Name], just touching base to see how your home search is going. No rush, but I’m here when you’re ready to explore more options.”

Script 26

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“Hello [Name], it’s been a little while since we last spoke. If your plans have changed or you’re ready to start looking again, I’m here to help!”

Script 27

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“Hi [first name], this is [your first name] with [your brokerage]. A bunch of homes just sold in your area. Want me to send a report that tells you what’s going on in your neighborhood?”

When reconnecting with cold leads, make it personal and instill a sense of urgency without being pushy. Mention something specific from your last chat or a property they liked. It helps jog their memory and shows you’re genuinely interested in helping them.

Top Producer’s text messaging feature gives users a first-class experience. It allows you to send personalized messages directly from the platform, making it easy to reengage leads and keep the conversation going. Turn cold leads into warm opportunities with Top Producer.

Holiday Greeting Scripts to Stay Top of Mind

• Objective: Show leads that you think of them even when no immediate business is at hand.
• What to keep in mind:

• Keep it festive.
• Be mindful of religious holidays—not everyone will celebrate every holiday.
• Consider using pop-by gifts for a personal touch.

Script 28

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“Happy holidays, [Name]! Wishing you all the best this season. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the new year, I’d love to assist.”

Script 29

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“Hello [Name], wishing you a joyful holiday season! When you’re ready to resume your home search, I’m here to help.”

Script 30

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“Hi [Name], I hope you have a wonderful holiday! If you need any real estate advice or are planning a move soon, I’m just a text away.”

Closing Day Follow-up Scripts for Building Long-term Relationships

• Objective: Congratulate leads on closing to build long-term relationships so they use you in the future.
• What to keep in mind:

• Celebrate their success.
• Offer to help with post-closing needs like movers or contractors.
• Stay in touch—your relationship doesn’t end when the transaction closes.

Scrip 31

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“Hi [Name], congratulations on closing! I’m so happy for you. If you need anything as you settle in, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here for you beyond just this sale.”

Script 32

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“Hello [Name], congrats on your new home! I’m thrilled we could work together. If you ever need any advice or know someone else looking to buy or sell, I’m here to help.”

Script 33

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“Hi [Name], it’s official—congratulations on your new home! Remember, I’m here for you not just today but for any future real estate needs you might have.”

Effectiveness of Text Messaging in Real Estate

Text messaging is a powerful tool for real estate agents. 40% of prospects would rather communicate with you via text messaging resulting in a 45% response rate, far surpassing email and direct mail. 82% of text messages are read within five minutes of being received—making text messaging an essential part of any real estate communication strategy. 

These high engagement rates allow agents to connect quickly and personally with leads, keeping them engaged throughout the sales process​. To maximize effectiveness, agents can create a “swipe file” of go-to messages in your phone’s notes app for easy access. Integrating these scripts into your CRM streamlines the process, enabling consistent follow-up with minimal effort. 

Pros & Cons

Although real estate text message scripts are an incredibly effective tool for agents, there are some potential downsides. Here’s a quick overview to help you weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks of incorporating text messaging into your real estate lead generation strategy.

Like anything, text messaging works best when used wisely and balanced with other communication methods. Knowing when and how to use texting can help you get the most out of it, build stronger relationships, and see better results, all while avoiding any potential downsides.

Best Practices for Crafting & Sending Effective Text Messages

Incorporating text messaging into your real estate script strategy can really enhance your connection with leads. Still, it takes a bit of strategy to get it right. Whether you’re reaching out to new prospects, following up, or trying to reengage cold leads, how you word your real estate text message scripts can make a huge difference. Remember to be careful when using cold texting real estate scripts; you don’t want to come off as impersonal or aggressive.

Let’s look at some simple best practices that will help you craft new messages, connect with your audience, and get the results you aim for in your real estate business.

• Keep it short and sweet: Text messages should be concise and to the point. Aim for clarity and brevity to ensure your message is easily understood and quick to read.

• Personalize your messages: Use the lead’s name and reference specific details like properties they’ve shown interest in. Personalization increases engagement and shows that you’re attentive to their needs.

• Timing is everything: Send messages during appropriate hours, typically between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Avoid early morning or late-night texts to respect your leads’ time.

• Be clear about next steps: Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) in your message, such as scheduling a call, viewing a property, or responding with a simple “yes” or “no.”

• Use a warm and friendly tone: Maintain an approachable and professional tone. Avoid overly formal language, but stay respectful and courteous.

• Respond promptly: If a lead replies to your text, respond quickly. Prompt replies show that you’re attentive and serious about helping them.

• Avoid overloading leads with information: Don’t cram too much into one text. If more details are needed, offer to follow up with a call or email.

• Leverage automation and technology: Use CRM tools to automate and schedule texts, but make sure they still feel personal. Automated messages should be relevant and timely.

• Test and refine your messages: Regularly review your text messaging campaigns. Test different messages, track response rates, and refine your approach based on what works best.

• Respect the “NO”: Always provide an easy way for leads to opt out of receiving texts, and immediately respect their request if they choose to do so.

Bringing It All Together

Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your strategy, using well-crafted scripts makes a difference in connecting with leads, keeping them engaged, and ultimately closing more deals. Remember, the key is to be authentic, timely, and thoughtful in your communication. As you get more comfortable, you’ll find your rhythm and style, and those scripts will become second nature.

Do you have some great real estate text message scripts that you’re using in your business? Do you use text messaging scripts in a different way than I mentioned? Drop me a comment and share what you’re doing differently so we can keep this conversation going.

The post The 33 Best Real Estate Text Message Scripts for Agents appeared first on The Close.

Best 10 States for Real Estate Agents

1. West Virginia

• Cost of living ranking: 9th
• Agent competition ranking: 7th
• Median annual agent salary: $70,830 (18th in the country)
• Homeownership ranking: 1st

Within the tree-covered Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia, is the state that tops our list of best states for real estate agents. More than just its low cost of living, West Virginia ranks number one primarily because it has both the highest percentage of owner-occupied homes and homeownership rates in the country at 74.5% and 79.4%, respectively. This data tells us that listings are abundant and that homebuyers are financially ready to purchase.

Another reason that West Virginia ranks as the best state to do real estate is its low agent competition. With 0.486 agents employed per 1,000, it’s ranked seventh among all the US states. Combining this data informs us that agents wouldn’t have to market themselves too hard to find clients in West Virginia.

2. New Hampshire

• Cost of living ranking: 42nd
• Agent competition ranking: 3rd
• Median annual agent salary: $73,830 (18th in the country)
• Homeownership ranking: 6th

New Hampshire ranks high on our list of the best states to do real estate primarily because of its low agent competition. It has the third-lowest agent competition rate, and the mean annual wage of agents is $73,830—about $4,000 more than the national average. This fact means it’s ideal for new real estate agents to start their careers without worrying about a market saturated with many experienced agents. 

New Hampshire also ranks well in homeownership, with a 79.4% homeownership rate and 72.3% owner-occupied homes. In fact, the only area in New Hampshire that doesn’t rank well compared with other states is its cost of living—although it takes a specific type of person to handle the winters. With a love of winter gear and activities, a real estate agent could absolutely be successful in New Hampshire. 

3. Vermont

• Cost of living ranking: 41st
• Agent competition ranking: 8th
• Median annual agent salary: $100,750 (3rd in the country)
• Homeownership ranking: 4th

For agents looking for a reason to pack their bags and head Northeast, the salary of a Vermont real estate agent tops six figures at $100,750, which is the third highest in the nation overall. Another benefit of Vermont is the agent employment rate of 0.52 out of every 1,000 people!

Although the median home value is the 21st highest of all the states, this could actually benefit agents wanting to work with first-time homebuyers. It also has the 4th highest homeownership rate, meaning that Vermont residents are more likely to want to purchase a home. Time to start packing your snow boots and cross-country skis!

4. Tennessee

• Cost of living ranking: 10th
• Agent competition ranking: 26th
• Median annual agent salary: $84,110 (7th in the country)
• Homeownership ranking: 22nd

Based on our exclusive variety of calculations, Tennessee is the fourth-best state to be a real estate agent. Even if you have no interest in the country music scene, Tennessee has plenty of other things to offer as a home state, like a relatively low cost of living (10th overall), a high number of available homes (32,362, ranking 5th) for agents to sell, and a homeownership rate of 70.9% (15th). 

Combined with a high salary for real estate agents at $84,110, Tennessee would be an excellent entry point for any new real estate agent trying to start their business. Plus, Nashville is among our top 10 best cities for real estate agents.

5. Michigan

• Cost of living ranking: 15th
• Agent competition ranking: 4th
• Median annual agent salary: $68,430 (21st in the country)
• Homeownership ranking: 7th

As our fifth-best state for real estate agents, Michigan is ideal for agents who want to keep expenses low as they build their business. It boasts a low cost of living (15th on our list in terms of affordability) and has the 4th lowest rate of agent competition in the country. This combination means new agents could market to their farm area or niche audience more affordably.

The only perceived drawback of an agent starting in Michigan is the lower salary, which ranks in the 23rd spot at $68,430. However, with a low cost of living and low competition, agents could expect to be successful here and grow their knowledge. Plus, with its position near the Great Lakes, agents could have fun in unique real estate niches like lakefront properties!

6. Maine

• Cost of living ranking: 38th
• Agent competition ranking: 10th
• Median annual agent salary: $73,110 (9th in the country)
• Homeownership ranking: 3rd

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of spending a summer day in Maine or even a crisp fall morning, you will understand the appeal of living in the country’s furthest state in the northeast. Maine is one of the best states for real estate agents primarily because of its low agent competition (ranking number 11 on our list) and high rates of both homeownership (77.2%) and owner-occupied homes (74.1%). With such high homeownership rates, agents can potentially help clients across varying generations of home buyers and sellers. 

On the other hand, Maine doesn’t rank as well in cost of living (38th among other states) and home values, with the median price being $373,700. However, if you’re prepared with a financial cushion, Maine offers plenty of listing opportunities.

7. Connecticut

• Cost of living ranking: 39th
• Agent competition ranking: 1st
• Median annual agent salary: $84,810 (15th in the country)
• Homeownership ranking: 31st

Even though Connecticut is the seventh-best state to get a real estate license on our list, it is the number one state for low agent competition, with only 0.27 agents per 1,000 people. This statistic alone is a great reason to start or grow your real estate career in Connecticut. However, another huge benefit of doing real estate in Connecticut is the high annual wage of $84,810—the 4th highest in the nation.

Even though Connecticut ranks exceptionally well in agent competition and salary, the major drawback is its high cost of living, ranking 39th in affordability. However, such a high salary could be worth the risk for aspiring agents. The housing market in Connecticut is also growing at a healthy rate, with a 9.6% increase in home prices year over year. Check out our 2024 housing market charts if you’re considering the move.

8. New Jersey

• Cost of living ranking: 40th
• Agent competition ranking: 2nd
• Median annual agent salary: $82,490 (5th in the country)
• Homeownership ranking: 43rd

New Jersey ranks eighth on our list of best states to be a real estate agent because of its low agent competition (second on our list, just below Connecticut) and high agent salaries (sixth overall). Agents can expect to make an average of $82,490, the fourth-highest salary overall. 

However, this state has an undeniably high cost of living, being just a stone’s throw from Manhattan, ranking 40th. It ranks just slightly more expensive than Connecticut, which ranks 39th. However, the higher agent salary may balance out this drawback for experienced agents. In addition, New Jersey has a low homeownership rate of 59.9%, which could limit potential business.

9. Minnesota

• Cost of living ranking: 21st
• Agent competition ranking: 13th
• Median annual agent salary: $62,050 (39th in the country)
• Homeownership ranking: 8th

Aside from bordering Canada and Lake Superior, Minnesota has a great real estate market for agents. It’s one of the best states to be a real estate agent because of its homeownership rate of 71.8% (eighth overall) and its rate of owner-occupied homes at 72.1%. These two real estate statistics show that Minnesota residents generally choose to buy instead of rent, making it a great place to get real estate listings.

Minnesota also ranks better in terms of cost of living than our previous three states, with an index of 94.1 (ranking 21st). It also has a relatively low competition rate for agents, with only 0.654 agents for every 1,000 residents.

10. Mississippi

• Cost of living ranking: 1st
• Agent competition ranking: 11th
• Median annual agent salary: $67,770 (22nd in the country)
• Homeownership ranking: 11th

The main reason that Mississippi is one of the top 10 best states to be a real estate agent is due to its low cost of living—ranking number one among all states! Mississippi also has high homeownership rates (10th highest) and low agent competition, with only 0.635 agents per 1,000 residents—better than Minnesota and Tennessee.

However, the flip side of its low cost of living is that its homes have a low median home value of $271,200. This affordability is almost the lowest in the US, ranking 50th. To combat the decreased income from lower home prices, agents will have to sell more houses—but the combination of homeownership rates and agent competition makes that extremely possible.

Full Data & Methodology for Best States for Real Estate Agents Data

The complete data can be viewed here, but read our breakdown and methodology below.

Our proprietary tool collated and analyzed data sets from numerous verified sources, ranking each state. We started by dividing all the data into five categories and then gave each category an equal weight of 20%. In addition to the categories, multiple data points were gathered to depict each location’s ranking accurately. This ranking system ensured objectivity and resulted in a score for each city. 

Cost of Living Ranking

• Cost of living index (data from World Population Review): The cost of living ranking is based on the cost of living index per state. The lower the cost of living, the more agents can afford. 

Agent Competition Ranking

• Agent employment per 1,000 people (data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics): Fewer agents per 1,000 is better for agents as they will experience less competition.
• Location quotient (data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics): This measures the density of and occupation in an area compared with the US average; fewer agents per location gives less competition and more opportunity for agents to succeed.

Agent Salary Ranking

• Annual mean salary range (data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics): Higher salaries indicate better opportunities for agents to make more money in the specific state. 
• Hourly median salary range (data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics): Similar to above, there are more opportunities to earn a higher wage, but also research hourly for more accuracy and to account for part-time agents. 

Home Value & Commission Ranking

• Median home price (data from World Population Review): The higher the home prices, the higher the agent commission. 
• Average rent (data from World Population Review): Similar to above, rental commissions are typically one month’s rent, so the higher the rental price, the more money agents earn. 
• Number of homes available (data from FRED): When there are more available homes in the area, agents will have more opportunities to work with clients, increasing their likelihood of completing more transactions. 
• Median days on the market (data from FRED): When median days on the market are lower, homes sell quicker, meaning agents can complete more transactions. 

Home Ownership Ranking

• Homeownership rate (data from Census Bureau): If the state has a high homeownership rate, this indicates that people relocating to this area will likely buy instead of renting.
• Percentage of owner-occupied homes (data from PropertyShark): Similar to above, if homeowners are occupying properties in a particular state, it indicates interested buyers and sellers, which gives agents more business opportunities. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best state to be a real estate agent?

What are the worst states to be a real estate agent?

What state pays real estate agents the most?

Bringing It All Together

Choosing the best states for real estate agents isn’t quick and easy. We used extensive data on various important factors, like cost of living, agent salary, median home values, homeownership rates, and real estate agent competition. However, other factors can’t be calculated for all agents, like the location of their family and climate preferences. If you’re looking for a fresh start and the highest chances of real estate success, pack your bags and business and head to one of our top ten states.

Which state do you live in? Let us know how the market is by you!

The post 10 Best States for Real Estate Agents for 2024 appeared first on The Close.

What Is a Notary?

A notary public is an individual appointed by the government to verify the identity of parties during the signature of important documents, like legal contracts, wills, car title transfers, or home loans. Notaries are official representatives of the state where they operate. Becoming a notary is a relatively straightforward and affordable process that allows professionals in various industries to make additional income. 

How Much Do Notaries Earn? 

Public notaries earn an average salary of approximately $61,000 per year. However, the potential income of being a notary public depends on your state and the type of notary position you choose. Stationary notaries provide services to customers as needed, while mobile notaries travel to locations that require a witness.

Mobile notaries can travel for the following industries that commonly use notaries for witnessing such transactions:

• Real estate: Uses notaries in real estate closings to witness signatures on a promissory note, deed of trust or mortgage, closing disclosure, or closing statement.
• Insurance: Documents like insurance claim forms, beneficiary request forms, and change of ownership documents need notarizing.
• Title companies: Title companies facilitate the signature on a property for sale. Usually, an 80- to 125-page document is generated by a lender in such transactions, requiring a notary to be present.
• Financial services: Banks have a variety of documents that need to be notarized. They may require a notary on claims, new policies, or transfer of assets.
• Attorneys: Certain legal documents like prenuptial agreements, articles of incorporation, or legal affidavits require a notary signature.

Becoming a notary is a great strategy to earn additional income without choosing a new career. Learn about other great options to earn money or change your career in our guide: 15 Real Estate Jobs Without a License and 13 Jobs You Can Get With a Real Estate License.

Step 1: Confirm Your State’s Requirements

To learn how to start a notary business from home or what it takes to be a notary, check your state’s requirements. Although each state is different, most states require you to be at least 18 years of age, be a legal resident in the state you are applying for, and have no fraudulent or felony charges on your record. Some states also require you to be able to read and write in English.

For example, Louisiana and Georgia have a few of the same qualifications; however, their education, background, and other requirements differ. Check it out:

For more details on how to start a notary business and how to become a US notary, click on your state on the map below to review the specific requirements to qualify.

Step 2: Complete Your Education & Training

Obtaining your public notary license is similar to becoming a real estate agent, which requires state-specific prelicensing education. The training to become a notary is shorter than that for real estate agents, with educational hours required varying between two and six hours. Some states have no education requirements. You must understand Notary Public License Law if your state doesn’t specify prelicensing hours. For instance, New York and Utah don’t require an education course, but you must pass the state exam on the law.

Here are the states that require education:

• California
• Oregon
• Nevada
• Montana
• Wyoming
• Colorado
• New Mexico
• Missouri
• Wisconsin
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• New Jersey
• Vermont
• Maryland
• District of Columbia
• North Carolina
• Florida

Since learning how to start a notary business differs in each state, the cost of becoming a notary also varies. For example, the Secretary of State of Colorado provides a free education course for becoming a notary online. However, paid notary courses start at around $40.

Step 3: Pass the Notary Exam

When learning how to become a notary, look into your state’s exam procedures and scheduling. Details are on your state’s Secretary of State website or the National Notary Association’s state-specific guide. Not all states require you to pass an exam to be a notary public. However, tests can be offered online or proctored in person in states that provide them. Most notary tests consist of multiple-choice and true/false questions, with states implementing a minimum passing score requirement.

Step 4: Get a Surety Bond (if Required)

Surety bonds are required in many states to ensure that notaries perform their duties according to the law, protecting the public from potential damages or financial harm. These bonds are easy to obtain and typically only require basic information from the notary for the application. While the notary is responsible for paying any claims made against the bond, it’s recommended that they also have errors and omissions insurance.

Some states require a bond amount of as little as $500, like Wisconsin and Wyoming, or it can be as high as $50,000 in Alabama. The cost of the bond does not correlate with the bond amounts. For example, Surety Bonds Direct offers Alabama Surety bonds for only $100 for a $50,000 bond amount, yet Louisiana has a $10,000 bond requirement, and the cost is $110. 

Here are the states that require a safety bond:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Step 5: Submit a Notary Application

Once you’ve learned how to start your own notary business, get certified as a notary public, and complete your requirements, it’s time to submit the paperwork. Make sure to double-check the application procedures for your state, as some applications are submitted online and some are mailed to different state entities. Your application usually requires a filing fee ranging from $25 to $50.

Along with the application, some states will require you to submit documents like proof of education training and state exam scores, proof of bond, fingerprints, and background checks. When your application is approved, you’re officially a notary business and should receive your certificate. However, a few states, like Connecticut, require you to file your certificate, take the oath of office, and pay a recording fee of $10.

Step 6: Buy Your Notary Supplies

To start learning how to be a notary public, make sure you have the appropriate supplies. You can purchase these tools on websites like the American Association of Notaries or All State Notary Supplies. The important tools you’ll need as a notary are as follows:

Supply	Notary Stamp	Metal Embosser Seal	Notary Journal	Extra Notary Certificates	Inkless Thumb Printer
Description	This self-inking stamp contains your current notary commission information. It will be stamped on every document you notarize.	This raised seal stamp creates an impression on documents with notary information. This is required on certain documents.	Use this book to keep a record of your notary activities and the fees charged for service.	Keep multiple copies of notary certificates on hand to attach to a document that lacks notary language or if the document lacks ample room for a notary seal.	Notaries may want to have an inkless thumb printer to obtain the signer's fingerprint for the record.
Starting Price	$22.99	$29.95	$14.99	$14.99	$14.99

In addition, creating a “fee chart” that displays the fees for your notary services is best. This can be emailed to your customers and displayed in your office. Use a professional graphic design service like 99designs to help you create and design a flyer, printed document, or poster starting at just $169. Simply submit a quick brief describing your design needs, and the platform will connect you with its community of graphic designers to either hire one or create a contest for the best custom design.

Step 7: Advertise Your Services & Start Your Notary Career

The overhead cost of becoming a notary is relatively low compared with launching other businesses, but your success depends on the effort you put into it. To grow your notary public business, you must promote your services and have a system to capture leads and communicate with customers. 

Like real estate agents, notaries must use lead generation tactics to gain clients for their notary business. There are an endless number of local marketing ideas, which may include the following:

• Direct mail
• Email marketing
• Social media marketing
• Website and content marketing
• Advertising

Consider starting with a comprehensive marketing tool like Market Leader that includes a variety of marketing platforms, like email marketing, print marketing, and a complete branding and design suite. Market Leader makes it easy to create a beautiful and professional website and manage leads with the built-in customer relationship manager (CRM).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to become a notary?

How much does it cost to become a notary?

What is the hardest state to become a notary?

Bringing It All Together 

Figuring out what you have to do to become a notary can be challenging since each state has different requirements. However, starting a notary business is possible for anyone willing to put in the time and effort. To learn how to become a notary, follow the steps above, and enjoy benefits like a flexible work schedule and multiple income opportunities.

The post How to Become a Notary & Own a Notary Business in All States appeared first on The Close.

So buckle yourself in; you’re about to get a crash course on Mike Ferry real estate scripts. Start by downloading all 10 Mike Ferry scripts for free below, then read along for additional tips and tricks to make them work for you.

1. Just Sold or Just Listed Script

Just listed or just sold scripts are a great way to leverage properties you’ve sold to generate more leads in a specific geographic area. Since you’ve already listed or sold a property in the area, you will be able to talk the talk about the location while also circle prospecting for your next client to help. It is also an opportunity for you to showcase the marketing materials and work you’ve done with the recently sold property.

Eric Jon Melnikoff, a Keller Williams Realty broker, exemplifies Mike Ferry’s Just Listed/Sold Script. He employs a friendly tone to build rapport with potential sellers and emphasize his role in recently sold properties.

• Key Takeaways:

• Show off your skills by highlighting the marketing and advertising efforts you put into selling a past property and explain how these methods can help sell their home. 
• Become an expert in a specific geographic area, so you’re the go-to real estate professional.
• Get to know your caller by asking them questions about their plans.
• Schedule a face-to-face, or virtual face-to-face, appointment to move to the next steps.

2. FSBO Script

A for sale by owner (FSBO) lead is someone selling their house without a real estate professional, either because of past agent-related issues or to avoid broker fees. Agents can use an FSBO Mike Ferry listing script to persuade sellers to choose them over working independently. As we know, selling a property is hard work, so don’t be afraid to expand on that point when pitching to FSBO homeowners. 

Rick Colton of Colton Lindsay Realty used Mike Ferry’s FSBO Script during a live call with an FSBO lead. He skillfully adapted the script and adeptly addressed objections by actively listening, mirroring objections, identifying underlying concerns, and empathizing with the prospect’s concerns.

• Key Takeaways:

• Keep your FSBO scripts clear and straightforward.
• Show genuine interest and pay close attention to what homeowners say.
• Respect their decisions. Don’t make a follow-up call if they turn down your services.
• Provide your contact information in case they decide to list with an agent later.
• Bring up past FSBO leads you’ve assisted or other sales where you went above and beyond for the seller to demonstrate how you can help them.

To find FSBO leads, agents can visit Zillow, Craigslist, or their local multiple listing service (MLS) systems. However, buying leads via a lead generation company like REDX is simpler. REDX offers real estate professionals a robust prospecting tool to generate listing appointments. The platform includes FSBO lead sources, expired leads, seller leads, and a lead management tool that simplifies follow-up. Read our REDX review to learn more.

3. Expired Listing Script

Expired listings are properties left unsold after their listing period. Agents can locate leads for expired listings through the MLS, networking with peers, or public records. Unfortunately, clients whose listings have expired are typically unhappy that their house didn’t sell with the previous agent, so exercise empathy when approaching these expired leads. 

The Mike Ferry Expired Script was featured in a live role-play of a listing appointment call between two top-producing real estate agents. Observe how they handle objections by explaining their unique marketing approach, which has proven more effective than previous agents they’ve partnered with.

• Key Takeaways:

• Employ drip campaigns for expired listings to nurture leads over time.
• Use SMS marketing campaigns for open houses and display readiness for business.
• Send eye-catching direct mail like brochures and postcards to schedule appointments with expired leads.
• Deliver a property-focused marketing presentation highlighting overlooked features and sales strategies.

4. Center of Influence or Past Client Script

The center of influence or past client script is used to contact people who already know, like, and trust you, also known as your sphere of influence. It’s not merely “keeping in touch” but uncovering their upcoming real estate needs or potential referrals. Keep track of past clients and maintain a good relationship using customer relationship management (CRM) software that automates reminders for important events like anniversaries or birthdays. 

Mike Ferry Organization’s vice president, Tony Smith, advises using your Center of Influence or Past Client databases to maintain and nurture connections. His video below recommends consistently sending mailings to your previous clients, like postcards distributed quarterly, to touch base, strengthen relationships, and generate new leads.

• Key Takeaways:

• Update clients on market changes, including favorable shifts and other significant developments.
• Establish a real estate client follow-up system using a CRM to manage multiple past clients. 
• Send postcards with information on newly listed and recently sold homes to previous clients.
• Prepare pop-by gifts for in-person visits to strengthen relationships with past clients.

If you’re searching for a real estate CRM to assist you in nurturing and maintaining client relationships, Wise Agent is worth considering. This platform efficiently organizes your sales process and tracks your progress to help you achieve your sales targets. It also offers transaction management, a mobile app, landing pages, digital ads, and more. Take a look at our Wise Agent review, or click the button below to check out their website.

5. Prequalifying the Listing Presentation Script

Before conducting a listing presentation, you should use a prequalifying script to assess the homeowners’ background, reasoning, and financial situation. Doing so lets you personalize your presentation and focus on what matters most to the homesellers. You’ll also weed out homesellers working with other agents or not 100% committed to selling, saving your time and effort for people who want to work with you. 

Anthony Nader, an Epic Real Estate Sales, LLC agent, demonstrates how to use this Mike Ferry real estate script for expired and prequalifying listing presentation script. Anthony successfully booked an appointment with a lead by directly calling an expired listing and asking key questions to prequalify the property.

• Key Takeaways:

• Ask key questions and personalize your presentation.
• Determine the desired listing price for the property.
• Establish the minimum acceptable price for the property.
• Consider interviewing multiple agents to sell your home.
• Understand the amount owed on the property.
• Decide whether to finance the house for the buyer or receive a cash payment.

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6. One-minute Listing Presentation Script

Mike Ferry’s “one-minute” listing presentation script converts home sellers into clients by making a solid first impression and pitching the agent as the best person to hire. Sometimes, you only have a minute to get your point across, so having this script in your toolkit is essential. 

Watch Joey Rodriguez, a local real estate agent in Southern California, demonstrate how he qualifies prospects, overcomes objections, and creates a sense of urgency to close using the “one-minute” listing presentation script. He asked questions like, “Do you really have to sell your home?” and “Do you want me to handle the sale for you?” to close the transaction immediately.

• Key Takeaways:

• Screen real estate leads before working with them.
• Determine leads’ budgets and timelines early on to identify which houses to show them.
• Assert your intent to close the deal and create a sense of urgency.
• Prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) to have data to show clients and make sense of your assessment of their home. 

7. Absentee Owner Script

Real estate agents should use the absentee owner script to obtain listings from potential home sellers who own real estate assets but don’t occupy or manage them. Absentee owners can be a valuable source of future real estate leads, as they’re often motivated sellers or interested in passive income. Browse rental listings, make cold calls, buy an absentee owner list, or use direct mailing to find these leads.

In a live Mike Ferry cold calling script video, Brandon Mulrenin from ReverseSelling shows how to prospect absentee owners for listing using the absentee owner script. He asks questions like “How long do you own the property?” and “Do you consider selling your property in the future if the prices continue to increase?” to determine potential leads.

• Key Takeaways:

• When speaking with an absentee owner, understand their motivation for not being in the home. 
• Tell absentee owners how you will help them offload their property and move forward with other investment options. 
• Explain how your comparable market analysis process works and how it can help dictate a proper selling price for their property. 

8. CMA Presentation Script

Mike Ferry’s comparative market analysis (CMA) presentation script determines a property’s market value by comparing its price, location, year built, renovations, features, and benefits to those of similar properties that are sold recently or are currently on the market. By presenting this information, your clients will better understand their home’s current value. 

During a live role-play, Monica Diaz, a Century 21 Masters agent, used the CMA presentation script to convert prequalified leads into clients. She compared the seller’s property with just-sold properties and those currently on the market to determine the property’s actual market value.

• Key Takeaways:

• Base the CMA on a thorough analysis of recent sales and listings. 
• Explain the CMA in a way that is easy for the seller to understand. Avoid using jargon or technical terms.
• Present the CMA objectively without trying to persuade the seller to list their home for a specific price.
• Be willing to listen to the seller’s feedback and adjust the CMA if necessary.

9. 40 Real Estate Objections Script

Knowing how to handle objections is integral for agents to build relationships with leads, establish themselves as knowledgeable problem solvers, and determine if a lead is a viable opportunity. Preparing yourself for client objections will help you address common concerns and feel confident.  

To see how important overcoming objections is, download Mike Ferry’s 40 Real Estate Objections Handled scripts and check out The Mike Ferry Organization video below. Mike provides valuable advice on handling objections, such as “The stronger your presentation, the fewer objections you’ll receive” and “Objections must be answered and resolved rather than ignored.”

• Key Takeaways:

• Really listen to what the person is saying, and try to understand their concerns, even if you disagree. Validate their feelings. 
• Answer objections head-on and provide evidence to support your answer. 
• Sometimes, you may need to compromise to overcome an objection. This compromise doesn’t mean giving in to everything the person wants, but it does mean being willing to work with them to find a solution that works for both of you.
• Don’t give up if the person disagrees with you right away. Keep trying to address their concerns, and eventually, you may be able to overcome their objections.

10. Most Common Buyer Objections Script

In addition to general objections, agents and brokers must know how to deal with specific objections, especially from buyers. Most agents start their careers working with buyer clients—handling these will be integral to your success. The Mike Ferry buyer script guides you on effectively handling buyer objections by actively listening to their concerns, avoiding defensive reactions, and working towards finding a solution.

Find more examples of common buyer objection scripts with the Mike Ferry downloadable script. To further understand the Mike Ferry Most Common Buyer Objections script, watch the Mike Ferry Organization’s video below. The video explains how agents can simplify working with buyers by having lenders prequalify all buyers, setting standard buyer requirements, and limiting home showings to three at a time.

• Key Takeaways:

• Acknowledge the buyer’s concern about affordability and ask questions to understand their financial situation.
• The buyer may be uncertain about what they want in a home. Help them narrow their options by asking questions about their needs and wants. 
• The buyer may not be ready to buy a home immediately. Asking questions about their goals can help you create a timeline for when they will be ready to buy.

How to Enhance a Mike Ferry Script

Now that you’ve read and seen the Mike Ferry scripts in action, focus on making them compelling enough to close more deals. Here are tips for using Mike’s scripts to help you get more clients:

Memorize the Scripts Without Sounding Robotic & Stiff

Mike Ferry real estate scripts must fit your character and be delivered in your natural voice to be effective. Follow these guidelines to avoid sounding like a robot:

• Make the script conversational by making it a two-way conversation. 
• Slow down, say things clearly, and pause between thoughts or before answering a question. Your communication does not have to be perfect; it only needs to be genuine and helpful.
• Incorporate stories to prove your points. It helps people to visualize and connect the dots to achieve emotional engagement, which is critical in any decision-making process.
• Have confidence in yourself. When you speak confidently, your tone of voice changes completely. A self-assured person is perceived as well-organized.

Practice Using Mike Ferry Scripts Consistently

Practicing Mike Ferry sales scripts will improve your tone or sound, the impression you make, your rapport, and your overall convincing power. According to Farnam Street, deliberate practice involves the following:

• Point out the specific areas that require improvement.
• Set short-term and long-term goals to determine what to concentrate on at each stage of development.
• Receive constant feedback and instruction.
• Ask for help from a teacher or coach.
• Commit to intense focus and intrinsic motivation.
• Document and assess upgrades all the time.
• Practice consistently and repetitively.

Role-play the Script With a Partner

Another great practice to improve your performance and skills is to role-play the script with a friend or agent who knows some of the objections that buyers or sellers might ask. Learning the script by role-playing is much easier than memorizing Mike Ferry’s cold-calling scripts alone.

To make your role-playing effective, you or your partner could take notes so you can work on improving your style or performance. It would be best to make your role-play as accurate as possible and focused on objectives, allowing your partner to give specific feedback.

Record Yourself During Your Practice

Because it can be difficult to objectively critique your cold calling while role-playing or on the phone, recording yourself on a smartphone or a computer is more feasible. When you listen back to yourself, you may be surprised to discover that what you thought was effective sounded flat or that you are projecting your voice aggressively or communicating too confidently. Modulate your voice and use familiar words or phrases to avoid these things.

Focus on Your Goal to Generate Leads

Real estate agents’ goals include generating and nurturing leads to build their client base and grow a successful business. Mike Ferry’s scripts eliminate distractions, like unnecessary questions, and enable you to focus on your plan, like booking an appointment to see a seller’s house or taking a buyer on a property tour.

Here are some pieces of advice to help you stay focused on your goals:

• Determine which motivators work best for your personality. It could be incentives or achievements.
• Make a list of your goals and keep it somewhere visible—constantly reminding you of the things you want to achieve.
• Break big goals into smaller attainable parts by creating milestones.

Talk Less & Listen More

According to FinancesOnline, a 43:57 talk-to-listen ratio produced their study’s “highest-yielding” conversations, where sales reps spent 43% of their engagement time talking and 57% listening. Therefore, your mindset should focus on solving the potential client’s problem rather than bragging about your excellent performance. 

Listening is a far more valuable skill in sales than talking. It may sound counterintuitive, but remember that an agent’s role is to effectively solve a problem for your clients, not sell them something. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does Mike Ferry do?

Why is Mike Ferry well-known in the real estate industry?

Is Mike Ferry related to Tom Ferry?

Bringing It All Together

With over 45 years of real estate experience, Mike Ferry and his organization have provided agents and brokers with tools to succeed in the real estate industry. Use these scripts to generate leads and sharpen your sales skills. 

Have scripts that work magic? Share them with us!

The post 10 Mike Ferry Scripts to Generate & Nurture Real Estate Leads appeared first on The Close.

Home Buying Statistics

Why These Stats Matter

The changing work patterns in America have influenced how people buy homes. With the freedom to live and work from anywhere, homebuyers are exploring more options and prioritizing their preferences over proximity to work. However, higher home prices and mortgage rates have slowed the home-buying process for many, prompting a more cautious approach to homeownership. Nonetheless, move-up buyers and investors continue to purchase homes steadily, intensifying the pressure on the limited housing supply.

1. In February 2024, existing home sales increased by 9.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.4 million. This event marks the most significant monthly increase since February 2023.^[1]

2. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) increased to 75.6 in February 2024 by 1.6% compared with that in the previous month.^[1]

3. In February 2024, new listings experienced a year-over-year (YoY) increase of 14.8%, compared with 8.2% in the prior month. This milestone marks the most significant annual gain in listings since May 2021.^[1]

4. In January 2024, the national housing affordability index was 105.5. This statistic is an improvement from the previous month but still lower than the index of 109.2 from a year ago. This fact means a family with a median income has more than enough to afford a median-priced home.^[1]

5. In February 2024, private housing construction rose to an annual rate of 1.52 million, up 10.7% from January 2024 and 5.9% from February 2023, indicating potential continued growth in the housing market.^[1]

6. The share of home buyers by generation is as follows^[2]:

• Gen Z: 3%
• Younger Gen Y/millennials: 17%
• Older Gen Y/millennials: 21%
• Gen Xers: 24%
• Younger boomers: 19%
• Older boomers: 12%
• Silent generation: 4%

7. First-time home buyers made up 32%, up from last year’s 26%.^[3]

8. 59% of recent home buyers were married couples, 19% were single females, 10% were single males, and 9% were unmarried couples.^[3]

9. 14% of home buyers purchased a multigenerational home, the most common reasons being to care for aging parents, for cost savings, or because children or relatives over the age 18 were moving back home.^[3]

10. At 26%, the primary reason for purchasing a home was the desire to own one. For first-time buyers, this number jumps to 60%.^[3]

11. 13% of home buyers purchased a new home, and 87% of buyers purchased a previously owned home.^[3]

12. Detached single-family homes remained the most common home type for recent buyers at 79%, followed by townhouses or row houses at 8%.^[3]

13. For home buyers, 60% cited the quality of the neighborhood as the most critical factor determining the location. Convenience to friends and family and overall affordability of homes were recorded at 45% and 39%, respectively.^[3]

14. 41% of recent buyers began taking the home-buying process seriously by looking at properties for sale online, while 20% first contacted a real estate agent.^[3]

15. 90% of recent buyers found their real estate agent either a “very” or “somewhat” helpful information source.^[3]

16. All home buyers used the Internet to search for a home. The most valuable contents on websites were photos, detailed information about properties for sale, floor plans, and the real estate agent’s contact information.^[3]

17. 89% of buyers recently purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker, and 6% purchased directly through the previous owner.^[3]

18. 43% of buyers used an agent referred to them by a friend, neighbor, or relative; 13% used an agent that they had worked with in the past to buy or sell a home; 7% found their agent when inquiring about a specific property found online; and 7% saw their agent through a website without a specific reference.^[3]

19. For first-time home buyers, 38% said saving for a down payment was the most challenging step in the process.^[3]

20. For 54% of buyers, the source of the down payment came from their savings.^[3]

Home Selling Statistics

Why These Stats Matter

Selling real estate agent stats for homes is essential for buyers and sellers to understand market trends and make informed decisions. For sellers, these real estate agent facts help in pricing their homes effectively and gauging buyer interest. In contrast, buyers can use them to assess market competitiveness and pricing trends and negotiate better deals.

21. The median sales price of single-family homes rose to $388,700 in February 2024, exceeding the previous year’s median of $368,100.^[1]

22. In February 2024, the number of unsold listings increased by 5.9% compared with last month’s and by 10.3% compared with last year’s.^[1]

23. The share of home sellers by generation is the following^[2]:

• Gen Z: 2%
• Younger Gen Y/millennials: 6%
• Older Gen Y/millennials: 17%
• Gen Xers: 23%
• Younger boomers: 26%
• Older boomers: 19%
• Silent generation: 6%

24. For all sellers, the most commonly cited reason for selling their home was the desire to move closer to friends and family (23%), because the home is too small (13%), or a change in the family situation such as a marriage, divorce, or new child (10%).^[3]

25. 89% of home sellers worked with a real estate agent to sell their home; 7% sold via FSBO; and less than 1% sold via iBuyer.^[3]

26. For recently sold homes, the final sales price was a median of 100% of the final listing price, maintaining last year’s highest recorded since 2002.^[3]

27. In May 2024, homes spent 44 days on the market, one day more than last year but eight days shorter than before the COVID-19 pandemic.^[4]

28. 65% of sellers found their agent through a referral from a friend, neighbor, or relative or used an agent they had worked with to buy or sell a home.^[3]

29. In 2023, 7% of recent home sales were FSBO sales, an all-time low that matches the share seen in the 2021 report.^[3]

30. Within rural areas, 14% sold via FSBO compared with 3% of sellers in urban areas.^[3]

31. FSBOs typically sell for less than the selling price of other homes; last year, FSBO homes sold for a median of $310,000, significantly lower than the median of agent-assisted homes, which was $405,000.^[3]

32. In May 2024, the median price of homes for sale remained relatively stable compared with last year, growing by 0.3% to $442,500. However, the median price per square foot rose by 3.8%, indicating that the inventory of smaller and more affordable homes has grown in share.^[4]

33. Home sellers were more active this May 2024, with 6.2% more homes newly listed on the market than last year.^[4]

The Close Takeaway: Given the current market conditions, the realtor charts and stats show that it would be beneficial to consider starting a marketing campaign focused on growth. Creating a solid and innovative marketing strategy will help you effectively highlight your strengths in different real estate projects, positioning your business for long-term growth and success.

Today’s Market Shifts

Why These Stats Matter

Given the current economic fluctuations, the real estate market faces significant, multifaceted changes. Real estate agents provide valuable insights and guidance to help clients make astute decisions aligned with their needs. They offer expertise in navigating the complexities of the real estate market and provide support throughout the transaction process.

34. The real estate market worldwide is expected to reach a staggering value of $637.80 trillion by 2024.^[5]

35. Among the various segments, residential real estate dominates the market, with a projected market volume of $518.90 trillion in 2024.^[5]

36. The 15-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.13% as of June 19, 2024.^[6]

37. As of May 2024, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is at 7.1%, increased by 0.6 points YoY. ^[7]

38. Top five metros in the US with the fastest growing sales price^[7]:

• 22.2%—Irvine, CA
• 21.6%—Long Beach, CA
• 20.7%—Dallas, TX
• 20.0%—West Palm Beach, FL
• 19.8%—Paradise, NV

39. Top five most competitive cities in the US^[7]:

• San Jose, CA
• Cary, NC
• Sacramento, CA
• Littleton, CO
• Richmond, VA

40. Top five areas where people are moving to (net inflow from March 2024 to May 2024)^[7]:

• 6,300—Sacramento, CA
• 5,600—Phoenix, AZ
• 5,400—Sarasota, FL
• 5,100—Cape Coral, FL
• 5,000—Las Vegas, NV

41. Top five areas where people are moving from (net inflow from March 2024 to May 2024)^[7]:

• 35,600—Los Angeles, CA
• 32,200—New York, NY
• 25,800—San Francisco, CA
• 20,100—Seattle, WA
• 15,100—Washington, D.C.

42. Most expensive states to live in 2024^[8]:

• Hawaii
• District of Columbia
• Massachusetts
• California
• New York

43. Least expensive states to live in 2024^[8]:

• Mississippi
• Oklahoma
• Kansas
• Missouri
• Alabama

44. Most expensive cities to own a home^[9]:

• San Jose, CA
• San Diego, CA
• New York City, NY
• Washington, D.C.
• San Francisco, CA

45. The most affordable cities to own a home^[10]:

• Detroit, Michigan
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Toledo, Ohio
• Memphis, Tennessee
• Baltimore, Maryland

The Close Takeaway: The real estate market is changing, shifting buyer preferences, mortgage rates, and economic conditions. To succeed in this dynamic environment, staying informed and adaptable is important. Agents should improve their negotiating skills and focus on negotiating contract terms to maximize their closings. Additionally, it’s essential to define your ideal client and create a strategy to target them with your branding campaign to stay ahead of the competition.

Rental Statistics

Why These Stats Matter

Both landlords and tenants need to have rental real estate agent statistics. These numbers show rental real estate trends. Landlords can use them to set competitive rental prices and understand vacancy rates. They can also make better decisions about property investments. Rental statistics offer insights into average rental prices for tenants in specific areas. This data helps them make informed decisions when looking for a new place to live.

46. Top five states with the highest average monthly rental costs^[11]:

• $2,423—Hawaii
• $1,956—California
• $1,828—New Jersey
• $1,806—Massachusetts
• $1,745—New York

47. Top five states with the lowest average monthly rental costs^[11]:

• $869—North Dakota
• $972—Iowa
• $973—South Dakota
• $988—Kentucky
• $1,008—Arkansas

48. 72% of renters said the affordability of the property is the most important factor in staying in a rental.^[12]

49. As of March 2024, the observed rent index for multi-family is $1,855 and $2,183 for single-family rents.^[13]

50. Pittsburgh stood out as the sole area to see a decrease in typical rents (-0.2%) from February to March. In contrast, Washington, D.C., the New York City metro area, and San Jose each recorded significant 1% increases in typical rents on a month-to-month basis.^[13]

51. Rent concessions increased YoY in 41 of the 50 largest metro areas. The annual increase in the share of rental listings with concessions was highest in Charlotte (18.3ppts), Raleigh (18.3ppts), Austin (15.5ppts), Jacksonville (14.5ppts), and Salt Lake City (14.3ppts).^[13]

52. The nationwide rental vacancy rate was 6.6% as of Q4 2023.^[13]

53. 74% of renters used mobile devices as their primary tool in researching rental properties.^[12]

54. 53% of renters live in apartment buildings, and 29% of renters live in a single-family detached house.^[12]

55. The South has the highest percentage of renters at 36%, followed by the West (28%), the Northeast (19%), and the Midwest (18%).^[12]

56. Top five cities with the highest asking rent per square foot^[14]:

1. $4/sq. ft.—San Francisco, CA
2. $3.92/sq. ft.—New York, NY
3. $3.34/sq. ft.—San Jose, CA
4. $3.12/sq. ft.—Boston, MA
5. $2.86/sq. ft.—San Diego, CA

57. Top five cities with the lowest asking rent per square foot^[14]:

1. $1.36/sq. ft.—Cincinnati, OH
2. $1.35/sq. ft.—Columbus, OH
3. $1.34/sq. ft.—Kansas City, MO
4. $1.34/sq. ft.—Detroit, MI
5. $1.34/sq. ft.—St. Louis, MO

58. The median US asking rent rose 0.8% YoY to $1,987 in March 2024, marking the third consecutive increase after three months of decreases.^[15]

The Close Takeaway: The rental real estate statistics show a strong demand for rental properties, which presents a promising opportunity for real estate investors. Additionally, the data highlights the importance of strategic property management and location selection to maximize returns in the rental real estate market.

Commercial Real Estate Statistics

Why These Stats Matter

Commercial real estate broker statistics are essential for understanding market trends, making informed investment decisions, and evaluating the economy’s overall health. They offer valuable insights into vacancy rates, rental prices, sales volume, and other key indicators. By analyzing and interpreting these statistics, stakeholders can better understand current conditions and anticipate future trends, enabling them to make more informed choices.

59. As of March 2024, small banks’ commercial real estate debt is at $2.0 trillion and $876 billion for large banks.^[16]

60. Net absorption of the offices sector for the last 12 months is -57.9 million sq. ft.^[16]

61. The office sector rent growth for the last 12 months is 0.7%, and the cap rate is 8.4%.^[16]

62. Net absorption of the multifamily sector for the last 12 months is 356,984 units.^[16]

63. The multifamily sector rent growth for the last 12 months is 0.7%, and the cap rate is 5.9%.^[16]

64. Net absorption of the retail spaces for the last 12 months is 45.8 million sq. ft.^[16]

65. The retail spaces rent growth for the last 12 months is 3.1%, and the cap rate is 6.8%.^[16]

66. Net absorption of the industrial sector for the last 12 months is 124.1 million sq. ft.^[16]

67. The industrial sector rent growth for the last 12 months is 5.3%, and the cap rate is 7.3%.^[16]

68. The hotel or hospitality industry recorded a 62.5% occupancy rate in the last 12 months.^[16]

69. In March 2024, the average daily rate (ADR) per room rose to $157/room, up 19% from March of 2020.^[16]

70. The revenue per available room (RevPAR) also increased to $98/room, up 13% compared with that in the same period in 2020.^[16]

The Close Takeaway: After analyzing commercial realtor statistics, it’s clear that the market is experiencing strong growth in certain sectors, such as multifamily and hotel, while encountering challenges in others, like office spaces. Conducting thorough research is always important, but having more details about commercial real estate prices, vacancy rates, rent growth, construction, and top-performing sectors can help narrow down the properties to consider.

Real Estate Lead Generation Statistics

Why These Stats Matter

All real estate agents and brokers should include lead generation strategies in their business plans. Educating yourself about general lead generation realtor statistics will help you formulate your strategy and ensure that you make decisions based on success rates and target the correct audience. If you need help with your social media, consider working with a real estate marketing company like Coffee & Contracts to automate and streamline your social media content and management.

71. 22% of realtors spent an average of $50–$250 monthly on lead generation.^[17]

72. 52% of realtors use social media to generate leads, and 68% use it to promote their listings.^[17]

73. 92% of realtors use Facebook in their real estate business, 68% use Instagram, 52% use LinkedIn, and 26% use YouTube.^[17]

74. The top three tech tools that have given realtors the highest number of quality leads in the last 12 months were social media (54%), CRM (36%), and their local MLS (24%).^[17]

75. The three most common sources of foreign real estate leads were personal contacts (24%), referrals by previous clients (24%), and former clients (10%).^[18]

76. 75% of home buyers and 73% of sellers would definitely use their real estate agents again or recommend them to others.^[2]

77. 81% of home sellers only contacted one agent before selecting one to assist with the home selling process.^[2]

78. 36.1% of marketers noted that the lack of lead generation strategy is their biggest barrier to lead generation.^[19]

79. In a survey of US marketing decision-makers, 35.4% stated that the most challenging factor in generating quality leads is the buyer’s misunderstanding of the value of the offering.^[20]

80. Companies primarily prefer using emails to nurture leads, with almost half of the respondents selecting it as their top method, followed by scheduled calls/demos and social media.^[19]

The Close Takeaway: Getting people interested in buying houses is essential for growing your real estate business. You can do this by using social media, searching online, asking for referrals, and networking with people. Understanding your audience is vital; real estate lead generation statistics can help. This understanding makes your audience feel valued and integral to your business, leading to quicker success.

Sold.com is a free real estate referral service that connects local real estate agents with homeowners looking to sell their properties. By providing personalized recommendations and data-driven insights, Sold.com aims to help agents save time, reduce stress, and improve sales outcomes for their clients. The platform takes a tailored approach to each homeowner’s unique situation, ensuring that agents are connected with motivated sellers who are ready to make a move

How Many Realtors Are There in Each State in 2024?

Understanding the number of real estate agents in each state in 2024 is crucial for real estate professionals. This data offers valuable insights into the competitive landscape in local markets and provides a deeper understanding of industry dynamics. By knowing how real estate agents are distributed across different states, agents can fine-tune their strategies, pinpoint areas with growth potential, and thrive in an ever-changing market.

Bringing It All Together

Understanding the ever-changing real estate industry is important, especially when the market is weak. You can use these real estate agent statistics in many ways, like knowing which city is best for realtors, deciding on real estate investing, starting a conversation, writing blog posts, or creating social media content. By using these realtor statistics, you can show that you know what’s happening in the market in your area and stand out. 

If there are real estate numbers we didn’t include that you want to know, just leave a comment. These real estate facts are a great way to start talking about real estate. Let’s keep talking!

Sources

1. Residential Real Estate Market Snapshot Report

2. 2024 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report

3. 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

4. May 2024 Monthly Housing Market Trends Report

5. Real Estate—Worldwide | Statista Market Forecast

6. Mortgage Rates—Freddie Mac

7. United States Housing Market & Prices | Redfin

8. Most Expensive States to Live in 2024

9. 10 Most Expensive Cities to Own a Home in 2024

10. 10 Most Affordable Cities To Buy A Home In 2024—Forbes Advisor

11. Examining the Cost of Living by State in 2024

12. Renters: Results from the Zillow Consumer Housing Trends Report 2023

13. The Rental Market’s National Stability Hides Local Eccentricities (March 2024 Rental Market Report)—Zillow Research

14. The Most and Least Expensive Cities for Renters in 2023 | Apartments.com

15. Rental Market Tracker: Asking Rents Rose for the Third-Straight Month in March, Driven by the Midwest

16. Commercial Real Estate Market Insights Report

17. 2023—Technology Survey

18. Realtors: lead sources for foreign buyers US 2023 | Statista

19. 27 Lead Generation Statistics and Trends for 2023

20. Difficulties with B2B qualified lead generation US 2021 | Statista

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