Bonus: Download the Dual Agency Agreement Template

Disclaimer: Check with your state and brokerage to see if they have specific dual agency forms you need to use

What Is Dual Agency?

The real estate term dual agency is when a real estate agent represents both parties in a transaction. A dual agency relationship differs from a single agency in that the buyer and seller are represented by the same agent, who has to balance the interests of two clients. While this could streamline the buying and selling process, it also includes a lot of challenges regarding objectivity and confidentiality.

The real estate agent in a dual agency has a code of ethics that must be rigidly adhered to to deal fairly with both parties. This includes fully disclosing the dual agency relationship with a dual agency agreement and getting informed consent from the buyer and the seller. Otherwise, there may be some legal implications from such a breach of fiduciary duty.

What Is a Dual Agency Agreement?

A dual agency agreement is a critical document that ensures explicit agreement on the facts of a dual agency relationship between the agent and buyer and seller. The role played by the agent, with the limitations of dual agency, must be understood by both the buyer and the seller. The important components of the dual agency agreement include:

• Disclosure: This refers to the clear explanation given to the principal about the nature and extent of the dual agency relationship, including the possible benefits and associated risks.
• Consent: Both parties must consent in writing to their understanding and acceptance of the dual agency arrangement.
• Responsibilities: A detailed description of what duties the agent will perform. This idea would include maintaining neutrality, confidentiality, and adhering to their fiduciary duty.
• Compensation: In case of a reduced commission rate pact, how will their commission be divided or handled.

Responsibilities of a Dual Agent

Since the agent represents both buyer and seller in the case of dual agency, they should deal with their buyers’ and sellers’ interests impartially. Agents must also balance their responsibilities to ensure fairness and adherence to high ethical standards. Some of the responsibilities in a dual agent real estate situation are: 

• Impartialness: The agent should be unbiased and avoid doing anything to benefit one party at the expense of the other. It is challenging since the agent has to balance the interests of the two clients under their control.
• Disclosure: The agent shall disclose all the material facts about the property to both parties. Material fact means any information that may influence a buyer’s judgment or impair a seller’s ability to sell a property.
• Confidentiality: The agent is bound not to disclose any confidential information from one party to the other without explicit prior consent. This confidentiality protects sensitive information that includes negotiation strategies or personal financial details.
• Fiduciary duties: These include the duties of care, loyalty, and obedience to both clients. An agent should always protect the best interests of both parties. They are bound to give honest and competent advice without compromising either party’s interests.

Commission in Dual Agency

Since only one agent or real estate brokerage is involved, a dual agency may make the commission structure a bit easier. Agents can be lenient with their commission rate in a dual agency scenario because no other agent is involved. 

Therefore, they don’t have to worry about another agent’s involvement if they want to discount their commission by a percentage to get the deal done and benefit their clients. However, it should be very clear exactly how the commission division works as outlined in the dual agency agreement and where the cost savings are for both the buyer and seller.

Pros & Cons of a Dual Agency

Agents should consider dual representation real estate if both the buyer and seller want a smooth and efficient transaction and both parties are comfortable with one agent representing both sides. It can be of great value if an agent has specific knowledge about the property and the local market, providing value to both parties. 

Another advantage associated with a dual agency is the leeway to negotiate commission rates, thus benefitting the deal. In dual agency, however, there are potential conflicts of interest between both parties, and each party needs to be aware and comfortable moving forward. Knowing the dual agency pros and cons will help you decide whether you want to put yourself in that situation.

In Which States Are Dual Agency Legal?

Dual agency is legal in many states, although regulations and requirements differ from state to state. States that do allow dual agency require the agents to follow certain disclosure and consent procedures. Dual agency is not permissible in these states:

• Alaska
• Colorado
• Florida
• Kansas
• Maryland
• Texas
• Vermont
• Wyoming

Agents should familiarize themselves with the laws of their state on dual agency so they don’t get involved in illegal activities. This includes knowing additional documentation or disclosure that may be required and how such agreements and letters to clients are to be worded.

Tips to Operate as a Dual Agent

Great care and rigid adherence to ethics should be taken when operating as a dual agent to avoid conflicts of interest and loss of trust. Successful navigation of dual agency is characterized by clear communication, neutrality, and professional integrity. Consider the key practices for effective management of dual agency:

Tip 1: Provide Full Disclosure

Make sure the two parties are fully aware of the existence of a dual agency relationship right from the very start. This would be important in establishing trust and ensuring that both the buyer and the seller know that the agent represents both of them. Full disclosure avoids misunderstanding and possible legal disputes in the future.

Tip 2: Stay Neutral

No act on an agent’s part should be interpreted as favoring one party over another. Provide each client with roughly equal service, information, and comparable support. This helps to establish confidence in the process by assuring both buyer and seller of fair treatment. Balance the needs and interests of both parties without compromising either side.

Tip 3: Use Clear Communication

The agent shall maintain clear and truthful communication with the parties involved. This includes timely progress reports regarding the transaction and immediate disclosure of any material facts or problems as they arise. Effective communication shall help keep both clients fully informed and involved, thereby preventing or minimizing the potential for conflict and misunderstanding. Both parties are to receive timely, accurate information, which will help facilitate informed decision-making.

Tip 4: Practice Professionalism

Abide by statutory and regulatory state requirements relevant to a dual agency that include confidentiality, the truthfulness of information, and loyalty to the client’s interest. The responsible management of a dual agency means being professional in ensuring all acts are within the confines of the law and ethical standards. High professional standards foster trust with one’s clients and facilitate the transaction process through its successful completion.

Scripts to Use When Clients Ask About Dual Agency 

Whenever a client inquires about dual agency in real estate, it is important to respond clearly and with simple language that dispels their fears with clear transparency and total neutrality. Whether describing how the dual agency works, explaining possible conflicts of interest, or just outlining it as an option, your responses reassure the client that their interests will be equally well-guarded. 

The following scripts will guide you through these conversations confidently and help your clients fully understand the implications of dual agency.

Script 1: Explaining Dual Agency to a Client

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Client: “What exactly is dual agency, and how does it work?”

Agent: “Good question. Dual agency would exist if I represented you, the buyer, and the seller in the same transaction. Basically, I have a duty to both of you, and I must remain neutral throughout. I will work to facilitate the transaction as efficiently and smoothly as possible while providing the same service and flow of information to you and the seller.

I’ll disclose all material facts about the property to both parties, but I won’t be able to advocate for one party over the other. What’s important is that both of us, as well as the seller, be comfortable with the situation, and we would all need to sign a dual agency agreement to proceed.”

Script 2: Addressing Concerns About Conflicts of Interest

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Client: “I’m worried that you might be biased towards the seller since you’re representing both of us.”

Agent: “I completely understand your concern, which I take very seriously. I am supposed to be impartial as a dual agent, offering you and the seller the same level of service while providing both of you with all the information. Therefore, I won’t be able to choose one side over the other or give only one side confidential information.

My role is to ensure both parties have the facts they need to make the best decisions possible. If you ever feel uncomfortable or if, at some point, you believe there is a conflict of interest, then we can discuss it and determine what is best.

Script 3: Pitching Dual Agency to a Client

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Agent: “I would like to discuss an option with you that would very much befit your situation: dual agency. This would make me the representative of both you and the buyer. This would streamline communication between us and save us time during negotiations. Because you know I am knowledgeable of the local market, the information and advice I will provide will be useful to both parties involved.

Plus, because I would be handling both ends of the transaction, there would be some opportunity to negotiate a slightly lower commission being paid out on my part, which could save you money. Of course, I would work through that process in a completely neutral and open way. If this is something you’d be open to, I’d be happy to run through the details and answer any questions you might have.”

Script 4: Responding to a Client’s Hesitation About Dual Agency

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Client: “I’m not sure if I’m comfortable with dual agency. What happens if I decide not to go with it?”

Agent: “It’s normal that you should have reservations about dual agency, and that is quite understandable. You must be sure of the decision you are making. If you don’t want to proceed with dual agency, we can certainly look at other options, such as separate representation for each party. The key is to choose a situation that makes you feel most comfortable and confident about the transaction. I am here to support you either way and will be sure that your best interest is protected.”

FAQs

Should real estate agents avoid dual agency?

What is an example of a dual agency?

What is the difference between a sub-agency and a dual agency?

Bringing It All Together

Proper navigation of dual agency requires some thought and clear communication to ensure a fair and efficient transaction for buyers and sellers. The ins and outs of how commissions work, when it’s proper to represent both parties, and formalizing that relationship with a detailed dual agency agreement are all essential considerations. This navigation enables agents to maintain transparency, neutrality, and professionalism in dealing with dual agency situations and support increasing their gross commission income (GCI).

The post What Is a Dual Agent? A Guide for Real Estate Agents 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

The post 80 Real Estate Agent Statistics, Insights & Trends for 2024 appeared first on The Close.

What Is a Real Estate Mastermind Group?

A real estate mastermind group is peer-to-peer mentoring among agents and investors looking to share knowledge, strategies, and support. These mastermind agent groups of realtors and investors meet in person or online at specific periods to review trends, fix problems, or simply set goals. The synergy of the group, through their composite expertise and experience, maximizes both individual and group potential.

Mastermind groups are resourceful and different from the usual networking groups where members only exchange business cards and socialize. In a mastermind group, members commit to each other’s success by offering constructive feedback and sharing resources. Such synergy created in these groups can provide a breakthrough, which one would not get by working alone.

Be it increasing the knowledge base, solving specific problems, or seeking motivational fuel, real estate mastermind groups are game-changers for real estate careers.

How to Join Real Estate Mastermind Groups

A mastermind real estate group could be a giant step toward developing your professionalism and network. You can find real estate investing mastermind groups by doing a simple search on Google (or continue reading this article, which will give you a bunch of excellent mastermind group choices!) Find those of interest and research them the same way you would any other critical decision. 

The steps to joining a real estate mastermind include the following: 

• Research: Identify groups that align with your professional goals and interests. Look for groups with people who have similar levels of experience and expertise. 
• Apply: Most groups have an application process to ensure a good fit between the group’s objectives and your goals. This application process may be done by filling out a form, participating in an interview, or attending a trial meeting. Most online Facebook groups are free to join but may need group administrator approval before having access. 
• Attend: If accepted, regularly attend meetings or real estate conferences. The more active you are with the group, the more you gain from it. Some groups may have attendance policies.
• Contribute: Offer your knowledge and experience to others within the group to derive value from. The more you contribute, the more you will benefit from the members’ collective wisdom.

How Much Do Real Estate Masterminds Cost?

All the mastermind groups I have shortlisted are free and online via Facebook. Such groups will help agents get important resources and provide the ability to connect with others to share information from expert practitioners at no cost. 

Some other paid mastermind groups can grant advanced features, such as personal coaching and special member-only resources. However, free online groups will still deliver some of the value and support that help agents move their careers forward. The minimum cost for these free groups is your time and involvement, which are returned to you through knowledge networking and professional growth.

Benefits of Joining a Real Estate Mastermind Group

Joining a real estate masterminds group will enhance your career with a bundle of different benefits best suited for your professional growth and success. You’ll share a collaborative environment and have the opportunity to leverage the collective intelligence of participants in the groups. The key benefits of a real estate mastermind group are as follows: 

• Networking opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals and expand your business network.
• Knowledge sharing: Gain insights and learn from the experiences of others in the industry.
• Accountability: Stay focused on your goals with the support and encouragement of group members.
• Motivation: Be inspired by the successes and strategies of your peers.
• Problem-solving: Find solutions to challenges through collective brainstorming and advice.
• Personal and professional growth: Continuously improve your skills and knowledge.
• Market insights: Stay updated on the latest industry trends and developments.
• Supportive community: Benefit from the encouragement and camaraderie from professionals who understand your challenges

The Close’s Favorite Mastermind Groups

The right mastermind realtor group is key to real estate professionals seeking valuable insight, support, and good networking. With so many options available, finding one that aligns with your goals and professional level is imperative. Therefore, we’ve pulled out a list of the top 10 masterminds real estate groups for you to start with. No two groups are alike, each having varying benefits and focus, so no matter what an agent is looking for to move their career forward, there will be at least one.

1. Real Estate Rockstar Agents

Year Founded: 2014
Group Membership: 47,246
Monthly Posts: Around 200
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? Yes

Real Estate Rockstar Agents is a dynamic community built for high-performance agents wanting to move their careers to the next level. The group shares advanced strategies, industry secrets, and innovative techniques on how to be the best within a particular market. Its culture of excellence and ambition makes it a perfect fit for those looking to learn from the best and constantly challenging themselves to improve their skill base.

2. Real Estate Memes & Videos

Year Founded: 2016
Group Membership: 52,077
Monthly Posts: Around 150
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? Yes

A unique mastermind group with an extremely unique blend of humor and education that refreshes your professional network is Real Estate Memes & Videos. The content provided is the most entertaining way to draw on industry trends, common challenges, and real estate tips. This group is an excellent place to keep yourself light-hearted while still learning from fellow agents.

3. LabCoat Agents

Year Founded: 2014
Group Membership: 165,704
Monthly Posts: Around 2,000
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? On approval of admins
Real Estate Agents Only? No

As one of the largest and most active real estate communities, LabCoat Agents offers a wealth of resources for agents at all levels. It’s known for highly detailed content regarding real estate matters, from marketing and technology to lead generation and personal development. With regular webinars, expert interviews, and collaborative discussions, LabCoat Agents is a must-join for those serious about excelling in real estate.

4. Empowering Women in Real Estate

Year Founded: 2014
Group Membership: 38,235
Monthly Posts: Around 170
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? No, lenders, title companies, and real estate support teams, too!

Founded by agent Karen W. Cooper, the mission of Empowering Women in Real Estate is to help and encourage women in real estate. This mastermind real estate group provides a safe space where women can empower each other through sharing experiences, struggles, and triumphs. By focusing on mentorship, networking, and personal development, the idea is to allow women to reach their potential within the real estate industry.

5. New Real Estate Agents Facebook Group

Year Founded: 2017
Group Membership: 76,655
Monthly Posts: Around 200
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? No, mortgage brokers, too!

The New Real Estate Agents Facebook Group is a great forum and support group for those entering the business. You can ask questions, ask for advice, or share personal experiences regarding entering the real estate business. This group would be a good fit for any new agent looking for mentorship, real-life practice tips, and motivation from people who recently walked a similar path.

6. Real Estate Mastermind

Year Founded: 2016
Group Membership: 304,243
Monthly Posts: Around 3,500
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? Yes

Join Real Estate Mastermind if you are seeking a high-level, peer-to-peer group. It’s the perfect group if you’re an experienced agent or industry leader ready to dive into advanced strategies and insights. This mastermind group consists of people who like to get things done, keep their members responsible, collaborate, and help set real estate goals. It is excellent for learning subtle skills and keeping updated on market trends.

7. Real Estate Happy Hour

Year Founded: 2015
Group Membership: 15,578Monthly Posts: Around 50
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? No, lenders can join, too.

The Real Estate Happy Hour mastermind group brings professional development into a social setting, allowing agents to network and discuss ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. Though it’s not the most active group on our list, it provides an opportunity for its membership base to discuss industry topics and best practices and offers relevant networking. It’s great for those looking to mix business with a sprinkle of humor while growing a professional network.

8. Facebook Ad Support Group for New Real Estate Agents

Year Founded: 2018
Group Membership: 30,419Monthly Posts: Around 10
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? Yes

While not a group you might actively participate in, The New Real Estate Agent Facebook Support Group is a place to become proficient in online ads. The group shares real and practical tips and advice on troubleshooting and success stories related to running Facebook ads. These resources are invaluable for agents leveraging social media marketing to generate leads and grow their businesses.

9. Real Estate Agents Referral Group

Year Founded: 2000
Group Membership: 11,062
Monthly Posts: Around 10Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? Yes

The Real Estate Agents Referral Group is a forum for exchanging referrals among agents nationwide. Members can grow their businesses through this group by networking with fellow agents around various other demographic areas. This forum is suitable for finding someone to partner with, sharing leads, and giving your clients superior service with a network of trusted professionals who can help take your business to the next level.

10. The Close Real Estate Community

Year Founded: 2019
Group Membership: 8,979Monthly Posts: 15
Private or Public: Private
Self-promotion Allowed? No
Real Estate Agents Only? No, it is open to other industry professionals, too.

The Close Real Estate Community is our specially curated group with top-level access to real estate industry insights, practical advice, and highly attainable community members. We bring forward collaboration in this environment that empowers members to share their experiences or ask for guidance from our team. Be it a seasoned agent or a new entry into the business, The Close Real Estate Community is equipped with the tools and support needed for agents to be successful in their chosen careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why join a real estate mastermind group?

How can I identify the right mastermind group that fits all my needs in real estate?

What do I get from participating in the mastermind group within Real Estate?

Bringing It All Together

The real estate mastermind groups are valuable because they provide a robust platform where agents can establish a faster and more tangible pace of personal and professional growth. Agents will access a helpful and friendly network of similar-minded career professionals who can offer valuable industry insights and actionable strategies to apply directly to their businesses. These groups present opportunities for continual learning, accountability, and motivation.

Do you belong to a mastermind group? Tell us which one and how it has helped you!

The post 10 Real Estate Mastermind Groups Every Agent Should Join Today appeared first on The Close.

You need to embrace this technology and use it to help more clients (and help your pockets grow, too)! I will break down what predictive analytics in real estate are, how you can use them, their benefits, and which real estate analytics software you can use to boost your business. Here we go! 

What Is Predictive Analytics in Real Estate?

Predictive analysis is a technique that uses data, statistical algorithms, and machine learning to identify the likelihood of future outcomes based on historical data. It involves analyzing current and past information to predict future events. 

In real estate, predictive analysis can help agents forecast market trends, identify potential buyers and sellers, set competitive prices, and make strategic business decisions. These real estate analytics companies pull together millions (if not billions) of data points from multiple sources to give you important insights. 

Common data sources include the following:

• Property
• Demographics
• Behavioral trends
• Event data (user-generated activity data from products, software, or websites)

Why Predictive Analytics Matters in Real Estate

If you’re a MARVEL fan, you may remember in Captain America: The Winter Soldier the scene where Jasper Sitwell gets kicked off the roof by Black Widow for information about Zola’s algorithm. Ok, we won’t be kicking anyone off any rooftops, but Zola’s algorithm is a great example of predictive analysis. It provided data on who to target, when to target them, and how to take them down.

The same concept is applied to PA in real estate. Imagine if you had a list of homeowners in your farm area who were identified via predictive analytics as highly likely to sell their homes in the next 12 to 18 months. Think of the time, energy, and money you could save by marketing specifically to those homeowners. You can make it work for you in your real estate business with a company that knows how to harness it.

Ok, let me give you some actual data to consider. One of our top picks, Offrs, provides 30 guaranteed leads in a chosen ZIP code every month, and those leads come with an astounding 72% prediction accuracy rate. Assuming that prediction rate, you’d have about 20 solid leads each month. The average listing commission is over $12,000. So, if you convert half of your leads, that’s $120,000. As Offrs says: It’s not magic; it’s math.

Benefits of Using Predictive Analytics for Real Estate 

Real estate predictive analytics is changing the game, giving agents and brokers powerful tools to understand market trends and customer behaviors. With tons of data and smart algorithms, this tech helps you make better decisions, market more effectively, and stay ahead of the competition. 

Using predictive analytics in real estate offers several key benefits:

• Accurate market predictions: Helps agents predict market trends, including which properties are likely to sell and when.
• Targeted marketing: Allows more accurate marketing efforts by identifying potential buyers and sellers, leading to better conversion rates.
• Improved pricing strategies: Assists in setting competitive sales prices based on data-driven insights rather than gut feelings.
• Enhanced customer insights: Provides a better understanding of customer preferences and behaviors, allowing you to personalize your services.
• Competitive advantage: Gives agents an edge over competitors who may not use predictive analytics.
• Increased sales: Ultimately leads to higher sales and revenue through more effective and targeted business strategies.

How Agents Can Use Predictive Analytics

Now that you know what PA is, why it’s important, and what the benefits are, it’s time to put predictive analysis to work for your business. While residential real estate analytics isn’t fully on par with the commercial side yet, we’re getting closer to seeing every agent, team, and broker using AI or data analytics tools in 2024.

Here are a few ways you can start to incorporate PA into your business practices: 

• Identify potential sellers
• Competitively price the properties
• Optimize lead generation
• Improve client relationships
• Predict future market trends

The Best Predictive Analytics Companies in 2024

Wondering which companies are at the forefront of predictive analytics in real estate? These companies are transforming how agents predict market trends and make informed decisions. If you’re considering integrating predictive analytics into your real estate strategy, here are some top recommendations for real estate data analytics companies that are reshaping how agents predict market trends, identify potential clients, and optimize their business strategies.

Take a look at some of the top players in the game.

1. Smartzip: Best for Sellers Leads

Pros It has easy-to-use CRM and dashboard. Smart Targeting product allows automated print marketing. It is easily applicable to an existing real estate farming strategy.	Starting Monthly Prices The company’s prices are based on the size of the geographic area you’re targeting. Prices start at $299 per month with a 12-month contract.
Cons Pricey—most Smartzip users spend at least $1,000 per month (or more). Leads are nonexclusive. It can take a long time to nurture and convert leads.

By combing through consumer data (from places like credit card companies), market data (from places like your MLS), and demographic data, Smartzip predicts which homeowners in your targeted region are most likely to sell. Realtors who sign up with Smartzip immediately get access to the Smartzip CRM, populated with “Smart Data” for their areas. 

Essentially, this is a list of all the property owners in your targeted area, ranked by how likely they are to sell their home in the next year and a half. Armed with this information, you can focus your outreach on only the most likely sellers, saving you time and money on marketing efforts and making your lead conversations more meaningful and fruitful.

Smartzip: Is It Right for You?

If you’re already investing heavily in real estate farming and seller lead nurturing, Smartzip is an excellent real estate predictive analytics tool for you. Since leads from Smartzip tend to take a little longer to nurture than traditional listing leads, you will need a solid keep-in-touch strategy. If you’ve got a good lead nurturing game in place, Smartzip is absolutely worth considering.

2. Offrs

Pros It is the same great Smart Data that sister company Smartzip is built on. Roof provides an entire inside sales and marketing team with no upfront costs. Unique ad tools help connect your analog and digital marketing.	Starting Monthly Prices It offers 30 guaranteed leads from one ZIP code for $299 monthly. This includes predictive sellers, an ad budget, a customized territory builder, and a lead capture page. If you want a larger target area, spring for the premium plan, which is five ZIP codes for $599 monthly. Offrs does not require a contract.
Cons Leads are nonexclusive. Leads take longer to convert than organic or referral leads. The Offrs Smart Data CRM isn’t as user-friendly as the Smartzip version.

While Offrs is owned by the same company as Smartzip, the actual product is very different. Both are built on the same Smart Data platform, but Offrs customers also have access to sophisticated and automated marketing and nurturing tools.

Plus, the Offrs Roof referral system is an added bonus. For a 25% referral fee, Offrs’ call center and email marketing team will initiate at least 30 touches in the first 90 days, starting immediately when a lead comes through. This makes the nurturing process even less of a lift, especially since about 67% of clients go with the first agent they speak with.

Offrs: Is It Right for You?

If you need automated marketing services, this is a platform you should absolutely consider. If you don’t need the more specialized lead types or automated marketing features, you’re probably better off going with Smartzip, with its upgraded CRM and user interface.

3. Catalyze AI

Pros It has high accuracy percentage. It offers exclusive, local leads. It has an easy-to-use, intuitive dashboard.	Starting Monthly Prices The two-tier pricing at Catalyze AI is relatively unique. The first tier is for properties valued over $1 million dollars, which is $450 per month. For $360 per month, you get leads on properties valued under $1 million. There are no contracts, so agents can subscribe month to month.
Cons Costs will add up if you subscribe every month over a year. It relies on excellent interpersonal and follow-up skills. Large radius may not work well for agents in urban areas.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of properties are inherited. Catalyze AI helps sort through all of the data points (over 400 million of them) to narrow these properties down to excellent leads. It is so excellent that it boasts that four out of 10 predicted leads sell within 12 months. Catalyze AI estimates this market represents $77 billion in property value each year.

I like that Catalyze AI offers leads within a 20-mile radius of your search area and that you can pay based on the value of the property: one monthly rate for properties valued above $1 million and one for below. And finally, and perhaps most importantly, these leads are exclusive, which makes them pretty darn valuable.

Catalyze AI: Is It Right for You?

Inherited property leads are fairly niche, and it takes someone with strong interpersonal skills to convert them, especially if the new property owner is recently bereft. It will also take patience and strong follow-up. That being said, this is a really strong market, and the leads are local, not outrageously expensive, highly probable to convert, and exclusive. Because it’s month-to-month, it’s definitely worth checking out Catalyze AI; it’s a company in the PA space that we’re excited to watch.

4. Top Producer

Pros It offers full end-to-end solution with top-notch lead gen, integrated marketing, and CRM. CRM helps prioritize PA leads and follow-up. It has excellent customer service.	Starting Monthly Prices Top Producer’s Pro + Framing package includes the CRM plus AI-powered farming and marketing starting at $399 per month. Pro + Leads includes the CRM plus social media leads starting at $429 per month. The baseline Top Producer product—called Pro—starts $129 per user, per month. The Top Producer Pro Teams package is $299 per user, per month. A Top Producer website is an additional $35 per user, per month.
Cons You can’t subscribe to just the PA solution. It lacks 24/7 customer support. It is not an option for agents who already have a CRM they like.

While Top Producer’s predictive analytics product, called Smart Targeting, isn’t far from what other PA companies are doing (in fact, its data is supplied by the same company as Offrs and Smartzip), it is unique to have the analytics as part of a larger lead generation and tracking ecosystem. There are some real advantages to having everything working together in the same place. If you’re using Top Producer, one of our favorite CRMs in the industry, to prioritize, track, nurture, and convert leads fed to your funnel by predictive analytics, you’re cooking with gas, as they say.

Top Producer’s biggest value is in its CRM, which allows a busy agent to rely on automatic follow-up with leads. It’s not cheap—in fact, it’s hard to tell exactly what Smart Targeting costs as it’s an add-on to the base price—but it is an exciting development in the industry. Synergy between all of your sales and marketing is a beautiful thing.

Grow your database with a steady stream of affordable, exclusive real estate leads from social media ads. Social Connect from Top Producer is designed to get you a high volume of leads and move them through your pipeline until they’re ready to buy and sell real estate. Connect with an average of 30 consumers interested in real estate in your local market for just $300 per month!

How Social Connect works:

• Digital advertising experts create and run social media ad campaigns on your behalf
• You get exclusive leads from your desired local area
• All leads are automatically nurtured via text and email on your behalf until they’re ready to connect, saving you time and effort

Top Producer: Is It Right for You?

If you already have a CRM that you love, Top Producer isn’t for you. You’re better off subscribing to Offrs or Smartzip and integrating it into your existing CRM. It’s only if you’re already using Top Producer or you want to make a CRM change that you should consider jumping in with two feet. Real magic can happen when all of your systems are not only talking to each other and working together, but also taking advantage of cutting-edge technology that can skyrocket your business.

Are you a lender or homeowner interested in hearing about other great predictive analytics tools that are easy on the wallet? Check out our review of Homebot to kick off your search.

Methodology: How I Chose the Best Predictive Analytics Companies

Our methodology at The Close ensures that our team of professionals, writers, and editors thoroughly analyzes each platform. We meticulously evaluate the features, usability, integration capabilities, performance, and affordability of the AI tools available for real estate. 

Even though our team has decades of combined real estate experience, navigating through the wild, complex, and sometimes confounding world of data analytics wasn’t easy. To make sure we were using objective measures, in addition to our educated opinions, we looked at these five key criteria to select our picks for the top companies:

• Affordability and value for money: Cost was an important consideration. We looked for tools that provided a good balance of features and return on investment.
• Feature set and functionality: We evaluated the range of features each tool offers and focused on how impactful these features are to real estate operations. 
• Usability and customer ratings: We looked for tools with intuitive interfaces, straightforward navigation, and comprehensive support resources. We want to ensure it can be easily integrated into an agent’s workflow. 
• Integration capabilities: Because so many tools are needed in the real estate industry, we want to ensure that an agent’s technology stack can communicate with other tools necessary for business. 
• Effectiveness and performance: We considered the effectiveness of each tool to make sure that it increased productivity and would achieve the desired outcomes that it promised. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

What are the challenges of using predictive analysis in real estate?

What problem is being addressed by applying predictive analytics to real estate?

How do predictive analytics impact the real estate industry?

Bringing It All Together

Data analytics, and predictive analytics specifically, is an exciting, cutting-edge field that has the potential to completely shake up our industry. I believe that agents, teams, and brokers will see a serious ROI with the right data analytics tool. I hope this guide has helped narrow down the options and decide what might be the right company (or companies) for your business. 

Are there any predictive analytics companies serving the real estate world that we missed? Who should we include the next time around? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Predictive Analytics in Real Estate: Best Practices & Software for Agents appeared first on The Close.

Photography Fails

1. House Flipping?

Why it’s bad: The photo was uploaded to his MLS without verifying the photos were in the upright position.

Fix: When adding photos to your listings, make sure you get them uploaded correctly before you push that publish button.

2. Virtual Staging Gone Rogue

Why it’s bad: if you’re looking for weird real estate photos, virtual staging is the ticket. The virtual staging in this photo obviously was not done by a professional and looks that way. 

Fix: If you want to use virtual staging, use a professional company like Apply Design to make sure it looks realistic. And make sure your photos are well-lit, professional photos before you add virtual staging.

Pro Tip: Get results like THIS for just $7 per photo.

With virtual staging companies charging $30 to $100 per picture these days, most agents only use them for luxury listings. Sure, there is DIY staging software out there, but most are a pain to use, and the quality is awful. That is until Apply Design came along.

Apply Design is the first DIY virtual staging software that is easy to use, easy to get professional-looking results from, and, best of all, affordable enough for any agent. They even have a 100% money-back guarantee, and you can stage your first room for free.

3. Blurred Lines

Why it’s bad: This photo is so blurry it’s unrecognizable. It looks like it was blurred for the protection of the seller.

Fix: When adding photos to your listings, don’t upload any photos that are so low quality that no one can see them.

4. A Fracture in Space

Why it’s bad: It’s difficult to make out exactly what’s going on in this photo. Is it a portal in the space-time continuum? Hard to say for sure.

Fix: This photo could use a little context. Reflections in the glass are creating a bizarre effect that could really throw off potential buyers. Get more of this room in the lens. 

5. Rex Discovers a Portal to Another Dimension

Why it’s bad: Aside from the fracturing of the space-time continuum, there probably shouldn’t be a dog’s head in the photo.

Fix: This is more careless than anything else. If your photo looks like this, take another one while holding the camera still long enough for it to finish collecting the image.

6. My Selfie Stick Makes This Easy

Why it’s bad: Just what everyone wanted to see—your head in front of the sofa.

Fix: OK, I’m going to be blunt—if you don’t know how to use these properly, please don’t. It’s called a selfie stick because it puts you in the picture. You don’t need to be in any of the listing pictures, so just don’t.

Staging and Decor Disasters

7. Living Inside a 90s Taco Bell

Why it’s bad: This room is filled with color—so much so that a potential buyer might be overwhelmed and miss the features of this home.

Fix: Your sellers don’t have to do a complete overhaul of their home for it to sell. But you can use your knowledge of home staging basics and help them cut down on some of the clutter to minimize the sensory overload.

8. Eat More Chicken

Why it’s bad: Let’s just be honest—everyone has their weird kinks, and that’s perfectly fine. But when it’s time to sell, you probably don’t want to advertise those kinks to the whole internet.

Fix: Before you list a new property on the MLS, you might encourage your sellers to invest in some paint to get the home back to a more neutral tone.

9. The Corpse Dino

Why it’s bad: Again, we all have our idiosyncrasies and bizarre hobbies. But there’s no need to broadcast them to the world.

Fix: As an agent, when you tour a room like this with your sellers, you should look at it as the perfect opportunity to discuss what “declutter” means.

10. Grecian Sanctuary

Why it’s bad: You have to wonder how they get the toilet lid to stay open if they need to sit down. And just how bad is someone’s aim if you need that much plastic on the floor?

Fix: Sure, this is just another example of DIY home design gone wild. But you can coach your sellers to remove some of the extra, including the plastic sheet on the floor before picture day. 

11. Too Many Options

Why it’s bad: It’s great to have options when using a washroom, but this one is actually overwhelming. Why are there two (or is it three) toilets? And only one roll of toilet paper?

Fix: The angle on this image does not do this bathroom any favors. 

12. Zero Gravity

Why it’s bad: This listing definitely deserved two images. First, it’s a million-dollar listing, but it’s also one of the most cluttered homes ever. There is a mannequin hanging from the ceiling in not one but two separate images. The realtor said the buyer of this home would be able to see the forest through the trees. Seriously, this whole listing is chock full of funny real estate photos that will have you scratching your head.

Fix: It’s important to help your sellers understand the importance of depersonalization. Please have this conversation with them.

13. It’s About Damn Lime

Why it’s bad: In a minute, I’mma need a bucket o’paint! I had a listing for a room painted this color once. No buyers could get past it. 

Fix: I can’t tell you how many buyers said, “Just show us—we can look past [insert bad house feature here],” but then balked when I showed them the home. Don’t believe your buyers. Don’t show homes that are not show-ready. But when you do, use virtual staging to show buyers how a little paint can work some magic.

14. Under the Sea

Why it’s bad: There’s just no accounting for people’s taste. But that doesn’t mean you have to put it on display. 

Fix: No doubt about it, this floor needs some creative photography best left to the pros. And quite possibly a flooring allowance.

15. Just Add Glitter

Why it’s bad: This bathroom definitely needs more sparkle … and a toilet paper roll holder!

Fix: There’s so much color in this tiny bathroom. Certain colors can make a space feel even smaller, while others can help open up a tight space. You might encourage your sellers to paint this bathroom a color that adds some area.

16. Some Like It Ugly

Why it’s bad: Are you listing a funhouse? There are so many colors! It may be a lot to ask your sellers to remove all the clutter and repaint.

Fix: It may be a lot to ask your sellers to remove all the clutter and repaint the house, but you should definitely give it one helluva try. Or at least consider some virtual staging and a paint allowance. 

Unexpected Occupants

17. Send in the Clowns

Why it’s bad: There is a lot going on in this image, not the least of which is the 4 ft. clown statue in the corner. Some of the most awful real estate photos feature really creepy clowns.

Fix: Have thorough conversations about neutralizing the home to provide potential buyers with fewer distractions.

18. Life on the Serengeti

Why it’s bad: You’ll notice there are many images on this list with a lot going on, like this photo filled with taxidermy from exotic lands.

Fix: Sit your sellers down and encourage them (strongly) to minimize the clutter in the home. Offer to help them find a storage location to house their many prized possessions that might detract from buyers focusing on the home rather than their collection.

19. Master of Multitasking

Why it’s bad: Clearly, this seller is a DIY type, based on this terrible real estate photography.

Fix: Your MLS photos should not have anyone in them, especially if they’re actually sitting on the toilet. Pop for some professional photos to make sure the job’s done right.

20. Mane Entry

Why it’s bad: Why would anyone snap a photo before the horse was out of the way?

Fix: Photography for your listing should not be taken so carelessly. Plan out your photo shoot, make sure you have great lighting in every room, and clean up any extraneous items so your photos are clean and show the home in its best possible light.

21. Holy Cow!

Why it’s bad: How lonely do you need to be to install this oddly well-dressed, life-sized creature in your home? And why is it there for photos?

Fix: It’s highly recommended to be present when your listing is scheduled for photos. Perhaps if this agent had been present, they could have moved Mrs. Heifer to the other room while this pic was taken.

22. Photo Bomb

Why it’s bad: Sure, dogs are amazing, and no one loves them more than I do. But this dog takes the cake! How in the hell did he even get up there?

Fix: As cute as this little guy is, he’s just another distraction taking away from the house. When taking photos, make sure you don’t accidentally capture a lovable mutt in the frame. And I suppose you should look up as well.

Structural and Design Oddities

23. M.C. Escher Fanboy Homebuilder

Why it’s bad: The photo isn’t the problem here; it’s the home itself. (Where are all those steps going?)

Fix: Every home you list won’t be magazine-worthy. All you can do is make the best of what you’re working with. Treat every listing equally, and make sure you’re doing all you can to showcase the best features. Find clever ways to highlight the positives!

24. Bed, Bath, and Be-gross!

Why it’s bad: It’s hard to know where to begin with this photo, but it will probably be the bunk bed over the tub.

Fix: If you absolutely must list a photo like this, at least make sure it’s tidy. And you should probably get creative with your listing description.

25. I Can Really See Myself Living Here

Why it’s bad: Why anyone would want to see an infinite number of themselves on the toilet or naked in the tub is beyond me. Anything with this many mirrors ranks up there with bad real estate pictures that you probably can’t fix.

Fix: Hire a professional photographer. Hopefully, they’ll have a few creative ways to shoot this room to tamp down the effects of all those mirrors.

26. Outdoor Facilities

Why it’s bad: No matter how you look at this photo, it’s not showing anything positive about the house.

Fix: For the love of all that’s holy, please don’t take a picture of the house with someone taking a piss right on the side of it! Just no.

27. For Emergency Evacuations Please Use Stairs

Why it’s bad: Not sure who thought this was a good place to install a bathroom, but here we are.

Fix: Because of the refracted lighting, the toilet is overexposed while the corner with the sink is dark. Make sure your lighting is balanced, or correct it in post.

28. Fertility Window

Why it’s bad: This home’s unique structural design conjures intriguing thoughts. Amirite?

Fix: When your listing has unfortunate features, the best way to offset them is to get images from different angles that de-emphasize the issues. Best left to the pros.

Cleanliness and Clutter Issues

29. Where’s the Remote?

Why it’s bad: Let’s face it—not all of your sellers are going to be the cleanest. But you should not broadcast that information to the entire internet.

Fix: This is the perfect situation where you will benefit immensely from offering to pay for a cleaning service for your sellers.

30. This is Where I Like to Go to Cry

Why it’s bad: Listing photos should give viewers a feel for what it’s like inside the home while showing off its best features. Not sure if this one gives that vibe.

Fix: When shooting photos and videos of your listing, don’t let obstructions get between your viewer’s eyeballs and the space.

31. Elder Enclosure

Why it’s bad: To be completely honest, I’m not sure why this pic would even make it to your actual listing.

Fix: When choosing images for your listing, it’s important to ask yourself, “Will this photo help me sell this house?”

Inappropriate or Bizarre Content

32. Fire Sale

Why it’s bad: I don’t know where to start. An image of a home on fire in the MLS? That’s got to be up there among the most terrible real estate pictures ever, right?

Fix: Listing photos should highlight the home’s best features. Show your listing in its best light.

Fix: When adding photos to your listings, don’t upload any photos that are so low quality that no one can see them. 

33. No Realtor Needed

Why it’s bad: Anything that detracts from the home’s features should be eliminated.Fix: This is what happens when sellers think they can sell their home as easily as any agent. Check out the Zillow FSBO listings, and you’ll find a veritable gold mine of sellers out there who desperately need your expertise.

Pro Tip: Spend a few minutes scrolling through any FSBO site, including the FSBOs on Zillow, and you’ll learn just how horrible 99% of FSBO marketing is. When you finish scrolling (and laughing), our best FSBO scripts article will be waiting for you.

34. Valley of the Dolls

Why it’s bad: It’s the one lying on the ground like she’s in a 90s music video for me.

Fix: Again, when there’s so much stuff in a room that it distracts the buyer from the home’s features, it needs to go. Help your sellers find temporary storage for their bizarre collections.

35. Percy Jackson

Why it’s bad: This house is really gorgeous. The female rabbit statue is a little questionable, but the minotaur in the hallway is haunting my dreams!

Fix: Any potential buyers would naturally be scared away if they saw this image in the MLS. Stage the home tastefully and remove distractions like this monstrosity.

36. It’s a Jungle out There

Why it’s bad: Now might be a great time to discuss curb appeal.

Fix: As a listing agent, you’ll want to make sure this doesn’t happen to your listing. Hire a landscaper to keep the jungle trimmed and neat.

37. Target Your Audience

Why it’s bad: Do I really need to explain why this photo might turn off buyers? 

Fix: Humans are interesting, with lots of interesting hobbies. But maybe some things should only be known by those closest to you. Pack up the gun collection for pictures and showings, just to be on the safe side.

38. This Could Have Been So Much Worse

Why it’s bad: It would be kind of funny if it wasn’t so horrifying at the same time.

Fix: Don’t have your naked seller take photos of your listing. Not to mention, the lighting in this bathroom is really bad.

39. Stunning Art

Why it’s bad: The lighting is good, the bed is made, what could possibly…??? Oh, that!

Fix: I’m all for embracing sexual exploration. But when you put your house on the market, you might want to tone down anything that could embarrass buyers who come through your home. They’ll be so stunned, they’ll walk away from your listing without any further consideration.

40. Lifestyle Goals

Why it’s bad: This photo is a blatant abuse of Photoshop and really bad graphic design and should be avoided at all costs.

Fix: In all seriousness, what exactly does this photo have to do with this house? That pool certainly doesn’t come with its own dolphin-riding agent. It’s just silliness.

41. Slow Market

Why it’s bad: “What’s your average number of days on the market for listings?” 

Fix: You gotta love people’s senses of humor. While this skeleton will make some people laugh, it could also upset others. It’s best not to use the MLS for your (or your seller’s) practical jokes. 

42. Thoughtful Closing Gift

Why it’s bad: This would be a perfectly lovely image of this little cottage if only Baxter had gone earlier when we made that stop.

Fix: I feel like a broken record, but listing photos should not be some offhanded thing you do just as you’re leaving the property. Make sure your images are free from distractions (and debris).

43. Stock Photo

Why it’s bad: It’s the juxtaposition of the stockade footboard, complete with leg restraints, against the Stitch-themed bedspread for me.

Fix: If you come across a situation where too much of your sellers’ sex life is on display, you might try to find creative ways to disguise it. For example, I may have removed the leg restraints and covered the footboard with an afghan so it’s less obvious. Just my thoughts after staring at this photo for longer than I care to admit.

44. Too Intimate?

Why it’s bad: “The painting on the wall is custom art …”

Fix: Not everyone’s taste in art will be the same. For many, this intimate portrait of a birth may be off-putting. Best to remove it for photography and showings. Agree?

45. Nightmare Listing

Why it’s bad: Can you imagine seeing this as a potential buyer on the MLS? I mean, the lighting is atrocious!

Fix: But seriously, don’t be this agent. This photo is only causing serious anxiety for most of the viewers who encounter it. It does nothing to help sell the property. 

How to Get the Most From Your Real Estate Photos (And Never End Up On This List!)

Look, I get it. Taking Instagram-worthy pictures of creepy and cluttered houses isn’t easy. But a listing is a listing, right? So if you want to actually sell the property, you’re going to have to do your best to present the house in its best light. And maybe not every listing needs professional photography, although that’s a debatable topic for another article. Here are six simple tips to take better pictures of visually challenged homes.

Tip 1: For the Love of All That Is Holy, Put the Toilet Seat Down!

One of the first things I learned from my professional real estate photographer is to put the toilet seats down before you snap those photos. My photographer went through the house and made sure they were all closed before he took even one photo. So, before you start clicking, go through the house and close all the toilet lids, regardless of everything else that might be wrong.

Tip 2: Offer to Pay for a Decluttering & Cleaning Service

A dirty house filled with junk is always going to be the last one buyers schedule a tour to see. That means your listing will sit on the market longer, and you might need to lower the price to get the house some love. So if your homeowner refuses to clean or move the Star Trek collection to the garage, consider paying out of pocket to get the job done.

Tip 3: You Don’t Need to Show the Weirdness

I’ve already touched on this, but everyone has their own weird things. But there are exactly zero reasons to upload pictures of your homeowner’s weird belongings to Zillow. Try to convince your sellers to move their personal stuff to a storage unit while you’re trying to sell the home. Offer to pay for a storage unit if you have to. But remind them of the objective—depersonalize so buyers can see themselves in the home, not the sellers.

Tip 4: Resist the Urge to Edit Your Own Pictures

Unless you’re a professional editor, editing your own listing pictures is never a good idea. It is absurdly easy to make a mediocre picture worse, and you can hire a professional editor for a small fee. So do yourself a favor and leave it to the pros. You’ll thank me later.

Tip 5: Use a Professional Virtual Staging Service or App

Be extremely careful with virtual staging. It’s so easy to overdo it and make your listing photos look ridiculous. Hire a professional or use a company that specializes in real estate virtual staging. Sure, it’s a little more expensive than professional photo editing, but it’s always a great investment when trying to get a challenging home sold. You have so many more options today, with more coming in the near future. 

Tip 6: Learn the Basics of Photography

If you insist on taking your own pictures instead of hiring a photographer like every successful real estate agent, at least take a few hours to learn the basics. Professional real estate photography is not easy, but it’s also not as hard as you think it is. Check out our deep-dive guide on photography to learn how to take pictures that won’t end up on this list.

Bringing It All Together

Have some unbearably bad real estate photos to share or a real estate photography tip that works every time? Send it to us at hi@theclose.com or share it with us on Instagram via @theclosedotcom. Use the hashtag #realestatepictastrophes 

The post 45 Bad Real Estate Photos Agents Actually Posted (+ How to Fix Them) appeared first on The Close.

1. The Most Expensive US State to Own a Home Is California

Here’s the first of many real estate fun facts: California is the most expensive state to own a home in America, with a median sale price of $859,300 as of May 2024. Several factors, including a high demand for investors and limited land availability, drive this high cost of homeownership. Additionally, the state’s desirable climate and endless job opportunities attract homebuyers worldwide, increasing demand and prices.

2. There Are More Single Female Homeowners Than Single Male Homeowners in America

Here’s one of the most interesting facts about real estate: Did you know that as of 2022, single women own more homes than men? This trend is due to women’s increasing financial independence. Single women see properties as a secure investment and are more willing to prioritize owning a home than men. Despite earning less on average than men, single women are now outpacing men in homeownership across many states.

3. The Most Expensive Zip Code in the US is 94027

If you still don’t know this by now, the most expensive zip code in the US is 94027, located in Atherton, California. Atherton boasts a median home sale price of approximately $10 million, driven by its affluent residents, many of whom are tech billionaires, celebrities, and executives from Silicon Valley. In addition, large lots and strict zoning laws that limit housing density sustain these high property values, keeping them exclusive and appealing.

4. Corner Properties Are Considered Less Desirable in Some Countries

In some countries, corner properties are considered less attractive because of many factors. While they are more visible and have more sidewalks, corner homes usually have fewer neighbors, face increased traffic noise, and have a higher risk for burglaries. Additionally, corner properties are less appealing to potential buyers as they are more exposed to pedestrians and passersby. Would you be interested in a corner property?

5. Sears Used to Sell Mail-order Houses

If you think that Amazon pioneered purchase-and-ship products, you need to remember about retail giant Sears, Roebuck and Co. In the early 20th century, Americans could order Sears kit homes through Sears catalogs and receive the home kit by mail. Sears sold more than 70,000 home kits before it stopped production in 1940. Today, you’ll still see some of these Sears catalog homes on the market, but they immediately sell out because of their historical charm.

6. The Most Expensive Home for Sale in the US Is in Florida

With today’s real estate trends, it won’t be long before we see another “most expensive” home sale in the US. But currently, a waterfront mansion known as Gordon Pointe in Naples, Florida, holds that record. The estate features a main house, two guesthouses, a yacht basin, and a private dock for six boats. Spanning 9.04 acres, the Gordon Pointe highlights the growing market for ultra-luxury properties.

7. Most Expensive City to Buy a House Is in Hong Kong

For over a decade, Hong Kong has been the most expensive city in the world to buy a home. Because of limited land availability and high demand, the average property price in Hong Kong is more than $1.25 million. Despite the pandemic and economic downturn, Hong Kong’s real estate market continues to command some of the highest prices globally.

8. World’s Most Affordable City for Real Estate Is in Pakistan

Because of its economic conditions and infrastructural challenges, Karachi has consistently been ranked as one of the least expensive cities to live in. The average cost per square foot is only $24. While its low cost of real estate sounds great, Karachi is one of the least livable cities in the world. Factors such as pollution and political instability contribute to its low livability.

9. Burj Khalifa’s Elevator Travels Through 140 Floors

Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, boasts an elevator system that reaches unimaginable heights. One of its elevators travels through 140 floors, making it the world’s tallest elevator. This feature is just one of the building’s many records, which includes having the most floors and the highest occupied floor in any building.

10. 1 in 10 Americans Sell Their Homes Because of Concerns About Paranormal Activity

Have you ever had creepy real estate listings? In the US, one in ten homeowners sold their homes because of concerns about paranormal activity. Many of these property homeowners reported strange noises, voices, and lights turning on and off by themselves. This phenomenon highlights how superstitions and fear can influence real estate decisions.

11. A Canadian Company Owns the Mall of America

The largest mall in the US, the Mall of America, is owned by the Ghermezian family through their Canadian company, Triple Five Group. The Ghermezians, originally from Iran, have developed several malls, including the West Edmonton Mall in Canada and the American Dream Mall in New Jersey. Their ownership of these malls highlights the international reach of their real estate business. Did you know that the Mall of America has its own zip code?

12. The Iconic Hollywood Sign Was Originally a Real Estate Stunt

The iconic Hollywood sign in Los Angeles was initially built as a real estate advertisement to promote the sale of properties. The sign originally read “Hollywoodland,” but the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce removed the last four letters over time. Today, the Hollywood sign symbolizes the entertainment industry and is a historic landmark in LA.

13. The Largest Residential Home Is in Mumbai, India

Antilia, the largest residential home in the world, is located in Mumbai, India. Owned by Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries, this 27-story building spans 400,000 square feet and costs between $1 and $2 billion. The house features luxury amenities such as three helipads, nine high-speed elevators, a 50-seat theater, a snow room, and a 168-car garage. It definitely fits my criteria for weird houses!

14. Russia Sold Alaska to the US for 2 Cents per Acre

In 1867, Russia sold Alaska to the US for $7.2 million, which equated to approximately two cents per acre. At the time, Alaska wasn’t seen as valuable because of its harsh living conditions, though it later proved rich in natural resources such as gold, oil, and timber.

15. It’s Bad Luck to Move into a New House on a Friday

Want more fun facts about real estate? Moving into a new house on a Friday is considered bad luck in many cultures. This superstition is rooted in the belief that moving on a Friday, especially Friday the 13th, may bring misfortune and prevent household members from settling comfortably and living a peaceful life. While most people consider this a superstition, others still take it seriously, avoiding moving on an “unlucky” Friday.

16. San Francisco Home Is on the Market for $488,000, but There’s a Catch

A San Francisco home in the Russian Hill neighborhood is on the market for an unbelievable price of $488,000. However, there’s a catch—the buyer won’t be able to move in until 2053 because of a long-term lease held by the current tenant. According to the property listing on Zillow, this unique arrangement is an investment opportunity for the right buyer.

17. Japan Demolishes Houses After 30 Years

I guess this will be one of the fun facts about real estate you’ll share online: The oldest structures worldwide are often expensive because of their historic charm and timeless appeal. However, demolishing and rebuilding homes after approximately 30 years is standard practice in Japan. 

Properties in Japan depreciate over time, and homes are often considered valueless once they reach this age, prompting frequent construction. This approach is influenced by many factors, including the necessity to meet evolving green building trends, earthquake safety standards, and a cultural preference for modernity.

18. A Vietnam Building Is Full of Coffee Shops

Fancy some coffee? Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has a unique building known as “The Cafe Apartment.” This nine-story structure has coffee shops offering a distinct ambiance and specialty drinks. Over the years, the building has become a popular destination for locals and tourists, providing a variety of cafes where you can enjoy a drink while overlooking the bustling city. Perhaps the only factor influencing your choice of a coffee shop for the day is its interior design.

19. The Average American Will Likely Move 11 Times

Here’s one of the interesting facts in real estate I wasn’t expecting: The average American will likely move 11 times in their lifetime and will likely need a real estate agent each time. Americans move houses because of job changes, family size, income, marital status, or the desire for a better neighborhood. Typically, most moves occur between 18 and 50, while fewer relocations happen after age 60. How many times have you moved houses so far?

20. Staged Homes Tend to Sell More Quickly

Do you usually stage your property listings or leave them as they are? According to National Association of Realtors (NAR) data, staged homes can sell three to 30 times quicker than non-staged ones. Home staging expedites the selling process and enhances the home’s appeal by helping potential buyers envision themselves living there. Now, those are some facts that real estate agents should remember.

21. There Is a Toilet House in South Korea

In South Korea, there’s a unique museum known as Haewoojae, or “Mr. Toilet House.” This toilet-shaped structure was initially the home of Sim Jae-Deok, who was dedicated to improving the quality of toilet facilities and promoting hygienic restrooms in the city. Today, it functions as a museum, showcasing the history and evolution of toilets from different eras. Would you be willing to sell a toilet-shaped property?

22. Castles for Sale in the UK

While homebuyers in the US are often drawn to the latest smart home technology, those in the United Kingdom may find a different type of luxury appealing. If your client has millions to invest, tell them it’s possible to buy historic castles in Scotland and Ireland. These castles, often set in sprawling estates, offer luxurious living and a chance to own a piece of history.

23. It’s Bad Luck to Give a Knife as a Housewarming Gift

Need more fun facts about real estate? Gifting a knife during a housewarming is considered bad luck in some cultures. According to superstitions, a knife symbolizes severing a relationship or cutting ties between the giver and the homeowner. But if you want to give a knife as a housewarming gift, include a penny with the knife. This way, the homeowner can return the penny to you as “payment” for the knife. So, technically, it’s not a gift!

24. Architectural Eagles Symbolize Freedom From Mortgages

There are many ways homeowners celebrate the full payment of their mortgage. One of the more popular (and deeply American) ways was to put a cast iron eagle on the outside of a home. The eagle represents strength and freedom, which align with financial independence.

25. Scotland Homeowners Paint Their Doors Red to Show They’re Mortgage-free

In Scotland, painting the home’s front door signifies that the homeowner has paid off their mortgage. This tradition brings a sense of pride and accomplishment and allows homeowners to celebrate their financial independence. What else is better worth proclaiming than this?!

FAQs

What are some interesting facts about being a real estate agent?

What are some fun facts about houses?

Why is it called real estate?

Bringing It All Together

If you love some of these real estate fun facts, share them online using the best social media templates. They’ll be a sure hit for your audience. Do you have more interesting facts about real estate up your sleeve? I’d love to hear them. Let us know in the comments!

The post Real Estate Fun Facts: 25 Weird & Wacky Truths You Won’t Believe appeared first on The Close.

Real Estate Agent Memes 

Come on, we can’t take ourselves too seriously all the time. Let’s have some fun with the madness that ensues when working as a real estate agent. And hey, if you’re aiming to grow your Instagram following, how about brightening up your feed with some funny real estate agent memes? You might be wondering how posts that appeal to agents could help your business, but just picture the referrals that could come your way from agents who have the same sense of humor! 

1. You know who you are…

2. Back to basics

3. Hmmm, for some reason, I don’t believe you

4. Award-winning agents

5. I even helped him with his CMA!

6. Thinking vs doing

7. We’ve all been there…

8. I need this shower curtain, actually…

9. Repeat after me: SELLING SUNSET IS NOT REAL LIFE

10. What we all really want to say

11. The final straw was me talking about rent stabilization

12. Starting to think the market is slowing down…

13. Sneaky

14. Did my guidance counselor lie to me?

15. First rodeo

16. Beast mode activated

17. 100% commission brokers

Client Memes 

When compiling memes for realtors, we couldn’t leave out the ones who make our job worthwhile—our clients. After all, without clients, being a realtor is pretty much pointless, right? Plus, I’m sure we’ve all had moments when we thought about creating a side hustle by turning our client experiences into memes. But for now, just getting a good laugh at some of these will have to do. 

18. It’s complicated!

19. I really should just put it on silent

20. You’re the expert!

21. I wonder how many client pictures I’m lurking in the background of…

22. Important research!

23. I’m sorry, I didn’t hear that

24. Future me, shmuture me

25. Sometimes, the training pays off

26. Oh hey, how’s the sale going?

27. Silly goose

28. I can’t wait to hear what he has to say!

29. It’s a 20-minute drive… I’ll be there in 10

30. Did I ask you?

31. This is the wrong market for you…

32. Yeah, no problem! How does the 47th of Octvember work for you?

33. One of the best feelings a real estate agent can have

34. Just smile and nod, smile and nod…

Pro Tip: Looking for more clever memes that you can share with buyers and sellers? Coffee & Contracts offers fresh viral memes from the Broke Agent every month that you can customize and use to promote your brand, not theirs! They also have hundreds of realtor-created templates for Reels, Stories, posts, and more.

Real Estate Marketing Memes 

Have you ever noticed that your Instagram or Facebook feed is filled with the same old real estate marketing posts from all the agents you follow? It can start to feel repetitive, right? Shake things up by adding a touch of humor to your timeline with a relatable real estate marketing meme. Show off your fun side and watch how you attract new clients who appreciate a good sense of humor. 

35. Headshots are never good enough!

36. So much for that career writing listing descriptions…

37. Have you seen my new headshot?

38. Don’t you have Photoshop?

39. Hello?

40. This one will be different!

41. Location, location, location!

42. No one will know…

43. Just step away from Canva

44. You get what you pay for

45. Money, money, money!

46. New listing alert

47. Property pictures

48. Where are all the leads?!

49. Phone pics

50. Outdoor kitchen, anyone?

51. This isn’t Zillow?

Work-life Balance Memes 

No one should be all work and no play all of the time. But in real estate, it can be easy to get wrapped up in the demands of the job. If you’re feeling stressed and bogged down, take a break and check out these fun real estate memes that might just hit a little too close to home. 

52. Sometimes Sundays need to be Sun-days

53. We’ve all been there

54. What days off?

55. Summertime!

56. There’s no crying in real estate!

57. Just waiting for a response to my offer…

58. Just kidding!

59. Weekend warrior

60. I’ve never been more balanced in my life.

61. Just trying to relax

62. Finally! Time to relax and unwind…

63. That must be nice for you.

64. 365 days a year

65. If you know, you know…

66. I’m not stressed at all!

67. Sleep? What’s that?

68. This should be illegal

What to Do With Memes About Real Estate

The best thing about real estate agent memes is that they can be used in various ways. Whether you want to brighten someone’s mood, use them in your marketing, or break the ice with a potential client. Showing off your real estate skills doesn’t always have to come in the form of business information. Sometimes, connecting with potential clients is about forming a bond outside of business-related topics. 

• Social media: Create a post with a meme and share it on your timeline or story. A platform like Canva makes the process simple, as you can easily design and customize your post with various templates and tools.
• Mailing campaigns: Step outside the norm and jazz up your postcards with a funny real estate meme. Personalize the message on the back to match the meme and bring joy to your clients with a little dose of humor in their mailbox!
• Newsletters: When you send your clients a newsletter, consider incorporating some realtor memes that will stand out and keep clients reading.
• Text messages: If you are working with a client down on their luck, choose a funny meme and send it to them in a text message to provide reassurance that they will achieve their real estate goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are some funny real estate videos?

Where can I get real estate facts?

What helps motivate real estate agents?

How do I become a real estate content creator?

Bringing It All Together

Do your cheeks hurt from laughing and smiling too much? Because mine do after compiling these for you. If you have a real estate meme to add to our collection, let us know in the comments!

The post 68 Hilarious Real Estate Memes Realtors Can’t Stop Sharing appeared first on The Close.

After the list, I cover step-by-step instructions for choosing a real estate coach to help you close more deals with less stress this year. Spoiler alert: The most prominent coaches might not fit every agent best!

The Close’s Picks for Best Real Estate Coaches

Tom Ferry Pricing

Sample Tom Ferry Scripts:

• 7 Scripts for Confidence & Win Business – #TomFerryShow – Tom Ferry 
• Overcome Real Estate Objections, Scripts & More | Tom Ferry
• Listing Presentation Role Play: The 95% Effective Script You NEED – Tom Ferry

Sample Video Training: Mindset Monday

Tom Ferry’s Pitch for Struggling Agents

“The simple answer is options. We don’t pigeonhole you into some predetermined formula that you must follow. We believe there are many ways to run your business, and we coach based on your choices and your objectives to help you get where you want to go faster.” – Tom Ferry, TF Tom Ferry

Keller Williams MAPS Pricing

Sample Keller Williams MAPS Coaching Material: Scripts

Keller Williams’ Pitch for Struggling Agents

“We believe the client is creative, resourceful, and whole. We believe you must address the person as a whole (their entire life, and keep them in production). We believe the issues are from the client and their business. We believe the relationship is one of partnership.” – Keller Williams, KW MAPS

Sean Moudry Pricing

Sean Moudry’s Pitch for Struggling Agents

“My course, 4 Low-Cost Hidden Listing Gold Mine Sources, will teach you how to find untapped listing sources that will fuel your business in the long term. Learn the scripts you need to increase referrals and work with more motivated sellers.” – Sean Moudry, 16 Strategies Facebook page

Brian Buffini Pricing

Brian Buffini’s Pitch for Struggling Agents

“During these calls, your coach will work with you to define and set your business, financial, and personal goals; develop a business plan to help you generate a steady stream of referred leads; enhance your current relationships; and hit your financial goals. Our coaches are experts in uncovering the roadblocks—real and perceived—that block your path to living the life of your dreams.” – Brian Buffini, Buffini & Company

Icenhower Pricing

Sample Coaching Material: 2-WEEK ASSAULT PLAN for Making Initial Contact With Online Leads

Icenhower Coaching’s Pitch for Struggling Agents

“Icenhower Coaching & Consulting provides customized, structured real estate coaching and training programs for agents and team leaders. We work with many of the top agents and teams in North America. ICC coaching isn’t a one-size-fits-all coaching program.” – Brian Icenhower, The Real Estate Trainer

Kevin Ward Pricing

Sample Coaching Video: HOW TO LOSE A LISTING IN 10 DAYS!

Kevin Ward Pitch for Struggling Agents

“I. Was. Terrified. I was also desperate. I had a family to feed. No savings. No other options. I just started. I found a great mentor, I did exactly what he told me. I did the work. And I started getting listings. AND EVERYTHING CHANGED…” – Kevin Ward, yesmasters

Katie Lance Pricing

Sample Coaching Video: Top ChatGPT Tips | Little Known ChatGPT Hacks

Katie Lance Pitch for Struggling Agents

“With over a decade of experience, I have been dedicated to helping agents and brokers up their social media game to fuel their business growth. My secret sauce? Empowering real estate professionals to achieve incredible results using social media, all without sacrificing loads of time.” – Katie Lance, #GetSocialSmart Academy

Ashley Harwood Pricing

Sample Coaching Video: How to Avoid Burnout over the Holidays

Ashley Harwood Pitch for Struggling Agents

“After participating and being a student of many, many coaching and training programs, she saw a need in the industry. The introverts were being left behind. So, Ashley started developing training materials, classes, and coaching programs for her people, her fellow introverts.” – Ashley Hardwood, Move Over Extroverts

Craig Proctor Pricing

Sample Coaching Video: How to Generate the BEST LEADS Without Spending a Fortune | Craig Proctor

Craig Proctor Pitch for Struggling Agents

“It doesn’t matter where you are with the Craig Proctor System, just getting started, selling 10 homes a year or 10 a week, if you want more then you are going to have to do something about it. Not WORK like a crazy person more… but work differently.” – Craig Proctor, CPS Platinum

Tim & Julie Harris Pricing

Sample Coaching Video: How To Generate 5 Closings In 5 Weeks With ZERO Referral Fees!

Tim & Julie Harris Pitch for Struggling Agents

“Committing to real estate coaching is committing to your success as a real estate professional. But what actually goes into making that commitment to real estate coaching? Your uncensored motivation and desire to become the most skilled, effective, and productive real estate professional you can possibly be.” – Tim & Julie Harris, Harris Real Estate Coaching

Mike Ferry Pricing

Mike Ferry Pitch for Struggling Agents

“Every professional athlete, business owner, top producer has a mentor or coach … why wouldn’t you? Set yourself apart from the competition, overcome obstacles, and start spending your time participating in systems that will take your business to the next level.” – Mike Ferry, Real Estate Coaching

Bernice Ross Pricing

Bernice Ross Pitch for Struggling Agents

“Bernice’s new and experienced agent training programs led the 4,000-agent Jon Douglas Company to become the top producing company per agent in the United States. Her training programs continue to be the most comprehensive and cutting-edge on and offline real estate sales training available today.” – Bernice Ross, RealEstateCoach

How to Choose a Top Real Estate Coach that Works for You

Just because a coach is popular or trending online does not mean they will work for you. Here is a proven four-step process that top agents use to choose the right and best real estate coaches:

Step 1: Learn the Real ROI Real Estate Coaches Offer Agents

The first step to choosing the best real estate agent coach is to learn the true return on investment (ROI) of a good real estate coach. Many agents sign up for coaching and are then disappointed when they don’t learn “secret” lead generation or marketing strategies. But that’s not what real estate coaching is for! 

Real estate coaching helps agents stay on track and feel motivated. It’s like getting help to do better at a game. Sometimes, it’s hard to see how to do better by yourself, so it’s good to have someone outside the game help you see what’s working and what’s not.

Step 2: Discover Your Sales Personality & MVV

Smart real estate agents and coaches know that being good at one thing is important. Before picking a coach, you must determine what you are good at. If you are new and finding it hard, don’t worry, but it’s crucial for making your own brand. For example, if you are shy but good with technology, you might not be good at cold calling, but you could be good at using Facebook ads or making websites appear on Google. Before picking a coach, you must know what your sales personality is and what skills you bring to the table.

Once you know your sales personality, take the time to work on your mission, vision, and values. Knowing where you want to be in five years (vision), how you plan to get there (mission), and what’s most important to you (values) will make choosing a real estate coach much easier.

Step 3: Decide on a Coaching Budget

Remember to think carefully about choosing a coach. Some agents fall for expensive coaches who promise to multiply their income, while others choose the cheapest option. Instead, find out what different coaches charge and decide how much you can afford to spend every month to improve your career. Set specific goals to achieve to justify the expense. For example, if you decide on $300 a month, figure out how many extra deals you’ll need to close to make that expense worthwhile.

Step 4: Research Coaches Who Work for Your Sales Personality, MVV & Budget

Now that you know your sales personality, MVV, and budget, take the time to research a few coaches to see if they’re a good fit. While this article includes information on pricing and sample coaching materials, you’ll want to get on the phone with a few coaching companies to really test the waters.

Real Estate Coaching FAQs 

To dispel some of the myths about coaching, here are the top five most commonly asked questions we get from agents considering hiring a coach for the first time:

1. How much does real estate coaching cost?

2. Does my real estate coach need to have experience as a realtor?

3. What are the benefits of real estate coaching?

4. Will a more expensive coach keep me more motivated?

5. Is coaching essential for success in real estate?

Methodology: How We Chose the Best Real Estate Coaches 

Since there seems to be a real estate coach behind every rock these days, finding a fair way to pick the best coaches was pretty tricky. To make the process somewhat more egalitarian, we used the following criteria to rate coaching companies and individual coaches:

• Size and industry reputation: While the size of a coaching company does not always mean they’re better, coaching is a highly competitive industry, so survival is difficult. If a company manages to not only survive but thrive over many years, chances are they are doing something right. 
• Successful former clients: Next, we looked at the number and success of former clients. While we couldn’t get examples for every coaching program, those with a repeated track record of successful former agents tell us they are helping their clients. 
• Adoption of the latest technology: This is a big one and one of the reasons some very famous coaching programs did not make our list. The real estate industry has changed dramatically over the last few years, and to compete, coaching programs need to update their lessons to reflect the latest methods of generating leads and marketing an agent’s business. 
• Agent reviews: While most reviews can be taken with a grain of salt, a coaching program with lots of positive feedback from former clients will almost always be high quality. 
• Quality of scripts and training videos: Finally, we looked at sample scripts and training videos for these coaches. High-quality scripts and training videos generally mean high-quality coaching and training. 

Bringing It All Together

After evaluating several candidates, we have selected the top real estate coaches for 2024. These coaches excel at assisting real estate professionals in succeeding in a challenging market. They offer innovative ideas and strategies to help agents and brokers perform at their best in the coming year. Some of them also share blog posts and books to support the success of real estate professionals. We are excited to see their positive impact on the real estate industry in 2024 and beyond.

Do you know a great real estate coach who should be on our list next year? Let us know in the comments section!

The post The 12 Best Real Estate Coaches for 2024 appeared first on The Close.

But, for all its perks, working with first-time homebuyers can also be tricky. There are many obstacles, and you’ll probably have to spend a lot of time educating your buyers. I’ve put together this list of 17 first-time homebuyer tips to share with your clients so they can avoid the mistakes that can cost them their dream home.

Before Your First-time Homebuyers Start House Shopping

More than likely, your clients, dreaming of buying a house for the first time, have scrolled through Zillow like a social media feed for quite a while before contacting you. Prepare them for the process by helping them tackle these steps, so you don’t waste time showing properties they’re not interested in or qualified for.

1. Determine If They’ve Saved Enough Money

There are so many costs involved in purchasing a home that most first-time homebuyers aren’t even aware of. Want to share some excellent advice for first-time home buyers? Sit down and explain these costs to them:

• Down payment: Unless they’re using one of the few loan programs that don’t require it, they’ll most likely need a substantial amount for a down payment, typically 5%–20% of the purchase price. If they need it, there are some available down payment assistance programs that you can educate them on.
• Closing costs: Buyers should plan to pay 3%–4% of the home purchase price for closing costs. You can help your buyers by negotiating a seller’s concession to pay part of the closing costs.
• Realtor fees: Ensure your buyers understand their responsibilities for covering commissions and fees. Explain the recent changes in transparency on agent commissions and how you can still negotiate to have the sellers cover these costs along with additional fees.
• Repairs, upgrades, and furnishings: No home will be perfect, and your buyers may need to prepare for the costs of repairs or upgrades. Let them know they may need to customize some things to make their home their own after they close.

Start by sharing this Home Buying Checklist, which lays out the foundations of the homebuying process and is full of first-time home buyer tips. It will help them kick off their homebuying journey the right way.

2. Help Your Buyers Establish How Much House They Can Afford

It’s easy for your buyers to get caught up in the excitement of home ownership without thinking through the realities. As a professional buyer’s agent, you should educate your buyers on how much they’ll actually pay each month—including their loan principal, calculated interest, property taxes, home insurance, private mortgage insurance (PMI), and homeowners association (HOA) fees, if applicable. Their monthly payment should be 25% or less of their monthly income.  

Give your buyers access to this mortgage calculator to estimate their monthly expenses.  

3. Encourage Them to Check Credit Scores

Let your buyers know credit scores are an important step to home ownership. Most mortgage lenders won’t take a credit score below 600, so your buyers need to know where they stand. If their score isn’t quite where it needs to be, let them know how to improve it and maybe hook them up with a lender who specializes in working with buyers who need guidance.

4. Persuade Them to Shop Around for a Mortgage

Honestly, one of the best tips for any client buying a house is to shop for the right lender. Keep a list of some of the best lenders. You may have different lenders for different types of clients. For example, you may have a list of lenders great for VA loans but a separate list for first-time buyers or investor clients. Share your favorite lenders to get them started on the right track.

Then, have your buyers contact multiple lenders to compare mortgage fees, rates, and any additional costs to take out a mortgage. Your buyers should consider several different types of mortgages when buying a home. Have them consult with different lenders on their best options.

Types of Mortgages

• Conventional loans: These are the most common type of home loan. The US government does not guarantee them. Some conventional loans allow first-time buyers to purchase a home for as little as 3% down.
• Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans: These loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and allow buyers to purchase a home with less strict financial and credit score requirements than a conventional loan. With an FHA loan, a buyer can qualify with a 580 credit score and down payments as low as 3.5%.
• US Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans: These loans are guaranteed by the US Department of Agriculture. They are for specifically zoned suburban and rural homebuyers and have household income restrictions. They usually require no down payment for those who qualify.
• Veterans Affairs (VA) loans: These loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. They are exclusively for veterans, active-duty armed forces and National Guard members, and qualified spouses. They allow those who qualify to buy a home with a 0% down payment.

5. Verify They Are Preapproved 

No sense in wasting time shopping for homes if your buyers aren’t prepared to make an offer when they find a home they love. Getting that preapproval letter will give them an advantage when it’s time to write up an offer. But it will also help your buyers stay within a set budget. They will know what the lender has tentatively approved them for, so they won’t be tempted to veer off into unaffordable territory.

6. Suggest They Research Neighborhoods Online

One of the best first-time home buyer tips is to encourage clients to research different neighborhoods, schools, and local amenities before looking at homes. If they find a home in a neighborhood or town that doesn’t suit the rest of their needs, they’ll be miserable. No one lives in a bubble. Urge your buyers to explore the areas to ensure they can access things they need, like shopping, restaurants, schools, and work, before deciding which areas suit them best.

House Hunting With Your Buyers

Now that the important foundation work has been done, it’s time for the exciting part—house hunting! But you certainly don’t want to start without a plan in place. When your clients are buying a home for the first time, follow these steps to make sure everyone is making the best use of the time you’ll spend together.

7. Educate Them on Working With a Real Estate Agent

A lot has changed for homebuyers recently, most notably how commissions are paid to their agents. As a buyer’s agent, you now have a more important responsibility to explain your value, break down why your clients need you working for them, and why you’re worth every penny of that commission. 

8. Create a List of Needs vs Wants

Sit your clients down with our House Hunting Checklist and review their needs and wants. This checklist is full of tips for first-time home buyers. Be sure to explain what features are true needs (like bedrooms for everyone in the house) vs “nice to haves” like a covered patio in the backyard. Explain that some things will be deal-breakers, but they can be more flexible on other features. Some items can be added after closing if they truly want them.

9. Educate Them to Be Realistic

If you’ve been in real estate for more than five minutes, you know there’s no such thing as a perfect house. That’s called a unicorn. Explain to your clients that they won’t find a house that meets every one of their expectations. But they will find a home they love with most of their preferences. Set their expectations to be open to homes that aren’t quite everything they want. They may just find a truly amazing house that fits them perfectly, even if it’s less than perfect.

10. Find a Home That Fits Their Needs & Budget

As frustrating as it can be to buy a house, first-time buyers may be tempted to bump up their budget if they can’t find the home they really want. And truthfully, this is their first home purchase and probably won’t be their last. If everything they want is out of their price range, then the first step to getting a better home is to start where they are. Work within their budget to find them plenty of well-suited options. 

If you’ve set their expectations well, they should be able to see potential in the homes you present. Their first home is supposed to be the starting point—remind them of that. They can enter the market with a starter home, stay in it for three to five years to build some equity, and then level up on their next home purchase.

11. Negotiate With the Sellers

The art of negotiation is a skill you should learn early in your career. This is where you will shine and help buyers present the best terms to get the deal accepted. Go to bat for your buyers to get the most agreeable terms possible. 

Negotiate with the sellers to pay some or all of your clients’ closing costs to alleviate some of their stress. However, you can also negotiate the purchase price, repair limits, and closing date with the sellers. The ideal situation is for everyone to leave the negotiations and feel good about the deal. 

After Your Buyers Are Under Contract

You’ve scoured the MLS, found your clients their new dream home, and negotiated the deal. Now, you must carefully steer the ship into the harbor without hitting any rocks! Follow these tips to ensure everyone arrives safe and sound at the closing table.

12. Help Them Hire a Home Inspector

Keep a list of reputable home inspectors and some great questions, along with other types of inspectors (wood-destroying organisms, septic tanks, pools, etc.), to help your clients perform the proper inspections to ensure their purchase is sound. Since your buyers are buying a home for the first time, you might need to explain why each inspection is important and worth the extra expense.

Pro Tip: This is a perfect opportunity to share some past experiences where things went terribly wrong. For example, I once had buyers fall in love with a house and helped them make an offer. Once they were under contract, I made sure to help them order a home inspection, which uncovered thousands of dollars of termite damage. Ouch! Stories like that one demonstrate the need for hiring professionals to see the things other people can’t.

13. Make Them Aware of Deal-killing Mistakes to Avoid

Have you heard about a buyer showing up to closing and driving a brand-new car they bought the week before closing, and the deal fell through because of it? Yeah, buyers get so excited about closing on their new home that they make costly mistakes. 

Here are some examples: 

• Don’t change jobs 
• Don’t make any big purchases 
• Don’t move your money
• Don’t buy a new car

Thankfully, we’ve put together a whole list of first-time home buyer advice, full of the dos and don’ts while under contract that you can go over with your buyers. You can even print it out and have them post it on their fridge until closing day! This is another great place for anecdotes to drive your point home. (Eh, hem. It’s part of the Home Buyer Checklist!) 

14. Help Them Find Quality Home Insurance

I live in Florida, and home insurance is a serious issue here. I like to keep a list of reputable insurance providers to share with my clients to help them get started. There are several sources online to compare rates, but you can also include a broker or two in your list. Another strategy is to get the current insurance provider from the sellers. Sometimes it’s easier to get a good rate for homeowners insurance from the company that already has a solid history with the home. 

15. Explain Title Insurance

Title insurance is typically done through the title company running your transaction. But when the buyers see or hear about this charge, they may need help understanding what it is and why they need it. Explain title insurance to your buyer. 

Title insurance protects the homebuyer and the lender against potential issues with the property’s ownership or any legal claims like some distant nephew of the deceased seller showing up and laying a claim to the property or boundary issues. Title insurance ensures the buyers can take complete ownership of the house, protecting against any liens, claims of ownership, or other situations that put the buyer’s full ownership at risk. 

16. Be Thorough at Your Final Walkthrough

You’re getting down to the wire; the final walkthrough is the last step. Schedule the final walkthrough with the seller’s agent within 24 hours before closing. The final walkthrough is to ensure the home is in the same condition it was when your buyers made the offer. 

I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve heard agents in my office regale stories of going to a home the day before closing only to discover something major missing—the fridge, the stove, the security system, the plants in the front flower bed—it’s hard to overstate the need for ensuring everything is in its place before your buyers sign the final closing papers. Be thorough!

17. Close & Celebrate With Them

You’ve finally made it! If it’s possible, go to closing with your buyers. This milestone is a HUGE accomplishment, and they will be so excited. You definitely want to be a part of that. Celebrate their win with them. I made it a tradition to take my buyers to lunch after closing to help continue the celebration. The longer I can continue that feeling, the better. I always take a closing gift to the closing and recommend the same to you. This event is a big deal, and they should feel that.

Pro Tip: Bring your smartphone and take video clips and pics of their big day. Ask them if they can give you a video testimonial after signing. I love asking my clients to do video testimonials right after closing when their emotions are the highest. 99.9% of the time, they’re so excited to share their gratitude with a video testimonial. The beautiful part is you’ll get their raw, authentic, emotional endorsement, which really does wonders for your marketing.

Bringing It All Together

Working with first-time homebuyers is a thrilling experience. As agents, it doesn’t get much more emotional than watching your clients sign closing docs on their first home. It’s such a high! But when you’re working with clients buying a home for the first time, you have a responsibility to guide them through the process, help them deal with their emotions along the way, and educate them on all the moving parts of a real estate transaction. 

If you get this right, they’ll remember you fondly for years to come. They may even name their child after you! I’m just kidding, but they will refer you to more business down the road. And when they’re ready to level up, guess who they’ll call.

The post 17 First-Time Home Buyer Tips: A Real Estate Agent’s Guide appeared first on The Close.

1. The Close

• Who should read it: Incredibly good-looking, talented, and charming agents with impeccable taste.
• Why we love it: One of the best real estate blogs (ahem), The Close offers everything you’ll need throughout your real estate career. Whether a new agent or a seasoned pro, you’ll find The Close’s lead generation and marketing techniques helpful. The blog has prelicensing guides, tech reviews, marketing templates, agent insights, recommendations for best real estate books, and fun real estate posts! Hopefully, you can feel our passion for building better agents through our articles.

Want to get our latest tips, templates, scripts, and articles in your inbox every week? Sign up for our email list below.

2. Tom Ferry

• Who should read it: New and experienced agents stuck in a rut.
• Why we love it: America’s premier real estate coach brings unmatched enthusiasm to helping real estate agents break out of sales ruts, learn new agent skills and lead generation techniques, and stay inspired. Tom Ferry excels in delivering impactful content through videos, which are featured prominently on his real estate blogspot. If you don’t have time to watch long videos, you can get the same actionable advice in his writing.

3. Coffee & Contracts

• Who should read it: Agents who want to grow their business on Instagram.
• Why we love it: Want social media tips and strategies from agents crushing it on Instagram? Then, the Coffee & Contracts blog should be your new daily read. Coffee & Contracts uses its extensive network of Instagram superstars like Eric Simon and Taya Dicarlo to dish out advice that works.

You’ll find guides on everything from improving your Reels to generating leads and writing engaging captions and motivational quotes. Additionally, the blog delves into advanced techniques for growing your follower base, how top agents build their brands, and using Instagram Stories to connect with your audience.

4. Business And Media (BAM) for Agents of Change

• Who should read it: Agents who want to learn how to become better agents with a greater sense of humor.
• Why we love it: Broke Agent Media is the brainchild of Eric Simon, who you probably know from his wildly popular Instagram account, The Broke Agent. But instead of spicy memes and skits, Broke Agent Media provides timely and actionable advice for agents trying to make a splash on social media.

BAM is a little video-heavy, featuring informative videos that break down complex topics into easy-to-digest concepts. However, the articles are as timely and actionable, offering practical agent tips and interviews. BAM also includes unique elements, such as humorous takes on real estate challenges and relatable anecdotes, making it entertaining and educational. BAM is an instant bookmark if you want a dose of wit and humor with your real estate training.

5. The CE Shop – Agent Essentials

• Who should read it: Prospective and new real estate agents.
• Why we love it: In addition to its prelicensing, exam prep, license renewal, and continuing education courses, did you know that The CE Shop has a blog called Agent Essentials? It offers various content, such as guidance on switching to a real estate career, filing your taxes as an agent, and understanding the different types of first-time homebuyers. Additionally, Agent Essentials provides tech tools and podcast recommendations, offering inspiration and actionable advice.

6. McKissock Learning

• Who should read it: New agents and prospective real estate appraisers.
• Why we love it: If you’re taking your continuing education courses with McKissock Learning, chances are you’ve already stumbled upon its blog. McKissock Learning’s real estate blog focuses on resources for new agents, providing essential guidance for those starting their careers. It offers a variety of content, including mastering real estate negotiation, how to become the go-to agent, productivity hacks, success stories, and more. But if you’re planning on becoming a real estate appraiser, McKissock offers extensive content on starting and growing an appraisal business.

7. Inhabit by Corcoran

• Who should read it: Luxury agents and brokers who want content inspiration.
• Why we love it: Billed as a lifestyle blog, Corcoran’s Inhabit reads and looks more like a thick, glossy luxury lifestyle magazine than the blog for a real estate brokerage. Agents can gather home staging ideas, interior design trends, emerging neighborhood hotspots, and community spotlights. The blog also features a monthly A-list, known as the list of most spectacular listings across the Corcoran network.

A word of warning: Of all the real estate blogs on this list, Inhabit will make you wish you had deeper pockets and endless vacation days. But this should be your template if you’re trying to create a luxury lifestyle blog for your team or brokerage.

8. Forbes – Real Estate

• Who should read it: Agents, investors, homebuyers, and sellers looking for high-level market analysis.
• Why we love it: Forbes is one of the best real estate blogs on this list. It offers updates on housing policies, rare home listings, investment strategies, market trends, and analyses. I appreciate Forbes’ expert commentary and the diverse topics covered, from commercial real estate developments to the latest residential market shifts. If you’re looking for an excellent and reliable resource to understand the market dynamics better, Forbes should be your go-to blog.

9. Mansion Global

• Who should read it: Luxury agents and brokers
• Why we love it: With the editorial chops and gravitas of the parent company, The Wall Street Journal, Mansion Global doesn’t just take pretty pictures of celebrity mansions. They offer insight into market trends, comprehensively analyzing the factors driving the luxury real estate market. Readers can explore articles on architectural history, the nuances of buying, selling, or living in luxury properties, listings of stunning estates worldwide, and neighborhoods on the rise.

10. Extraordinary Living by Sotheby’s International Realty

• Who should read it: Luxury agents and brokers
• Why we love it: You won’t find resources from motivational speakers or marketing strategies here—instead, Sotheby’s International Realty’s Extraordinary Living blog digs into the world of luxury real estate. The blog highlights the most exquisite properties around the globe, including homes for sale over $10 million. Extraordinary Living explores interior design, architecture, travel, and a perspective on living a luxurious lifestyle. Now, excuse me while I gawk at all these luxury homes and estates!

11. The New York Times – Real Estate

• Who should read it: Agents, investors, and professionals who want insights into national and international real estate markets
• Why we love it: Of course, The New York Times (NYT) – Real Estate is on the list! The blog offers high-quality journalism on the latest trends and developments in the real estate industry. My favorite part of the NYT – Real Estate section is its “Ask Real Estate” articles. These pieces provide practical advice and expert answers to common and complex issues from homeowners, renters, and prospective buyers. I find these articles incredibly helpful as they offer clear solutions to real-world problems that many of your clients face. If NYT – Real Estate isn’t part of your bookmarks, now is the time to include it.

12. The Real Deal

• Who should read it: Agents and brokers who need deep industry insight in New York, South Florida, Chicago, LA, San Francisco, and Texas
• Why we love it: When it comes to inside-track real estate journalism, The Real Deal is, well, the real deal. It acquires local real estate scoops ahead of the massive papers. It features major transactions in the industry, real estate finance, and reports on commercial and residential markets. The writers from The Real Deal also tend to write in a crisp and easy-to-digest style that gives CEOs worldwide the information they need to make that next giant acquisition—or just have something to chat about over lunch with industry insiders.

13. HousingWire

• Who should read it: Real estate news junkies
• Why we love it: If you want a lasting real estate career, it’s crucial to understand that your clients and former clients will look at you as a market expert. That means keeping up to date with the latest news in the industry. One way to do that, of course, is by reading HousingWire. It features news about top real estate agents, detailed reports on mortgage rates, the housing market, and opinion pieces for agents’ consumption. Agents will also find advice on improving their business practices and client relationship strategies.

14. National Association of Realtors (NAR)

• Who should read it: NAR members and non-members
• Why we love it: The NAR blogs offer a wide array of content for all types of agents, including Economists’ Outlook, Emerging Technology, Culture Scan, Helping Seniors, Spaces to Places, and more. With contributions from NAR members and industry experts, these real estate blogs provide up-to-date information on economic forecasts, how they will affect the industry, and the latest technology innovations that can enhance each agent’s business. These blogs equip agents with the tools they need to excel in their profession. The NAR blogs are accessible to everyone, including non-members.

15. Inman

• Who should read it: Brokers, investors, tech leaders, startup founders, and ambitious agents
• Why we love it: Inman is the place to go for industry news, NAR drama, and 30,000-foot insight from some of the biggest names in the business. Additionally, Inman hosts events or webinars that offer further learning and networking opportunities, which can greatly benefit your career. If you work in real estate, chances are your boss probably reads Inman every morning, and your boss’ boss definitely reads Inman every morning.

FAQs: Best Real Estate Blogs

Are there blogs that focus on specific local real estate markets?

Are there blogs about real estate technology?

How can agents determine which blogs are reputable, reliable, and trustworthy?

Bringing It All Together

All these reputable blogs offer an unlimited wealth of information that can provide actionable advice for your career. Did I miss your favorite real estate blog? Share your go-to sites in the comments!

The post The 15 Must-read Best Real Estate Blogs for 2024 appeared first on The Close.