Buy Back Your Time, Not More Subscriptions

We see a shiny new software and think, "Oh, this will solve all my problems!" But soon enough, you're juggling ten different apps, none of which talk to each other, and back to square one.

Jeff Bezos famously challenged people to base their strategy on the things that won’t change. Instead of worrying about trends or competitors, focus on what’s important to customers.

In real estate, those things seem to be 1. Compelling Marketing 2. Transaction Management.

West + Main University is our regularly scheduled training and education sessions for Realtors. While this was originally given as a live presentation, the points still stand on their own.

---

---

This topic felt relevant to revisit as agents look for ways to thrive in the latest market shift. Often we look for technology to save us or for a novel new idea that can change everything.

Step away from the manic Facebook groups and pricey product pitches. As a community-driven Realtor, is your marketing visible and do you guarantee a top-tier experience every time?

Compelling Marketing

• Depth Over Display: It's not just about visibility. What delves deeper, ensuring the message resonates emotionally and intellectually with your audience?

• Beyond the Surface: Aesthetics draw them in, but relevance keeps potential clients engaged and creates lasting and impactful relationships.

• Consistency is Key: A singular, memorable brand voice ensures that your marketing efforts are cohesive and recognizable, building trust over time.

Transaction Management

• Client-Centric Approach: Every transaction should prioritize the client's needs and concerns, ensuring that their experience is smooth, transparent, and positive.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Harnessing the power of analytics ensures that every decision, from pricing to placement, is backed by solid data, minimizing guesswork.

• Streamlined Systems: It's about reducing friction in every transaction, ensuring that processes are efficient and intuitive.

5 Ways You Can Spring Clean Your Tech

Spring is a time of renewal. With warmer weather and sunny days arriving for many of us, spring is not just a time for cleaning the house, but also a time to tidy up your technology.

As real estate becomes synonymous with remote work, a disorganized and messy online space can negatively impact your productivity. Worse, digital clutter also slows down your technology.

Best practices tell us to keep our technology in good working order and our software programs and favorite web browser up to date. But when you're busy, it is sometimes tough to find the time to keep things current or our tech tools clean.

Springtime can be a great time to make sure your tech is in tip-top shape.

Here are five tips and tricks for a tech spring cleaning:

Declutter your desktop

Can you see your desktop's background image? Or are there too many items you saved to your desktop blocking your view?

Many people save items to their computer's desktop to remember where to find them. But when you do this too many times, you create a digital mess. It also can be even more challenging to locate the files you need.

A quick digital decluttering can get you organized—for example, removing files that you no longer need can free up space. In the end, you'll feel better by organizing your desktop.

• Pro tip: If you view your desktop files in list view (Finder in macOS and File Explorer in Windows), you can create folders for like files (i.e., "screenshots") or quickly trash the ones you can delete.

Remove unused apps

How many apps do you have on your smartphone? A better question: How many of them have you opened in the last 30 days? Having too many apps slows you down. It can take you more time to find the app you need. It also can slow down your phone. If the apps you aren't using still are set to run in the background, that can take up Radom Access Memory (RAM). Using too much RAM can make your phone response slower. It even can cause issues such as connecting to Wi-Fi, even if it used to connect perfectly.

• Pro tip: Conduct an audit of your apps and use the 30-day rule. Determine which ones you haven't used within the last 30 days and are unlikely to use in the next 30 days. For iPhone users, there's a setting to "Offload Unused Apps." It auto deletes the apps, but saves their documents and data and leaves the icon on your phone. When you tap the icon, everything reinstalls, but until then, you free up all that space.

Delete old files

Have you ever run a date sort on your computer's files? You should, as you might be surprised to find many files from several years ago that you don't need. Also, go through and look for original software files you downloaded to store a program. Not sure which ones those are? Reach out to a Tech Helpline analyst to help you sort for and find files you no longer need. After all, that treasure trove of funny gifs that made you laugh once probably isn't worth saving.

• Pro tip: If you don't have the time to go through all of your files now, why not at least get them off your computer? By transferring all of your older files to a low-cost data storage service such as Google Drive, you can clear your computer of clutter. That way, you can go back through your files when you find the time. Also, if you move your files online, don't dump everything into one folder. Instead, take just a little time to sort them, even if it's only in folders by years.

Synch your phone's photos

One of the most common mistakes people make is keeping every picture on their phones. That practice can slow your phone down because images, especially videos, take up a lot of space. You have a couple of options. You can transfer them to your computer or, better yet, move them online to still have access to them at (almost) anytime.

The good news is that it has never been easier to have your photos transferred online automatically. Google Photos, Amazon Photos, or iCloud from Apple not only help you store your photos, but their smart software can also automatically help you organize them by like images or location.

• Pro tip: If you upload your favorite photos to Facebook, did you know you can download all of them at once? After logging in, go to facebook.com/settings. Then, click on "Your Facebook Information," then "view" next to "Download Your Information." This will take you to the Downloads page. Select the "Date range" as "All time" in the pull-down. Just below, at the right of the top of "Select information to download," be sure to "Deselect all" to be sure you only check "Posts." Facebook will send you an email with a link to download your posts with all the high-quality photos you have posted since you opened your Facebook account. It's a great way to make sure you have copies of those photos you are deleting from your phone!

Physically clean your tech

Your smart devices get grimy over time. You may not even realize it unless you take a good look. Start with your computer's keyboard. If you take a white lint-free cloth and some rubbing alcohol (damp, not wet), you may be surprised how dirty it is and why most keyboards are black. Now clean the sides of your mouse, and if you have a trackpad, clean that too.

But don't use that cloth on your computer screens – it's best to clean them with a chemical-free cleaning cloth as you can ruin some screens (i.e., Mac laptops) by using any solution but water. Experts suggest microfiber cloths and distilled water as the safest way to clean. The same goes for your smartphone. And if you are spraying anything to clean a device, make sure you spray on the cleaning cloth and not the device.

• Pro tip: Compressed air or a mini vacuum can work magic to dislodge or pick up particles from a keyboard or crevices in your device. Amazon and other retailers sell compressed air in a can for as little as a couple of dollars per can, and mini vacuums are available for as low as $20.

To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog.

How is real estate tech playing a role in the current housing boom?

2021 will be the year of the tech-enabled agent

2020 was a year that forced a number of industries to modernize and adopt technologies that had been otherwise underutilized. For the housing economy in particular, tech helped to solve many of the challenges that COVID presented and allowed the industry to not only sustain, but prosper. 

“In 2021, technology will no longer be a ‘nice to have,’ but a must for building trust and standing out amidst an abundance of competitors in the wake of the pandemic,” said John Berkowitz, CEO of OJO Labs. “With the right tech stack, agents and brokers have access to rich market insights at their fingertips, the ability to provide virtual home tours…and a deeper understanding of what consumers really want in a home.”

According to Berkowitz, those that embrace technology will distinguish themselves as stand-out industry leaders, while those that remain ambivalent will struggle to meet consumer needs.

OJO Labs, a real estate artificial intelligence platform, is a 2020 Tech100 Real Estate award recipient. The Tech100 Real Estate awards recognize the companies that are driving innovation in real estate. Nominations close this Friday, December 18.

HousingWire reached out to Berkowitz to learn how real estate tech is playing a role in the current housing boom and what homebuyer trends will look like in the new year.

HousingWire: What kind of real estate market do you expect to see headed into 2021? 

John Berkowitz: In 2021, the housing market faces yet another year of uncertainty. From the new administration to the promise of a COVID-19 vaccine, there are so many forces at play that significantly impact the industry at large; it’s impossible to predict for certain the state of the market in the new year. In fact, our Chief Real Estate Officer has a completely different take than my own, so we’re preparing for anything and everything. 

However, I do believe that we will continue to see a significant housing boom through 2021. With the virus spiking and new lockdown orders, I don’t foresee significant change in fiscal policy or the record low interest rates we’ve encountered throughout 2020. What’s more, coming off an election year, it takes time for new government policies to come into play with the turnover. As such, ongoing low rates will spur demand into the new year, even when it would typically slow down. With all of these factors taken into consideration, the housing market is trending towards continued growth.

Meanwhile, the impact of COVID-19 on homebuyer trends and habits will also fuel a strong market. Today, there are more platforms than ever before to access and buy homes, and agents and consumers alike have leaned on technology to identify and sell the right properties. Additionally, homebuyers continue to look for new homes to be closer to family or meet new preferences, such as bigger backyards or more open space within the home. Paired with the fast turnover rate, these preferences will continue to drive high demand.

HW: What can brokerages and agents do to make sure they’re staying competitive?  

JB: While there are differing opinions internally at OJO Labs on how the market will play out, there is one thing we all agree on: 2021 will be the year of the tech-enabled agent. There’s tremendous opportunity for brokerages and agents to differentiate themselves as they guide consumers through the unknowns of the pandemic, a new administration, and an evolving market. 

In 2021, technology will no longer be a “nice to have,” but a must for building trust and standing out amidst an abundance of competitors in the wake of the pandemic. With the right tech stack, agents and brokers have access to rich market insights at their fingertips, the ability to provide virtual home tours made necessary by the pandemic, and a deeper understanding of what consumers really want in a home. What’s more, the way consumers and agents communicate has transformed, with text, email, and digital apps more important than ever before. Our research found at the onset of the pandemic, 41% of people who still planned to purchase a home reported an increase in remote communication with their agents including text, email, phone, and video. Consumer expectations for agent accessibility and outreach are high, and will carry on through the new year—agents and brokers need solutions that will connect them with consumers within seconds.

Ultimately, those that embrace technology will distinguish themselves as stand-out industry leaders, while those that remain ambivalent will struggle to meet consumer needs. 

In addition, I fundamentally believe that challenging times provide a unique opportunity for outsized growth. Once core survival is secured, identifying ways to capitalize on a crisis can accelerate your business. Staying competitive is a precursor to thriving – and agents and brokers who take risks and make moves that others can’t or won’t make are going to be best positioned to come out of this even stronger.

HW: How is a strong focus on real estate tech especially important during these times?

JB: As real estate technology gained momentum over the last decade, industry experts were concerned that new innovations would displace or diminish jobs. But that’s not how things have played out. Instead, the need for a great agent is stronger than ever. Buying a home is one of life’s biggest decisions—both technology and industry experts play an important role in helping consumers make the right decision.

Even amidst a pandemic, consumers want to find a home that fits their needs. And their desire to make more confident decisions hasn’t changed either. Yet, it’s likely preferences and needs have evolved — concerns about commute time may be less acute, while there may be increased worry about mortgage costs. Real estate tech can help surface those nuanced signals and arm agents with the insights they need to support buyers along their journey. 

Technology is also able to fill many of the gaps that emerged from the pandemic. The number of virtual tours will only continue to rise. We’re already seeing this play out. Take Austin, for example, where the availability of traditional virtual tours grew by 147% between March 2020 and August 2020, while the use of enhanced virtual tours grew 1147% over that same time period. Many of these use cases have emerged due to social distancing and shelter-in-place orders, and I expect that many will transform the way we buy and sell homes in the long run. 

This year has significantly accelerated technology adoption and real estate tech will continue to play an important role in 2021. Homebuyers and sellers have come to expect a seamless, on-demand experience in normal times or otherwise. Thus, agents and brokers will continue to leverage technology to find a home that fits in today’s remote-first world, and beyond.

---

If you have questions about Real Estate technology, or are thinking about investing in hardware, software or a digital platform but unsure of the potential ROI on your investment…give us a shout. At West + Main Homes, the tech stack that we provide our agents with is simple + strategic. Learn more.

Loyalty in Real Estate Tech - Is There Even Such a Thing?

Yes, there is loyalty in Real Estate technology.

And it’s VITAL to the success of your career, your team, your brokerage, your value + your future.

Here’s the thing: In our age of fast-moving sales, growth, change + tech…it has become super commonplace, and even expected, to jump ship every time a fancy life raft floats by.

Whether you are an agent distracted by bright + shiny tools and subjected to auto-recruiting texts on a non-stop basis, or you are a brokerage being stalked by fancy, fast-talking franchise sales guys offering you free trips to New York or New Jersey, it’s really the same game, pressure + pitch:

“The brokerage boat you’re on isn’t good enough, the ocean is giant and you’re a small fish…you obviously can’t survive without whatever it is we are offering — even if it’s basically a bunch of chum.”

OK, this Colorado girl is done with the sea references, but you get where I am headed here…the temptations to buy something new, to invest in the latest, greatest thing being sold from a stage by a smooth-talking rep, whether they are in a zip-up hoodie + sneakers or a tailored 3-piece suit, are endless, relentless and pretty much impossible to avoid.

I’ve been on this track for a long time — I started out in Real Estate as a software marketer and sometimes booth rep, handing out swag and setting appointments at big RE conferences. I moved into Residential Sales because I wanted to learn how Realtors think — so that I could sell them more bright + shiny tools.

And then, I fell in love with this industry. Turned out, I was a Realtor at heart…and I love, love, love the people who in turn love our place in this universe, the people who serve our communities, make home ownership dreams come true, protect those investments, and love on their clients with all that they have.

I also fell in love with the vendors who serve those Realtors and allow them to focus on their clients.

One of those vendors is Morgan Carey and his dream team at Real Estate Webmasters.

Morgan and I have kind of grown up in this industry, together.

We both started out shiny-faced and starry-eyed, seeing the potential for this marketplace and also knowing that we could have a hand in improving it, and, frankly, profiting from it.

Along the way, we have each navigated market shifts, re-positioning, re-thinking and course adjustments.

When my partner, Madeline Linder, and I launched our brokerage West + Main Homes almost 3 years ago we didn’t know where it would go, how fast it would grow, or what it would need. We were focused on brand messaging + our agent offering, not our tech stack or online presence, and figured that we would sort it all out later and invest in quality tools and platforms when we could.

Morgan was not having it. He messaged me and said — no way are you launching this company without the best website + CRM — and he made that happen for us. Leads started flowing in even faster than interview requests, and West + Main quickly grew to 4 locations and over 100 agents.

Real Estate Webmasters + West and Main Homes

I’m so proud to announce that REW has just launched the new WestAndMainHomes.com — providing not only the best home and property search tools to the public, but also the most efficient, usable and engaging tools for our agents.

My recent visit to REW headquarters in Nanaimo as part of their new #RelationshipsMatter campaign was so amazing…from exploring this special city which Morgan and his family have personally committed to supporting + growing, but also the REW campus, where I got to sit with the Design + Development teams to expedite and personalize the process of updating our website — was nothing short of spectacular. I have always appreciated the level of support that REW provides, but seeing them in action and getting to know several members of the crew was super awesome.

Relationships really DO matter - and loyalty is priceless.

#realestatewebmasters #relationshipsmatter #westandmainhomes