real estate training

real estate training: check out these links!

2006-02-22T22:47:00.000-08:00

real estate training: check out these links!

check out these links!

2006-02-21T03:14:00.000-08:00

Search engine:

www.Google.com

Second choice:

www.Yahoo.com

Third & final:

http://www.vivisimo.com/ GENERAL REAL ESTATE Top Picks www.realestateabc.com/top100/top100.asp?Cat=1 (top 100 sites) Michael http://www.totalrealestatesolutions.com/ (totally useful all around resource)

http://www.rebuz.com/ (a most solid directory of R.E. related information) Tom http://www.reals.com/ (another great starting off point to find what you need) Michael

http://www.realestate4.com/ (a monstrous directory to get you going) Michael, again!

http://www.linkre.com/ (again, a huge directory to get you moving) Mike you rule

http://www.dealmakerscafe.com/ (creative investment education and support) Scott

http://www.propertysites.com/ (friends of fizbo’s) Bill

http://www.relibrary.com/ (deep resources in real estate) Jon

http://www.thecreativeinvestor.com/ (serious subscriber support) Joel

www.urbanbombs.com/links10/themeindex.html (one word “links”) Trent

http://www.homebuyingrealestate.com/ (well respected directory)

http://www.reidepotshop.com/ (guru central)

http://www.topusarealestate.com/ (all around great resource, articles) Lara

http://www.realestatepromo.com/ (Super resource to get going) Mike

http://www.carei.com/ (lot of respect for Bill Bronchick) Bill

www.mastermindforum.com/resources/re-entrepreneur.htm#discussions (solid directory) Research sites

http://www.inman.com/ (your “must” source for news)

http://www.inrealty.com/ (very large information resource)

http://www.nreionline.com/ (latest real estate news)

http://www.meyersgroup.com/ (economic news)

www.newsmax.com/links.shtml (all the news)

www.fnis.com/Research/index.asp (latest market news)www.fnismarketintelligence.com/2003/03-21/default.asp (news)www.naahq.org/resources/econ.aspx (apartment owner’s industry news)www.reiclub.com/real-estate-business-tools.php (R.E. tools for investors)www.firstamres.com/news/articles.jsp (analysis)

http://www.usacitylink.com/ (relocation guide to cities)

http://www.findyourspot.com/ (find your ideal spot)

http://www.realtytimes.com/ (market conditions)

www.newspaperlinks.com/home.cfm (electronic newspapers)

www.bestplaces.net/ (city and school facts and more)

http://www.50states.com/ (state facts & info)

http://www.census.gov/ (statistics of the U.S.)

http://www.dataquick.com/ (get your data here)

http://www.dqnews.com/ (data quick news and stats)

http://www.infospace.com/ (your phone book and more)

http://www.realtor.com/ (homes for sale nationwide)

http://www.homeradar.com/ (what’s it worth, comparables free)www.netronline.com/public_records.htm (public records search)www.realfacts.com/faqlinks.html (find an owner thru research)

www.inft.net/index.html (find owners in trouble)

http://www.altmandirect.com/ (launch a direct mail campaign)www.policyholdersofamerica.org/index2.html (insurance issues)

http://www.kwsnet.com/ (scroll to real estate, huge resource)

www.infocredit.com/ (background checks)

www.docusearch.com/free.html (multiple search databases)

http://www.creditretriever.com/ (credit reports on tenants)

http://www.findtheseller.com/ (track them down)

http://www.skiptracers.com/ (find the tenant who owes back rent)

http://www.policeauctions.com/ (auctions)

http://www.stealitback.com/ (go to real estate)

www.financenet.gov/sales.htm (gov’t property sales)http://www2.fdic.gov/WebCat/sitemap.asp (go deep into gov’t site)www.nlihc.org/resources/links.htm (national housing links)

http://www.buyerstrust.com/ (buyer’s agent directory)Financial

http://www.nfns.com/ (your states mortgage rates & news)

http://www.myfico.com/ (get your credit score)

http://www.experian.com/ 888-397-3742

http://www.tuc.com/ 800-888-4213

http://www.equifax.com/ 800-685-1111

http://www.bankrate.com/ (today’s rates and more)

www.bankrate.com/brm/mortgage-calculator.asp (calculator)

http://www.interest.com/ (mortgage trends)

http://www.mbaa.org/ (solid mortgage news and resources)

http://www.eloan.com/ (financial/loans)

http://www.mortgagequotes.com/ “

http://www.quickenmortgage.com/ “

http://www.mortgage-referral.com/ “

http://www.lendingleaders.com/ “

www.mainstfinancial.net/Loan%20Programs.htm (100%cashout, non-owner occ)www.interest.com/discussion/ (mortgage discussion)

http://www.brookviewfinancial.com/ (rehab lenders)

http://www.access-100.com/ (more rehab funding)

http://www.debtbug.com/ (stop foreclosure)

www.mtgprofessor.com/calculators.htm (calculator heaven)

www.mortgage-investments.com/Real_estate_and_mortgage_downloads/downloads.htm http://www.decisionaide.com/ (32 different calculators)

http://www.cybernetmortgage.com/ (calculators/loans - Texas)

http://www.mortgage101.com/ (calculators and more)

www.algebrahelp.com/calculators/index.htm (higher math)

http://www.homefair.com/ (calculators & relocation info)

http://www.lendingleaders.com/ (finance)

www.homebuyingguide.com/default.asp (4free finance books) PDF

http://www.homewarrantyexperts.com/ (find a good warranty co.)

http://www.orhp.com/ (home warranties)

http://www.homeloans.va.gov/ (military forms resource)

www.alta.org/consumer/hud1.cfm (hud-1 settlement statement)Inspection/Appraisal

http://www.inspectamerica.com/ (free inspection reports)

http://www.appraisalfoundation.com/ (click on “.org”)

www.appraisalinstitute.com/default.asp (find your appraiser)

http://www.naifa.com/ (find your appraiser)

www.appraisersforum.com/forum/index.php (ask an appraiser)

http://www.electronicappraiser.com/ (general valuations)

www.domania.com/sitemap.jsp (valuation tools)

www.camerondirect.com/compsources.shtml (comparable data providers)

http://www.ashi.com/ (find a home inspector)

http://www.homeinspections.com/ (5000 inspectors)www.soundhome.com/topics/topic_inspect.shtml#hunt (tips)

http://www.independentinspectors.org/ (5000 inspectors)

www.nachi.org/bbsystem/index.php (ask a home inspector)

http://www.inspectorsjournal.com/ (ask a home inspector)Contracts/Forms Suppliers

http://www.audrie.com/ (Audrie deserves to be #1)www.audrie.com/creating_advertiseing_flyers.htm (make a flyer)www.totalrealestatesolutions.com/realestateforms/index.cfm (you’ll love it)www.buyincomeproperties.com/FreeRealEstateForms.htm#contracts (more love)www.fidtitle.addr.com/forms.htm (forms in pdf)

http://www.uslegalforms.com/ (pay for the form you need)

http://www.kaktus.com/ (more forms)

http://www.urgentbusinessforms.com/ (ditto)

http://www.standardlegal.net/ (ditto)

www.isoldmyhouse.com/forms.html (free contracts - excellent!)www.prepaidlegal.com/newCorp/lrc.html (free contracts - all 50 states)www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/contracts/contrcts.htm (free - Colorado contracts)www.kcig.org/custom/index.cfm?id=19423 (more free forms)www.lawfirmsoftware.com/free/forms/real_estate (creative forms)

http://www.ehow.com/ (then follow “finance” to real estate)

www.mortgage-investments.com/Real_estate_and_mortgage_Forms/form_fr.htm (free)http://www.findlaw.com/ (find an attoney)

www.alllaw.com/forms/real_estate (sample forms/ lawyer search) www.attorneyfinder.com/index.html (find an attorney)

www.attorneylocate.com/index.html (find an attorney)www.legalscholar.com/links/realestateassociations.html (every lawyer on the planet)www.turnpike.net/lawnet (questions answered free)www.legalscholar.com/links/realestateassociations.html (law resource)www.homefindersbulletin.com/docs/checklist.pdf (free tenant move-in checklist)www.thelpa.com/lpa/free-forms.html?id=nyy2upaZ (free landlord forms)http://www.banditsigns.com/ (bandit signs galore)

http://www.witnessdesigns.com/ (wide variety of signage)

http://www.webuyhousessigns.com/ (supplier of signs)

http://www.infotube.net/ (advertising signage supplier)

http://www.landlordlocks.com/ (one key for all the rentals)Forums & Networking www.magicbullets.com/forum/ (my attempt to bring us all together) Danhttp://www.creonline.com/ (creative investment) JP

http://www.mrlandlord.com/ (property management) Jeffrey

www.thelpa.com/lpa/index.html (landlord protection) John

www.screeningservices.com/forms/grab-bag.shtml (free landlord forms)http://www.lease2purchase.com/ (networking)

www.propertyinvesting.com/forum (positive cash flow)

www.camerondirect.com (clubs) Cameron

http://www.neodemesne.com/ (friend to all, R.E. investor resources) Bruce

http://www.naked-investor.com/ (lease-option forum)

www.creative-financing-solutions.com/hips.html (20 repair forums)

www.creative-financing-solutions.com/realestate.html (43 finance forums) www.realestatelink.net/clubs.html (clubs & associations)www.realestatepromo.com/InvestmentClubs/index.html (more clubs)http://www.apartmentassociation.com/ (apartment owners’ associations)www.creonline.com/clubs.htm (real estate clubs nationwide) JP

www.reiplace.com/clubs.php (clubs)

http://www.reiclub.com/ (more clubs) Tim

http://www.bhg.com/ (ladies discussion, scroll to bottom) Laura

www.property.com/news.html (newsgroups & lists)www.realestateinvesting.com/investors-associations/search.asp www.realestatetalks.com/index.php (real estate forum)www.newyork.craigslist.org/about/cities.html (discuss & more) Craig

www.gladwell.com/tp_excerpt2.html (networking triggers) Malcolm

www.lease2purchase.com/php/letsnetwork/letsnetwork.php (do it) Jeff

http://www.realestatediscuss.com/ (forums galore) Michael

www.landtrust.net/cgi/yabb/YaBB.pl (land trust and creative r.e forum) BillMore bulletin boards of interest (forums)

http://www.ownerwillcarry.com/ (owner financed homes for sale) Greg

www.neodemesne.com/forum/index.php (r.e.investing resources) Bruce

http://forums.mjmls.com/ (wide variety of useful articles) Michael

www.dealmakerscafe.com/forum/index.php?s=00fcd8ff1923e3457f2b6b1dfcf0986e& (solid community of investors at the dealmakers above)http://www.mrlandlord.com/ (the best land lord site on the planet) Jeffrey

www.thelpa.com/lpa/forum.html (the next best landlord site on the planet) John www.mastermindforum.com/phorum/list.php?f=14 (jerry knows the mobile home game)www.reotalk.com/ (foreclosure experts) (Steve)www.reiplace.com/newsgroup/list.php?f=1&a=2&t=37654 (Steve)www.thecreativeinvestor.com/Forum-index.html (serious r.e.investment community) www.realestatepromo.com/discussion (widely read bulletin board)www.onlinerealtysales.com/p/forums (free listings, bulletin board and more)www.creonline.com/wwwboard/index.html (the granddaddy of creative finance) JP

www.aireo.com/bbs/index.shtml (excellent texas based site) Bill

www.propertysites.com/forums (well covered topics list here)www.naked-investor.com/forums/index.php?act=idx (lease purchase and more) Michael

www.moneycentral.msn.com/community/message/board.asp?board=YourMoney Liz

www.lease2purchase.com/wwwboard/list.php?f=1&t=14524&a=2 (lease purchase) Jeff

www.reiclub.com/forums/index.php (quick offers and tons of resources) Tim

http://www.realestatediscuss.com/ (good forum a little agent biased) Michael

www.everythingre.com/phpBB2/index.php Robs place

www.realestateinvesting.com/cgi-bin/general/index.html (quality discussions)www.groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&group=misc.invest.real-estate State specific (forums)

www.azpig.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=news Arizona

www.azcentral.com/phorum/list.php?f=61 Arizona again!

www.sdcia.com/msgboard.mv California

http://www.nc-treia.org/ N. Carolina

www.charlestonrealestateguide.com/forum/index.php S. Carolina

www.carei.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi Colorado

http://www.dccmreig.com/ D.C. Maryland

www.gareia.org/mboard/default.asp Georgia

www.indypropertyinvestors.com/forum Indiana

www.investorwealth.com/cgi-bin/forums/YaBB.pl?board=questions Indianapolis

www.qcrpa.org/wwwboard Iowa

http://www.kreia.com/ Kentucky

www.ma4salebyowner.com/pages/index1.html Massachusetts

http://www.okcreia.com/ Oklahoma

http://www.tulsareia.net/ (Tulsa)

www.forums.nwreii.org/forums_index.asp Oregon

http://www.phoenixrealestateclub.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Forum&file=viewforum&forum=9&4 Phoenix Arizona

www.reiplace.com/newsgroup/list.php?f=1&a=2&t=37654 Texas

www.dfwrein.com/megabbs/category-view.asp Dallas Texas

http://cpanel.richclub.org/invision//index.php?s=181f1ddac1a4f2709a8fb32db5dfa0a3& Houston above.

http://www.slreia.com/ Utah (group)

www.uslandco.com/forum U.S. Land

www.reidepot.com/links/forums.html Directory of forums

www.creative-financing-solutions.com/realestate.html 43 forums

www.bravenet.com/search/forum.php 100’s of forumsDon’t laugh serious sites below (forums)http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/ everything garden and more

http://boards.hgtv.com/6/ubb.x home and garden t.v

www.bhg.com/bhg/dgroups/viewForum.jhtml?forum=31 better homes and gardens

www.ivillage.com/money/boards choose your board at ivillage

http://forum.doityourself.com/ do it all yourself

www.remodelnet.com/msg_board/index.php?sid=e2238d12a78f081fee92908c8ecbc472 www.dannylipford.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=gen_discussion remodel discuss

www.ehow.com/home/home.jsp its how things are done

www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/ ask Deano

www.azlist.about.com/a.htm (every forum under the sun)Technical & Marketing (forums)www.warriorforum.com/forum/default.asp (one of the coolest sites I’ve seen)http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/ (tech-guru’s of real estate website design)http://www.webmaster-forums.net/ (webmasters found here too!)www.webproworld.com/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=fe62f61c80f7c783ad9ba541d25aee76 www.selfstartersweeklytips.com/forum/index.php?sid=5ee41bc141ec40ca87bc47900f2cc11e http://www.investorpro.com/ (build a site overnight) LynnMoney

http://www.wsj.com/ (wall street journal on-line)

http://www.ft.com/ (financial times, world news)

http://www.fortune.com/ (spots trends, events and opportunity)

http://www.forbes.com/ (your eye on business)

http://www.fastcompany.com/ (information on the razors edge)Commercial Investment Club

www.crenews.com/crnews (top stories)

http://www.globest.com/ (latest commercial news)

http://www.loopnet.com/ (commercial properties for sale)www.vandema.com/Frames/FrameJournals.htm (directory of resources)

http://www.icsc.org/ (browse navigation bar)

http://www.naeba.org/ (exclusive buyer’s agents)

http://www.pikenet.com/ (ask Pete, he knows everything!)1031 exchanges

www.irs1031exchanges.com/manual/book.shtml (read about exchanging)

http://www.ree.com/ (1031 exchanges facilitators)http://www.ipx1031.com/ “

http://www.exchangers.com/ “

http://www.1031ri.com/ “

http://www.1031pros.com/ “

http://www.starker.com/ “

http://www.1031it.com/ “

www.ixg1031.com/updates/tic.html “

Home Improvement

http://www.hometime.com/ (plan your work)

http://www.diyonline.com/ (remodel it)

http://www.doityourself.com/ (super site)

http://www.build.com/ (home plans)

www.smartdraw.com/resources/centers/floorplans (draw your plans)

http://www.nahb.org/ (find a builder under resources)

http://www.decoratorsecrets.com/ (finishing touches)

http://www.plbg.com/ (plumbing repair forum)

www.paintcenter.org/pexpertqa1.cfm (the world of paint)

www.carpetguru.com/site.htm (be smart about carpet)www.hardwoodinstaller.com/hardwoodinstaller (wood floor Q’s)www.forums.gardenweb.com/forums/#title (the garden)Reverse Directory

http://www.anywho.com/ (reverse lookup)

http://www.infospace.com/ (multiple directory)

http://www.switchboard.com/ (find numbers)

http://www.people.yahoo.com/ (general addresses)

www.reporter.org/desktop (multiple search options)

http://www.theultimates.com/ (latest multiple source) favorite!

http://www.searchbug.com/ (find people, places & things)

http://www.whowhere.lycos.com/ (last chance)

http://www.donotcall.gov/ (no more real estate agent calls)Street-finders/ Maps

http://www.randmcnally.com/ (maps)

http://www.mapsonus.com/ “

http://www.mapquest.com/ “

http://www.globexplorer.com/ “

http://www.terrafly.com/ (aerial photography & demographics) www.epa.gov/enviro/html/em/index.html (E.P.A maps)http://www.gazetteer.hometownlocator.com/ (data, data, data)

http://www.fodors.com/ (travel)

http://www.moversguide.usps.com/ (helps you relocate smoothly)FSBO SITES

http://www.directoryrealestate.com/ (directory of places to go)

http://www.topfsbo.com/ (top 100 fsbo sites)

www.linkre.com/index.php?t=sub_pages&cat=6462 (81 fsbo sites)

www.mlshub.com/ (national fsbo homes for sale)

http://www.floridaforsalebyowner.com/ (florida)List Your Home for Free or low cost

http://www.magicbullets.com/ (total support/free) Dan

http://www.homeportfoliojunction.com/ (free) Sue

http://www.allthelistings.com/ (free - also forms under resources) Wally

http://www.fsbobasics.com/ (free) Connie

http://www.ired.com/ (free ads & articles) Becky

http://www.realestatelistingfree.com/ (free) Don

http://www.ushx.com/ (free) Bill

http://www.homesalewizard.com/ (free) Levin

http://www.homewelcome.com/ (free) Jeff

http://www.virtualfsbo.com/ (free)

http://www.us-real-estate.net/ (free) Michael

http://www.onlinerealtysales.com/ (free) Richard

http://www.freehomelistings.com/ (free)

www.gonehome.com/advertise.jsp (free)

www.aireo.com/propertylistings/index.shtml (free) William

http://www.realestatelistingfree.com/ (free)

http://www.fsbo-home.com/ (free and guide) John

http://www.10realty.com/ (free and guide) Gina

http://www.nuwaymls.com/ (free or paid MLS) Randy

http://www.fsbofreedom.com/ (30 days free) Jerry

http://www.mlshub.com/ (free) Jerry

http://www.soldbyowner.com/ (free)

http://www.fsbozone.com/ ($199.00)

http://www.fsbosystems.com/ (free or broker $995 flat) Don

http://www.isoldmyhouse.com/ (free contracts, lender owned) good

www.homediscovere.com/hddev/index.aspx (alternative, lender owned)www.oneweb.com/reo/fsbo1.html (low fee)

http://www.homesbyowner.com/ (low fee) Wayne

http://www.sellitbyowner.com/ (low fee) David

http://www.fsboadvertisingservice.com/ (low fee) Randy

http://www.sellyourhomeyourself.com/ (low fee) Alana

http://www.sellmyhome.com/ (low fee)

http://www.fsbo.com/ (low fee)

http://www.fisbos.com/ (low fee) George

http://www.by-owner-ol.com/ (low fee) Laine

http://www.privatehomes4sale.com/ (low fee) Michelle

http://www.forsalebyowner.com/ (low fee) Damon

http://www.fsbonetwork.com/ (low fee)

http://www.usa4salebyowner.com/ (low fee)

http://www.owners.com/ (low fee, largest inventory) Steve

http://www.usa.homesalez.com/ (low fee) Shawn

http://www.buyowner.com/ (high exposure, not cheap) Kevin

http://www.byowner.com/ (Kevin offers good value)

http://www.openhousefree.com/ (open house day) Ger Vang

http://www.fsbo.net/ (view listings, for buyers) Wayne

http://www.ownerwillcarry.com/ (a neat twist) Greg

www.dmoz.org/Shopping/Classifieds/Homes_-_FSBO/ (want more)www.linkre.com/index.php?t=sub_pages&cat=6462 (that’s enough) MichaelForeclosure searches

http://www.foreclosures.com/ (foreclosure resources)

http://www.foreclosurefreesearch.com/ “

http://www.hud.gov/ “

http://www.homesteps.com/ “

http://www.fanniemae.com/ “

http://www.noticeofdefaults.com/ (find it first)

www.propertydisposal.gsa.gov/property “

www.iasreo.com/search/home4sale.asp (r.e.o. search)

www.treas.gov/auctions/customs (auctions)

http://www.all-foreclosure.com/ (can you guess)

http://www.policeauctions.com/ (auctions)

www.hud.gov/homes/homesforsale.cfm (repossession agencies)www.fastcashinrealestateforeclosures.com/forum (learn about foreclosure)Free real estate e books

http://www.magicbullets.com/ (4 free e books, bottom of home page)www.homebuyingguide.com/default.asp (4 free finance e-books) www.homes4sbo.com/fsbo_book_download.htm (fsbo buyers/sellers handbooks) www.reiclub.com/rejebook (nice beginners guide from Barry)

www.reiclub.com/contiebook (scroll to sign up for free book) Pete

www.reiclub.com/swatteam (negotiate those foreclosures) Thanks Joe!http://www.reidepot.com/ (Subscribe to get 2 free e-books) More great sites

www.johntreed.com/realestate.html (John exposes gurus)

http://www.ripoffreport.com/ (feel ripped off, report it!)

www.legalwiz.com/gurusites.htm (a list of gurus)

http://www.homeadvisor.com/ (Bill Gates does real estate)www.garydavidhall.com/agenttools.htm (use the tools of agents)

http://www.thomaslucier.com/ (Tom teaches)

http://www.ernesttew.com/ (Ernest is also a teacher) free downloads http://www.richardroop.com/ (a rich resource)

www.legalwiz.com/realestatesites.htm (one smart Bill)

www.nyu.edu/library/rei/weblinks.htm (Jacks library)www.money99.com/documents/index.asp (John’s downloads)

http://www.e-homenews.com/ (mike’s how to)

www.digonline.org/Links.html (comprehensive resource list)

www.refdesk.com/toc.html (reference any topic)http://www.wealthaddress.com/Real_Estate_Articles.html (article resource)www.groups.msn.com/RayComosHouseBuyingkindom (paste it) http://www.propertyinvesting.com/ (Australia anyone?) good people!http://www.realestatelink.net/ (comprehensive resource)

http://www.realestateclub-la.com/ (Los Angeles group) Phyllis

www.bizweb.com/categories/real_estate.html (long list of links)

www.islandtime.com/surfsup/ (my buddy Dave down in Clearwater fl.)www.racelinecentral.com/Monster/monsterlinks1.html (links to everything)http://www.homeseekers.com/ (home searches and general information)http://www.cyberhomes.com/ (home searches and evaluations)

http://www.homescout.com/ (home evaluations and agent locator)

http://www.nolo.com/ (form your LLC)

www.realestate.yahoo.com/re/ (yahoo real estate portal)

www.info-s.com/estate.html (another list of entry points)

www.realestatelink.net/articles.html (solid articles)

www.ecki.com/links/srlst.shtml (39 more sites)

www.creonline.com/site-map.html (article heaven)

http://www.thegaryhalbertletter.com/ (marketing genius and friend -rated PG)www.sethgodin.com/ideavirus/downloads/IdeavirusReadandShare.pdf (download this)www.selfstartersweeklytips.com/forum (technology answers – Lynn)www.im4newbies.com/forum/index.php (more tech support – Mike)www.webproworld.com/forum.php (Programmers – Brittany)www.mountaineagleweb.com/Creative/Creative.htm (creativity)www.anthonyrobbins.com/community (self-improvement forum)

www.positive-club.com/pc.1/e-books.html (Free e books to pick you up)

http://www.positive-club.com/ (discover your power)www.warriorforum.com/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=10 (100’s of free e books)http://www.herosoul.com/ (be a hero - my good friend Sharif)www.principledprofits.com/25000influencers.html (Shel a man of principle)www.thomaslucier.com/resources.html (Didn’t find it? Dig deeper!)

http://www.twomen.com/ (the moving company that saves your back)http://www.inrealty.com/ (hands off investing in real estate stock R.E.I.T.’s www.netlingo.com/inframes.cfm (dictionary of internet language)

How Does A New Agent Get Listings?

2005-11-03T02:15:00.000-08:00

How Does A New Agent Get Listings?

"I'm a new agent. My question is how does a new agent get his name out there to get listings?

The short answer is to build a database, so you can use contact software to maintain a relationship with people you know and meet online. Frequent and steady contact lets them know you take your business seriously and you want them as your clients, which is flattering to anyone.

The long answer is much more complex:

How do you want to work?

Who is an appropriate prospect?

What is an appropriate method of contacting this person?

How can you get your value as an agent across to that person?
The first thing to do is to focus on acquiring clients, rather than listings. Here are some ways to focus your business:

Decide what kind of business you want to build.
A common mistake many agents make, especially in a big city like Dallas, is spreading yourself too thin. You've already stated that you want listings, so let's start there. Ask yourself if there is a way to narrow your search for clients with listings. Most agents accomplish this by choosing a neighborhood to farm such as the area where they live, or by specializing in a certain type of home such as new homes in master-planned communities or older homes of historical interest, or condos and townhomes. Is there an area or type of home that interests you? This way you can become known as the expert.

Don't be afraid that you will miss business by not becoming a general agent. You have to keep your time, advertising costs and other limiting factors in mind. If you are going to farm a neighborhood, hanging fliers, mailers and knocking on doors and introducing yourself is a good way to start. You will find your contacts will take you around the city without having to go to the expense of farming the entire city.

Appropriate contacts are everyone you meet.
Appropriate contacts are people you want to do business with, but have an open mind as to where you can develop these potential customers. While many agents start with family and friends, don't stop there. Remember that people like your dry cleaner, barber, fitness trainer and others you have daily contact with have already met you. It is a lot easier to do business with people who know and like you.

Include groups of people in your database you don't see often, like former school chums, club and church members, sports acquaintances, business networking coffee groups, and neighbors. You'll be surprised how many people you know.

Ask each person for their contact information, especially email, and tell them you want to send them some information about what you're doing and that you hope to help them one day with a move. The worst that can happen is they say no, and the best is that they give you the information that one day leads to a sale.

Ask permission to contact prospects.
They appreciate it. Ask the people you know and meet how they prefer to be contacted -- by email, business phone, cell phone, and if it would be all right for you to keep them posted about the marketplace. You can do this with email newsletters, postcards, phone calls, and other means.

Your efforts will be appreciated. There isn't a renter who isn't wondering if now is the time to buy. You can keep renters informed about new building projects in their neighborhood, or good deals in affordable properties, and how prices are changing from month to month. People are interested in opportunities, so that's what you want to keep in front of them. So you mix in a few buyers while you're trying to get listings... it's all business.

Most of your contacts, however, will be homeowners. There isn't a homeowner who isn't interested in how well their home is doing compared to the open market. Even if they have no immediate plans to sell, they enjoy knowing that their home is worth X amount more than what they paid. They also enjoy knowing local market conditions that affect the value of homes. Who knows? You might send them a piece of information that encourages them to make a move.

Even though you don't have a lot of experience, you can make yourself sound more expert by paying attention to what is happening locally - all by reading the local paper and staying in touch with your local chamber of commerce or visitor's bureau to find out what's happening. Your local association should also have meetings and special information for their members so you will know if big deals such as new housing developments are happening or a new company is transferring employees to town.

You have value even if you are new to the industry.
Don't worry about being new to the industry -- there is plenty of support for new agents if you know where to look for it. Don't be afraid to quote your local association or MLS when it has homebuying statistics or news to report. Attend association meetings and listen to what the guest appraisers, developers, and city planners have to say. Join a networking group. Keep building your online skills.

Your previous career and school experiences can be valuable to homebuyers and sellers. Use it! If you have ever rented a home, bought a home, worked with numbers, managed or worked with people, decorated a room, bought a boat, scaled up or down in residence, you have valuable insights for your prospects.

You have powers of observation. Listen carefully when people talk, and you'll soon hear those tell-tale signs that they might be considering a change. Drive your neighborhood, and note which houses are looking improved. You'll get a feel for which neighbors to chat up -- is the one putting up a new roof thinking of selling?

People appreciate enthusiasm and are inclined to give new people a chance. If you don't have the answer, say so, but you can immediately follow up by saying you know where to get it.

Get help if you need it. Trail or offer to help a top producer with an open house, so you can watch a pro in action. Don't be afraid to partner with another agent on a listing until you learn the ropes. Take advantage of every training session your broker or association provides. Hire a coach.
Don't lose hope. Getting your name out there is the hardest part, and if you follow these suggestions, coupled with a willingness to serve your clients' needs, you'll soon have enough business to keep you busy

2005-10-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

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