Did you know that pools are currently in high demand in the real estate market? If you own a house with a pool, you can expect to sell it for about 8% more on average compared to homes without pools.

This is important for us as real estate professionals because we can inform pool owners that they have the potential to sell at a premium.

Speaking from personal experience as a pool owner, I can tell you what happens after buying a house with a pool:

Initially, it's an exciting novelty, and you use it constantly for the first couple of summers. However, over time, the novelty fades, and while you may not use the pool as much, the constant maintenance remains. This maintenance can be quite a hassle if you're doing it yourself, or it can become expensive if you're hiring someone to maintain it.

For those who have owned a pool for several years, it can eventually become more of a headache than a luxury. This could lead them to consider trading in their pool-equipped home ...

What single skill, if mastered impeccably, could significantly impact your real estate career over the next year?

Take a moment and consider the answer.

I often pose this question to various agents, and the responses vary widely. Some say lead generation, others cite video creation, social media marketing, listing presentations, buyer interactions, showings, negotiation— the list goes on.

However, these responses reveal a common thread— a lack of confidence in that particular area. This deficiency in confidence is evident to clients and impedes your true potential.

So how do you remedy this situation?

Here's my solution:

Confidence originates from competence.

You must become proficient in the skill you're tackling. And how do you achieve competence? Through practice, continuous and deliberate practice. Malcolm Gladwell delves into this concept in his book "Outliers." The top performers in various fields, be it sports, music, writing, or business, have a distinctiv...

The impact of climate change is becoming increasingly evident through natural disasters worldwide. In my market alone, 2,700 homes were lost to wildfires, including three duplexes that I owned. Recent events like the devastating fire in Maui have left hundreds homeless.

How does this relate to real estate? Well, it's directly tied. Amid this destruction, we, as REALTORS, have an opportunity to step in and provide assistance. While it won't be an immediate transaction, it can help us build lasting relationships founded on genuine value.

So what's my suggestion?

Reach out promptly to your entire sphere of influence. Capitalize on the awareness generated by these incidents. Say, "Given the current wave of natural disasters, many clients have requested a quick update on their home value to ensure their insurance coverage is adequate. I've already prepared this report for you, and it took just a few minutes. If you're interested, I can send it via email. You can review it a...

Here's a quick video idea that'll resonate with everyone:

Are you a fan of bargain shopping? I sure am! Everyone loves a good deal, no matter their financial status. In fact, even decamillionaires—those with over $10 million in wealth—are big bargain hunters in real estate. So, here's your engaging content for this week:

Start with this:

"Do you love snagging a deal like I do? I'm all about finding amazing bargains. Let me clue you in on how you can score an incredible real estate bargain right now.

As you scan the market, you'll notice two distinct trends. On one hand, homes priced right and in great condition are getting snapped up within weeks.

Then, there's the second category—properties that have lingered because they might have been initially overpriced or needed some TLC. If a property sits for more than 30 days, sellers often start to realize they missed the mark on pricing or presentation.

What happens next? Motivation rises. They become more willing to ...

Did you know that around 40% of business in most markets involves relocation?

This means people are moving within or out of your area due to various factors like jobs, financial changes, or retirement. In today's market, most relocations are motivated by necessity rather than choice.

To tap into this market, let's focus on strategic steps:

First, ask yourself if the term "relocation" appears anywhere in your marketing. If not, add it today: business cards, website, personal flyers—everywhere. Make it an SEO-friendly part of your business model.

Next, think about what your web pages convey about relocation.

Do you offer a downloadable relocation kit or area videos? Here's a top tip: Create a YouTube channel specific to your market. Share videos about the top 10 TripAdvisor-recommended things to do in your area. Link it to your website for engaging content.

Consider where relocators frequent—hotels, RV parks, campgrounds. Reach out to their managers, introduce yoursel...

I want to highlight three key stats that drive our real estate business:

First, about 80% of our business consistently comes from our sphere of influence, no matter what we do.

Second, an impressive 53% of today's industry transactions are from millennials.

Lastly, a Nielsen report reveals that a significant 92% of consumers trust family and friends over advertising. This underscores the importance of reviews and recommendations.

Now, let's dive into these areas and ask ourselves what we've done in the last six months to strengthen our sphere of influence, boost sales, and expand our reach.

Consider this: In a changing market landscape, where factors like interest rates and conditions influence sales ratios, it's crucial to grow our audience.

If your sphere of influence isn't growing, you might already be experiencing a decline in business due to lack of proactivity.

But it's not just about quantity; quality communication is vital.

Have you texted everyone in you...

I've got a story from my trip to Boston with my wife. While our son was in summer camp, we embarked on a delightful foodie tour of Little Italy, guided by an amazing teacher turned tour guide. He shared the rich history of the area, led us through fantastic shops, and treated us to mouthwatering cuisine. Toward the end, he pulled off a brilliant move relevant to your real estate efforts.

As we basked in the afterglow of a satisfying tour, he proposed a group photo. After the snap, he asked, "Who wants a list of all the restaurants we visited today? Just give me your email, and I'll send it over."

We all gladly obliged. Upon reaching home, his email contained the promised picture and the tour's culinary highlights. Here's the genius part: he added a well-placed plea for a review, taking advantage of our post-tour excitement. We promptly provided a glowing review.

He went further, offering even more value. For those extending their stay in Boston, he shared a comprehen...

Hey there, I've got a winning strategy for dealing with expired listings and for sale by owners:

Cold texting.

In today's age, people often ignore unknown calls. So, why not consider a more effective approach? Cold texting can be a game-changer, and adding a personal touch through video texts sets you apart.

Let's talk about expired listings. Craft a concise cold text, incorporating a hyperlink for more info.

For example: "Hey, I specialize in unique home-selling strategies. Want to chat? Check out my real estate resume here." (This link could lead to your LinkedIn or Instagram profile, even a Google Doc or a dynamic success portfolio.)

Alternatively, for a video text: "Thinking of relisting your home? Planning to interview new agents? Take a quick look at my marketing plan." This is especially impactful if you have a comprehensive 50-point marketing plan like the one in my coaching program. Showcasing your capabilities is key.

Another approach: "I noticed your l...

Hey folks, let's step into my DeLorean and journey back to January 1st. Time to take a look at what you've achieved from then till now. Join me as I walk you through a self-evaluation of 10 pivotal actions.

First off, calls. Have you connected with everyone in your database? A quick chat or two?

How about personalized texts or DMs? Opting for video texts is even better.

Emails - have you sent individual, meaningful emails to each database entry? And what about bulk emails? Regular newsletters, monthly or more?

Are you leveraging audio snips? Those small audio messages can make an impact. And video messages? The personal touch goes a long way.

Speaking of impact, client events. Have you hosted any this year? If not, consider it. Networking meetings also count.

Have you engaged in one-on-one conversations over coffee or meals? How many times a week?

Now, let's talk about social media. Are you consistently posting five times a week with a mix of videos and stories?

Hey everyone, have you ever found yourself in a lull, wondering how to make the most of your downtime? Well, I've got three impactful activities to supercharge your business during those quieter moments.

Let's delve into them:

Step #1 - Cleaning and categorizing your database.

It might not sound glamorous, but trust me, this is the foundation for success. Your database is like a garden, and nurturing it ensures fruitful outcomes. Get in there, organize it, weed out the unnecessary.

Begin by categorizing contacts into groups:

The A group: those who refer you business, your champions.

Then the B group: They've transacted with you but haven't referred yet.

Acquaintances form the C group: They know and like you, but haven't done business or referred.

Lastly, the D group: Reconnect with them or let them go. Don't keep dead weight.

Maintaining momentum, let's talk about building your database. The game has changed with shifting markets. You might need 15 or 20 contact...