General

An experienced agent knows the impact of referrals and the importance of following through after the sale with an appropriate closing gift. In fact, it’s too important to put on autopilot. The right closing gift will fulfill two purposes: to show your appreciation to clients and celebrate their success — and also to keep your name top-of-mind whenever the topic of real estate arises. The closing gift can be a smart component of your drip marketing and referral strategy. For ...

We are now past the first quarter of 2016. Remember that excitement and enthusiasm you started off with the first week of January? It’s natural that some of that energy might have faded a bit. No matter the state of your business right now, sometimes it’s a good idea to give it a shot in the arm with a plan for lead generation that’s simple and easy to accomplish — if you stick to it. A 13-step, 30-day plan to boost your ...

Are you ready to learn how to master the real estate listing presentation and close more real estate listings when you get in the door? The following eight keys to mastering a real estate listing presentation come from Brian Weast — a top-producing Dallas-area real estate agent who has been on nearly 1,000 listing appointments during his career. Last year, Weast and his team used the following real estate listing presentation process to secure and sell 90 listings. This Real Estate ...

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Trulia released a report to find the most popular spots for second homes for people who live in the largest 100 metros throughout the country, finding the three most affordable and least affordable vacation cities for San Francisco residents were all within the Golden State. Palm Springs, Twain Harte and Groveland were all inexpensive places to visit, while Carmel, Incline Village and Tahoe City ranked as the most ...

Have suggestions for products that you’d like to see reviewed by our real estate technology expert? Email Craig Rowe. CallAction is text-message driven lead generation and marketing software. Platform(s): Browser-based, device-responsive Ideal for: All size agencies and teams, smaller agencies will realize most value Top selling points Automated texting to leads Several ways to customize prospect interaction Prospect record generated in moments Top concerns Investing in full suite of CallAction features may replicate existing software tools Agents not comfortable with ...

In elections and sports, there is only one winner. Playing win-lose in your real estate business, however, is a losing proposition for all involved that traps you in a dangerous up-down spiral. On the other hand, playing win-win opens up a world of possibilities for obtaining a positive outcome for both you and your clients. Several years ago, I heard Boston Philharmonic Conductor Benjamin Zander give an extraordinary keynote speech that explained how playing win-lose in any aspect of your ...

We’ll add more market news briefs throughout the day. Check back to read the latest.

Mortgage rates:

Home equity rates:

Most recent market news:

Campbell/Inside Mortgage Finance HousingPulse Tracking Survey for June 2016:

• Non-distressed properties sold in June were on the market for an average of 6.8 weeks.
• Non-distressed properties sold in June received an average of 2.3 offers.
• First-time buyers comprised 40.2 percent of purchases in June.

Email market reports to press@inman.com.