The holidays are behind us and 2021 is here. If you haven’t started yet, now’s the time to plan your business strategy for 2021. However, it can be difficult to figure out where to start. Keep in mind that you’ll always have a long to-do list but prioritizing your crucial tasks can help you get organized and start the year off strong.

Start with something small.
Even if you’re short on time, there are still small ways you can start planning for 2021. One of the most important and simple things you can do to prepare your business for the upcoming year is to take the time to get organized. This can include your office, client files, marketing materials, and listing profiles. Reviewing these will also help remind you of tasks you were putting off or planned to do but were never able to get to.

Attract more leads in the coming year.
Much of the time, your potential clients find and evaluate you online before they ever reach out to you. Everything from your website to your Facebook reviews is under the scrutinizing gaze of buyers and sellers. If your online presence is lacking, you might be missing out on potential lead opportunities. Because of this, you should verify your business on all major search engines. Additionally, remember that the majority of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Take a look at your online reputation to make sure you’re presenting your best image so that online browsers will be more likely to reach out to you. If you don’t have any online reviews, ask your current clients to add some feedback to your Facebook page, Google, or other online locations.

Plan new ways to communicate with current clients.
Now’s also a great time to set up ways to keep in contact with your current clients so that you can avoid losing touch when your schedule is tight. First, consider ways that you can divide your clients so that you can create targeted marketing pieces for each group. Then, create an email campaign for each group with content tailored specifically for them, so that they know that you’re thinking about them all year long. Your campaigns can be as simple as “5 Ways to Boost Your Curb Appeal” or “Top Reasons to Stage Your Home.”

Another way to keep up with clients is by scheduling out your social media posts. Create a simple content calendar and schedule some posts in advance so that your current followers will have more opportunities to interact with you throughout the year.

Planning ahead can play a big part in achieving your goals for2021. Once you’ve worked through your small goals, it’ll be easier to create and implement a long-term strategy that’ll make 2021 your most successful year yet.

If you need administrative assistance to get ready for 2021, contact us at REVStaffing or Call Today @ 855-738-7821 X700

#REVStaffing #2021 #virtualassistant #PREVA #realestateVA #transactioncoordination #listingcoordination

What do you think LinkedIn is for? Is it just for people who are trying to find a new job? Should you only visit it if you want to recruit somebody? Or is it one of the best ways to grow your real estate business? If you chose the third option, you are correct. In fact, HubSpot, reports that LinkedIn is three times more effective at generating business leads than Facebook or Twitter. And since leads result in more sales and more money in your pocket, it is clear that LinkedIn cannot be ignored.

Here are 10 ways real estate pros can effectively use LinkedIn to increase their online exposure.

Remember, It’s Not Facebook
First, you should realize that LinkedIn is not like your other social networking sites. LinkedIn is all about business, and you better keep things professional. So no sharing that funny meme your Aunt Linda showed you, and no posting pictures of what you are eating for dinner or your funny cat. There are plenty of other sites for that.

Make Sure Your Profile and Company Page Are Complete
Since you are a real estate practitioner and independent contractor, you have your own professional brand, thus, you should have both a personal profile and a Company Page. Each one should be filled out completely. Not only should every detail be included—like your website, links to your other social media profiles, any awards or certifications you have, and past companies you have worked for—but it should be displayed in a way that is easy to read and engaging.

Include Keywords
Just like you do with your website and blogs, your profile and Company Page should be keyword rich. When people want to find a “real estate agent in Massachusetts,” for example, you want to make sure you show up.

Share Plenty of Content
When you are deciding which content to share on LinkedIn, always have the goal of helping others, but make sure the type of information varies. On one day, post an informative article on a new development in real estate, and on the next, share an opinionated blog post about what agents are doing wrong. Make sure you’re not just sharing your own content. Those who are successful in social media understand that it can’t always be about YOU.

Publish Directly on LinkedIn
Not only should you be sharing loads of information, you should also be writing your own. One thing that makes LinkedIn unique is that it allows you to publish your content for all of LinkedIn to see. They are referred to as long-form posts, and you definitely need to be taking advantage of them. Not only does it make you look more credible when you have them on your profile, but they are searchable both on and off LinkedIn. People do not have to be in your network to view them, and they are able to connect with you directly from the post. This is an invaluable tool for growing your network and establishing your expertise in the real estate industry.

Study Your Analytics
LinkedIn is very generous in the amount of information they provide to you. They tell you exactly which of your posts received interactions and which ones didn’t. You should study these analytics thoroughly so that you can capitalize on what people like and avoid the stuff they don’t.

Connect with Everyone
There has never been, and never will be, a rule that you are only allowed to connect with people that you know on LinkedIn. You should do searches for locals in your area, other agents, home appraisers, mortgage brokers, and anyone else you want. The thing is, there is no such thing as too big of a network. You never know where each connection will lead you. Over the years, I have seen some really shortsighted agents who say, if they don’t know them then they won’t connect. This might be prudent thinking on Facebook, but not on LinkedIn!

Capitalize on LinkedIn Real Estate Groups
One of the hidden gems on LinkedIn is the group feature. They are the difference between agents who really drive traffic back to their website and those who don’t. However, there is a proper way to use them.

You should look for groups within your industry—or groups that contain your target niche or market—that have enough members to get you exposure, but not so many that you get lost in the shuffle. Aim for between 1,000 and 5,000 members. You can also join a few of the larger groups for when you are sharing something of a more general nature.

When you interact within the groups, remember that you are there to add value. You should respond to others’ questions, give your opinions, share advice, and ask questions that make people think. You should not post links to your site unless it is something of value.

Don’t try to be active on too many groups at once, or you will not be able to provide anything useful to any of them. Instead, choose three or four that you really think could boost your exposure and make sure to check-in with them several times per week. Some excellent real estate groups to take a look at joining are The National Association of REALTORS®, Real Estate Professionals Group, and Real Estate Professional Referral Group.

Once you are part of a conversation, don’t leave it unfinished. Always go back to see if anyone has responded to what you said.

After you have established yourself within the group, you can start asking your own questions and solicit feedback. If you ask one that garners a lot of attention, you will even be featured as a top contributor within the group, increasing your visibility tenfold.

Start Your Own Group
If you are really ambitious, it could be time to found your own group. This puts you in the driver’s seat, and, if done correctly, can really catapult your recognition in the real estate industry. In order to set the precedent, you should set up an auto-email that goes out to all new members welcoming them to the group and setting the ground rules (like no soliciting). You can also let them know that you will be sending out weekly or monthly emails with industry resources and tricks of the trade.

Help Others
Finally, you should take a few minutes each day to endorse and recommend other people. They will appreciate the gesture and may even return the favor.

If you need help with your LinkedIn and other social media marketing let REVStaffing help you to achieve your goals and increase your potential! Complete a complimentary needs analysis survey, send us an email, or call 855.REVS.VA1 today!

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Paige earned the #1 spot in 2014, and she is still #1 based on sales so far for 2015!

Paige is a client of REVStaffing, and relies on our resources for her real estate business that focuses on Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, Conway, North Myrtle Beach, and other areas of Horry County, South Carolina.

She is no stranger to accolades in real estate.  Paige has won numerous real estate awards for her outstanding performance.

She loves her job and believes in a higher standard of professional service while giving back to the community.

Congratulations, Paige from all of us at REVStaffing!

Call REVStaffing today at 855-738-7821 or visit our website at www.revstaffing.com.

If you would like to discuss any possibly need you may have and would like REVStaffing’s assistance, click here to schedule an appointment.

CSS is a fast growing home showing appointment setting company. Here’s how it works. Buyers agents call a CSS number to schedule showings. CSS keeps a record of the Realtors who showed the home, schedules the showing appointments with the sellers of the home, and gathers feedback on the listings from the showing agents.

This system can save a listing agent tons of time scheduling, managing, and following up on showings!

CSS is pretty much like having a personal assistant for showings! Here are more ways Centralized Showing Service can boost your real estate business.

• Provides more security and safety measures for agents and sellers.

• Gives more and better feedback to home sellers.

• Improves agent efficiency.

• Includes full MLS integration.

• Increases exposure for listings.

• Notifications of showings on your listings via email and/or text.

• Realtors can manage showings 24/7 from anywhere.

• Sellers can easily accept or decline showings via text.

• It’s super easy to schedule or reschedule showing appointments.

Centralized Showing Service allows Realtors to provide better service and communication for sellers and buyers.  

Need help with Centralized Showing Service?  Give us a call at REVStaffing today at 855-738-7821, or visit our website at www.revstaffing.com.

If you want to find out how REVStaffing can help you with your real estate business, click here to schedule an appointment.

Everyone agrees that increasing consumer protection is a desirable goal. Nevertheless, the unforeseen ripple effects from these changes could seriously disrupt how the closing process is conducted.

The most serious issues that will result from the new changes handed down by the CFPB: The new rules will require a new three-day waiting period when there are any changes in the TRID forms. The recommendation is to allow an extra 15 days to close your transactions. In other words, 30-day contracts will now require 45 days, and 60-day contracts will require 75 days.

A change of this magnitude is going to create unexpected ripple effects across the industry, not only for agents and clients, but for mortgage and title professionals, too. What can you do to be prepared?

First, make sure you attend a TRID training as soon as possible.

Second, if you’re a broker-owner, own a Mortgage Company, or Title Company, take steps to change your documentation to the new system as soon as it becomes available.

Third, associations and other companies that provide contracts to the industry must have the new forms ready to go well before Aug. 1, 2015. This also means that agents and brokers will have to be trained on these new forms, over and above what is required by TRID.

It could be a tough transition at first. What will be particularly thorny are transactions closing in late July. If they fail to close by Aug. 1, 2015, how will they be handled? Does entirely new documentation have to be drawn? How long will the delays be?

As we move closer to the August 1st date change, advise your clients that there will be unexpected delays in obtaining loan approval, potential changes in the documentation during the transaction, and a host of problems we probably can’t even begin to imagine. Start preparing now.

Call REVStaffing today at 855-738-7821 or visit our website at www.revstaffing.com.

If you would like to discuss any possibly need you may have and would like REVStaffing’s assistance, click here to schedule an appointment.

**Courtesy of inman.com and Bernice Ross

You will likely spend several hours together reviewing the background information for each client, where you are in the process, and what the next steps are. You will need to communicate directly with each client and answer his or her questions and concerns. You will have to write notes and add them to the files in case questions arise while you are away.

Wow, this seems like a bit of a headache…. Right?

Or, you could call REVStaffing. While you are resting and relaxing, we will be busy working behind the scenes on your behalf. Tending to the details of your business while you are worry free. Our team will burst into action, providing you with immediate support giving you peace of mind assistance for every project.  
 
Our REVStaffing Professional Real Estate Virtual Assistants (PREVAs) are highly skilled in transaction coordination, blogging and advanced social media.  We utilize all of the top tools to process your required tasks, efficiently and effectively.  We are a Top Producer 8i certified company and in addition, we work with the tools our clients subscribe to including e-Edge, Max Avenue, Point2 Agent, Active Rain, MyRedTools, Leadstreet, LinkedIn, LoopNet, Postlets, PowerSites, RainMaker, Real Estate Tomato, WiseAgent, Basecamp, Highrise, Ixact Contact, and many others.
 

For more detailed information, click on the link “How Virtual Can Be Vital To My Business” which explains virtual assistance; the advantages and disadvantages of both Virtual Assistants and in office assistants. So you can take that much needed break, and leave the worrying to REVStaffing. We are even available at a moments notice if there is a one time or multiple tasks.

Real estate agents who use the Point2 Agent marketing system are able to enhance their web presence in numerous ways utilizing the impressive websites, broad listing combinations, and brilliant lead management results.

Aside from creating a platform for the modern real estate agent. Point2 also provides up to minute data information essential for the consumer, property managers and the investor alike. Giving the homebuyer and real estate professional’s knowledge and a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Point2 Agent system is mobile friendly and is easily accessible for anyone to use, they have tech support and is available to use Monday thru Friday from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm CST.

The Point2 Agent is a marketing tool for those in the real estate industry who want to expand their business into the ever growing social media market. For more information about Point2 Agent, please call customer support at 1-866-977-1777 or go to  http://www.point2.com.
 
Need help staying in contact with all the leads that will soon be coming your way? REVStaffing can gladly assist you with those tasks! Let REVStaffing help you to achieve your goals and increase your potential! Complete a complimentary needs analysis survey, send us an email, or call 855.REVS.VA1 today!

Second, the program oversees the entire front office’s business, including integration with the local MLS, listing information, agent information, tracking agent productivity, and brokerage-wide communications. Even text messages to office colleagues can be sent right from this software.

Third, the program helps with agent and office transaction management, routing documents and making sure all transactions are in compliance with the appropriate rules. The transaction management software stores documents and forms, becoming a digital file cabinet.

Lastly, Emphasys BrokerOffice offers a complete back office solution. This can feature all managerial and company reports, as well as complete accounting with integration into Quicken’s QuickBooks, Microsoft Word, Front Office, and REALedger.

Unlike other programs that try to work for various types of users, including non-Realtors, Emphasys BrokerOffice was built exclusively for the residential real estate industry.

Can Emphasys BrokerOffice work for your business? Find out more at EmphasysBrokerOffice.com.

Let REVStaffing help you to achieve your goals and increase your potential! Send us an email, or call  855.REVS.VA1 today!

Or complete the complimentary needs analysis survey below!

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Since the company launched at the end of 2011, the CRM systems Contactually provides have continued to make upgrades, many of which are perfect for those in the real estate industry — from agents, to teams, to brokerage firms.

Contactually brings together databases from numerous sources. This includes integrating with Gmail, Google contacts, Google calendar, Yahoo, AOL, Facebook, Twitter,  LinkedIn, Skype, Foursquare, Tumblr, Flickr, Quora, Klout, Placester, and Zapier, as well as certain other CRM programs like Highrise, Salesforce, BombBomb, MailChimp, SugarCRM, CapsuleCRM, and Producteev.

The idea behind Contactually is to organize all of the users’ many networks and to help keep the users themselves more organized and focused on their relations with contacts.

Relationships can be tracked easily via Contactually’s dashboard. This is where the user will receive daily reminders on actions that need to be taken with certain contacts. Pipelines can show exactly what stage active contacts are in.

Individual emails can be created from within Contactually, as can mass emails to contact databases. Email templates and article sharing plugins are made available to all users. Contacts can be selected to be enrolled in various email programs and campaigns.

For those who need help on understanding all that this system provides, the company offers the Contactually Academy, which consists of a library of “how to” videos, along with daytime live training and support.

Using software that was introduced last year, companies and brokers who sign up their realty offices and agents to Contactually will have a broker dashboard, allowing them to see how often and how well their agents are using the CRM programs.

More information on what Contactually can do for Realtors can be found at Contactually.com.

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