Real Estate Technology: The Biggest Beneift of Using 800 Number Response Lines

If your real estate technology plan does not include using an 800 number response
hotline with your listings, classifieds, open houses and direct mail, you are wasting
money on your advertising... guaranteed.

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Just in case you have never heard of a service like this, 800 number response
hotlines (also called IVR Numbers or Interactive Voice Response Numbers) provide
you with an easy way to get information to your prospects. You get an 800 number
and tons of extensions to use with your different ads. For example, with your next
listing you could setup a message at your 800 number at a specific extension.
When your prospects call the number and enter the extension they will hear your
message and you will capture their contact info.

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Now the biggest benefit of adding a hotline like this to your real estate technology
arsenal isn't that you will have a steady flow of prospects calling YOU for
information about your listings...

The biggest benefit isn't that you will be able to WOW your prospects by calling
them immediately after they call you for information...

And the biggest benefit isn't even that you will be able to blow away the competition
at your next listing presentation by letting your future clients hear the Pre-Recorded
message you have ALREADY recorded for them about their listing...

No, the absolute biggest benefit of investing in 800 Number Response Lines is that
you will be able to stop throwing your money away on unprofitable advertising by
tracking every piece of marketing you put out there with a phone number on it.
Everything will be trackable. Everything.

When your prospects call your number and enter their special extension, you will
know EXACTLY which ad they are responding to. That knowledge is priceless.

It will be like having an invisible hand guiding your marketing decisions... because
you won't spend any more time walking down the dead end path of unprofitable
advertising.

If you find your postcards aren't profitable, you can abandon them or fix them until
they are.

If you find that your open house classified ad is not pulling its weight, you can fiddle
with the headline until the response improves.

There are so many ways to use this technology... the list is only limited by your
creativity.

So if 800 Number Response Lines are so great, why aren't more real estate pros
using this technology?

Well let me ask you a question:

Aren't you just a bit overwhelmed by the number of "systems" that are out there that
are designed to "revolutionize" your business? I know I get overwhelmed just trying
to keep abreast of all of the new ones that are coming out every month. And that's
my business!

You've got contact management systems, mailing systems, prospecting systems,
referral systems... You name it, there is a system for it.

Everywhere you look you are bombarded with real estate technology systems for
this and systems for that. It is no wonder that eventually you get so tired of it all
that you "shut down" and swear off systems altogether.

Now take a hard look at the systems you use in your real estate business and ask
yourself, "Does this system make my business more profitable or does it just make
me busier having to babysit, monitor and tweak it all the time?"

If it's the latter, throw out the system and start over.

A system to track your advertising, however, is not optional for any smart business.
Tracking your marketing will payoff huge dividends in the form of money saved and
more money earned.

800 Number Response Hotlines have been around for a LONG time, but I am always
surprised by the small number of real estate professionals that are actually using
them...

If you aren't using them, you NEED to look into it. Take the time to focus on setting
up this invaluable marketing system. It could be one of the smartest marketing
decisions you make this year.



Tag:-market analysis real estate, how to find real estate investors, real estate forecasts, market research real estate, real estate growth, real estate technology, real estate market trends,leading economic indicators

Real Estate Technology: Making It a Profit Center for Your Business

Despite the large amounts of time I spend surrounded by bits, bytes and other tech related objects, I am first and foremost a business person.

And while clients, vendors and revenues are important to running a business,
PROFIT is king. After all, it hardly matters what you make. What really matters is
what you keep.

To that end, I firmly believe that if technology is not making you money, then
something needs to change.

It is time that real estate professionals stop shortchanging themselves by viewing
technology as nothing more than a support staff for their business. Yes, computers
are good at automating menial tasks, but they are even more effective at marketing,
selling and generating profits for your real estate business.

In order to transform real estate technology from a cost center into a profit center, it
needs to be promoted from the "administrative staff to the board room." Real estate
technology needs to become a strategic partner in your business, working WITH you
to achieve your CORE GOALS. If it can't do its job, then it needs to leave.

So how in the world do you do that?

The first step is to be absolutely clear about what your goals are. Goal setting can
look very different from business to business, but the important thing is that your
goals are SPECIFIC and MEASURABLE. What EXACTLY do you want to achieve? By
when?

And how will you know if you are on the right track?

Goal setting can take a lot of time, but the payoff to having your target clearly
defined will be huge!

Once your goals are set, you are ready to begin brainstorming about how to use
technology, not to SUPPORT you in reaching those goals, but to PROPEL you to reach
them faster, easier and with more certainty.

Of course the help of an expert won't hurt in making technology decisions for your
real estate business, but the important thing is to make sure that EVERY decision
you make has a clear connection to moving you closer to your goals. As a business
owner, however, YOU have to lay the important groundwork by etching your goals
clearly in your mind.

When technology is completely aligned with helping you reach your business goals,
your real estate business will run more smoothly and create larger profits with less
effort than ever before.

So is there room for improvement in your current real estate technology situation?

Here are some questions to consider:

1. If your current computer systems were an employee, would you fire him?

2. Which does your current technology setup create more of, clients or problems?

3. Is technology pushing you towards your goals or creating obstacles between you
and your goals?

And the most important question of all...

4. At the end of the day, is all of your real estate technology costing you money or is
it making you money?

NOW is the time to consider stepping onto a new path: the path where technology
begins to put money in your pocket rather than take it out of your pocket. This new
path is more fun and a whole lot more profitable.

Jason Leister, the Real Estate Technology Guru (tm), is owner of Computer Super Guy, LLC, a Chicago-based technology firm that helps real estate professionals profit with technology.



Tag:-market analysis real estate, how to find real estate investors, real estate forecasts, market research real estate, real estate growth, real estate technology, real estate market trends,leading economic indicators

What's Next?: Using Real Estate Technology To Answer The Million Dollar Question

In the July 5 issue of Realty Times, columnist Bob Hunt points out that in California, new real estate agents are popping up at the rate of 6.5 per hour, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In fact, if you put all of the agents together, their number would make them the 5th largest city in California.

That's a lot of competition.

That means that every night, when you go to bed in California, you wake up 8 hours later with 52 more people competing for a piece of the same real estate pie.

Sure, a lot of them will drop out over the next few years. That's the nature of the business, but that still leaves a lot of real estate professionals out there going after your prospects, your clients and your business.

What's a simple way to make sure you stay a step ahead?

Working harder isn't the answer. Long term, it isn't a very efficient plan and can lead to burn-out pretty quickly.

Plus, there is always someone who will be able and willing to work harder and faster.

A better answer is to work "smarter" and to ALWAYS be asking yourself, "What's Next?"

What does this have to do with real estate technology?

By using real estate technology to automate your business systems, you can help create the time you need to figure out an answer to your "What's Next?" question.

This one question, "What's Next?" is really a catch-all for business building questions like:

-How can I make my service better?

-What new problem can I solve for my clients?

-What were the major problems from my last 10 transactions and how can I redefine or retool what I do to either minimize the chances of those happening again or avoid them altogether?

-What is the promise that only I can make to my clients?

-Why should they do business with me vs. ANY and EVERY option available to them?

-What new niche market can I target?

-How can I improve my marketing systems and improve my conversion rates?

The way you create the time you need to answer these questions and implement the solutions is to automate as many of your other business systems as you can with real estate technology.

Most real estate pros have at least 3 main types of systems:

1. Client Attraction or Lead Generation

2. Client Fulfillment (Doing the transaction.)

3. Client Retention

If you haven't sat down and clearly outlined each of these three main systems, the concrete steps they contain and the results they are currently producing, now is the time to start...

Once you get that done, it is time to automate using technology by using things like websites, autoresponders, 800 lines, mailing list software, newsletters etc.

Let's take your Lead Generation System as a quick example...

The point of any lead generation system is of course to get those who want to buy or sell to raise their hands and let you know they exist. But generally, a good number of those folks won't be top quality prospects for you immediately. The next step is to filter down the results so that you only invest time (your only real asset) into those who are ready to act now... The rest of the prospects get diverted into another system that keeps checking in with them until they are ready to act.

The trick is to get all of that to happen with little involvement from you.

Does that mean that you don't give your prospects quality service? No... It just means that you strike a balance so that you don't spend your time running after opportunities until your systems have identified the "hot" prospects.

So here is a question to ask yourself as you go throughout your day as you "do" each of your business activities:

"Have I done this before? Can I automate, delegate or accomplish this in anyway that does not require my hands on attention?"

If you aren't sure how to use real estate technology to automate your systems, you need to get help.

For once you do, your main priority becomes improving your systems rather than running your business. The systems run the business, you tweak the systems.

All of the answers to the "What's Next?" question then center around improving your systems or creating new ones.

Plus, by developing your business systems and then automating them to largely run unattended, you have just solved a major challenge in most independent professional type small businesses: you have built equity in your business.

Your systems are your business, and that is where the real value is. The better they are, the less of YOU is required. That makes your business saleable, which means you won't be having to work for the rest of your life.

That sounds good doesn't it?

Jason Leister, the Real Estate Technology and Marketing Guru (tm), is owner of Computer Super Guy, LLC, a technology and marketing firm that helps real estate professionals profit with technology.



Tag:-market analysis real estate, how to find real estate investors, real estate forecasts, market research real estate, real estate growth, real estate technology, real estate market trends,leading economic indicators

The Price To Pay For Real Estate Growth

Canada and the United States both rely heavily on international trade and foreign investment for economic growth, and are both major producers of commodities. Because of the fact that they share these attributes, they also share a keen interest in the health of the global economy. So it is extremely important for both countries to focus on how events in the international arena unfold.

Over the past few years, there has been a strong expansion of the global economy. Indeed, the rate of expansion has exceeded the growth rate of global potential output. This strong growth has led to higher prices for many of the primary commodities that North America produces. In turn, this has meant an improvement in terms of trade and rising national incomes in both countries.

This global growth has been rooted primarily in the economic strength of the United States and, by reflection, of Canada. Specifically with regard to the U.S. economy, growth has come from strong household demand, while net national savings have been negative. By comparison, in emerging Asia household demand has been weak, while net national savings have been very high. These forces have contributed to the global current account imbalances that have now become an important macroeconomic concern.

These global imbalances are caused by the large and persistent U.S. current account deficit, which is mirrored by current account surpluses in Asia and in many oil-exporting countries. And these imbalances have grown to the point where the United States needs to attract 70 percent of the world's capital flows to finance its current account deficit - clearly an unsustainable situation.

Additionally, following events such as the Asian and Russian financial crises of the late 1990s and the bursting of the tech bubble earlier this decade, Central Banks around the world have injected a lot of liquidity into the global economy. Clearly, this liquidity has helped to encourage the strong growth in North America of recent years. But now, Central Banks are in the process of removing some of it. The interest rate increases seen to date, and the prospects for more increases to come, have been associated with the slowdown in real estate and a somewhat increased volatility in financial markets, as investors adjust their expectations about future growth. Moreover, the recent revamp of that very old Middle East conflict and the expectations of many analysts of further, substantial increases in the price of crude certainly do not help.

This withdrawal of liquidity is completely appropriate, given that the global economy is now likely not too far away from the limits of its capacity. Thus, it seems very likely that global growth will slow to a more sustainable pace. Ideally, this would take place in a relatively smooth way. But there are a number of risks surrounding this scenario, and there is a possibility that global growth will slow more sharply than desired, to the detriment of the economies in North America. The most important risk has to do with the way global imbalances are ultimately resolved.

There are a couple of concerns here. First, in order to reduce its current account deficit to sustainable levels, the U.S. economy needs to reduce its domestic demand. But as U.S. demand and American consumerism have been a key support for the global economy, it is crucial that other major players boost their domestic demand to pick up the slack. Specifically, it is important that China and the economies of emerging Asia take steps to reduce their savings by strengthening household demand. It is also important that demand in Europe and Japan continue to strengthen, to help global economic growth smoothly 'rotate' away from the United States without global demand slowing too much or too quickly.

Second, it is crucial that real estate and investment markets remain confident that policy-makers are serious about putting the right policies in place to allow for an orderly resolution of imbalances. As long as they have this confidence, markets are likely to continue to function smoothly. The alternative is an increased risk of investment and financial instability in North America, and such instability could then spill over into trade in goods and services, leading to a dramatic decline in global growth.



Tag:-market analysis real estate, how to find real estate investors, real estate forecasts, market research real estate, real estate growth, real estate technology, real estate market trends,leading economic indicators

How Real Estate Growth Helps Create Jobs in Texas

It is impossible to overstate the positive impact of real estate growth on employment in Texas. Below, we look at some positive news stories that chronicle the effect on the job market, brought about by the growth of the industry. If you are in need of employment or are looking for a new challenge, the following stories should prove to be a boon.

Toshiba Expansion Helps Manufacturing Industry

Toshiba International Group has announced that over 100,000 square feet has been added to its existing 55-acre Houston facility. Not only will this result in more employment, the $20 million expansion will result in 100 new job openings. The company hopes to double its existing production capacity and this will have an effect on the power distribution, health care, mining, oil and gas, plus transmission markets.

According to the business unit manager of the Houston complex, Mark Laber, Toshiba's customers are delighted with the existing medium-voltage drive products, which have led to a 'phenomenal' growth in the product line. He expects full production to reduce lead times and increase capacity. Toshiba are known for expanding their operations in Houston and has 1,500 employees in its facility in the city. The latest news is yet another boost to the city's economy.

Construction Work is the Hottest Ticket in Texas

According to the June 2013 Monthly Review of the Texas Economy report, the state gained almost 300,000 non-agricultural jobs with an annual growth rate of 1 percent above the national average. The unemployment rate in Texas is also over 1 percent lower than the national average, when seasonally adjusted.

Virtually all of the state's industries saw a fall in unemployment barring a couple of exceptions and the construction industry is the largest job creator in Texas. The Midland area of the state was the top job producer, closely followed by Odessa and these two areas also have the lowest unemployment rate in the state.

Chevron to Create 50-story Office Tower

Chevron is a multinational corporation that has revenue of over $230 billion per annum, so it knows a thing or two about investment potential. This is why the global energy giant is building a massive 50-story office tower in Houston - a city that many believe is the 'epicenter' of global energy. Chevron has needed to take this action as the vacancy rate of 'Class A' space in Downtown Houston is less than 8%. As a result, the company is getting ready to build a 1.7 million square-foot skyscraper that will solidify the organization's position in the city. It is expected to create over 2,100 jobs in total.

At present, Chevron has a huge presence in the city, hiring over 9,000 employees and contractors. There have even been rumblings that Chevron would switch its headquarters from San Ramon to Houston, such is the array of talent in the area. However, this rumor has been quashed by the company's top executives. At present, Chevron hopes to occupy the building by the end of 2016.



Tag:-market analysis real estate, how to find real estate investors, real estate forecasts, market research real estate, real estate growth, real estate technology, real estate market trends,leading economic indicators

Real Estate Growth in Berlin

Berlin, the capital city of Germany, has become the hottest property investment destination for almost all types of investors. This important and the largest city of Germany has become the center of many activities.

It is a wonderful city for working and living peacefully. The immense growth in Economy especially after 2008, new job and business opportunity, and relocation and migration from the other countries have helped the city in its significant real estate growth. The fact is that not only the native people in Germany are investing in its real estate market or property market in Berlin, but also other major groups, property developers and overseas companies are investing here. This is why the real estate market in Berlin is going through a continuous upward growth.

There are a number of factors, which have prompted the city to become an ideal destination for property development.

Favourable economic environment

Berlin has achieved an upward growth in its economy, especially after 2008. The city has undergone several positive changes due to a very good consumer climate, huge domestic demand, salary hike and new business opportunity and job opening.

High demand of commercial, industrial and residential building

As the statics say, a vast majority of people living here stays in rented accommodation, either in apartments or in residential complexes. Only 14% of the total population have their own homes. This huge demand has helped the Berlin real estate market grow up significantly. Buyers, interested in luxury real estate, consider Grunewald district as an ideal destination for their property investment.

Having an ample scope of business, many commercial activities have started in the city. Many corporate giants, overseas companies and business tycoons have come to open their commercial and operational centers here. Therefore, commercial accommodation in the city is now high on demand.

Besides, the place being well-connected with various parts of the world, many industries have come to the city. Apart from the existing industries, many new industries are coming to the city. Most of them look for industrial building for their industrial set up.

Migration and relocation of people in the city

As many new industries, businesses and companies have come to run their business from the city, many people have relocated themselves in this city. Besides, many new job openings and business opportunities have attracted people in this city. These heterogeneous masses look for their peaceful accommodations. This high demand is also an important factor for its real estate growth.


Tag:-market analysis real estate, how to find real estate investors, real estate forecasts, market research real estate, real estate growth, real estate technology, real estate market trends,leading economic indicators

Recessions Are No Time For Environmentalists to Abuse Laws to Fight Real Estate Growth

So-called environmentalists are constantly using environmental laws to stop real estate projects. Many of the lawsuits are filed on behalf of endangered species, you know like the spotted owl. And since this spotted owl cannot file its own lawsuit some caring citizen plans on doing it for them?

In reality most of these lawsuits are filed by those who wish to block real estate development and have never even met a spotted owl, desert tortoise, or rare endangered rat. Some builders give up and everyone loses, and that is exactly why this tactics is used.

This causes all kinds of problems for those who own property and would like to develop that property, and feel they too have property rights. These lawsuits cost construction jobs, court time, and eventually tax revenues for the jurisdiction where the home, new building, or business was to be built.

Recessions are no time for Environmentalists to abuse law to fight real estate growth, nor are these lawsuits doing anyone any good. During slow economic times building and growth are at a standstill anyway, stopping projects disrupts recovery and costs jobs.

It is so unfortunate how a few, even one individual can prevent a new project in a city. And it is equally unfortunate that we allow one person to destroy the benefits for all, and abuse our laws to do it. Until a city, county or state comes to terms with these issues, we as a society will suffer and thus, we will not have the best that our entrepreneurs and capitalists have to offer.

Of course, maybe we might save that ill-adapted and inadequately evolved rare rat species from extinction for a few more years. Think on this.



Tag:-market analysis real estate, how to find real estate investors, real estate forecasts, market research real estate, real estate growth, real estate technology, real estate market trends,leading economic indicators