Telling Clients to Boost Their Home's Curb Appeal is Great Advice from a Real Estate Broker

Yes, it is true -- most buyers will judge a book by its cover. Even if a home is loaded with amenities and upgrades throughout the interior, a shoddy exterior can cost your clients a quick sale. They don't have to fret -- there are multiple things that can be done to boost their home's curb appeal. As their real estate broker, you are in a position to provide them with valuable advice.

First off, you should instruct your clients to hire a professional landscaper just before their home goes on the market. Have the landscaper prune any overhanging branches or overgrown shrubbery, mow the lawn and trim the edges. Have them add flowers to their front yard gardens or around walkways. These flowers will add beauty to their home's facade and give an inviting look to those buyers who are just "driving by."

If your clients have multiple cars in their driveway, it will make their front yard look overcrowded. During open houses, you should have them park their cars down the street or place them in the garage. An empty driveway will make the front of their home appear to have more space. Speaking of driveways - if their driveway is loaded with cracks, you should advise them to hire a driveway sealer to put a fresh black or white coat on. It's amazing the difference a newly sealed driveway will make to their home's exterior.

If they don't have money to paint or put new siding on your home then you should advise them to hire a power washer to spray the exterior of their home. This is very inexpensive and can literally wash the dirt away. It is also a good idea to have the power washers clean any sidewalks, porches or decks.

As a real estate broker, you know that the goal in creating curb appeal is piquing the buyer's interest enough to get them to set up an appointment to view the interior. Exterior maintenance should not be costly and the steps mentioned above are economical and effective. So if you are helping your clients sell their home and the outside leaves a little to be desired, do yourself a favor and help them boost their home's curb appeal. Your broker training and experience puts you in a position to make a difference.

Labels: broker training, instruct your clients, professional landscaper, real estate broker

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The Right Broker for the Right Agent

You're a newly licensed real estate agent. You aced the state exam and now it's time to join a broker and start making some money. Everybody knows that most real estate brokers take on real estate agents as independent contractors and not as employees, so it doesn't matter whom you work for, right? Wrong! Just like any new graduate looking for a job, you must choose carefully and ask as many questions as possible.

The first rule of thumb is to interview with several brokerage houses. Notice which broker has the most signage in your city; look over local real estate publications and note the brokers with a strong presence. Talking with local real estate agents about area brokers is also important research.

The job interview process is your chance to ask the broker some important questions about how they run their business. For convenience sake, we'll just assume that the broker offers the standard commission split. A key area for inquiry is training and mentorship. A solid broker should provide some level of training for new agents, as well as an experienced agent who will mentor your progress.

Although you will be in business for yourself, some offices will provide computers, software, photocopiers and other support for their agents. Ask about a broker's policy. Some firms may expect you to bring your own computer equipment and pay for all expenses yourself. Get clarity on this!

Then we arrive at advertising. Like any business owner, you will learn that advertising is an expensive part of your operation. Ask the broker if the company pays for standard agency ads or whether you have to pay for your own individual listings. Also inquire about a bulk mail permit: many firms will pay the yearly fee for you, but others won't.

In the end, it's important to remember that when you interview at a broker's office, you need to have the attitude of a cautious home buyer. Your success as a real estate agent will depend partly on the level of cooperation, support and training you receive from a broker.

You didn't cut corners when it came to researching a real estate school, so don't shortchange yourself when it's time to find your first base in this exciting industry.

Labels: Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Agent License, real estate broker

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How to Make Your Real Estate Career Survive

The real estate market is cyclical -- it is going to have its ups and downs. It's how you deal with the downturns that will determine your success as a licensed real estate salesperson. Many people think that becoming a real estate agent means fast cash. As the market changes -- homes stay on the market longer and interest rates rise -- many of the agents with this mentality will get impatient and leave real estate all together. Good agents, or agents that know the tricks of the trade, will survive in this ever-changing field and benefit in the long run. Here how:

1. Market, market, market -- place advertisements in local newspapers, create a mailer, or write an article for a real estate magazine.
2. Call past clients -- see if they are planning to move or know someone looking to buy or sell.
3. Provide incentives to potential customers -- offer to pay for a home inspection out of your own pocket, or take a smaller commission on a sale.
4. Create a new website or make additions to your current site -- add podcasts, maps, MLS listings, etc.
5. Network in neighborhoods within your community -- introduce yourself and hand out business cards to homeowners.
6. Set up a booth at community events -- offer free advice to potential buyers and sellers.
7. Attend first-time homebuyer seminars -- get your name and face in front of new homebuyers.
8. Complete your continuing education units (CEUs) for the year -- keep yourself busy and stay up to date with recent laws and changes.
9. Advance your career by getting your broker's license.

Labels: Accredited Real Estate School, real estate broker, real estate career, Real Estate School

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