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Getting the trust of sellers and buyers to do real estate business with us starts the realtor-client relationship. Adding a wow-factor takes that relationship to a whole new level. Having a piece of in-depth knowledge on the real estate tools is crucial to make our business be ahead of the game. Going out to show properties takes about 80% of our time as realtors, and if there is one tool that will make a showing appointment, feedback, and report generation easy, that will be ShowingTime that is provided by many Multi-List Services. Here are the top three reasons why realtors should use ShowingTime.

1. ShowingTime ensures that no showing request goes unfulfilled, meaning more showings and a higher chance of getting the home sold promptly. 
2. Listing agents set showing rules and restrictions on their listings for simple showing scheduling, blocking off dates and times. The "Go and Show/Courtesy Call" allow agents to schedule showings at any time without confirmation - this type of appointment setting receives nearly 30 percent more showings.
3. The system emails all agents that scheduled appointments to show your listings for a less than quick 30-second feedback questionnaire that can be shared directly with the seller with 1 click. This saves agents time and money because the listing agent doesn't have to call agents back multiple times to try to get feedback for sellers.    

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2020 is a bit hellacious, but it doesn't and shouldn't stop us from spreading holiday cheers - virtually, that is. Here are our Top 3 Gift Giving Tips for this year's holiday season.

1. Shop online and ship swiftly and early. Technology and e-commerce have made it easy and convenient for busy people to still personally shop for their loved ones without having to step into the stores. For realtors, buying presents from a local business in your community and having them send the gifts to family, friends, and clients is a way to support the local economy and fostering a stronger relationship with the community and your client network.

2. Re-imagine the old fashioned. The pandemic forced creativity in many people in terms of social gathering. Topping the list is using Zoom for work and personal events. Zoom party, anyone? However, if you choose not to go this route this holiday season, a curbside drop-off, a honk of the horn and wave, or an arranged short and sweet personal greeting would be great options too. 

3. Get creative with whatever budget you have. An expensive present will definitely wow the receiver, but what will stand out is the gift wrapped in a lot of thought and love. 

    

If you are planning to become a homeowner this year, these three facts about fall real estate will help you make an informed decision. 

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1. Price Fluctuations  Zillow reports show that around the same time last year, there is a 4.1% increase in the median home value in the USA. With Coronavirus coming into the picture, fall may see home values drop across the board, causing a bottleneck in the housing sector. While prices are forecasted to decline, experts believe that it to be temporary, and the housing market will see a sooner increase in some areas due to the restrained demand. Given the housing situation, the question for many homebuyers remains, is it a good time to buy a home? Yes, the fall real estate market may be the perfect time to be a homeowner. 

2. Low Inventory.  The low inventory levels limit the housing market from optimizing its potential; there are not enough homes to keep up with the demand. Distinctly, new construction homes are becoming more popular and are adding to the supply of housing inventory. For homebuyers who are looking for green and energy-efficient dwellings, the new construction projects would be their best option. 

3. Low Mortgages. The Federal Reserve announced that it is going to keep the mortgage rates low for the next few years. As of August, a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage carried an interest rate of 2.94%, according to Freddie Mac. Although buyers aren't sure how long rates will remain this low, today's rates are saving homebuyers a lot of money over the life of the loans and allowing them to buy more house!

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Real estate agents are considered to be essential workers in many areas. Therefore, even the pandemic is not going to make it completely go on a pause. Realtors are one of the frontline heroes who help keep our communities and economy intact. For this reason, there are local safety protocols that we should obey and strictly implement so that we do not compromise ourselves and those around us.

Here are five safety measures we recommend everyone to follow when performing realtor duties.

1. Bring disinfectant wipes and wipe all doorknobs and light switches before and after you touch them.

2. Be mindful not to touch surfaces unless necessary. If lights are on do not turn them off if the home is occupied! If interior doors are open do not shut them if the home is occupied.

3. If a client has had symptoms of fever or respiratory illness such as coughing, shortness of breath, or sneezing, please refrain from showing at this time. If a virtual tour or video is available, and if applicable, have the client view the material in the MLS.

4. Refrain from bringing children or extra family members or friends that are not the decision-makers into the home during the showing to ensure that social distancing can still be implemented.

5. Plan and schedule showings so none will overlap with other agents. Physical distancing must be observed at all times.

According to experts, 2020 will be a positive year for the housing market. Although most homebuyers will likely buy during the spring season, it is beneficial for real estate agents to start building a connection with homebuyers as early as the first quarter of the year, especially with 1st-time homebuyers. With this in mind, here are 3 tips on how to win the hearts of 1st-time homebuyers.

1. Build Rentals Into Your Business. This will mean investing in making yourself familiar and knowledgeable with rentals, but it's all worth it in the long run. Renters you have worked and maintained a good relationship with will likely come to you when they decide to transition to being homeowners. 

2. Connect With Banks and Mortgage Lenders. Since banks and mortgage lenders work closely with homebuyers in financing the purchase of their home, it is smart to reach out and offer your partnership with these institutions. 

3. Work Local Events. Market yourself and your service in your local area by leading 1st-time homebuyers in the right direction and assist them with setting goals to move towards homeownership. Get out and host a homebuyer's workshop that will teach buyers the entire process. 

Are you looking to purchase or sell a property? Call the professionals you can rely on, call Scott Realty Professionals.