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Real Estate Technology & Tools

Who do you typically turn to first when considering the purchase of a new piece of technology for your real estate business? If you're like a lot of agents, you'll pick the brains of other agents to find out what works and what's not worth your money.


But the choices – there are so many of them! When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, grab a cup of coffee and dig into the following pages. Let your colleagues walk you through those choices and help you decide on how and where to spend your money.


Feel free to check back daily because we add hundreds of new posts every day. This is the place to find everything an agent needs to know about tech and tools to help you run a lean, mean real estate machine.

Recent blogs on Real Estate Technology & Tools
By Craig Daniels, Technology Instructor/Project Consultant
(Tech Training for You!)
Have you been enjoying the reboot of our YouTube Thursdays series? If you missed the previous posts you can see post featuring Debb Janes and Charlie Dresen using those links.In this week's post we are going to head down to the Thousand Oaks, California which is just a little ways Northwest of Los Angeles. Let me introduce you to Emily Berdon a real estate agent there. I had not heard of Emily prior to last week, but as soon as I watched a couple of her videos she immediately got a +1 subscription from me and I knew who I would be highlighting in this weeks post (hat tip to Andy Mooers who posted a link to one of Emily's videos in a comment and was the breadcrumb I needed to find her)In last week's post, I showed example videos of various types so that you could be inspired to all the d...
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By Peter Tamura, BANNOCHIE TEAM
(Coldwell Banker Select)
Good morning! I got my e-Pro designation over twenty years ago, the certificate is dated Jan. 18th, 2004. If you ever got this designation, you can still log in, it's eProNAR.com. Being familiar with tech, AI and Social Media are probably more important than ever, the e-Pro course was updated two years ago, you can listen to the whole two day course by Craig Grant and download the manual if you log in. It looks like there are lots of free podcasts on the Center for Realtor Development which are available for free, CRD.Realtor.It  
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
Love it or hate it, what do you think about AI?  What I believe is insubstantial as it is here and not going anywhere except forward. How do you feel about AI ?Our lives revolve around AI. We walk around with it. It is called an iPhone or Android; watch out if we do not have it. Our day is done. All our lives are inside these devices. Pictures of our family and friends. All of our contacts, including family, friends, and work. We also put them in what we call "The Cloud" in case we lose the device we carry around. We get all kinds of information from an app called Google on this device, and we can even play games, do banking, and watch movies.   Then there is Alexa. She can do a variety of tasks, and she can tell you the time. Please tell me when your orders are coming from Amazon. If y...
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By Darryl Davis, CSP, Designing Careers and Lives Worth Smiling About
(Darryl Davis Seminars)
By Real Estate Coach and Speaker Darryl Davis, CSP and Real Estate ExpertOver the span of 35+ years in the real estate industry, I have witnessed the profound impact of strategic planning and decisive action. The real estate arena is demanding and requires a level of preparedness and proactivity to separate the thriving agents from the rest. Beyond the mere transactional aspect of selling properties, success lies in the art of building a brand, nurturing relationships, and maintaining your competitive edge. In our industry, especially in the current landscape, remaining static is not a viable option. Market dynamics are evolving, client expectations are shifting, and new technologies are surfacing. To sustain relevance and success, adaptation and growth are imperative. The journey towar...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
This month’s challenge authored by Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400  and  Carol Williams has Active Rain members discussing members' perspectives specific to artificial intelligence, AI Love or Leave It. Yet, we have already witnessed the consequences of AI or the consequences of AI that being Absent Intelligence.AI has weakened the human’s ability for cognitive thought which includes creativity and imagination. Let us return to the explosion of hand calculators. I remember back in high school we were not allowed to use hand calculators. We had to do those mathematical calculations on paper which showed our work, our cognitive thought processes. Reliance on these technology tools has reduced the ability to do simple to even more complex mathematical tasks. No longer can anyone compu...
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By Bob McCranie, Your best advocate when buying or selling your hom
(Broker Associate / Team Lead - Texas Pride Realty Group)
REALTORS: We have all attended lectures on website SEO and Social Media strategies but it's hard to take those notes and slide and actually make it work. I don't teach the lecture class. I teach the LAB. We get together and I show you what the lecture meant and how to make all the chemicals react. I can work with most IDX systems, their associated CRMs, just about every Social Media platform, Lead Flow, and more. www.coachbobmccranie.com Also check out my real estate website at www.TexasPrideRealty.com
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By Craig Daniels, Technology Instructor/Project Consultant
(Tech Training for You!)
If you are interested in doing videos and doing them well, you need to invest a decent amount of time watching and learning from what others have done. Ask yourself what it takes to make an interesting video. If you watch a video for a few seconds and then click away, that is when you learn what NOT to do.However, when you watch Charlie Dresen real estate videos, these are videos that you can truly draw inspiration from. Charlie lives and sells real estate in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.In the upcoming weeks on YouTube Thursdays, I want to showcase not only people doing a great job of doing videos, but we will look at the different types of videos that you could be making. Here are some of the types to consider: An Introduction Video (a.k.a. "About Me" or "Profile video"), an Informatio...
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By Realtyna Inc, WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM
(Realtyna)
Using a Custom API EndpointIn today’s digital age, real estate professionals are continually seeking innovative ways to showcase property listings and captivate potential buyers. Integrating MLS/IDX listings into digital signage has emerged as a powerful tool, providing real estate professionals with an effective means to display properties and attract attention in high-traffic areas. Understanding MLS/IDX ListingsMLS (Multiple Listing Service) and IDX (Internet Data Exchange) are crucial tools in the real estate industry, aggregating property listings from various brokers and agents into a centralized database. This comprehensive repository allows real estate professionals to access and display property information, including images, descriptions, pricing, and more, enhancing their mar...
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By Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets, CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego
(Big Block Realty 858.232.8722)
Navigating and Debating the Real Estate Landscape: Pros (Love) and Cons (hate) of AI IntegrationAn Active Rain January Contest EntryIn an era dominated by technological advancements, the real estate industry is no exception to the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). From predictive analytics to virtual property tours, AI is changing the way we buy, sell, and manage properties. Let's delve into the pros and cons of incorporating AI into the real estate realm. Pros of Using AI in Real Estate1. Data-Driven Decision Making:AI empowers real estate professionals with data-driven insights. Through the analysis of vast datasets, AI algorithms can predict market trends, helping agents and investors make informed decisions about pricing,property investments, and market timing.2....
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By Lanette Branch, Bel Air, MD Real Estate Agent
(Taylor Properties)
Hey, Bel Air crew!Lanette in the house, and today we're diving headfirst into the tech whirlwind that is Artificial Intelligence, "AI". Buckle up because we're about to demystify the secret sauce behind your streaming recommendations and apply that magic to our beloved world of real estate. *Now, I know AI might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but trust me, it's the not-so-secret maestro making things click and tick in the background. Just imagine, if you will, Netflix suggesting your next binge-worthy show—a boss move that makes you question if Netflix has been reading your mind. That, my friends, is AI working its magic. And guess what? It's not stopping at TV shows; it's flipping the script in the realm of real estate too.Now, stick with me here, imagine Bel Air with its ...
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By Craig Daniels, Technology Instructor/Project Consultant
(Tech Training for You!)
ActiveRain Groups have lost the limelight in recent years with only a handful of active groups remaining. The potential of a group is to rally and inspire one another around some focal point. Debb Janes started the YouTube Thursdays group back in 2011 and gathered over 400 members to the topic over the years. If you are at all interested in using video, you should subscribe to this group (link above) and then keep an eye on this group's page for new posts. Additionally, if you have any posts that feature videos that you have created, please add those posts to the group so we can see what you have created.Video in your marketing toolbox has remained an ever powerful asset that you do well to consider. It is at the same moment super easy to do and a little challenging to do well. It is th...
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By Lanette Branch, Bel Air, MD Real Estate Agent
(Taylor Properties)
Hey, beautiful souls!It's Lanette, your Realtor Bae, diving into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on our lives, especially in real estate. Let's chat about the pros and cons as I see them in my own journey, shall we?AI Unveiling Unique Beauty: In my own personal exploration, AI has become a powerful ally in crafting unique images that celebrate the beauty of brown people. For me, It's about more than just visuals. AI has been a tool for creating representation that resonates authentically. In this context, AI is the brush, and I'm the artist, painting a canvas of diversity and inclusion everywhere I go. Just call me Lynbrandt. And yes, I did just go there. I'd also love to hear if you've found ways to leverage AI creatively in your own life.Navigating Uncertain F...
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By Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573, Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker
(MOOERS REALTY)
YouTube #Shorts Video.Use it like a movie trailer to give the real estate buyer a small bite size sampling of the property listing.Like the Sam's Club workers wearing the hair net, handing out samples. Hoping to cause you to make a purchase of the peddled product.Much like a restaurant menu if  hungry or a movie trailer when you are on the hunt for a blockbuster to watch.Designed for a phone display smaller real estate media space screen. A movie in your pocket when you are on the go. Simple search, slide, scroll down and got it. Tap the video player toggle for site and sound. Popcorn (motioning to open batch just microwaved with movie butter.) SSSshhhhh... whispering is talking. Eyes forward.YouTube #shorts videos are one slick vehicle to pitch a property listing. Used to cover a local...
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By Charles Ross - eXp Realty LLC, Love To Help People
(eXp Realty LLC Salina Group)
Artificial intelligence (AI) has permeated the real estate industry, offering revolutionary tools for efficiency and innovation. However, the rapid integration of AI also presents a challenge: how do we leverage this technology effectively without letting it overtake the crucial human elements in real estate transactions? This balance is not only important in business but also in our personal lives. The Power of AI in Real EstateIn real estate, AI's capabilities are vast. AI has streamlined many processes, from predictive analytics for market trends to virtual property tours. AI-powered chatbots provide instant customer service, and machine-learning algorithms offer detailed property valuations. These tools have enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of real estate operations. The Persona...
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By Realtyna Inc, WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM
(Realtyna)
It’s the obvious fact that AI is involved in everything, no doubt it’s effecting the real estate industry too.You definitely heard about the most popular AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard, but how can we use them? how do they benefits us?In this article, I’m going to talk about the benefits and features of these two, and give you some examples about how you can use them.Google Bard, with its ability to generate poetry, songs, and even interactive drama, offers a unique and creative way to engage with potential clients. Its natural language processing capabilities provide a personalized and aesthetically pleasing experience, making it an ideal choice for real estate professionals looking to connect with their audience on a deeper level.On the other hand, ChatGPT, powered by OpenAI, e...
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By Realtyna Inc, WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM
(Realtyna)
It’s the obvious fact that AI is involved in everything, no doubt it’s effecting the real estate industry too.You definitely heard about the most popular AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard, but how can we use them? how do they benefits us?In this article, I’m going to talk about the benefits and features of these two, and give you some examples about how you can use them.Google Bard, with its ability to generate poetry, songs, and even interactive drama, offers a unique and creative way to engage with potential clients. Its natural language processing capabilities provide a personalized and aesthetically pleasing experience, making it an ideal choice for real estate professionals looking to connect with their audience on a deeper level.On the other hand, ChatGPT, powered by OpenAI, e...
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By Bob McCranie, Your best advocate when buying or selling your hom
(Broker Associate / Team Lead - Texas Pride Realty Group)
I've spent the last few days gathering stats on the 40+ IDX sites we run for our clients (and ourselves). We're definitely seeing progress."In a lecture course, you'll have the opportunity to learn fundamental principles and theoretical knowledge. You'll gain a fundamental framework and a profound understanding of biology and science! Lab courses providing invaluable hands-on experiences that complement the knowledge gained in lectures."We've all gone to a lot of SEO and AI lectures. I teach the Lab class were we actually do things on my screen and yours and watch the web traffic react!Find me at www.TexasPrideRealty.com or www.CoachBobMcCranie.com   
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By Craig Daniels, Technology Instructor/Project Consultant
(Tech Training for You!)
Short-form media content is a very popular format these days for people to watch. These are short videos ("snack sized", under 60 seconds) and when done right are interesting and informative. If you want to be able to share some of this content in a blog post, how do you do it?If you have created a YouTube Short, this is something that you are able to embed it in a blog post. However, it will be slightly different than how you embed a regular YouTube video. If you try to take the URL of a YouTube short and use the insert media button on a post, then paste the URL into the media source box, it will NOT display the video. (The ActiveRain insert media tool was before shorts videos existed, so this tool is not able to use those URLs)However, you can revert back to "old school" method and th...
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By Hugh Grant, I help investors and consumers with real estate
(RealMax Realty)
In today's rapidly evolving real estate landscape, staying ahead of the competition means embracing innovative ways to connect with your audience. Real estate podcasts have emerged as a powerful tool for professionals to share insights, tips, and valuable information with potential clients and fellow industry experts. To unlock the full potential of your real estate podcast, you'll need to harness the right technologies and strategies. In this article, we will explore the essential technologies that can pave the way to success in the world of real estate podcasting.High-Quality Microphones and Recording EquipmentThe cornerstone of any successful podcast is exceptional audio quality. In the world of real estate podcasts, where professionalism and clarity are paramount, investing in high-...
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By Charles Ross - eXp Realty LLC, Love To Help People
(eXp Realty LLC Salina Group)
The surge in remote work has brought about a significant shift in homebuying trends. Gone are the days when proximity to the workplace was a paramount concern for most homebuyers. Today, with more people working remotely, the priorities and preferences in choosing a home have evolved. This blog post delves into how remote work is shaping people's decisions to move, emphasizing the increased demand for home offices and flexible living spaces.Home Offices: A New EssentialThe home office has transitioned from a luxury to a necessity. As remote work becomes a permanent arrangement for many, a dedicated space for work within the home is crucial. Homebuyers are looking for properties with extra rooms or spaces that can be converted into a home office. This trend is not just about having a des...
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