Real estate is a complex industry with many moving parts. As an agent or investor, having the right resources and tools at your disposal can make a huge difference in your success. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, there are numerous resources available to help you excel in real estate.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top 20 most useful resources for real estate agents and investors. From marketing ideas and lead generation to research tools and contract templates, these resources will equip you with the knowledge and materials to grow your business and investment portfolio. Let's dive in!
The Top 20 Most Useful Resources for Real Estate Agents and Investors
Useful Resources for Marketing and Lead Generation
Your real estate business doesn't run on sheer luck - it requires a consistent marketing plan and lead generation strategy. Use these essential resources to get your name and listings in front of motivated buyers and sellers.
1. Market Leader
Market Leader provides tried and true marketing advice specifically for the real estate industry. Agents can browse listings for sale, get guidance on promoting those listings, and learn effective networking and advertising techniques. The website also offers useful scripts for following up with leads.
2. Real Geeks
Real Geeks is an all-in-one real estate marketing system. It allows agents to build a professional website, send drip email campaigns, run Facebook ads, host events, and more. This platform makes it simple to execute a complete digital marketing strategy to gain more leads.
3. Houzz
Home renovation and design platform Houzz is a goldmine for real estate agents. Creating a profile allows agents to connect with millions of homeowners looking for design inspiration. Agents can grow their networks organically by sharing images, articles, and expertise.
4. PostcardMania
Direct mail isn't dead, and PostcardMania helps real estate agents leverage the power of mailers. Their team will create customized postcards to advertise your services and listings. Targeted postcard campaigns still generate great ROI today.
5. Moosend
Email marketing works when done right. Moosend makes it easy for real estate agents to design professional emails and nurture leads. Features like automation and list segmentation take your email campaigns to the next level.
6. BombBomb
BombBomb enables real estate agents to send personalized video messages to prospects and clients. In an industry that relies heavily on relationships, short video emails can give agents an edge over the competition.
7. Facebook Ads
Don't underestimate the power of Facebook advertising. Agents can create highly targeted ads to reach homeowners in specific neighborhoods or with certain interests. Facebook provides useful analytics to optimize your real estate ads as well.
Useful Resources for Real Estate Research
Smart real estate decisions depend on thorough research and market analysis. These essential tools provide accurate housing market data so you can set appropriate prices, identify up-and-coming areas, and stay ahead of the competition.
8. Realtor
Realtor.com should be your first stop for listing data. Search for active listings, recently sold homes, price-reduced homes, and off-market properties—filter by location, price, beds/baths, and more. Realtor.com also offers neighborhood and market insights.
9. Zillow
In addition to listing data, Zillow provides "Zestimates" or estimated home values for 110M+ properties. Agents can claim and personalize their Zillow profiles. Use Zillow to assess home values before listing or making an offer.
10. Redfin
Redfin gives instant access to housing market statistics like average sale prices and days on the market. Real estate agents can benefit from Redfin's detailed neighborhood pages and mapping features to support buyers and sellers.
11. Local Housing Data
Don't overlook your local MLS and county assessor data. Contains hyperlocal insights not always captured in nationwide databases. Great for identifying market trends in specific cities or neighborhoods.
12. Comps (Comparable Sales)
Reviewing comparable home sales is a must when pricing or assessing a property's value. Look for recently sold homes with similar square footage and features. Adjust your valuation based on differences like upgrades or location.
13. Property Records
Dig into property records to uncover a home's ownership history, deed transfers, price trajectory, permits, tax assessments, and other useful intelligence. Public records provide transparency into any property on the market.
14. School Reports
Top-rated schools attract buyers with families. School rating sites like GreatSchools let agents showcase excellent local schools and highlight important data like test scores, student-teacher ratios, reviews, and more.
Useful Resources for Real Estate Investors
From financing options to ROI analysis, real estate investors need resources to locate profitable investment properties, finance deals, maximize rent revenue, and eventually sell for a profit.
15. Mashvisor
Mashvisor serves as an all-in-one real estate analytics platform for investors. Enter a property and Mashvisor estimates Airbnb revenues, rental income, cash flow, and more. Users can even create portfolio simulators to model investment scenarios.
16. Roofstock
Roofstock is an online real estate investing marketplace that empowers investors to browse property listings, assess markets, and purchase rental properties. Investors enjoy Roofstock's renovated, tenant-occupied homes with in-depth property reports.
17. Income Property Analytics
Income Property Analytics evaluates residential income properties across the U.S. Generate detailed investment analysis reports to simplify your real estate investment decisions. Assess potential risks and returns for nearly any property.
18. RealtyShares
RealtyShares offers tools for real estate investors to build diversified portfolios. Invest directly into commercial or residential real estate selected by industry experts. RealtyShares handles all documents and management.
19. Rentometer
Input any rental property address and Rentometer estimates its fair market rental price. Rentometer looks at comparable rentals in the area to suggest a competitive yet profitable monthly rate for your investment property.
20. RealWealth Network
RealWealth Network provides real estate investing education through books, podcasts, coaching, and more. Members gain access to market insights, vetted turnkey providers, financing contacts, and a community of experienced investors.
Useful Real Estate Tools and Contract Resources
Streamline your processes and protect your business with the right real estate tools and contract templates. Standardized forms and paperwork ensure you cover all your bases.
21. Dotloop
Dotloop enables real estate professionals to manage transactions and paperwork completely online. Upload and send documents for e-signature. Store client files securely. Dotloop saves significant time compared to paper forms.
22. DocuSign
DocuSign allows real estate agents to email documents for legally binding e-signature. Clients can review and sign purchase agreements and more without printing, scanning, or overnight shipping papers.
23. ZipForm
ZipForm is NAR's official forms software. Access 50+ standardized real estate contracts and forms. Fill out fields to create custom contracts in minutes. ZipForm includes specialized state and local forms.
24. Real Estate Express
Real Estate Express offers all the pre-licensing and continuing education courses agents need to qualify and renew their credentials. Packages combine text, videos, practice exams, and more.
25. Closing USA
Closing USA handles the title and escrow phase of real estate transactions. Lean on their expertise to ensure all details are addressed and your sale closes on time. Available in all 50 states.
Take Your Real Estate Business to the Next Level
In real estate, knowledge is power. Take advantage of these incredible resources to stay informed, save time, automate tasks, and ultimately sell more homes and investment properties.
Implement the right marketing strategies to create a steady incoming flow of seller and buyer leads. Access accurate housing data and analysis to price listings competitively and identify lucrative investments. Streamline your backend processes with transaction management and document signing tools.
The resources above are just a sampling of what's available today. Keep exploring and testing new technologies to increase productivity and gain an edge. With the right foundation, your real estate career has no limits!
