Real Estate Technology & Tools

As REALTORs we have Forewarn to assist us and keep us safe.   We can see whether or not that person has criminal infractions, and whether we should even meet up with them.   With many REALTORs having been killed or attacked, this is SO important!I use ExactDial and Forewarn to know as much about that person on the other end of the phone!Recently I decided to put a few things on Facebook Marketplace, which I was VERY nervous about!   I thought it was sort of like a garage sale, so put things WAY below market value, and had probably 40-50 contacts over last weekend.OMG, I had two people that shocked me!   One had over 100 criminal infractions, and one had 74!   Looking at the FB profile, I would have never thought that.  Good thing for these programs!I sold 3 items over last weekend, and ... 07/10/2025

Mixed-use developments and commercial properties increasingly cater to e-commerce businesses, health retailers, and boutique fulfillment operations. By offering facilities or partnerships that include real-time inventory tracking, real estate developers can differentiate their projects and attract more tech-savvy tenants. 1. Enhanced Building Efficiency Properties that integrate advanced logistics systems can optimize loading docks, reduce idle freight time, and minimize disruptions for other tenants. Real-time tracking allows for better coordination and scheduling of shipments—making the building itself run smoother. 2. Increased Tenant Appeal In commercial real estate, tenants look for more than square footage—they want support systems. Tenants such as e-commerce startups, subscripti... 07/08/2025

Mixed-use developments and commercial properties increasingly cater to e-commerce businesses, health retailers, and boutique fulfillment operations. By offering facilities or partnerships that include real-time inventory tracking, real estate developers can differentiate their projects and attract more tech-savvy tenants.1. Enhanced Building EfficiencyProperties that integrate advanced logistics systems can optimize loading docks, reduce idle freight time, and minimize disruptions for other tenants. Real-time tracking allows for better coordination and scheduling of shipments—making the building itself run smoother.2. Increased Tenant AppealIn commercial real estate, tenants look for more than square footage—they want support systems. Tenants such as e-commerce startups, subscription bo... 07/08/2025

We work tirelessly marketing ourselves all over the Internet.   Where is the best place to spend time when time is scarce in your calendar?    Do you pay for advertising?    Where is the best place for your hard-earned bucks? ALWAYS ask the person that calls out of the blue where they found you.   Maybe not as soon as you answer the phone, but sometime in the course of the conversation.   You want to know what IS working. You know when someone comes from your website, but those calling because one of their friends has used you and gave them your name?    You probably want to send a thank-you note to that past client. I know I spend lots of time tweaking pages and adding pages to my website, and then blogging, marketing to database, etc.    Was it a past client referral?    You need to k... 07/08/2025

🤖 5 Ways AI Can Make 🏩Homeownership Easier 🏡💡Artificial intelligence isn’t just for tech geeks—it’s making home life smarter and more convenient! Here’s how:⭐🔷 SMART HOME AUTOMATION 📱AI systems adjust lights, temp & water your lawn based on occupancy and the weather.🟢AI-POWERED SECURITY 🔑Smart cameras recognize faces & detect deliveries to keep your home & packages safe.🔻 PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE 🛠️AI monitors alert you before appliances or systems break down!🟪AI SHOPPING & MEAL PLANNING 🛒 Apps suggest recipes, reorder groceries & simplify your shopping list.🟡VIRTUAL RENOVATION DESIGN 🎨Try out paint, layouts & furniture before making changes with AI-powered tools!⭐ How are you using AI in your home? Drop a comment below 👇⭐ 📞☎954-347-0244 📧📩Kathy@HyattRealtors.com ⭐#SmartHome #AIHomeTech #... 07/06/2025

Search Has Changed. Adapt or Disappear.Here's something to ponder this weekend.I'm sure you've noticed that the way people search and trust information isn’t evolving. It’s already changed. Tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Microsoft Copilot are rewriting the rules in real time. If you’re still leaning on traditional SEO and paid search strategies, you’re already behind.It’s not your content. It’s not your funnel. It’s the architecture of search itself.As Growth Strategist Rachanim Kennard recently put it: “In nearly 10 years of SEO, I’ve never seen anything quite like this… We rank #1, but the AI overview essentially a copy of our content is siphoning traffic. We went from being the answer to watching Google extract our expertise and serve it directly.”This is Search 2.0. And in this... 06/27/2025

The Zestimate is Zillow’s automated home valuation tool aka an (AVM): Several real estate websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com use Automated Valuation Models (AVMs). They pull from public records, MLS records, and uses proprietary algorithms to quickly provide an "estimate of a property’s market value". The issue is that they often rely on assumptions that a knowledgeable local REALTOR® would have a much better understanding of; ultimately offering better insights and market value data.AVM's allow buyers and looky-loos the opportunity to view homes with no real estate agent, no sign-up needed. It’s one of the most popular pricing tools out there, but it’s also often misunderstood. That’s why I get asked all the time: “How accurate is a Zestimate?”By there own admission publishe... 06/26/2025

Now here is a fun YouTube video for everyone to watch. I'm experimenting with Google Veo AI video creator using virtually staged photos of the Lake Stevens condo. After many attempts at the opening scene, I settle on this one where the car doesn't even stop before the prospective homebuyers are running out of it. The other scenes, living room - bedrooms - kitchen- backyard - all turned relatively good for a first run. I used prompts associated with living a in a home and what I thought marketers would put together for a commercial.How do you think the AI created video turned out?AI Video - Short 06/24/2025

You already know that relationships drive real estate—but the smartest agents today also lean on data to guide their strategy. From market trends to buyer behavior, there’s more information available than ever. The challenge? Knowing how to actually use that data to boost your closings.These practical tips will help you turn numbers into insights—and insights into sales.Real Estate Agents Need to Know What Clients Are Looking ForReal estate agents can leverage data to determine where clients should be looking for homes. Yes, the home buyer has the right to decide where they will live, but it is the realtor’s job to point customers in new directions to broaden the search. When a new client fills out an intake form, they will share their income, needs, wants, and history. Putting this inf... 06/23/2025

If referrals are the lifeblood of real estate, links are the online version of a neighbor singing your praises.But Google’s 2025 rulebook now double-checks who’s doing the singing. A link from a random coupon blog? Trash. A link from your town’s high-school booster site? Ranking rocket fuel.We give you a 30-day plan—built for busy agents—that swaps risky shortcuts for local “digital referrals” Google actually trusts.Why “Near Me” Searches Decide Who Gets the CallThink of a backlink as a digital referral—the online version of a neighbor telling friends, “You need to talk to my agent.” Google listens to those referrals when it chooses which three businesses pop up in its map box. Buyer intent is sky-high. Searches like “homes for sale near me” now account for the majority of real-estate c... 06/22/2025

In the fast-paced world of property management, working with the right real estate partner can make all the difference. While large chain brokerages may offer name recognition and expansive reach, more and more property managers — especially in competitive urban markets like New York City — are turning to boutique firms for a better experience and better results.This trend isn’t just anecdotal. It reflects a growing awareness across the industry that personalized service, hyper-local insight, and flexibility are often more valuable than size or brand prestige.1. Boutique Brokerages Offer Direct, Personalized ServiceOne of the top frustrations property managers report when working with larger brokerages is the lack of consistency. You may speak with one representative during onboarding, ... 06/17/2025

A day does not pass that I am not asked which AI platform new and experienced users should employ.Some models are better than others at different tasks.  So the first question becomes, "What am I doing with AI"? Image creation, videos, text, emails, blogs, MARKETING! Again, some are better than others at different tasks. My suggestion is to start with what you are familiar with. Each platform has a learning curve. Wherever you start will become more useful in time. I have stated during weekly Zoom sessions on the 'Rain (or is it "IN" the 'Rain?) that prompts are the key.  It is that simple. With consistent use you will improve the prompts and hence the results.  This applies to all content creation.  So, establish goals and enter prompts until you receive the output that you desire.   A... 06/16/2025

In a May 23rd communique, Google admitted that SEO is dead. AEO (Artificial Intelligence Engine Optimization) is the present and future. Google is changing direction and you need to do this too!Many in the industry did not see the communique and this was probably intentional. I have written about AEO recently and I can say that every week, the penetration of AEO into the search world is staggering.One of the reasons that the time is NOW, is that AEO considers the length of time that a business has been utilizing AEO and the older you are within an industry. Accordingly, the length of time that a business has been in existence and when it began AEO are key components for search results.A lot of this is similar to SEP but SEO is the new Yellow Pages...DEAD. It is very important to start n... 06/15/2025

During our Zoom calls on AI, I frequently indicated that AI is best suited for marketing and some job/task functions in the real estate environment.The reason for this is that AI has proven unreliable for market analysis/ research. This will improve over time but there are inherent problems. I frequently mention that AI does not understand sarcasm and humor. So of someone states: "Sure a unit in ABC condos in Anytown USA are worth $150k (sarcastically) and the real market value is $400k, AI can interpret this has the market value is $150k and your results may be skewed.Back to marketing...during our Zoom calls..I mentioned that AI searches were 8% of searches. his was months ago...this number is up to 23% now so PAY ATTENTION!! LoL.In my tech firm, we refer to AI searches as AEO (AI Eng... 06/09/2025

🌿 I’m Excited to Renew My NAR Green Designation! 🌿I’m thrilled to share that I’ve renewed my NAR Green Designation—an in-depth program focused on sustainable housing and eco-friendly building practices. Although I had this designation before, I missed the renewal deadline and retook the entire course to ensure I’m up to date!Being “green” knowledgeable is crucial for me as a real estate professional. Energy-efficient homes are better for the planet, healthier to live in, and help homeowners save money.Thank you to Franklin Energy Services, LLC for sponsoring this opportunity and helping me keep my clients informed about greener, smarter housing choices! 🌱 06/07/2025

The June Challenge for spending our points has provided some great material from fellow bloggers.  I'm amazed at the creativity, but this also stymied my progress on coming up with a post idea.  There have been great philanthropic posts that are so inspiring, which is actually what got me going!  So I decided to start with that idea in mind.  Thank you fellow AR bloggers!  My idea is to use my points as a way to solve homelessness and affordable housing.   And to make the best difference, what if this could be replicated across the country?!   These homes would use the least expensive sustainable construction materials, be energy efficient, provide better indoor air quality, and homeowners would be required to attend classes on how to keep and maintain a home.  Classes could also includ... 06/21/2025

Earlier today, I wrote about compliance and its ability to ruin a sales organization (hint, REAL ESTATE). A recent example that I cited is Adidas. I spend a fortune on their products -95% of which is online. I am blocked on all browsers, all apps - because their new compliance is AI driven and blocking MOST users. Online threads confirm this. No guidance on how to correct it. The Adidas catastrophe is killing sales. It was a legitimate goal to make their sites more compliant and safe for users.  However the solution to the problem was worse than the problem!!The reason Adidas had to do SOMETHING is that bots were entering the site or app and filling shopping carts so that legitimate customers cannot purchase because the item selected is out of stock. The much better way is NOT Captcha..... 06/06/2025

There are multiple steps and each is semi-unique for everyone in the 'Rain!1. The first step is to identify high volume document work flows. There are many in real estate (maybe too many)!! To do this, identify documents that are created frequently and manually.  Routine tasks are appropriate for automation.2. Evaluate how you handle these workflows NOW.  To do this, analyze how long such tasks take NOW. See if automation can save time.  Also analyze whether automation may be able to shorten the amount of time spent each day, week. 3, Document the complexity of the task.  The more complex the task, the more time will be necessary to automate. However the rewards are great because the initial time will save greater amounts of future time and effort. 4. Comprehend your tech capabilities a... 06/04/2025

I recently focused on emails as business records. This is vitally important but so is messaging.  There is a huge difference between "secure" messaging and messaging. This is important because frequently real estate professionals (not just agents and brokers, title and escrow and others too) discuss sensitive information about clients such as income, offers, credit profile.The first issue is encryption. The first step in secure messaging is to utilize end-to-end encryption (E2EE). This method secures transmission of message data even if the information is intercepted.  E2EE is an encrypted method utilizing cryptographic algorithms. This ensures that only the intended recipient has access to the sensitive information. It is important to realize that even the messaging platform does not h... 06/03/2025

I've learned a lot about AI in a short amount of time the last year because of Michael Thorne, I'm sharing this FREE opportunity to get some excellent training and a better understanding of how to use  AI more effectively in your business.Join us for a FREE AI TrainingBuffini & Company  Date & Time: Jun 5, 2025 10:00 AM in Pacific Time (US and Canada)   Description: Marketing and AI visionary Michael Thorne will unlock the ultimate AI cheat codes to supercharge your workflow and buy back more time to spend with your best clients. In this golden age of AI, you'll discover how to leverage it to your advantage and stand out amongst the competition. AI is the most powerful tech revolution this industry has ever faced. Join us to learn how you can turn constraint into opportunity, and future... 06/03/2025