Tag: residential real estate

Agent’s Guide: Top House Selling No-No’s

by Mariam El Hadary

This is a list of things real estate agents should never say to their clients.

1. You Have Horrible Taste

Agents often face challenges with sellers who refuse to alter their unique decor choices, like an extensive collection of taxidermied cats. While taste is subjective, staging a home neutrally tends to attract more buyers and potentially lead to higher sale prices, instead of criticizing their taste.

Say This Instead:

You have a beautiful collection of stuffed cats. It is so meaningful and important to you. However, we might have potential buyers who are allergic or may miss their dear departed cats. They will spend the whole time looking at your cats, thinking about their cats, not your lovely property. Let me show you some simple things we can do to stage your home that might even bring a higher sales price! 

2. Call Me Anytime, 24/7

As an agent, maintaining open communication with clients is essential, but setting unrealistic expectations of being available at all times can lead to frustration and burnout. Balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments is crucial for long-term success and well-being.

Say This Instead:

You can commit to top-tier customer service. You can promise to return all emails and texts within one business day. You can pledge to monitor messages and respond promptly and regularly. You can also introduce your clients to a fellow team member or assistant who can step in if you are unavailable. You can deliver the best customer service in your area in many ways without sleeping with your phone. 

3. I Only Make Money if You Buy a House

Real estate agents should avoid saying they only get paid when clients buy a house, as it can create undue pressure. Recent commission lawsuits highlight the confusion surrounding agent compensation and their value. Agents should take the opportunity to clearly articulate the various roles they play in helping clients find their dream home.

Say This Instead:

If asked how you make money, be careful not to answer by assigning any responsibility to your clients. Rather, point to the many services you provide. Make sure they understand commission but do so in a way that ensures they never feel like they are responsible for you keeping your lights on at home. Even if they are.

4. Your Dream Home Doesn’t Exist

Avoid telling clients that their dream home doesn’t exist, as it can crush their hopes and aspirations. Many buyers are influenced by media portrayals of ideal homes and may have unrealistic expectations. Instead, agents should navigate compromises with sensitivity and understanding, acknowledging the challenges of the current market and managing client expectations accordingly.

Say This Instead:

I understand that these not-granite countertops make you want to gouge your eyes out with pruning shears, but countertops are replaceable and are easier and cheaper than you think. Let’s look at some cosmetic changes that can make this house (the one that checks every other box) your dream home. 

5. You’re Delusional

I’m guessing you may have said this in your head many times to different clients about different issues. After all, any time you work with people, there will be a time when there’s a difference of opinion. For example, agents might want to call a client delusional when they submit a low-ball offer.

They say, “I know it’s listed at $380,000,” they say, “but let’s go in at $290,000 and just see what happens.” You’ll be tempted to respond, “You’re delusional.”

Say This Instead:

Instead of questioning their ability to reason, you’ve got to lean on your numbers and their emotions. Explain how the comps make the listing price pretty accurate. While there might be room for negotiation, a basement-level low offer will sour the relationship from the outset. The sellers might not even counter, cutting off further opportunities for negotiation. In a seller’s market, those lowballs aren’t going to get it done (highest and best should be the order of the day). Try to suss out if they really want the home, and if so, how badly. And is it worth making a realistic offer to get it? 

Agents must refrain from making insensitive remarks, even in challenging situations like viewing homes with unconventional decor. Instead, they rely on diplomacy and persuasion to guide clients effectively. By offering tactful feedback and professional advice, agents can help clients prepare their homes for sale successfully.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of overwrite.ai and its owners.

This story has been published from an article in The Close published on February 2024.

For informative news and views on the world of real estate, proptech and AI, follow overwrite on Instagram and LinkedIn, and keep up-to-date with our weekly NewsBites blog

overwrite | real estate content creation, reimagined

Is your phone listening to you?

by Mariam El Hadary

Have you ever had a conversation on your smartphone, only for your newsfeed to shortly thereafter show you unsolicited ads and articles relating to what you’d recently spoken about?  

The phenomenon of content targeting based on private conversations, has sparked widespread debate. 

Could our phones be actively listening to us, using microphone data to tailor content in breach of privacy settings?

Uncover opinions behind the debate. Learn what you can do to improve your privacy protection. Tune in as Ayman Alashkar, Founder & CEO of overwrite.ai, teams up with Zeena Zalamea and Sonal Rupani on Dubai Eye 103.8 for a captivating discussion.

Ayman recounted numerous occasions where he experienced this phenomenon. One memorable instance he shared involved a conversation with a friend about rugby scrums. Watch what happened.

To his surprise, his phone seemingly intercepted the conversation, as ads related to software development scrum methodologies began appearing on his feed within moments. It was clear that his phone had been listening. And if that wasn’t bad enough, it had misunderstood the context entirely.

These instances not only confirm the active listening capabilities of our devices but also highlight their tendency to misinterpret our conversations.

So what can you do to improve your smartphone’s privacy settings?

Anybody that wishes to take their privacy and security seriously, should regularly review their app permissions every 6 months. Decide which permissions they’re comfortable granting to apps. Some apps may overreach for data that they have no business wanting. Stay vigilant and consider uninstalling apps that request excessive permissions. This proactive approach helps enhance smartphone privacy settings.

Here are some useful tips on how to manage app permissions on both iOS (iPhone) and Android devices.

The debate surrounding whether our phones are eavesdropping on our conversations remains highly controversial, with numerous publications such as The Washington Post weighing in on the matter. However, what becomes evident is that there are arguments supporting both perspectives.

Now, the question remains: Do you believe our phones are actively listening in on our conversations, or is it all just speculation?

For informative news and views on the world of real estate, proptech and AI, follow overwrite on Instagram and LinkedIn, and keep up-to-date with our weekly NewsBites blog

overwrite | real estate content creation, reimagined

It’s For SALE, Stupid! An Estate Agent’s Story

by Mariam El Hadary

Every real estate agent has encountered their share of challenging Clients, each presenting unique hurdles to overcome.

Take a look at this story shared by a real estate agent in the USA.

Phone Rings. 

I answer.

A guy is calling from a listing sign, and he doesn’t know where he is. 

He can’t read the agency name — he blames the sign — and he can’t describe the property for crap. He starts getting really impatient with me, but I finally get enough information to McGyver his location by intuition and the hard science of assuming he’s looking at one of our cheapest listings because of his demeanor. I am right, and after I answer his basic questions about the home’s layout, this conversation ensues.

Caller: “How much is the rent? I’m interested in making it my home.”

Me: “Sir, the house is not for rent. You can only buy it.”

Caller: “Well, that’s dumb. Why did you put the sign here, then?”

Me: “I’m not the agent listing the house. [Agent] is out of the office, but the sign clearly says, ‘For sale,’ with the number to get assistance right away.”

Caller: “That’s why I called. I want the house, and I’ll pay rent on time.”

This goes around and around, with me using analogies comparing buying versus leasing in other situations like cars and equipment. Trying to make him understand makes it worse.

Me: “If you really like it, I will have an agent get in touch with you to show you the inside and explain the buying process. Remember, though, it can’t be rented. The owner only wants to sell it.”

Caller: “Look, idiot, I know this may be hard for you to understand, but I just want to rent it. I think I can come up with the $130,000, but I need to know what the rent will be after that. It shouldn’t be hard for an educated person to figure out.”

I once again try to explain loans, mortgages, and buying a home.

Caller: “So, what happens after I come up with the money? I won’t get a loan like you tried to sell me on; that sounds like a scam, and I don’t want to pay rent to a bank. What will I be paying per month, and who do I pay it to?”

Me: “So, you’re wanting to buy the house for cash? And now you want an estimate of the monthly costs? Is that right?”

I start pulling up Excel to estimate closing costs and taxes.

Caller: “Yes, finally, you understand. I need to know what the rent will be.”

Me: “That is not called rent. Those are monthly expenses, not rent. If you pay cash to buy the house, you won’t have a rent payment; you’ll be the home’s owner. You’ll only pay the taxes and utilities if you occupy it, and you’ll have to pay closing costs and title insurance.”

Caller: “So, you mean if I pay cash, I won’t pay rent? Just that other stuff? What about cable?”

Me: “That’s up to you. Nobody is forcing cable on you.”

Caller: “This sounds great. Tell me more. This will be cheaper than I thought.”

Me: “Is this a joke? This is [My Boss], right? You’re hazing me or something?”

Caller: “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Back to cable…”

Me: “You can hire a company to mow your lawn, get a satellite dish, or anything you want as long as it’s not illegal or against neighborhood rules. It’s your house to decide what services you want.”

Caller: “Those are great ideas. And I’m going to rent this house. You are smarter than I thought. God bless you, son. Jesus loves you. Praise the Lord, I can retire!” *Hangs up*

In this story lies a reflection of the challenges and triumphs that define the daily lives of real estate professionals and it serves as a reminder of the importance of patience, communication skills, and adaptability required to guide clients through the intricacies of property transactions.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of overwrite.ai and its owners.

This story has been published from Not Always Right on July 2023.

For informative news and views on the world of real estate, proptech and AI, follow overwrite on Instagram and LinkedIn, and keep up-to-date with our weekly NewsBites blog

overwrite | real estate content creation, reimagined

Listen In: Top Real Estate Podcasts 🎧

by Mariam El Hadary

From Bloggers to Vloggers to Tik-Tokers, the real estate industry has ridden every social media wave. But this week, we’re diving into the world of Podcasts. While it’s not the freshest face in the crowd, savvy agents are turning to this medium in growing numbers and unlocking the secrets of success in the ever-evolving real estate world.

1. Dubai Property Podcast

Dubai Property Podcast provides you valuable information about the real estate market in Dubai. Including property investment, property management, market trends, legal requirements, and comprehensive information if you are looking to buy or sell property in Dubai, as well as for real estate agents and investors.

Continue reading “Listen In: Top Real Estate Podcasts 🎧”

Knowing your Client’s Personality type is your Secret Weapon

by Charlotte C.

Ever wished that you could read your client’s mind and be one step ahead of them?

Understanding the way your client thinks is your secret weapon to bringing home that sale. 

We reveal the 4 most common personality types and the clues that could help you sell to them, better.

Getting inside their minds

Experts believe that individuals are wired to make purchasing decisions, based on their personality type. Which type is your client?

1. The Leader

This client type has come prepared; they did their research, and know exactly what they’re looking for. Super motivated, they have no time for small talk, wanting to cut to the chase. They’ll make decisions quick and generally don’t have the time to deal with sales people. Be on your toes, this personality type will be the one to walk into the home, take one look around, and sign the very same day. They’ll equally walk away in an instant if you pussy-foot around.

How do you sell to the Leader?

Tune in to these behaviours quickly, or risk losing them to a competitor. If they’re a Leader type, remember they need freedom to do just that, so let them lead the conversation, and to a degree, stay out of their way. Do not hand-hold (we’re not talking literally during viewings, although that’s equally not advisable!) and give them space to absorb the product, until they’re ready to ask questions.

2. The People Person

Common traits of this client type include them being talkative, easily excited and often extroverted. Their number one need is to connect with the sales agent. As the name suggest, they’re “people-people”, and value a personal touch, so stay close (and then close).

How do you sell to the People Person?

Tip 1: Do not be pushy! Drop the sales pitch, turn off “sales mode” and turn on “relationship mode”. These customers are people-oriented, so create an environment free of confrontation or pressure. 

“They enjoy the journey, have time to talk, want to get value from your expertise in the sales process, and value your knowledge in helping them make a sensible investment or find their dream home. Reinforce their beliefs, be a great listener, be available, be “with them” and support them. If you master this type and serve them really well, they’re going to be a walking, talking, billboard for you. Put lots of business cards in their hands.”

Tap in to key personality types

3. The Free Spirit

The Free Spirit is fun-loving and likes to have a good time. They’re extremely independent and are risk-takers. They are open to ideas, won’t mind being thrown a curve ball, but will be turned off by slick, rehearsed sales routines. They like to be in control of how and when things get done, so you could be in for an exhilarating but rocky ride.

How do you sell to the Free Spirit?

Get excited and celebrate with them! They’re creative people so make the sales approach equally exciting and celebratory, not boring and stale. Offer something they haven’t yet considered yet; you never know with this personality type just what might trigger that decision to buy.

4. The Task Master 

The Task Master will be your most challenging personality to deal with. They are punctual, meticulous, structured, and very detail-oriented. They are the total opposite of the Free Spirit. Dependability and reliability are their biggest needs in dealing with a sales agent.

How do you sell to this Task Master?

They are cautious and need reassurance, so going in full throttle won’t work. Don’t try to pressure-sell them; they’ll just shut down. They’re going to listen to every piece of information, so make sure it’s 100% on point. 

And be prepared for them having to “think about it” even after numerous conversations. The technique here is to have great follow through, stick with the plan, and unlike the Free Spirit, do not throw them any curve balls. Be dependable, and do what you said you were going to do. Eventually, your credibility and trust will win them over before the final purchasing decision. 

Know yourself, too

Knowing as much as you can about your client, as quickly as you can, will be a game changer. This is as close as you’ll get to being inside your customer’s brain and know what they’re thinking, so you know what your next move is. 

Yet, even armed with all this knowledge, you must also know your own personality or sales style. This will enable you to adapt your natural behaviours and manage their expectations. You’ll need to shape the relationship along the way if you want to establish effective communication.

As you get more confident, you can begin to adjust yourself, and integrate your understanding of your own personality into the sales process.

But with any human interaction, no amount of self awareness or clever second-guessing of their verbal or visual cues, will be of use if the foundations aren’t set around honestly and integrity. 

For informative and light-hearted news and views on the world of real estate, follow overwrite.ai on Instagram and LinkedIn, and keep up-to-date with our weekly NewsBites blog.

overwrite.ai | the AI writing assistant for estate agents | Sign up for your Free 7 Day Trial.

Soft Skills: The Intangible Qualities that Companies Crave

by Charlotte C.

To do your job effectively, you need hard skills; the technical know-how and subject-matter knowledge to fulfil your responsibilities.

But in a forever-changed world of work, lesser-touted ‘soft skills’ may be just as important ­– if not even more crucial.

These skills are more nuanced. Low-profile. Think personal characteristics and behaviours that make a strong leader or a good team member.

Strong Words. Softly Spoken.

Employers are increasingly considering a candidate’s soft skills as closely as their experience and explicit technical specialties.

For some people, soft skills are innate. For example, there are those for whom being a good communicator or analytical thinker, comes naturally.

But for others, developing soft skills can be more challenging. Yet it’s possible for everyone to sharpen these characteristics. And that, say experts, is something we should all be doing.

What are Soft Skills?

There is no definitive list of soft skills, but the term essentially refers to abilities beyond the technical.

Confidence with certain software, for instance, is a hard skill. On the other hand, knowing how to analyse different software packages to figure out what a company should be using requires critical thinking: a soft skill. 

Another major soft-skill area is communication.

Effectively communicating with colleagues, clients and management requires dexterity and emotional intelligence. Empathy, teamwork and compassion are also skills that fall under that same umbrella.

Many soft skills are highly practical, like efficiency, prioritisation, organisation and time management – all traits that are becoming increasingly critical for remote and hybrid workers.

And soft skills aren’t merely useful at work – they’re generally invaluable. The same skills that enable workers to operate successfully within company hierarchy and rise to the top also breed successful interpersonal relationships, for instance.

A Notable Shift

As many of the highly technical parts of work are becoming increasingly automated, or replaced by technological tools, companies are instead looking for workers who can problem-solve, juggle larger responsibilities and work well with others.

Additionally, soft skills have become even more important in the post-pandemic, largely remote work landscape. For instance: communication can be much more nuanced and complex when workers don’t see colleagues face to face.

Communication can be much more nuanced and complex
when workers don’t see colleagues face to face.

Adaptability, too, is a soft skill – and the past two years have called for a lot of it.

It’s not to say that technical skills have fallen by the wayside, but companies have increasingly come to realise emphasising the interpersonal skills that hold organisations together are what drives great results.

Global job site Monster’s The Future of Work 2021: Global Hiring Outlook revealed soft skills such as collaboration, teamwork, dependability and flexibility are among the skills employers most prize in workers. 

Turning “Softer”

We tend to be aware of our strengths, but honing interpersonal skills starts with soliciting feedback to identify your weaknesses and blind spots. Improving them may mean forcing yourself out of your comfort zone.

If you want to improve your imaginative thinking or problem-solving, for instance, try sitting in on brainstorming sessions with the company’s creatives.

Emotional intelligence can be increased, too, by developing social awareness and learning to regulate your own feelings and respond to others with empathy. On top of improving job prospects, research shows that people with high emotional intelligence are less likely to experience stress and anxiety.

Hiring Mindsets

As a result, employers are actively soliciting candidates who have these intangibles. Hiring manager may ask candidates to demonstrate soft skillsets, or this “moon-shot mindset”.

For example, they may be asked to show a real-life example of passion or commitment, prove their resilience in a particularly challenging situation, or provide evidence of continuous learning at work.

To best prepare for situations like these, candidates should identify their strongest soft skills in advance, and be ready to demonstrate them.

Of course, technical skills and experience on your CV will always be important, but in the changed world of work, they’re not enough: you’ll still need to convince recruiters you possess the softer skills that will help you be a leader.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of overwrite.ai and its owners.

Kate Morgan writes for The BBC Worklife

This story has been published from an article on 25th July 2022.

For informative and light-hearted news and views on the world of real estate, follow overwrite.ai on Instagram and LinkedIn, and keep up-to-date with our weekly NewsBites blog.

overwrite.ai | the AI writing assistant for estate agents | Sign up for your Free 7 Day Trial.

Tune In, Turn Up: Top Real Estate Podcasts

by Charlotte C.

Social media marketing has engulfed the residential real estate business, providing a 24/7 reality show reel of real estate agents and their antics.

First Bloggers, then Vloggers, and now Tik-Tokers. It seems as though every agent has their finger in one or more social media pie, promoting themselves and their listings to a worldwide, property-hungry audience. 

This week we’re talking Podcasts. They’re not the newest medium on the block. But they’re what growing numbers of savvy agents are turning to.

Continue reading “Tune In, Turn Up: Top Real Estate Podcasts”

Startup Founders Should Learn From Captain Marvel

by Ayman A.

I love the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

I didn’t at first. Mass-market Hollywood Blockbuster cheese, I thought.

I was more into the hi-brow stuff (Yes Sir…🤨).

But now I’m 43 with 2 kids. Family movie nights are a thing for us at this stage in our lives. Marvel’s hit that spot.

The wife loves #DrStrange.

My son is all in on #Spidey.

My daughter is pre-teening, so none of it is cool enough.

Me…I’ve been enjoying #Thor‘s escapades.

But there’s one moment in the entire MCU that, in my humble opinion, defines the #entrepreneur‘s journey better than any #influencer or #MBA course ever can.

Try. Fail. Rise. Unleash.

It’s that scene in #CaptainMarvel. When she realises that she’s been blocking herself from unleashing her full potential. Fighting with one hand tied behind her back.

She changes her psychology. Sets her mind free.

And in so doing, she unlocks the full awesomeness of her raw power.

At that point, even #chrishemsworth will probably agree that #CaptainMarvel is the most powerful of all the MCU characters.

#Founders and #Entrepreneurs; you are no different to #CaptainMarvel. Your power is raw and unlimited.

You are where you are, doing what you are doing, because you dared.

Many of the people in your universe, haven’t dared to go it alone. To do what you’re doing. They don’t understand what it’s like. Every…single…day.

So block out the social media noise and all the social constraints.

Don’t hold back. Don’t mute yourself. Don’t doubt or deny yourself.

Don’t seek to please or to be understood.

Just get #raw! Do it as you see it. Say it as you mean it.

Unleash the truest version of yourself. Your success will follow.

NB: No cheese 🧀 was harmed in the making of this post

Ayman Alashkar is a real estate economist and AI strategist, with +20years’ experience as real estate asset manager, investor, developer and banker.

Prior to beginning his entrepreneurial journey, Ayman was Head of Real Estate for Emirates NBD’s Private Bank, where he was responsible for $2.2 Billion in UHNWI customer Assets Under Advisory. Before this, Ayman was a MENA Director of Real Estate Advisory at Global consultancy Colliers International.

Ayman has transacted and financed over US$1.5 Billion in real estate and FX investments.

For informative and light-hearted news and views on the world of real estate, follow overwrite.ai on Instagram and LinkedIn, and keep up-to-date with our weekly NewsBites blog.

overwrite.ai | the AI writing assistant for estate agents | Sign up for your Free 7 Day Trial.

Surviving Summer in Real Estate

by Charlotte C.

The summer real estate market. Long. Quiet. Boring. Often bearing little or no fruit, by way of sales.

For many real estate agents, it can be a hard slog.

And with many people already headed overseas for long-awaited revenge travel vacations, brokers could be forgiven for expecting another slow burn this summer.

But as we head further into the hottest season of 2022, things aren’t cooling down. On the contrary. There’s been an influx of buyers and sellers across many real estate markets worldwide.

Either way, how can agents remain as competitive as possible, and stay busy, whilst the heat rises?

This week we present four tips to take advantage of during the summer, and prepare you for the win:

1. Buddy-up With a Builder

Home renovations have soared since covid. The building trade boomed as people started to prioritise time spent at home. Added to this, a shift towards remote working meant extra space was needed to accommodate the “home office”. And summer is often when a lot of home refurbs take place.

Having a close connection to a contractor will therefore keep an agent up to date with new inventory. And in case of stock drying up, having an inside guy can get you an intro before anything comes to market. Use this time to make contacts while renovation work is underway.

2. Old is Gold

Never neglect old clients.

Agents shouldn’t let any influx of new prospects distract them from tending to old clients. It’s always important to contact them. Share valuable information. Remind them why they loved working with you in the first place.

Treating these past clients right is the key to drawing new business. Referrals and word-of-mouth are the secret to success for many top agents. Pick up the phone to previous clients and say hello. If they’re taking some summer down-time, they might be in just the right mood for a chat.

3. Become Early Adopters

Technology can truly help set you apart.

AI writing assistants can instantly create your property descriptions. 3D home tours transform the online viewing experience. Digital e-signing services enable rapid, secure legal transactions. All examples of efficiency-driven technology that significantly increases the efficiency of your business.

So when it’s quiet in the office, trial some new platforms. Test out a new efficiency tool. Look at ways to save time by using intuitive and user-friendly tech. You’ll soon find that adopting an open mind will only help your business evolve.

4. Know Your Worth

While many clients are taking the reins early on, agents still play an essential role. Buying a home is a huge financial undertaking that still unnerves many. Plus, it’s impossible to think that technology can ever replace a genuine, invested, human agent.

A simple phone call. An open house. A calling card. All work wonders when delivered in the right way, at the right time. And the summer months allow you to plan all this – to perfection.

Prepare for All Weather

So as the summer season gets into full swing, let these words of wisdom stick with you:

In real estate, you don’t have to build it for them to come — you just have to make it happen for those that do. And there will always be those that do. Whatever the weather.

For informative and light-hearted news and views on the world of real estate, follow overwrite.ai on Instagram and LinkedIn, and keep up-to-date with our weekly NewsBites blog.

overwrite.ai | the AI writing assistant for estate agents | Sign up for your Free 7 Day Trial.

Real Estate Startups Just Got Hotter

by Charlotte C.

The MENA region’s Real Estate and Startup industries just got a massive boost from the announcement of a strategic partnership between overwrite.ai and Houza.

In a sign of maturing Proptech industry times, world-leading AI writing assistant overwrite.ai, has partnered with UAE real estate portal Houza.com, to deliver a richer online experience for industry stakeholders.

Customers of the Agency-backed disruptive portal can now use overwrite.ai to improve their consumer engagement and operational efficiency.

overwrite.ai allows them to instantly create unique, search optimised marketing content.

Founder and CEO of overwrite.ai, Ayman Alashkar said: “We’re delighted to announce our partnership with Houza and its network of leading real estate agencies.”

Agents listing with Houza now get a massive 50% discount off their subscription to overwrite.ai

“Nobody prints, then signs, scans and sends paper contracts anymore. It’s all done electronically. So why would you still write your listing descriptions manually, when you’ve got overwrite.ai to instantly do it for you, saving you time and effort?”

Ayman Alashkar – overwrite.ai

overwrite.ai is transforming how the estate agents create property write-ups

Across the industry, real estate agencies are becoming more professionally managed, organising around the core principles of efficiency and productivity.

Since its inception in 2020, overwrite.ai has sought to deliver efficiency to estate agents. It’s our centre of gravity. That’s why we’re so excited to also announce the beta-release of our CRM integration API.

Ayman Alashkar – overwrite.ai

Estate agencies can now integrate overwrite.ai with their CRM to deliver the power of AI assisted writing right where it matters most.

*Houza customers: Contact your Houza account manager to claim your overwrite.ai promo code.
Applies to monthly plans only. Limited time offer. No minimum contract period required. Code valid for single use only.

For informative and light-hearted news and views on the world of real estate, follow overwrite.ai on Instagram and LinkedIn, and keep up-to-date with our weekly NewsBites blog.

overwrite.ai | the AI writing assistant for estate agents | Sign up for your Free 7 Day Trial.

Remote Real Estate Agents: Tips to Stay Focused

by Charlotte C.

Life as a real estate agent can be many things. Exciting. Emotional. Extremely Demanding. And with the rise of remote working, it can also give agents incredible flexibility.

Having the luxury of choosing your working hours comes with significant benefits. But working from home requires self-discipline and time-management. Especially for those with a family.

We’ve shortlisted some handy tips to stay focused and productive, while working from home.

1. Set regular office hours

It’s not uncommon for agents to work around the clock. Especially when they’re starting out and don’t want to miss a potential lead. But overworking to the point of self-neglect can quickly result in burnout, or ill-health.

Combat this by setting a regular work schedule. Stick to it as rigidly as possible. It’s the best way to set boundaries and protect your mental and physical health.

2. Create clear business goals

Set realistic and achievable goals for your real estate business. It’s an excellent way to stay motivated. You might set specific numbers for the following:

  • Open houses to attend each week.
  • New leads to find every day.
  • Listing appointments to complete each week.
  • Closings to achieve each quarter or year.
  • Follow-up emails you send to potential clients.
  • Marketing results you receive through various advertising channels.
  • Social media posts you make.
  • Time saving new tech products to trial.

3. Get dressed for work

Even if you aren’t leaving the house, dressing fresh sets your mental mood. Look sharp. Think sharp. It can help you mentally switch to “work mode” and motivate you to power through your to-do list. Plus, you’ll be ready to jump on a video call with a client or quickly meet a prospect as needed. 

4. Invest in the best tools

There are dozens of tools, apps, and software to help you stay organised and productive.

Trying out one or more of the following will not only boost your motivation but make boring tasks more fun and less time-consuming.

  • Asana is a project management tool for keeping track of tasks and goals.
  • Canva is a free resource for creating beautiful visuals for marketing and social media posts.
  • overwrite.ai is an AI writing assistant for estate agents which creates unique and engaging property descriptions, instantly.
  • RescueTime is for tracking work with reports on your online behavior, project work, and overall productivity.

5. Manage that Diary

Time management can help you avoid distractions and stay on task. Schedule blocks of time in your calendar and only work on a specific task during that period.

For example, try blocking off a couple of hours in the morning to work on new leads. Take an hour at midday for marketing tasks. Then spend the afternoon on viewings.

By setting times to achieve critical tasks, you’ll be more likely to stay focused, as know you have limited time to complete them.

6. Take a “mental commute”

Working from home can make it challenging to “clock out”. Take a few minutes at the end of the day to “commute” home.

Walk around your neighbourhood. Turn off work notifications. Change your clothes. Hit the gym. Make a home-cooked meal. Whatever it is, some after-work activity can help you turn off “work mode” and unwind.

7. Make time for marketing

Marketing yourself and your properties is essential in real estate. Your listing clients rely on you and your firm to market their home for sale or rent.

Creating a personal brand gives you a positive reputation in your community.

Schedule time each week for various marketing tasks, such as posting on social media, improving your listing descriptions, and sending email newsletters. Content should be unique, and engaging. Never copy and paste your marketing content unless you want to sound like every other agent out there.

Turn on “Out of Office”

Staying healthy and motivated when working from home comes down to priorities. You being at the top of the list.

Your viewings might be scheduled to the hour. Open houses might be in the diary. Your marketing can be on point. But if you don’t put enough effort in “out of the office”, your work life will eventually suffer.

Eat healthy meals. Move your body. Get enough sleep. It’s all about balance. You’ll be better positioned to take care of your real estate business when you take care of yourself.

For informative and light-hearted news and views on the world of real estate, follow overwrite.ai on Instagram and LinkedIn, and keep up-to-date with our weekly NewsBites blog.

overwrite.ai | the AI writing assistant for estate agents | Sign up for your Free 7 Day Trial.

Six Summer ‘Revenge Travel’ Destinations

by Charlotte C.

Summer 2022 – the ultimate season of revenge travel.

Travelling to make up for time lost, and opportunities missed, because of the pandemic. When everyone’s prepared to go a little further, or spend a touch more than normal, on a summer holiday.

That might mean going hard on a bucket-list roadtrip. Embarking on an adventurous, once-in-a-lifetime escape. Booking that indulgent island retreat. Even repeating a trip that had to be shelved.

At its heart, it reflects a newfound desire to travel like never before. 

So to help with your travel search, here are ‘Six Summer Destinations for 2022‘ shortlisted for you:

#1 Santorini, Greece

The island of Santorini is one of the most idyllic, insta-worthy destinations in the world. Quintessential Cycladic white homes with blue domes overlooking the sea, and endless denizen-run restaurants that meld tradition, gastronomy, and passion. Santorini is the crown jewel of the Cyclades. And there’s Grecian magic to be found in every corner.

#2 Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh. Morocco. Multi-faceted and enchanting. From the merchants selling crafts in the Medina, to it’s high-end hospitality scene. Marrakesh is guaranteed to mesmerise.

#3 St. Moritz, Switzerland

Ski season or not, St. Moritz is a Swiss jewel. It has a charming city center, overflowing with shops and galleries, hiking trails and a picture-perfect lake. To say summer here is dreamy is an understatement.

#4 Pyramids of Giza, Egypt 

From the Pyramids of Giza to the Valley of Kings, your travel itinerary will be spilling over with a long list of enigmatic Egyptian tourist spots. And if you’ve always wanted to explore the ancient wonders of Egypt, this is the year. Not only will 2022 mark 100 years of independence from the United Kingdom, historians will also celebrate 100 years since the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun.

#5 Cannes, France

Celebs flock here each year, posing on the red carpet in their sparkling gowns and expertly tailored suits for the Cannes Film Festival. But summer in this French hotspot is much more than that. From the designer stores lining its beachfront to the harbour side European-style cafes overlooking the multimillion dollar yachts, Cannes’ glitz and glamour are well worth witnessing.

#6 Valle De Guadalupe, Mexico 

Valle De Guadalupe is Mexico’s wine country and perhaps its most burgeoning secret. In many opinions, way cooler than Napa (and more wallet-friendly). The area spills over with design-forward boutique hotels and upscale restaurants helmed by some of Mexico’s best chefs and a wealth of wineries.

Rediscovering Your Why

2022 is a chance for us to reconnect to the best holiday destinations in a deeper, more authentic way. Wherever the destination.

We’ll be reminded often of why we travel; those sparks of curiosity and adventure. We’ll appreciate every moment that comes with it. And we’ll be grateful for all the hard work that made it possible to get us there.

And for the estate agents reading this, there are some great efficiency tools to help you work remotely. Intelligently automated writing assistants like overwrite.ai mean you don’t have to be stuck behind a desk, to post incredible listings that’ll get you leads. You can get out there and see the world.

For informative and light-hearted news and views on the world of real estate, follow overwrite.ai on Instagram and LinkedIn, and keep up-to-date with our weekly NewsBites blog.

overwrite.ai | the AI writing assistant for estate agents | Sign up for your Free 7 Day Trial.

Car essentials every agent should carry 

by Charlotte C.

As a real estate professional, you’ve got to be prepared for everything.

Dashing between viewings. Meetings with sellers all over town. You’re always on the go, spending hours behind the wheel. 

You need a car kit that’s going to get you through anything the job can throw at you.

THE ESSENTIAL “MUST-HAVES”

The basics go without saying. Wallet. Phone. Business cards. Keys – but there’s so much more that the real estate road warrior needs. Here’s our list of 12 things we recommend you keep on hand at all times.

1. WATER 💧💧

Even in hotter climates, water is often something we take for granted. But when you’re out and about all day; you’re gonna get parched. So have plenty of water. And bring some for your thirsty clients, too. 

2. WET WIPES 🧻

From sandy footprints to greasy fingers and toilet breaks, wet wipes can deal with just about anything. 

3. SNACKS 🥯🍏

Three square meals a day? Not a chance, in this profession. So be sure to keep a stash of nutritious, non-perishable snacks on the go, for those back-to-back meeting days where there’s no choice but to refuel on the fly. 

4. SPARE SHOES 👞👠

No one wants to ruin their good shoes on a dirty building site, or lose a sale looking like you’ve just stepped out of a sandpit or puddle. Slip on your backup, not-so-posh pair, while keeping your fancy ones for the Show Home.

5. PHONE CHARGER 📶🤳

Waiting for clients can be boring. Killing time on your phone is a sure fire battery drainer. Keep an extra charger on hand at all times. Bonus points if you keep an external battery, too.

6. HAND SANITIZER 😷🤝

Goes without saying, even in our Post-COVID world. Agents are touching everything. From shaking hands to turning doorknobs. There’s no end to the number of touch points on the job. Have a sanitiser on you. Offer it to clients. It won’t go unnoticed, and it keeps you safe. And while you’re at it, throw in some face masks for added protection.

7. SMALL GROCERY BAGS 🛒

These are great for everything – from dealing with rubbish to tidying up an unexpected mess just before a client turns up for a viewing. 

8. ZIP TIES 🪢

These bad boys can solve a multitude of problems. Who knew zip ties could be put to so many uses? Securing swinging gates, carrying multiple keys, or fixing your most recent “Sold” sign. They’re basically the real estate version of duct tape, so bring ‘em with you.

GO THAT “EXTRA MILE”

Small, thoughtful touches are the kind of thing that clients remember, after you’ve left. So when it comes to the little extra touches that set your service apart from the other agents, the devil is in the detail.

9. MINTS  🟢

When that quick snack you grabbed before a viewing happens to have been loaded with garlic. This is guaranteed to have even the keenest buyer look the other way. Keep your breath minty fresh and save yourself the embarrassment.

10. BAND AIDS 🩹💊

Whether it’s a blister from the new designer shoes or a nasty little splinter, the last thing you need is a detour to the local pharmacy to slow you down. Pack a few Band Aids and be prepared for any first aid emergencies. Headache pills are also a game changer!

11. BUG REPELLENT 🦟 🦗

Mosquitoes. Flies. Giant Grasshoppers. Whatever bugs are distracting you from your sales pitch, they need to be repelled, ASAP. Running away from a wasp isn’t the lasting impression you’re looking for.

12. FLASHLIGHT 🔦

Late night viewings aren’t ideal. Disconnected power sucks. Keep a torch in your car trunk for those occasions when the light switches don’t work. You never know which competitor agent is lurking out there in the dark…

Keep this kit in your motor and you’ll be prepared for just about anything!

For informative and light-hearted news and views on the world of real estate, follow overwrite.ai on Instagram and LinkedIn, and keep up-to-date with our weekly NewsBites blog.

overwrite.ai | the AI writing assistant for estate agents | Sign up for your Free 7 Day Trial.

25 Workplace clichés to make you cringe

by Charlotte C.

If I had a dollar for every smug muppet who dropped a cringe-worthy cliché on me over the years, I’d be a millionaire.

They’re cheesy.

Overused.

And completely unoriginal.

Here’s a list of overused office clichés’ that have no business being used in business.

They belong in the bin.

1. To be honest

Wait, you weren’t being honest until now?

2. With all due respect

Anytime a person starts a sentence with this, they’re about to disrespect you.

3. Pick your brain

Translation: I want to know what you know, and am too lazy to look it up myself.

4. Let’s get disruptive

You’re trying to be edgy and trendy; we get it.

5. Let’s see if we have the bandwidth

This typically means the person doesn’t have the time, money, or skills to do what you’re asking, but doesn’t want to admit it. It’s a stall tactic.

6. The fact of the matter is

This basically says, “What you’ve presented until now was not fact and I’m about to correct you.”

7. Let’s ideate together

Anybody can think. But it takes a true idiot to ideate.

8. Touch base

For everyone who’s not American, this is a baseball term. Good luck figuring out who or what ‘base’ is supposed to be?

9. Push the envelope

The last time I pushed the envelope, it ended up in the mailbox.

10. In the pipeline

The point of the pipeline is that when something goes into it, it’ll come out somewhere else entirely.

11. Loop back/circle back

So, we’re going to talk about this later, then…

12. Paradigm shift

Big words don’t impress me. Just say “change.”

13. Let’s take this offline

We can take it offline, but the conversation is going to be pretty much the same.

14. To be fair

It’s not fair if you’re not fair.

15. Let’s take a deep dive

This was the “cool” thing to say five years ago. Now it’s been drowned out (pardon the pun).

16. It is what it is

Yes, that’s true. It definitely “is what it is.” But the question is, what is it?

17. Low-hanging fruit

Someone who is talking about low-hanging fruit may not have much experience “reaching for the stars” (pun intended).

18. Move the needle

Everybody wants to “move the needle,” but without actionable advice this is a waste.

19. Think outside the box

Chances are high that the person who’s telling you think outside the box, is somehow firmly entrenched in a box of their own.

20. Get granular

You mean specific? Why don’t you just say “specific”?

21. This really has legs

It may have legs, but can it run?

22. Raise the bar

Raising our standard is great. But how’re we gonna keep it there?

23. Run it up the flagpole

We take it to our boss, who takes it to their boss, who in turn takes it to their boss. Once it reaches Ultimate Boss, what happens then?

24. Ducks in a row

If you’re vegetarian, substitute for eggs. Or don’t use at all.

25. My door is open

Your door is open, except when its closed.

A bit of Blue Sky Thinking

Let’s avoid smug phrases and stick to common sense uses of language. Otherwise we’ll all end up being nothing more than a bunch of smug muppets.

For informative and light-hearted news and views on the world of real estate, follow overwrite.ai on Instagram and LinkedIn, and keep up-to-date with our weekly NewsBites blog.

overwrite.ai | the AI writing assistant for estate agents | Sign up for your Free 7 Day Trial.

The Worst Cold Call Opening Line Ever

by Charlotte C.

My phone rings.

Me: “Hello?”

Cold Caller: Long pause from automated dialler… “Hello. Is this Eva Colbert?”

Me: “Yes it is.”

Cold Caller: “Hello Ms. Colbert. How are you today?”

SERIOUSLY?!

Ice Ice Baby 🎶

We’ve all been cold called.

But the worst cold calls are when the caller asks you ‘how you’re doing?’, without even introducing themselves first.

It feels like nails on a frozen chalkboard. Very uncomfortable.

Why is a complete stranger calling to ask how I’m doing?

The best response, is “I’m busy”. This icy reply usually catches them off-guard. 🥶

Follow it up with a quick “Thanks. Bye.” and you can usually be rid of the inconvenient caller in seconds. Without even giving them a chance to dive into their pitch.

ProTip: Don’t say this!

But if you’re that cold caller, the last thing you want is to be bounced into the cold.

Increase your chance of success, by never, ever, ever ever ever starting off your call with “How are you today?”

Make it personal. Do your research.

It can be a hard habit to break, but you’ll get much better results if you introduce yourself first, then just get straight to the point with something more like, “Hi. This so-and-so from XYZ Company. I’m calling because….”

Capture your prospect’s attention any way you like.

Just make sure not to dive straight into the unsanctioned “How are you today?” intro.

It’s doomed to fail.

For informative and light-hearted news and views on the world of real estate, follow overwrite.ai on Instagram and LinkedIn, and keep up-to-date with our weekly NewsBites blog.

overwrite.ai | the AI writing assistant for estate agents | Sign up for your Free 7 Day Trial.