In this video Linda Pliagas, founder of Realty411, shares her story at the Santa Barbara Real Estate Investors Association (REIA). Be sure to view this video and many other wonderful resources on RealEstateU.tv
News
News Flash: Apartment List Acquires RentAdvisor
Apartment List recently acquired RentAdvisor, the fastest growing rating and reviews platform in the rental industry. Trust and transparency are key ingredients to any well-functioning marketplace.
This review content will equip our users with the confidence to make smarter renting decisions. Meanwhile, this is a tool for property managers to solicit valuable feedback from their residents and respond to their concerns.
User generated content can be a powerful supplement to the photos, rental rates, floor plans and other general information available on most property search apps. Renters crave the perspectives of their fellow renters, and will strongly consider their peers’ opinions when deciding where to rent.
Atlanta-based RentAdvisor is one of several players addressing ratings and reviews within the rental industry; the largest and most established of which tend to suffer from an adverse selection bias. That is, its reviews are predominantly negative, written by renters unhappy enough to seek out forums to vent their frustration. These perspectives are valuable and frequently prevent renters from making poor rental decisions; however, sites like this== often fall short of capturing the full picture.
In an effort to provide a more balanced (and representative) perspective to its users, RentAdvisor works with property managers to contact every resident in a given property by email and text. Through this strategy, RentAdvisor converts an impressive 10% of residents into reviews. Since advice is solicited from everyone, feedback ranges from happy to angry to indifferent. Community managers are encouraged to respond to all feedback, providing an authentic and transparent forum to engage with their residents.
Apartment List co-founders John Kobs and Chris Herndon identified RentAdvisor as a platform with limitless upside potential. If we can solicit a robust and balanced set of reviews for 1,000 large apartment communities, then why not repeat this formula for all 50,000 professionally managed properties? And for that matter, why stop at large buildings? RentAdvisor’s platform is flexible and scalable enough to apply to all types of rentals, from apartment buildings to townhomes and single-family houses. Additionally, it solves the adverse selection issue that plagues many ratings and review sites by offering every renter an opportunity to share her perspective.
Apartment List is the web’s fastest-growing rental marketplace with 600,000 unique listings and 1.5 million monthly users. The team is in the process of layering RentAdvisor review content onto Apartment List’s property database, which will provide AL users with unique content they could not find elsewhere. Along with great content and a scalable platform, this acquisition comes with a superstar team, led by industry veterans Jamie Gallo, Robert Turnbull and Jonathan Ford who formerly grew ApartmentGuide.com into a leading multifamily internet listing site (ILS). By merging the products, ideas, skills and resources of both teams, Apartment List aims to become the definitive rental marketplace.
XiLi Mobile Provides Real Estate Leads to Agents and Instant Home Listings to Homebuyers Via Text Message
New Mobile Marketing Solution Connects Agents and Homebuyers in Real-Time; Sells More Dream Homes
WILMINGTON, N.C.—October 23, 2013 Newly released real estate agent marketing service, XiLi Mobile is changing the way people buy homes and realtors get leads – all with one text message. XiLi automatically connects homebuyers and listing agents through text messaging, making home shopping easier for buyers and lead capture more successful for agents.
Homebuyers simply text “XiLi” to 86789 on any browser-enabled smartphone to instantly receive a custom mobile link with listing information based on GPS location. When the buyer clicks on a property, his or her mobile number is simultaneously sent to the listing agent, who can then text the buyer and offer additional information or a property showing.
“The ability for agents to connect and communicate with buyers in real-time through text messaging makes the difference between being able to show a home immediately and missing a sale,” said Don Brailsford, CEO, TextThisHouse, developer of XiLi. “Today’s buyers are relying on mobile search more and more, and XiLi gives them instant access to available listings while connecting agents with interested buyers.”
Collaborative research conducted by Google and National Association of Realtors found that 89 percent of new home shoppers utilize mobile search throughout their house hunt. XiLi meets modern buyers’ demands for mobile solutions, while giving real estate agencies the tools to more effectively communicate with buyers.
Additionally, XiLi’s technology better allows agents to generate and track real estate leads. XiLi Mobile captures interested buyer information allowing agents to respond and create immediate dialogue – something that cannot be done with QR codes, flyers or websites.
“As a broker, having an easy and affordable way to connect homebuyers with our listing agents allows us to better serve our customers and do what we love most – selling dream homes,” said Tim Milam, president, Coldwell Banker® Sea Coast Advantage, the fourth largest Coldwell Banker in the country in terms of commissioned sales.
For $9.99 per listing agent per month, XiLi enhances agents’ current mobile technology investments, creating a valuable new approach to attract hot, qualified real estate leads. XiLi’s database uses MLS listings to deliver free, up-to-date information to homebuyers throughout the United States. To use this real estate agent marketing service, buyers simply text “XiLi” to 86789. Agents can subscribe through the XiLi Mobile website. It takes about ten minutes to sign up for the service and requires no further data entry or maintenance by agents.
About XiLi Mobile
Developed by TextThisHouse, LLC, XiLi Mobile is a mobile marketing solution designed to quickly connect homebuyers to agents in real-time. XiLi’s database uses MLS listings from across the nation to provide information about available homes to interested buyers via text message, while simultaneously capturing these leads and automatically forwarding them to the listing agent for contact.
For more information, visit www.myxilimobile.com.
Free Report! Top 10 Ways to Reduce Your Rental Property Insurance Costs!
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How to Create Promotional Pieces that Attract Your Ideal Clients
by Dawn Josephson
Whether you’re creating a sales letter, a brochure, a newsletter, or any other business promotional piece, you need to write in a way that not only explains your product or service, but that also compels your prospects to contact you.
Unfortunately, many promotional pieces miss the mark. Outrageous claims, weak calls to action, and boring text are the common mistakes that plague most people’s writing. Such errors accomplish only one thing: They destine your promotional piece for the infamous “round file.” They also show prospects that you’re lazy, uncreative, and possibly incapable of delivering quality work.
In order to entice prospects to contact you based on your promotional mailings, you need to keep your writing both lively and factual. The following guidelines will help you write promotional pieces that even your toughest prospects can’t resist.
1. Write a headline that gets to the point.
You have less than five seconds to impress your prospects to read on. And the first thing any prospect reads is the piece’s headline. So craft a compelling headline that immediately conveys why this information is important to your prospects. The four main headline formulas that work are:
- How To – The formula is “How to” + verb + product/service/noun + benefit.
Example: How to Create a Store Promotion that Increases Revenue
- New – The formula is “New” + product/service + benefit.
Example: New Tax Law Saves You Money
- Power Verb – The formula is “Power Verb” + product/service + benefit.
Example: Prepare a Business Plan that Boosts Company Profits
- Free – The formula is “Free” + product/service + benefit.
Example: Free Booklet Reveals the Secret to Lowering Your Interest Rate
Since your headline determines if the prospect keeps reading, craft yours wisely.
2. Keep the hype to a minimum.
Many people think that in order to get people to read their promotional piece they must write something outrageous. To some degree, this is true. Saying something outrageous is a great way to generate interest, as people naturally love controversy. Plus, if you can stir things up, you’ll get lots of exposure. The thing to remember, however, is that you must be prepared to answer questions and/or prove everything you write. So if you want to write something just for sensationalism but can’t back it up, don’t. You must be able to support everything you print.
3. Go easy on the posturing.
While you may produce the best products or offer the most unique services in the world, that is for your prospects to decide. Every superlative you use in your promotional piece will reduce the prospect’s trust in what you say. So instead of telling prospects that your product is “the most extraordinary thing to ever hit the market” or that your service is “capable of revolutionizing the industry,” show your prospects how these claims are possible. Give the benefits of using the product or service as they pertain to your prospects’ lives so they can determine just how extraordinary or revolutionary the product or service really is.
4. Evoke images.
As you write, evoke more than one of the five senses. Paint a picture with your words so prospects see, hear, smell, taste, and feel what you’re describing. Contrary to popular belief, the best promotional writers think in pictures, not words. They see the image they want to convey to their prospects, and that’s what they write. So if you’re a candy manufacturer or a florist, for example, write so that your readers smell the candy or the flowers, not just see what they look like. If you’re in the restaurant business, help your readers taste the food. If you’re writing about business productivity, help your prospects hear the hustle of productivity and feel the rush of a sales call. Do more than just tell prospects what’s going on.
5. Always make a compelling call to action.
What do you want the person reading your sales letter, brochure, or other promotional piece to do? Buy your product? Call you for more information? Visit your web site? Whatever action you want your prospects to take, state it clearly. Too many promotional pieces ramble on about all the features and benefits of the product, but they never tell the prospects to actually do anything. For example, in a sales letter you could write: “Please call our office immediately for more information on how we can help.” A brochure could say: “Order the widget at our special introductory price today.” In a newsletter you could write: “Visit our web site for more information about our new product line.” Tell prospects precisely what you want them to do.
Make Your Promotional Pieces Work for You
When your promotional pieces present your information in the most compelling and factual manner, your prospects will find them and your company irresistible. So as you write future sales letters, brochures, or other promotional pieces, keep these guidelines in mind. When you do, you’ll create a promotional piece that delights prospects and makes them eager to do business with you.
About the Author:
Dawn Josephson is a ghostwriter, editor, and writing coach who helps business leaders and professional speakers create engaging and informative books, articles, and marketing pieces.
Visit www.masterwritingcoach.com for more information about how she can help you.
Edwin Kelly from Specialized IRA Services to Host the Lone Star Real Estate Investor's Expo in Houston
Our featured speakers include HGTV’s newest design & real estate duo, twin sisters Alana and Lex LeBlanc (a.k.a. Listed Sisters), who help families move up the property ladder!
ALANA BARNETT & LEX LeBLANC
Identical twins Alana and Lex are the ultimate combination when it comes to real estate and home design. With realtor Alana’s endless knowledge of the housing market and designer Lex’s fearless creative style, these sisters are helping their clients renovate their homes into hot properties so they can sell them for a premium and move into their dream location. Alana and Lex are the stars of the upcoming HGTV show, Listed Sisters.
Lex is the founder of LAVA Home Design and Alana is a partner. In addition to learning LIVE AND DIRECTLY from these two HGTV celebrity rehabbers, the Lone Star Real Estate Expo in H-Town also features fantastic features from throughout Texas and from around the nation!
Learn from them as well as Gene Guarino, Steve Rozenberg, Justin Ford, Patrick James, Todd Dotson, Daniel Chad Moore, John Jackson, Juan Carlos Cruz,Cliff Gager, and so many more outstanding companies and people from Texas and around the nation!
Don’t miss the opportunity to network and mingle with TOP INVESTORS from Texas and guests visiting from California, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida and more.
REALTY411, the longest-running real estate investor media and expo company owned by the same California owner/agent, is celebrating a brand new issue and a 10-year anniversary.
A new year and new administration is upon us and savvy investors want to forecast what’s in store for them in 2017, and the next four to eight years.
Our event in Houston, Texas is scheduled for September 9, 2017- Our last event united notable speakers, such as Dennis Henson, Dolf de Roos, Merrill Chandler, Phil and Shenoah Grove, and many others!
Our Houston Expo Host is Edwin Kelly, from Specialized IRA Services
Edwin Kelly is CEO of Specialized IRA Services and is considered America’s leading expert on Self-Directed IRA’s. He has more than 24 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry. He worked for such notable companies like UBS and BISYS. Edwin is a Founder and currently serves as CEO of Specialized IRA Services.
Producing this community and family-friendly FREE expo is REALTY411, (http://realty411expo.com) the longest-running media and marketing company in the real estate investor space. Since 2007, REALTY411 has been positively impacting the REI industry by sharing important real estate knowledge through their publications, national expos, podcasts, and webinars.
Additionally, this all day expo, which will be promoted in local media, as well as to national investors, will attract guests and company sponsors from around the country, including: Florida, Arizona, Texas, Arkansas, Nevada, Georgia and more. Expo guests will enjoy multiple breakout sessions so they can choose which topic they wish to learn about. The ballroom has been reserved for this fantastic networking expo and mixer, and complimentary coffee and pastries will be served to early-bird guests.
REALTY411 (http://realty411Magazine.com) is celebrating its brand new publication, as well as an anniversary of three years in producing their digital issue, REI WEALTH (http://reiwealthmag.com), a monthly interactive publication. As one of the most prolific publishers in the real estate investment industry, REALTY411 has dozens of events on schedule for 2017, as part of their national tour to celebrate a decade in business.
To reserve your complimentary ticket to this wonderful event to celebrate REALTY411, please call: 805.693.1497 – Sponsorship & speaking opportunities are available, let us exponentially grow your business!
HERE IS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS EVENT.
Don’t Miss Our Second Expo and Conference in Houston, Texas!
Our Lone Star Real Estate Investor’s Expo does it again, but this time we are bringing the STARS of HGTV with us. This is your chance to get up-close and personal with
This year, our featured speakers include HGTV’s newest design & real estate duo, twin sisters Alana and Lex LeBlanc (a.k.a. the Listed Sisters), who help families move up the property ladder.
Learn from them as well as Gene Guarino, Steve Rozenberg, Justin Ford, Todd Dotson, Daniel Chad Moore, John Jackson, Cliff Gager, and so many more outstanding companies and people from Texas and around the nation!
Don’t miss the opportunity to network and mingle with TOP INVESTORS from Texas and guests visiting from California, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida and more.
REALTY411, the longest-running real estate investor media and expo company owned by the same California owner/agent, is celebrating a brand new issue and a 10-year anniversary.
A new year and new administration is upon us and savvy investors want to forecast what’s in store for them in 2017, and the next four to eight years.
Our last event in Houston united notable speakers, such as Dennis Henson, Dolf de Roos, Merrill Chandler, Phil and Shenoah Grove, and many others!
LEARN FROM AMAZING EDUCATORS AND INVESTORS HERE!
GENE GUARINO – RESIDENTIAL ASSISTED LIVING ACADEMY™
Residential Assisted Living Academy™ is a America’s #1 source for senior care home investment and business education. Headed by leading national expert, Gene Guarino, RAL™ Academy has trained thousands of people throughout the United States how to… “do good and do well”.
Their mission is to empower investors and entrepreneurs by training them to do business with excellence and be well rewarded by doing so.
“We train our student associates to build a quality business that will provide for their family a professional income that can last a lifetime and beyond.” -Gene Guarino
☑Achieve a Level of Security That Affords You the Lifestyle You Desire
☑Create an Executive Level Cash Flow and Make a Positive Difference
☑Gain Access to the Next Significant Wave of Real Estate Investing Opportunity
…They Can Help YOU.
With 77,000,000 baby boomers, there is an unstoppable “silver tsunami” of opportunity in senior housing. How do I know that… because after 30+ years of investing, being in business and traveling the world training people how to financially succeed… all I’m focused on is residential assisted living care homes for seniors. Why…because the opportunity is tremendous and the cash flow is VERY, VERY generous.
►10,000 People a Day Are Turning 65
►4,000 a Day Are Turning 85
►70% Will Need Special Accommodations for an Average of 3 ½ Years
Many seniors will need to live somewhere other than in their own home or apartment. Today, they are currently paying me $3000-$6,000 a month for housing and related support services. This could be you!
According to Forbes, the average investor has gained only a 2.6% net annualized rate of return for the last 10 year period and hasn’t fared any better over longer time frames. The 20 year comes in at 2.5% and 30 years is just 1.9%. Those who ventured into the real estate market have seen up & down times. Some tried flipping properties for excellent profits, but chasing equity deals has become much more difficult.
PLUS, LEARN ABOUT PROPELIO with the CEO!
Daniel Moore’s Bio:
In 2008, at the age of 23, Daniel Moore bought his very first investment property. Since then, he has learned his lessons very carefully, so that, by the age of 28, he became a full time investor, and was inducted into Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Hall of Fame. He completed more than 60 properties last year alone – ranging from wholesales, rehabs, sub2s, wraps, short sales, mobile homes, and a million-dollar new construction. From this varied experience, Daniel has accumulated extensive first-hand, real world knowledge on the “how-to’s” of real estate investing.
Daniel teamed up in 2014 with Nate Worcester, in order to create a software service company that would meet the operational needs of serious real estate investors. They spent two years designing and testing a unique online platform. Today, “Propelio.com” is the result of their combined efforts – delivering access to real time comps, reducing waiting time to make offers on discounted properties, to improve lead flow of motivated sellers, to keep the phone ringing, and provide a deal management system to help investors stay organized.
Houston Property Management by Empire Industries “Frustration Free Property Management By Investors For Investors”
Empire Industries, a National Award Winning Company, is a full service professional property management company servicing the greater Houston area. Whether your property is located in Spring, Katy, Houston Heights, Kingwood or even Texas City, Empire Industries Property Management has got you covered.
Empire Industries provides marketing, tenant screening, leasing, make ready service, maintenance and accounting services. With Empire Industries Property Management as your partner, your business truly becomes “frustration free”!
Empire Industries Property Management is an award winning management company. Empire was a top five semi-finalist for a National Business Excellence Award for Marketing and Customer Service. We also hold the Certified Property Management (CPM) Designation from IREM, are members of the Houston Area of Realtors (HAR) and have served on the board of directors for the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM).
We are investors just like you! We not only manage properties, but we own a number of properties. We have been investing in Houston real estate since 2001. If you are an investor looking for properties we are a great resource, as we have contacts with different investor groups and wholesalers.
SAVE TAXES – LEARN FROM THE AUTHORITY, MR. PATRICK JAMES
I am proud to announce our main speaker for this month, Patrick James, who is speaking on the behalf of Scott Estile. Patrick was the speaker who a number of years ago lead me to my Tax Preparer Scott Estile. Scott wrote the book Tax This. I am very happy with Scott Estile and know that Patrick is a great speaker with a lot of very important Tax information through his own company that will be of great benefit for all of us.
Patrick James, president and CEO of United States Tax Releif, LLC. He has dedicated his entire career to helping people create and preserve wealth through knowledge. His marketing expertise was instrumental in launching a tax reduction program with Scott Estill, a former senior trial attorney for the IRS and Anderson Advisors. Together, they created a tax team to teach people how to take advantage of every possible tax deduction in order to minimize tax liabilities and maximize tax deductions. Patrick is a graduate of the University of Portland. In 1997, he became president of a national speaking firm, which specialized in financial education. Patrick has spoken at conferences with Donald Trump, Alan Greenspan, Magic Johnson, Colin Powell and many others. He been a guest on more than 100 radio and television talk shows and has been featured in Newsweek and It’sYour Money (a New York Times best-seller). He was also the recipient of the BusinessMan of the Year 2002.
Patrick James will cover some of the follow below.
* How to become 100% AUDIT PROOF!! 99 Ways to beat the IRS with a 3-Year Review Receive THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS back from the IRS that you accidentally donated over the past 3 years
* How to Track Your Expenses & Mileage Start giving your Tax Preparer the CORRECT information – This means more tax deductions and more $$ in your pocket!
* Learn how to Categorize your expenses the RIGHT way! Save 50% (or more) on your taxes EVERY year – FOREVER
* It’s your money, not the IRS – Only pay what you legally owe and not one penny more!
Hosting this community and family-friendly FREE expo is REALTY411, (http://realty411expo.com) the longest-running media and marketing company in the real estate investor space. Since 2007, REALTY411 has been positively impacting the REI industry by sharing important real estate knowledge through their publications, national expos, podcasts, and webinars.
Additionally, this all day expo, which will be promoted in local media, as well as to national investors, will attract guests and company sponsors from around the country, including: Florida, Arizona, Texas, Arkansas, Nevada, Georgia and more. Expo guests will enjoy multiple breakout sessions so they can choose which topic they wish to learn about. The ballroom has been reserved for this fantastic networking expo and mixer, and complimentary coffee and pastries will be served to early-bird guests.
REALTY411 (http://realty411Magazine.com) is celebrating its brand new publication, as well as an anniversary of three years in producing their digital issue, REI WEALTH (http://reiwealthmag.com), a monthly interactive publication. As one of the most prolific publishers in the real estate investment industry, REALTY411 has dozens of events on schedule for 2017, as part of their national tour to celebrate a decade in business.
Our Houston Expo Host is Edwin Kelly, from Specialized IRA Services
Edwin Kelly is CEO of Specialized IRA Services and is considered America’s leading expert on Self-Directed IRA’s. He has more than 24 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry. He worked for such notable companies like UBS and BISYS. Edwin is a Founder and currently serves as CEO of Specialized IRA Services.
During his career, Edwin has also helped set up a Self Directed IRA provider and grow it from 2 employees with approximately 300 accounts to 15 employees with approximately 3000 accounts.
Edwin has helped one Self Directed IRA Custodian to become the largest in the industry. In 7 years, he grew the company from 97 employees to 300 employees, increased the Assets Under Custody from $2 Billion to $12 billion, and participated in the successful acquisition of 3 competitors.
Edwin is an avid educator, adding value to clientele by developing significant knowledge assets at every company he has worked with. His passion for helping others learn about their Self Directed IRA options has made Edwin a popular and engaging speaker who is frequently invited to speak at seminars and workshops, in webinars, and as a radio guest. Edwin has made several special appearances on the Money Show, and his work and ideas have been featured in major national magazines and newspapers throughout the United States.
Topics he is frequently asked to speak about include:
** What the average person can do to take charge of their finances so they can stop worrying about money and can look forward to a comfortable retirement
** Little-known investment strategies that have helped people retire sooner than they expected
Completely legal secrets to growing wealth tax-free
** Edwin Kelly is a member of RITA (The Retirement Trust Association), attended The Ohio State University and holds an MBA from Franklin University. He is the co-author of the bestselling book Leverage Your IRA. He is currently writing his next book, The Retirement Dilemma and 7 Specialized Strategies You Can Implement to Solve It.
To reserve your complimentary ticket to this wonderful event to celebrate REALTY411, please call: 805.693.1497 – Sponsorship & speaking opportunities are available, let us exponentially grow your business!
