Real Estate

In my consulting practice, there is one phrase I always follow and remind our real estate team leaders and brokers of its importance over and over again: “If you don’t write it down, you can’t measure it. If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” What we measure (our key performance indicators or KPIs) is vitally important. In real estate, there are many KPIs we can measure. Real estate agencies and team leaders often start with these, each of which has its own subset of important measurement criteria: Agent Recruitment Agent retention Agent Productivity References from buyers and sellers Company income from operations In my business, Real Estate Webmasters Inc.My job can be summed up very simply: generating net profits for my clients. That's it! Yes, we make you look great and help you win design awards; our Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and PPC Services They are top-notch and our custom engineering capabilities are unmatched in the real estate industry. But all of those things are just necessary parts of the process. Introducing 'REW Deals': A Game Changer in Real Estate Have you ever wished there was a button you could press that would tell you how your real estate business is doing? All of your important conversion and ROI numbers? How much have you spent on each marketing source and which ones are generating positive returns? I've done it! I've dreamed about this for years! In fact, the number one problem I encounter when working with brokerages is not being able to access the numbers. It's not that they don't share them, it's much worse than that. It's that they don't have them. Imagine running a team or brokerage firm that generates billions of dollars in annual sales volume and not being able to answer these questions: How much have we spent on marketing this quarter? This year? How many leads have we generated? What lead sources have generated deals for us? Where do we get our best return on investment? It's simple, isn't it? We should know these things! Unfortunately, there are no clients who can tell me these numbers when I first start working with them, at least not without doing a lot of research and talking to multiple departments. And when they do present me with this data, it is usually not reliable or accurate. As we dig deeper into this challenge, there are many variations as to why we don’t have these metrics at our fingertips. But across all clients, what we have in common is that it takes a lot of work. Often, these metrics are owned by different departments (marketing, IT, closing coordinators) and there is no single tool that enables collaboration between these groups. There is certainly nothing that takes the critical next step of calculating and measuring KPIs and results. REW Deals aims to solve these problems. With our new budget attribution and source tracking system, combined with comprehensive transaction workflows and reporting, brokerages can now easily run reports on the health of their business. How was the last quarter/year? How are we right now? Is our pipeline healthy for the next quarter? Where are we winning? Where are we failing? As with any system, the result is only as good as the data that goes into it. To meet this challenge, we have created a transaction tracking system for agents that gives them the same reporting and forecasting for their business. The year 2024 is a brand new year. If brokerage firms and team leaders want to get ahead and gain market share, they need to start incorporating data into their businesses. Remember: “If you don’t write it down, you can’t measure it. If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” Let's improve our business together!

As a real estate investor, you know all too well that you will need access to important data to make the best possible investment decisions. Investing in real estate is not an easy task and without the help of big data for your part, you are not giving yourself the greatest chance of success. You are probably hoping to gain access to the MLS database, and you may be wondering what your options are for getting Access to MLS. Fortunately, you have many options when it comes to getting the information you need to find the best investment properties for sale. In this article, we will cover what the MLS database has to offer, different ways to gain access to the MLS database, and other tools for your Search for investment properties. What is the MLS database? The MLS, or Multiple Listing Services, is a collection of real estate listings posted by real estate brokers. It was created to help real estate agents find the information they need about a property in order to efficiently complete a sale. Brokers will also earn a commission on a property that is sold using their listing. The MLS database  contains useful data and information about properties for sale in the US real estate market. Without them, the work of real estate agents and investors would be quite difficult. Who has access to MLS? Before you get excited and feel like you’ve found the golden ticket to… successful real estate investment. You should know that the MLS is not publicly accessible. It is an exclusive database reserved for members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This may include: Real estate agents Runners Real estate investors who have obtained their real estate license How to access the MLS database There are several ways to access MLS. However, they are not always cost effective. As a real estate investor, you will have to decide which option is the most convenient for you. How to Access the MLS Database: 7 Ways Get your real estate license Become a real estate broker or agent Become a member of the NAR Hire a real estate agent Get sponsored Use an API to access MLS data Get MLS listing analytics through a real estate company (like Mashvisor) You’ve probably heard of investors who get their money back… real estate licenses.  While this works for some, it has its drawbacks, including a high price tag and a huge time investment. Some people are willing to attend classes and take an exam, but not everyone is willing to go this route. The good news is that it is not necessary. The most common solution to access MLS listings without a license is to hire a real estate agent. If you are new to Real estate investment, this could be a great opportunity to work with someone who is knowledgeable. You can learn the basics while enjoying their guidance and you will have access to MLS listings through them. The only downside to hiring a real estate agent is coordinating your time with another person and placing your trust in them. There can also be a lack of control, as the real estate agent has access to the MLS database but you don’t. You’ll be relying on them to provide you with that information. For experienced real estate investors, this can be overly complicated. How to Access the MLS Without a Real Estate License or Real Estate Agent If you are wondering how to gain access to the MLS database without a real estate agent or license, know that there are still options to gain access to the MLS. It is possible to obtain sponsorship and receive access to the MLS database this way, although it takes time and there is really no guarantee of success. For many real estate investors, the simplest solution to analyzing properties in the MLS database is to use the resources available through real estate data analytics companies. While there are many companies that provide this information, in my opinion, Mashvisor is by far the best. The reason is simple. Mashvisor’s Real Estate Listings API aggregates data from dozens of public sources and complements it with proprietary AI-powered investment analytics. This means that investors gain access to industry-leading data without having to query multiple sources. Mashvisor: The Ultimate Resource for Real Estate Investors Mashvisor is an awesome tool for real estate investors both for the real estate database it offers, as well as for its powerful real estate investment software. It is an all-in-one platform for investors who are serious about achieving ideal results, and create a successful investment strategy. Here is an overview of some of the tools Mashvisor offers. Property search for rentals From Mashvisor Property search for rentals Combine MLS listings with listings from other resources to create the ultimate database of investment properties for sale. The rental property finder can help you choose the best profitable property based on your search criteria. It uses predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms to provide its results, which are based on huge amounts of data and patterns among users. In short, it can offer you the perfect matches you are looking for. Mashvisor Rental Property Finder Real-estate market Mashvisor real-estate market is an additional resource for real estate investors interested in Off-market properties anywhere in the US housing market. Typically, finding off-market properties can be a pain and investors often don’t know how to search for them. The real estate market uses the same data and predictive analytics to find the best options for your investment needs. With this tool, you’ll be able to easily and efficiently find investment properties that other investors may be overlooking. Mashvisor Property Marketplace Between the rental property search engine and the real estate market, you will not need traditional access to the MLS database. Thanks to Mashvisor, it’s never been easier to find and analyze MLS homes without a real estate agent or license. Mashvisor makes searching and analyzing MLS homes a breeze, and we

Choosing a city with the highest return on real estate investment can be a challenge in today's fluctuating real estate market. What are the current hot spots? table of Contents What is ROI in real estate? Top 10 locations with the highest return on investment Mashvisor Investment Tools summarizing The popularity of specific locations in the U.S. market is bound to change, and real estate investors should be aware of these fluctuations and monitor them. Return on investment is a financial metric often used in investment planning. It basically indicates whether the investor will make a profit with their strategy. Naturally, real estate investors look for locations with the highest returns on investment. Real estate ROI. But how do you know where to invest? It all comes down to following the performance statistics of potentially profitable cities in the US. Sometimes this is easier said than done, but we'll get to that too. If you're serious about investing in real estate, we've identified the top 10 US locations you should consider this year, along with all the key metrics you need to keep in mind. With this in mind, you may want to scroll down to see the latest updates on the US housing market. What is ROI in real estate? Return on investment (ROI) is a type of financial metric (a formula) that helps investors with strategic planning. In simple terms, it helps real estate investors plan and predict the “financial outcome” of their investment. As noted, by focusing on real estate ROI, the investor can see their potential profit margin if they choose to invest in real estate by purchasing properties and renting them out or reselling homes, depending on their preferred strategy. With this in mind, ROI is a crucial value metric for the investor, regardless of their prior experience in real estate. Return on investment is calculated in percentages and is closely related to return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE). However, today we will focus primarily on helping investors maximize their return on investment, so we will leave the discussion of ROA and ROE for another time. The formula for calculating ROI Taking into account our previous points, the next step will be to use the real estate ROI formula in practice and see how it is calculated: To calculate your return on investment, you basically need to divide the amount of money you made on the investment (commonly known as net profit) by the cost of the investment and then multiply it by 100. Here is the formula described: ROI = (Net profit / Cost of investment) x 100 It is worth noting that there is another way to calculate ROI: ROI = (Current Value – Investment Cost / Investment Cost) x 100 Now that you know the basics of the formula, how do you use it? Investors use the real estate ROI (return on investment) calculator to evaluate their portfolios, or they can also apply it to accurately evaluate different types of expenses. What is also essential for investors to know is that the ROI result is only as accurate as the numbers that are put into the calculation. The ROI formula alone cannot eliminate or account for risk and uncertainty. Therefore, if you use real estate ROI to evaluate your future investments, you will need to take the risk factor into account separately. There is no need to be too pessimistic or too optimistic at this point. Is there an average ROI in real estate? Given the changing climate of the real estate market, especially a large-scale one like the United States, there is no general average for return on investment. Rather, it is more about the nature of the property being invested in, whether it is rental properties, luxury homes, or otherwise. Reflections prior to calculation Before you continue with the real estate ROI calculator, be sure to take a minute to think about it and ask yourself the following questions: How much risk can I take at this point? Is my financial situation strong enough? What will I do if I lose money? How much profit do I expect to make from this investment? What else can I do with the money? Which places in the US offer the highest return on real estate investment?? It’s time to get straight to the point and list the top ten most profitable locations for traditional and Airbnb real estate investments. Here is an updated list of attractive spots for investors based on the latest data from Mashvisor. Top 5 Cities for Traditional Rentals The following are the top 5 cities for real estate investment, arranged in descending order in terms of traditional cash return: 1. Vero Beach, Florida Average property price:$779,075 Average price per square foot:$353 Days on the market:106 Number of traditional listings:844 Monthly income from traditional rental:$2,919 Traditional cash return: 4.09% Traditional capitalization rate: 4.15% Price/rent ratio:22 Walking Score:78 2. Joplin, Missouri Average property price:$558,591 Average price per square foot:$174 Days on the market:152 Number of traditional listings:259 Monthly income from traditional rental:$1,960 Traditional cash return: 4.04% Traditional capitalization rate: 4.12% Price/rent ratio:24 Walking Score:77 3. Stuart, Florida Average property price:$985,236 Average price per square foot:$407 Days on the market:106 Number of traditional listings:520 Monthly income from traditional rental:$3,125 Traditional cash return:3.81% Traditional capitalization rate:3.87% Price/rent ratio:26 Walking Score:52 4. Tampa, Florida Average property price:$763,925 Average price per square foot:$446 Days on the market:94 Number of traditional listings:3.065 Monthly income from traditional rental:$3,079 Traditional cash return:3.68% Traditional capitalization rate:3.73% Price/rent ratio: twenty-one Walking Score:46 5. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Average property price:$662,755 Average price per square foot:$338 Days on the market:69 Number of traditional listings: 279 Monthly income from traditional rental:$2,469 Traditional cash return:3.62% Traditional capitalization rate:3.68% Price/rent ratio:22 Walking Score:84 Top 5 cities to rent on Airbnb Below are the top 5 cities to invest in Airbnb rentals, ranked from highest to lowest Airbnb cash returns: 1. Bailey, Colorado Average property price:$738,226 Average price per square foot:$453 Days

Amidst our busy lives, it’s easy to underestimate the impact our living spaces have on our health and wellbeing. However, on World Health Day, it’s an opportune time to contemplate the importance of fostering environments that encourage physical and mental wellbeing. As seasoned real estate professionals, we recognise the importance of cultivating a healthy home environment and its potential to positively impact every facet of our lives. At 828 Real Estate, we advocate for homes to transcend being mere havens and become sanctuaries that support and elevate our health. Below are some key ways we can prioritize wellness in our living spaces: Lots of natural light: Natural light influences our mood, productivity, and overall health. Not only do sunny homes convey a sense of spaciousness and warmth, they also help regulate our circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep patterns and higher energy levels. When looking for a new residence or designing your living space, look for properties with ample windows and open layouts to maximize exposure to natural light. Green areas: Infusing our homes with greenery Not only is it visually appealing, but it also brings countless health benefits. Indoor plants act as natural air purifiers, removing toxins and pollutants from the atmosphere to improve indoor air quality. Plus, being surrounded by nature has been shown to relieve stress, improve mood, and boost cognitive function. Whether it’s a verdant garden, a balcony adorned with potted plants, or a small herb garden adorning the kitchen windowsill, integrating green spaces into our homes can have a profound impact on our well-being. Healthy materials: The materials in our homes have a significant influence on our health. Whenever possible, opt for nontoxic and eco-friendly materials, such as VOC-free paint, sustainable flooring options like bamboo or cork, and natural textiles like organic cotton or wool. These materials not only mitigate exposure to harmful chemicals, but also foster a healthier indoor environment for you and your family. LEED Certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world's most widely used green building rating system. It provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient and cost-effective green buildings that deliver environmental, social and governance benefits. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and is supported by an entire industry of committed organizations and individuals paving the way for market transformation. A LEED-certified local group is Capehart Construction. Comfort and ergonomics: An ergonomically designed and comfortable home is essential to promoting overall well-being. Invest in premium furniture that supports and encourages proper posture, and organize your space to facilitate movement and circulation. Consider integrating relaxation zones with plush seating and soft lighting to encourage relaxation and relieve stress. Conscious design: Conscious design principles emphasize harmony, balance, and intentionality in our living spaces. Set aside areas dedicated to rest, rejuvenation, and socializing, and declutter regularly to preserve a sense of tranquility and organization. Incorporate elements that spark joy and ignite creativity, whether it’s captivating artwork, cherished keepsakes, or soothing color palettes. This World Health Day, let’s commit to prioritizing wellbeing in our homes. By incorporating these principles into our living spaces, we can create environments that nourish both body and soul, fostering a happier, healthier lifestyle for ourselves and our loved ones. Together, let’s celebrate the transformative power of healthy homes to enrich our wellbeing and quality of life.

The short-term rental market is booming, thanks to platforms like Airbnb, VRBO and Booking.com. For hosts and real estate investors, staying competitive means leveraging the right tools to Dynamic pricing and market analysis. Two options to consider are AirDNA vs. PriceLabs. Each offers specific benefits but pursues the same ultimate goal: Optimizing rental income: This post details everything you need to know about AirDNA and PriceLabs to help you decide which tool is best suited for your property management strategy. Quick summary of AirDNA vs PriceLabs AirDNA is a sophisticated analytics platform designed specifically for the short-term rental market. It provides comprehensive market research and competitive analysis, and offers insights into pricing strategies, occupancy rates, and revenue potential for specific locations. AirDNA’s features are geared toward hosts who want to maximize the performance of their listings by understanding market trends and fluctuations in demand. Price laboratories It focuses on automating dynamic pricing. Using data analytics and machine learning, it adjusts rental prices in real-time based on market demand, local event calendars (like the Super Bowl), seasonality, and other influencing factors. It’s an ideal tool for hosts and investors looking to effortlessly optimize their pricing strategy and ensure their properties are competitively priced to maximize occupancy and revenue. Comparison of data, features and benefits of vacation rentals Choosing between AirDNA and PriceLabs can be overwhelming. Both platforms offer advanced features designed to help hosts and new investors make strategic decisions to maximize revenue in their search for investment properties. However, it’s important to understand the differences between each service and how they can align with your goals and objectives. In this section, we’ll compare the features and benefits of AirDNA and PriceLabs, giving you a clearer picture of each platform’s offerings. AirDNA vs. PriceLabs Feature Comparison When evaluating the potential of AirDNA and PriceLabs, it is essential to take a deep look at the specific features that each platform offers. Doing so allows property managers and hosts to distinguish between unique benefits that might tip the balance in favor of one over the other. Airborne DNA Market data analysis: Provides comprehensive data to identify trends. Helps users understand the competitive landscape of the short-term rental industry and seasonal fluctuations. Competitive Perspectives: Provides detailed competitor analysis including pricing and occupancy rates to make better decisions. Revenue Projections:Provides users with future rental income predictions based on current market data, helping in long-term planning. Seasonal trend analysis: Highlights important seasonal market trends, allowing users to adjust their strategies accordingly. Price laboratories Dynamic pricing: Uses machine learning algorithms to automatically adjust Airbnb rental prices based on market demand to give hosts the best chance of earning maximum rental income. Integration capabilities: Easily integrates with multiple property management systems. Personalized pricing recommendations: Offers personalized pricing advice based on the specific market and property characteristics. Management tools: Provides features to set minimum stay requirements and track market performance, offering a comprehensive revenue management tool. In comparison, AirDNA focuses more on providing deep market insights and analysis, which can help in strategic decision making. PriceLabs puts greater emphasis on pricing automation and operational integration, aiming for efficiency and revenue optimization. AirDNA vs PriceLabs User Experience and Integration for Property Managers Ease of use is an essential aspect of any software. Let’s explore the user experience and integration capabilities of AirDNA and PriceLabs: Airborne DNA User interface: AirDNA offers a user-friendly platform that prioritizes ease of navigation, allowing users to access data and information with minimal effort. Ease of integration: While AirDNA provides excellent market data, its integration capabilities with property management systems are not as extensive. Instead, AirDNA focuses more on analytics than direct management capabilities. Support and resources: AirDNA is known for its comprehensive customer support system, which includes detailed tutorials, webinars, and efficient customer service. These tools help users get the most out of the platform. Learning curve: There is a moderate learning curve associated with utilizing the full range of features offered by AirDNA, particularly for users who are just beginning to work with portfolio analysis. Price laboratories User interface: PriceLabs features an intuitive interface designed for streamlined pricing strategy management, with easy-to-use tools and dashboards. Ease of integration: It stands out for its robust integration capabilities. It links directly with numerous property management software solutions, thus facilitating a more automated and cohesive management experience. Support and resources:PriceLabs does not offer the same level of customer support as AirDNA. However, users can contact representatives via email for assistance. Learning curve:Thanks to its focus on dynamic pricing and operational efficiency, PriceLabs is found by users to be relatively easy to adopt. With fewer complexities to begin using the platform effectively, it is a bit easier to get up and running faster. In comparison, AirDNA excels at providing a robust user experience through its analytical insights and support resources, which are designed for users looking to dig deeper into market data. PriceLabs, on the other hand, emphasizes seamless integration with property management systems and ease of use. It’s geared toward those looking to keep their operations running smoothly and optimize revenue potential automatically. AirDNA vs. PriceLabs Price Comparison When considering which platform to use, budget is important. Both AirDNA and PriceLabs offer a variety of pricing plans, including monthly or annual subscriptions. Additionally, there are different tiers depending on the level of features and access to data provided. Airborne DNA: AirDNA pricing is offered in three tiers: “Free,” “Basic,” “Pro,” and “Advanced.” Prices range from $0 to $85 per month, as well as custom plans for large investment portfolios. Price laboratories: PriceLabs offers a more dynamic pricing structure, with prices based on the number of Airbnb listings and the location of the properties. Their prices range from $19 to $125 per month. While AirDNA offers a limited free subscription, PriceLabs offers a 30-day free trial. However, both platforms require payment to access their full range of features and data. Mashvisor: A comprehensive solution for property management Mashvisor stands out as a superior alternative to PriceLabs and AirDNA.