REINCheck

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VO [00:00:06] You're listening to REINCheck with Andrea Rice, Contracts and Industry Specialist, at REIN where you get the latest member news and information delivered straight from the source, REIN MLS.

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Andrea Rice [00:00:20] Hello and welcome to REINCheck. I'm your host, Andrea Rice, and today I have an exciting topic to discuss. We will be diving into harnessing the power of the MLS. So, let's get started. As a real estate agent, one of your top priorities is to ensure your listings get maximum exposure to potential buyers. And that's where the Multiple Listing Service comes into play. The MLS is a powerful tool that connects agents, brokers, and buyers together, providing a centralized platform to showcase properties. So, how can you make the most of this valuable resource? Well, let's explore some key strategies to harness the power of the MLS and maximize your listing's exposure. First and foremost, it is crucial to create an enticing and comprehensive listing. And when I say comprehensive, I mean go ahead and fill out all of the options on your listing input form. There are so many things that you can emphasize about your property. Don't just go with the required fields and check, check, check to get it into the MLS. Really make it as robust and comprehensive a listing as you can. Think of this as your digital storefront and you also want to include high-quality professional photos that highlight the property's best features. I can't tell you how many times I have seen someone's finger in the photo in the listing that goes into the MLS. You do not want to be that person, I assure you. And write a compelling description that captures the imagination of potential buyers. You can emphasize unique selling points and key amenities. And if you really aren't sure how to do that, you know, just get creative. Really get descriptive with those amenities, make it really sell. Remember, this information isn't just available to other agents. You're listing is sent to a lot of other sites including REIN's consumer-facing site REIN.com. All right, so now that we've covered your listing input and photos and descriptions, let's go ahead and move on to some of the other features and tools that you can take advantage of with the MLS. REIN offers options to enhance your listings, such as the ability to add your virtual tours and aerial drone videos. Take advantage of these multimedia elements to provide an immersive experience for potential buyers even before they set foot in the property. Another powerful way to maximize exposure is by optimizing your listing for search engines. Remember, we know that buyers today start their property search online. Ensure that your listing contains relevant keywords such as location, property type, desirable features, lot size, layout, whatever is desirable about that particular listing. This will increase the chances of your listing appearing in search results and attracting even more potential buyers. And don't forget to keep a close eye on the MLS's market insights and analytics. These data-driven tools and statistics provide valuable information on buyer performances, market trends, and pricing patterns. REIN offers several tools, such as Domus Analytics, which offers interactive active statistics that help tell the story of the Hampton Roads Real estate market in real time. Domus allows you to view data at a glance or opt to dive deeper to gather your insights that are an interest to you and your buyer in all in an easy-to-view visual displays. There's also Data Co-op which gives you access to listing history, real AVM reports, tax records and property details, and much, much more. REIN also publishes quarterly and monthly statistics reports that are available to all of our members. By analyzing this data, you can make informed decisions, set competitive prices, and adjust your marketing strategies accordingly. If you haven't done so already, make sure you check out these powerful analytics tools that are available to you. We've also done several REINCheck episodes on Domus Analytics. It is such a great tool. So, if you want to learn more about that, you can go to REINMLS.com. You can also check out those previous podcasts. It's really cool and I think you would find it really, really powerful tool for you and your buyers. The MLS also offers collaboration, which is a key in the real estate industry. And the MLS fosters exactly that. Network and build relationships with other agents in your area. By working together, you can extend your reach and expose your listings to an even wider audience. And lastly, stay active and engage with REIN and all of the member services and tools that are available to you. Keep your listing data accurate. And don't forget to respond promptly to inquiries and showcase your expertise to thoughtful comments and interactions. A good way to do this is through REIN.com. REIN.com engagement is an active presence where you're not only increase your visibility but also establish your credibility as a trusted real estate professional in Hampton Roads. Harnessing the power of the MLS is a game-changer for real estate agents. It amplifies your listing's exposure, attracts more potential buyers, and provides you with the tools and resources to set you apart. So don't overlook the immense potential that lies within the MLS. I know sometimes it's easy to forget all that the MLS has to offer our members here in Hampton Roads, but there's so much to offer, so much to help you grow your business. That wraps up today's episode on harnessing the power of the MLS, and I hope you gain valuable insights and actionable strategies to move forward. Remember, the MLS is your gateway to success, so take full advantage of its features, optimize your listings, and stay engaged. I hope you enjoyed this episode of REINCheck. If you missed any of the previous episodes, of course, I do invite you to go to REINMLS.com to take a listen. Again, check out those Domus Analytics episodes. I think you'll find those fascinating. And if you have not done so already, make sure you subscribe to REINCheck so that you can get new episodes delivered directly to you when they are released. Thank you and have a great rest of your day.

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VO [00:06:47] You've been listening to REINCheck with Andrea Rice. Stay in the know from those who know. Delivered straight from the source, REIN MLS.

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