Archive for July, 2019

Realtor Freebie: Down Payments 101

Clients have a lot of questions about down payments. Share this article with them to provide answers.

The American Dream centers on homeownership. Purchasing a home is a process that can be daunting for many, however, it can be made easier with these insights. Let’s explore the ins and outs of down payments to make your vision of home a reality.  

Down payments

Down payments are required by lenders to deter loan defaults. Different types of loans require a different percentage paid up front.  United States Department of Agriculture and Veteran Affairs loans do not require down payments.  A Federal Housing Association loan requires 3.5 percent down, 203k loans need 3.5 percent and HomeReady™ loans necessitate 3 percent down. On the higher end, conventional loans need between five and 20 percent, with jumbo loans requiring upwards of 20 percent. Down payments can come from your savings, gifts or personal loans. 

Credit scores 

FHA loans are today’s most popular option thanks to their low requirements. Your credit score also factors in with lenders.  As little as 100 points in either direction could cost or save you money. Low credit scores translate into paying more over the course of a mortgage. Lenders want to see a solid financial history and if they don’t, they want to ensure you will be invested in the home. Those with scores below 580 may qualify with a 10 percent down payment. Scores of 580 or above will qualify for an FHA loan with a 3.5 percent down payment. 

Mortgage insurance

A higher down payment of at least 20 percent offers the benefit of avoiding mortgage insurance. With the exception of VA loans, private mortgage insurance (PMI) is required for down payments of less than 20 percent of the home’s value. PMI fees vary from loan to loan. Fees can be removed once the loan balance drops below 78 percent of the appraised value.

Other considerations

A larger down payment minimizes borrowing, averages less in total interest costs, offers lower monthly payments, enhances future borrowing power. On the other hand, smaller down payments do not require as much time to save, and they leave reserves for home improvement, retirement and emergencies. It’s up to you to decide if a larger or smaller down payment is right for you. 

As your real estate agent, I am always available to speak with you regarding your dream home. What questions can I answer about down payments for you today? <Insert contact information> 

A Miami Copywriter Explains Why SEO Hype is Real

The web is the best place to measure your marketing ROI. Traffic coming to your website can answer the following questions: How long were visitors there? What did they do when they got to the site? Where were they located? Anything and everything you ever wondered about the effectiveness of your campaigns can be answered using the right metric. 

Tracking

This type of tracking is not available anywhere else in the marketing world. You can measure down to the penny how much your web presence earns your business. Once you know your number, it becomes easier to make the decision to invest in internet marketing. Setting up basic tracking is simple; advanced tracking requires some customization to determine how much you are getting back on your investment.

Analytics

Analytics are nothing new. Airline flights are cheaper on a Tuesday than on a Saturday morning. Why? The demand is lower during the week. As the weekend comes, airlines jack up their prices just enough to see if their competitors balk. The prices roll back on lower traffic days. Data is the driving force that helps airlines know if they are pricing too high or low for their preferred customers. Business owners can now know which days are the most popular for posting, when their products sell the most and when services are highly requested. 

Data

Data gives you a clearer view of what is going on with your customers and/or operations. Algorithms use that data to predict or optimize your website numbers, but the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Changes based on data do not have to be overwhelming. They can include things such as keyword selection and targeting. If you have 17 things in mind, it’s likely that three of them can be changed without total upheaval. 

Gumption

Don’t go it alone, make sure you have the proper support before implementing changes. Your employees should be versed in reading analytics and data in some capacity. Learn enough to break into micromarkets and customize sale pitches. Be brave and act on the data you collect. The information is there. Learn to decode it and use it to your company’s benefit.  

Hire Siren for your content needs. Let’s put the odds in your favor – email or text to get started today. 

A Miami Copywriter Explains the Value of Knowing Where You Are with SEO

It is estimated that 75 percent of web experiences start with a question. Those answers that are presented in a list after we type a few keywords into a search engine allow us to choose which ones we like best. If a potential lead types in keywords that are directly related to your business, where will you rank in the Google search results? You want to be at the top of the page because the first five listings receive 67 percent of all clicks. This is where search engine optimization comes in with valuable exposure. 

The SEO process

Realize the promise and opportunity of SEO by understanding it is a process that goes beyond a few shortcuts and tweaks. It includes linking, coding and knowing the right keywords. SEO solutions can be divided into on-page and off-page elements. On-page aspects include code design, internal links, platform, page titles and header tags. Off-page elements include development, targeting, keyword authority and identifying related link networks. 

SEO is a must for these top five reasons: 

  1. Your reach must increase

With the right optimization, a small business in Hawkins, Indiana, can take advantage of SEO and go international.  

  1. Credibility equals money

Get into the black with a higher ranking that clients will trust. 

  1. Branding and visibility matter 

Sophisticated buyers don’t just click and buy. 

  1. Harness your ROI 

Using SEO as an in-bound strategy is dynamic and by staying updated, the rewards will exceed traditional marketing methods/tactics. 

  1. Understand customer behavior

Online behavior analytics can provide feedback to help you make business decisions. 


Siren creates website copy that will put you at the top of any page! Email or text to get started today. 

A Miami Copywriter Explains Why Well-Written Listings Matter

Well-written listings are a valuable marketing resource. Not only are you describing the features and story of a home, but you are also giving potential buyers a glimpse of you. That’s right – you.  A well-written listing shows that you are meticulous in your approach to success, both yours and the clients.

Luxury buyers and sellers are accustomed to having the highest quality in life. Many have attended fine educational institutions/top schools and expect someone who is articulate on the page and in person.

Pictures and videos are supposed to be worth a thousand words, but this is not altogether true. Every written word counts toward your reputation and success. You need to give attention to every facet of your business; every detail matters. Thousands of listings appear each week from every part of the country. Just browsing the MLS and other online listing resources demonstrate that care is not always taken when writing.

Photos should be inspiring and video tours and slide share presentations should be on the same level or surpassing other agents, but relying on photos and videos is lazy. Listings should be compelling. Agents must focus on all three elements to make their marketing efforts worthwhile. Storytelling highlights the best features of a home.

Space is limited in most MLS description sections and agents waste it by being repetitive. Plenty of information is already given in pre-determined checkboxes, so repeating the number of bedrooms and bathrooms is unnecessary. This valuable space should be used for compelling copy that has elements of emotion and urgency.

Outside of MLS description sections, ads need to draw the reader in and start to convert them to buyers. Saving time and energy by relying on images or videos will not make you a top agent. Pictures will capture  attention, but a well-written listing cements interest.

Give yourself the competitive advantage by using Siren to make every word of your listings count toward your success.

A Miami Copywriter Explains How to Show Off Your Writing Skills

Every agent should understand how to write a listing that sells.

Your listings should be detailed and grab the reader’s attention. The goal is to use a listing as an icebreaker. Avoid sounding like a police reporter by listing technical details and get creative instead.

Creativity is one of those talents that some are blessed with. Being a good writer, however, is a skill you can hone with practice. Start by learning what works and what doesn’t for your target market.  Experiment with words and pay attention to what gains traction. Creativity is what helps you stand out.

Which qualities sell?

Real estate is a highly competitive industry. Every listing should stand out as much as possible. If you’re competing with homes in a neighborhood that have two-car garages, emphasize that your listing has space for three. Open floor plans remain popular, as do homes that have office spaces or pools/outdoor entertaining areas. Cul-de-sac placements, unique energy saving features, and expansion potential should also be highlighted.

Are there exceptional brands?

Kitchens are the heart of the home. More often than not, guests and loved ones gather here rather than the living room or patio. Quality brands make a kitchen luxurious and show off the status of the homeowner. Detail how this beloved space is a chef’s or gourmet kitchen. Don’t go overboard listing all the brands, but a few should be emphasized. Sub-Zero refrigerators, Wolf ovens, and Viking stoves are always crowd pleasers. These names embody quality and are hot-ticket items. Heating systems can also be named; Buderus and Viessmann are top European boilers.

How is the neighborhood?

Location is almost everything in real estate. The house should not be the only focus, as homes go beyond their structures. Neighborhoods have personality and school districts are ranked. Give a brief tour of the neighborhood in about five words. Being in the feeder pattern of an A+ school may be the top selling point. Proximity to museums or five-star restaurants may also be the rock stars of your listing.

Feeling overwhelmed? Save time and energy with Siren. Generate listings that will be your top marketing tool.

A Miami Copywriter Explains Which Words to Avoid When Generating Real Estate Listings

Every word counts in a real estate listing and the wrong ones are strikes against you. Whether the words are overused to the point of cringe or just confusing, a potential lead may be turned off by your language. They may think that since you are not imaginative/creative with something as powerful as a listing, you won’t come up with innovative ways to market or negotiate, either. Prove them wrong by avoiding the following terms.

Welcome home

Can you feel the cringe coming on? Allow clients to form their own opinions about a property. Write about the features that make it feel like a safe place. Maybe the location is close to highly rated schools and parks. This could also be an opportunity to write about security features or smart home technology.

Priced to sell

Every house is priced to sell. In a hot market, this can work favorably. Otherwise, these words come across as hostile. Have a home properly appraised and set it slightly higher than the appraised value. Most deals include at least one counteroffer that is often five to six percent below asking price. Put the odds in your favor by doing away with this term.

Has great bones 

Agents should present every house in the best light. Many buyers know a property will not be 100 percent to their liking and most are willing to invest in a few updates. To say a home has great bones may cause the buyer to perceive the property as a potential money pit. Focus instead on stellar features such as vaulted ceilings or the home’s proximity to A+ schools.

Charming 

Charming implies to many that the space is compact. Ask yourself what makes the neighborhood or property delightful. It could be a rustic setting, a tree-lined street or architectural details like molding or an intricate staircase. Harness the power of the home’s best features to show off its charm without using this cliche word.

Siren has all the right words for your listings. Let’s start today!

A Miami Copywriter Explains: Living Coral basics

When Pantone speaks, agents and designers should listen. Since 2000, the firm has designated a color to represent the year ahead. Designers usually have the hue in their runway shows and retail giants mass produce the color in their wares. Knowing what the Color of the Year is and how it works in a home sets you apart from those in the field who just chase sales. Home is an art form, something human chase for a permanent feeling of security and beauty.

 

What is the hue?

Living Coral is a mix of pink, red and orange with gold undertones. It was selected for its life-affirming properties and to call attention to the plight of our dying seas.

How should it be used?

This is up to the homeowner or stager. When using small touches, make sure the shades match, or if varying shades to create visual layers, ensure that there is a wealth of textures. If investing in a statement Living Coral sofa or another large piece, the scale must fit the room. This color can become overwhelming if care is not given to the overall visual theme of a space. Try to avoid using Living Coral in an accent wall as it comes across as noncommittal rather than artistic.

What else goes with it?

Living Coral has predominantly been seen before its coronation by Pantone as a staple in coastal or tropical themes. As such, straw accents work well. Brass is the safest bet for metallic pairings. Jungle Green is a great contrasting hue, as is a crisp white. Choose straw or jute rugs, colored glass, or beaded or faux fur accent pillows.

 

How will you be using Living Color to stage homes this year?

A Miami Copywriter Explains Why Your Real Estate Blog Matters

Most real estate agents excel at sales and human connection. Sitting down every week to write articles when there are calls to be made might not seem like the best use of your time. Not only are you establishing your expertise through the written word, you are also setting yourself up to enjoy a few benefits that may not be top of mind.

Gain Your Ideal Client’s Trust

Everyone gets the same 24 hours each day. If someone chooses to spend even a minute on your article, make it worth their while. Address pain points and answer questions from your ideal client. Create a profile character to make this easier. For example, let’s use the name Amelia Day and she is in your specific niche. She is a wedding photographer and mother to three college-age daughters. Amelia’s husband is an auto mechanic with seven shops. The Days are looking to downsize their five-bedroom home and move into the country. Ask which niche(s) Amelia would fit into and how your services address her pain points. Then generate content that speaks to her. Some agents make collages for their profile character and others simply type the name on the top of every page like a letter and delete it when editing. Speak to your ideal client through your content in any way you can. Email campaigns, landing pages, clickfunnels and social media platforms will be more powerful as a result.

Recruit Dream Candidates

You may not be thinking of building a team now, but at some point, business may expand further than you thought possible. You want to be able to reach out to qualified candidates right away and get a response. By crafting exceptional content, you are setting the tone for your business and a potential culture focused on attention to detail and understanding the market.

Make Passive Income

We would all love to make money while we sleep. Your blog can generate income through affiliate links. Real estate agents deal with so many areas of lifestyle and home that they can easily write on a wealth of topics. Your latest article on home security can include links to local companies that install alarms, or sell security cameras and fences. Local furniture stores can be a great partner to stage homes and discuss the latest trends. Living Coral chairs or wall art can fit into design articles. If your niche focuses on fixer uppers, interview a local handyman. Make sure to disclose that you will receive money from any affiliate links included in your articles.

Siren is ready to help you win your target market and invest in the future with strategic content. Email or call today to get started.

A Miami Copywriter Explains the Right Content for Real Estate Agents

Eighty percent of first-year agents give up after five years in the industry. Only 13 percent make it. These are some seriously scary statistics out there for first-year agents. Let’s throw them in the trash. Strategy can trump experience. Your clients and leads should think of you as their trusted local expert. The best way to do this is via content.

Niches are a must

Nothing is messier than a bowl of spaghetti thrown against a wall. You may want to appeal to everyone and see what sticks. This is a waste of your time and money. Atop MLS fees, association dues and broker fees, you do not want to start your career in credit card debt. Not everything will stick because it takes all kinds of people to make the world go around. Since you do not have a client base yet, figure out which types of people you would like to spend most of your day with. It may be tempting to say luxury buyers and sellers, but think of FSBO, vacation properties, single buyers, baby boomers, rentals or distressed properties – these are all popular niches.

Focus on dream clients

Select your niche and stick with it. They may not come in droves, but these types of buyers and sellers are popular for a reason. Figure out how to address their interests and pain points. For example, FSBO sellers may be in over their heads without the right channels to market their home, or they may be overpriced for the area. You can show them how to create demand for their property with a few tweaks and win them over. Vacation buyers may not know that they need special insurance for a waterfront home. Ask your network for help locating an insurance agent. Be the one people in your niche think of when they need answers.

Market and brand accordingly

Every marketing effort must yield results. Your niche is unique. Research their interests and cater to them. First-time home buyers are most likely nervous about making their first big investment. Position yourself as their voice of reason. Write articles for your blog or other publications discussing loan programs.

Branding must also be taken seriously and keep in mind it is not just about content. Make yourself known in the community by doing volunteer work. Animal shelters, schools and parks always need help. Be a part of the community during your first year to create a foundation of trust for years to come.

Listings matter

Real estate listings are notorious for being poorly written. Typos and clichés galore! These descriptions might be what introduces your attention to detail/quality to potential clients. Don’t sabotage the opportunity to make a great first impression by rushing through your real estate copy. Choose your words carefully. Avoid buzzwords like ‘charming’ or ‘priced to sell’ to stand out from the competition. Focus on unique features of the property and neighborhood. With the right words, you can transform a house into a buyer’s dream home.

Siren is here to support you with high-quality content and powerful listings. Let’s start discussing content strategy with a quick email or text.