Improving Your Business

Stories, articles and advice aimed at improving your business

To brand or not to brand? Google has the answer

The tech giant shares exclusive data with Agent Publishing on how paid ads can provide a back door to your listings.

Flip or flop? Profits are down, according to a new report

The days of a quick flip and big profit seems to be a thing of the past, according to a new report.

8 design trends buyers will be looking for in 2020

As many are predicting the market to favor buyers more in the coming year, listing agents can help sellers prepare by ensuring their homes are in line with the latest looks.

Taking the helm: How managing brokers learn to lead

What does it take to become a managing broker? We check in with three agents who recently made the transition from independent contractor to manager to learn what surprised them, the lessons they’ve learned along the way and the skills that have been most vital to their success so far.

To compete or not to compete? Selling while managing

One of the big questions that managing brokers need to answer is whether or not they will continue to work actively with buyers and sellers after they’ve joined the management team. We talked to two leaders on opposite sides of the issue to get their points of view.

Learning — and coaching — from your mistakes

From a leadership standpoint, it doesn’t do any good to project perfection. That’s why Ben Creamer, principal and managing broker at Downtown Apartment Company/Downtown Realty Company, is sure to point out his own past mistakes to help agents avoid them.

5 real-life lessons from managing brokers

Making the jump from agent to managing broker might be more difficult than you think. Can you go from being an independent contractor to having everyone depend on you? Is your success as a broker repeatable for an entire brokerage? Learn from those who have made it work.

MRED courts Alexa and Compass digs further into AI

Midwest Real Estate Data added voice assistant capabilities to their MLS offerings and Compass purchased Detectica, a New York-based startup focused on artificial intelligence.

The boomers are coming: Here’s what’s on their homebuying list

Some builders are saying “OK, boomer: What do you want in a house?” Here are some of the top amenities this demographic may be searching for.

Same house, different day

Three is a lucky number for Noah Levy, a broker in Coldwell Banker’s Winnetka office. That’s the number of times she’s sold the same exact home in Highland Park.

How to put winter to work for your business

Despite icy roads and frigid temperatures, tons of buyers still purchase homes in the colder months. Here’s how you can take advantage of the slow season to boost your business.

How to avoid a data-breach nightmare

Don’t get caught “running naked through the woods.”

From weed to taxes: Regs that will impact your business in 2020

New laws, shifts in tax assessments and possible methods for filling government shortfalls are all situations brokers should be watching in the coming months.

7 ways to make business planning easier and more effective

It’s time to start thinking about your goals for 2020. Here are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind as you set your course for the next year.

Partnership between Real Estate Institute and AgentEDU offers new options for students

Late last month, Illinois-based school Real Estate Institute announced it would be launching an affiliate relationship with AgentEDU, a division of Agent Publishing, which produces Chicago Agent magazine.

Pocket listing rule approved by NAR

While the association has moved to institute new rules around what to do about off-MLS listings, there are some who say it restricts trade and others who feel it doesn’t go far enough to force brokers to share listing data.

New Subscribe

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.