Of all the business touchpoints available in today’s digital world, your website is one of the most important to market yourself. Make sure you’re maximizing its use and attracting clients with these tips.

Key takeaways:

• Use SEO to help attract your target audience.
• Create clear, consistent messaging within all facets of your branding efforts.
• Analyze your website’s performance and update it periodically.

Even in the age of social media, websites are an important asset for real estate professionals. They act as the equivalent of a personal billboard that announces who you are and what you stand for.

Today, many professionals have at least one dedicated website that may link to their brokerage’s website or stand on its own. Some consider it the primary way to appear professional.

“I feel my website gives me credibility,” says Lisa Kahn, a new member of Jennifer Ames Lazarre’s Ames Group team at Engels & Volker’s Chicago office. 

Salesperson Sally Goldkamp, an agent with Gladys Manion Real Estate in St. Louis, agrees. “It’s confirmation and shows I’m an active professional,” she says.

And salesperson Alex Wolking, at Keller Williams OneChicago, concurs with his peers’ assessments. “Your website is your online business card, resume, and profile. So many consumers start their search online and research you before they contact you,” he says.

But even the best websites are not the way most prospects will find you, says broker Jennifer Ames Lazarre. “Google analytics are far more likely to put consumer sites such as LinkedIn, Zillow, realtor.com®, Facebook, and Instagram higher in searches, so you also should be on those, too,” she says.

Broker Stafford H. Manion, also in St. Louis, also finds it beneficial to be on those third-party sites. “Our website pushes our listings out to them,” he says.

Why Build Your Own Site?

Because a brokerage typically provides a web page on its site for an agent, some may wonder whether they need their own site. But some salespeople find it helpful to have an additional website. They find they have more flexibility and control that way. Wolking, for instance, currently has one site, unaffiliated with his brokerage, and soon will have a second focused on his forthcoming quarterly luxury report.

“Using a website provided to you by your brokerage is a great tool when you first get started and your marketing budget is tight, or you haven’t yet made enough money in the business to build a website that stands out,” he says.

Creating a site unaffiliated with the brokerage also ensures the salesperson retains their leads and the work they’ve done. A firm might offer to set up a website for a salesperson independent of the brokerage’s main site. But Wolking offers this caveat:

“Before having your company set up a website for you, make sure you can take the leads that come in with you if you decide to leave and go to another brokerage,” or you’ll have to start over again from scratch, he says, adding, “When you sell real estate, you own a business—treat it as such and own your site!”

If you plan to hire someone to help develop and maintain a site for you, carefully vet your candidates. After all, the process is expensive, and you want your site to yield results. Ask your prospects how much they’ve increased a client’s traffic and bottom line. Find out what their specialty is. Some people offer only design, while others manage hosting as well. And others offer a full suite of services, with design, hosting, and search engine optimization.

Design Considerations

Make the homepage dynamic. Good visuals and crisp copy with active verbs are critical to grabbing attention in the increasingly crowded field. Look at several sites to get ideas of what you like.

Think about how many website pages you’ll need and what information should be included on those pages.

On its company site, Gladys Manion features a bold header, navigation for more information, a photo of its office exterior, a “search by address” feature, new listings, and background information about the generations-old company.

Goldkamp’s dedicated page on the Gladys Manion site includes an “Ask Sally Goldkamp” button so visitors can pose questions. She and team partner Ally Healy are planning another website specifically for their team.

Barbara Hicks, owner of Atlanta-based B-Graphic, a marketing and graphic design firm, considers it important to limit homepage information to the key messaging you want to send to your target audience, so they can read it fast.

Use your website’s additional pages to help your audience understand why they should choose you. Maybe it’s information about your team, success stories, and properties listed or sold, says Hicks.

Contact information should be on every page, and should include a phone number and email address, not just a contact form to fill out since many wonder if a human will read it and respond, she says. She cautions against having too much information and too many links. “They’ll compete for attention, and people won’t know where to go first. Make it easy for them,” she says.

The Importance of SEO

Including the right keywords in the right places on your site is critical if you want people to find you when they search for a real estate professional. This is called search engine optimization. The content at the top of your homepage, which Hicks calls “the first impression,” is critical not only to capture the eyes of your target audience but also to attract Google’s attention.

The more specific you are, the easier you may find creating your optimization. For instance, if you sell luxury real estate, cater to first-time home buyers, or work in a specific region, you’ll want those keywords front and center. The right words bring you higher through algorithms in a search, Hicks says.

Therefore, an expert in SEO is critical. It is also one of the more costly parts of developing your own website. You’ll want an SEO expert who can do the keyword research for you and audit the site periodically to see how well it performs, says Jason Weamer, founder of Orange County, Calif.–based Visual Identity Group, a full-service digital marketing website and web development company.

“The audits collect data over a period of time that tell where you’re ranked for any particular keyword or phrase, as well as your competitors,” Weamer says.

Differentiate Yourself From Competition

Because there are more salespeople than ever, it’s important to offer more than a “great team” and “extensive experience,” because many competitors may say the same, Hicks says.

Weamer suggests, “Make them feel that they’re losing out if they don’t select you as their salesperson.”

Include information that speaks to your skill set. Maybe you share that you’ve helped 1,000 families find their dream home, Hicks says. Or maybe it’s a link to a blog you write, says Ames, who adds, “I’ve gotten clients because we both fly fish, or they were interested that I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro.” Wolking suggests another tactic—a bio video.

Keep Your Brand in Mind

Make the website a consistent part of your branding. Branding—what Weamer describes as a professionally designed, curated experience—should be consistent across all marketing materials and messaging. Manion says his firm does so by making sure colors, styles, logos, and fonts match up through its websites and all other postcards, business cards, ads, and touch points.

“But keep in mind, your brand is more than your logo, colors, fonts, and graphic elements,” says Hicks. “Your brand is your reputation, how people describe you to their friends. If you drop the ball or miss opportunities, that’s what they’ll say. Your brand must start with stellar customer service and good work to be successful,” she says.

Whatever you do, make sure the information you provide on your website is up to date and relevant and relays whatever a consumer might be searching for. Think about the site from the perspective of your prospective client.

“We live in a world where people fast-forward through commercials, FaceTime their loved ones, and can find anything they need in an instant on their iPhone,” Hicks says. “Society has turned impatient, and if your audience doesn’t find exactly what they’re looking for in the first seven seconds, they will go elsewhere.” 

©National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

Still holding onto some of these oldies? It may be time to let go.

Technology has an expiration date. New tech quickly pushes out favorite devices from years past. Here are some tech devices you may be able to retire.

1. Dashboard-mounted GPS devices. The GPS unit may have faded from dashboards, but the technology is still critical to get from point A to point B. But it’s now in both smartphones and vehicles’ consoles.
2. 3G-connected devices. 5G cellular connectivity is gaining ground, and devices that run on older networks are becoming obsolete. Older tablets, smart watches, fire alarms, and security systems that still rely on 3G network access may soon stop working, which will impede users’ ability to text, make phone calls, or connect to the internet. Check with your wireless provider to see which of your 3G devices may be affected.
3. BlackBerry. The once-loved Blackberry, with its signature micro QWERTY keypad, went dark on Jan. 4. Devices using BlackBerry’s operating systems and software “will no longer reliably function,” the company stated earlier this year. The old devices won’t be able to send text messages or dial 911 in an emergency, either.
4. Wired audio devices. The emergence of Bluetooth is quickly bringing an end to connected headphones and speakers. Many popular smartphones no longer have headphone jacks, and as more wireless products pop up, people are ditching their corded devices.
5. External hard drives. Rethink stockpiling external hard drives or thumb drives for data storage. They’ll likely just end up laying around your house or office collecting dust. Cloud storage of your documents, photos, and videos on platforms like Google Drive, iCloud, or Microsoft OneDrive allows you to access your content from anywhere. Bonus: You don’t have to worry about device crashes or malfunctions.
6. Point-and-shoot digital cameras. Smartphone cameras have become so advanced that many people are leaving behind their digital cameras in favor of smartphones that can take high-resolution photographs.
7. Passwords. While the practice won’t vanish immediately, typing in a password is becoming an outdated practice. Some Windows and Macintosh computers, as well as many smartphones and tablets, use biometric recognition to authenticate your identity. Also, the traditional use of passwords will go away as more sites and devices use a verification code sent to your phone or email account.

If you find out-of-date gadgets in your desk drawers, consider recycling them. Not sure how? Check out places like Call2Recycle.org(link is external), the Consumer Technology Association’s Recycle Locator(link is external), or Earth911’s recycling database(link is external).

©National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

From vehicles to lawn tools, electric features are here to stay and growing in popularity, which means homes need to be equipped to handle the demand.

Key takeaways:

• As the demand for electric vehicles, solar battery backups, and electric tools increase, so too will the need for charging options at home.
• Retrofitting existing homes might mean upgrading electrical panels or coming up with creative solutions in the garage.
• Electric is here to stay, and builders will want to plan for sufficient charging capacity in new homes.

According to Sense, an energy monitoring company, household energy consumption rose(link is external) at the onset of the pandemic and will likely continue to increase. Several factors contributed to the increase, such as more people staying home because of COVID-19 protocols, extreme weather, and warmer summers. Another is the ongoing trend toward increased household electrification, which consumers are turning to in an effort to lower carbon emissions and fuel-related costs.

Increased production and demand for electric vehicles will push the need for home-based energy consumption even further. Currently, there are 20 completely electric vehicles available in the U.S., comprising about 4% of the market; that share is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. Automobile makers currently project that an average(link is external) of about 50 percent of vehicle sales will be of electric vehicles by 2030.

General Motors is committed to offering 30 electric vehicles by 2025, and Ford expects 40% to 50% of its vehicle volume to be fully electric by 2030.

The prominence of electric vehicles is only one reason housing design will need to change to accommodate electrification needs at home. And the current housing stock will need to be prepared to ensure homeowners’ electrification needs can be met.

Equipping Homes With EV Chargers

“The rapid increase of electric vehicle adoption comes from a need to provide simple, easy-to-use, and easy-to-install options for charging at home,” says Douglas Alfaro, general manager of North America Wallbox, which offers at-home EV charging stations.

According to Forbes, about 80% of vehicle charging takes place at home, so having access to a 240-volt outlet in the garage, which is considered level 2 charging, is important for both new builds and resale. Many homeowners can take advantage of off-peak pricing to save more—with overnight charging, they receive the equivalent of leaving your home with a full tank of gas each day.

Likewise, rental or investment properties owners might consider adding EV chargers so that tenants and guests with electric vehicles can charge during their stay.

Some considerations are required when outfitting homes with EV chargers. In older homes or homes that have inadequate electrical panels, installation may be difficult. These panels could be inadequate for a level 2 charger, and an upgrade could add $2,000 to the project’s cost. The location of the panel can also add to the cost. Ideally, the panel would already be located in the garage, but in many homes, it’s on the opposite end of the property or a different level of the home. Because of these factors, installation can range from $500 to $2,500.

Although EVs can use a 120-volt charger, known as level 1 charging, most users will want to upgrade to level 2 charging which requires 240 volts. If there isn’t access to electrical connection where the car is typically parked, that can become an issue to work out.

Temperature Control and Electric Vehicles

Electric cars are sensitive to temperature. Recurrent(link is external), which creates battery reports for EV drivers, has published several studies on temperature impacts(link is external) on EVs.

“Your electric car and its battery do not enjoy extreme conditions,” said Andrew Garberson, head of marketing at Recurrent. “While cold weather causes temporary reductions in EV range, prolonged exposure to high heat or charging in hot conditions can permanently reduce battery health.”

This is a factor when designing the garage’s climate control. Depending on your region and the insulation in your garage, it could be helpful to install or upgrade the HVAC as part of your EV investment.

Driving during winter is a common concern for EV owners. When temperatures drop below zero, an electric vehicle’s range can drop by as much as 50 percent. While this should still suffice for many commutes, the ability to control the vehicle’s temperature in the garage could make a difference. On the positive, EVs warm up faster than cars with internal combustion engines and produce neither harmful carbon monoxide nor carbon dioxide, so you can warm them up in the garage with the door closed.

Battery Backups for Solar Energy

Owning an electric vehicle is often a gateway to the overall awareness of energy consumption that spurs the desire to seek out renewable sources of energy, which often leads to solar panel investment. Homeowners have two options for unused energy created by the solar panels: sell it back to the local utility provider or store it in a battery backup.

Many states and utility providers offer net metering, which means that the utility will buy excess power. Homeowners without a battery backup can essentially use the grid as a battery or energy bank, receiving a credit for their excess power. Still, homeowners will face times when energy does need to be purchased, particularly on a cloudy day or in winter months when the sunshine is less strong. This is when a battery backup might come in handy.

Battery backups allow homeowners to store excess power from solar panels. This is a great option for a number of scenarios:

• The stored electricity can be used on days when not enough energy is made through solar.
• Though connected to the electrical grid in most areas, solar-powered homes with battery backups are not dependent on the electrical grid. Using a battery backup means that the home will still have power during outages.
• Battery backups allow you access to real-time tracking of how much energy your home is using and producing.

SPAN(link is external) is a company focused on the rapid adoption of renewable energy, a company that creates energy storage solutions for homes, offers an intelligent panel that monitors energy usage and allows users to prioritize loads should there be a power interruption. This is a useful option for a homeowner who has solar and a battery backup system.

It also offers a companion EV charging system, called the SPAN Drive, which the company claims to be the most advanced at-home electric vehicle charging solution. It allows real-time coordination with home loads, solar panel output, and home batteries for the maximum available charging speeds and optimized energy usage. Expect to see companies offering bi-directional wall connectors in the future, which will allow electric vehicles to work as battery backup systems for homes.

Electric Lawn and Outdoor Tools

Electrification has expanded to outdoor tools. Companies such as Ego Power(link is external) are gaining popularity with new, efficient versions of electric lawn and snow equipment, including lawn mowers, snow blowers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, and even chain saws. These tools are more efficient and require less maintenance; they’re generally quieter than their gas-powered counterparts and have no emissions. A full charge typically provides from 45 to 90 minutes of use; the batteries can typically be charged in the same amount of time. While the batteries will degrade over time, they should last for many years without noticeable performance issues. Ego’s batteries are compatible with the company’s 50-plus tools and are recyclable.

Electrification is a trend that is not going away. Agents and home builders should advise clients to prepare for the future by upgrading electrical panels, installing solar panels and battery backup storage capacity, and adding or planning for EV charging in the garage.

©National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

Time your posts perfectly for higher engagement.

Maximize your customer outreach by posting on social media during optimal times. Hootsuite, a platform for managing multiple social channels, researched more than 30,000 social posts to determine whether certain days and times tended to get higher engagement than others. Here’s what the study found:

• All-around best time: 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
• Facebook: 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Instagram: 11 a.m. on Wednesdays
• Twitter: 8 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays
• LinkedIn: 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Your audience may be different. These times are a starting point, but the ideal time for you to post will depend on when your audience is most active. Find out by using social analytics tools or simply by testing different times of day.

Top Tech Tools for Capturing Leads

The top three tech tools that provide REALTORS® with quality leads are social media (52%), customer relationship management apps (31%), and MLS sites (28%), according to National Association of REALTORS®’ 2021 Real Estate in a Digital Age.

©National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

These advances could shake up the real estate market.

High-speed connections, virtual realities and transactions, and smarter data are among the hot technology trends to watch now and in the near future. Dan Weisman and Dave Conroy, directors of emerging technology for the National Association of REALTORS®, provide a snapshot of the tech to watch.

1. Artificial Intelligence

Computer software that analyzes data to help solve problems and view items in new contexts.

What It Could Bring

• Predictive analytics. With AI, you could predict future home values and rents in an area and prioritize your marketing efforts by targeting prospects with the greatest likelihood—and readiness—to buy or sell.
• Automation. AI already automates property valuations and allows brokers and agents to offer chatbot support services on their website 24/7.
• Computer vision: Use cameras and AI to recognize and label images, like identifying elements in a photographs of a property listing and making those features searchable by viewers, without relying on written descriptions.

Sample Tools

• Plunk(link is external), uses AI to forecast home valuation and remodeling projects in real time.
• Landis(link is external) uses AI to create a snapshot of mortgage readiness, assessing whether renters could have the future financial means to purchase a home. Landis will buy a home, rent it out, and team with a real estate professional to provide the renter a path to ownership.

2. Blockchain

A decentralized ledger of transactions that allows for digital currency, or cryptocurrency such as bitcoin, to be exchanged.

What It Could Bring

• Cryptocurrency-based transactions. A few real estate developers and homeowners are already accepting crypto, as many call it, for properties. In 2021, Miami developer Alex Sapir sold a $22.5 million apartment that was purchased with cryptocurrency. Developer PMG is reportedly the first real estate developer to accept preconstruction down payments in crypto on condos in Miami, partnering with FTX US, a cryptocurrency exchange.
• A new class of investor. Newly minted crypto millionaires and billionaires are cashing in and using their fortunes on real estate, having spurred some of the highest-priced real estate deals over the past year.
• Nonfungible tokens in real estate. An NFT is a cryptographic token, or code, that represents something unique and certifies ownership digitally. It represents the “real” version of a file rather than a copy, and could allow for a new way for properties to be provably owned. In February, Propy sold the first NFT-backed property in the U.S., a $653,000 home in Gulfport, Fla.

Sample Tools

• Propy(link is external), a member of NAR’s REACH Class of 2019, uses blockchain to record real estate transactions.
• Milo(link is external) offers crypto-backed mortgages that allow a buyer to leverage their crypto to invest in real estate.
• Addy(link is external) invests in properties using NFTs and then offers investments in them. It issues a limited number of tokens, which could sell for as little as $1.
• ShelterZoom(link is external) is a blockchain-based transaction platform.

3. The Metaverse

A virtual world where people can play, work, learn, and build.

What It Could Bring

• Two houses in one. A mansion under construction in Miami is being sold as two properties—a real-world, 11,000-square-foot home and an identical virtual one in the metaverse platform The Sandbox. One Sotheby’s International Realty is partnering with Voxel Architects, along with Gabe Sierra, a collector of NFTs, to launch the “MetaReal” mansion, dubbed the first home sale of its kind.
• Immersive 3D tours. Augmented reality—delivered through virtual reality headsets—could provide a new way for people to view, buy, or sell homes. One day, the metaverse could offer digital map renderings and allow for immersive virtual property tours.
• Advertising or virtual storefronts. Location matters as more people congregate in the metaverse. Marketing opportunities will open up as users hold meetings and events, set up storefronts, and advertise in these digital worlds.

Sample Tools

• Metaverse platforms include The Sandbox, Decentraland, Somnium, Cryptovoxels, Upland, and Second Life.
• Real estate company eXp has been operating in both real life and the metaverse world of Virbela since 2009.

4. 5G Cellular Technology

Touted as being 200 times faster than current 4G cellular networks.

What It Could Bring

• Smarter homes and buildings. 5G will allow more devices, such as thermostats, security monitors, and lightbulbs, to be connected in homes. The network’s speed can reduce latency or overload issues common with 4G or Wi-Fi networks as more devices get added into homes.
• Tech advancements. Telehealth, autonomous vehicles, AI, augmented reality, and more will benefit from faster connection speeds.
• Smart cities. Amazon’s HQ2, under construction in Northern Virginia, is touted as a “smart city” powered by 5G. The development has teamed with AT&T to build a 5G network within a four-mile zone that includes offices, homes, and retail spaces. It will serve as a testing area that includes sensors, AI, self-driving cars, robotics for health care, and more.

Sample Tools

• Private 5G networks. Cellular carriers are offering private networks that run on 5G connectivity for businesses and homes. For example, Verizon’s 5G Home (verizon.com/5g/home) showcases a new home broadband option that uses a 5G wireless signal to power the Wi-fi connection inside with the network’s improved speeds.

©National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

Virtual real estate is the market’s new frontier thanks to the metaverse, so agents and brokers need to know what it means for the industry and how it works.

Nowadays, it seems as if there’s virtual everything. Virtual artwork, virtual events, virtual marketing. But what about virtual real estate? Is that a thing, and if so, can you invest in it?

Enter metaverse real estate(link is external), an online platform where people can connect to play games, release products, offer services, and host events. Businesses often own these virtual properties. And, just like any other type of real estate, they can be bought, sold, purchased, and leased.

The metaverse is still new and still evolving, which leaves many wondering if investing in virtual real estate is worth the cost. 

What Is the Metaverse in Real Estate and How Does it Work?

Metaverse real estate can be purchased similarly to how you would purchase an NFT.

A quick recap: An NFT, or nonfungible token, is a unique or collectible virtual item that can be purchased and is housed completely in the virtual world, such as digital artwork.

Just as NFTs are, real estate in the metaverse is bought with cryptocurrency. After the transaction is complete, you receive a unique piece of blockchain code, which serves as a deed of ownership.

Properties are bought and sold on a platform called the “metaverse,” a digital platform where virtual reality and augmented reality are used to create a virtual world. The idea is that a metaverse platform provides a connection between the virtual and actual worlds. Sandbox, for instance, is a metaverse platform that takes shape as a game and a virtual world. Unlike traditional video games in which users simply play through the levels until they beat the game, in Sandbox, users have the opportunity to claim ownership in the world itself. Plots of “land” are bought, sold and traded.

The first step is to set up a digital wallet to use in the metaverse. A digital wallet gives you a way to make transactions through software without cash. There are different kinds of digital wallets, and metaverse wallets are essentially a block chain wallet with some additions. It allows users to work with different cryptocurrencies, transferring, holding, and accepting tokens, but also allows users to administer and grow digital assets.

To participate in a transaction, you must create an account on one of the many metaverse platforms and link it to your digital wallet. Then browse for properties that look attractive to you and make a purchase.

Anyone can purchase in the metaverse, but it is important to identify your reasons for buying digital property and assess whether or not doing so is a good investment. For example, if someone wants to promote their business or invest in something tech forward, the metaverse is probably a good choice. The metaverse also opens up investment opportunities for those who might not otherwise be able to do so since, in general, property prices are much lower than that of traditional real estate.

However, for those who are adverse to the unknown and risk, this might not be the appropriate investment avenue.

Similar to real world transactions, metaverse purchases will go through brokers and property managers. But unlike real life, these brokers and property managers do not need a real estate license(link is external) and are not regulated by any organizations. In this space, buyers and sellers will want to work with someone they can trust.

What Is the Cost of Metaverse Virtual Real Estate?

Virtual real estate values fluctuate depending on demand, but they have been showing an upward trajectory so far. When Decentraland, one of the “big four” of metaverse real estate owners(link is external), held its first auction in 2017, a parcel of land cost just $20. By 2021 they were selling for $6,000, and at the start of 2022, they rose in price to about $15,000. In the metaverse a parcel is 106 yards by 106 yards in size, and is determined by the plot’s number of pixels.

With increased interest in the platform, the potential price tag on a metaverse property seems to have no end. While most properties are priced between $6,000 and $100,000, anomalies will happen. One of the biggest sales, for instance, was the purchase of a property(link is external) adjacent to Snoop Dogg’s parcel in the Sandbox for $450,000.

How Will Metaverse Real Estate Affect the Industry?

The metaverse spells big changes for the real estate industry. Here are some to consider:

• It opens up real estate to a wider pool of investors: The metaverse offers real estate in various shapes, sizes, locations and price points. It can be purchased with a wide range of currencies. The affordability and accessibility mean almost anyone can invest.
• It puts emphasis on size and location over utility: With real world real estate, size, location, and utility are all important factors. In the metaverse, the aim of purchasing land is to develop it or lease it out. This prioritizes size and location, while utility falls to the wayside.
• It can serve as a platform for real-world activities: In the future, people may be hosting more real-world activities on the metaverse including trade shows, exhibitions, weddings, and other social gatherings. This may reduce the demand for brick-and-mortar properties used for these purposes.

Is Metaverse Virtual Real Estate a Good Investment?

Right now, metaverse real estate looks like a terrific investment. As prices rose by as much as 300% in just four years, it seems like a great way to get rich quick.

However, there are risks involved. It’s a relatively new entity and it’s hard to say how successful some platforms may be over the long term. Privacy and security can also play roles in yielding losses. The best advice may be to proceed with caution.

The metaverse presents the real estate industry in a whole new light. So far, it has been highly successful, but as with anything new, time will decide its true viability.

©National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

You can fix some issues by rebooting. But others will require professional help. Know when you can resolve tech problems yourself.

Numerous cyber threats lurk on the internet, but perhaps nothing is more dangerous to your business than having your computer or smartphone infected with a virus. Don’t ignore the signs: Your computer or phone may fail to start, begin operating at a slower speed or generate unknown error messages.

Most viruses make themselves known once your gadget has been infected. However, some lurk under the surface of your device and require detective work to find them. Check out these quick tips for determining whether your personal device is infected.

1. Your phone keeps restarting. Devices may restart themselves when you haven’t installed a critical update or there’s a random glitch in the software. Sometimes, however, your device may restart because a criminal has access to it and is installing malicious software. If this happens, shut your device down immediately. Take it to your tech professional to get a thorough check of your device for possible infection.
2. Random error messages appear. Most devices have antivirus software that runs automatically and keeps things running problem-free. So, it’s rare that your device will display error messages saying that you need to update drivers or there is a breach of your IP address. These messages are more likely to appear from malicious software that has been installed on your device or your browser being hijacked during a drive-by hacking. Sometimes, a simple reboot of your device is all you need to do to remove these bogus messages. You also can attempt to find the malicious program and remove it from your device.
3. A promise from tech support that’s really a scam. Watch out for these schemes in which a criminal may pose as tech support to gain access to your device and “solve” a problem for you. If you’ve fallen for one, you likely had software installed that allows them to log onto your gadget whenever they want to steal your valuable information. Again, look to see if there are any unknown programs installed on your device. If you find any that you are not familiar with, remove them immediately.
4. You can no longer access files on your devices. When you suddenly can’t access documents, videos and pictures on your gadgets, you likely have devices that have been infected with ransomware, one of the worst forms of malware. This malicious software will lock or encrypt your files so you can no longer access them. It also could be a variety of “wiper” viruses, which will wipe your device clean. If your device gets hit with ransomware or a wiper, your only option is to restore your files from a backup. Here’s an important reminder: Always keep a backup of your files.
5. Your devices are running hotter than usual. This could mean you’re a victim of “crypto-jacking,” where a hacker has installed malicious software onto your device. Crooks who are looking to mine cryptocurrency will take over computers, tablets, smartphones and, sometimes, gaming systems to use their power source to mine more cryptocurrency. Watch to see if your device won’t stay cool or shuts down because of overheating. If this happens, you will have to find the mining software running in the background and disable it.

How to Prevent Viruses in the First Place

Nearly all cyberattacks that happen to devices require user interaction. As such, in most instances, you will need to click on a link to open a door for a hacker to gain access to your gadgets or fall for a scheme that tricks you into allowing someone to gain access to your computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet.

In many instances, you can fix these issues by restarting your Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS device to see if your device works better. But if you can’t access files, this trick won’t work; only restoring from a backup will. Also, running a scan with your antivirus program might help pinpoint the offending program. If that’s not an option or these other methods don’t seem to be helping, you will need to call in tech support or an IT professional to do some additional checks. As we rely on our devices more and more for work and throughout our personal lives, cyberattacks likely will only grow more common. Don’t be naive about the threats. Always stay vigilant when it comes to keeping your data as well as your business and personal information protected.

©National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

Despite its slow adoption in real estate, digital currency has the power to improve accessibility to homeownership and shorten the home-buying process.

Key takeaways:

• Using digital currency and the blockchain to buy and sell property could be a huge game changer for the real estate industry.
• Now is the time for real estate professionals and companies to jump on the cryptocurrency and blockchain train.
• This type of digital transaction has the power to make homeownership possible for people who once thought such was out of reach.

Kristin Smith, a real estate agent at Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate in Dallas, has been investing in cryptocurrency since 2017.

Not long before she started investing, she had an experience that brought to light the power and accessibility of digital currency. She and her brother traveled to Cuba with cash in hand. They thought they’d brought enough with them for the duration of the trip, but they ran through their money faster than expected.

Smith recalls the painful process of accessing more money, noting that wire transfers took days and she had to have a Cuban citizen pick up the cash for her, further delaying her access to her money.

“It was eye-opening. If I just had crypto, it would have been there for me right away,” she adds.

The access and transparency of cryptocurrency, or crypto for short, had Smith hooked from the start, and she’s long felt that this innovative financial technology could change the real estate industry. She’s been advocating for more real estate professionals to get involved in crypto ever since. She’s also the chair of the National Association of REALTORS® Cryptocurrency Presidential Advisory Group, which was established to study how the technology is impacting the real estate market and how industry professionals can best move forward in this realm.

Natalia Karayaneva, founder and CEO of Propy, a real estate transaction platform that is a member of NAR’s REACH accelerator program, says her company is proof that the change is already happening.

Propy has already completed over $4 billion in real estate transactions on the blockchain. Recently, the company seamlessly transferred ownership of a Tampa, Fla., condo in 15 minutes. The process offered transparency that the traditional real estate transaction does not. Everything from the appraisal to the offers was available online.

The blockchain, crypto and nonfungible tokens are still novelties to most real estate agents, says Smith, but she thinks this new era in finance is an important one to jump into.

A Brief Intro to Fintech and Digital Currency

For beginners, the new wave of doing business with the blockchain, cryptocurrency and tokens can be overwhelming. The terminology feels foreign if digital technology isn’t something you’ve explored before.

“Fintech,” or financial technology, is defined by Columbia University as “a catch-all term referring to software, mobile applications and other technologies created to improve and automate traditional forms of finance for businesses and consumers alike. Fintech can include everything from straightforward mobile payment apps to complex blockchain networks housing encrypted transactions.” It includes transactions such as depositing your check using your smartphone, raising money for a business startup on an online platform like Kickstarter or using digital money, among others.

Here are some of the main terms you’ll hear when referring to digital currency and the digital sales world:

Cryptocurrency – This digital form of money, Smith says, allows transactions to be verified and records to be maintained by a decentralized system using encrypted databases, rather than by a centralized authority such as a government. Digital currency is bought and sold online and has no tangibility, as does a paper dollar or a coin.

Some of the top cryptocurrency systems include bitcoin, ethereum, XRP, cardano and litecoin. The digital money can be used as a virtual form of cash to pay for many items these days, including homes.

Blockchain – This technology enables the existence of cryptocurrency. It is a shared, unchangeable ledger that facilitates the process of recording transactions and tracking assets in a business network, Smith says. When you decide to buy an asset that costs 100 bitcoin, for example, you submit the transaction; that 100 bitcoin becomes a block, which is added to that digital currency’s chain with all of the other transactions that have taken place using that currency.

An asset can be property, car, cash or intangible items such as intellectual property, patents, copyrights and branding.

NFTs – Nonfungible tokens are unique blockchain-based assets that represent items such as artwork, music, videos and real estate, says Karayaneva. “NFTs are in full compliance with U.S. regulations,” she says.

What Makes Cryptocurrency and the Blockchain Appealing in Real Estate

As a real estate professional with 15 years of experience, Karayaneva was frustrated with the traditional real estate transaction, which is time-consuming and rife with fraud potential. She wanted something better, safer and faster for all parties involved. At first, though, she didn’t think this kind of fintech was the answer.

“In fact, three years ago, I was interviewed by reporters and told them it was not possible to achieve this type of transaction within the next 10 to 20 years,” she says.

Karayaneva says she is surprised by how fast the technology has come along. Making the homebuying experience a process complete in a couple of clicks is a big feat.

The Tampa condo deal is one example of the ease and speed at which a real estate deal can be settled with the use of the blockchain and NFTs. Karayaneva says it was completed through Propy’s new NFT Marketplace, which provides all participants in the transaction with the ability to view the process in real time.

Smith believes that transactions completed on the blockchain move so quickly because of the lack of credit and background checks. Unlike traditional funding, cryptocurrency does not use these processes to purchase assets.

“They only look at your collateral. It opens up a whole new world of buyers,” she adds. “You are no longer being judged on credit score or background checks.”

Many people are afraid of cryptocurrency because of its unpredictability, but there are some types of cryptocurrency, called “stablecoins,” that reduce risk.

The Tampa condo sale was completed using a form of stablecoin called USDC, whose value is tied to the U.S. dollar, to limit the risk.

How Blockchain and Crypto Could Make Homeownership More Accessible

Though more risk is involved when background checks and credit checks aren’t completed, using cryptocurrency and the blockchain opens the world of real estate up to a pool of buyers that might have otherwise been ineligible.

For instance, some companies will lend crypto users up to 50% percent of the loan if the collateral is in bitcoin, a particular kind of crypto. That same person might not have qualified for a traditional loan because of their credit score or lack of tangible collateral, but crypto opens up their options.

Smith believes that even without credit checks, more private lenders will come forward to be a part of the blockchain and crypto movement. Those lenders, she says, will likely charge higher interest—she believes from 8% to 10%—but she says that people will pay that amount.

Even though the real estate market is slowing, prices are still high, and competition is still tough. For instance, 100,000 people moved to Dallas from 2020 to 2021, Smith says. Some can’t compete with all-cash buyers or get a loan because of a lack of down payment funds or a low credit score. Paying a higher interest rate is not a deterrent for people who want to buy a home but haven’t been able to either because of the state of the market or because they don’t qualify for a mortgage in a traditional setting.

“If the lenders only look at your collateral, it’s a whole new world of buyers. They will no longer be judged on credit score,” she adds.

How Real Estate Professionals Can Learn About Blockchain Sales

New and intangible things like crypto are scary, but at one time, the internet was considered new and intangible as well.

Smith says removing the fear starts with learning more about how the blockchain and crypto work. That’s why she’s getting the word out.

At the April Brokers Summit in Phoenix, Smith gave a presentation on the basics of the blockchain and cryptocurrency and how they are used in the real estate market. When she started learning about this kind of fintech, she consumed everything she could, turning to podcasts, articles, YouTube videos and whatever else she could find in her research. Smith encourages others to do the same.

Karayaneva says Propy offers a Crypto Certified Agent course. There are seven sessions of 30 minutes each, explaining crypto transactions in the housing industry. Currently, over 1,000 real estate professionals across the country are certified. She says these agents share their knowledge every Friday with agents who are new to the course during an online session. Karayaneva also suggests looking at websites such as CoinDesk.com and Cointelegraph.com for updated information.

Both Smith and Karayaneva believe that the blockchain and crypto will continue to be a game changer in the real estate industry. For that reason, the more industry professionals who understand how they work, the better.

“Blockchain is a huge phenomenon that will change our world,” says Karayaneva. “It already is—just like the internet did. Fundamentally, it will change finance, real estate and other aspects of our lives.”

©National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission