Kim Hughes

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January 19, 2021 By Kim Hughes Leave a Comment

Are Your Zillow Reviews Disappearing? Follow These Steps to TAKE ACTION NOW!

Real estate agents across the country have a love/hate relationship with Zillow that has been going on for many years. Even if you have chosen to be a Zillow Premier agent and pay Zillow for leads, you are still likely frustrated with Zillow and feel like you have no other choice than to give them your money.

Are Your Zillow Reviews Disappearing? Follow These Steps to TAKE ACTION NOW!

KIM HEADSHOT

In late 2020, Zillow announced plans to hire salaried agents to represent them when they make cash offers to home sellers. After years of denying they would act as a brokerage, this was another step closer to just that.

In another step toward increased Zillow control, Zillow has begun charging agents a weekly fee to post rental listings on Zillow. This has rolled out to different markets at different times so if you haven’t seen it yet, you likely will soon.

On top of these changes, many agents across the country have seen their recent sales and reviews begin to disappear from their Zillow profile. Zillow has always allowed agents to claim past sales in their Zillow profile but some agents have recently seen these disappear for recent transactions.

While these can be added back, they may or may not stay. If your past sales are still showing, it might be a good idea to print them while you have access to them or screen shot them all if you want a record that they were there previously. Assuming Zillow continues to allow agents to manually add past sales, you could add them again later. Some agents have recently readded their recent sales only to see them disappear again so I recommend waiting a couple weeks before you determine if you should do this while we see if Zillow resolves this issue.

While reviews are still showing for most agents, some agents are seeing reviews disappear as well so I recommend you copy and paste your reviews into a Word document while you still have them. You could then manually add them to your website very easily from this document.

Attempts to get answers from Zillow recently about these changes have gotten mixed results. Zillow has told some agents that the recent sales have disappeared because the email address they use in MLS doesn’t match their Zillow email address. While in rare cases, an agent might have coincidentally changed their email address recently, most agents haven’t so this change can’t be attributed to that. We have also received the answer from Zillow stating there is a glitch in the system and they are working on the issue. Many agents also are still waiting to receive any response from Zillow.

As most agents recognize Zillow isn’t the real estate expert the public perceives them to be, the frustration lies in how to change the public perception of Zillow. This can’t and won’t happen overnight. If you happen to be a Zillow Premier agent, you likely haven’t noticed any changes to your account. For the rest of agents, your account has probably already been affected. The best use of your time would be to capture the information currently available in your profile and save it then work to build your online reputation on a platform that you have full control of. If you aren’t sure how to build your online reputation on a safe platform, we are always here to assist you with that process.

If you would like to purchase the Client Testimonial/Review Template click here. https://kimhughes.samcart.com/products/client-review-template/

Ready to see the benefits of having Kim Hughes and her team of professional high-level real estate assistants can help you move your business to the next level, help you become more organized so you can focus more on what is important to you. Schedule your 30-minute Strategy Call… https://go.oncehub.com/KimHughes

ANNOUNCEMENT: Have you heard? The Ultimate Expired Listing System has been a huge success for so many agents around the country. Check it out to see if it is for you. https://www.kimhughes.com/the-ultimate-expired-listing-system.

I would also like to invite you to join my exclusive Facebook Group – Real Estate Success Tools is very unique as we share tips, strategies, and more on how YOU can run a more streamlined business by implementing the tips and tools we discuss here. Join us today it will only take a couple of minutes but will change the course of your business. Go ahead…join us now. https://www.facebook.com/groups/realestatesuccesstools/

 

Ready to take your business to a new level? Here are some great blogs to help you get started:

3 Tips to Rock Your Transaction

Social Media Marketing for Real Estate

Is It Time to Bring on an Assistant?

Does Your Website Need a Face Lift?

7 Tips to Have an Amazing Newsletter

 

How organized are you with your day? Maybe you need to hold yourself accountable for your time? I have created a 90 Day Real Estate Planner for you. Check it out. https://www.kimhughes.com/90-day-real-estate-planner/

Connect with ME:

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: how to get reviews, how to get testimonials, kim hughes, kim hughes real estate virtual assistant, real estate, real estate business, real estate business tips, real estate coaching, real estate for beginners, real estate marketing, real estate tips, real estate training, real estate virtual assistant, real estate website, zillow

October 16, 2020 By Kim Hughes Leave a Comment

Getting Your Past Clients to Leave Testimonials

Building your real estate business takes time and effort. One big thing that future clients like to see is testimonials from your past clients that will make them feel good about working with you. If you are a new agent or have even been around for a few years but never made an effort to get testimonials from past clients, the lack of testimonials can make you appear inexperienced. How do you get the testimonials you need to show you have the experience you do and help your future clients feel confident about choosing to work with you?

Getting Your Past Clients to Leave Testimonials

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There are many different sites your clients can leave testimonials on. Some of the most common ones are Zillow, Realtor.com, Google and Facebook. The challenge is that you don’t know where people are looking for information about you so you really need a presence on all of the sites and not just one of them. This doesn’t have to be hard since they can write one review then copy and paste it to multiple sites? Why don’t more people leave reviews? Truly, it’s only because most people just don’t think about it. It doesn’t have to be complicated for you to request the reviews. You just have to start by asking.

Create an email template that you can email your clients after closing. In your email, make sure to thank them for choosing to work with you, tell them to let you know anytime they have a question, offer to help anyone they know they might need help buying or selling a property and provide them links to the appropriate sites for them to leave you reviews. Some of these sites will notify you when you receive a review while others don’t. Even if they don’t notify you, check them periodically and then thank those that have left positive reviews for you. With both Google and Facebook, you can respond to the reviews that are left you. This is always a good thing to do as it will increase the visibility of your reviews.

Capturing client testimonials isn’t a complicated or lengthy process. The key is just taking the time to do it. Make an effort to do this within a few days of closing. While the positive experience of working with you is still fresh is the best time for someone to leave you a review that reflects that.

Ready to see the benefits of having Kim Hughes and her team of professional high-level real estate assistants can help you move your business to the next level, help you become more organized so you can focus more on what is important to you. Schedule your 30-minute Strategy Call… https://go.oncehub.com/KimHughes

ANNOUNCEMENT: Have you heard? The Ultimate Expired Listing System has been a huge success for so many agents around the country. Check it out to see if it is for you. https://www.kimhughes.com/the-ultimate-expired-listing-system.

I would also like to invite you to join my exclusive Facebook Group – Real Estate Success Tools is very unique as we share tips, strategies, and more on how YOU can run a more streamlined business by implementing the tips and tools we discuss here. Join us today it will only take a couple of minutes but will change the course of your business. Go ahead…join us now. https://www.facebook.com/groups/realestatesuccesstools/

 

Ready to take your business to a new level? Here are some great blogs to help you get started:

3 Tips to Rock Your Transaction

Social Media Marketing for Real Estate

Is It Time to Bring on an Assistant?

Does Your Website Need a Face Lift?

7 Tips to Have an Amazing Newsletter

 

How organized are you with your day? Maybe you need to hold yourself accountable for your time? I have created a 90 Day Real Estate Planner for you. Check it out. https://www.kimhughes.com/90-day-real-estate-planner/

Connect with ME:

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: kim hughes, real estate, real estate business, real estate tips, real estate website

October 9, 2020 By Kim Hughes Leave a Comment

Tips for Selling Your Home Successfully During a Pandemic

Listing your home for sale during the COVID-19 pandemic requires that you take the same basic steps that you would take selling your home at any other time, such as cleaning, staging, and having photos taken. However, the real estate industry has changed in many ways in response to the outbreak. In order to make your home shine, you’ll have to focus on your online presence more than ever. And in order to make buyers feel safe on any in-person tours, extra cleaning measures will also need to be in place.

Tips for Selling Your Home Successfully During a Pandemic

Kim Headshot Tips for Selling your home during a pandemic

Getting Your Home Ready to List

It’s always important to make your home look its best before taking listing photos, but it matters, even more, when house hunters might rely solely on your listing to make up their minds.

  • Spend a day deep cleaning each room of the house to make it shine.
  • Be sure to remove dirt and grease from walls and ceilings by doing a thorough cleaning.
  • Don’t forget curb appeal! Mow the lawn, do repairs, and remove outdoor clutter.
  • Hire a professional photographer to take your listing photos so your home stands out.

Tips for Virtual Tours

COVID-19 may have halted most in-person activities, but buyers can still tour your home using alternative methods.

  • Sellers can keep their search going if you allow realtors to do live video-chat tours.
  • You can also use tools such as Zoom to show buyers around your home yourself.
  • Even during virtual or video tours, make sure pets and kids are out of the picture.
  • Be sure to do a quick cleaning session, even before video tours.

Keeping Your Home Show-Ready

While many buyers are able to decide on a home after a remote tour, some may still appreciate the chance to check out your home in person. Here’s how to prepare for safe showings.

  • Keep some basic cleaning items on hand, such as Clorox disinfecting wipes.
  • Post a friendly reminder in your home about practicing social distancing during tours.
  • Clean any high-touch areas right before a showing takes place.
  • If anyone in your home feels sick or shows symptoms of COVID-19, communicate with your real estate agent to postpone showings.

If you’re willing to adapt your approach, you can find success listing your home during the pandemic. Being mindful of buyers’ concerns is the right thing to do, but it can also help your home stand out from the competition and sell more quickly.

Ready to see the benefits of having Kim Hughes and her team of professional high-level real estate assistants can help you move your business to the next level, help you become more organized so you can focus more on what is important to you. Schedule your 30-minute Strategy Call… https://go.oncehub.com/KimHughes

ANNOUNCEMENT: Have you heard? The Ultimate Expired Listing System has been a huge success for so many agents around the country. Check it out to see if it is for you. https://www.kimhughes.com/the-ultimate-expired-listing-system.

I would also like to invite you to join my exclusive Facebook Group – Real Estate Success Tools is very unique as we share tips, strategies, and more on how YOU can run a more streamlined business by implementing the tips and tools we discuss here. Join us today it will only take a couple of minutes but will change the course of your business. Go ahead…join us now. https://www.facebook.com/groups/realestatesuccesstools/

 

Ready to take your business to a new level? Here are some great blogs to help you get started:

3 Tips to Rock Your Transaction

Social Media Marketing for Real Estate

Is It Time to Bring on an Assistant?

Does Your Website Need a Face Lift?

7 Tips to Have an Amazing Newsletter

 

How organized are you with your day? Maybe you need to hold yourself accountable for your time? I have created a 90 Day Real Estate Planner for you. Check it out. https://www.kimhughes.com/90-day-real-estate-planner/

Connect with ME:

 

 

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Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: kim hughes, real estate, real estate business, real estate tips, real estate website

August 27, 2020 By Kim Hughes Leave a Comment

Five Pieces of Information You Must Add to Your LinkedIn Profile

You have now updated your Facebook and Instagram profiles and should be on your way to using those accounts successfully to stay in touch with your followers and attract new business for yourself. Both Facebook and Instagram offer the opportunity to connect with individuals and businesses around the world. LinkedIn offers a similar option but is based on making connections with other professionals in a primarily business to business setting. The purpose of these connections is to foster relationships among peers near and far to grow your business or enhance your career. To do this, you must first take the time to setup your profile correctly so people know who you are and what your experience is.

Five Pieces of Information You Must Add to Your LinkedIn Profile

Kim Hughes Headshot

  1. Share your profession and the name of the company you work for. LinkedIn facilitates connections with those in similar careers and related industries. If you don’t tell people what you do, they won’t have a reason to connect with you. Likewise, you may want to connect with individuals that work for similar companies or the same company in a different location.
  2. Your location. Another reason to connect on LinkedIn is with others in close proximity to each other. As a real estate agent, consider connecting with mortgage lenders, inspectors and real estate attorneys or title companies in your area. Connecting with these professionals can lead to new relationships, which can lead to professional referrals.
  3. About. Take time to fill out the about section in your profile. Don’t make this overly lengthy but include a little information about yourself, why you are passionate about your career and anything that makes you unique.
  4. Experience. Share information about your previous positions and the prior companies you worked for. It’s easy to lose track of someone you worked with a few jobs ago but if they have filled out their prior experience section, you can search for them easily and reconnect.
  5. Education. Complete the education section. If you love your alma mater like many people, wouldn’t you love to connect with those that may have attended the same school even at a different time. Include the name of the school, when you attended and what you studied. If you are wanting to try a new home inspector and have ten to select from, you might be more likely to reach out to the one that graduated from the same school you did.

When it comes time to post things on LinkedIn, you will likely want to take a different approach than other platforms. Share things that might interest other professionals in your industry, things about your local area, and things that show any specialized knowledge you might have since you are more likely to be connecting with those in similar professions and not people that may want to buy your next listing.

Ready to see the benefits of having Kim Hughes and her team of professional high-level real estate assistants can help you move your business to the next level, help you become more organized so you can focus more on what is important to you. Schedule your 30-minute Strategy Call… https://go.oncehub.com/KimHughes

ANNOUNCEMENT: Have you heard? The Ultimate Expired Listing System has been a huge success for so many agents around the country. Check it out to see if it is for you. https://www.kimhughes.com/the-ultimate-expired-listing-system.

I would also like to invite you to join my exclusive Facebook Group – Real Estate Success Tools is very unique as we share tips, strategies, and more on how YOU can run a more streamlined business by implementing the tips and tools we discuss here. Join us today it will only take a couple of minutes but will change the course of your business. Go ahead…join us now. https://www.facebook.com/groups/realestatesuccesstools/

 

Ready to take your business to a new level? Here are some great blogs to help you get started:

3 Tips to Rock Your Transaction

Social Media Marketing for Real Estate

Is It Time to Bring on an Assistant?

Does Your Website Need a Face Lift?

7 Tips to Have an Amazing Newsletter

 

How organized are you with your day? Maybe you need to hold yourself accountable for your time? I have created a 90 Day Real Estate Planner for you. Check it out. https://www.kimhughes.com/90-day-real-estate-planner/

Connect with ME:

 

 

Share this:

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Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: kim hughes, real estate, real estate business, real estate tips, real estate website

August 20, 2020 By Kim Hughes Leave a Comment

Rock Your Next Virtual Open House

With the surge in the virtual world that began in March and shows no signs of relenting, the real estate market has seen some drastic changes recently. Whether you are trying to reach buyers that are uncomfortable going out, been quarantined due to COVID-19 exposure, or can’t travel due to restrictions, virtual open houses can be a great tool. Likewise, if you are representing the seller, they will likely appreciate you providing exposure to their home while limiting the number of people that physically visit their home. There are definitely some benefits to virtual houses but like anything, if you are going to do it, do it well. Follow these five steps to make sure your virtual open house earns maximum exposure.

Rock Your Next Virtual Open House

Kim Hughes headshot

  1. Plan for it. The planning may be different but just like any open house, you must plan for it. The house should be well-staged, clean, and inviting. Ditch the refreshments and put time into simple staging like setting the dining room table or adding flowers in different rooms. Make sure the owners and pets can be away for the day. With fewer places open for them to go, this may present a challenge for some but even if they just go for a drive or to pick up their latest grocery order, that will allow you to hold an open house.
  2. Market the virtual open house like you always would. Many websites and MLS platforms have updated their software to allow information on virtual open houses. Take advantage of this option and share the information there. Make sure you also post it on social media and reach out to your database to make them aware of it too. Encourage your sellers to share your social media posts with their followers as well. If the neighborhood offers a Facebook page or group, that is another great place to post the information.
  3. Practice with your technology. If you know what to expect when presenting the home, you will be more comfortable. There is nothing worse than going through an entire open house to find out it didn’t work. Do a couple of quick test runs then watch yourself so you can make adjustments to your delivery and make sure you are easily understood and people are able to follow your remarks.
  4. Make notes for each room and part of the house in advance and write them down. No, you shouldn’t read from a script during your tour but the act of writing them down will help you remember the things you want to mention. You will want to share important details about the home with potential buyers so make sure you are telling them the things they can’t see. Don’t overlook spaces like closets and make sure to highlight recent updates as well.
  5. Don’t stop after the open house. Just like following up with buyers after a traditional open house, make sure you do the same thing now. Answer questions from buyers if they have any and make sure you share the tour with anyone that didn’t participate in the live viewing. Post the tour to your social media accounts if it wasn’t hosted there so others can view it. For a few dollars a day, you may consider boosting your post to expose it to more people. After you put the work in, you will want to reach as many people as you can.

It’s too early to say if all of the recent virtual changes will stick around for the long haul but while they are here, it’s important to use the tools correctly and to the full extent if you want them to benefit your business as much as possible.

Ready to see the benefits of having Kim Hughes and her team of professional high-level real estate assistants can help you move your business to the next level, help you become more organized so you can focus more on what is important to you. Schedule your 30-minute Strategy Call… https://go.oncehub.com/KimHughes

ANNOUNCEMENT: Have you heard? The Ultimate Expired Listing System has been a huge success for so many agents around the country. Check it out to see if it is for you. https://www.kimhughes.com/the-ultimate-expired-listing-system.

I would also like to invite you to join my exclusive Facebook Group – Real Estate Success Tools is very unique as we share tips, strategies, and more on how YOU can run a more streamlined business by implementing the tips and tools we discuss here. Join us today it will only take a couple of minutes but will change the course of your business. Go ahead…join us now. https://www.facebook.com/groups/realestatesuccesstools/

 

Ready to take your business to a new level? Here are some great blogs to help you get started:

3 Tips to Rock Your Transaction

Social Media Marketing for Real Estate

Is It Time to Bring on an Assistant?

Does Your Website Need a Face Lift?

7 Tips to Have an Amazing Newsletter

 

How organized are you with your day? Maybe you need to hold yourself accountable for your time? I have created a 90 Day Real Estate Planner for you. Check it out. https://www.kimhughes.com/90-day-real-estate-planner/

Connect with ME:

 

 

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: kim hughes, real estate, real estate business, real estate tips, real estate website

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Kim Hughes | Real Estate Strategy Coach

Ready to create a strategy to improve your business on all levels? Schedule a private consultation to discuss your specific needs today so we can create a strategy that is customized to you and your market. Call or email me and let’s move forward in executing your vision.
 

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PK Hughes, LLC – dba Kim Hughes & Company, a Texas Corporation formed in 1999. .
Kim Hughes & Company offers real estate virtual assistant services to real estate agents by providing strategies with solutions on how to run a successful real estate business including marketing, social media marketing, blogging, not to mention implementing and managing everyday support services.

 

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