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5 Proven Marketing Tips of Successful Real Estate Agents

They say that the real estate business is easy in good times. However, it’s the rough times that separate the successful agents from those who go looking for another profession. What’s the secret to successful real estate agents? They are always running multiple marketing strategies. These strategies allow the successful Toronto real estate agent to have a constant stream of qualified buyers and sellers. Below are 5 of the most proven marketing strategies used by successful real estate agents.

1. Consistent Use of Social Media

Every real estate agent understands the importance of social media. However, only the most successful agents are committed to creating consistent messaging on their Facebook page, Youtube channel and Intergram account. The successful real estate agent will post at least once a week to each of their social media platforms. And these messages should add value to the person reading the message. This social media posts could be a link about local real estate news, important buying or selling tips or news about upcoming open houses. Consistent social media marketing will keep followers engaged and lead to more clients.

2. Cultivating an E-Mail list

E-mail is simply the most powerful form of marketing. That is because an e-mail list includes people who are interested in the agent’s services. Therefore, these are warm leads that should not be taken for granted. E-mail messaging can be as simple communications about local real estate news or current listings and upcoming open houses.

3. Becoming a Market Authority

Real estate agents who are considered an authority, in the local market, will always attract the best clients. Agents can build authority by following a few steps. For instance, the real estate agent should post more often on their social media accounts, pay for local radio time to take questions about the current real estate market and or hold seminars about buying and selling in the local market. A top authority will end up having buyers and sellers beating down her door because of her reputation alone.

4. Gathering and Contacting Referrals

Agents understand the power of gathering referrals. And the successful agent never misses a chance to build their referral network and follow up on that list. Agents should ask all their clients for at least five names of people who may be interested in buying or selling a property. Then the agent should contact that referral via e-mail with a personalized message. If that referral is not in the market, than the agent should ask that referral for five more names and so on.

5. Being a Specialist

Successful agents know how to set themselves apart by specializing on in a certain part of the market. Agents can become a geographical specialists, concentrating on listings in a certain part of town. Agents can also specialize in a certain demographic such as seniors or millennial aged clients. Specializing will allow the agent to stand out from the crowd.

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Four Ways to Reduce Wasted Water At Home

Water is a pricey resource that costs a lot to heat and treat. If you can make some small changes to conserve your water usage, you could cut your utility costs and use less resources, which is better for the planet. Some of these tips can be done on your own, and some of them are best accomplished with the help of your plumber.

1. Have a Plumber Check for Leaks

A small leak in a toilet, shower or sink could waste dozens of gallons of water every week. Over the course of a year, that adds up to a lot of water. There might even be a leak in your water supply line or in one of your appliances. Have your plumber do a leak check on all of your plumbing fixtures. Fixing the leaks could lower your water bills and extend the lifespan of your plumbing system.

2. Keep the Water Warm

When you want hot water, you probably have to wait a minute or two for the water to turn from cold to warm and finally hot. Just letting that cold and lukewarm water run down the drain is a waste of resources. You could collect it in a bucket and use it for flushing the toilet or watering your garden. You might also consider having your plumber install a water heater blanket if you have a traditional water heater with a tank. The blanket keeps the water hotter and reduces energy usage.

3. Clean or Replace Faucet Aerators

Sometimes, what you need is better water pressure instead of more water. Fixtures such as faucets and shower heads have aerators. They mix in some air with the stream of water to increase the pressure as it leaves the faucet’s head. If the aerators on your faucets and fixtures are clogged, take them off and clean them. Doing this is easy with a vinegar solution, or you could contact a plumbing professional to do it for you. After about five years, it is a good idea to have the aerators replaced.

4. Turn Off the Tap Whenever Possible

Whenever you can, turn off the faucet instead of letting the water run. Whether you are shaving, brushing your teeth or washing your hands, you can do most of the activity without a stream of water running. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth. Apply soap to your hands, rub them together, then turn on the water. Turn off the water while you shave. You could even turn off the water in the shower while you are shampooing your hair and applying soap or body wash to your skin.

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4 Considerations When Choosing a Furnace

Every home needs an HVAC system that is efficient, effective, and reliable. Central heating has become a standard component in nearly every home. Even older homes are now being upgraded to include a more modern furnace. Prior to choosing a new furnace, there are several factors homeowners must consider regarding heating and furnace installation.

1. Consider the fuel type

Most furnaces today are powered by natural gas. As a clean, inexpensive source, natural gas has largely replaced coal in home heating. Even people who do not live near natural gas lines may use liquefied propane to heat their homes. Other alternatives to natural gas include electricity and wood.

2. Choose an efficient furnace

To help consumers choose the most efficient furnace, products now come with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating. In understanding the rating, the number assigned corresponds with the percent of fuel the furnace burns to produce heat. For example, a furnace that has an 85 percent gas rating produces heat from 85 percent of the fuel it burns. High-efficiency furnaces have a rating of 90 to 98 percent and can help the household save on heating expenses. Most furnaces also contribute to cost savings by using an electric ignition versus maintaining a continuously burning pilot light.

3. Choose a furnace that is the right size

Most people who have never purchased a furnace before will need guidance in choosing the right size. Installing a furnace that is too large may waste money while choosing one that is too small will not adequately heat the home. Indoor square footage, number of windows, amount of insulation, and ceiling height all factor into the size of furnace a home will need. People who are replacing an old furnace may simply use the size of the old furnace as a guide.

4. Choose the right location for the furnace

A furnace may be installed outside the house, in the basement, in the garage, or in the home’s attic. Placement of a furnace is critically important because some locations may affect the manner in which toxic carbon monoxide is vented from the home and the amount of air the furnace needs for combustion. An advantage to installing an electric furnace means not having to consider any of these factors.

Buying a furnace is a decision that is not to be taken lightly. For best results and optimal safety, homeowners should work closely with a reputable furnace installation Oshawa service provider to receive reliable information that is most appropriate for their home.

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5 Types of Promotional Gifts That Will Impress Your Clients

Every business is looking for ways to increase their customer base and make prospective buyers repeat and loyal customers. To do this, you have to place your brand in the mind of your customers. One of the best ways to stay in front of your customers is through promotional products. Here are some promotional gift ideas that will make a positive impact on clients and prospects.

1. Clothing

When it comes to quality promotional products, you can’t get it wrong with branded apparel. Regardless of your target market, there’s something that will grab the attention of your clients. If you have a list of executives you want to impress, then golf shirts or polos will be perfect. For field workers, get quality, branded baseball caps or beanies for them. T-shirts and sweatshirts are other great promotional products. No matter your choice, remember that quality matters. With plenty of designs and styles to choose from, it is no surprise that apparel is a top choice for companies.

2. Tech Gadgets

Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives that we can’t go a day without it. Tech gadgets and devices, no matter how small, has helped reduce the stress in the corporate world. A small device like a USB charger can make a difference. When it comes to choosing the right tech device to gift your clients, consider their daily lives. Are your clients seasoned travellers? If so, a universal travel adapter might come in handy. If you deal with young professionals, a Bluetooth speaker may be a better choice. There are many options to choose from. Choose promotional products that appeal to your clientele.

3. Personal Organizers

Everyone needs a way to stay organized in the corporate world, and if you are looking for promotional gift ideas that will impress your clients, personal organizers may go over well. Items to consider include notebooks, desk calendars or personal planners. A branded office desk calendar is something anyone can use. The possibilities are endless. Creativity is the key here. You may be interested in the resources available at the Brandability website.

4. Custom Drinkware

In the workplace, coffee is critical. Virtually every working-class individual needs some form of caffeine to stay productive all day long. You can tap into this and gift branded coffee mugs. Other options you may want to consider include water bottles, cups, tumblers, and glassware. Regardless of your budget, you will find promotional drinkware that fits. For the executives, consider an insulated metal water bottle. If you’re on a tight budget, plastic to-go drinking cups with a lid and straw will be perfect. One of the reasons why drinkware is a great promotional product is that it is reusable. In addition to that, clients can take it with them anywhere.

5. Desk Items

You can never go wrong with desk items. Every professional in the corporate world needs them. Whether it’s a fun little puzzle or a paperweight, desk items put your brand in front of your clients. Some ideas include clocks, cell phone stands, desk planters, letter opener, and pens, just to name a few.

Whatever promotional products you choose, think about the daily lives of your clientele.

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5 Simple Reasons Why Your Business Should Use Real Estate CRM

CRM, also Customer Relationship Management, is an effective tool that you must have and use in real estate. Many real estate agents still use Excel spreadsheets or other simple contact manager tools like the ones in Gmail or Outlook for managing their databases. This, however, makes the databases look like nothing more than a list of names and numbers. But what if you can automate the whole process and also develop and maintain a strong relationship with your clients? Here are some great real estate CRM tips for your business.

1. You stay in touch with your previous clients

It is not uncommon to get so caught up in where your business is in the present that you forget what or who got you there in the first place. What most people may not realize is that even the past clients who made you successful and got your business where it is now are still crucial and can still contribute to the betterment and growth of the business. But if you are using CRM, you get to stay in touch with even your past clients. You will have a follow-up plan that also keeps your clients on the loop about where you and your business are. This also improves the chances of the client coming back for another deal as well.

2. You can give referrals as well

With a good CRM system in place, you do not just get referrals, but you can give them too. You can be the go-to person when other businesses are out looking for people that are in your database for their businesses. This is also just as important in the real estate line of work.

3. Easy automation

A good CRM system also lets you automate your digital marketing processes so everything is always in play and all cards are moving when need. You will no longer have to worry about sending postcards to your clients to market your business. Today, emails and other online lead generation programs and software make work easier. You can now automate your emails to send monthly newsletters to your customers to constantly keep them updated about your progress. The use of CRM in real estate also makes marketing more trackable and campaigns easy to plan. This is one of the main reasons why modern agent prefers to use the CRM tool to the older traditional ones like the Excel spreadsheets.

4. Develop stronger relationships

As mentioned earlier, CRM helps real estate agents to develop good relationships with their clients. A good CRM setting allows for the accountability and tracking of all processes that run in your business. CRM systems also help keep notes of all previous conversations, so you always know where to pick off every time you want to continue a conversation with your precious clients.

5. Using social media

A good CRM system also helps you use the social media productively to market your real estate business. You can use your business social media to keep in touch with your clients, both present and past, and put them on the loop of what is happening in your business. You can also share any new progress with the business or current developments. This connects you and your clients more and ensures a healthier relationship.

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6 Common Myths About Locksmiths That You Shouldn’t Believe

There always seems to be myths and misconceptions on just about everything out there. You would believe people had other important things to do than cook up falsified stories about some things that could actually be life-threatening or deal with security issues. But no. People still have the time to cook up ideas that alter how others thing or view certain things in life. Today, we mean to talk about locksmiths and some of its common myths that have made innocent people even think twice about letting them handle their doors. This article aims to debunk these myths and ease up your mind whenever you feel the need to call one to tend to your locks.

1. They are always available 24 hours a day

It would be good to have a locksmith company that is available and work round the clock day and night waiting for emergency calls that need their attention. However, this claim is only partly true as some locksmiths and locksmith companies do not offer 24-hour services. Locksmith emergencies can always happen at any time of the day or night. So, having a locksmith company that works round the clock can be a lifesaving issue and can make for a lucrative business. But there are other locksmith companies that only work from 9 to 5 o’clock during the day.

2. They do not provide estimates over the phone

Many people have also ever heard others say that locksmiths do not provide estimates over the phone. But this is not true in the slightest as many reputable locksmiths have been known to provide estimates for their services over the phone. Only the few locksmith companies that intend to overcharge you for their services will not. But you can actually get good estimates for a good locksmith service over the phone nowadays.

3. They use the same grade tools

If all locksmiths used the same grade tools to do the same job, then wouldn’t all their work be the same? But you find that this never always happens as all locksmith companies while trying to stay competitive, try to use only the best tools and equipment for their services. A good locksmith company should, therefore, have a variety of tools that work on different door locks like garage doors, vehicles, electric locking systems, personal safes, etc.

4. All locksmiths are certified professionals

This is the one belief many people have, and it usually ends up landing locksmiths in bad reps when the customers get poor work done from one locksmith. If you do your research, you will find that many states and countries don’t require locksmiths to be licensed to work. This is just one reason to make sure you research and shop for the best-qualified locksmith to get the best services. Also, look for a locksmith company that has a good history, great customer reviews, and liability insurance.

5. Locksmiths keep copies of your keys

This theory came about when people started believing that locksmiths keep copies of their customers’ keys so the next time they need copies, the locksmiths can provide the copies. There is, however, no truth to this claim as a locksmith’s work is to provide you with the service you ask for. A locksmith’s job is to make a copy of your key and give you back both copies. You can even watch the entire process. To keep your home secure, research a home security checklist to review with your local locksmith.

6. Locksmithing is easy

There is nothing easy about being a locksmith. This job comes with a lot of responsibilities, extensive training, and a lot of man hours working. So, if you thought a locksmith company was overcharging you or had overly high prices for their services, you might want to think again.

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The 4 Most Essential Family Law Services

“All happy families are alike; all unhappy families are unhappy in their own way.” The immortal opening line of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina also serves as an all too accurate description of so many cases concerning family law. Every family caught in the crossfires of a family quarrel has its own history, foibles, and fights to deal with, and thus every family law case is different. As such, whether you need a will probate or divorce lawyer, above all, you need a family law firm that can address any and all unique elements of your case.

1. Divorce Cases

It should come as no surprise that divorces are among the most frequent cases taken up by family law. The best family law firms specializing in this should thus be skilled at handling both the legal side of things, as well as navigating the unique personal dynamics that are sure to colour every case. A great divorce lawyer will advocate fiercely on your behalf in court, while working with your ex’s lawyers to try and come to a quick, acrimony-free settlement.

2. Child Custody Cases

If anything has the potential to cause greater family law drama than a divorce, it’s a battle over child custody. Everyone wants the best for their children, and when those views differ, it can lead to legal fireworks. At the same time, however, innocent children should never be made to suffer for their family’s legal quarrels. As such, the best family lawyers specializing in child custody cases will work to secure custody and prove their client’s good standing as a guardian, while taking their children’s feelings into account, shielding them from the proceedings as much as possible.

3. Executing Wills

Few things have the capacity to tear a family apart faster than a disputed will. You never want this to happen to your family, and thankfully, family law experts can help, providing will drafting and execution services to ensure that everything is on the up and up. What’s more, in the event that you do need to contest a will, they can help you do just that.

4. Settling General Disputes

As you might expect, there are any number of different problems which might arise that aren’t perfectly covered by all of those other eventualities. As such, you’ll want to count upon the best family law firms in Canada to have you covered, no matter the case.

Get the help you need in sensitive family-related legal matters with the best firms across Canada. You may be able to find more resources and insights at the Matrimonial Home website.

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6 Tips for Moving With an Infant

Having a baby and moving houses are both critical life events. If you experience both at a go, you need some special grace to handle the situation. Besides, moving is already hard enough, and bringing an infant into the equation only makes it more challenging. Besides hiring a mover, there are other tips to make the experience less stressful.

1. Plan the move

Use a calendar to plan a suitable moving day. Mark the relocating day on the calendar so that you can see how many days are remaining at a glance. Determine the packing days and split roles with your partner or housemate. Consider color coding tasks to make reading easy.

2. Find help

With so much to do, you will need some extra sets of hands. Look for a babysitter, a family member, a friend or anybody else to watch your little one during the move. Depending on the age of your baby, they might be quiet or curious. Although a calm child is easy to watch over, an hyper-active baby is likely to require lots of attention. You can also ask the movers Toronto to bring extra help.

3. Keep the essentials within reach

Pack a baby travel suitcase containing all the essential items you will require while on the road, such as a diaper bag, three-days set of clothes, a first aid kit, and their favorite toy. Make sure that drinks and food are at hand. Being hungry during a move will only make the situation worse, so, make sure you and the baby have enough to eat. Don’t forget to carry adequate water to keep you hydrated. Put together a box of cleaning supplies to clean up a place for the baby to stay if you get tired of holding them.

4. Take note of security concerns

Never leave your baby unattended. If you have to help in moving the items, make sure someone is available to watch over your child. Also, keep all potentially harmful things such as sharp edges, scissors and cleaning supplies away from your little one. In case you are traveling by plane, take time to check the guidelines for traveling with babies.

5. Take your time

When you arrive at the new house, start by setting up the child’s room. Setting their room up first will ensure they settle in fast. It will also give you adequate time to unpack. Understand that your little one needs a lot of attention from you and that their needs come first.

6. Maintain your baby’s routine

Remember that routine matters a lot when it comes to caring for a child. Maintaining a stringent napping and feeding schedule for your infant is not easy especially when you are relocating. However, this is the best way to help them adjust to the new environment because consistency gives a feeling of stability and security.

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4 Signs It’s Time to Contact a Plumber

Many household problems are easily fixed by calling a plumber. You might be unaware of the signs of an impending plumbing emergency. With that in mind, here are four signs it’s time to contact a plumbing company.

1. Water Drains Slowly

Each day, people depend on their sinks to drain water fast and efficiently. If this isn’t happening, you’re likely dealing with a drain clog. You’ll definitely want to contact a plumbing service when water drains slowly throughout your home. Unfortunately, homeowners sometimes let this problem occur longer than it should. As a result, this often leads to drains becoming completely clogged. In turn, this causes water to enter into your home where it can damage floors and walls.

2. Dripping Faucets

If you’re living in a home with a dripping faucet, this might not seem like much of a concern. Many people think that a leaking faucet is more of an annoyance than an emergency. However, this small amount of dripping water often begins to add up. Therefore, many people end up receiving surprising and costly water bills. These costs will increase depending on the number of leaking faucets that are in your home. If you want to avoid increasing monthly water bills, you’ll want to contact a plumbing company right away.

3. Clogged Toilets

There are many potential sources of clogs throughout a home. With that in mind, it’s important to keep a close eye on your toilets. If these appliances begin to clog, it could cause wastewater to leak into your home. Sewage is extremely hazardous to your health. Therefore, it’s wise to have a plumber fix clogged toilets before this problem spirals out of control.

4. Leaking Hot Water Heater

It’s important to regularly inspect all rooms of your home. Unfortunately, many people forget to occasionally inspect their hot water heaters. Don’t worry, you won’t need any special tools or equipment for this inspection. You’ll simply want to make sure that no water is leaking around your hot water heater. If this is happening, it’s best to contact a plumbing company. Leakage is a sign that you might need to have your hot water heater replaced.

In closing, it’s important to know signs of impending plumbing emergencies. Contacting a plumber right away helps to ensure these problems don’t spiral out of control. If you’re experiencing any of the previously mentioned problems, contact a plumber right away.

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5 Signs of a Trustworthy Locksmith

If you find yourself in need of a locksmith, it may mean that you’re in a pretty uncomfortable position. You’ve either locked yourself out of your home, car, or business—or, you need to change your locks for safety reasons. Maybe you’ve experienced a break-in or lost your keys in a public place. When it’s time to call a locksmith service, you’re probably feeling worried, frightened, or stressed out. You want to be sure to choose a professional that can provide fast, reliable service. The last thing you need is a further headache! Here are five signs that indicate a locksmith service is trustworthy:

1. A local, physical storefront

Any lock service you think about calling should have a tangible storefront in your local vicinity. Unfortunately, there are many lock services advertised on the Internet that claim to be located in a place where they are not. Some stores that claim to be local often have several online listings under various names. When you call one of these services, each phone number is routed to one central phone number in a city that is nowhere near yours. Frequently, the person who answers the phone cannot answer basic questions. This should be an immediate red flag.

2. Free estimates

A trustworthy lock service should offer free estimates for all expected labor costs and replacement parts needed before any work begins. There should never be extra or hidden fees tacked on after the work is done. Be wary of any service provider that charges a fee just to conduct an estimate—this is a sure sign of a scam.

3. Quick arrival time

A top-notch lock service will have a whole squadron of Toronto locksmith available around the clock. They should be able to respond quickly in emergency situations. It’s important to know that your technician will arrive fast because sometimes you need a lock fixed or replaced in a hurry. Or, if you’re stranded outside, you don’t want to be waiting around all day or night for someone to show up.

4. A solid reputation and track record

The best lock services will have a great public reputation, and gain a lot of their business through word-of-mouth. If you don’t have a recommendation from a friend or family member, start by researching lock services online. Read the reviews, check for a physical location, and talk to someone on the phone to ensure that they’re knowledgeable.

5. Services you need

When researching lock services, check to see if the exact service you require is offered by the provider. For instance, if you need top of the line security locks for your business, look for a commercial locksmith rather than a residential one.