It’s time to start your engines, because the busy spring season is upon us. Every Realtor knows that people start looking at new properties once the winter is fully finished. After all, spring brings ample new opportunities. Â
While we’d typically be ready and raring to go, it’s no secret that the last few years have been anything but typical for the real estate market. Consumer confidence has wavered, industry players have been in a number of push-and-pull arguments, and affordability in general has scared off a large section of potential buyers. However, there is some good news. The rental market is not only booming but has in fact seen some substantial cost lowering, which means as prices go down, interest from renters goes up. Even if it’s not your main avenue of business, it’s still valuable to have a rental plan you can market to interested consumers. Here’s a basic rundown of what you can do for a new lease on life. Â
Follow the Money, Especially When Prices Dip
Per Real Estate News, jumping into homeownership is a major stressor, with younger generations viewing the act of buying a house more akin to a status marker than a predetermined destination of their life/financial journey. On the bright side, you can position yourself as a professional who can read the market in its entirety, not just from an emotional standpoint. Realtor.com posted a February market report noting some pretty astounding dips in rental prices, especially for our friends in the San Diego area. By marketing yourself as not just someone selling homes but also offering rentals, you can meet the market where it is and offer consumers a wider breadth of options. While some may be chomping at the bit to own a home, regret quickly follows those who jump in too fast. Advise on renting and saving money to over-eager clients to not only help ensure satisfaction but retain clients that will come back to you when they’re ready with the funds to secure exactly what they want. Â
From the Desk of CMO Nicole Aguilar
The personal thoughts of CRMLS’s Chief Marketing Officer
Even when the market becomes more friendly to buyers, it’s important to remember your client base will have varied needs and interests. By promoting yourself with a more diverse set of skills and knowledge, you can stand out from the crowd and flex your professional bona fides. Â
A Suite of Rental Management Tools Are Waiting for You
RentEdge is the latest product ecosystem from RentSpree, one of our most trusted allies in the rental space. Available to all CRMLS users at no additional cost, the RentEdge modules help reduce friction when it comes to screening tenants, analyzing market trends, and keeping up with the latest rental news and policies. More modules will be coming soon, so head to your REcore dashboard and start getting involved with all that RentEdge can do to take some rental work off your plate. Â
From the Kitchen of Chef Ian
CRMLS Product & Event Supervisor and resident gourmand Ian Huss is serving up his favorite avocado-focused recipes. This month: Bacon Guacamole Balls.
Ingredients:Â Â
- 1 package bacon, cooked and crumbledÂ
- 2-3 avocadosÂ
- 1/4 minced red onionÂ
- 1 minced serrano chili (seeded if you prefer less heat)Â
- 4 tbsp freshly chopped cilantroÂ
- 8 oz soft cream cheeseÂ
- 1/2 tsp cuminÂ
- 1/2 tsp chili powderÂ
- 1 minced garlic cloveÂ
- Juice of 1 limeÂ
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to tasteÂ
Directions:Â
- In a medium bowl, roughly mash avocados with a fork. Add softened cream cheese and mix until evenly incorporated, leaving some small avocado chunks. Add thinly minced serrano, lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and serrano is evenly distributed.Â
- On a plate covered with parchment paper, place rounded tablespoons of the avocado mixture. Put in the freezer for 15-20 minutes, or until exterior is almost solid. Â
- While the guacamole is in the freezer, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and crumble the bacon.Â
- Remove the guacamole from the freezer. Use your hands to form each guacamole mound into a ball and roll in the crumbled bacon, gently pressing to coat. Repeat until all balls are covered. Serve immediately. Â
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