Property Management Software

We spoke previously about how to attract motivated sellers by using an opt-in on your website and discussed how to set up an opt-in form. Collecting opt-in addresses is the key to building a great client list and establishing an ongoing relationship with your clients.

Okay….so we have the opt-in form set up on your website. What happens once you start receiving names and addresses and where do they end up after the client signs up for your free real estate information?

How to Manage Your Opt-In Email Addresses

There basically three different ways that you can manage your opt-in list:

Use a Web Host: If you choose this route be sure that you choose a Web host that is reliable. Web hosts are providers such as GoDaddy, Yahoo, Google, and other sites that provide server space for you to house your website. The problem with a Web Host is that they are in the business of hosting your website instead of the business of managing opt-in lists. You will not have as much control over management so you will need to choose wisely. ASP: You can choose to use an Application Service Provider in which you can rent an opt-in application and then access it over the Internet. Some providers bill you on a per-use or monthly fee basis. These providers can supply you with the ability to customize, personalize your mailings, and other services associated with list management. List Management Software: The nice part about this option is that once you purchase this software, you own it, and there are no further charges incurred. The software offers all of the features that you will find in a Web Host or ASP except you have full control over the management.

List Management Software allows you to set up your opt-in form right on your website and provides a way for you to direct the information directly to wherever you wish to store it. When the software receives the information, it automatically adds it to your mailing list.

Most software of this nature has many advanced features that automate the process of sending out mailings to your clients. You can even set the time of day when you want the mailing to occur.

Automate Your Mailing Campaigns

Another nice feature about marketing your real estate investment business on the Internet is you can automate the process of keeping in touch with your opt-in list of clients. If you have never managed a client list then you need to be aware that there are chores involved with the management. Automating the process can make your life a lot easier and free up the time for you to accomplish other things.

Here are just a few of the tasks you may end up doing manually if you choose not to automate:

Subscribe and Unsubscribe Requests: Without automation, you will be handling all of your clients “subscribe” and unsubscribe requests by hand. If your list is substantial this can be very time consuming. Good list management software will handle both of these tasks automatically and you do not have to lift a finger to do anything. Remove Duplicate Addresses: When managing an opt-in it is necessary to remove duplicate addresses or you could be accused of spamming. The CAN-SPAM Act also requires you to have a way of removing duplicate addresses. Email Chores: You will have other responsibilities to your opt-in list like running campaigns and answering client questions. You can set up most of these tasks so it is completely automated.

Using list management software is like using the right tools to do a job well. If you want to spend more time on attracting motivated sellers than performing opt-in list chores, this option may be for you. 



By: Mike Lautensack

If you are a professional Real estate investors, or flipping over property full time, or part time you know how important it is to have the right real estate software for your business.

Having the right real estate software with the features and tools that best suit your solution is a must have for your success. So where is the best place to start searching and finding a real estate software that meets your specific needs.

What to look for in real estate software:

1. Look for real estate software that meet your criteria for what you want to do. Whether you are interested in acquiring and managing rental property, investing in a real estate ventures or buying property to flip your online search should be narrowed down to the specifics to eliminate software you are not interested in pursuing.

2. The next thing to consider, and maybe a first factor is how much you want to spend on a real estate software that can change the way you do things and still stay within your bud jet. Some vendors will allow you a trial of there software before you buy, so taking advantage of this type offer will save you frustration in the long run if you determine it is not what you expected. A high price software some times may have all the tools needed, but are complex with a huge learning curve and many times a moderate priced real estate software is easy to learn and just what you need. So shop around and choose a software that is suited to you learning ability and user friendly.

3. A good real estate software vender will have a website that is easy to navigate and have the answers you need to your solution without searching all over the website. If the real estate software vender provides testimonials from previous users and customers take advantage by contacting them if possible to find out first hand what there evaluation of the software mat be.

4. Sometimes a real estate software may seem reasonably priced , but take into consideration that there may be a third party software such as Microsoft Excel. or Power point that will require you purchasing additional software in conjunction with using the real estate software.

5. Support is probably one of the most important factors. Will you be able to call support, email, live person chat, or have forum support for your issues and help. Some vendors even charge you a fee for phone support so you need to take this all in before you decide.
A good real estate software will have help files built into there software and some with useful tips when staring up the software.

6. Do some research on the developer of the real estate software to find out there past and present experience dealing in the real estate industry. A good place to start would be there company profile where names, telephone numbers and addresses are available to examine. With this information you will be armed and ready to determine if the author is creditable in the field of real estate or is all fluff.

7. Is the real estate software available for download, or is it in CD or DVD format, These formats are great to have, but consider the extra cost involved for producing and mailing, Not only can you burn your own CDs and save, but with a download you will not have to wait for the product to arrive and cab get started right away

Well there you have it and there will no doubt be other factors involved concerning you special concerns and requirements.



By: Chet Holcomb