The Research Should Be More Important Than The Funding

 

As 2026 began, I spent some time reviewing notes from the private investor coaching sessions I held throughout 2025. The majority are newer investors relying on my team and me for strategies toward getting started or preparing for the next and bigger deal. 

It is human nature to find reasons to make your concept or plan look “even better” in hopes of easier acceptance. However, keeping it real is the far more practical approach when it comes to real estate, especially when involving properties which need repairs and/or upgrades between the time of acquisition and the time of profitable resale.

A real estate investor or professional that is eyeing a property needs to present a lot more than “what I think this could sell for” in order to make the deal happen. My biggest takeaway is (and continues to be) to focus on the deal instead of the funding. Being strong with thorough and accurate research can make your presentation stronger than the next investor a potential partner or funding source looks at.

I recently had an investor student that was already negotiating with the owner of a triplex that “wants out” even though all three units are rented and a property manager is in place. She asked me about preparing to approach her lender, and was concerned about using her personal credit data since her LLC was brand new. 

My response was to examine the situation further to determine if “we” need a lending source or investor partner. Although she knew the estimated value of the property, she did not (yet) know how it comps out. She did not know the rent amount(s) being paid by the tenants or the length of current leases. I told her that her credit score doesn’t matter if all three units could be vacant by the time her acquisition closes. That landlord may “want out” because the tenants do.

If she can present having happy tenants at market rate rents in a building which comps well and has value add potential, her personal credit may not matter. The point is that this investor may have missed out on a good deal by worrying about her credit score OR entered into a purchase without enough research and put her finances at severe risk. 

Meanwhile, I still hear from brokers that there “is no inventory”. As I see it, there are plenty of opportunities to be “first in” that thorough research would uncover. 

 

Working The Workforce Toward Real Estate Solutions

 

Some geographic areas are placing more of an emphasis on “growing” jobs while others place an emphasis on developing more places to live which are affordable housing. The below linked article about efforts within Texas to increase and attract workers for manufacturing plants provides plenty of interesting research. It shows that Texas is currently ranked sixth nationally in manufacturing job growth, which would seem to indicate a demand for employees that relocate from other states and regions.

However, the research also shows that housing costs for employees looking at living within reasonable proximity of expanding manufacturing facilities are too high to make a move worthwhile. Manufacturing plants do not control housing prices, and it’s not as though current homeowners would wish to reduce housing costs. These are problems without easy solutions.

As many of my valued clients, students, and connections know, a huge part of marketing for real estate is about developing solutions to best serve your clients. Many brokers and investors wait for “someone” to bring them potentially strong deals ahead of working on creating them. Doing your homework should not always be confined to running the numbers strictly for the real estate considerations.

Potential home sellers (whether interested in selling, already listed, or who have not been approached with an innovative solution) know what amount they need or expect in order to move the needle. Some need plenty of money up front, while others could benefit from strong monthly payments. 

It is possible that people willing to relocate for a job would want to rent for six months or one year to get a feel for the job and the neighborhood before committing to purchasing, whether they can afford it or not. If you don’t know about specific situations which are or may be available, you don’t have solutions to offer. 

A few years back, a connection of mine took over a 4-bedroom house following a divorce (grown children no longer living there) and was by himself, wanting to stay in “his” house. He was able to rent the other three bedrooms to three women that came to the United States from Asia on a 6-month work visa. The three were each employed at the same place, and the house was convenient to the bus stop. Everybody involved “won” in this situation. The three women had below-market rent in a convenient location, and the owner had steady income which allowed him to stay in his house, covering maintenance and property tax expenses. (He also had his tenants cooking Asian meals for him, but that’s not related to the story.)

By the end of the six months, he knew the company which hired people on visas from other countries and had recommendations to go along with it. His divorce and the work visas for the women each had zero to with the then current real estate market. It was his solution, which happened to involve his home, that led to the success story.

While you continue with your job, my team and I can be helping your team and you to develop beneficial solutions. Being “first in” on opportunities starts with doing your research!

 

https://trerc.tamu.edu/blog/texas-manufacturing-needs-power-people/ 

 

 

 

 

 

While Some Agents Want Listings, Their Audience Needs Solutions

 

When you see survey results showing Americans are discouraged about personal finances for the coming year, it is easy to think it will challenge your potential for success as a real estate professional or investor. Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you are probably right.

A huge part of real estate marketing is being able to put your clients and potential clients into a position to succeed. If and as they succeed, so do you!

As my coaching clients and students already know, there are many ways to put yourself in a position to help your clients succeed during 2026. Marketing yourself and your brand is about providing solutions, even when your database does not see the problem.

Being “first in” with a solution can be a significant difference maker. Let’s find at least one situation you and your team can utilize to your advantage for helping your target audience. Suppose you are a residential agent in a “slow” farm area where the monthly expenses for homeowners (mortgage, property tax, HOA, etc.) comes to $2,400 per month. 

The next step is to find the nearest rentals in which tenants are currently paying $2,500 or more per month. We already know they can afford the monthly amount needed to own a property in the same area. Perhaps you know a lender able to provide down payment assistance and/or an owner willing to provide seller financing. 

If so, you can show a nearby tenant how you can SAVE them money each month while bringing them tax benefits and advantages. Maybe you can show them how for less money they could go from a two-bedroom apartment to a three-bedroom house. Perhaps they could have their own private swimming pool (other desired local amenity) instead of sharing it with dozens of neighbors who always use it at the same times they want to.

While other real estate professionals continue to think the market is slow, you can be doing the research and using your brand and reach to generate clients.

On the commercial real estate side, there are plenty of conversion, mixed use, and zoning opportunities to present to those that didn’t think it was possible. 

My team and I are available to help you and your team be “first in” on increasing your bottom line during 2026!

 

https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/12/26/survey-fewer-americans-believe-their-finances-will-improve-in-the-year-ahead-compared-to-past-2-years/175521/ 

 

 

If We Can Tell The Photos Are Enhanced, Does It Help To Sell It?

 

It is no surprise that I’m seeing more residential and commercial listings around the country which are enhanced by Ai. Maybe it is because I have been working with tech teams which create virtual reality environments specific to real estate, but I continue to find it easy to recognize Ai enhanced photos and videos. There is a big difference when using Ai to “show” a property or a room which is proposed and does not exist than to make a real property look more favorable than it will when a potential buyer or tenant sees it for the first time.

Long before Ai and virtual reality environments, we would often see a photo of someone we were about to meet. When we actually met him or her, we would instantly be able to tell that the photo we saw is very much outdated. Our image of that person would immediately become less favorable. The same theory goes with properties. If seeing the actual property becomes less impressive than the version we saw before arriving, many of us wind up being “less impressed” while we are touring. 

Real estate agents and brokers with properties to market should want it to be the other way around!

Suppose you place a “realistic” photo (or series of photos) in your promotional pieces and advertisements for your listings. Before showings and/or open houses, you clean up and make improvements to the appearance of the property. Make it look even better than the photos!

By doing so, your goal is to make the visiting potential buyer or tenant think even more positively about the property. The value of an out loud “Wow! This looks even better than I thought!” is more in your favor than a “Oh, this doesn’t look as nice as I was expecting”. If you are holding an open house or hosting multiple showings simultaneously, chances are the visitors will have already toured other properties they may be considering. Getting a “This is better than I expected” reaction carries more weight when they just visited other properties which may not have impressed them “even more”.

The below linked article includes a video which shows Ai being overused in a residential presentation. It is way too easy to tell, especially when you look at their weak simulations of a fire in the fireplaces. Those made me think, “I wonder what else is fake about the interior”. 

Getting a potential buyer or tenant to be “first in” on your listing or opportunity should be done with a realistic approach and not one which is practically an insult. The last word in Ai is “intelligence”. 

 

https://www.azfamily.com/video/2025/12/31/what-know-about-ai-content-real-estate-listings/

 

 

Making Waves Near The Waterfront

 

 

There are situations in which real estate professionals need to market advantages of their listings or properties “against” potential advantages of other properties in order to attract buyers. In a perfect world, you want the merits of your property to stand alone without having to point out favorable comparisons. However, real estate is not located in a perfect world. 

Over the years, the industry has seen many buyers that specifically seek waterfront properties, whether as a primary, part-time, or rental property. If you represent a waterfront property, you want to have every possible advantage to point out to potential buyers. Factors sometimes include nearby restricted access, a private dock, and unobstructed views. It helps to know why the buyer “should” spend more than they would for a lower priced similar property a block away.

Citrus County in Florida has numerous significant waterfront properties. The below linked article has current research (comparing 2025 against 2024) showing how home prices away from the actual waterfront are also pricing at $1 million and up. 

It seems to me that a potential buyer looking in that area is more likely to focus on a waterfront property within that price range. Is there that much value in being “near” the waterfront for $1 million?

I don’t know, but if I were buying or representing in that area, I had better know that answer.

There are plenty of marketing angles that a broker can take in Citrus County. The rise in “further away” prices helps to justify an actual waterfront property purchase at this time. Brokers in other parts of Florida (and the country) with waterfront properties can show this trend to potential buyers in other communities.

However, without this type of current research, you may not have enough information to entice a buyer or seller to make the decision you are looking for. Having the right information ready to go can make you “first in” toward your next real estate transaction!

 

Isn't AS-IS Only For Investors? Or Is It?

 

Now that 2026 is underway, real estate agents and brokers are more than one full year into the changed situation involving buyer commissions. It was supposedly designed to save money for buyers. Market trends would seem to indicate the legislation has not made any difference. Home prices continue to adjust based on the local market, making it near impossible to determine any difference, despite the inconveniences caused before and since being enacted. 

This is not to say the situation should or should not be changed. However, the uncertainty about buyer representation appears to be having an impact on how many property listings are presented. There seems to be even more to deal with than concerns about disclosure, especially for older properties. The below linked article about supposed benefits of buying an As-Is property demonstrates that.

While it is true that some buyers are looking for something they can move into quickly, they also may not want to have to worry about fixing up, repairing, and replacing within weeks or months of acquiring. The idea of not having to spend to fix up in order to sell is appealing to many, but those have typically been opportunities for investors to discount in order to acquire, fix, and sell or rent for long-term gain.

The marketing aspects of this are significant. If it actually becomes a trend for consumers to consider As-Is purchases, it means that properties that are up to speed and in solid condition will become even more valuable to buyers that want more convenience and less worry. You can let them know that a “kept up” property will save them time and money.

It is one thing when an investor or contractor that understands what needs fixing and how to best fix it acquires a property. However, it’s another thing when a buyer commits to a property for what they think will be less money and has no clue or experience in how to properly repair. We could be faced with homeowners with a DIY philosophy, using subpar or wrong materials, or doing temporary patchwork. Those may be fine for a year or two, but the next buyer could experience unforeseen problems.

Selling agents could benefit from making that distinction in their marketing, whether for a property in ideal condition or an AS-IS. For example, pointing out that the “roof was replaced in 2025” might make a potential buyer ask about that when looking at a lower prices AS-IS. Alert them to how much money the “good condition” would save them instead. Remember to mention warranties and service contracts. There are reasons why many consumers purchase a new car ahead of a used one despite the price. It is getting to be that way with properties. You could be “first in” to the closing table by helping your clients to understand this.

 

https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/florida-housing-pressure-drives-growing-demand-for-as-is-home-sales-say-local-real-estate-experts-1035675961

 

 

 

 

When Research Is Taxing But Could Save Money For Investors

 

The property or opportunity may seem like a solid investment and/or location for a residence or business, but some investors overlook the status of the municipality. I see plenty of situations, such as those in Illinois as detailed in the below linked research, in which there could be cost increases put in place by the city, county, or state. Increases in property taxes can make the difference between a solid investment and a questionable one. When corporate taxes are increased, the location becomes less attractive for businesses to locate there or stay there. If sales taxes and transaction fees are increased, the area becomes less attractive for consumers, who will shop elsewhere if the savings add up.

 

Obviously, we don't know what will happen in the years to come, but there is plenty of data and trends out there to help decision makers gauge potential problems. However, monitoring for these problems can also be monitoring for opportunities along with allowing for attempts at prevention. Legislative changes are proposed and typically allow for or require feedback. If and when passed, there is an advance time frame for when they will take effect. For example, a tax bill approved in August takes effect the following January 1st.

 

It is also obvious that many owners and landlords do not keep up with proposed ordinances and legislation like they should, or do not fully prepare for the consequences. Using the aforementioned August passing for a January enforcement example, that would leave four months for a landlord to sell, lease, or somehow adjust their situation before the direct impact of the change takes effect. Since these happenings are not part of the property, new legislation is not a disclosure requirement.

 

Having the right information can make you and your team "first in" on great real estate opportunities. It's the difference the right research person or team can make! 

  

https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-local-governments-lose-out-on-10-9b-in-state-taxes/

 

Rural Solutions For Urban Brokers

 

 

Although some of what Realtor .com publishes is slanted to favor agents and purchases, I see a lot that a broker or investor can take away from the below linked article. Rural real estate can be more attractive to some these days, but it is not because of market conditions. Brokers and investors can gain from a better understanding of the needs and wants of specific buyers.

Even with an increase in the number of employees returning to the office, the number of people working most or all of the time from home continues to be far above what it was prior to the events of 2020. Meanwhile, many rural properties are in municipalities which are significantly smaller in population than the big cities and medium sized markets. One consequence is that owners face much lower property taxes, often by several thousand dollars per year. 

The result could allow a potential buyer relocating to either save thousands of dollars to own a similar property or be able to afford more space and improved amenities. Suppose living in a 3-bedroom 2-bath ranch home in a small rural community costs $7,200 per year less in property taxes than the “same” house in a big city. The result is saving $600 per month. If you factor in extra driving to “the city” or a train station at two “extra” tanks of gas per month, it could make the savings $500 per month. 

If you or your potential seller does not need to commute and/or need a specific school district, and works from home, a situation like the one in the previous paragraph could be a win for a broker or investor. If you represent the owner of a rural property that does not “need” to stay in place, you might be able to create a scenario in which they can sell and downsize or relocate to their advantage.Some people might be willing to drive 80 miles a day to and from work “if it saves us $500 per month”. 

We are all seeing more situations in which sellers and buyers are more heavily influenced by the situation they are exiting than the one they are relocating to. Others see the benefits of “switching” amenities. If you are not seeing potential opportunities for transactions, you need a research person or team to monitor for you. My team and I can help you to be “first in” for creating more transactions within the next few months!

 

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/home-prices-surge-rural-counties-midwest-south/

 

 

 

When The Data Centers On Who Wants To Stay Or Sell

 

The amount of time I now spend monitoring data center plans and proposals continues to increase. Some of it is due to keeping track of considerations for real estate investors, while some is because of monitoring specific areas. There appears to be significant opposition for data centers within and nearby to highly populated areas, which is understandable. 

Meanwhile, the need for increased and/or improved municipal infrastructure continues to be a prominent topic in various areas. It is easy for real estate professionals, investors, and developers not involved with data center proposals and projects to not bother with following all that is happening.

Within the past two weeks (as of this writing), I have seen info about one proposed data center project which would be constructed literally in San Francisco Bay. Despite what would be added protection for waterfront properties, the possibility raises safety concerns for workers doing such a build along with contractors and/or employees involved with an underwater facility. The below linked story covers opposition to a data center in a less populated area, which could become a battle of a few people vs..a large number of people and businesses.

Those who pay attention, or know they should hire someone to monitor data center plans and activity, should include more residential and commercial brokers and investors than what I currently know of. Here is one example of why. 

Take the example in the article below of a home owner located adjacent to where a proposed facility would be. Chances are that the owner may be driven to want to sell and get out before talks advance. If that seller waits too long and the project is approved, they will either have a difficult time selling or not get anywhere near the amount they hoped. Consequently, a broker or investor could be “first in” on such an opportunity. 

Without a research person or team on your side, you continue to miss out on potential transaction or investment opportunities.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/18/michigan-data-center-fight

 

 

Gaining The Same Lessons From Different Properties

 

 

The below linked article about how a potential seller of a luxury single-family home planned a renovation with selling it in mind provides a number of helpful lessons for agents and brokers. These lessons are valuable whether involved with luxury style properties or listings other than single-family. This subject property is in Palm Beach, Florida. In this instance, that does not matter to the lessons, other than being properly identified as having properties valued at more than $12 million. 

One lesson is seeing a local investor with the knowledge, confidence, and experience to purchase a multi-million dollar luxury property during 2025 to renovate and successfully list at a higher price. (As of press time, the listing had not sold yet, although multiple local agents have no issue with the asking price.) Obviously, there is more room to work with when it is a higher priced property. Executing this renovation will demonstrate, upon a profitable sale, that the “fix and flip” concept does not have a price ceiling. 

Another lesson is that it is a property in Palm Beach. Many real estate professionals are, rightfully so, concerned about problems with Florida real estate brought on by recent natural disasters, insurance prices, and the number of people moving into and out of the State. Despite the obstacles, a local investor is engineering a profitable double transaction regardless of market conditions and mortgage and funding rates. What is being done with this home could be done in many other states. However, if you are not monitoring deals in other states and parts of the country, you would not be aware of opportunities such as this one. 

In addition, the article describes some of the specifics of the renovation, creating or improving amenities like bedroom sliding doors opening onto a patio and an island kitchen. Real estate professionals involved with properties of this caliber can benefit by learning about which amenities are provided to add to the appeal of a listing.

Keeping track of success stories within listing, sale, and marketing opportunities can take a lot of valuable time away from your current role. If you are or become a marketing client of mine, you would be able to benefit from research like this without sacrificing from your upcoming schedule. 

 

https://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/story/business/real-estate/2025/12/19/real-estate-investors-refreshed-a-palm-beach-florida-house-listed-at-12-75m/87786094007/

 

 

 

 

More Amenities For Affordable Housing?

 

 

Although it is understandable that real estate investors, developers, and brokers not involved with affordable housing don’t pay attention to it, there are lessons to be learned from how it is planned. As the below linked article demonstrates, new developments have taken to addressing local concerns. One way to look at the situation is that some amenities for affordable housing residents do not come at the added expense of the builder or developer. Some of them do, such as a development in the Boston area which includes a day care center.

Other appealing amenities include proximity to public transportation, like the example cited in Chicago steps from an L train station which is minutes from downtown. There are many landlords of affordable housing, especially for what is still called “Section 8” (despite the name change), that do not spend on improvements or worry much about amenities which better serve the residents. Those properties which do often are not entirely or majority occupied as being affordable housing.

There is a lot to be said for being able to offer amenities as an incentive for affordable housing tenants. Although the vast majority of tenants do not wish to do anything which could jeopardize their status, having specific reasons to keep them as residents within your property helps to keep it at or close to 100% occupancy. Having “happy” long-time tenants often provides an easy reason to delay unit maintenance and improvements for months or years longer. One example would be saving money by having multiple units painted every few years instead of needing to do so one at a time as vacancies allow or demand.

If your building is in, or planned for, the same community, or your group is considering an area with affordable housing, knowing what amenities and features appeal to local residents and which potential tenants look for (or may be expecting) could be crucial toward their decisions on where to consider and apply.

It is difficult to keep track of amenities and features being offered nearby, and more of a challenge to monitor what is happening around the country. Knowing of local advantages and opportunities could result in your property being “first in” for 100% occupancy. Let’s discuss assessing your current and upcoming property choices and how many advantages we can offer you and your team!

https://naahq.org/news/how-affordable-housing-helps-transform-communities-and-lives

 

 

 

Adding The "New Way" To Your Real Estate Marketing Efforts

 

 

Another of the many aspects of real estate related marketing I review with my valued clients, coaching students, and connections is the need to 'compete' with more than your direct competition in order to maintain success. For example, if you are listing a single-family home, your potential buyers are now faced with more than which home on the block is the best fit for them.

 

Potential buyers could be comparing their options your listing offers against a similar home miles away. They could be looking at renting instead of buying or for a "rent to own" opportunity. Maybe they would also consider combining forces with a significant other, friends, or family members. Today's economics are leading to even more alternatives. 

 

The same goes if you are selling a home or even a commercial property. Different potential buyers may each be considering the same property for much different reasons. If your marketing message only focuses on what you "are used to", it has less of a chance to impact the one actual buyer you need.

 

Using a commercial real estate example, what some potential buyers may see as an office building, others may see it for converting to apartments, while others may see it as new corporate headquarters. However, if there is no indication in your marketing about the potential for converting or "single use", potential buyers will not be aware and continue to pursue opportunities marketed in their direction. They would not know if your property or listing is a better fit.

 

Making this significant marketing adjustment is not limited to real estate, as the below linked article demonstrates. My marketing work over the past 35 years has primarily focused on real estate, but this helpful information comes from constantly focusing on various forms of marketing. Let my team and me make you and your team "first in" on your next major opportunity!

 

https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/411321/what-drives-brand-repositioning-and-why-do-these.html 

 

 

Creating A Selfish Listing Presentation

Earlier this week I was reminded about a Listing Presentation I helped an agent with more than 20 years ago. At that time, the focus was on her speaking presentation skills ahead of the information she included. She continues to utilize the techniques I gave her, but understands how a Listing Presentation has changed during that time.

I’m hearing that there are now two important elements to a Listing Presentation. Those are convincing the potential seller to sell and then why they should list with “you” as their agent. My advice to my coaching students and clients is to always address both of those elements. These days, the property is only a part of an ideal presentation.

Many potential sellers are more confused than ever, and that has little or nothing to do with mortgage rates and market conditions. They hear about “off market” listings and wonder if it is worth doing the listing and having their home sale become “public” knowledge. Fear of losing a more favorable mortgage rate and not being able to get the amount they “expect” is next. Those things come before how ready their property is, or is not, to be placed on the market.

Agents and brokers need to do more than print up what the local MLS considers to be a Market Analysis and hand it over. The focus should be about what “you” bring to the listing. Show the potential seller what YOU have bought and sold nearby, the final price you have negotiated, and the strategies you will use which are different and better than your competitors. They can look up the rest online. 

 

Your mission is to convince him, her, or them to work with you regardless of market conditions. I'm happy to work with you to make that happen! 

The difference between a successful meeting and not getting a signature is often in the presentation.

 

 

The Magic Is In The Presentation

Real estate marketing is not "show biz", but many of the players in the commercial and luxury lanes could benefit by strategically taking the stage. Like with properties, real estate investments do not "sell themselves". Those that continue to think "all you have to do" to present an investment opportunity is present the numbers may continue to struggle for weeks or months longer than they need to if their opportunity truly is worthwhile.

 

One of the oldest lines in marketing is, "Sell the sizzle, not the steak". Although the below linked website is not about real estate, the way they portray the "steak" further enhances the sizzle. My office has zero to do with any of this, but this is an ideal example for my clients, students, and connections. When you detail the 10 years of legal battles, show how other major companies are a part of this, and detail an investment opportunity like the subject company has done, you have a winning formula which deserves attention.

 

I love that it didn't matter to the featured company that they are working with Disney "products" including Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and Sleeping Beauty. The point is that many companies in the same position (which, based on the effort show, there would not be) would have made it simple and stopped at pointing out the Disney affiliation, sat back, and waited on investors. Instead, we get the aggressive presentation which acts as though the readers have never heard of any of these long-time treasures.

 

They are answering questions they don't need to in a thorough effort to entice investors. One more important factor is addressing so much more than the numbers. Providing information to show marketing strength, other leading companies involved, the track record, and the depth of the project seemingly answer every possible question.

 

It is a great reminder about the value of showing, in as much detail and as easy on the eyes as possible, every aspect of a possible investment deal. The lesson is how it is presented as an opportunity instead of just a property.  

  

https://www.elflabs.com/

 

 

Moving On Vs Moving In

Another advantage for real estate marketing comes from knowing what could happen and how it can impact your world. The below linked story about possible legislation in New Mexico putting restrictions on mobile home park sales is on example. If it passes, it will make those who passed it gain thousands more potential voters in their favor. When that happens, other states will copy. Meanwhile, there are ways the legislation impacts people in real estate.

 

Investors may either pass on mobile home park deals because they could not raise the rents to their liking, or need a good enough deal to be able to maintain then current rent rates. However, such legislation being in place could make single-family homes better for cash flow from rental properties, which may change their strategy. For a broker, it could mean adjusting their strategies for working with investors along with potential buyers or tenants. 

 

These are elements which can impact major decisions upon passing. If you don't know these things are in the works, your immediate decisions will not be made with the "best" information or advantage for you or your client. Landlords being made aware of these possibilities may be able to quietly gain. A mobile home park owner in New Mexico may be raising rents now in order to have an increase in place before (or in case) the legislation passes. Doing so would put them in a better position than a new owner, or a competitor which did not put in an increase.

 

As a real estate broker, builder, investor, or contractor, you should never be content with the status quo. Success comes from actively keeping track of anything and everything that could impact your time, investments, clients, and strategies. 

  

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/new-mexican-legislators-push-for-mobile-home-regulations/2939505 

 

 

How Avoiding Parking Can Lead To New Business

Whether you are seeking buyers, tenants, or investors, an important strategy for real estate marketing is to be where your target audience is. Perhaps some of your target audience has occasion to be at or near the property or opportunity you are marketing. When they are, it helps to be able to reach them with a message which fits your situation.

 

One great I example I saw was a few years ago while riding a tour bus during a leisure trip. The driver was the tour guide and was pointing out some of the unique styles of homes the bus was passing on the way to the next attractions. While pulling in to the final drop off, he mentioned that he would "do my best" to answer real estate questions. That would typically get a few of the riders to stop and talk with him while all passengers were leaving the bus. Whenever they showed some interest in learning more about home prices or the local real estate market, he would "get you the answer". He pulled out his phone and made a call to a local real estate agent on the spot, and hand them his phone. 

 

By the way, that local real estate specialist that could help the passengers happened to be his wife!

 

She was getting to talk to people at the very start of expressing a possible interest. Chances were near 100% they would not have spoken with anyone else. The wife knew what times the tour bus would be wrapping up, and could make herself available the majority of times.

 

These days, as the below linked stories each indicate, technology is being implemented to bring sports fans directly to the venue for the game either in style or through added convenience. Los Angeles has just certified a proposal for a gondola system to lift fans from Union Station to Dodger Stadium before and after games. A driverless taxi service has just contracted, exclusively, with the sports and concert arena in Las Vegas to bring ticket holders to the VIP entrance. Each of those is to help ticket holders avoid traffic and parking hassles. 

 

Perhaps you have a commercial or residential property convenient to where people enter these modes of transportation or have a real estate opportunity which appeals to sports or music fans. These could be opportunities to be where your target audience is.

 

While you are dealing with the real estate demands of your job or employees, having a fractional research and marketing person or team in place can make you "first in" on an innovative marketing opportunity!

 

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/12/11/t-mobile-arena-strikes-official-robo-taxi-deal-with-amazon-subsidiary-zoox/

 

https://www.planetizen.com/news/2025/12/136533-la-metro-approves-controversial-dodger-stadium-gondola-plan 

 

 

Real Estate Opportunities Are Just What The Doctor Ordered

Being "first in" on success in real estate comes from more than being in the right place at the right time. I'm constantly telling my clients, students, and valued connections that the skill is doing the work it takes to put yourself in the right place. Some ideas come from need, while others come from researching outside of real estate circles.

 

One such example has been brought to light in North Carolina, where a proposed hospital project is nearing three years behind the original schedule while leaving an unfilled opportunity. It seems that a government regulation originally designed to increase the addition of healthcare facilities appears to be restricting them. As the below linked article demonstrates, there are regions with a clear need for local healthcare facilities. In this age of medical specialization, there are more and more treatment centers which are not physically located within an actual hospital. If you can't build a hospital, does it prevent a "treatment center" from being built?

 

Our topic is always real estate and marketing related. These comments are not geared toward medical professionals and experts. It is all about a real estate developer, investor, contractor, broker, and lender being able to work independently and together to create healthcare facilities which are not bogged down by regulations where there is clear and obvious demand. 

 

A few hours of research and planning could bring long-term results and create jobs for many. If your only focus is on real estate activities, you may be missing out on your next venture. Let my team and me make you and your team "first in". 

  

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/certificate-of-need-laws-north-carolina-hospital-bureaucracy-dirt-field