Post-Tax Season Cleanup: How Realtors Can Fix Their Books After Filing

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For many realtors, tax season is a sprint. Receipts get rushed into folders, numbers get estimated, and commissions get categorized quickly just to meet the deadline. Then taxes are filed… and the real accounting mess is still sitting there.

The good news is that April is the perfect time to clean up your real estate bookkeeping, fix gaps, and build a smoother system before the spring market hits full speed.

If you want your business to feel organized (and profitable) this year, this is where it starts.

Why Post-Tax Season Cleanup Matters for Realtors

Once your taxes are filed, it’s tempting to move on. But real estate income isn’t simple. Between commission deposits, GST, marketing expenses, vehicle use, and client-related costs, it’s very easy for your books to become inaccurate fast.

A post-tax cleanup helps you:

  • Catch missed expenses (and protect deductions)
  • Correct incorrect categories
  • Verify GST tracking is accurate
  • Prepare for a stronger year-end result
  • Avoid scrambling next tax season again

Most importantly, it gives you a clear picture of what your business is actually earning.

Common Realtor Bookkeeping Problems After Tax Season

Even experienced agents often discover issues after filing. These are the most common bookkeeping problems that show up in April:

1. Commission Deposits Don’t Match Actual Income

Many agents record commission deposits incorrectly because deposits may include deductions, brokerage fees, or holdbacks.

If your deposits aren’t properly broken down, your revenue numbers won’t be accurate.

2. Expenses Were Categorized Too Quickly

Marketing, staging, client gifts, travel, meals, and software subscriptions often get lumped into one generic category. That might work short-term, but it creates confusion later.

Clean categories help your accountant, protect deductions, and make reports meaningful.

3. GST Tracking Was Incomplete

GST is one of the most common areas where realtors accidentally create issues. Even if your accountant filed correctly, your tracking system may still be inconsistent.

4. Personal and Business Transactions Got Mixed Together

This is extremely common, especially for newer agents or busy producers. But mixing transactions creates reporting errors and makes it harder to defend deductions if you’re ever reviewed.

5. Receipts Are Missing or Unorganized

You don’t need perfection, but you do need documentation. April is the month to gather missing receipts and attach them properly before they disappear.

The Realtor Post-Tax Cleanup Checklist (What to Fix in April)

If you want a simple approach, focus on these five key tasks.

Step 1: Reconcile Your Accounts

Start by matching your bank and credit card transactions against what your bookkeeping system shows.

This ensures you’re working with real numbers, not assumptions.

Step 2: Review Commission Income Entries

Go through every commission deposit and confirm:

  • The correct amount was recorded
  • Brokerage fees are categorized properly
  • Splits are accounted for (if applicable)
  • GST is recorded correctly where needed

This step alone can dramatically improve your reporting accuracy.

Step 3: Correct Expense Categories

This is where many realtors uncover hidden spending.

Look closely at:

  • Advertising and marketing
  • Vehicle and fuel costs
  • Meals and client meetings
  • Licensing, board fees, and memberships
  • Software subscriptions
  • Home office expenses (if applicable)

If your expenses are sitting in “miscellaneous,” your financial reporting is basically useless.

Step 4: Ensure Receipts Are Attached and Organized

Post-Tax Season How Realtors Can Fix Their Books After Filing

Receipts should be attached to transactions where possible, especially for:

  • Meals
  • Client gifts
  • Marketing and print
  • Travel costs
  • Vehicle repairs
  • Office equipment

This helps protect your deductions and reduces stress later.

Step 5: Run a Year-to-Date Profit Snapshot

Once everything is cleaned up, you should be able to run a simple year-to-date report showing:

  • Income
  • Expenses
  • Net profit
  • GST collected vs GST paid

This is what allows you to make smarter decisions in spring and summer.

What a “Clean” Accounting System Looks Like for Realtors

A clean bookkeeping system doesn’t mean complicated spreadsheets.

It means:

  • Every commission is recorded properly
  • Expenses are categorized clearly
  • GST is tracked consistently
  • Your reports are accurate at any time
  • Your accountant can easily review everything

The goal is to avoid the “panic rebuild” next February.

April is when smart agents build a system that runs all year smoothly.

How EnviroMint Helps Realtors Stay Organized After Tax Season

EnviroMint Real Estate Accounting Software is built to support real estate professionals who want clarity, structure, and reliable tracking without wasting time.

Instead of scrambling at tax time, EnviroMint helps agents:

  • Track commissions and income consistently
  • Organize expenses into meaningful categories
  • Store transaction records and supporting details
  • Keep books clean during the busy season
  • Maintain clear reporting for accountants and tax professionals

When your accounting system is working properly, you stop guessing and start running your real estate business with confidence.

Quick Takeaways for April Cleanup

If you’re a realtor cleaning up after tax season, focus on this:

  • Reconcile accounts now, before spring volume increases
  • Fix commission entries so income reports are accurate
  • Clean up categories so you can actually understand spending
  • Attach missing receipts while they’re still easy to find
  • Review GST tracking so you don’t get surprised later

Your future self will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should I do bookkeeping cleanup even if my taxes are already filed?

Yes. Filing taxes doesn’t mean your bookkeeping system is correct. April cleanup helps prevent bigger problems later and keeps your reports accurate for the rest of the year.

What if I missed expenses during tax season?

You can still organize them properly for your internal reporting and future tracking. If the missed expenses are significant, your accountant may advise next steps.

Do I need to keep receipts if I use a software system?

Yes. Software helps organize records, but receipts are still essential documentation for many business deductions.

How often should a realtor reconcile their accounts?

Most realtors should reconcile monthly. High-producing agents often benefit from weekly check-ins during peak season.

What’s the biggest bookkeeping mistake realtors make after tax season?

Ignoring the mess. April is when many agents should correct problems, but instead, they move on until the same chaos repeats next year.

Do I need a separate business bank account as a realtor?

It’s highly recommended. Mixing personal and business transactions is one of the fastest ways to create bookkeeping errors and reporting issues.

How do I know if my bookkeeping is “clean”?

If you can run a profit report today and trust the numbers, your system is in good shape. If you feel unsure, it’s time to clean things up.

April Is the Best Time to Reset Your Real Estate Accounting

Spring is one of the busiest seasons in real estate. If your accounting system is messy now, it will only get harder once deals start closing quickly.

A short April cleanup can save you hours of stress later and give you clear insight into your real business performance.

If you want to start the season with clean books, better tracking, and accurate reporting, EnviroMint Real Estate Accounting Software can help.

Get your accounting organized now before the busy season takes over.

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What Modern Real Estate Accounting Looks Like for Canadian Brokerages in 2026

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By February, most real estate brokerages have moved past goal-setting and into execution. For real estate administrators and managing brokers, this is often when inefficiencies in accounting systems become impossible to ignore. Deals are flowing, commissions are being processed, and trust accounting accuracy matters more than ever.

For Canadian brokerages preparing for 2026, the question is no longer whether accounting software should be reviewed; it’s what a modern, compliant system should actually deliver.

The Real Cost of Outdated Brokerage Accounting Systems

Many brokerages still rely on accounting platforms that require manual processes, duplicate data entry, or disconnected deal tracking. While these systems may technically “work,” they create ongoing friction for admins responsible for accuracy and compliance.

Common challenges include:

  • Re-entering deal information across multiple systems
  • Limited visibility into deal status and commission readiness
  • Increased pressure during monthly reconciliation
  • Higher audit risk due to inconsistent reporting

Over time, these issues slow teams down and increase operational stress, especially during peak transaction periods.

Modern Accounting Starts With Integrated Deal Management

One of the biggest shifts in real estate accounting is the move toward connected workflows. Accounting no longer lives in isolation. It starts at deal acceptance and follows the transaction all the way through to completion and reporting.

EnviroMint’s accounting platform, paired with its upcoming Deal Manager and Deal Manager To-Go, reflects this evolution. Instead of treating deals and accounting as separate functions, the system supports a single, continuous process.

For real estate administrators, this means:

  • Clear visibility into where each deal stands
  • Reduced double entry between deal tracking and accounting
  • Better communication between admins, agents, and brokers
  • Cleaner financial records tied directly to real transactions

This approach reduces errors, saves time, and supports consistent compliance.

Built for Canadian Trust Accounting and Brokerage Operations

real estate accounting software made in canada

Unlike many U.S.-based platforms, EnviroMint is designed specifically for Canadian real estate accounting standards. Trust accounting, commission structures, and reporting requirements are built into the system rather than forced through workarounds.

This Canadian-first design allows brokerages to:

  • Maintain accurate, auditable trust records
  • Prepare more confidently for audits
  • Support growth without adding complexity
  • Align accounting processes with real brokerage workflows

For admins, this translates into fewer surprises and more control over day-to-day operations.

February Is When Systems Are Truly Tested

By February, accounting systems are no longer theoretical. They are being used under real pressure, with real deadlines and real financial consequences. This makes it the ideal time for brokerages to assess whether their current software is supporting their team or slowing them down.

Making a change early in the year gives brokerages time to onboard, train, and stabilize before peak seasons hit.

Choosing a Canadian Accounting Partner for the Long Term

EnviroMint continues to focus on one core mission: helping Canadian real estate brokerages stay compliant, efficient, and confident in their accounting. With modern tools like Deal Manager and Deal Manager To-Go, the platform is evolving alongside the needs of real estate admins and brokers across Canada.

For firms looking to upgrade their real estate accounting software in 2026, February is the right moment to move from reconsideration to action, and to choose a solution built for Canada, not adapted to it.

Get in touch with our team to learn more and schedule a demonstration!

Frequently Asked Questions About Canadian Real Estate Accounting Software

What makes Canadian real estate accounting software different from U.S.-based platforms?

Canadian real estate accounting software is built around Canadian trust accounting rules, commission structures, and reporting requirements. Many U.S.-based platforms require workarounds to meet Canadian compliance standards, which can increase admin workload and audit risk. Canadian-built software like EnviroMint is designed to support these requirements from the ground up.

Why is trust accounting such a major concern for Canadian brokerages?

Trust accounting is one of the most regulated and closely monitored areas of brokerage operations in Canada. Errors or inconsistencies can lead to serious compliance issues. Having accounting software that supports accurate, auditable trust records helps protect both the brokerage and its administrators.

How does integrated deal management improve accounting accuracy?

When deal tracking and accounting systems are disconnected, information often has to be entered multiple times. This increases the chance of errors. Integrated deal management allows deal data to flow directly into accounting processes, reducing duplication, improving visibility, and keeping financial records aligned with real transactions.

What is Deal Manager and how does it support real estate admins?

Deal Manager is designed to help real estate administrators track transactions from acceptance through completion. It provides visibility into deal status, supports better communication between admins and agents, and reduces the need to jump between systems. When connected to accounting software, it helps maintain cleaner and more consistent records.

Is switching accounting software disruptive for a brokerage?

Switching systems does require planning, but making the change early in the year gives brokerages time to onboard, train staff, and stabilize processes before peak seasons. Many firms find that the long-term efficiency and compliance benefits outweigh the short-term transition effort.

Can EnviroMint support growing or multi-agent brokerages?

Yes. EnviroMint is designed to scale with Canadian brokerages as they grow. Its accounting structure, reporting capabilities, and deal management tools are built to support increasing transaction volume without adding unnecessary complexity for administrators.

Why are more Canadian brokerages moving away from U.S. accounting software?

Many Canadian firms are realizing that software designed for another country’s regulations doesn’t always align with their operational reality. Canadian brokerages are choosing platforms that reflect how they actually work, reduce compliance risk, and provide better support for their admin teams.

When is the best time to evaluate new real estate accounting software?

The best time is when systems are being actively used and tested under real conditions. February is often ideal because transactions are underway, workloads are real, and inefficiencies become clear. Evaluating early in the year also allows time for a smooth transition.

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Why Your Brokerage Needs Deal Manager: The Ultimate Back Office Solution for Real Estate Professionals

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In today’s fast-paced real estate landscape, efficiency isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Brokerages juggling multiple transactions, documents, and compliance requirements know how quickly administrative tasks can spiral into a bottleneck. Enter Deal Manager, the all-in-one Real Estate Back Office Solution engineered to streamline your entire operation from listing to closing.

At its core, Deal Manager is more than software—it’s your brokerage’s central nervous system, keeping your team connected, compliant, and productive. Here’s why brokerages serious about scalability and service quality are adopting Deal Manager as their transaction and business management solution of choice.

Document Management for Real Estate – Organize, Simplify, Secure

Forget third-party add-ons and disjointed systems. Deal Manager’s built-in Document Management functionality offers seamless integration, allowing your agents and administrators to attach, edit, and share critical documents effortlessly. Whether it’s deal paperwork, listings, client information, invoices, or T4A processing, everything lives in one secure, easy-to-access hub.

Key Benefits:

  • Attach documents directly to deals, listings, or contacts
  • Eliminate lost paperwork and filing chaos
  • Secure cloud storage accessible 24/7
  • Simplified document sharing with lawyers, brokerages, and vendors
  • Full audit trail for peace of mind and compliance

In an era when deals close faster than ever, centralized document management for real estate is no longer optional—it’s mandatory.

Deal & Transaction Management – Close More Deals, Faster

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Time kills deals. That’s why Deal Manager’s Transaction Management tools are designed to give your agents an edge. Every document, note, and interaction tied to a transaction is recorded and easily retrievable, so your team stays organized and responsive.

Agents can quickly access transaction history, update client details, and track progress—all from a single, user-friendly interface. Whether in the office, at an open house, or working remotely, your team has what they need to move deals forward without delay.

Access Anytime, Anywhere – Real Estate Software Without Borders

Why limit your team’s productivity to office hours? Deal Manager’s cloud-based platform means your agents and staff can work when and where they need to. Scanned documents can be uploaded at the point of entry, whether that’s from a client meeting, open house, or even at the kitchen table.

All parties—agents, administrators, brokers—have secure access to the system 24/7, allowing for seamless communication and document flow.

Business Management for Real Estate Brokerages – Simplify Your Operations

Deal Manager goes beyond transactions. Our Business Management suite was built to support every facet of your brokerage’s back office. From bank reconciliation and invoicing to compliance tracking and tax processing, we offer a comprehensive toolkit to keep your business running smoothly.

Features include:

  • Vendor and customer invoice management
  • Bank reconciliation tools
  • Payroll support with T4A processing
  • Real-time financial reporting and tracking

By consolidating your business operations in one place, you reduce manual errors, improve transparency, and give yourself more time to focus on what really matters—serving clients and growing your brokerage.

Why Brokerages Choose Deal Manager

Real estate professionals need back-office software that works as hard as they do. Deal Manager was developed with feedback from brokers and agents who understand the industry’s unique challenges. Our goal: eliminate inefficiencies, reduce redundancies, and empower brokerages with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive market.

Whether you’re an independent brokerage or a growing firm, Deal Manager helps you:

  • Improve agent productivity
  • Maintain compliance with ease
  • Centralize document and transaction management
  • Simplify business operations
  • Scale without sacrificing service quality

Ready to Simplify Your Brokerage’s Workflow?

Stop wasting time juggling disconnected systems. Let Deal Manager transform your real estate brokerage with a complete, integrated solution built for today’s market demands. Contact us today to schedule a demo and discover how much smoother your business can run.

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Is Your Home A Sustainabuild?

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There have been many advances in the realm of renewable and sustainable energy and practices when it comes to applying them to households and businesses, such as friendlier low-energy bulbs, cutting back on paper usage and promoting recycling, and even household tips to keep your appliances running at peak efficiency to avoid surplus energy consumption. But the question has now become whether these efforts are enough, or if we need to push harder down the road towards sustainability through implementing new construction laws, while revisiting lodging and buildings that may be failing to meet eco-standards.

In the United Kingdom, the government has taken it upon themselves to just do that, and to implement practices to drastically reduce their carbon footprint. To hit their targets by the set goal date of 2050, they must retrofit enough houses to equal the size of Cambridge, every month, for the next 40 years – a daunting, yet admirable task. This brave attempt will hopefully pave the way for other nations to follow suit in a (hopefully) global attempt to reduce our carbon footprint and achieve higher levels of sustainable existence.

New construction’s direction could also potentially shifted in a greener direction, should they take a page or two out of architect Renzo Piano’s book, who recently designed one of the most sustainable spaces we’ve yet to see – “a technically perfect and aesthetically attractive refuge, testing the potential of the minimalist house.” The Diogene, or insanely small yet delightfully appealing cabin/hut/retreat space, is designed to be a voluntary retreat space that can exist independent of any local infrastructure due to its ability to collect, clean, and reuse water, not to mention its’ solar capabilities to provide the user with power.

Diogene is equipped with everything you need for living. The front part serves as a living room: On one side, there is a pull-out sofa; on the other, a folding table under the window. Behind a partition, there are a shower and toilet as well as a kitchen, which has also been reduced to the necessary. The house and furnishings form a single unit.

If placed in a remote area, you might even have the opportunity to take advantage of Google’s newest eco-endeavour – solar-powered balloons to spread internet access to remote areas. Do you know of any other sustainable houses or buildings? Are there methods that you practice around your home to support sustainable resources and reduce your own carbon footprint? Let us know on Twitter @enviromint

image credit to Vitra

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Shocker! Couples buy homes before wedding

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A new study from Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC says that about one in four married couples between the ages of 18 to 34 purchased their first home together before their wedding date, compared to 14 per cent of those ages 45 and older. According to the U.S. online survey, 35 per cent of all married couples purchased their first home together by their second wedding anniversary, and 80 per cent of married homeowners who purchased their home while married said it did more to strengthen their relationship than any other purchase they made together.

“While life goals and expectations continue to weigh on young couples, their views of homeownership are transcending their plans of marriage and starting a family, creating a direct effect on the patterns of buying a home altogether,” says Robi Ludwig, a psychotherapist and Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC lifestyle correspondent.  “What we’re seeing is that young couples are switching up the order and purchasing their first home regardless of whether or not they have set a wedding date. This is a huge movement within today’s culture. While younger generations may be focusing more on their career, and in turn waiting longer to get married and have children, they are not delaying their dream of homeownership.”

Some other survey highlights:

* More than one in three married homeowners purchased their first home together by their second wedding anniversary.

* Only 16 per cent of married adults responding to the survey had not purchased a home together with their current spouse.

* 80 per cent said purchasing a home with their spouse did more to strengthen their relationship as a couple and family than any other purchase they have made together.

* Over one-third of married homeowners (35 per cent) wish they had taken the plunge (into homeownership) sooner than they actually did.

original article via http://www.remonline.com/shocker-couples-buy-homes-before-wedding/

image courtesy of

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Insurance Industry VS Weather Disasters

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The Insurance Bureau of Canada says the frequency, severity and cost of extreme weather in Canada are increasing, with Alberta leading the way.

Alberta accounted for 67 per cent of disaster payouts in Canada, according to the bureau.

Don Forgeron, the organization’s CEO, says Canada has been caught off-guard by the uptick in destructive weather.

“Storms that used to happen once every 40 or 50 years are now happening once every 15 or 20 years,” he said. “And as a country we’ve just done nothing to prepare ourselves for this eventuality.”

Annual payouts from flooding, fire, hail and windstorms increased from $100 million about 10 years ago to $1 billion between 2009 and 2012. Last year, hailstorms across Alberta caused $530 million in damage.

“Here in Alberta you can expect more drought where you’ve had a history of that over the last 100 years or so,” said Forgeron. “At the other end of the spectrum, you can expect more weather in the form of hail and rain.”

Gloomy forecast

Forgeron offers a gloomy forecast of more extreme weather in the years to come and is urging municipalities to fix crumbling stormwater infrastructure to prepare.

‘The insurance industry claim payouts are the canary in the coal mine.’— Don Forgeron, Insurance Bureau of Canada

“The numbers would indicate the possibility is becoming more the reality. We’ve seen a change in weather patterns … the experts that we’ve consulted say that we can expect more severe weather across the country,” he said Wednesday following a speech to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

“We can choose to ignore it — bury your head in the sand and not do anything about it — or we can take a look at what’s happened and use that as a bit of a guide going forward.”

In November 2011, officials had to shut down Calgary’s downtown core because extreme winds blew windows out of buildings.

Earlier that year, a wildfire ravaged the community of Slave Lake, Alta., with losses pegged at over $700 million.

“The insurance industry claim payouts are the canary in the coal mine,” Fogeron said. “It’s a bit of a sign or an indication of how much the cost is to communities across the country, and we’ve seen those numbers, especially here in Alberta, just skyrocket over the last four years or so.”

Increasing deductibles

Earlier this month, the Insurance Bureau of Canada confirmed that added weather costs have prompted some insurance companies to double the deductible for weather-related claims to as much as $3,000.

Forgeron deflected questions about whether Canadians can expect escalating insurance premiums. He said many insurers are being very “proactive” with their customers to make sure they are prepared for problems that can arise.

“We’re doing what we can to keep costs down. It’s my hope we will be able to limit those to an absolute minimum going forward, but if the past is any predictor we’re going to see some nasty weather.”

Forgeron said aging municipal stormwater and sewer infrastructure is the big worry.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has estimated there is $69 billion worth of outstanding repairs, he said.

“While science has confirmed the weather is getting worse, we also know that aging stormwater and sewer infrastructure failure is to blame for most of the damage.”

Warning issued to Calgarians

With the rain Calgary has seen recently, and with more unsettled weather expected this week, the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) issued a warning Wednesday for local residents to prepare for the possibility of damage from flooding and severe weather.

“There is little doubt Calgary sees its share of severe weather,” says Len MacCharles, CEMA deputy chief, in a release. “There are things Calgarians can do to minimize the effects of severe weather on their safety and property.”

Some of those steps include:

  • Securing items in backyards or on decks so they don’t become airborne during high winds.
  • Direct downspouts away from foundations so water doesn’t pool near the home
  • Install a backflow prevention device on basement floor drains.

CEMA also recommends drivers avoid pooled water, as some misjudge the depth and get stranded in rising water.

“Do not attempt to walk through pooled water or running water: it takes only six inches of water to sweep an adult off their feet, and only a foot of water to move a car,” said CEMA officials in a release. “Do not allow children to play near running water, pools of water or storm drains.”

Another tip is to prepare a 72-hour kit for the home in case of an emergency, such as power outages.

original article via CBC

image courtesy of carolynconner

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Affordability is Key

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Despite how many reports are claiming that new construction is the key to developing a healthy recovery method for the real estate market, it would appear these reports aren’t looking in all directions very effectively. If they were, there would probably be a leniency towards re-visiting that mentality and developing a more comprehensive approach, rather than a shrouded one.

Fluctuations in the property market are of no surprise to many at this point, however these particular market activities seem to be telling a story not many want to hear – the market’s recovery is moving in the wrong direction. As it stands, new buyers are in a tough position when it comes to entering the market due to the revisited amortization constraints wherein down-payment amounts increased, while amortization lengths were decreased, meaning more money up front, and higher payments; a compromising situation indeed. So, what happens now? Property investors have incidentally taken the market by storm to scoop up properties at a healthily reduced rate to be owned as secondary properties, and rented out to the general population – presumably those same potential new buyers who can’t afford to get a piece of the market activity.

Reports are suggesting that one of the only ways this young buying population will enter the market is if their baby-boomer parents (the same demographic investing in the renter’s market) provide down-payments in order to make the endeavour more affordable. The means to do so come from their parents’ act of downsizing, thus freeing up funds that can be allotted to their offspring’s hopeful property purchases.

Our neighbours to the South have also released some purchasing statistics which indicate the trend that pains new buyers is one felt on both sides of the border, as the sales of previously owned homes hit the highest they’ve been in 3-1/2 years. Now, if you take a look at these impeding market factors it’s hard to lean on the argument that new developments are the way to go, as they are even less affordable than previously owned homes and provide no positive alternative to what’s paining the market: the low number of new buyers.

Instead of putting up new developments that hardly anyone can afford to the extent that would stimulate a positive increase in market activity, we should be focusing on resolving the impeding factors that are vice-gripping the market’s potentially young population. If amortization laws are revisited, or if market activity ceases to favour some and down-play others, and instead reaches a content equilibrium for the purchasing population, we could expect a healthy and fulfilling market recovery rather than the lop-sided one we’re experiencing now.

 

image courtesy of katerha

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Taking Advantage of a Renter’s Market

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The property market’s slow yet steady recovery is not a result of new home-owners entering the market, but instead can be attributed to the purchases being made by investors to capitalize on the market’s vulnerability and the current amortization restrictions, which were tightened up last year. Though the market seems unfruitful for new home-owners, investors are cashing in while contributing to market recovery.

The unfortunate circumstances of the adjusted amortization restrictions (increased down-payments and shortened amortization periods) have resulted in this paradoxical recovery, wherein existing owners are the ones who appear to be scooping up properties at the affordable rate which they’ve been lowered to. Purchasing a second home to reap the benefits of a mortgage that pays itself while increasing equity and (potentially) profiting from the value increase of the property.

New home-owners, as previously stated, are in a bind when considering the adjusted mortgage restrictions. Instead of being able to contribute to the market’s recovery directly, these parties are indirectly supporting its recovery by their participation in the renting of these secondary properties from investors.

The nature of the market’s recovery seems rather cyclical in this sense; investors buy the properties, and potential buyers instead rent from these investors and property owners while contributing to their mortgages and increasing the value of their properties. Unfortunately, this divide is one that may not be sustained for long, as every co-dependent relationship will eventually reach a threshold for its functioning potential.

Without loosening the belt on mortgage restrictions, we can expect this cycle to continue until it flops. Do you feel that the mortgage restrictions should be revised to encourage new buyers to enter the market, or should we continue down this path benefiting only the investors? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter @enviromint.

image courtesy of EraPhernalia Vintage

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Check Your Password Strength

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We often encounter users that find effective passwords difficult to create. Are you one of these users? Don’t worry, not everybody’s an expert at this stuff. But now you can be by using this handy new password strength verification tool from Intel.

Simply click the link to go to the site, and punch in your password to see how strong it really is. Now you’ll never need to worry about password strength again. You’re welcome.

http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security/passwordwin.html

 

image courtesy of marc falardeau

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The High Road to Success

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The world is filled with talkers, but not many walkers. The timeless question for many real estate agents and brokers is how they can differentiate themselves from the competition; to appear as the more legitimate choice when it comes to doing business. Many approaches are taken to try and achieve these levels of appeal, but we’re about to let you in on a little secret: It doesn’t take as much as you think! All you need is the right set of tools and (of course) to know how to use master them. Let’s take a look at some of the stepping stones to the debut of your real estate success story.

Presentation: We’re not talking about clean breath and nice clothes – hopefully you’ve figured that one out for yourself by now. When talking about how you present yourself to your clients, there’s much more to it than simply looking the part. One of these for example are e-mail and phone etiquette, which, whether you like it are not, are vitally important, especially when encountering a new lead. E-mail is undoubtedly the most adopted form of communication in the professional world as we know it, so to match your new clothes and fancy haircut, take the time to ensure that your e-mail appearance is acceptable and professional in order to further trust with your clients. Reply within reasonable mounts of time, don’t rush it (that’s how details get skimmed over, which freaks people out entirely) and make sure your spelling, phrasing, and signature are all on-point. Think of it this way: if a client you’ve never met before’s first impression of you is a grammatical e-mail disaster with no capitals, lackluster spacing, little to no detail, spelling mistakes, phrasing errors…we could go on. At the end of the day, no clients are going to trust you with the largest potential investment of their lives if you don’t appear smarter than a 5th grader. Having an e-mail signature with your contact details is also excruciatingly important (so that people can get in touch with you!).

Execution: Now that you’ve got a grip on how to look and sound the part, it’s time to play it. The execution of your tasks is just as important as how you present yourself; the only difference is that one is more ‘face-value’ than the other. This is the part where you take the slick professional agent that’s on your business cards, on your website, on the phone, and in e-mails, and make them come to life for your clients. How, you ask? Well, showing up to meetings on time, taking calls when they come through, returning to messages promptly, thinking ahead (for both you and your clients’ sake), and all-around being on top of everything so that your clients don’t break into a sweat every time you talk to them would be a solid start.

Looking for a better way to stay on top of everything? Well, look no further – we’ve got it!

The Deal Manager To Go now gives you the freedom of having what we like to call a ‘pocket office’ without having to buy new pants. We’re not kidding. It’s all in there. From entering deal sheets online, to tracking your expenses, checking deal archives, and personalized performance reports – there’s no reason for you to miss a beat again.

Want more? Check out the The Deal Tracker, bringing unparalleled communication effectiveness to the table. It’s essentially our answer to all your problems. Now you’ll never forget where you parked your deal! You’ll love the gentle reminders that not only you’ll be receiving, but also the effortlessness of the process, without a doubt. You no longer have to fret about sending 100’s of emails to remind lawyers, to remind clients, to remind you that you need to be reminded. Once you see how easy it is to track your deals in real time and how much communication time you’re saving, heck, you might just go out and do something crazy, like close more deals.

 

image courtesy of Lars Plougmann

 

 

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