Essential oils. Candles. Plug-ins. Potpourri. Perfumes. Lotions. These are my favorite things. People who know me well know this, but I never expected my Realtor to notice.

Even after the global pandemic has calmed down and people head back to in-person interactions worldwide, the real estate industry has made permanent changes in this digital-dominant world. Fueling that trend is a growing population of digitally savvy renters who expect technology to be a part of their home-shopping experience, including social media, self-guided tours and virtual tours.

Before a new tenant moves in, there are some topics on the lease that need to be explained—the cost for rent and security deposits, maintenance and repair roles, condition of the premises, and pet and smoking rules. These are rules that usually have minimal room for misinterpretation. But there’s one gray area on a lease that could become a sticking point for both tenants and landlords: quiet enjoyment.

Months before a lease expires, landlords should consider whether they want their tenants to stay. In most situations, a new lease means the tenant and landlord are entering a new legal agreement—one that should be considered carefully and intentionally pursued or ended.

The pandemic skyrocketed the short-term rental trend, as work-from-home gigs created a breed of digital nomads who crave a life on the move. But is it worth it for property owners to tap into this investment tool?

In today’s digital world, much of what is experienced online is based on algorithms, data science and in-depth analytics. If software programs can use chatbots to respond to pre-screening questions and match prospective tenants with available rentals, what is the Realtor there for? Will Realtors be out of a job soon? It turns out it’s not as simple as that.

Renters are usually eager to start seeing homes immediately. However, it’s important to take a step back and ask certain questions before showing a home. Setting expectations and avoiding miscommunications will save time and get to the closing table sooner.

A 2019 report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) confirmed that 93% of prospects used a website in their home search. While this statistic is not surprising in the modern age, it spotlights the urgency of maintaining a strong online presence and reputation. This is why Realtors getting positive online feedback is a must.

Realtors want to get their clients approved for the first single-family home or condo rental they apply for. Unfortunately, that’s not always realistic. There are, however, certain tips that Realtors can use to help their clients strengthen a rental application, increasing the likelihood of getting approved for the first choice. Here are six suggestions.

Behind The Property Joes Group is the power duo of Joseph “Joe” Diosana and Keri Josephson, two Realtors focused on growing their relationship-based business and coaching new real estate professionals.

Realtors meet countless clients, some of which end up being repeat clients if they move again. Once the lease is approved and signed, giving closing gifts are both a common courtesy and a way to leave a long-lasting, positive impression. Sometimes it’s tough to find the best gift for new tenants. Fortunately, these 13 gift ideas should work for anyone.