Frequently Asked Questions

Real Estate CRM Secrets is designed for new agents or those new to using a CRM. It covers the fundamental benefits and how to get started with essential systems. Real Estate CRM Mastery digs deeper into advanced strategies, automation, and optimizing your database to scale your business. Think of them as "Level 1" and "Level 2" for your real estate technology journey.

Absolutely not. While Scott is the creator of RealtyJuggler, the principles in these books are universal and apply to any real estate CRM. The focus is on the systems, habits, and workflows that drive success, regardless of the specific software tool you choose to use.

We recommend starting with Real Estate CRM Secrets to build a solid foundation. Once you have your basic systems in place and are comfortable with the daily habits of using a CRM, move on to Real Estate CRM Mastery to refine and expand your capabilities.

There is no single CRM that is perfect for every real estate agent. My best advice is to limit your selection to a CRM specifically designed for real estate. A generic CRM is just not going to be sufficient due to the significant differences between a real estate transaction and a typical B2B (Business-to-Business) transaction.

Look for a real estate CRM that handles transactions, nurtures prospects, and maintains relationships with past clients. Since a real estate agent does not get paid unless the transaction is closed, your CRM should help you with the full lifecycle of the deal.

Certainly! The largest secret is the most obvious. Purchasing a real estate CRM will not automatically make you a better real estate agent, just as joining a health club will not automatically make you lose weight or become more fit. You need to use your real estate CRM regularly to gain the benefits. That is the single biggest secret to a real estate CRM: regular use.

You should spend at least an hour a day using your real estate CRM. To do that, schedule time in your calendar for your "Office Hours"; this is the time you spend in your office working in your CRM, making outgoing phone calls, texting, printing letters, sending emails, and so on.

As a new agent, you have a lot to learn, and finding a mentor is a great idea. However, copying everything an experienced agent does may not always work. They have deep connections with past clients and a brand built over many years. They often focus more on listings than on buyers.

You will first need to focus on meeting new people through activities like open houses, floor time, door-knocking, and cold-calling. Your real estate CRM can help you nurture the leads you already know, as well as those you just met.

While it might seem like a great idea, I recommend considering a few things first. Most agents switch brokers every few years, so make sure your contacts database is portable via export. If you run your own CRM, switching brokers requires no learning of a new system.

Also, "free" options might lack key features or phone support. I recommend approaching any "free" CRM with skepticism. You only get paid if you close a deal, and if a free CRM holds you back, it's worth nothing to you.

Yes, you need to read your CRM's privacy policies carefully. Over the past few years, some real estate-specific CRMs have changed ownership, and new owners have shown interest in using your private data to market other services. In my books, I identify several real estate specific CRMs which protect the privacy of your personal data.

Most agents think their job is just helping clients buy and sell, but you are also selling yourself. A CRM can help you systematize the lead incubation process. While some prospects will fall into your lap, in many cases you will need to interact with them several times before they decide to work with you.

By combining automation with the personal touch, you can reliably convert prospects into clients and take control of your destiny.

I wrote it because I felt most agents were not taking advantage of the full benefits of a CRM. Many agents switch to a different CRM each year in search of "perfection." This book is a guide to the actual benefits and the "why" behind specific features, serving as the missing manual for any real estate-specific CRM.

Scott Schmitz is a founder of RealOrganized, Inc., the developer of the real estate CRM RealtyJuggler, which has been helping agents since 2004. With over 150,000 users over the years, Scott has in-depth experience not just with his own software but with the industry as a whole.

Timeliness is critical. Prospects tend to select the last agent they spoke with. It is essential that you do not delay in calling and engaging with new prospects. You can use your CRM to track the last contact date and set reminders to contact people regularly.

Automation is helpful, but you should always stay in the loop. I recommend reviewing content and approving when it's sent. Too much automation eliminates the human connection. Your CRM won't close the deal; you will, usually over the phone or in person. Automation is just a means to that personal interaction.

I never recommend it. Tying your CRM and website together reduces your ability to switch one without the other. By using an independent CRM, you can fire your website vendor at any time if they don't produce results.

Focus on practical tasks during the trial period. Make a list of three things you want to achieve (like building a unified database or tracking birthdays) and actually do them. Don't just get sucked into a slick sales presentation; make sure you can get things done on your own.

Enter each person's name and contact info, but also details about spouses, children, pets, and past conversations. Note common interests like sports or hobbies. This helps you maintain personal relationships with thousands of people by refreshing your memory before each contact.

A good CRM has guardrails for things like bulk emails and text message compliance. You want a vendor that helps maximize deliverability and keeps you compliant with legal requirements regarding permissions, so your messages don't end up in the spam folder.

Yes! We offer special pricing for brokerages and team leaders who want to provide these resources to their agents. Please use the Contact form to get a custom quote for bulk orders.

Scott is available for podcasts, webinars, and conference speaking engagements to talk about real estate technology and systems. Please reach out via the Contact page with details about your event.

Yes! Both books are available in Kindle and Audiobook formats on Amazon. Audiobooks are a great way to learn these systems while driving to appointments.

Yes. While some specific terminology may differ by country, the core principles of database management, follow-up systems, and client path communication apply to real estate agents worldwide.

We do offer specific workshops for teams looking to overhaul their CRM systems. Please use the Contact form to inquire about availability and curriculum.

The core strategies in these books are designed to be timeless. We also maintain the Resources page on this website with the latest tools and recommended reading to keep you up to date.