For many years in real estate, more money was made off agents that the homes we purchased and sold. We all looked for the real estate elixir in “Fountain of Youth!” We all feverishly searched for tools that would enhance our careers, and create more closings. Every real estate agent and broker wanted nothing more than to grow their sales and their business exponentially year after year, and money was no object when times were good.

Back then, attainment of goals and reaching success were easy. All we had to do was put it on the charge card, and if we don't have the money, we'd have it shortly. The belief that our next deal would pay for it was a reality at the time. It worked time after time. It was so easy to succeed. Perhaps it was true then, but today's real estate world things are much different. Commissions are a lot fewer these days and much further apart. If we want to survive and prosper we must accept the new reality our markets are dictating to us. We cannot spend what we do not have, and yet at the same time we need to remain visible. That is creating a more common sense approach to agents that are not used to conserving capital.

The new real estate buzz words coming into play in the real estate community are for those that want to survive. The term 'Budget' and “planning' have been reluctantly added to our real estate vocabulary. It is acknowledgement that purchasing items without first defining a need first is not a smart idea. A Lexus may be a great car for real estate, but let's first earn some income this year, pay our bills, save something for estimated taxes, and revisit that idea next year when we have the cash to pay for it.

There are many other tools that can allow an agent to succeed and prosper in tough times that do not cost anything. These are consumer friendly, and many can be found on the Internet freely. These tools can be free graphic optimizers, meta tag generators, or even just free tutorials. There are plenty of free Blogging sites, and free widgets that can spin viral marketing free. RSS feeds promote our Blogged ideas and wisdom around the globe in an instant.

There is no charge for research, but the results can exceed those of a paid mentor, a SEO web placement company, a graphics designer, and an Internet consultant. Too many persons erroneously believe that they must pay others for their knowledge so they can be successful in real estate on the web. They also hold the false notion that their time spent as a real estate is more valuable than the services they can buy. They are dead wrong. Success in real estate can never be purchased, and if you don't understand it, you can't delegate it. Then again, you can, but it is going to cost you dearly.

I am a firm believer that a real estate agents best use of time is gaining knowledge. Any agent can possess knowledge about the Internet, and web placement, and exceed the results of any Search Engine Optimization consultant firm. All the agents needs is the time to research how it is done.

Most of us right now have more time than we know what do with. Why? Because the Internet still attracts the largest portion of home buyers out there is now the main portal for home buyers and investors looking to find the perfect dream home. Real estate websites and Blogging platforms are the primary way that your products and services can found. Most Blogging platforms for real estate agents are totally free. Think of them as an on-line classified ad that circles the Globe 24/7/365.

A little research and typing and a free RSS feed blast your name all over the search engines within a few hours of posting – sharing your thoughts, ideas, and services. Earning an income at little or no expense to the real estate agent isn't a new concept; it is employed everyday by survivors in our business.

Published: March 6, 2009

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Jim Crawford, ABR, e-PRO 500 is currently licensed as a Broker Associate with RE/MAX Greater Atlanta in Atlanta Georgia, and as Broker Associate with Distinctive Realty Inc. in McLean Virginia. Jim and his wife Ellen work as a husband and wife team in the northern Atlanta suburbs. As the team's rainmaker, Jim is a self-taught webmaster and designer, and he relies exclusively on the Internet for marketing. He is considered an expert on marketing, nationwide relocation, cutting edge technology, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for real estate, and Internet marketing. Jim's seminars, online contributions, and technology ideas assist real estate agents to maximize their business results, and raise the industry's professional service level skills. His common sense marketing ideas have been published and quoted regularly in trade publications. He has also consulted and advised NAR offices regarding Internet issues, and Internet ethics for Realtors. In between sales, Jim is a popular speaker at national and regional real estate seminars, and retreats. He is also an online real estate coach, with a self-tutorial coaching site for real estate professionals. Jim was a featured speaker at the November 2004 National Association of REALTORS® convention in Orlando, and has spoken at the several REALTORS® conventions both in the United States and Canada. Visit his website at RealEstateTechCoach.com, or e-mail him at .