What Is International Real Estate Investing?

International real estate investing is a type of investment that involves acquiring and managing real estate properties outside the investor’s country of origin. This investment can take many forms, including residential, commercial, or industrial properties. Real estate investors may acquire these assets through direct ownership, partnerships, or investment trusts, depending on their preference and investment goals.

Pros & Cons of International Real Estate Investment

Investing in international real estate can offer attractive returns and diversify an investor’s portfolio, but it also comes with risks, such as regulatory hurdles, currency fluctuations, and cultural differences. Check the table for more information about the advantages and risks of investing in real estate internationally.

Factors You Must Consider When Investing Internationally

Investing in real estate in a foreign country can be a lucrative opportunity. However, it comes with its challenges that make it more complex than investing in local real estate. If you’re considering investing in property abroad, the following are several factors you must keep in mind:

Factor 1: Market Analysis & Research

Factor 2: Local Rules & Laws

Factor 3: Eligibility

Factor 4: Financing Options

Factor 5: Currency

Factor 6: Political Stability

Factor 7: Property Management

Differences in Property Rights Internationally

Understanding how property rights vary worldwide is essential when searching for international real estate investment opportunities. It’s not just about knowing but also researching the laws that govern private property, especially for non-citizens. This is critical because it determines what you’re buying.

For instance, some countries allow foreign property ownership, but there may be limits on the type or location of properties available for purchase. Several countries also require foreigners to obtain special permits or undergo additional legal procedures. Therefore, it is vital to consult with qualified real estate professionals and legal advisers familiar with the specific country’s property laws.

Below are some examples of different types of ownership rights in other countries:

• Owning land in the Philippines: In the Philippines, foreigners cannot own land but can own a residence, such as in a condominium complex, provided Filipino citizens or companies own 60% of the building or project.
• Leaseholding in the United Kingdom and Singapore: A significant portion of real estate is sold as leasehold in these countries. This implies that the buyer owns the property, not the land it is built on. The lease is valid for a specific period, ranging from decades to centuries. After the lease expires, ownership of the property returns to the landowner. In the United States, most real estate is sold as freehold, which grants permanent ownership of the land and its buildings.
• Mexico’s restricted zone: Foreigners are not allowed to own land within 100 kilometers of the Mexican border and 50 kilometers of the coast directly. However, they can invest in nonresidential properties by holding the property through a fideicomiso, a trust held by a Mexican bank or a Mexican corporation.

For more comprehensive information on property rights internationally, read the International Living’s Global Property Ownership Rules and Restrictions.

Tax Implications for International Real Estate Investing

For U.S. citizens who purchase real estate in foreign countries, it’s important to be aware of the tax implications that come with it. You’ll be required to pay property and capital gains taxes in the foreign country where the property is located and report any foreign property you own on your U.S. tax returns. 

This may also subject you to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requirements. The following are the FATCA requirements for individuals:

• Under FATCA, certain U.S. taxpayers holding financial assets outside the United States must report those assets to the IRS generally using Form 8938, Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets. The aggregate value of these assets must exceed $50,000 to be reportable, in general, but in some cases, the threshold may be higher.
• The Form 8938 must be attached to the taxpayer’s annual tax return.
• U.S. taxpayers who do not have to file an income tax return for the tax year do not have to file Form 8938, regardless of the value of their specified foreign financial assets.
• You may also have to file FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) PDF.
• This comparison table will help you figure out whether you need to file Form 8938, the FBAR, or both.
• You should review the instructions for Form 8938 to determine if an exception to the reporting requirement applies.
• Failure to report foreign financial assets on Form 8938 may result in a penalty of $10,000 (and a penalty of up to $50,000 for continued failure after IRS notification). Further, underpayments of tax attributable to non-disclosed foreign financial assets will be subject to an additional substantial understatement penalty of 40%. Criminal penalties may also apply.
• See frequently asked questions (FAQs) for Form 8938 for information on real estate, foreign assets held in U.S.-based financial accounts, foreign pensions, valuing certain assets, and more.

To avoid any potential changes in your tax obligations, it’s highly recommended that you consult with a tax professional who fully understands the tax laws of both the foreign country and the U.S. For more information about FATCA requirements for institutions and governments, check out the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website.

Effects of Foreign or Currency Exchange

Currency exchange rate fluctuations can greatly impact the profit or expenses involved in owning a property in a foreign country. The change in exchange rates between your home currency and the foreign currency will influence the initial purchase price, maintenance expenses, taxes you pay as an owner, and the profit you make from selling or renting the property. A stronger home currency can make the investment more affordable, but if the value of the home currency drops against the foreign currency, your expenses will increase.

Ways of Financing Your International Real Estate Investments

If you have set your sights on investing in real estate abroad, it is crucial to understand the various financing options available to you. Depending on your financial objectives, there are several ways to fund your international real estate investments. Here are some of the most widely used methods of financing your overseas property ventures:

Cash

International Mortgage Lenders

Developer Loans

Self-directed IRA

Country-sponsored Programs

How to Invest in International Real Estate in 5 Steps

Investing in international real estate can be a smart move to diversify your portfolio and generate higher returns. Here are some important steps to follow on how to invest in international real estate:

• Step 1—Research the market: Extensive research is essential before investing in international real estate. The key is to find stable, growing real estate markets that offer good prospects for rental income or capital appreciation.
• Step 2—Find a local partner: Consider finding a local partner who can help you navigate legal or cultural barriers when investing in foreign countries.
• Step 3—Consider your financing options: Financing options vary from country to country. Research local banks and lenders and government programs that may be available. Read our discussion on financing options above for more information.
• Step 4—Hire a reputable local real estate agent: To find the perfect property and get a fair deal, consider hiring an agent. Look for a local agent with a successful track record and experience in the local market.
• Step 5—Consider tax implications: It’s important to be aware that investing in overseas real estate can result in tax obligations in the country where you’re investing and your home country. To fully understand your responsibilities and any possible advantages, it’s recommended that you consult with a tax expert.

Always exercise caution and conduct due diligence when investing in international real estate. Be aware of any risks and pitfalls before making investment decisions.

Best Places for International Real Estate Investing

Looking for an optimal place to invest in international real estate? We’ve listed below some suggestions on the best places to consider. These locations offer great potential for high returns on investment, stable political environments, and growing economies. With careful research and guidance from a trusted real estate adviser, you can make a wise and profitable investment in international real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the first step in international real estate investing?

What factors should I consider when it comes to financing for international real estate investments?

What must I evaluate in a foreign real estate market before investing?

Bottom Line

Investing in real estate outside your country can be a profitable opportunity, but it also comes with risks. Currency values can change, and the laws and regulations you must follow can be complex. Before you decide to invest, it’s essential to evaluate the potential benefits and risks carefully. It is best to also consider seeking advice from a local finance or real estate expert with experience in international investing. Their guidance can help you navigate this market’s complexities and ever-changing dynamics.

The post International Real Estate Investing: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on The Close.

Buildium reviews and our analysis found that it is best for landlords looking for a single system to connect multiple areas of operations.

Buildium overview

Pros

• Automate recurring rent payments to minimize late payments and streamline collection tasks
• Integrates with banks for financial visibility
• Automatic monthly reconciliation following generally accepted accounting principles
• 14-day free trial

Cons

• Limited listing marketing tools
• No dedicated customer relationship management (CRM) tools for lead management
• Additional fees if you want onboarding support
• Portfolio performance and analytics are only available to Growth and Premium plan subscribers

The Close Score

5

Customer rating

4.5

Expert score

4.3

Pricing

3.5

Features

4.6

Ease of use

5.0

out
of

5

Recommended for

• Property managers with the desire for paperless office and transactions
• Property management staff who want to save time by automating and managing maintenance requests and vendors online
• Property managers or associations wanting to foster community with Buildium’s features that connect tenants

Not recommended for

• Property managers with fewer than 100 units under management
• Commercial property management
• Property managers who want to create marketing materials for their listings

Quick look at Buildium pricing

• Essential: Starting at $58 per month
• Growth: Starting at $183 per month
• Premium: Starting at $375 per month

---

Buildium reviews: What users think

Score: 4.5 / 5

Buildium property management software reviews show that users appreciate its online rent payment function, maintenance request feature, and the ability to get a ledger for court filings and tenant evictions. One user said he’s most impressed with Buildium’s wide range of functionalities—from accounting and leasing to communication and mobile apps. The software has everything a landlord or property manager needs to manage their portfolio effectively.

• Capterra: 4.5 out of 5 based on 1,969 Buildium reviews
• Software Advice: 4.5 of 5 based on 1,969 Buildium reviews
• G2: 4.4 out of 5 based on 195 Buildium reviews

Less positive Buildium software reviews reveal that one user found it difficult to set up the late fee charge and thought the settings for late fees were too limited. Another Buildium review said the learning curve was too long, and a user who is an accountant found some of the financial reports frustrating.

Buildium alternatives

If you want to explore other property management software that can provide you with listing syndication, maintenance management, tenant screening, and online rent collecting, consider the following alternatives to Buildium:

Best for	Affordability for a small team	Landlords building their portfolio	Management companies with larger portfolios	Budget-friendly property management software
Key features	Free listings website Premium leads matching tenants to available units Templates according to state-specific laws	Affordable subscription rate Renter profile and history available Tenant screening at no cost to property manager	Manage multiple property types Residential surveys Staffing and training features	Free rental advertising Property listing and third-party integration Free rent estimate report
Pricing	Free	Free	$250 per month	Free
Learn more	Visit TenantCloud	Visit Avail	Visit Appfolio	Visit TurboTenant

Buildium plans and pricing

Score: 3.5 / 5

Buildium’s pricing structure is divided into three categories, starting at $52 per month. Standard features with every Buildium plan include a free marketing website, accounting and maintenance tools, task management with vendors, a building violations log, a communication platform for residents and board members, and online portals for owners and residents. Here’s what you’ll find included in the three plan tiers:

Click through the tabs below for more information on Buildium’s plans and inclusions.

Add-ons

Not all add-ons are essential for a successful real estate business, but you may want to add some of them for extra functionality. Before deciding on which add-ons to include in your Essentials plan, consider taking a look at the next available plan, as Buildium may include some of these features within them:

• New client leads, powered by All Property Management: Allows property management companies to get real estate leads consisting of interested property owners and boards seeking property management services.
• Tenant screening: Basic screening (available on all plans) does not require accreditation and performs soft credit checks for $15 per screening (or $30 per screen if you pass the cost to the applicant). The premium tenant screening (exclusive to Growth and Premium options) requires hard credit checks and generates a report in minutes for $18 per screening.
• Onboarding: This support add-on is only available for the Growth and Premium plans. A dedicated team assists with importing your existing data into the Buildium platform and provides training.
• Online payments: To accept online payments from residents or pay your vendors electronically through Buildium, you must pay the EFT transaction charges. Charges vary by plan and whether or not you want to accept credit card payments.
• Bank account setup fees: Attaching your bank account to the Buildium accounting system allows transactions to be collected in your accounting ledger for automatic reconciliation, payments, and deposits. Setting up your bank with the Essential plan is $99 per account, but Premium and Growth plan subscribers receive five free bank account integrations.
• Renters insurance: You may offer residents renter insurance starting at $12 monthly.
• 1099 e-filing: At the end of each calendar year, you’ll have to process 1099s for your vendors. The platform can generate 1099s at $25 per batch and $3 per form.
• Showings coordinator: Starting at $30 per month, automate the rental unit showing process with a virtual coordinator who collects prequalification information, schedules showing appointments, and coordinates follow-ups.
• Remote check printing: Buildium can print and mail checks on your behalf. There is a $30 setup fee and 80 cents per check cost.
• EZMail: Buildium will print and mail property-related documents for you for 80 cents per single-page mailing and 15 cents per additional page.

General Buildium features

Score: 4.63 / 5

Buildium’s features streamline day-to-day property management activities and integrate all significant accounting and leasing functions into one platform. Some tools create lines of communication between residents, vendors, and property owners, all while giving the property manager a comprehensive overview. 

It also has features that reduce stress by providing information to residents via a dedicated portal, the ability to pay online, and automating rent payments to minimize the need for collections.

The general features available on Buildium make it a comprehensive solution for property management companies. It provides portfolio organization and automation regarding tenant communication, building finances, and maintenance work orders. Its objective is to eliminate the pain points of managing multiple units while providing accurate information to all parties involved.

Advanced Buildium features

Score: 5 / 5

For a closer look at some of the key and niche features the Buildium platform offers, read the details about each feature by clicking on the sections below:

For a closer look at some of the key and niche features the Buildium platform offers, read the details about each feature by clicking on the sections below:

Accounting software

• Property-specific accounting
• Overall company accounting
• Financial reporting
• Automatic payments

The property accounting solution tracks transactions relating to a specific property. This includes recording tenant payments and allowing managers to collect necessary fees and deposits or issue refunds. Managers can also pay vendors for maintenance requests directly through the system, which saves time and effort by recording every check and transaction associated with the building.

 

Buildium’s real estate accounting software can also track company expenses and income and provide an accurate snapshot of bills, incoming rent, and security deposits. Financial reporting tools generate reports for cash flow, balance sheets, and income statements. The ability to track all transactions for your business in one place is more efficient and enables you to make better-informed decisions.

Online payments

• Cut payment processing fees
• Automatic deposits
• Set recurring payments

Online payments speed up the process of collecting tenants’ payments and cut payment processing times by up to 70%. Residents can connect their bank account or credit card in the resident portal to set up automatically recurring payments. Recurring payments help to ensure payments are not missed and are on time.

The money is transferred automatically, reducing the need to make manual deposits and visits to the bank. Accepting online payments also allows property managers to collect rental application fees. These fees help offset tenant screening charges and become a source of additional income for property managers.

Rental listing syndications

• Lists units on major third-party platforms
• Anticipate upcoming vacancies
• Full unit descriptions

Property management teams using Buildium can list available or upcoming units with just a few clicks as vacancies within the building arise. Listings can be syndicated to major third-party advertising websites, such as Apartments.com, the Zillow Rental Network, Craigslist, and Zumper.

The platform allows you to input a description for the listing consisting of unit details, amenities, building amenities, and photos or videos of the space. Buildium also provides the ability to see an overview of units listed on the market, units taken off the market, and potential upcoming vacancies and to assign these units to leasing agents.

Rental applications

• Apply for units online
• Customizable applications
• Collect application fees online
• Screen potential tenants

Online rental applications save time and the hassle of physical paperwork and allow interested parties to apply from anywhere. Plus, the building application is fully customizable. Edit the application as needed based on required information from the building owner and showcase building branding on the application to reinforce marketing efforts.

Application fees are automatically processed through the form, and Buildium provides an overview of application status through an applicant dashboard. Following the application, if purchased as an add-on, you can screen tenants directly within the platform.

Tenant screening

• Powered by TransUnion
• Full credit, criminal, and eviction data
• Identity verification

TransUnion, a U.S. credit reporting agency, powers Buildium’s tenant background check service. Landlords can access full credit, criminal, and eviction data to help them avoid tenant scams.

Landlords have two screening options: basic and enhanced. Unlike basic tenant screening, the enhanced tenant screening option allows for customized thresholds on recommendations, requires minimal applicant involvement, and delivers faster results. Both tenant screening plans include rental recommendations from TransUnion, a full credit report, identity verification, eviction history, and background checks for renters.

Document storage

• Unlimited document storage
• Document organization
• Share documents

Within the Buildium platform, you can store an unlimited number of documents. Some documents that should be stored are leases, amendments, insurance policies, floor plans, unit photos, and meeting minutes.

The ability to store important documents is essential when referring to documents such as applications, leases, and renewals, as well as for easy sharing with building owners. Additionally, having documents uploaded into the system enables you to easily search within the resident profiles by name, phone number, or property to find documents pertaining to them.

Maintenance tracking request

• Integrates with accounting solution
• Tenants make maintenance requests online
• Schedule work requests
• Automatic alerts

Through the Buildium platform, tenants can quickly make maintenance requests online, eliminating paperwork and increasing response time. Along with the maintenance requests, residents and owners can submit videos, photos, and documents related to their requests. Vendors can also document completed work with pictures and videos within the platform.

Vendors and managers can receive maintenance request alerts on their phones, tablets, or desktops. Certain maintenance requests will be ongoing for a building and can be scheduled to recur directly through the platform. This feature is integrated with the accounting solution, allowing you to pay your vendors directly through the platform for completed work.

Ease of use

Score: 5 / 5

Buildium’s platform is built to automate and manage tasks conveniently online. Every user can customize their dashboard based on the functions they mostly use. 

With the available onboarding and support options from Buildium, launching the system to manage a portfolio of buildings is streamlined—especially with the Growth and Premium plans. The Buildium team will import all your data to assist you in migrating to the new system. There are also multiple customer support options to assist as issues or questions arise.

Even with the Essential plan, self-guided training is available through the Buildium Academy to help you get up and running fast. Whether it’s making changes to the professional website or rental application, the Buildium system is built to allow easy customization. Try Buildium’s 14-day trial to see how the platform matches your rental business.

How we evaluated Buildium

To determine Buildium’s rating, we evaluated the platform alongside other tenant screening software for landlords and property managers based on its pricing, ease of use, customer reviews, help and support, and general and advanced features. Here are the weighted evaluation criteria used to examine each platform:

• Tenant screening features 25%

Based on various tenant screening features offered that help landlords and property managers evaluate prospects and obtain comprehensive and reliable credit, criminal, and eviction history reports.

• Pricing 20%

Pricing is based on the cost structure, a la carte options, and availability of online tenant screening services for landlords and tenants.

• General features 20%

This includes various property management features like listing syndication, rental advertising, rental property accounting, online payment collection, and maintenance requests.

• Ease of use 10%

Evaluated based on platform usability. This was analyzed in terms of the expertise needed to set up an account, navigate the provider interface, run comprehensive tenant screenings, and view reports.

• Customer rating 10%

Based on customer feedback for each platform, the functionalities that are most useful for property managers as well as areas that need further improvement.

• Expert score 10%

Expertise in the field and firsthand experience with the providers allow us to evaluate the standout features, value for the money, and ease of use for rent payment service software.

• Help and support 5%

We looked into the convenience and attainability of customer service for technical support, onboarding, and training.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is Buildium a safe site?

Who owns Buildium?

Is Buildium worth it?

Bottom line

Having a comprehensive property management solution adds value to any building and portfolio. Features like online payment options and a dedicated resident portal help decrease unit turnover and keep building owners and investors happy. Based on Buildium reviews, the platform provides all parties involved access to real-time information, streamlining communication to save property managers time and money in the long run.

The post Buildium Review: Is It Right for Your Real Estate Business? appeared first on The Close.

Download The Close’s Security Deposit Return form and Security Deposit Receipt form

What Are Security Deposit Return Letters?

A security deposit return letter is a friendly note from a landlord to a tenant at the end of a lease. It explains how much of the security deposit is being returned and includes any deductions for damages or unpaid rent. This helps keep everything clear and transparent, ensuring the tenant understands the final amount they will receive.

Why Security Deposit Return Letters Are Important

A security deposit refund letter makes getting a tenant’s money back easy and clear. It helps avoid rental scams, confusion, legal issues, and fights between landlords and tenants. Here are some reasons why it is essential:

• Compliance: Some states require landlords to provide a written explanation for security deposit deductions beyond normal wear and tear. Failure to do so within a specified time can lead to penalties.
• Communication: Sending a rental deposit refund form shows professionalism and respect for tenants’ rights, fostering a positive landlord-tenant relationship through transparency and fairness in the refund process.
• Accountability: The letter outlines the responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. Landlords must accurately assess damages and make proper deductions, while tenants are responsible for any damages or unpaid rent that may result in deductions.
• Legal documentation: The letter is a legal record of the landlord’s decision on the security deposit, protecting both parties in future disputes.
• Clarity and transparency: The letter clearly outlines deductions from the security deposit, helping tenants understand any withholdings and preventing misunderstandings.
• Accurate record-keeping: Both parties should keep copies of the letter for future reference, such as for taxes or legal matters.

When to Use a Security Deposit Refund Letter

Landlords use a security deposit return letter when a tenant is moving out and the landlord has collected a deposit at the beginning of the lease. It’s a good idea for landlords to send this letter when giving back the security deposit because it documents how much was collected, how it was spent, and when it was returned. 

Since different states have various deadlines for returning deposits, landlords must keep those in mind, tackle any repairs quickly, and send out the letter along with the remaining deposit amount. For instance, in Massachusetts, landlords can take a security deposit equal to one month’s rent and return it within 30 days. On the other hand, Arizona allows landlords to collect up to one-and-a-half month’s rent, but they only have 14 days to return the deposit.

Before writing and sending your letter, use our interactive map to see your state’s security deposit return requirements.

*Information gathered from Rocket Lawyer

How to Write a Security Deposit Return Letter

When writing a security deposit letter, start by detailing the amount being returned, any deductions, and the reasons for those deductions. If you’ve made repairs, include photocopies of receipts so everything is transparent. List the cleaning, repairs, and any other deductions within the letter to keep everyone on the same page and avoid confusion. Here is a security deposit return letter sample of items to include:

• Header: Your name, address, and contact information.
• Date: Current date
• Tenant information: Name, address, and contact information
• Greeting: Begin with “Dear _____ (tenant name)”
• Opening: The letter aims to discuss the security deposit return
• Deposit details: Amount of original deposit, when it was received, and amount deducted
• Itemized deductions: Bullet list of itemized deductions
• Calculation of refund: Starting balance, minus deductions
• Method of payment and timeline: Check, direct deposit, or other method and when the deposit will be returned if it is not enclosed.
• Final remarks: Keep it positive. Express appreciation for their cooperation.
• Closing and signature: “Sincerely,” Yours truly,” and your written or electronic signature
• Enclosures: Copies of receipts and invoices, if applicable.
• Tenant signature line: Tenant sign and date, acknowledging receipt of the letter.

Ensure you have your tenant’s updated contact info before they move out so you can quickly get their security deposit back to them. If you’re sending a check, go for a cashier’s check, and don’t forget to include a receipt for your records. It’s wise to keep photocopies of the letters, checks, and receipts since the originals can fade over time. These copies will come in handy for taxes and any disputes. Remember to communicate in a friendly and straightforward way to keep things positive and avoid misunderstandings.

How to Send Security Deposit Refund Letters

It’s best to send the security deposit request letter using certified mail with a return receipt, which the tenant needs to sign. That way, you can confirm they got the letter. You could also email it, just in case. To send the return of a security deposit form through the mail, just follow these steps:

1. Fill out our free security deposit return template.
2. Put everything in the envelope and bring it to your local post office.
3. The postmaster will provide a certified return receipt label.
4. Fill out the required information on the label and send. 
5. Keep a copy of the postage receipt for your taxes.

Just a quick heads-up—depending on where the letter is heading, it might take multiple days for the tenant to receive it. Keep this in mind when figuring out the return deadline required by your state. Once the tenant gets the letter, the post office will send the signed return receipt back to you for your records.

Consider using online rent payment services to make collecting rent, fees, and security deposits a breeze. With Baselane, you’ll have a handy tenant page to keep track of current and former tenant records. Tenants will love having their portal to check their rent status, view payment history, and get friendly reminders when it’s time to pay. Plus, you’ll see payments in your bank account within two to three days, and landlords and tenants benefit from those helpful auto-reminders.

Pro Tip: Managing many properties can be tedious when sending out all those letters. Online property management software with client relationship management (CRM) features or a direct mail service can reduce the hassle. Many let you upload and tweak templates with your style and add your tenants’ contact info. Plus, some mail services also send out your security deposit return letters.

Collecting & Returning Security Deposits Tips

It’s essential to sort everything out at the start of a rental by laying down clear rules for handling security deposits. Snap some photos of the place before renting it out so you’ll know the difference between normal wear and tear and actual damage. Here are some extra tips to help avoid conflicts, property damage, and legal headaches.

Allowable Deductions From a Security Deposit

Landlords cannot withhold the entire security deposit for repairs beyond normal wear and tear. They can only retain costs for necessary repairs or unpaid rent, but not for routine rental maintenance or personal issues. Documentation like receipts is required for any deductions. If repair costs and lost rent exceed the deposit, the landlord must take legal action to recover the difference. They deduct costs and return the remaining deposit with interest if costs are lower. Complete documentation is required in both cases.

Here are some common allowable security deposit deductions:

• Unpaid rent and fees: Security deposits may be used to cover unpaid rent and late fees but must be specified in the lease agreement before signing.
• Cleaning costs: A unit should be left in “broom swept” condition, meaning it is tidy and without unusual dirt, filth, or trash left behind. It should look the same as when you rented it, minus any minor wear and tear.
• Repairs for damage: Torn screens, broken windows, scribbling on walls, and things like broken appliances or anything beyond normal wear. 
• Missing items: These may include appliances, light fixtures, ceiling fans, cabinetry and hardware, and window air conditioners. When leasing a unit, always have a list of items included and written into your lease, and ensure they’re in working order.
• Repainting: If there is scribbling on the walls, damage, or the tenant repainted with an unusual color without your written consent, and the damage is beyond simple scuffs or dirt, you may be able to deduct the painting cost. This is an area where you must proceed with caution and verify. Ensure your lease clarifies whether tenants can paint, put nail holes in walls, or change colors.
• Pet damage: These are repairs or cleaning because of pet-related damages. If the lease allows pets and specific pet-related terms are violated, or if pets are not allowed, you may be able to use the deposit for repair.
• Abandoned property: Includes costs to remove and dispose of any personal property left behind by the tenant after move-out.
• Restoration: Reverting any changes made by the tenant that weren’t permitted, such as unauthorized alterations.

When it comes to deductions, they should be fair and clearly documented. Landlords must give a detailed breakdown of the deductions and their costs in many places. Also, deductions should cover actual expenses and not be a way to make money off the security deposit. Getting familiar with local rules and regulations is a good idea, as well as chatting with legal experts or property managers to ensure your deductions are on the right side of the law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a security deposit and last month’s rent?

Is it worth it to collect a security deposit?

Bringing It All Together 

A security deposit return form is essential when wrapping up a lease agreement. It’s your official way to let the tenant know what’s up with their deposit. This form breaks down how much cash they’re getting back, if there are any deductions for damages or missed rent, and when they can expect their refund. Check out the deposit return letter sample we shared—it’s all about keeping things clear and friendly, helping you dodge any awkward disputes, and keeping those good vibes flowing between landlords and tenants! 

If you’ve got any thoughts or experiences with creating a tenant deposit return letter, drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!

The post Security Deposit Return Letter Guide (+ Free Templates) appeared first on The Close.

So, grab your favorite brew, kick back, and let’s spill the tea on the ten best real estate marketing companies taking the biz to the next level and helping homes—and their agents—shine like never before!

• Constant Contact: Best for SMS marketing and list-building tools
• Market Leader: Best for all-in-one marketing solution
• ReminderMedia: Best for personally branded magazines and email marketing
• Easy Agent Pro: Best for lead generation
• Real Geeks: Best for real estate IDX website builder
• LabCoat Agents Marketing Center: Best for designing marketing materials
• Luxury Presence: Best for custom website design and brand development
• Agent Crate: Best for templates for print and digital marketing
• Happy Grasshopper: Best for written content creation
• Coffee & Contracts: Best for social media marketing

The Close’s Top Picks for Real Estate Marketing Companies

Constant Contact: Best for SMS Marketing & List-Building Tools

Pros

• Built-in CRM system
• Social media management tools
• Modern and beginner-friendly email template editor

Cons

• No free plan

The Close Score

4.9

Pricing:

4.6

General Features:

4.0

Advanced Features:

5.0

Ease of Use:

5.0

Help & Support:

4.7

Reputation:

4.3

Expert Score:

4.1

out
of

5

Why I Chose Constant Contact

Constant Contact ranks first as the best real estate marketing firm as it makes it easy to grow a list of contacts who opted into SMS and then engage them through SMS messages. It offers an easy-to-use editor, a dedicated phone number to send texts, an SMS-enabled landing page, automated communications, and a reporting feature. Aside from that, its list-building tools allow you to create a custom webpage to capture and share new leads via social media, ads, and more.

Additional Features

• Integrations: Constant Contact has over 300 third-party integrations, including Canva, Vimeo, Shopify, and Salesforce.
• Email templates: 200-plus professionally designed, mobile-responsive email templates, from newsletters to seasonal email templates. 

Market Leader: Best for All-in-One Marketing Solution

Pros

• Network Boost that generates inexpensive social media leads
• All-in-one website and CRM solution
• Lead behavior tracking
• Direct mail tools integrated with digital marketing strategy
• Automated lead nurturing and conversion tracking

Cons

• Minimum six-month contract
• Leads limited in competitive ZIP codes
• Lack of price transparency
• Limited analytics
• No texting included in lead nurturing automation

The Close Score

4.4

Pricing:

2.0

General Features:

3.2

Advanced Features:

5.0

Ease of Use:

5.0

Help & Support:

4.5

Reputation:

4.3

Expert Score:

3.3

out
of

5

Why I Chose Market Leader

Market Leader is a real estate marketing company known as one of the best real estate lead generation companies. It offers a comprehensive marketing package with a predictable monthly lead volume, a user-friendly CRM, elegant websites, and a marketing platform. Through its marketing center, you can also access bulk and direct mail options. For an extra fee, you may use Network Boost, their cost-effective Facebook ad service for online leads.

Additional Features

• Integrated CRM: Leads populate directly into the Market Leader ecosystem, where it tracks activity and nurturing begins.
• Mobile application: Lets real estate agents manage contacts, leads, and marketing on the go, ensuring timely client service with real-time notifications and easy access to data.
• Social media integrations: This real estate marketing solution enables agents to automate social media marketing, enhancing lead generation and online presence.

ReminderMedia: Best for Personally Branded Magazines & Email Marketing

Pros

• Facebook lead generation service
• Digital and printed branded magazines
• Postcard marketing campaign services

Cons

• No third-party integrations
• No mobile app
• No built-in SEO tools

The Close Score

4.3

Pricing:

4.0

General Features:

2.8

Advanced Features:

5.0

Ease of Use:

5.0

Help & Support:

4.5

Reputation:

4.1

Expert Score:

3.3

out
of

5

Why I Chose ReminderMedia

With ReminderMedia’s branded magazines, you have over 30 cover options for each issue, and you can personalize them with your photo, logo, and contact info. Each issue includes a prewritten letter that you can customize. Plus, every magazine client gets a free landing page with ready-made lead magnets. And that’s not all—it sends weekly or biweekly emails packed with professional articles branded just for you, along with a contact form.

Additional Features

• Social media automation: Preschedule all your social media content and posts automatically for the entire year.
• Postcard campaigns: Identify a target audience, personalize a postcard design, and send it out to your targeted audience.

Easy Agent Pro: Best for Lead Generation

Pros

• Good value for cost
• Highly customizable
• Social media integration
• SEO-optimized content provided
• Easy integration with popular CRMs, including LionDesk, Follow Up Boss, and Wise Agen

Cons

• No free trial
• No mobile app
• No print mail solutions
• No live chat and 24/7 customer support
• Limited lead tracking

The Close Score

4.1

Pricing:

4.0

General Features:

3.2

Advanced Features:

4.7

Ease of Use:

5.0

Help & Support:

1.5

Reputation:

4.6

Expert Score:

3.7

out
of

5

Why I Chose Easy Agent Pro

Easy Agent Pro is one of the best real estate marketing companies because of its robust lead generation tools that can help you convert leads effectively. It offers stylish website templates, an easy PPC campaign setup with IDX, and helpful market reports for buyers and sellers. Its user-friendly landing page builder seamlessly connects with social media ads and includes built-in lead magnets for your YouTube strategies.

Additional Features

• Instafarm: Showcase your expertise and capture leads. With its Instafarm app, easily create pages for any neighborhood, community, or niche.
• Easy SEO: This new feature of Easy Agent Pro is an AI-driven SEO companion that helps you optimize your site by prioritizing tasks based on your strategy and availability.

Real Geeks: Best for IDX Website Templates

Pros

• CRM mobile app
• Automated email drip system
• AI-powered SEO fast-track
• SMS autoresponders

Cons

• No print mail solutions
• No live chat and 24/7 customer support
• Lack of customization in templates
• Too rigid for tech-savvy agents

The Close Score

4

Pricing:

1.0

General Features:

3.8

Advanced Features:

5.0

Ease of Use:

5.0

Help & Support:

1.5

Reputation:

4.3

Expert Score:

4.3

out
of

5

Why I Chose Real Geeks

Real Geeks shines as a platform for real estate builder websites. With its entry-level plan, quickly create an IDX-enabled website using its templates. It features custom capture forms to enhance lead volume and exclusive page aesthetics. Ideal for both solo agents and larger brokerages, its Agent Landing Pages help build individual brands, allowing team members to generate leads easily. Overall, it’s a great budget-friendly option for real estate website building.

Additional Features

• AI-powered SEO fast-track: AI-generated pages are continuously added to your sitemap with fresh MLS content, helping search engines like Google boost your site’s rankings and visibility.
• Automated email drip system: Each lead in your system receives timely follow-ups, keeping the conversation active and your brand in their minds.
• Learn more: Check out our review of Real Geeks to dive deeper into these features.

LabCoat Agents Marketing Center: Best for Designing Marketing Materials

Pros

• 7-day free trial
• Customizable graphics and designs
• Mailchimp and Constant Contact integration
• Mobile app

Cons

• No reporting and analytics features
• No built-in SEO tools
• No autoresponders for email or text

The Close Score

3.9

Pricing:

4.0

General Features:

2.2

Advanced Features:

4.1

Ease of Use:

5.0

Help & Support:

3.5

Reputation:

4.3

Expert Score:

3.7

out
of

5

Why I Chose LabCoat Agents Marketing Center

LabCoat Agents Marketing Center (LCA) is a top choice for creative real estate advertising companies. It offers a wide range of high-quality, customizable templates for social media posts and business cards as well as open house flyers and mailers easily—just remember it doesn’t specifically cater to video or reel creation. Additionally, LCA excels with professional, attention-grabbing lead generation templates designed to convert viewers into clients.

Additional Features

• Design studio: LCA Marketing Center’s design studio is easy to use. It allows you to customize templates and create professional marketing materials effortlessly.
• Mobile app: LCA’s mobile app offers essential web features, enabling agents to create announcements and greetings quickly from anywhere.
• Video tutorials: Helpful instructional videos for new users of design platforms. These bite-sized tutorials cover everything from layering design elements to printing, ensuring you make the most of the platform’s features.

Luxury Presence: Best for Custom Website Design & Brand Development

Pros

• Stunning selection of website templates
• Fully customized branding
• Custom marketing tools, including lead capture
• Full-service marketing agency available
• DIY service available at a cost-savings

Cons

• Cost can be prohibitive
• No email marketing features
• No live chat support
• Setup can take a longer time
• Minimalist designs

The Close Score

3.6

Pricing:

1.0

General Features:

4.0

Advanced Features:

2.2

Ease of Use:

5.0

Help & Support:

3.0

Reputation:

4.9

Expert Score:

5.0

out
of

5

Why I Chose Luxury Presence

Some of the coolest real estate websites out there right now are made by Luxury Presence. If you’re diving into the luxury market, this site builder is the way to go. Its award-winning, customizable website templates are sleek, chic, and sophisticated—definitely giving off those high-end vibes. You’re gonna love it! And get this: you can team up with its awesome in-house creative crew to nail your vision and whip up a totally unique brand identity.

Additional Features

• Customizable websites and IDX tools: Luxury Presence offers elegant, customizable websites and IDX home search functionalities designed to assist agents in attracting and converting additional leads.
• AI-powered Tools: The Luxury Presence Copilot AI assistant aids agents in staying organized, overseeing communication, and simplifying tasks, thereby enhancing their daily efficiency.

Agent Crate: Best for Templates for Print & Digital Marketing

Pros

• Large selection of marketing templates
• Automated social media posting
• In-app design studio
• Canva-enabled templates for customization

Cons

• No third-party integrations
• No mobile app
• No built-in SEO tools
• No print mail solutions

The Close Score

3.5

Pricing:

4.7

General Features:

1.4

Advanced Features:

3.1

Ease of Use:

5.0

Help & Support:

2.0

Reputation:

4.0

Expert Score:

4.5

out
of

5

Why I Chose Agent Crate

Agent Crate is the real deal when scoring sweet value for a real estate digital marketing agency. For about half the dough that Coffee & Contracts or LabCoat Agents hit you with, you get some seriously slick marketing templates, an in-app design studio that’s super fun to use, and customization options that let you spin things. Plus, snag automated social media posting for extra cash if you want to level up.

Additional Features

• Stunning design templates: Agent Crate has upped its design game and offers tons of variety in its templates. Choose a design and customize it in Canva for a unique look.
• Social media posting: Add autoposting to social media networks for an additional charge. 

Happy Grasshopper: Best for Written Content Creation

Pros

• Live copywriters creating content
• Success coach to help you maximize the service
• Nurturing campaigns to increase conversion
• Email, text, and voicemail drop content templates
• Integration with numerous CRMs

Cons

• No free trial
• No built-in SEO tools
• No lead capture forms
• No print mail solutions
• No live and 24/7 customer support

The Close Score

3.3

Pricing:

1.0

General Features:

2.0

Advanced Features:

3.8

Ease of Use:

5.0

Help & Support:

3.5

Reputation:

3.9

Expert Score:

4.1

out
of

5

Why I Chose Happy Grasshopper

Happy Grasshopper isn’t your typical CRM; it’s a total game-changer for agents needing a boost in lead generation and nurturing. It lets you shoot out personalized, timely text messages to your network, cranking up those engagement rates with a direct line of communication. You can also whip up customizable automated campaigns. And let’s not forget the awesome library of professionally crafted, trendy messages that get refreshed every two weeks.

Additional Features

• Live copywriters: Working one-on-one with a live person to capture your voice for your marketing and lead-nurturing content is priceless—a thousand times better than using artificial intelligence (AI). You can easily build relationships based on your authentic self. 
• Advanced contact segments: Enables you to segment contacts into different lists and audiences for more targeted and relevant communication.
• Voicemail drops: Send a prerecorded audio message directly to a contact’s voicemail inbox without ringing their phone.

Coffee and Contracts: Best for Social Media Marketing

Pros

• Trendy design and well-written copy
• Templates and scripts for engagement
• Monthly content calendar
• Useful and stylish print templates

Cons

• No free trial
• No third-party integrations
• No automated posting
• No in-app template editor
• No print-on-demand options

The Close Score

3.1

Pricing:

4.0

General Features:

1.0

Advanced Features:

3.9

Ease of Use:

5.0

Help & Support:

2.0

Reputation:

1.9

Expert Score:

4.1

out
of

5

Why I Chose Coffee and Contracts

Coffee and Contracts might not have all the extras like some marketing agencies for real estate. Still, it makes up for it with stunning and on-trend graphic design, prewritten captions, and viral-invoking engagement post ideas. The Stories templates, hilarious Broke Agent memes, and Reels scripts with trending audio are all about getting those algorithms to work in your favor. Coffee and Contracts is like the secret sauce for social media success, serving up awesome content that’ll make your Instagram the one everyone else is jealous of.

Additional Features

• Monthly content calendar: Specifies what and when to post on various social networks. It could enhance user experience by adding autoposting features.
• Prewritten email newsletters and lead magnets: Offers prewritten templates for email newsletters, including checklists, local event calendars, open-house guides, and a preferred vendor packet. These templates are as visually appealing as the social media templates, featuring elegant designs and well-crafted copy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of marketing is best for real estate?

What is the best social media company for realtors?

How do you get leads from Zillow?

Methodology: How I Chose the Best Real Estate Marketing Companies

As a real estate professional, I’ve extensively tested various software platforms, evaluating their features, user experience, and competitiveness. When I share my insights, it’s based on firsthand experience and a solid understanding of what drives results in real estate. To ensure fairness and objectivity, I use an unbiased rubric created by our team of licensed real estate pros and experts. Check out The Close Methodology for more information.

The criteria for this list of real estate marketing agencies I used are broken down and explained below.

• Pricing (15%): 
  • We prioritized CRMs that offer robust features in their free plans, providing excellent value without hidden costs.
• General Features (25%):
  • We assessed the essential features available, such as reporting and analytics, customizable graphics/design, social media management (comment which platforms), social media ads, third-party integration, mobile app, built-in SEO tools, and landing pages, to ensure they meet the marketing core needs of real estate agents.
• Advanced Features (25%):
  • We looked at extra functionalities like real estate-specific templates, email marketing, lead capture forms, marketing checklists, guides, flyers, etc., autoresponders (email/text), and print mail solutions that add significant value to marketing companies.
• Ease of Use (10%):
  • Technical skills required to set up and operate the platform were taken into consideration 
• Help & Support (5%):
  • The availability and format of customer support were reviewed to ensure agents can get assistance when needed.
• Reputation (10%):
  • We considered user feedback and ratings to gauge overall satisfaction and real-world performance.
• Expert Score (10%):
  • Our team of experts provided an additional layer of evaluation, rating each real estate marketing company based on the overall features, value for money, and ease of use.

Your Take

I’m deeply interested in real estate marketing, and I love playing around with all the cool tools on this list. Real estate marketing companies always develop fresh ideas, creating fantastic platforms that allow agents to attract more leads, close more deals, and work more smoothly. Who wouldn’t be excited about that?

So, how about you? What’s in your marketing tech stack? Every agent has their own unique way of using these tools, so I’d love to hear what you’ve got going on in the comments!

The post The 10 Best Real Estate Marketing Companies for 2025 appeared first on The Close.

• Agile CRM: Best for cloud-based device integration
• Bitrix24: Best for team collaboration tools
• ClickUp: Best for task management and productivity features
• EngageBay: Best for all-in-one CRM solution
• HubSpot: Best for comprehensive email marketing capabilities
• Zoho CRM: Best for customizable workflows

The Close’s Top Picks for Best Free Real Estate CRM

Agile CRM: Best for Cloud-based Device Integration

Pros

• Allows 50,000 contacts in a free account
• Includes email tracking in the free plan
• Provides unlimited deals, tasks, and documents
• Does not require credit card for sign-up

Cons

• Requires technical skills to set up
• Does not include call recording in the free plan
• Does not offer customer service 24/7

The Close Score

4.9

Pricing:

5.0

General Features:

5.0

Advanced Features:

5.0

Ease of Use:

5.0

Customer Service:

4.7

Customer Rating:

4.5

Expert Score:

4.2

out
of

5

Why I Chose Agile CRM

Agile CRM is a cloud-based tool for managing your business on any device. It combines CRM and marketing automation, making tracking client relationships easy and running campaigns in one place. The best part? The free version lets you manage up to 1,000 contacts, custom data fields, lead scoring, and even schedule appointments—all from your phone or computer. I love that it lets you switch between pricing plans anytime. It’s perfect for adapting as your business grows or changes.

Additional Features

• Email tracking: Allows agents to monitor when and how often clients open their emails, providing valuable insights into engagement and helping to tailor follow-up strategies effectively.
• Custom deal milestones: Enables agents to set and track specific stages in their sales process, offering a clear view of deal progress and ensuring that each transaction moves smoothly.

Bitrix24: Best for Team Collaboration Tools

Pros

• Has a website builder
• Instantly synchronizes with external calendars (Google Calendar, Apple iCloud, Microsoft Office 365)
• Includes automatic dialer
• Provides 5GB of online storage

Cons

• Has no listing management tools
• Requires technical skills to set up
• Does not offer customer service 24/7

The Close Score

4.7

Pricing:

5.0

General Features:

4.4

Advanced Features:

4.2

Ease of Use:

3.0

Customer Service:

4.5

Customer Rating:

4.1

Expert Score:

4.5

out
of

5

Why I Chose Bitrix24

I chose Bitrix24 as one of the best free CRM for realtors because of its excellent team collaboration tools, which are crucial for real estate success. Its free plan includes features like a calendar, company social network, and project Kanban. While customer support is somewhat limited for free users, it’s easy to set up and offers ample real estate database storage. Bitrix24 is ideal for teams aiming to enhance communication and productivity.

Additional Features

• Omnichannel communication: Client messages from any channel will be processed and turned into leads in your CRM for further engagement or deal creation.
• Free AI-powered sales assistant CoPilot: Creates marketing texts, generates ideas, transcribes calls in your CRM, and autocompletes lead or deal fields. The AI scoring tool assists with sales forecasting.

ClickUp: Best for Task Management & Productivity Features

Pros

• Has highly customizable dashboards
• Integrates with numerous third-party apps
• Has a user-friendly interface with robust productivity tools
• Allows social media integrations

Cons

• Has no phone customer support
• Limits the storage to 100MB only for the free account

The Close Score

4.6

Pricing:

3.5

General Features:

4.6

Advanced Features:

5.0

Ease of Use:

5.0

Customer Service:

4.0

Customer Rating:

4.4

Expert Score:

4.2

out
of

5

Why I Chose ClickUp

I picked ClickUp as one of the best free CRM for real estate because of its excellent task management and productivity features. It’s perfect for agents who want to stay organized, with custom dashboards and integration options for various real estate apps. While not a full CRM, its productivity tools, like the team whiteboard and chat, along with a user-friendly interface, help agents efficiently manage their work.

Additional Features

• Wikis: ClickUp’s wikis allow agents to create and store important information in a centralized, easily accessible location.
• Gantt charts: Gantt charts in ClickUp provide a visual timeline for projects, helping agents track progress, manage deadlines, and ensure all tasks are on schedule.

EngageBay: Best for All-in-One CRM Solution

Pros

• Offers contact, task, and deal management
• Has social media marketing
• Has marketing automation

Cons

• Has no listing management
• Doesn’t have a 24/7 customer support
• Has outdated email templates

The Close Score

4.5

Pricing:

5.0

General Features:

2.7

Advanced Features:

4.2

Ease of Use:

5.0

Customer Service:

4.5

Customer Rating:

4.4

Expert Score:

4.2

out
of

5

Why I Chose EngageBay

EngageBay CRM is an all-in-one real estate software that combines marketing, sales, customer relationship management, and service in a budget-friendly package. Thanks to cool features like Predictive Score and Lead Score by Source, it’s handy for businesses looking to spot promising leads. When sealing the deal, you’ve got proposal management and invoicing at your fingertips. Plus, the service side has your back with ticket macros, canned responses, and handy automation, making customer support a breeze.

Additional Features

• Contact management: On a single page, track contact activities to understand their patterns, view past interactions, and view interests. Simply import contacts from platforms like Google, Office 365, or CSV files. By monitoring email interactions and website visits, staying organized becomes easier.
• Email sequence: EngageBay’s email sequences are automated marketing emails sent to subscribers based on their actions. Personalize and schedule these emails, adjusting subject lines and content based on recipient information. Include unlimited emails and use formatting options like bold and italics.

HubSpot: Best for Comprehensive Email Marketing Capabilities

Pros

• Has free texting capabilities
• Has a mobile application
• Has social media integrations
• Offers team collaboration tools

Cons

• Requires technical skills to set up
• Can be expensive if you need premium features
• Limits customization options in the free plan

The Close Score

4.4

Pricing:

3.5

General Features:

4.6

Advanced Features:

5.0

Ease of Use:

3.0

Customer Service:

5.0

Customer Rating:

4.6

Expert Score:

4.5

out
of

5

Why I Chose HubSpot

What distinguishes HubSpot from other free CRMs is that it includes email marketing features in its free plan. This is ideal if you’re a real estate agent aiming to save significant time on email sending and data collection through forms. The user-friendly design and integration with other HubSpot tools provide a smooth experience. Even though the free version has limitations, it still offers valuable resources for real estate agents to establish a marketing foundation.

Additional Features

• Meeting scheduler: HubSpot’s meeting scheduler allows agents to book appointments directly through their calendars, syncs with their availability, and eliminates the back-and-forth of scheduling.
• AI email writer: The AI email writer helps agents craft personalized emails to improve client communication and save valuable time on drafting messages.

Zoho CRM: Best for Customizable Workflows

Pros

• Has cloud-based data and file storage
• Includes email marketing workflows
• Provides lead-capturing web form

Cons

• Needs to improve its user interface
• Offers email parsing only in paid plans
• Limits analytics reporting in the free plan

The Close Score

4.3

Pricing:

3.5

General Features:

2.7

Advanced Features:

5.0

Ease of Use:

5.0

Customer Service:

5.0

Customer Rating:

4.5

Expert Score:

5.0

out
of

5

Why I Chose Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM is a great free option for real estate agents, offering customizable workflows and various integrations. It assesses your audit logs and activity history to suggest prebuilt workflows that streamline your sales process, allowing you to save time. With email notifications and a mobile app, agents can manage their business on the go. While it lacks some advanced AI features in the free version, it still provides a solid, personalized solution.

Additional Features

• Multiple pipelines: Agents can manage multiple sales processes by using different pipelines. 
• Scoring rules: Lead scoring helps agents prioritize those most likely to close.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best free CRM for real estate agents?

Is there a free real estate CRM for small businesses?

What is the best realtor app to use?

Methodology: How I Chose the Best Free Real Estate CRM

While choosing the best free real estate agent CRM options, we at The Close took a meticulous and thorough review to ensure that we delivered the most reliable and effective ones. Our methodology took into account a detailed analysis of the various CRMs regarding a wide range of factors relative to the real estate professional. Our team of experts went through an accurate review and testing of these platforms for their suitability and to make sure they performed well in a real estate context.

Below are the key criteria we evaluated for the best free CRM for realtors:

• Pricing (30%):
  • We prioritized CRMs that offer robust features in their free plans, providing excellent value without hidden costs.
• Features (20%):
  • We assessed the essential features available, such as contact management, mobile application, and website integration, to ensure they meet the core needs of real estate agents.
• Additional Features (20%): 
  • We looked at extra functionalities like customizable reports, AI capabilities, and team collaboration that add significant value to the CRM.
• Ease of Use (10%):
  • Technical skills required to set up and operate the platform were taken into consideration 
• Help and Support (5%):
  • The availability and format of customer support were reviewed to ensure agents can get assistance when needed.
• Customer Rating (5%):
  • We considered user feedback and ratings to gauge overall satisfaction and real-world performance.
• Expert Score (10%):
  • Our team of experts provided an additional layer of evaluation, rating each CRM based on the overall features, value for money, and ease of use.

Your Take

Free real estate CRMs can significantly aid agents in managing contacts and deals while automating marketing efforts at no cost. Using a free CRM can enhance productivity and client management. However, as your business expands, it’s important to consider upgrading to paid plans. While free options offer useful features, they may limit growth and capabilities. Upgrading unlocks advanced tools and scalability for long-term success.

Do you know of a great free CRM for realtors that we haven’t mentioned yet? Or maybe you have some thoughts or suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to share your ideas in the comment section below!

The post The 6 Best Free Real Estate CRMs for 2025 appeared first on The Close.

• Colibri Real Estate: Best for exam prep
• Gold Coast Schools: Best for live instruction
• The CE Shop: Best for self-paced education
• AceableAgent: Best for mobile app
• Florida Real Estate School: Best for Florida-focused coursework

The Close’s Top Picks of Online Real Estate Schools in Florida

Need to learn more about Florida education requirements before choosing a school? Check out our article How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Florida in 7 Easy Steps.

Best for Exam Prep: Colibri Real Estate

Pros

• Expertly designed curriculum
• Easy-to-use online platform
• Exam prep packages include lots of features
• Self-paced courses

Cons

• No in-person classes
• No mobile app
• No 1:1 coaching and training
• The Basics doesn’t come with test prep materials

The Close Score

4.9

Value

5.0

Learning Format & Accessibility:

3.5

Course Features:

3.5

Help & Support:

3.0

Reputation:

4.0

Expert Score:

5.0

out
of

5

My Expert Opinion on Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate ranks first as the best online real estate school in Florida. It has everything you need to feel confident about the exam: simulated exams, awesome Q&A sessions with the instructors, audio review guides, and many fun webinars. I love how the courses keep repeating the important stuff, making it easier to remember for the big test.

Room for improvement: Colibri Real Estate has no in-person class options. If you’re not the type to keep yourself motivated, you might struggle with some boring material. If you like learning in a more interactive, real-time setting, check out an in-person class with Gold Coast Schools, part of Colibri.

Colibri Real Estate Cost

As one of the best Florida real estate schools online, Colibri offers comprehensive learning formats like online courses at your own pace, live classes, or on-demand in Florida. Even the basic packages come with a bunch of extra perks.

Save 40% with our code “TheClose40”

Need to see more before making a decision? Check out our in-depth Colibri Real Estate review.

Best for Live Instruction: Gold Coast Schools

Pros

• Classes in English and Spanish
• Local school affiliated with Colibri Real Estate
• Livestream workshops
• Gold Coast career fairs

Cons

• No mobile app
• No pass guarantee
• Interactive study groups not offered

The Close Score

4.9

Value

3.9

Learning Format & Accessibility:

4.5

Course Features:

3.0

Help & Support:

4.5

Reputation:

4.9

Expert Score:

4.1

out
of

5

My Expert Opinion on Golden Coast Schools

Gold Coast Schools has made my top picks for the best Florida real estate school online of the live courses at any of their seven Florida locations—Doral, North Miami, Tamarac, West Palm Beach, East Orlando, North Orlando, and Boca Raton. How awesome is that? It offers courses in both English and Spanish, which is a rare perk among the schools here. I’m also a big fan of their career fairs and weekly tutoring sessions with expert instructors. If you’re into in-person learning and want a solid livestream review session, definitely check out Gold Coast Schools!

Room for improvement: Gold Coast Schools does not provide a pass guarantee or facilitate interactive study groups that can enhance the learning experience. I hope the school will consider offering these features since such groups can be beneficial. They promote collaboration and active student engagement, allowing them to share knowledge and enhance their learning experience.

Golden Coast Schools Cost

Coast Schools offers real estate courses that you can attend in person at any of their seven locations around the state. You may even join via livestream or take online courses at your own speed.

Best for Self-paced Education: The CE Shop

Pros

• 5-day free trial
• Pass Guarantee
• Exam prep materials included in prelicensing packages
• Live instructor-led webinars on exam topics offered in some states

Cons

• No livestream and in-person classes
• No mobile app
• Career assistance or networking unavailable
• No 1:1 coaching and training

The Close Score

4.7

Value

5.0

Learning Format & Accessibility:

2.5

Course Features:

2.9

Help & Support:

5.0

Reputation:

3.6

Expert Score:

5.0

out
of

5

My Expert Opinion on The CE Shop

If you’re on the hunt for affordable online Florida real estate classes packed with great features, check out The CE Shop. Its prelicensing courses start at just $139 and are self-paced, making it easy to fit your studies into your schedule. Plus, you’ll find handy resources like a glossary and digital flashcards to help you learn. With its fantastic LEAP 2.0 platform, The CE Shop stands out as one of the best options for getting your Florida real estate license online.

Room for improvement: The CE Shop primarily focuses on online education and does not provide livestreaming or in-person classes, which may limit opportunities for real-time engagement. Therefore, exploring other options is important if you seek a more dynamic learning experience with immediate interaction and personalized instructor feedback.

The CE Shop Cost

The CE Shop offers different pricing packages to fit your needs and budget. It also offers a variety of add-ons and individual courses you can mix and match. The school is also known for rolling out promotional codes throughout the year.

 Use Promo Code: TheClose35 – Save 35%

Need to see more before making a decision? Check out our in-depth The CE Shop review.

Best for Mobile App: AceableAgent

Pros

• Great learning platform for mobile
• Live webinars and private tutoring included in the premium package
• Test prep materials included in all packages

Cons

• No in-person learning option
• No broker prelicensing offerings
• No standalone exam prep packages

The Close Score

4.4

Value:

2.3

Learning Format & Accessibility:

4.0

Course Features:

3.2

Help & Support:

3.5

Reputation:

4.3

Expert Score:

4.5

out
of

5

My Expert Opinion on AceableAgent

If you want to take a Florida real estate course online from your smartphone, I highly recommend checking out AceableAgent. It’s specifically designed for an incredible mobile experience, making it easy to fit your studies into your day. Whether you’re on your way home or enjoying a little downtime at work, you can jump right into the course. Plus, there are practice quizzes for your device, which makes learning even more fun.

Room for improvement: AceableAgent should consider expanding its courses, including broker prelicensing and standalone exam prep courses in Florida.

Aceable Agent Cost

AceableAgent offers prelicensing course bundles filled with many practice questions, making it easy to crush the real estate exam. The school also provides post-licensing and continuing education courses.

Need to see more before making a decision? Check out our in-depth AceableAgent review.

Best for Florida-focused Coursework: Florida Real Estate School

Pros

• Practice tests and supplemental studying materials
• Instructor-taught, engaging, and fully narrated courses
• Interactive online learning experience with audio and video

Cons

• No livestream and in-person learning formats
• No mobile app
• No career assistance or networking

The Close Score

4.1

Value:

3.1

Learning Format & Accessibility:

2.5

Course Features:

2.5

Help & Support:

5.0

Reputation:

4.5

Expert Score:

4.1

out
of

5

My Expert Opinion on Florida Real Estate School

Florida Real Estate School is the second local option on this list, and it’s pretty awesome! Its courses are convenient online and self-paced, so you can learn at your own pace on your laptop or phone, anytime and anywhere. I really love how Florida-focused and engaging its courses are, plus it’s fully narrated. The best part is that the school also provides practice tests and extra study materials, giving you that extra confidence boost to help you pass your exam on the first try. How great is that?

Room for improvement: It would be great for Florida Real Estate School to offer courses in both livestream and in-person formats. Not all students love learning completely online, and having that real-time interaction can help students feel more motivated and engaged with the material.

Florida Real Estate School Cost

Florida Real Estate School offers comprehensive real estate courses, packed with tons of features. 

How We Selected the Best Online Real Estate Schools in Florida

Regarding our methodology at The Close, our team of licensed real estate professionals, writers, and editors created a weighted rubric that evaluates each of the best online real estate schools in Florida. Our experts have done hours of research to analyze dozens of real estate schools to determine the best for our readers. The features we explored are essential for students to become successful agents and brokers in the real estate industry. 

Our detailed criteria included the following: 

• Course Features (25%)
  • This comprises items that assist agents and brokers in completing their education, like pass and refund guarantees, career and instructor support, coaching, training, interactive study groups, and course extensions.
• Value (20%)
  • Pricing and availability of coursework are important factors to assess. This accounts for real estate school offerings in prelicensing, post-licensing, continuing education, broker prelicensing, and exam prep. 
• Learning Format & Accessibility (20%)
  • Real estate professionals must consider the best format for their learning, which includes self-paced, on-demand video, livestream, and in-person classes. Also, accessibility via multiple devices, like computers, tablets, and mobile devices, determines the convenience for users. 
• Expert Score (15%)
  • The Close closely reviews each course for standout features, details, ease of use, and the value for money spent from a real estate expert’s perspective. 
• Help & Support (10%)
  • If students need additional support, they must be aware of the customer service options available through phone, email, live chat, and the ticket system. 
• Reputation (10%)
  • This examines the reputation of each real estate school through the lens of current and past students, reviewing each provider’s customer reviews and popularity. 

Helpful Florida Licensing Info

Quick Facts

account_balance

Florida Real Estate Governing Body:

Florida Real Estate Commission

schedule

Prelicensing Requirements:

63 hours

inventory

Post-licensing Requirements:

45 hours within 2 years of becoming licensed

school

Continuing Education Requirements:

14 hours every 2 years

• Prelicensing: How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Florida
• Continuing Education: The 5 Best Real Estate Continuing Education Providers
• Exam Prep: How to Study for the Real Estate Exam: Tips & Strategies and Free Real Estate Practice Exam + 7 Hacks to Help You Ace It
• Upgrading Your License:How to Get a Florida Real Estate Broker License

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much do real estate agents make in Florida?

How difficult is the Florida real estate exam?

How many Realtors are there in Florida?

What’s the average home price in Florida?

Bringing It All Together

That’s it, y’all! I hope our expertise and research on the best online real estate school in Florida helped you pick one right for you. At The Close, we’re here to help at every step of your journey, with no gator bait. If you’ve got thoughts or questions, don’t be shy—drop us a comment below!

The post The 5 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Florida (FL) 2025 appeared first on The Close.

Banking Built for Landlords

Baselane has paid for this placement. However, our team of experts approved Baselane as an appropriate product and our content remains editorially independent.

Being a landlord isn’t easy. Whether you own one unit or building or want to scale your business to the next level, Baselane can help. Baselane is a new banking platform built specifically for independent landlords. It offers FREE banking, FREE rent collection, and FREE bookkeeping and reporting tools, all from one simple-to-use platform.

• Baselane currently offers 5% cash back on home improvement purchases and 4.25% interest on deposits.
• Opening an account is a quick 2-minute process, so get started with Baselane today.

Visit Baselane

What Is a Rent Receipt & Why Is It Important?

Rent receipts help keep the landlord-tenant relationship transparent and accountable. They include the tenant’s name, property address, payment date, amount paid and method, and the period they cover. These receipts confirm that tenants made payments, help with tax documentation, and organize landlords’ finances. They also protect tenants by providing proof of payment and ensuring everyone follows their state’s rules.

When to Use a Rent Receipt

Landlords and property managers should provide a rent receipt for all payments. If a tenant sends a check, the check stub and a bank statement can be their proof of the rent payment. However, landlords should make a copy of the check for their records or enter it into an online rent payment system. It’s always better to play it safe and give a rent receipt to avoid any later confusion about whether the tenant paid the rent.

Here are some additional reasons to get a rent receipt:

• The tenant pays in cash
• A property manager collects rent from a tenant
• Renting a room in your home
• Renting your short-term or vacation rental property
• Your state requires landlords to collect rent receipts, as many states do

Pro Tip: When screening potential tenants, explain your process for providing rent receipts. Provide a sample rent receipt within the application packet so they know what to expect. This shows your diligence and reinforces expectations for on-time rental payments.

Why Receipts for Payment Are Important

Providing rental receipts benefits landlords by documenting all payments, including late or partial payments. Rent receipts also serve as legal proof of payment for disputes, evictions, rental scams, tax purposes, or general recordkeeping. Tenants can use them to demonstrate timely payments for future landlords, while landlords may keep receipts to evaluate whether to renew a lease based on payment history.

Ensuring seamless rent collection is crucial for timely payments and effective recordkeeping. A streamlined payment system helps avoid a lengthy eviction process due to poor recordkeeping. To ease your burden, use online rent collection software like PayRent. It offers convenient features like recurring payments and direct deposit into your bank account, ensuring that you receive reliable rent payments.

What to Include in a Rent Receipt

A rent receipt is similar to a sales receipt; it shows proof that tenants paid rent. These receipts can be used for residential and commercial properties and should be provided whether the tenant is month-to-month, renting short-term, or has a long-term lease.

Other details in a rental receipt template:

• The landlord or property manager’s name, address, and phone number
• The full name of the tenant or the party paying on their behalf. Also, include the tenant or rental unit if someone pays on their behalf. 
• Property address with unit or apartment number
• The exact date the funds were received.
• The time frame to apply the money.
• The landlord should sign to acknowledge the receipt and give a copy to the tenant.
• The dollar amount received. If there are outstanding payments, include the remaining balance owed plus any applicable fees.
• For future identification, list how the tenant paid, such as cash, check, or credit card.
• If tenants pay via check, landlords should document that check number for recordkeeping.

Although it’s not a legal requirement, landlords and property managers should make copies of rental receipts if they need proof of rental income. Sending electronic rent receipts makes it easy to store everything digitally, so landlords can access them without hassle. Plus, it cuts down on all the paperwork with multiple properties.

How Rent Receipt Works

To create a monthly or a one-time payment receipt for your tenant, just follow these steps:

• Step one: The landlord collects the rent payment from the tenant.
• Step two: The landlord signs the receipt to confirm receiving the money.
• Step three: The landlord provides the receipt, physically or electronically, to the tenant.
• Step four: The landlord and the renter keep a copy of the rent receipt for their records.

If you find it challenging to create an electronic rent receipt, get our rent receipt download above for faster and more transparent transactions.

How to Send Rent Receipts

You have the option to send rent receipts electronically or as paper copies since many receipts have carbons for easy record-keeping. However, paper copies can get lost or destroyed by a fire or flood, so sending electronic receipts or copies adds a layer of security. Give the tenant the original receipt for paper copies, and keep the carbon copy for your records.

Include all the relevant information we discussed in your e-send to avoid confusion about when the payment was received and for how much. This process gives both parties a digital record. If you still choose to send out a rent receipt in the mail, send it soon and keep adequate records for yourself.

Baselane: A Software Provider With Automated Rent Receipt

Whether you’re just starting your journey in real estate investing or juggling a few properties, using rent payment software can make your life much easier as a landlord or property manager. The top online rent payment services like Baselane offer handy features like reminders to help tenants pay on time, options for electronic payments, and even the ability to send rent statement receipts for you automatically. It’s a great way to streamline the whole process.

Baselane is one of the best online rent payment services for creating a seamless payment process. Its free plan includes direct deposit, auto-pay, automated late fees, and payment reminders. Also, Baselane accepts all forms of payment, including ACH, debit, and credit card payments, making collecting rent seamless and more straightforward to track accounts.

FAQs

Can you handwrite a rent receipt?

How can I make a professional-looking rent receipt?

How can I send my tenants a rent receipt?

Bottom Line 

Rent receipts help landlords keep track of payments, assist with taxes, and resolve disputes. Landlords can send them out using software or manually. Each rental receipt template should show who paid, when, and how, helping to protect income and investments. 

If you have any experiences or tips related to rent receipts, please share your thoughts in the comments!

The post Free Rent Receipt Templates & When to Use Them appeared first on The Close.

• Baselane: Best for the free subscription and bookkeeping and accounting tools
• TurboTenant: Best for all-in-one tenant management software
• REISift: Best for marketing automation and CRM
• Deal Machine: Best for investors looking for off-market deals
• Carrot: Best for website creation
• Smarter Contact: Best for short messaging service (SMS) marketing
• Stessa: Best for free built-in rent collection software
• DocuSign: Best for user-friendly electronic signature software
• Zilcalculator: Best for automated property analysis
• FlipperForce: Best for house flippers and BRRR investors
• Argus Software: Best for scenario and risk analysis or assessment

The Close’s Top Picks for Best Real Estate Software for Investors

*Billed annually and paid in full; monthly billing is available at higher rates

Key Features to Look for Investment Software

Investing in real estate can be exciting, with various property types and strategies to explore. When you’re looking into real estate investment software, here are some essential features to keep in mind to help you make the best choice:

• User-friendly interface: Intuitive design for easy navigation and usability.
• Property type versatility: Ability to manage different property types, including single-family homes, multifamily units, and short-term rentals.
• CRM tools: Customer relationship management features for effective client communication and relationship tracking.
• Financial analysis: Tools for calculating ROI, cash flow, and other financial metrics.
• Market insights: Access to real-time data on market trends and property valuations.
• Automation features: Capabilities for automating tasks like rent collection, lead generation, and marketing.
• Integration options: Compatibility with other tools and platforms (e.g., accounting software and email marketing).
• Reporting capabilities: Customizable reports to track performance and investment metrics.
• Mobile access: Availability of mobile apps for on-the-go management.
• Customer support: Reliable support channels for troubleshooting and assistance.

1. Baselane

• Best for: Bookkeeping and accounting tools
• Monthly cost: Free

Baselane ranked first as the best online rent payment service for its free subscription with no monthly fees or minimum balances. It automatically reminds tenants about payments and sends the money to your bank account in two to five days. Also, tenants can pay their rent using any device, whether through an ACH bank transfer or a debit or credit card. They can easily set up autopay. On top of all that, Baselane gives you real-time cash flow insights, tracks performance, and even automatically creates financial and tax reports.

Baselane has checkbooks that you can order for any of your Baselane checking accounts, which means you don’t have to rely on outside providers. Each order comes with 80 secure checks. You can easily send these checks to pay vendors and bills directly from your account, and Baselane will print and mail them to you. Plus, they teamed up with Rocket Lawyer so you can create, save, and sign lease agreements right in Baselane and invite others to sign too.

2. TurboTenant

• Best for: All-in-one tenant management software
• Monthly cost: Starts at $0

Investors who are landlords must establish organizational systems to guarantee their tenants’ care and the protection of their properties. TurboTenant is a fantastic start-to-finish, all-in-one solution for the rental process. Starting with advertising, TurboTenant allows landlords to syndicate their listing to 25+ sites to get maximum exposure for their property. From there, landlords customize applications for tenants, complete tenant screening, and generate state-specific leases. This gets tenants in the door quickly and seamlessly.

But TurboTenant doesn’t stop there! Once a tenant moves in, landlords collect rent via their online payment system that sets automatic payment reminders and reoccurring payments and tacks on late fees if needed. Landlords then track their finances through accounting and bookkeeping software. Easy right? And did I mention that TurboTenant is free for landlords? Yup — you heard that right.

3. REISift

• Best for: Marketing automation and real estate CRM
• Monthly cost: Starts at $149

REISift is built by real estate investors who are in the investing game and use it daily. It gives accurate and detailed insights for each property you upload, making it easier to tailor your marketing campaigns to the right audience. It’s all about making things smoother and more effective for your business. 

In addition, for real estate investors and wholesalers targeting vacant properties, its vacancy check feature automatically cross-references a user’s records against multiple databases (including the USPS). This allows you to know which listings are vacant or occupied. REISift integrates with prominent real estate software platforms, including Twilio, Plivo, Launch Control, smrtPhone, Smarter Contact, Aircall, Calltools, REIRail, ReadyMode, and Zapier.

4. Deal Machine

• Best for: Off-market deals
• Monthly cost: Starts at $99 per month (if billed annually)

Deal Machine is one of the best real estate software for investors, active house flippers, and wholesalers looking for off-market deals. It can be easily accessed through a web browser, iPhone, or Android. Deal Machine simplifies the hunt for foreclosed or vacant homes, helps you get the correct contact info for homeowners, and lets you reach out to them about selling. 

What’s even more remarkable is its real estate AI assistant—Alma, a cutting-edge AI assistant from Deal Machine. It was created to help provide strategic guidance, insightful data on properties, and personalized recommendations for real estate investors. Plus, if you want to quickly create a list of off-market properties like preforeclosures and bank-owned homes, their list builder feature makes it easy.

5. Carrot

• Best for: Website creation
• Monthly cost: Starts at $76 per month (if billed annually)

Carrot is a real estate investor software that helps you build a solid online presence without the hassle! It has a bunch of ready-made website templates for any type of real estate lead you want to chase. These sites are packed with call-to-action buttons, lead-capture tools, and keyword-rich text tailored to your target market. Plus, you’ll get monthly blog posts optimized for Google to help drive more traffic to your site. You can even set up SMS notifications to immediately reach out to leads via text. And with built-in analytics and tools, you can monitor how your site is performing.

6. Smarter Contact

• Best for: SMS marketing
• Monthly cost: Starts at $149 per month (if billed annually)

Unlock the power of SMS marketing with Smarter Contact, designed specifically for real estate investors. It features intuitive autoreplies, precrafted SMS templates, and dynamic automation tools to easily create, personalize, and schedule your marketing campaigns. By using Smarter Contact, real estate investors can enhance their communication strategy, making it more efficient and effective in reaching other investors, agents, or partners for collaboration opportunities.

Plus, with its built-in tracking, you’ll effortlessly monitor text interactions and stay ahead of the game. Smarter Contact’s SMS automation isn’t just about sending messages—it’s about saving you precious time so you can focus on nurturing leads that are most likely to respond.

7. Stessa

• Best for: Built-in rent collection software
• Monthly cost: Free; paid plans start at $12 per month (if billed annually)

Stessa’s automated rent collection software makes life easier for rental investors and tenants. As a rental investor, quickly onboard tenants and send handy reminders when rent is due. For tenants, there’s autopay, so they don’t have to stress about missing a payment. With automatic ACH payments and real-time notifications, you’ll always know when a payment hits your account. 

And let’s not forget that Stessa has built-in accounting features that help landlords manage finances smoothly, track expenses, and organize everything they need. Easily link up with banks, lenders, credit cards, and property managers to keep tabs on your income and cash flow.

8. DocuSign

• Best for: User-friendly electronic signature software
• Monthly cost: Starts at $10 per month (if billed annually)

DocuSign makes e-signatures a breeze, especially for real estate investors looking to close deals faster and with fewer mistakes. Its user-friendly platform lets you easily access the latest state and local forms with handy autofill features. This helps you gather and organize your documents all in one digital space. Additionally, you’ll have direct access to up-to-date multiple listing service (MLS), association, or brokerage-specific forms, prefilled with your transaction info and ready for signatures.

9. Zilcalculator

• Best for: Automated property analysis
• Monthly cost: Starts at $13.60 per month (if billed annually)

Zilcalculator is a comprehensive software solution tailored specifically for residential real estate investors. This innovative platform seamlessly integrates data from multiple sources, including MLS, Zillow, and Rentometer, to deliver in-depth property analysis reports with just a few clicks. By streamlining the data collection and analysis process, Zilcalculator empowers investors to make informed decisions when buying or selling real estate investment properties. 

10. FlipperForce

• Best for: House flippers and BRRR investors
• Monthly cost: Starts at $59 per month (if billed annually)

FlipperForce is a web-based tool for developers, rehabbers, and real estate investors. This software allows you to easily analyze deals, manage budgets, organize renovation schedules, and estimate projects’ after repair value (ARV). You’ll love how it lets you keep tabs on your leads, active projects, and completed portfolios all in one place. This way, you’ll always know what’s happening with your deals and where your projects stand. Plus, the simple budget tracking features help you manage your budget, monitor expenses, and forecast your profits. So, you’ll always clearly understand how much you could make or lose on any deal.

11. Argus Software (by Altus Group)

• Best for: Scenario and risk analysis or assessment
• Monthly cost: Starts at $39.99

Argus is an enterprise-level real estate investment software for real estate investment professionals, including owners, investors, asset and portfolio managers, fund and investment managers, and property developers. This powerful tool enhances decision-making by providing comprehensive features for property valuations and detailed cash flow analysis. 

Users can also conduct in-depth scenario and risk assessments, allowing them to navigate potential market fluctuations with confidence. Additionally, Argus streamlines the budgeting process and supports strategic planning initiatives, making it an essential toolkit for anyone involved in real estate investment and management.

Methodology: How We Selected the Best Real Estate Software for Investors

At The Close, our incredible team of researchers, agents, writers, and editors rolled up their sleeves to dive into the world of real estate software for investors. We checked out a bunch of real estate apps and picked our favorites based on these essential criteria:

• General Feature
  • Overview of the key features and functionalities offered by the software, like data collection, data filter, CRM, and targeted marketing. We evaluated whether the features were included with payment or required added fees.
• Pricing
  • Information about the platform’s pricing structure and subscription plans and whether the platform offers pricing transparency.
• Ease of Use
  • Evaluation of the platform’s user-friendliness and accessibility. Also, whether the platforms required technical skills to start and operate each platform and whether a mobile application is provided.
• Customer Rating
  • Based on customer feedback for each software, particular attention is given to product reviews and the provider’s popularity to certify the platform meets user satisfaction.
• Expert Score
  • Our expertise in the field and firsthand experience with the providers allow us to evaluate each tool’s standout features, value for the money, and ease of use.
• Help & Support
  • Information on the available customer support options and assistance provided by the company.

Bringing It All Together

Embarking on a journey into real estate investing can be significantly more seamless and fulfilling when equipped with the appropriate real estate software for investors. With home prices steadily rising and competition growing fiercer by the day, having powerful tools at your disposal is essential. These resources can provide critical insights, streamline your decision-making process, and enable you to identify lucrative opportunities in the market before others do. By leveraging the right software, you can navigate the complexities of real estate more effectively and position yourself for success in this dynamic industry.

The post 11 Best Real Estate Software for Investors appeared first on The Close.

What Is a Real Estate License?

A real estate license is a state-issued permit that allows agents and brokers to assist in buying and selling homes. It ensures they have the necessary training and authorization and have passed a test, enabling them to guide clients through negotiations and paperwork. This license builds trust, as clients know they work with knowledgeable and vetted professionals.

Steps to Get Your Real Estate License

Let’s get started! Though the process might vary slightly from state to state, here’s a basic outline of what you must do to learn how to obtain a real estate license.

1. Determine Your State’s Education Requirements

• Cost: Free
• Time: Five minutes
• Helpful resource: The Close Look-up Tool (below)

Generally, states require that applicants for a real estate license meet the following requirements:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be legally allowed to work in the United States
• Complete the required amount of prelicensing education hours
• Have no pending criminal indictments against you
• Have no criminal convictions for violent or home invasion-related offenses

These specifics depend on each state (Alaska, for example, requires applicants to be 19 years old), and the number of education hours varies quite a bit. Pick your state from the map below to discover how many hours of prelicensing education you need, and check out the links to specific state guides to dive deeper.

2. Complete a Prelicensing Course

• Cost: Between $99 and $1,100, depending on your state
• Time: Between 40 and 180 class hours, depending on your state
• Helpful resource: Best Online Real Estate Schools

The next step on how to get a real estate license is to complete the prelicensing education hours your state requires. You can take these classes in a regular classroom setting or go for an online program. Online courses are generally the way to go because they’re usually cheaper and way more convenient—plus, you’ll learn at your speed whenever it fits into your schedule. Remember that some states require you to attend in-person or live online classes, so you can’t breeze through the hours at your own pace.

What You’ll Learn in Real Estate School

Generally, you’ll learn plenty of terms and definitions, maybe even ones you hear often but aren’t exactly sure what they mean. You’ll also get a crash course on important legislation, legal theories, and usually a little history and sociology. At the end of your prelicensing courses, you will have a solid understanding of the laws and regulations that govern real estate both at a federal and state level.

How to Choose a Real Estate School

Picking the right real estate school is a big deal, and there are a few things you should think about before making your choice.

• Cost: Is the course package of your choice within your budget?
• Accreditation: Is your chosen school recognized by the state where you want to work?
• Class format: Are you looking for a traditional classroom setting where you can easily approach your instructors and peers during classes? Or an online, livestream class with flexibility and access to instructor support? Or purely online courses where you need to be more self-directed?
• Refund policy: Some schools provide a refund option for students within a specific time frame, or they guarantee that you’ll pass the exam if you meet certain criteria. Ensure you know the refund policy—if there is one. Also, note that courses often have an expiration date, so you might only have access to the material for six months.

One of my favorite online providers is Colibri Real Estate. They make it easy to get your prelicensing classes, with options available in almost every state. Plus, they offer helpful packages that include exam prep and a Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee. If you’re unsure where to start with your prelicensing education, don’t hesitate to chat with one of their enrollment advisers—they’re there to help!

3. Prepare for Your State Exam

• Cost: Varies, usually about $99
• Time: One to two weeks
• Helpful resource: 7 Free Real Estate Practice Exams + 7 Exam Hacks

Once you finish your real estate prelicensing course, it’s time to take the state exam. You’ll need to memorize definitions, understand legal concepts, and do some math. Knowing your state’s rules and the national real estate laws is important. The exam is multiple-choice, and you’ll probably just have a basic calculator and scratch paper to work with.

Even if you’re confident, it’s wise to practice with exam prep materials like flashcards and practice tests, which top online real estate schools often provide. Buy a prelicensing package that includes exam prep. If that’s not an option, choose a cheaper package without the exam prep and grab extra courses or study materials. Here are some of our top picks:

4. Get Fingerprints & Background Check

• Cost: Varies by state, usually $15 to $80
• Time: One to three hours
• Helpful resource: IdentoGO and IdentoGO Fingerprinting Service

All states require fingerprints and a background check to obtain a real estate license. About 15 states do not require fingerprints, but they will still conduct a background check based on the application. Applicants must get their fingerprints taken at a local law enforcement agency or a Livescan provider like IdentoGO, with fees ranging from $15 to $80. The fingerprints are submitted to state and national databases to provide a comprehensive background review, including any criminal history.

5. Pass Your State’s Real Estate Exam

• Cost: Varies by state, usually $30 to $80
• Time: Around three hours
• Helpful resource: How to Pass the Real Estate Exam: Top 13 Tips for Success

It’s time to tackle your licensing exam once you’ve wrapped up your state’s prelicensing requirements and hit the books with practice tests and flashcards. Here are some quick tips to get you ready:

• Answer every question
• Answer the easy questions first
• Eliminate wrong answers
• Look at the question for clues
• Predict the answer
• Remember, there is only one correct answer
• Realize the test is pass-fail, and you don’t need to ace it!

The exam format varies by state, but most now offer a computer-based test that can be taken online or in person. You can find details about your state’s exam and nearby testing sites on your state’s licensing website or our state guides. If you’re feeling nervous, remember that many people do. Prepare with our free practice exam and discover tips to help you ace your real estate exam.

6. Register Your Real Estate License With Your State

• Cost: Varies by state, typically less than $150
• Time: 30 minutes to complete paperwork, one to two weeks for confirmation

Once you’ve passed your state’s licensing exam, the next step is to apply to your state’s Real Estate Commission. You’ll need to fill out an application with some basic info like your name, address, birthday, background details, and info about your real estate education and sponsoring brokerage. Most states let you apply online through a portal, but if that’s not an option, you’ll have to send in a paper application.

When you’re putting together your application, you must include a few things: an application fee, certificate of completion from your real estate school, fingerprints and background check, proof of a passing exam score, and explanations of any criminal record. Just so you know, the application fee varies quite a bit—it’s about $45 in Colorado but can go up to $245 in California.

7: Find a Sponsoring Brokerage

• Cost: No cost
• Time: One to two weeks
• Helpful resource: What’s the Best Real Estate Company to Work For?

The last step in becoming a real estate agent is picking a brokerage to work with. Choosing one that fits your style and what kind of real estate you want to focus on is really important. Before making your choice, be sure to check out these things:

• Figure out what type of brokerage you want to go after.
• Decide if you want to work solo or team up with a real estate crew.
• Look into how commission splits work.
• Check out how each real estate company is seen in the market.
• Think about what kind of mentoring and training they offer.
• Consider company culture, commission structure, what fees are covered, marketing policies, and training and mentoring.

Each brokerage has its strengths and weaknesses, so be sure to research and interview the brokerage as much as they interview you. Ask plenty of questions, reach out to other agents, and see if you can picture yourself as part of that team.

That’s the final step! Now you know how to get a realtor license.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License?

Getting a real estate license can be pretty quick, sometimes taking just around six weeks, but how long it takes can depend on the rules in your state for what education you need. Here’s a quick look at the Texas, California, and New York timeline.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License?

Most applicants spend between $1,000 and $1,600 to cover everything, like the prelicensing course, study materials, exam fee, background check, application fees, and dues. However, the costs vary greatly from state to state. Here’s a closer look at the costs involved, with some example prices for Texas, California, and New York.

FAQs

Is it hard to get a real estate license?

Is getting a real estate license worth it?

How much does a real estate agent make?

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• Baselane: Best for the free subscription and accounting tools
• Hemlane: Best for an all-in-one solution and intuitive interface
• PayRent: Best for secured online rent collection
• TenantCloud: Best for mobile app
• Avail: Best for next-day rent payment feature
• TurboTenant: Best for free tenant management system

The Close’s Top Picks for Best Online Rent Payment Services

Online Rent Payment Software	Best for	Starting Monthly Price	Learn More
	Free subscription and accounting tools	Free	Visit Baselane
	All-in-one solution and intuitive interface	Free	Visit Hemlane
	Secured rent collection	Free	Visit PayRent
	Mobile app	$15.60 (billed annually)	Visit TenantCloud
	Next-day rent payment	$0 per unit	Visit Avail
	Free tenant management system	Free	Visit TurboTenant

Online Rent Payment Software	Best for	Starting Monthly Price	Learn More
	Free subscription and accounting tools	Free	Visit Baselane
	All-in-one solution and intuitive interface	Free	Visit Hemlane
	Secured rent collection	Free	Visit PayRent
	Mobile app	$15.60 (billed annually)	Visit TenantCloud
	Next-day rent payment	$0 per unit	Visit Avail

Baselane: Best for Free Subscription & Accounting Tools

Pros

• Offers tenant portal
• Is mobile-friendly
• Has automated reminders and late fees
• Allows tenants to enroll in auto-pay
• Directly deposits payments within 2-5 days

Cons

• Lacks rental applications
• Lacks mobile app
• Requires a fee for applicant screening
• Lacks 24/7 customer service

The Close Score

4.9

Pricing:

5.0

General Features:

3.7

Advanced Features:

4.5

Ease of Use:

4.5

Help & Support:

4.5

Customer Rating:

4.2

Expert Score:

4.5

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of

5

Why I Chose Baselane

• Baselane Pricing: Free for banking, online rent collection, and bookkeeping

Baselane ranked first as the best online rent payment service for its free subscription with no monthly fees or minimum balances. Not only does it send automated payment reminders to tenants, but it also deposits payments directly into your bank account within 2 to 5 days. I also love that tenants can pay rent on any device through ACH bank transfer or debit or credit card and easily enroll in auto-pay. On top of that, Baselane provides real-time cash flow, performance tracking, and auto-generated financial and tax reports.

Additional Features

• Baselane checkbooks: Order checkbooks directly for any Baselane checking account, eliminating the need for third-party providers. Each order includes 80 high-security checks.
• Create and e-sign lease agreements: Baselane and Rocket Lawyer team up so you can easily make, save, and sign lease agreements in Baselane. You can also invite others to sign.
• Send checks online: Securely pay vendors and bills from your Baselane checking account by sending checks directly. Just enter the payment amount, recipient’s name, and address, and Baselane will print and mail the check for you.

Hemlane: Best for All-in-One Solution & Intuitive Interface

Pros

• Has comprehensive property management software
• Offers 14-day free trial
• Has flexible pricing
• Has rental advertising feature
• Has applicant tracking and tenant screening tools

Cons

• Lacks mobile app
• Lacks live chat and 24/7 customer support
• Has limited scalability

The Close Score

4.8

Pricing:

5.0

General Features:

5.0

Advanced Features:

4.5

Ease of Use:

4.5

Help & Support:

3.0

Customer Rating:

4.5

Expert Score:

2.8

out
of

5

Why I Chose Hemlane

• Hemlane Monthly Pricing (based on annual billing, monthly billing available at higher rate):
  • Free Forever
  • Basic: $30
  • Essential: $48
  • Complete: $96

Hemlane provides a one-stop solution, including online rent collection service, maintenance coordination, tenant screening, and financial reporting. With its easy-to-use interface and flexible pricing, including a free plan, Hemlane is ideal for landlords prioritizing efficiency and peace of mind. What’s more, Hemlane enables online rent payments through ACH and credit cards, ensuring timely payments with automated reminders and late fees. Landlords receive payments directly deposited into their accounts without any deductions.

Additional Features

• Maintenance Coordination: The platform has a 24/7 service for managing maintenance requests. Hemlane’s team handles tenant repair requests, works with preferred service professionals, and ensures clear communication and timely solutions.
• Financial Reporting: It helps landlords track income and expenses and generate detailed financial reports. It also integrates with accounting software for seamless financial management.
• Marketing and Listing: Hemlane promotes rental properties on popular listing websites like Zillow, Trulia, Hotpads, and Zumper. This increases property visibility and helps attract potential tenants.
• Tenant Screening: Hemlane thoroughly screens potential tenants, including background checks, credit reports, and eviction history. This helps landlords choose reliable tenants.

PayRent: Best for Secured Online Rent Collection

Pros

• Can collect security fees or deposits
• Has automated late fee assessments
• Has online rental applications and tenant screening
• Sends rent reminders and past due notices

Cons

• Lacks mobile app
• Lacks third-party integrations
• Can’t generate leases
• Lacks 24/7 customer support

The Close Score

4.8

Pricing:

5.0

General Features:

4.2

Advanced Features:

5.0

Ease of Use:

3.7

Help & Support:

4.0

Customer Rating:

2.5

Expert Score:

4.2

out
of

5

Why I Chose PayRent

• PayRent Monthly Pricing:
  • Pay-As-You-Go: $0
  • Do-It-Yourself: $19 (try free for 7 days)
  • Go-Like-A-Pro: $49 (try free for 14 days)

Keep your transactions secure with PayRent’s safe payment methods. Easily accept credit cards or bank transfers from any US-based bank or credit union without having to share your personal information with your tenants. With RentDefense, effortlessly collect rent while enjoying exclusive payment controls and protections. Plus, the platform offers convenient features like recurring payment options and direct deposit into your bank account, ensuring that you receive timely and reliable rent payments.

Additional Features

• Account balance tracking: Renters can easily check their account status using PayRent’s online rent payment services. They can see how much they owe, upcoming charges, and payments. Landlords and renters can access these digital records to ensure agreement about the account status.
• Split payments: Tenants can divide their rent payments between multiple payment methods.
• Tenant applications and screening: Landlords can get critical information about potential renters and their backgrounds through one of our in-app application partners. This includes personal and household details, employment and income, residential history and background, credit score, criminal history, and evictions.

TenantCloud: Best for Mobile App

Pros

• Allows you to add multiple bank accounts
• Allows you to manage refunds and discounts
• Has autopay for tenants
• Has rent reporting to credit bureaus
• Has maintenance management

Cons

• Lacks live chat and 24/7 customer support
• Has no individual owner portal in starter and growth plans
• Has team management tools only in business plan

The Close Score

4.8

Pricing:

3.5

General Features:

5.0

Advanced Features:

5.0

Ease of Use:

5.0

Help & Support:

3.0

Customer Rating:

4.1

Expert Score:

4.5

out
of

5

Why I Chose TenantCloud

• TenantCloud Monthly Pricing (based on annual billing, monthly billing available at higher rate):
  • Starter: $15.60
  • Growth: $29.30
  • Pro: $50.40
  • Business: Contact for pricing

Check out the TenantCloud mobile app for iOS and Android—it’s completely free! With this app, efficiently manage your dashboard, team, rent collection, and tenant screenings without constantly logging in and out of your account. TenantCloud makes it easy for landlords and tenants to manage rent payments online. It offers direct bank transfers, ACH payments, credit/debit card options, and payment tracking. I also love that tenants can set up Auto Pay, and landlords can customize payment settings, late fees, and payment allowances.

Additional Features

• Rental accounting: Store, organize, find, and summarize financial information. You can easily track property transactions and balances, schedule invoices, late fees, and receipts, apply deposits, refunds, and discounts, and export all your account data to a ZIP file.
• Financial reports: Landlords can use Schedule E and other tax reports to manage their taxes. They can also generate and send 1099 tax forms to recipients digitally through their accounts. Additionally, they can synchronize income and expense transactions with QuickBooks for better task management.
• Rental applications: Tenant applicants can send their applications to your TenantCloud account. Then, you’ll review and approve the applications. Modify the application form to ask about basic things like living and work history, income, and references. You can also ask for an application fee and check their background and credit to make the process faster.

Avail: Best for Next-day Rent Payments

Pros

• Does not require technical skill to launch the platform
• Has free and budget-friendly pricing per unit
• Has rental application screening tools
• Has a user-friendly platform
• Offers comprehensive and customizable tenant screening reports

Cons

• Lacks third-party integrations
• Lacks mobile app
• Lacks 24/7 customer support
• Offers limited plan only
• Lacks free trial for the paid subscription plan

The Close Score

4.7

Pricing:

3.0

General Features:

5.0

Advanced Features:

5.0

Ease of Use:

3.7

Help & Support:

4.0

Customer Rating:

4.3

Expert Score:

5.0

out
of

5

Why I Chose Avail

• Avail Monthly Pricing:
  • Unlimited: $0 per unit
  • Unlimited Plus: $9 per unit

Experience the convenience of Avail FastPay, where landlords can receive funds as quickly as the next business day. With Avail’s online rent payment services, you’ll enjoy specialized deposit and fee collection, automatically generated payment receipts and confirmations, and seamless setup for recurring payments. Landlords can also set up rent reminders and notifications, auto-assess late fees (one-time or recurring), and allow rental payments to be reported to credit bureaus with CreditBoost.

Additional Features

• Property accounting: This feature allows landlords to track their finances accurately. Landlords can see how much money their rental properties make and their running costs. Avail’s system will automatically populate your dashboard with payments and maintenance expenses.
• Maintenance tracking: Avail’s maintenance tracking feature includes instant messaging for tenant communication in the app and automatic email notifications for landlords or contractors when maintenance requests are submitted. It also provides status updates on maintenance tickets and allows landlords to add expense details for better financial organization.
• Leasing agreements and online signatures: Avail offers state-specific lease agreement templates that comply with landlord-tenant laws. The system converts your preferences into a binding contract and allows for digital signatures from tenants. Other features include locally generated clauses, unlimited document attachments, and print and PDF lease generation.

TurboTenant: Best for Free Tenant Management System

Pros

• Mobile app
• State-specific leases
• Tenant screening
• Custom tenant applications

Cons

• Phone support limited
• No integration with popular CRMs
• No personal versus business tracking

The Close Score

4.5

Pricing:

3.0

General Features:

4.5

Advanced Features:

4.3

Ease of Use:

4.6

Help & Support:

4.0

Customer Rating:

4.7

Expert Score:

4.6

out
of

5

Why I Choose TurboTenant

• TurboTenant Monthly Pricing:
  • Free: $0
  • Pro: $9.92
  • Premium: $12.42

The rental collection system from TurboTenant is free for landlords and offers excellent tools to make sure rent payments get to your bank account efficiently. Tenants can pay via ACH, credit, or debit card and are reminded automatically when their payments are due. Set up automatic late fees and recurring payments for your tenants to ensure you get paid on time. In addition to rent collection, TurboTenant has a full suite of tenant management features, including screening tools, applications, lease creation, reporting, bookkeeping, and advertising. These give a complete package to landlords looking to streamline their processes.

Additional Features

• Advertising: TurboTenant has the most listing syndication sites to ensure your property gets in front of the largest audience of qualified tenants.
• Calculators: Landlords are equipped with calculators to estimate rental property ROI, rent-to-income ratios, prorated rent, cashflow, and more.

Methodology: How I Chose the Best Online Rent Payment Services

I evaluated the best online rent payment services by using a weighted rubric created by our team of licensed real estate professionals, writers, and editors. Our team spent hours researching dozens of companies and assessing each based on the most impactful elements for landlords, tenants, and property managers. Here are the criteria we used for our evaluations.

• Pricing (25%)
  • I looked at the average price per unit or month for subscription plans and if the software offers a free trial.
• General Features (10%)
  • I evaluated each company’s main features, like rental listing management, rental applications, applicant screening, generating leases, maintenance requests, and tenant portal.
• Advanced Features (30%)
  • I assessed whether the platforms offer direct deposit, autopay, free ACH, collection of security deposits and pet fees, and accept payments via debit/credit card or bank account. I also evaluated if each software features automated payment reminders, automated late fees, and the ability to accept partial payments. Additionally, I checked if each platform has payments available the next business day, payment tracking and reporting, and personal vs. business expense tracking.
• Ease of Use (10%)
  • It is based on how easy it is to navigate the provider interface and whether it provides hassle-free transactions and communication between property owners and tenants. It also considers if the platform offers a mobile app, third-party integrations, and an automated system.
• Help & Support (10%)
  • We looked into the convenience and attainability of customer service for technical and customer support.
• Customer Rating (10%)
  • I read software reviews after taking it for a test drive to evaluate others’ experiences compared to my own. I take that additional feedback into account when assessing any software. 
• Expert Score (10%)
  • I give extra credit for any standout features not covered in the above categories. 

Your Take

Online rent payment services offer landlords the tools for seamless rent collection. With secure online payments, automatic reminders, and detailed reporting, landlords can improve their rental management experience. It’s time to take the hassle out of rent collection and elevate your landlord game.

Share your thoughts in the comments section—let’s make rent collection a breeze!

The post The 6 Best Online Rent Payment Services appeared first on The Close.