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- 🟢 Agents Are Helping During The Los Angeles Disaster
🟢 Agents Are Helping During The Los Angeles Disaster
Plus, the Latest AI Video Tools
Maaret Forst
January 13, 2025
In partnership with
IN THE REAL ESTATE NEWS
As of the morning of January 13, 2025, firefighters are battling multiple active blazes in Los Angeles that have scorched over 40,000 acres—an area larger than San Francisco—and forced over 100,000 people to evacuate. At least 24 lives have been lost.
A red flag warning is in effect, with wind gusts of up to 70 mph predicted, potentially causing “explosive fire growth,” according to the National Weather Service. The Palisades Fire, the largest, is just 14 percent contained. The Eaton Fire, one of California’s deadliest, has claimed 16 lives and is 33 percent contained. Washinton Post 1/13/25
FROM THE CALM AGENT DESK
Real Estate Agents Are Helping During The Los Angeles Disaster
I can’t begin to imagine what it feels like to be in the midst of the devastation caused by the Los Angeles fires.
Amid this devastation, local real estate agents are stepping up to support displaced families by offering free services, finding rentals, and refunding commissions. These acts of kindness provide hope in a time of overwhelming loss, proving that even in the face of destruction, compassion prevails.
When disaster strikes, people in crisis are often paralyzed by fear and unable to make clear decisions. External helpers are critical.
Real estate agents are naturally positioned to help during disasters. They know every neighborhood, understand housing dynamics, and have networks most emergency services can't match.
Real Estate Agent’s value emerges in crisis: finding immediate housing, connecting displaced families with resources, and bridging bureaucratic gaps.
Real estate agents are coordinating their efforts to support displaced families in several ways:
Offering free services to find temporary housing for evacuees
Many agents and brokerages are waiving their fees to help those affected by the fires.
Refunding commissions for clients who have lost their homes
This provides financial relief to those facing significant losses.
Leveraging their professional networks to secure short-term leases and emergency rentals
Agents are working with developers, landlords, and property managers to find available housing quickly.
Creating centralized systems to streamline aid distribution. For example, some regions have implemented Coordinated Entry Systems to efficiently match displaced families with appropriate housing assistance
Utilizing social media and online platforms to communicate with affected communities and coordinate relief efforts
Partnering with local shelters and aid organizations to provide comprehensive support, including assistance for displaced pets
Mobilizing resources and volunteers to assess damage, distribute supplies, and help with paperwork for relief applications
More help is needed. And, the next several days might worsen the situation further. Let’s spread the word on resources, and reach out to people in our networks who might need help.
Resources:
LA Times has a comprehensive list of resources for victims. The page is updated frequently.
C.A.R. Disaster Relief has resources and other useful information for those affected by California disasters, including current details about California fires, assistance center locations; what to do after a fire; information on insurance-related issues and legal advice; applying for financial assistance; and disaster preparedness resources.
“You can only lose something that you have, but you cannot lose something that you are."
Eckhart Tolle
AI PRODUCTIVITY FOR REAL ESTATE
Video is the King of all content. And every agent is now part of the Royal Court.
While AI Avatars and Faceless Videos are getting more popular, new features in video apps now make it easier for agents to record themselves to their audiences and keep the content authentic.
BIGVU - Key features include AI-generated captions, eye contact fixing, customizable video layouts, and the ability to add branding elements like logos and contact details. Users can create videos, edit them using a simple storyboard interface, and share them across multiple social media platforms with just one click. They have a Free version, a $12/month starter plan, $19/month AI Pro that gets you the eye contact fixing.
CAPTIONS.AI — Key capabilities include AI-generated captions, multi-language dubbing, eye contact correction, background noise reduction, and the ability to create videos using AI avatars. Designed for content creators, marketers, and businesses, Captions.ai simplifies video production by automating complex editing tasks and making content more accessible and engaging. $9.99/month gets you most AI features.
ROOMVU—The platform's standout capabilities include creating ready-made, customized videos that help real estate professionals amplify their marketing efforts. Roomvu's AI technology enables agents to produce marketing content for their specific local area, making it unique. No video recording or editing is part of Roomvu. Content will go out to all social platforms automatically. The cost starts at $45.99/month.
REALTALK—RealTalk by Keeping Current Matters is a video creation tool designed specifically for real estate professionals to help them easily produce marketing content. Key features include script creation and editing, mobile app recording, customized pre-written scripts, a video rehearsal option, direct sharing to social media platforms, and a countdown recording feature. All that costs $99.95/month or $83.29/month billed annually. With that, you also get the full KCM Membership with many other benefits.
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