Andrea's Blog

It's Not A Change in NAR Agenda. You Are Just Aware of it Now

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 11:23:03 -0700

A few weeks back there was an uproar on social networking sites about the National Association of REALTORS® "Home Ownership Matters Bus Tour". Reading through the posts and comments it became clear to me that most members do not know what the association does on an ongoing basis. Because of social networking, NAR is now reaching a greater audience of their members.

Being involved at both the committee level and Board of Directors level at the local, state and national level over the years, I can say this applies to all three levels:

It is not unusual for the REALTOR® Association to have some sort of presence at housing related shows such as a Home and Garden Show or community event.
Member outreach occurs on an ongoing basis in the form of town hall type meetings all the time. Sometimes they are conducted by your local or state association or in this instance they are tied into the bus tour.
There is a definite misunderstanding of what RPAC is and how it is funded.
Regardless of market conditions it has always been the message of the association to promote home ownership and real property owners rights.
The organization is a massive structure. Just because some of its leadership is riding across the country on bus does not mean it is not working on behalf of its members for the laundry list of items being discussed in the posts that are perceived as not happening.

Take a look at Realtor.org. On the home page alone there is everything from consumer outreach, member education, tools and one of my new favorites, REALTORS® Property Resource(RPR). You could probably spend hours clicking through the vast amount all currently on the associations agenda. Then look at your local and state websites. It continues on.

There are so many things going on at once. And just like all of you, I think some are more effective than others in where their resources are being spent. The other way to approach this is there are agenda items more relevant to some members than others. From sitting in the board room to participating in member outreach events I can tell you what is a priority and relevant to me, my clients and business is not the same as someone sitting next to me or across the room.

NAR has chosen to engage in social networking just like the rest of us. If it wasn't for Twitter and Facebook many would still not be aware of what they have going on. What you are just learning about is what NAR has been doing all along. There is just a new medium where they are reaching you and for many of you it appears for the first time.

I do get a lot of my information from Twitter. In this case I strongly recommend you go beyond the first click and look at the whole picture.

Social Networks: What are your top 5?

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 10:07:48 -0800

Between my move to Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and following people like Chris Smith of Tech Savvy Agent and Jonathan Rivera of Real-Tech Guy it became clear to me that I am part of so many social network sites.

These week I discovered Get Glue and Quora. As the medium keeps evolving I feel like what happened in real life a few years back is happening virtually. I am participating in too many chambers and associations, taking too much time away from my work. I had to step back, evaluate and prioritize.

My first immediate thoughts to list are the ones that the experts over the last few years say you should be registered on. I am interested to see how the list in Stefan Swanepoel's Trends Report 2011 will differ from the ones included in the 2009 edition. That list differs with where I spent my time this week. I think the givens are Facebook and Twitter. I am interested in 3, 4 and 5:

3. YouTube

4. Quora

5. Get Glue

I know my top 5 list will be different in a week, month, 6 months and a year from now. I am curious to know what are the top 5 sites you went to this week?

Moving it Forward 2011

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 09:08:59 -0800

I don't want to be this REALTOR®

Last November I made several changes. The goal was to adapt new tools and services to move my business forward in this ever changing real estate industry as everything moves so quickly around us. Because of the economy I had to work harder and smarter really evaluating what was the ROI on actually dollars spent.

I dropped my archaic website which I had for most of my real estate career and went Wordpress. I stepped up my social networking and cut way back on association and chamber involvement, both financially and time wise.

All through the year I kept adding and subtracting. What was new, what was working and what was not.

I am hearing it more and more and I have to say it: Social media/networking has probably given me the most growth this year on so many levels:

So many great virtual relationships created, many that have turned into IRL.
Changed the way I learn.
Changed the way I have developed new business.

A New Year is Coming!

A few weeks back I started thinking about all the changes. I decided it was time to move it forward again. I made a list which keeps getting longer but here are a few highlights:

Move from Wordpress.com to Wordpress.org to step up the Website/Blog
Make an effort to include more video in my marketing and blogging
Make an effort to be more consistent blogging.
Work it all to become more self sufficient developing new business and less reliant on third party sources such as third party websites.

What are you doing to move it forward in 2011?

My Inman Agent Reboot Experience

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:08:01 -0700

I was surprised and honored to be included on Inman's Road Show, Agent Reboot. Having only followed it virtually I was not sure what to expect or what to say. I decided to do what I do elsewhere: Listen and then engage.

Agent Reboot Chicago was a great experience for me. Although I was a part of 2 panels, I learned so much from those on the panels I participated on as well as the speakers from the other presentations.

Gist's Tweetup the evening before was an opportunity to several virtual relationship's I had established through social media in person as well as created new relationships.

Daniel Rothamel (@RealEstateZebra) gave the day an incredible energy.

Thanks Inman for bringing this event to Chicago and thank you for including me.

I am looking forward to my first Inman Connect. Looking forward to it as my trade show of choice.

Hope to see you all there!

How Twitter Changed My Plans or Why You Will Not Be Seeing Me at NARdisGra

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:07:23 -0700

I was seriously considering booking a ticket to New Orleans and going to The National Association of REALTORS® annual convention the first week of November. I have been up and back about this because my plan for the last quarter of this year is to stay focused on listing and selling. Do I really want to be away in those last precious weeks of making it happen?

I have been following the #NARdiGras hashtag on Twitter. So many people I follow and engage with are going to be speaking. As I went through the speaker directory I realized something. Through social media and other venues, these great people are part of my education day in and day out. The majority of them share on twitter on a daily basis. Some host or are guest on webinars and blog talk radio. All write great posts and create videos. Many of these people I have spoken to on the phone or met them in real life at local events.

Social networking has created an environment that establishes virtual connections on an ongoing basis and turns many of those connections into IRL relationships. The venues in which we meet are just not the traditional association conventions. There are newer more current venues like Inman's Agent Reboot and ReBARCamp. Being local, they are easier to manage my schedule around. The same superstars show up in my neighborhood virtually and physically. Think of the economics.

Oh, the virtual platforms. I am a big fan of Blog Talk Radio. Two shows I always try to listen in on are Michael McClure's(@ProfessionalOne) Raise the BAR #RTB and Ken Cook & Jason Crouch's Social Media Edge with Mike Mueller which is playing while I am writing this post. I can have it running in the background of my laptop or on my phone while doing other work or running around on appointments. I can join the chat and ask questions.

I am a big fan of webinars for both meetings and learning opportunities. I can always listen in and/or follow on my computer, but am anxiously awaiting the day when Go To Meeting releases their iPad application. Mike Bowler of PRETEC, a REALTOR® and trainer in Lansing Michigan has been hosting weekly webinars about tools real estate professionals should know about and how to use.

Stefan Swanepoel, the industry leader regarding trends in both brokerage and tools, makes himself and his information accessible through all of these platforms. I buy the book.

The virtual mixed with the local IRL events seem to be giving me the knowledge that have given me the tools to grow my business. Since I am not longer a Board of Director for the REALTOR® association, I look at what do I get out of an event from a different perspective. I am not required to be there, so the question is do I choose to be there?

From an agent's perspective, if I am going to take the time out from my daily business, travel to an event and spend the money, is the National Association of REALTORS® Annual Convention as relevant to me and my business as say an Inman Connect?

Sorry Regis. I guess we won't be seeing each other in New Orleans:)

Raising the Bar: Will this Happen Based on the Current Structure of the REALTOR® Association?

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:37:13 -0700

Are the decisions the association makes at any level for the good of the profession or the good of the association? I used to think this was one in the same but I am starting to think differently.

Yesterday I attended RETechCon. It was an event coordinated by the 4 regional REALTOR® Associations in the Chicago Area. It was made possible in part by the National Association of REALTORS® Game Changer Program. While I thought it was a really good event, I cannot say it was a "Game Changer". I think it is the type of programming that our association should be offering members that in the past I have gone elsewhere to get.

The intention of the day was to share the knowledge of some great people regarding integrating new technology into our day to day business. The keynote speaker was one of my favorite speakers in the industry, Stefan Swanepoel. The third of five topics he covered was "Raising the Bar".

With over a million members, the REALTOR® Association should be the driving force behind this.

On the one hand there is there are these strategic plans that talk about raising the professionalism of the industry. Implementing these plans would mean weeding out members and having to look at the association and how it would operate with fewer members.

How the association would have to be structured based on the financial impact a smaller membership would have is a conversation that many people do not want to have. At all levels it would mean the need to look at less brick and mortar and what paid staff is necessary. There are many unique issues to each level.

As a member who has been involved at the local, state and national levels of the REALTOR® Association I have to question if this will happen under the current structure. Raising the level of professionalism is not just about the ease or difficulty of entry to the profession but growing that professional once they are a member. What I see is a lot of smoke and mirrors to sustain an organization that needs to reevaluate and restructure in order to truly "raise the bar".

AGAIN I ASK: Are the decisions the association makes at any level for the good of the profession or the good of the association?

MY Best Source of Quality Continuing Education: Social Networking #RTB

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:45:09 -0700

I sit today procrastinating about my C.E. I need to take the test by next Friday, I look at the same material that I look at every two years. I think it is really just a test to make sure my memory is still in tact. I learn nothing.

Over the last year or so, I have found the new mediums of communication where I am getting my best industry knowledge from marketing to market conditions. The great thing about it was I am not have to take away hours or days from my business.

Yesterday I sat through an hour webinar provided by Roost. They plan to have these on a regular basis. This week's Roundtable was about Facebook. Roost brought together Heather Elias, Ginger Wilcox and Dale Chumbley. They generously shared what they have found effective in their use of Facebook. While I followed along and interacted with the parallel discussion on Twitter, I also was able to do some of my check list of what needed to get done yesterday such as emails, listing maintenance, etc. I await the next one.

Each Tuesday I have come to look forward to Michael McClure(@ProfessionalOne) and Todd Waller(@ToddWaller) of Professional One Franchising along with Maya Sabot Paveza(@mayaREguru) and their special guests on Raise the Bar(#RTB) Blog Talk Radio. The topics range the broad spectrum of the real estate industry but always center around the level of professionalism of REALTORS® and how we achieve a higher consistent level industry wide.

There are the periodic Virtual Real Estate Bar Camps. Service providers like REALTOR® Associations, Activerain, Trulia and Zillow also provide webinars on a variety of topics.

There have been many others providing quality information. Then there are a handful of blogs I follow with very insightful posts. My social network of choice in finding these posts is Twitter, but most people posting put those links on their "Like" pages as well. I almost always learn something new and sometimes gain a new perspective. I agree and sometimes disagree. The most important thing though is if we have a different point of view we all should always agree to respectively disagree.

Social Networking provides immediate "Hot off the Press" knowledge. I don't have to wait until someone schedules the class.

Hot Property Chicago: Open Houses April 17 & April 18 2010

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 07:53:27 -0700

Open Houses for the Weekend of April 17-18, 2010

First Time Buyer Tax Credit Opportunities

Old Town/Lincoln Park: 1432 N Mohawk, Unit 1 Chicago, IL 60610
- 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2 Car Parking Listed at $399,900
- Sunday, April 18 from 1:30pm-3:30pm

Lakeview: 1302 W Fletcher, Unit 2 Chicago, IL 60657
- 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 1 Car Garage Parking Listed at $409,900
- Sunday, April 18 11:00am-1:00pm

Townhomes and Single Families:

Hamlin Park/Roscoe Village: Fletcher Row Townhomes 2442-2448 W Fletcher Chicago, IL 60618
- 4 Units left priced from $515,000 – $699,900
- Open Saturday, April 17th and Sunday, April 18th from 1:30pm-3:30pm

Lincoln Park: Single Family 919 W Wisconsin Chicago, IL 60614
- 3 Bedroom, 2.1 Bath Row Home listed at $898,500
- Open Saturday, April 17th from Noon-2:00pm
Old Irving: 4434 W Tripp Chicago, IL 60630
- 4 Bedroom, 3.2 Bath Single Family with Coach House Listed at $899,900
- Open Sunday, April 17th from 1:30pm-3:30pm

Coops

Edgewater: 5555 N Sheridan Road, Apartment 316
- 2 Bedroom, 3 Bath Apartment in a Chicago Landmark Listed at $365,000
- Open Sunday, April 17th from 11:00am-1:00pm

All Listings Can Be Shown By Appointment As Well

Chicago Area Open Houses Hosted by Sudler Sotheby’s International Realty

REALTOR® National Open House Weekend April 10-11: Chicago

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 07:16:51 -0700

As we go into this weekend, April 10 & 11, 2010, all over the country open houses are being promoted to showcase our great housing inventory. According to Trulia 9 out of 10 buyers will visit open houses during there home search.

Here are some of my listings that will be open:

First Time Buyer Tax Credit Opportunities

Irving Park: 4102 N Hamlin, Unit 2 Chicago, IL 60618 $199,900 Sunday 1:30pm-3:00pm
South Loop: Dearborn Park 1 - 1176 S Plymouth, Unit 1NW Chicago, IL 60605 $399,900 Sunday 1:00pm-3:00pm
Old Town/Lincoln Park: 1432 N Mohawk, Unit 1 Chicago, IL 60610 $399,900 Sunday 1:30pm-3:30pm
Lakeview: 1302 W Fletcher, Unit 2 Chicago, IL 60657 $409,900 Sunday 11:00am-1:00pm

Townhomes and Single Families:

Hamlin Park/Roscoe Village: Fletcher Row Townhomes 2442-2448 W Fletcher Chicago, IL 60618 $515,000 – $699,900 Open Saturday and Sunday 1:30-3
Lincoln Park: Single Family 919 W Wisconsin Chicago, IL 60614 $898,500 Open Saturday Noon-2:00pm
Old Irving: 4434 W Tripp Chicago, IL 60630 $899,900 Open Sunday 11:00am-1:00pm

Just because there is not an open house or you cannot make it to the open house at that time, always feel free to set up an appointment to see a any property you are interested in.

The Great Open House Debate Revisited

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 09:29:23 -0700

The National Association of REALTORS® is Promoting April 10- 11, 2010 as "National REALTOR® Open House Weekend". I have always been an advocate of open houses. Why? It sells properties!

The Great Debate

These conversations go on. They are on Twitter, Facebook and blogs. Some agents state it is a waste of their time. Some agents say the only results are picking up buyers. It always amazes me when real estate agents make a declaration they don't/won't do open houses. The arrogance in the comments makes it sound like showing up for 2 hours on a Sunday is beneath them. Some believe social media replaces open houses. They are convinced that sitting on their computers will sell their listings.

I respect everyone has different points of view but I look at the results.

The Goal: Sell the Listing

Just as how we get clients and listings does not come from only one source, what generates a sale does not come from one source. I have had success selling properties as a result of open houses throughout my real estate career. I do them week in and week out. Some weeks no one comes through, sometimes one person and others many. It only takes one person and one offer. In the last months I have sold three properties resulting from open houses. The listing I got was a bonus.

If you opt not to offer open houses to your sellers in marketing their properties, that's your choice. But don't make it seem that those of us who do are wasting anybody's time or makes us less professional as an agent. Selling my clients properties are never a waste of my time. It's my job.

I Can Find Myself (Said with a Sigh of Relief)

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:56:49 -0800

I have a client selling a home in another state. I got a name of an REALTOR® in my client's marketplace. The referring source emailed the agent's name and number, but forgot to include the company. I wanted to find out about the agent before I contacted them. So I did what we all probably would do - GOOGLE:

First the name
Then added the city and state
Then added REALTOR®

Then I emailed the referral source for the brokerage name. I added the National Broker's name. All this and I still could not click on a link and get to the agent. I shuffled around some more on Google and found the Brokerage's sites. It took many more clicks to locate the agent. Why would I recommend this hard to find agent and broker?

If you are a consumer, how many clicks does it take before you give up on the credibility or desire to use the goods, services or service provider?

IF I CANNOT FIND THE AGENT, HOW WILL I FIND THE LISTINGS (and ViceVersa?)

After that experience, I decided I needed to do something I had not done in a very long time : Google my name. The first page was me and one item for a website to an artist who shares my name. I added Chicago and it was all about me the way it should be. I have it all working. One click on any of number of pages and you can find all about me and my business.

The Basics:

Google Profile
My Website/Blog
Sudler Sotheby's International Realty Profile Page
Social Network Profiles on Twitter, Linkedin, Activerain, Facebook, YouTube,
Real Estate Websites Trulia, Zillow and Blockshopper
Listingbook
The Real Estate Wiki

There are a variety of other sites that came up as well that I have posted profiles on as well and some I was not familiar with. There are many links to my listings from a multitude of sources and a whole lot of miscellaneous stuff. There are many blog posts I have written as well as articles I have been quoted in over the years.

My point in all this is not to say I am great REALTOR® because of the page after page of items connected to my name. It's just to say its easy to find me, found out about me, find out about my goods and services and contact me. There are no obstacles to the information with me. If it takes too many clicks or there is nothing to click to, the consumer will move on. I did.

We spend a lot of time talking about the professionalism of the real estate agent. If the consumer cannot easily find information about you and your business, how do they know you are a professional? The job of the REALTOR® is to sell services and listings. How can you sell a secret? #RTB

The Value of the REALTOR® Association #RTB

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:57:36 -0800

Originally Posted on Hot Property Chicago Blog February 8, 2010

In the #RTB(Raising the Bar) discussions, comments have been made that I am antiNational Association of Realtors®. That in fact is absolutely not the case. As a past staff member of another professional association, I became active in my the Chicago Association of Realtors upon entering my real estate career. Professional organizations are crucial to the profession. The post is long but is my insight as a practitioner and a participator. Think of NAR as a union.

It Does Not Pay But it Gives Back

Over the past decade as a volunteer, participating has helped my grow professionally and personally. I have met many great individuals, both volunteer leadership, committee members and staff, many who I am now proud to call friends. The different committees I have been a part of have all given me different knowledge.

I started off as a member of the Government Affairs Committee for the Chicago Association of Realtors® 10 years ago. Advocacy at the local, state and national levels is the number one strength of the organization. Locally I can proudly say we have one of the largest PACs and a highly regarded lobbyist by both our members and politicians. We have a voice. Locally, the issues are wide which include building codes, abandon buildings, signs and transfer taxes. I have spent entire days with our lobbyist sitting in City Hall waiting to testify on behalf of property rights issues. This is a place I know that the only way to create change and in some cases maintain the status quo is being part of the coalition know as the Realtor® Association. Sitting back and complaining does no good and you can make yourself part of the process here. Participation is just as important at the state and national levels as well and can be as simple as responding to the call to actions you receive.

The Good Neighbors Program has always been rewarding. It takes me out to areas in the city I typically don’t get to. I get to meet some incredible members of local communities. The list of committees I have been a member of over the years is long but I always take away something that helps me continue to develop as a professional. In addition to being a major donor, I work to raise money for RPAC(Realtor® Political Action Committee). It is the strength behind our voice. No different than anything else: Money talks, bull s..t walks.

A residual effect of my giving my time, I have also developed relationships that lead to referrals which have resulted in some nice business. You give and you get back.

I look positively at some of more recent intiatives the National Association are doing such asRPR(Realtors® Property Resource). REALTORS® Federal Credit Union offers full service virtual banking. My vote is still out on House Logic, a consumer site for home buyers and home owners, so let me know what you think on that one. It is good to see NAR capturing new involvement through new concepts such as YPN(Young Professionals Network). @nobuhata thinks YPN gives him a voice but I would disagree with him on that and say it got him engaged. There is a very large difference between voice and engagement.

The Distinction Between Voice and Engagement

We need affiliates to sponsor, members to show up and participate to thrive. Programming needs to constantly be created to meet the changing needs of our members and marketplaces. I see great value in education but little value in our current outdated designation system.

The true voice is really at the executive leadership level. I am in my fourth year as a member of board of the Chicago Association of Realtors® and have also served as a director at the Illinois and National levels. I would say that is changing with social media. I would also say they are reactive rather than proactive. The national association also thought and have fought for a long time to maintain control of information which is now backfiring on them. Hence RPR(finally) and why we are stuck with Realtor.com, an antiquated public search site.

Over the years there has been talk of a national database but there was a larger concern with stepping on the toes of local MLSs. There has also been discussions about the control of information. With Reggie Nicolay now on board I look forward to the prospect of a national database exclusively for Realtors®. But why did it have to take so long. With sites like Zillow, Trulia and Blockshopper much of it is already available to consumers in many markets. It is a behind the eight ball move for member value. Why was it third parties giving transparency to our clients?

I remember sitting in a local leadership retreat several years back and the “consultant”(I use that term lightly but am not naming names) telling us we were all going to be out of business like the travel industry because of this new website called Zillow. We should be scared. I read today Zillow is celebrating its 4th birthday. I say happy birthday to you. This site is an example of transparency the association should have been on the forefront of. Personally, I have embraced this website and a few others although I think the Zestimates are still off. I get to interact with both consumers and other professionals. These sites have been good for my business.

This brings me to Realtor.com. Because of decisions made by our leadership we(all of us members) are stuck with an outdated website that should have remained the leader and is now trying to follow. Although still number one according to the website trackers, month by month the site we own is losing visitors to sites including the aboved mentioned. I spoke with someone a few weeks back at Realtor.com. I asked why my listings and my profile don’t show up on Google like all the links from all the other websites out there. I baffled the first few people I spoke to about this and as a result of a tweet, I received a call from someone asking me what I was looking for. My answer was the value that I am receiving from the other websites I participate in. I am still not sure “the Office Website of the National Association of Realtors® understands what its members and the consumers value today. Rather than trying to embrace and grow different internet models members where being told they are bad for the industry. Now what’s bad for the members/owners of Realtor.com?

If you as an agent and your company as a brokerage did not quickly facilitate change over the last year or so where would you be? It was not until recently that NAR became a voice in the short sale and FHA issues. It is been about 2 years since thea voice at the local level started. Because banks are nationally chartered and FHA is under HUD it is at our national level of the association where are voice is. It was frustrating to me that it took 2 years and a survey to show these are is is an issue to its members. Where was the “Voice of Real Estate” 1 and 2 years ago when were struggling with these issues?

Thinking back to the presentations of the consultant who travels around the country from association to association trying to scare us that a website will finish us I think we should ask for our money back. What will drive both brokers and agents out of business is the combination of the economy and not moving forward to adapt and grow. Its about how the transactions and technology changes. Every business, regardless of industry, has to evaluate what will keep them healthy and profitable.

Because of the enormity of the organization many decisions are made on based on the financial repercussions. If we moved as slow in making changes in our business we would be gone. It is about the jobs, the cost of real estate and the existing operating structure. Besides the credit union, most of what I see is reactionary. Keep as many members and generate as much non dues dollars as possible to carry the current model. We all need to do things differently to survive and grow. I see many of their reactions as an association in panic mode. I still looking for action. My bigger picture question is can the current structure carry us forward?

I think the social medium platform enables us all to have a greater voice and we need to use it. It should not be used for bashing but to feed a larger voice from the local levels. Social networking gives all of us the opportunity to let someone know you may have never had direct access to before what you think. It can create great opportunity that may benefit all of us.

Have new listings and price changes become like breaking news?

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:04:37 -0800

Does it not matter any more what day or time you enter them?

Since most home buyers are popping online all day and night to check what's new and whats changed has it also changed the way we make those additions and changes?

The information now goes directly to the consumer anyways. I remember when agents said it was better to enter listings on certain days to best reach the buyers agents. Hasn't the interactive medium changed it so the listing agent is trying to reach the buyer directly and immediately?

Chicago’s Economic Forecast: Homes Still Selling - We Still Have Jobs

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 07:34:46 -0800

On Thursday, January 28, 2010 the Chicago Association of Realtors® held their annual event about what predictions for this upcoming year. What I walked away with is what I already knew: People are still going to buy and sell homes.

Panelists Geoffrey Hewings, Joseph Cosenza, Gail Lissnerand Michael Hart all read from their Powerpoint presentations their different numbers. Some were good, some were bad and some where just ugly. Jagged lines of ups and downs and spikes and peaks.

Home affordability is at 2003 levels. The flood of short sales and foreclosures coming into the market will impact pricing until distressed properties are absorbed which should probably go into 2011. Relocation business will continue to decline as a result of greater job losses in Illinois. With all this being said there were still numbers showing homes sold on all their graphs and charts.

There are stabilizing factors or positive news. No new construction buildings should be coming online. People are saving money so there are buyers are better quality which is required under the current lending environment but cash is king for the real deals.

For me the great news is homes are still being bought and sold so I still have a job. I continue to do what I always do, work harder and smarter. Keep educating myself and move forward each day. Isn’t this what a professional does?

Social Networking: Am I Understanding It Or Am I Missing Something?

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:08:13 -0800

As I followed a conversation on @1000wattmarc and a Q & A on Zillow I thought I got this whole Social Medium, but do I?

The Sites

Facebook: Reminds me of AOL when I first got online in the 1990's. Everyone started there but as the internet exploded and became part of our lives professional and personally most of us left. Facebook is trying to retain us by growing with its users such as "the Fan Page" for Professionals.
Linkedin: A directory for all professionals, regardless of the industry to always have your resume posted. It continues to grow as well and is becoming more interactive.
Twitter: It is defined as MicroBlogging. It is the means to share what is happening now. It had essentially replaced Google Reader and the RSS feed for me. There is an endless amount of news from so many media outlets. It is also one of the greatest places for conversation, new ideas and building new relationships.
The Blog: A place to show your value in more than 140 characters. It can be short or long on any topic you want to express your knowledge and observations. With platforms such as Wordpress, the blog has replaced the agent website.
Foursquare: I am including Foursquare because Stefan Swanepoel(and when he talks, we listen) says to focus on 5 social networking sites and Foursquare is supposed to be the next Twitter. There still seems to be a question on how real estate professionals should be using this site. Since they don't have a Blackberry application, I probably won't appreciate it until I get my Droid.

I look at the above as the "tools" or the means to communicate. I also have to include these other sites: Activerain, Trulia and Zillow,

Activerain is the most popular site for the professionals to share ideas, knowledge and services via blogging creating opportunities. It only works if you actively participate.
Trulia and Zillow are both thought of as home search websites but are so much more. They both have platforms for real estate professionals to interact with each other and consumers. The have tools that not only provide valuable information to consumers but to agents as well. Again the great value is in sharing information.

I have found the medium is where you brand yourself not market listings. I am not always sure that agents understand the difference.

The thing about social networking is creating your own voice. It is about interacting. It is the viral effect of presence on several sites, but most importantly you cannot post a profile and be stagnant. If you are, your career probably is also.

If I am missing something please let me know. It continues to evolve quickly.

I Am A Chicago Realtor®

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:54:15 -0800

I sat in on the Virtual Real Estate Bar Camp and walked away with some great social networking best practices and tips most of which you will see on my Facebook Page and if you follow me onTwitter.

What had the most impact on me was what Rob Hahn said. I cannot quote him verbatim but the essence of his words were first we sell real estate everything else is secondary. If you are spending the day learning how to be a better tweeter, spend 2 days learning about the real estate market. How can I learn to better to serve my clients as Realtor®. After all that is the goal: To best represent our clients in the sale and purchase of real estate.

Our goal is to reach 3000 registered attendees to VirtualReBarcamp.com!

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:09:03 -0800

Via Real Estate Tomato (Real Estate Tomato):

Our goal is to reach 3000 registered attendees to VirtualReBarcamp.com!

The event is free being presented by 28 of the top minds in RE technology and social networking. Currently we have 1500+ registered attendee. To reach our goal we need your help. Fortunately, we have a ringer in our pocket: The generosity of ListingMoves.com. ListingMoves.com is going to be running a contest for everyone that helps us attain our goal.

Anyone that writes/re-blogs this post on ActiveRain about VirtualReBarCamp.com being held January 4th will be entered in a drawing to win one of the following prizes:

   1. 1 year free subscription to ListingMoves.com premium package ($720 value)

   2. HP Netbook Computer

   3. Platinum RainCamp Access Pass (If you don't know what that is go to RainCamp.com or ask one of the guys here on ActiveRain they'll fill you in :-) )

   4. One year free NetFlix subscription (3DVD's out at a time)

The rules:

Comment below with the link to your post or re-blog so we can enter you in the drawing.

You can also tweet about this for a 2nd entry in the drawing and it can say anything to promote VirtualBarCamp but it must include #VREBC & #ListingMoves as hashtags for tracking purposes such as the following:

28Top real estate tech speakers present@ #VREBC Jan4 Register now by going to http://bit.ly/8BBZYu & qualify 4 $25 StarBucks GiveAway #ListingMoves

(ListingMoves.com will also be giving away 25$ starbucks gift cards to the 2000th, 2001st, 2500th, 2501st, 3000th, 3001st registered attendees and donate the same amount to the Warmath Children College Fund Charity)

Wow! Fingers crossed... come on 3000!

Sometimes It Takes a While Until I Get It: The Extinction of the Agent Website

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:46:03 -0800

A while back a friend, Jeff Castner, wrote a post on his ActiveRain Blog titled Hey Realtor...Your Website May Be A Waste of Time. It generated a lot of comments. After evaluating, listening and learning I finally get it. Agent websites have become dinosaurs.

All You Need is a Place to Put Content

The line between the blog and the website has become blurry. It is now all about creating a presence on Social Networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. What is truly effective is short statements with a link to content when needed. A good blog with some links, good content in your posts and an IDX or a service like Listingbook to capture leads is all you need. Think about it: This is what makes ActiveRain a successful platform.

From $$$$$$$$ to $

As I was trying to determine what worked, what did not work and what I need to do that I have not been doing, I realized I was wasting a lot of money each month. $27 here, $79 there, $49 here and so on.... Through effective blogging, tweeting, commenting and linking I can be my own master of SEO in branding myself.

As far as what to spend on marketing my listings that is another story. I have to consider what is in the best interest of my clients. I like the $9.95 a listing/180 days on Zillow. I see the value of the site. I also see the potential of Trulia and value there. Both sites have come into their own in different ways. I also enjoy using V-Flyer for a listing syndicator. It gives me the ability to present my listings without the confines of the MLS or my company's system. My time is better spent establishing my professional presence and capturing opportunities as a result of my efforts.

Sometimes you just have to get the broom out and get rid of all the dead weight which included the obsolete agent website.

When Is it Enough: Realtor.coms 4th Quarter Conference Call

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:53:56 -0800

At point do you decide social media is overcoming you actually developing real business?

On my ongoing endeavor to keep up with this Web 2.0 Social Media world, I am sitting in on Realtor.com's 4th quarter conference call. There is a lot of value to the information I am getting from @gahlord (Gahlord Dewald for those of you who do not Twitter speak). But is very time consuming.

As much of a social networking fan I am, there are so many things that are still require time IRL(In real life). There are still calls, showings, live networking, paperwork, office and client meetings, and the list goes on. If I am getting leads and referrals do I need to spend hours on analytics?

I think it is pretty simple to figure out which blog posts get the most hits. Wordpress tells you how many hits and where they came from. How many times has it been RT'd on Twitter. And then there is always the comments.

Do we over analyze? Do we need all this micro info. It seems to figuring out the return on investment with social media is the same as with other tools. If I can quantify the results(what leads to commission checks) then it must be working. If nobody is finding me or responding positively its not working.

What am I missing?

Twitter vs. Facebook: The Professional Difference

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:17:38 -0800

I thought I knew the differences between Twitter and Facebook until I stopped my auto feed between the two social media networks.

After attending the Virtual REBAR camp in November, I decided I needed to change my Facebook strategy. Professionally, I am moving from a “profile page” to a “fan page”(please join me). I then will post what I think is appropriate information that promotes my professionalism as a Realtor®. I made the effort to go on Facebook more often. I rarely went on although I had a lot of posts as a result of the autofeed from Twitter.

The Quality of Twitter: My Ongoing Webinar

I am on and off Twitter all day. I have my favorites I follow. I continue to learn so much from the people I follow. The quality of what they tweet is superior. It also gives me a great way to get news from around the world from so many of the newspapers and magazines I used to read or never had the time to. The great thing is they do not just post the headlines but so many other articles on so many topics that you would not necessarily catch by browsing the headlines of these sites. Regardless of whether the information is industry related, political, entertainment or in the etc category, so much information comes to me. It is the most efficient way for me to keep up on just about everything. I have given up my Google Reader.

Facebook: Separate the Personal from the Professional

Since I no longer post to Facebook via linking from Twitter, I decided I needed to go back to being an active participant. It is a great way to interact with friends and family virtually but if you are going to connect with people professionally most of you really need to learn how. This is the reason for moving to a fan page. Revisiting the site after not participating for a very long time I appreciated what I learned from the Virtual RE BarCamp session.

Social Networking is now the most effective way for Realtors® to develop business and have consumers come to know us. There needs to be a judgement on what adds value to our professional profiles I don’t see a lot of Facebook. Facebook offers this with their fan pages. Profile pages are for where you express your personal self.

I cannot say one is definitively better than another but as with everything in life, it is learning how to use the mediums effectively and appropriately.

Is Social Media the Be All End All for Realtors?

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:04:59 -0800

So much of the focus of Real Estate now is Social Media. The reality of selling real estate is still a big pie and social networking is just another piece. The goal in all this is to be an advocate to our clients and sell real estate. Social media is the current means to brand yourself and show your value as a Realtor® It does not replace we do.

Generating Leads

We need to generate clients and listings. Social Networking is the new component to accomplish this but we cannot forget about all the others. Referrals from where ever they come from are still vital. "In Real Life"(IRL) is still crucial to building your sphere. There is still great value to family, friends and community and professional organizations. Agents still generate business from working FSBOs, expireds and relocation business.

Servicing Listings:

Once we get the listings we need to do 110% to get that property sold. Its starts with photos, virtual tour and video,the MLS, your broker's feed, listing syndication and optimization and the list goes on. Some agents are adamant that open houses are useless. As someone who has just gotten another home sold as a result of one, I feel that I am not providing full service to my clients if I am not doing them. Our job is to get the buyers in the door, get them on paper and get them closed.

Social Networking

I look at at social networking as do the very expensive billboards I used to buy. They did nothing to sell a listing. They branded me, generated leads and reminded those I know I am a Realtor®.

Just because someone can blog, tweet, post and link to you does not mean you are a great sales person or a professional Realtor®. Social media is just another method of communicating and advertising not selling.

Another Busy Sunday in the Life of a Realtor®

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:53:42 -0800

Up early, trying to keep ahead of the day instead of always running behind, Sundays always seem to be the most hectic day every week.

Today is my what a typical Sunday usually is. Reposting open houses. Sunday morning is the busiest time for open houses searches. Most important time to keep the information fresh. I then scan the online newspapers where overnight they have usually posted their best housing articles of the week that aren’t just about housing numbers.

The dogs have to be fed and walked. As much as I try ahead of time, it seems there is always loose ends for the day’s open houses. Someone needs signs or keys or wakes with the flu. I do two open houses myself each week rushing from one to another. They still remain an effective tool for marketing properties and generating new clients. Sometimes it is just one person coming through, but they are the one.

There are always last minute showing requests I am trying to work around. Then there is fitting in family and friends. For most of the rest of the world, they don’t work on Sundays. They do brunches and lunches and dinners with many of the activities scheduled based on the day’s ball games. I try and join them when I can. It is usually dinner or a really early breakfast.

But there is always Monday to look forward. Somebody always wants an early meeting. A busy start to a new week.

You Cannot Sell a Secret! Why do you remove listings this time of the year?

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:05:10 -0800

Optimism for Winter Buyers, But Why Are Some Listings Being Pulled?

As my listing inventory continues to grow and I am running around with more buyers, I am optimistic about the last 6 weeks of the year. Momentum is gaining. I don’t understand something: Why are agents taking their listings off the market until after the new year?

If It Is Not Listed…..

The home buyers that are out there looking right now are among the best qualified and most motivated. If the home is not on the market there is no opportunity to show it to them. Market time numbers are what they are and there is no way to hide it. Taking something off for 45 days is not going to make the property worth anymore in January or February. Based on reports of a new influx of short sales and foreclosures coming on the market in 2010 it could be worth less. Residential resale pricing is going to continue to feel the impact of distressed properties as well as ongoing price reductions by developers to get their product sold.

According to the Illinois Association of Realtors, 37% of homebuyers are relocating to Chicago. They are not putting off their home search. They look at what is on the market when they are in the city. If you remove your listing, you are missing one in three of your potential purchasers. 45% are first time homebuyers. When this buyer closes on their home there is probably someone who has to move quickly to move to their next home. None of these people are concerned if it is the holiday season or not and they will buy.

With very little inventory coming on the market right now this is your best opportunity to sell your home at the best and highest price for what the market will bear. If your home is not listed there is no opportunity. Buyers and agents will not look a home if they do not know it is for sale.

Holiday Mode

I am feeling a sense of defeat from some agents who encourage their clients to remove their homes from the market because they have decided it is going to slow. Being a professional Realtor® is like being a professional ball player. If you take your eye off the ball for one second you miss the pass and can lose the game. Real estate is a 24/7, 365 day a year business. I do take vacations but I always make sure I am covered. I am sure there are many agents out there who would be happy to service your clients. You cannot sell a secret!

Good Numbers Does Not Mean Things Are Less Challenging

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:38 -0800

It seems like everyday some source is publishing housing numbers. This week it was the good and bad news of the first three quarters of 2009. The number of units where up the median price was down compared to 2008.

Pricing

Sellers are finally coming to terms with the fact that distressed properties and lack of financing options are having an impact on the pricing of homes. In the Chicago market the low conforming loan number of $417,000 is impacting everything over $500,000. Although there are short sales and foreclosures throughout the city, some neighborhoods are feeling a greater impact of these properties. Every week we continue to see more adjustments.

Sales

A sale is not a sale until it closes anymore. There are several factors going into the increase of closed units. The quality of the buyers are better. They are making the adjustments for the ever changing mortgage industry. There are also a lot more things that can go wrong between the start of the search and the closing. Factors include uncertainty of buyers to be homeowners, existing home owners sitting with a property that is not selling so they cannot move on and properties that lenders will not lend on because of association or appraisal issues.

Being in this industry for a decade, the great number of transactions I have been involved in has established me as a professional. The ability to service my clients and get a transaction closed is from my recent experience as the tools and the economic environment are entirely new animals. Now more than ever it the the recent experience and professionalism of the Realtor® and lender that is so vital to both the buyer and seller in achieving a successful transaction.

The Value of A Realtor® - Not Automation

Andrea Geller (Hot Property® - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:39:20 -0800

Recently I was referred a home buyer who has unhappy with her previous agent. The client felt overwhelmed by all she thought she was going to have to figure out on her own.

Property Search

Her previous agent had asked her a few questions and set her up on a general search which resulted in the client receiving hundreds of listings many of them she knew she was not interested in because they search went $100,000 over her $250,000 price range. She looked at a few but then realized she did not know what it was she was looking for. They had never gone through the home buying process from start to finish.

Financing

Agent A referred her to a lender who also gave her the price range again without asking many questions. There was no financial guidance. With the buyers price range, down payment and and income she had many options. She could go FHA but she has the ability to put a good amount of money down. What would work best for her?

Professionalism

After my first conversation with the buyer, I turned her into a client. We went through what her short and long terms plans are. What is her wish list? Specifics about location. I referred her to a mortgage banker who took some time to find out about her as well and walk her options that would be best for her financially. She now knew what she could spend and be comfortable with her payments at the end of the month.

Now the search. After educating and qualifying the client, I scheduled a few showings on a variety of properties. Based on her feedback of seeing what was available in her price range, I then went and weeded through active listings and sent her the ones that met her specifications including space, price and location. She had now become very excited about being a homeowner in the upcoming year.

She probably won't be ready to buy for a few months, but I am doing what a real estate agent does. I keep ongoing communications with her via texting, email and phone calls. As she will be looking on and off for a while, I have set her up on Listingbook so she can keep up on the inventory when she chooses to. Technology is only the tool. Automation does not replace what is we do as Realtors® in servicing our clients.