In my previous post I explained how Social Media Marketing is a process to subtly promote yourself and your website. By participating in these networks you are able to educate the other participants about your business and also give them a glimpse into your personality. Well as promised I offer ways for you to build new relations online, increase traffic to your website and establish yourself as an expert in your field.

Build new relations online http://www.activerain.com is an excellent website for real estate professionals to join and build their online relations. Agents are able to ask questions, exchange ideas and most importantly pass along referrals should they know of a client needing services in a new area. This community has grown immensely in the past year and is a staple in the real estate industry. By getting high rankings from Google searches you get more bang for your time. Check out the “Success Stories” for further insight. Other sites like www.Trulia.com www.Linkedin.com www.wannanetwork.com also allow you to make a connection with someone; then in turn you connect with their connections and so on and so on.

Direct traffic to your website By actively participating in these networks and optimizing the profile feature; many people will click on a person’s link to get to know them better. Make sure when they do go to your website it reflects your personality. Another great opportunity is to join local community groups and contribute to their newsletters. Remember to always include your website address in your byline.

Establish yourself as an expert An "expert" is someone having or displaying special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience in a particular area of study. There’s a few ways to position yourself to be viewed as an expert. By stepping up and answering questions on the network sites or offering your comments to posts you are letting people know that you are a knowledgeable and capable person. People will take note of what you say.

Another great way is to start blogging. Most sites offer blog space but ideally you will have your blog on your website too. I know blogging can be very intimidating. To start with a blank sheet of paper can block any creativity. But once you realize that what you are doing is talking to someone, about what you know, then it will become second nature. Visualize yourself having a conversation with a potential client and your words of interest will flow. A great resource to get started with blogging is www.realestatetomato.com. Check it out for wonderful tips and ideas for your blog.

Judy Kovacevich

Southern Assist Virtual Assistance

www.southernassist.com

228-324-7030

Providing Administrative Support to Real Estate Professionals

A few months ago I had the pleasure of catching up with an old friend that’s been a real estate agent for the past 10 years. He was very excited about his recent move from the dry, desert area to the snowy mountains in Colorado. Yes, most people would tend to want to escape the snow but Kevin has a young attitude and likes adventure. After catching up with the family news I asked how he’s building his new client base from scratch. He’s doing what he knows best and what has served him well for the past 10 years. While that may have met his needs in the past, I have to say that there are great opportunities out there that can actually project his great personality quicker and bring those potential clients to him. Social Media Marketing (SMM) is the way to make that happen. It is a process of passively promoting yourself and your website through social media channels where your clients, customers or referrals hang out. Some popular sites among the general population are MySpace, Facebook and UTube yet there are a number of sites geared specifically to connect consumers with Real Estate professionals.

Coming up I’ll let you know how you can implement your Social Media Marketing plan to build new relations online, increase traffic to your website and establish yourself as an expert in your field.

Judy Kovacevich

Southern Assist

Providing Transaction Coordination to Real Estate Professionals Nationwide

Judyk@southernassist.com

www.southernassist.com

228-324-7030

Listing REOs can become a paperwork nightmare but it can be outweighed by the profitable repeat business. The best way to handle it is...hire a Virtual Assistant!

Virtual Assistants can assist agents/brokers with the tedious process of working with the lender/asset companies and their strict policies, procedures and timelines. Take the time to look for a Virtual Assistant that understands the unique needs of the REO industry. Ask the questions that matter. Do they know and understand REO needs? Can they handle the quick turnaround times? What’s their ability if volume increases? And by all means, check references.

A good VA can be an asset to your business by taking care of the following tasks:

• Complete all the details for BPO forms

• Label all photos

• Write property summary reports as instructed by agent

• Pull public records

• Search the MLS for current listings

• Calculate all distances from subject property

• Determine DOM for all properties.

• Facilitate the completion of listing agreement(s)

• Input listing(s) into MLS

• Market all properties using various marketing media

• Organize showings and collect showing feedback

• Complete Monthly Marketing Reports as required by lenders

• Request quotes and bids from vendors for repairs

• Coordinate repairs for subject property

• Order inspections

• Order property maintenance

• Arrange for connection or disconnection of utilities

• Complete and submit property reimbursement forms and receipts

• Monitor accounts receivable and ensure all vendors are paid

• Coordinate closing activities, monitoring timelines, and distribution of contracts and other documents.

As a former REO Manager myself, I know what Lenders and asset companies are looking for. The successful REO agents utilize their time wisely by hiring virtual assistants so they can focus on marketing and selling the properties.

Judy Kovacevich

Southern Assist

Providing support services to Real Estate Professionals Nationwide

Judyk@southernassist.com

www.southernassist.com

228-324-7030