Why Case Shiller Numbers Can Be Skewed - 12/31/08 08:43 AM
Today Inman reported the latest Case Shiller numbers came out:
"A monthly home-price index that tracks price changes in 20 U.S. metro areas dropped 18 percent in October compared to the same month last year...The year-over-year decline was the largest on record for the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller 20-metro area price index, which dates back over two decades..."
I wanted to bring some attention to the way these numbers are calculated, as there are some strong biases which could potentially skew these numbers. 
The Case Shiller index was invented in the 60's using a methodology that weighted repeat sales data.  Before this … (9 comments)

How Accurate Are Zillow's Zestimates? - 12/23/08 09:33 PM
I recently attended a trade show where the two most popular questions at the Zillow booth were 1) Where do you get your data and 2) How accurate are your Zestimates?
Data -  We get data from a number of sources, but the most popular place is from county records.  In some counties this is great, in others (especially in non-disclosure states)  the data is very weak and we have to turn elsewhere.  Of particular note to Agents- we also get data from listing feeds.  Say the county said a home had 3  bedrooms, but when you post the listing on Zillow you … (90 comments)

New Free Feature On Zillow Launches Today - Zillow Advice - 12/16/08 11:02 AM
We at Zillow are continuing to roll out free ways to get your listings, your brand and now your expertise in front of the home buying, selling and owning community. 
Your listings- About 18 months ago, Zillow started letting people post listings on the site.  Each posting can include up to 50 photos, virtual tour links, personal website links, and all your contact information - for free. 
Your personal brand- In October 2008 we added the Professional directory.  Anyone who registers on the site and creates a profile can be found in this directory, for free.  Your profile can be as detailed as you … (8 comments)

Book Review: Marketing For Rainmakers - 12/01/08 02:24 PM
Marketing For Rainmakers is a great book for both experienced and novice marketers alike. 
For one who has been in the marketing business for years, the book helps you approach known techniques from a different perspective.  And for those new to marketing, Phil uses a formula in each chapter to make the book  easy to understand, digest and most importantly- implement.  He first introduces a concept, then illustrates the concept and how it relates to marketing, and finally gives real life examples of how you can implement the concept introduced immediately into your business. 
I liked the format of the book, … (8 comments)

Social Media Debate: Ok To Pay For Testimonials? - 12/01/08 09:55 AM
Ran into a social media topic that makes for an interesting debate.  Do you consider it a referral when someone gives you a testimonial, and should you financially compensate for this?
Background: I found the dentist I use today on Yelp.  I initially went to him because he had the most positive reviews on the site and because he was in my insurance plan.  My dentist is just okay.  I continue to go to him only because his location is so convenient for me and his office is nicely appointed. 
This weekend I received an email from the office saying that … (12 comments)

Discount on Inman Connect 2009 In New York - 12/01/08 08:58 AM
There are a lot of deals out there today for Cyber Monday, but here is one that is real estate related. 
If you are planning on Inman Connect in New York January 7-9, type in the promo code "4realz" to save $190.  This deal is bought to us by Dustin Luther of 4Realz.  This is on top of the early bird registration discount of$170 that ends today. 
Registration page
Event information page
 
… (2 comments)

 
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Sara Bonert {Real Estate Internet Marketing}

Atlanta, GA

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