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How Much Is Too Much?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with CastNet Realty TREC#263257

How Much Is Too Much?  I'm talking about real estate information for our potential buyers.  Isn't our advertising enough?  Isn't IDX searches enough?  Aren't our websites doing enough?  Don't you have telephones at the office, in your pocket, in your car, isn't email everywhere?  And texting? 

HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?

I'm not happy about our MLS being able to launch our listings onto our Facebook pages too.  Yes, I have a business page on Facebook.  Will I really need it anymore? After they install the Facebook button on MLS, it will be so easy for every agent to send their listings to Facebook.

There is some information I would not want on Facebook if it were my listing or my house.  What do your sellers want?  Make sure you only publish the "Public" info or the public will see the agent remarks.

What is in "agent remarks"?  Maybe a lockbox code?  Maybe that the dog doesn't bite?  Maybe the sellers personal information?  Make sure when you advertise someone's property that you protect their personal information.  What seller will think you did a good job if you tell the world personal things about them?

I personally try to protect my sellers in every way possible and still advertise their property aggressively. Put yourself in their shoes and think your advertising through before you click that button.

Ricki Eichler Real Estate, your Texas Hill Country connection                   www.reretx.com

511 Junction Hwy                                     Kerrville, TX                          (830)257-2520

     REALTOR                                                               ABR                                                                                                         TAHS

Show All Comments
Dawn Crawley
Dawn Crawley Realty - Pinehurst, NC
Find Pinehurst Homes

That isn't happening here yet, but there are those that worry about the commenting on their home.

Feb 12, 2011 11:10 AM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

We keep giving away our info, when will it stop?  When we are out of business?  Not to mention the lawsuits that can come from personal informaiton being distributed to the public.  Comments?  that's just another problem.  At least I try to be tactful, but will the public? NO!

Feb 12, 2011 11:16 AM
Hella Mitschke Rothwell
(831) 626-4000 - Honolulu, HI
Hawaii & California Real Estate Broker

Hi Ricki: I've seen on the MLS where agents put in certain hours when the seller will be out of the house and showings can be held without an appointment. Really.

Feb 12, 2011 11:19 AM
Clark Cook
1st Choice Realty of Fayetteville, LLC - Fayetteville, NC
Marketing Homes For Sale In Fayetteville NC Area

Ricki, today everything is about technology and the ever present fear of being left behind! It's crazy when you stop and think about it. Who can keep up? I guess you have to ask yourself, what is working for me and go with that! And, as for privacy and confidential information, don't include if there is potential for compromise.

Feb 12, 2011 11:26 AM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Hella,   That is exactly the kind of information I am talking about.

Hi Clark,  You are right, dont include if there is potential for compromise.  We must remember that MLS was originally intended for use by agents not the public.  So I guess we will have to start calling eachother more and asking questions instead of just including it in the listings.  This is one time that technology could make our lives harder.

Feb 12, 2011 11:34 AM
Carl Winters
Canyon Lake, TX

I guess we have to live with the pro's and con's of Facebook, how far is too far with publishing information. Information technology is moving too fast for me to keep up.

Feb 12, 2011 02:11 PM
Alan Kirkpatrick
Austin Texas Homes - Round Rock, TX
Alan in Austin

Ricki:

This is a great post. The age of information is going to be the death of me. Ha.

Thanks for your insigts and thoughts here. Hopefully every active rain Realtor will read this.

Feb 12, 2011 02:51 PM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Carl & Ceil,  I definitely know how you feel! :)

Thank you Alan,   I hope they all read this too.  IT is a very important topic.

Feb 12, 2011 03:36 PM
Steve Shatsky
Dallas, TX

Hi Ricki... I often wonder whether over exposure works against some listings.  In some areas and price points, it's exclusivity that sells and over exposure can undermine that.

Feb 12, 2011 03:36 PM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Steve,  That is a great point.  I agree.

Feb 12, 2011 03:37 PM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Ricki,

Looks like information is King, and patience does not even exist any longer.

Feb 13, 2011 09:18 PM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Richard,  I believe you are right! :)

Feb 15, 2011 04:36 PM
Jeani Codrey
RE/MAX Corridor - New Braunfels, TX
Director of Opportunity & Agent Development
This could open up a whole new angle on NAR COE Article 12 violations! I have seen some remarks in MLS that are ethical violations and to publish them on Facebook will be a definite violation of Article 12. Should be interesting to watch!
Feb 17, 2011 04:16 AM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Jeani,  What I was worried about on the defaults has not occurred but just wait.  This is too big of an opportunity for mistakes. You know agents like I know agents.  Some are great but too many are just playing real estate.

Feb 17, 2011 12:57 PM
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