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Real Estate Blogging

I was visiting a broker's open yesterday and when I sat down to eat the food the gracious host had prepared, I was greeted with "Hey Ines, super blogger you!"

I was a bit puzzled because not one person is blogging in my real estate market place. I've invited quite a number of people, but no Real Estate Bloggers one sees the benefit. (Personally, I think they are not being smart......and yes it makes me happy, because there's more room for me).

A couple of the other Realtors there told me that they had had an office meeting about blogging and all of a sudden they began firing questions in my direction:

is it time consuming?
do you see results?
what do you blog about?
do you have to be a good writer?
is it true about search engines finding you quickly?
how much time do you spend blogging per day?

The conversation was dynamic and I enjoyed answering the questions. My name had come up in their meeting because a few agents have been reading miamism.com.

Do you realize what this means? We, the ones blogging in this platform, the ones that are reading blogs and participating in the blogosphere are at the forefront of the real estate industry!

Go ahead and pat yourself on the back! The time that you spend blogging and sometimes wonder if it is worth the effort - IS definitely worth it! Read books on blogging (I recommend to start are Realty Blogging by Chaney and Natch and Naked Conversations by Scobble and Israel to start off). READ - READ - WRITE - WRITE and most importantly.......

BLOG ON!

Posted by Rick & Ines - Miami Beach Real Estate on 10/11/2007 11:00 AM

Comments (95)

blog, miami real estate

Originally posted at: Miami Real Estate Blog: Real Estate Blogging

Post is included in group: Miami Beach, Florida - Real Estate

95 Comments on Real Estate Blogging

OCT

2007

Wow! Good for you, and keep it up!

Real Estate is person to person selling and interaction and blogging definitely allows for this via cyber space. What will be the next craze? I still think real estate related forums are good and beneficial to have on your site. Also, weekly/monthly emails sent out with market updates that link to your site are also a way to promote consumer interaction.

We are definitely ahead of the "curve" on this one.... and you by far are one that is paving the way.... Keep up the great work... I aspire to have your "local" bloggin abilities.... You two are great role models... I for one am watching you... In a good way of course!

Good for you Ines and thanks for the links. I read something yesterday about google, search engines and tags and went back to some of my localism blogs. I added more tags because I looked at how many hits they'd had and was amazed. Some had over 1000 hits and these are really local posts. I am determined to get out there this weekend and take the photo's I've been meaning to and get posting. Thanks!

Rock on CANE Star! READ, WRITE, EAT & BLOG.

Thanks to you and others and the many ideas and wonderful posts -- I was encouraged and supported. THANK YOU

Drew - thanks - we ALL need to keep it up.

Carl - Naked conversation talks about the way communication went to e-mail and text messaging very quickly. It also lists tons of companies that have taken on blogging and the results. What's important about blogging is not that it is the next step, it's the fact that it encourages 2-way communication with customers. There is no other medium, other than face-to-face conversation that you can do that with.

Desiree - You are already there! Just keep up the good work and know that there will be ups and downs and days that you will not feel like blogging and that's OK too.

Debbie - once you start, you can't stop. I always have a camera in hand ready to shoot anything I see. Remember that those everyday things you consider "trivial", are the things to write about and the subjects outsiders love to hear about.

Aziz - Did I miss EAT? how could I? : ) You are such a gentleman, thanks for YOUR support.

It's great that this is actually happening in the real world and not just in "cyberspace"!!! :) Blog on!!!

Ines, gee thanks I think I just pulled something trying to pat myself on the back, good thing it isn't effecting my ability to type ....... LOL

We need more news like this Ines, because too many people think that it is about featured posts and recognition on here. The real benefit is in the blogosphere and our position in searches, and what you write about is a perfect example of that.

Wow, pretty impressive. It's nice to know that we're on the cutting edge. Thanks!

GREAT! congratulations oh Blogging Guru!!! :-)

Ines, we have invited about 10 people to AR and a few have put their photo up and a half arse profile and then you don't hear from them again. They get excited during our classes but they never take advantage of it.

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink.

Richard - it IS happening and make no mistakes about it - BLOG ON!

George - LOL! Did you hurt yourself? Here's some fried sushi for you to feel better.

george's fried sushi

Now seriously.....it's not about the feature, it's not about the clicks or groups....it's about GOOGLE! It's about getting business and it is about making a difference!

Tracey - it is nice to know, isn't it?

Bill and Barbara - LOL! we are all blogging gurus!

Jay - same here, at least we can't say we did not try.

Ines,

I wasn't going to try patting myself on my back. I would be just like George right now :0) And you are just the Best!! Enjoy the fact that you Rock!!!

Tom Weiss

I am the one blogging in my area here on Cape Cod. I have been doing it for about a month now. I am going to read the book you suggested "Realty Blogging" to see if I am missing anything!

Tom - you don't look like the type that would hurt themselves while patting their back....but I'll take your word for it. Thanks for the compliment ...and.....you ROCK! Here's some bubble wrap for you! : )

tom's bubble wrap (sorry I started popping it already....couldn't resist)

Rick - take absolute advantage of the fact that you are the only one and do a lot of local content - grab your camera and take pictures, write about parks, restaurants, places to visit, events and of course Real Estate!

Ines, You go girl, you blogging queen. I hope you charged them (just kidding). :)

We keep hoping that it does have some meaning along the line because we've been diligetly blogging for a year now. We've had other agents in our area say such things to us like "is that all you do - blog"? Those agents are now on AR blogging consistently, even after they made negative comments towards us. Thanks for showing us some light at the end of the tunnel! Congrats on yet another featured post. Wish we knew who we had to know to get on that list! :) Guess we just have to try harder and that's fine too because it's fun trying!

Mana - you cracked me up! (maybe I should have) : )

Lisa and Robert - you are at the forefront and don't you forget it. The only advice I have is if your blog ever becomes a chore and if it's not getting you the results you want, just step back with an objective eye and redefine your goals and make sure you know who your audience is. My blogs here are different than in Miamism (all except the local event ones that I include in localism as well).

Does this mean we're smarter than the average bear/REALTOR? ;)

Lisa

Yeah!!! I am on the cutting edge how exciting!!! There are only a hand full of bloggers in my area.

Ines,

I'd keep my blogging talents a secret from my competition. It is clear that we'll see a tremendous influx into blogging for business next year. I expect the brokers to restrict the activities of their agents in the name of compliance (while really trying to exercise control). I expect banks to restrict the activities of their originators in the name of compliance (while really trying to exercise control).

If you lead the pack and everyone wants some of the "special sauce" you have, get paid for it..or don't give it up. Beleive me, McDonald's isn't offering BK any tips.

PS- Help me, though.

Lisa - I don't know if we are smarter.....but we are certainly using better tools.

Rebecca - you are and don't you forget it!

Hi Inez,

Congratulations to you! and BTW - I also want to know - how much time do you spend on blogging? Do you blog every day? and how many hours would you say you spend on blogging daily or weekly? Lots of Blogs all at one time or do you pace yourself?

Thanks in advance for your answers

Brian - it's funny that you say that because I have been asked to talk about blogging to local agents and in local real estate events and I have politely turned them all down. As much as I consider myself a giving person, you also have to think "what's in it for me?".

Debbie - I spend at least 2 hours a day - sometimes more....and by "blogging" I mean reading, surfing, commenting and writing. I try to post at least 4 articles in Miamism.com and I am more relaxed about Active Rain (will repost local content articles from Miamism in here as well), and write about agent related topics, like this one.

Blogging makes me a better Realtor. I know that. You do to.

Ines, I think most folks are intimidated by the high quality of blogging by gifted writers such as yourself.
Add to that the constant muti-tasking of our profession and the challenge of balancing that with some down time....

Blogging will never be for the masses....

Congratualtions on your award from Selsius! Well deserved!

Ginger

Ines,

Some people like to do their own thing but I'm glad ..then there is more for us blogsters!

I think they might be intimidated by having to write and keeping up with it all. Better for us and more for us to corner the market on-line!:) They are just missing out on all the fun we are having!

MF - you are absolutely right. Blogging makes me a better Realtor!

Ginger - thank you! TLW interviewed Rebecca Blood here in AR after the ladies of the rain wrote a book review (which we are due for another one ladies!!) and she claims that the more you do it, the better you get.

I don't consider myself a good writer in the least bit, but I am consistent.....I even make the worst spelling errors ever when my fingers are too fast (but it makes me human). I told these guys from the brokers open that if they don't like to sit infront of a computer, if they don't like e-mail, if they don't like to write and if they don't like being "open".....then blogging is not for them.

Neal....you got THAT RIGHT!!

Ines... and in my opinion the pool will always be small. The number who are and will be willing to do the work are few! I'm reminded of the Woody Allen quote, something like, "95% of success is just showing up." The numbers being put out by NAR prove that true. :)

I just participated in the first Virginia Association of Realtors BloggerCon and Social Media Lab amazing how many agents asked me the same questions. I'm checking on the folks who started blogs at the conference and so far no one seems to be moving forward. I just finished Naked Conversations and thought they had some good advice.

Jeff Turner AKA "tool boy"- I always thought the pool would be bigger and it would increase quicker, but I am seeing that it is not the case. Although you do have people like Beth Butler from EWM who have managed to get her agents blogging. I would love to get stats on how many real estate bloggers there are now compared to a year ago.....that has to have changed.

Cindy- what I got out of Naked Conversations is how versatile blogging can be and how so many different industries have benefited from blogging.

Ines,

I know you probably didn't see this.. Check it out!! it was for you and someone else :0) Many days ago, But still Funny. You asked for it!!!

For TLW And Ines Garcia.. Enjoy!!! Just for Fun.. An Idle Mind is a Devils Playground!!

Tom Weiss

Tom, I cannot believe I missed that! That was the best present! Bubble Wrap RULES!

Hey Super Blogger! Good for you.

And congrats on your "other" super blogging honor!! Both "titles" are well deserved.

Ines...

Sometimes it's kind of sad to see one of the cubs leave the den :)

But...As you are famous now I am very happy for you :)

You've come a long way...Baby :)

Does everyone here know that YOU are one of the top 10 female bloggers as determined by Sellius?

TLW...ROAR!

I get those questions too. I just say, "it's fun, I enjoy it, I need a hobby."

I do NOT relate any business benefit.

I haven't lost my mind.

Teri - thank you....we've come a long way, no?

TLW - see? I was mad at you (not really) for not telling me about Bubble Wrap Boy's blog on bubble wrap and you just made it all better.

I am not leavin the den.....but I have come a long way.....and you are one to thank for that! When is our next book review?

.....and stop making me blush, won't you?

Lenn - A HA!!!! I am sooo glad to hear that! let them all think we're geeks and nothing more!

When I told my broker the other day that I had a client coming into town to look at homes in the $800,000 she got excited. Then she nearly fell off her seat when I told her the buyers found me through my blog. Now she wants me to give an information session at our office meeting to all the other agents in my office to get them on board with blogging. I told her no problem, but I know in the long run it will be a waste of time as most likely none of them will take up the torch.

It's because of people like you Ines and the members of AR that make blogging here so enjoyable and worthwhile. Thank you!

You go girl!

Great post. although i'm a bit disappointed to hear more and more agents are jumping on the blogging bus. I like being able to tell people i meet that i'm ahead of the game by being one of the few agents in my area who keeps an updated blog.

Ines, you truly are at the forefront of this exciting world of blogging...I'm still catching up but thanks for serving as such a great role model and mentor!

Ines, Your posts are always amazing and Congrats to you and I DID read that you were in the TOP 10! Congratulations also on a well deserved feature. (I'm still studying windows :)

I guess things have changed. I get asked a lot of questions about my blog too but at least at this point realtors have heard of blogs. A couple of years ago I had a hard time explaining what I was doing.

Jennifer - I was asked by my manager as well and 2 things come to mind: 1- it will be a total waste of my time 2- why should I teach my direct competitors how to blog (the same ones that are sending expired letters to my listings?)

Joshua - you started first, stay on top of it and you ARE on top of the game.

Diane - you flatter me, but remember everyone reading this IS at the forefront, not just me. Thanks for the complitments.

Carole - LOL!! You will never look at a window the same again!! : )

Teresa - you are one of the ones we look up to - you are ARE THE Front of the forefront (if that's possible). But people are questioning my blogging less and less, that's definitely true (all except my mother) : )

It is amazing how many are NOT taking advantage of AR, but blogging in general. So few Realtors, but even less Notary Signing Agents such as myself!! I don't mind, more business for me!!! It is a little bit of work, but well worth it! Great addition to your pic BTW!

Ronald - You are the only blogging notary signing agnet I know of! : )

First off...Congrats on the Top 10 Blogging women...Well deserved!!!

I always have a camera in hand ready to shoot anything I see. So do I...what's that bulge in your pocket? Um...my camera.

I think REALTORS will do what they do best, just as they do now. How many still list a Home Office Phone number and Fax and no cell phone number or email address. Most agents fear changes especially in technology... How many call you after you send them an email or text message? How many don't have a signature in their emails?

I'm not worried about them stealing our Juice...

Again, Congrats!!!

OMG Bob - you are so funny.....so THAT's what that bulge in your pocket is! Thanks for the congrats and I'm not worried about the juice either.

Ines, Your Miamism is an EXCELLENT blog. One of the best I've seen. I'm very proud of what you have accomplished.

Some folks will never take up blogging. And to be honest there are a lot of very successful REALTORS(R) who could not care less about blogging. I was talking to one of my friends in the business a few weeks ago about AR and blogging and he didn't have a clue of what I was talking about. I tried to sell him on it to no avail. He basically just said he didn't have the time. He works on a team of 3 agents. Last I checked about 2 weeks ago they had 225 active listings, about 40 pending sales and had already closed 150 deals this year! Blogging would certainly be a waste of their time!! So while we all love it and can't understand why others don't our business is really about doing business whether it comes from blogging or not. Blogging is just a very fun add on to hopefully an already successful business.

Thanks for remaining me that I have the up hand in the real estate industry if I keep on blogging.... I had a listing presentation today and the seller has 6 other realtor's business card and I got stuck and forgot to tell her that I do stand out amongst the others....... because you can find me when you do a search.... I will remember that next time ... on my next presentation.... Thanks again.....

I just got home tonight from a mini conference in Grand Rapids, the speaker mentioned blogging and said not many realtors were doing it. Ha, I'm emailing him a link to activerain.

Hi Ines - "super blogger"!! Little did they realize just what a SUPER blogger you really are! Congrats on being named one of the top 12 women bloggers - THAT is a super blogger! And add to that Project Blogger Star - who better for them to ask questions of, huh? They can get in line behind me asking you questions all the time.... ;-)

Congrats Miss Ines!!
Ann

Ines,

This is exciting,congrats on making the top ten! I have had resistance in my market from others who don't see the value in blogging, I will just keep blogging away! :)

BB- you have no idea how much that means to me coming from you - thank you, thank you! You are right, those 3 Realtors would probably not benefit business wise from blogging.....but you now it's about a lot more than that!

mystery commenter - telling potential customers to Google you should be a key part of your presentation.

Missy - at don't forget to tell him about your TOP 12 either!

Ann- LOL!! thanks for the smile...you always know how to do that!

Suzanne - please do.....you will see the benefits in no time and you will become a better Realtor (like Maureen Francis said before)

Ines- Congratulations and well deserved... so far no there are few of us blogging in my area.. which surprises me.. actually I hope they never catch on... LOL

Lenn's fibbing...it's all WORK. Blogging is all time consuming and well worth the effort. And we set a wonderful example..being at the forefront of the real estate industry!

Kaye - thank you! We can only hope they never catch on and we get all that google juice for ourselves! : )

Sally - are you trying to start trouble? I don't see you as the trouble maker.........DID YOU HEAR THAT LENN?? ; )

You're so right! Out of the 10 individuals who've accepted my invitations to AR, only about 5 have added a photo, and none are active. Everyone is learning how important blogging is to your business...they're just not willing to put in the effort. On the positive side, that's GREAT for those of us who will do what it takes.

Thanks for the book recommendations. I've got the blogging book, but have been meaning to buy Naked Conversations. I'm going to order it tonight.

Christopher - I also think it's a bit intimidating for some to go into something where others are so far ahead of them. One person I have learned to admire is Kevin Tomlinson. He is a top producer doing fantastic and had no need to start blogging - not only is he blogging but he found his voice in record time and if he was ahead of his game before, imagine where he is now. (I hope his google alerts goes off....he takes compliments in a funny way).

I'm working on finding that "voice" that everyone keeps mentioning. I'm working on it, but have a long way to go!

Congratulations Inez!! Here's the article Top 12 women Real Estate Bloggers! We are all so proud of you.

Christopher.....OOOOOPPPssss, I think I broke CARNAC's rule, I wasn't supposed to say "voice".

WILL THE FINE COME IN THE MAIL????

(It's about loosing the formality and being yourself - whether you are funny, cynical, obnoxious....put it out there for people to know you).

Margaret - thank you for your sweet visit and the link.....I'm still a little shocked (but shhhhh.....don't tell anyone).

I just say, "it's fun, I enjoy it, I need a hobby."

I love Lenn Harley

Ordered the books...the cheap new ones are flying off the shelf!!! Hope you get a referral or commission from the book sales. ;)

Brian - who doesn't love Lenn?

Bob - I wish! Paul Chaney was telling me that the sales for Realty Blogging just from AR were unbelievable! don't doubt it one bit.

Ines - thanks for a great post - I have wondered myself about how helpful to be in my own geography. I actually told a friend today that while normally we wouldn't be competitors - Google has only 1 page 1 and I want to be there - not give it away. It's hard when you do enjoy helping others like I know you do.

Congrat on all the recognition for what we all already know - you're awesome (blogging or not blogging) :-)!!!

Ines...I think that's great...you super blogger you!

Cyndee, it is hard, but you need to draw the line somewhere. The way I see it, If they want my opinion, come to AR and read it...I'm not keeping it a secret, I just won't go out of my way to talk at a conference (unless, like Brian Brady said, I get paid for the special sauce) - thanks for the compliment!

Moni - Oh Please!

OCT

2007

Hey Baby! Blog On Sista................So now we don't have 10 heads anymore? Must have sumptin to do with those 10 prized spots on Page one of Google.

Always enjoy reading your posts. Thanks for sharing.

Laurie....you always crack me up. One day we'll do it in person.

Bob and Carolin - thank you!

Everyone: you HAVE to go check out today's DANGER BAY story.....they had a guest writer!! <hint, hint>

Ines, Did you ever get to eat the food, or did they just keep you chatting away?

It would be interesting to keep a mental note of everyone you spoke to that day, and go check on them in 4 - 6 months and see if they ran with it or not.

Steve.....the food, of course you had to ask me about the food! : )

I did invite one of them to Active Rain because she's involved with a local preservation coalition that no one ever hears much about. Imagine, she already has a topic and everything! So I'm not all that mean, I hope she joins.

BTW, if you check out AR Notaries, you will find I am actually #3 in the country, so I'm not the top one, but certainly are VERY few of us. That still blows my mind!!

Ines, Congratulations on making it to the top 10 in the Sellius rankings. In fact, you came out #2 as I recall. You are a ROCK STAR!

Gail - I don't think we had any particular placement within the top 12....and I tell you, whether number 1 or 50....it's a huge honor anyway....thanks for the congrats!

Sorry Ronald - didn't need to skip you....#3!!! Wooo Hooo to you!! that's great - maybe more of us should become notaries. (not to take your place, but to compliment it)

That is SMOKIN' Ines! I'm right there with you ... on the forefront!

INES ! Super STAR! And well deserved I might say.

Mariana, you sure are.....and it FEELS GOOD!!

Dena - not quite...but thanks! : )

OCT

2007

Jay & I DO NOT offer blogging advice, and (ahem) almost never take it, mostly 'cause we're stoopid to understand the technical stuff, and we don't mind our voices (blog & oral), but we ARE smart enough to say thank you when a kindness is rendered...THANK YOU FOR THE LINK LOVE!

Boomer (part owner of Danger Bay)

Jack - are you kidding me.....leave the geek talk aside! I am totally non-technical, so much so that I scare myself at times! You are quite welcome - DANGER BAY is a fun place to visit, you guys do a great job.

OCT

2007

I think thats great you are being recognized...that's what its all about, getting your voice heard and setting yourself apart. keep blogging:) I know I have had a great time in the last few months discovering mine!

Lisa - thanks so much - the whole think about blogging is to have fun.....you are doing it right. Blog on!

OCT

2007

Congratulations Ines on being in the TOP WOMEN BLOGGERS! Blog on.....

Cool picture Katrina - thanks!!!!

Hi Super Duper Blogger! I love your posts and congrats on being a Blogosphere leader!! Your conversation/instruction to the other Agents at the Broker's Open must have been quite interesting, to say the least. You are so right with that comment about how blogging makes us better Realtors...it's educational in so many ways. Keep up the great work!

Hi Vickie - I give the credit to "blogging makes us better Realtors" to MF above. btw, when are we going to meet? we're not too far from each other you know.

Hey Ines, I know! We should definitely meet. Looking forward to scheduling some time soon :)

OCT

2007

This is such an HONOR!!! They know WHO you are, WHAT you're doing, and ADMIRE you for it! The crazy part is they haven't followed you into the blogging world...WHY???

BUT, like you said, more space for Y*O*U!!! Gotta love that!!

PS...I wonder if they're reading "THIS!"

Susie - I wonder as well!

That is very cool, Ines. I had no idea they even rate women bloggers...Congrats!

Hi Lisa - Joe and Rudy from Sellsius started this last year and picked the top 10 women bloggers and this year they did top 12 - they don't rate women bloggers, they pick the top 12.

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