If you are reading this you are undoubtedly one of the 80%+ of buyers and sellers who are using the Internet to research the real estate market and gather information to assist you in your home search or sale. That being the case you likely know something about social networking on the Internet, or at least have heard of some of the popular sites where folks congregate on -line - MySpace perhaps being one of the better known networks.
As a buyer or seller, you should know about social networking and how this can help you in your buying or selling. Here's why, and what you should know.
- Social networks have changed dramatically since MySpace was first launched, and there are numerous sites where on-line "friends" can gather to share information, develop relationships, play games, show photos and videos, and much more. Much of this is likely a waste of your time if you are seriously interested in using the social network to help you with your real estate needs.
- Sites like Twitter, LinkedIn, ActiveRain and Facebook are among the best sites for social networking where savvy real estate professionals are found. Take advantage of this. Who is there? What are they saying and how? Do they sound like someone you should know and may want to work with?
- The Internet world is very transparent and getting more that way all the time. The information you have access to as a buyer or seller have never been as significant or as easy to access. Indeed, it can sometimes be overwhelming. Don't let it be the only source of information, but take advantage of the opportunities it offers. Then touch base with someone live.
- Social networks and reading blogs (e.g., ActiveRain) enable you to learn what you need to know before you make any choices around working with a particular REALTOR. What you can find out about real estate professionals on-line (what they know, how they work, their personalities, their experience) now empowers consumers to make decisions about people they wish to work with in ways that were impossible just a few years ago. That is the beauty of transparency, and the benefit to you as an on-line consumer.
- Real estate professionals on Twitter (which, by the way, is for anyone who wants to engage with others on-line, irrespective of professional or personal background) share what they know about the real estate market in short 140-character or less "micro blogs" viewable by anyone - recent happenings, new listings, recent sales, community events, virtually anything anyone wants to talk about. It's NOT all just real estate but it IS about on-line interactions and relationships. Folks on Twitter have the pulse on their communities (e.g., witness the on-line discussions around the current wildfires in CA) and businesses, share what they know and care about, and form a network with other Internet-savvy folks in the real estate business, and outside, who can add value, share information, answer questions and provide services. You will likely see "follow me on Twitter ______ (e.g., @jdowler)" for those agents who are part of this social network. The value of Twitter for buyers and sellers is immeasurable and growing all the time.
- LinkedIn provides a means to learn about the professional credentials of today's tech-savvy real estate professional with on-line resumes and profiles. You can see who recommends them, what is said about them, and what their experience is. Search LinkedIn for agents you have an interest in, or whose blogs you read.
Even if you do not participate in the social networking arena yourself, realizing that certain real estate professionals know and understand the value of being part of these networks provides assurance that they also recognize the value of on-line marketing, and can use it effectively in working with buyers and sellers, whether it's finding homes for clients, learning about communities, conducting research, or marketing homes for sellers.
Look for these logos (or links to them) as you explore the real estate world on-line.
************************
If I can provide more information about Encinitas, Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360
or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
Comments (42)Subscribe to CommentsComment