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I Can't Waste My Time on Social Media & the Internet...I've got to do my Real Job!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate

                                       

I actually heard this comment recently!  "I can't waste my time on that Internet/social media stuff...I've got to do my real job."  I opened my mouth to say something, and nothing came out!  I admit to still being somewhat taken aback by the number of professionals in a variety of areas who fail to comprehend that the Internet is REAL.  And...just so you know, it was not invented by Al Gore!

transitionsI thought I'd take a moment to share just one example of how the Internet is a part of my REAL job.  Several weeks ago, a call came into my office from an agent in another part of the state.  Guess where she'd found me?  She was trying to place a referral and had gone to the place where most people go to find information these days...the Internet.

The REAL time, which I've invested in building a presence on the the VIRTUAL online world has resulted in many transactions and opportunities over the past three years. 

In fact, it would be very expensive for me to ignore this incredibly important enhancement to my everyday job...It's simple really; for the proof of the pudding has proved to me how important being visible to potential buyers, sellers and referring agents is. Real estate is what I REALLY sell, it's not about pretending at all.

I'd like to invite you to take a virtual tour of this new listing:  4537 Buchanan Ave SW, Wyoming, MI!  It's a home which feels like new!  Over 2000 sq. ft of allows for spacious living and the REAL price of $114,500 won't break the bank!  Call us @ 616-791-0511 for a private pre-view!  You won't be disappointed. :)  

4537 Buchanan Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49548

4537 Buchanan, Wyoming, MI 49548 View Map

You'll enjoy the surprise factor in this Wyoming home!

She's been well maintained and updated in all the ways that matter! The spacious tiled entrance foyer leads to a living room with large picture windows and a gas fireplace.

The home features new flooring and paint throughout. The kitchen includes new appliances, tons of cupboard space and an adjacent main floor utility. Around the corner in the dining area is space for a desk to hook up your computer.

Accented by professional landscaping, the white picket fence frames the yard which includes an additional storage shed. With a 2 stall garage, shed and storage space throughout the home...this is a home to grow into!

Lola Audu | Associate Broker, CRS GRI
Cell 616-293-3813 | Dir 616-791-0511 | Email | Website

ATTENTION:  Home sellers; statistical analysis from the National Association of Realtors indicates that over80% of potential buyers for your home are searching on the Internet right now.  They're REAL buyers who will be buying real property.  If you'd like to know how we use the resources online to successfully market homes in Grand Rapids, Michigan, please contact us:  info@auduhomes.com or 616-791-0511. 

 

Copyright 2009  Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved 

 

Comments(26)

Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Yeah...I gave up trying to explain ....they all 'think' that blogging is 'chatting' and a waste of time...oh, well.

Apr 25, 2009 05:25 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Lola!  You know, I've almost reached the point that I just can't say anything back to the internet naysayers either.  It's very frustrating when I tell them that 27% of my business came from online customers last year, and they say, "Well, if you were working your sphere right, you wouldn't NEED that online business!"  I started saying--and I'm rounding numbers here to make my point--

If I made $100,000 from referrals last year and I added $27,000 (27%) to that $100K, wouldn't that just be icing on the cake?!  Not to mention it's something that I ENJOY doing! 

I'd much rather net $127K than $100K, wouldn't YOU?!

Debe in Charlotte

 

Apr 25, 2009 06:40 PM
Terry & Bonnie Westbrook
Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner - Grand Rapids, MI
Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re

We need to do what is best for each of us some of the agents don't have the aptitude to blog and they need to do what is successful for them.

Apr 26, 2009 12:30 AM
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

You are absolutely right Lola, it is incredible how professions somehow are missing the huge potential of the internet.  I am tired of trying to win them over...however, now when I find an exceptional piece I email it directly to my principle broker and our office trainer.  I am the only eyes they have that are online.  It is a sad thing.

Apr 26, 2009 02:39 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Lola, that same person is probably also crying about how much their business is slow.  I wonder why????

Apr 26, 2009 07:17 AM
Jessica Cox
Perfectly Polished Home - Dallas, TX
Dallas Home Staging

Right on, Lola. I know the internet is my number one resource - I look for everything on here. So, naturally, that is where I want to invest my time and money. Now, I still think face to face interaction is super important, and I love sending out handwritten notes to my clients. In fact, the internet is a great way for me to stay up to date on the achievements of locals industry professionals and send out little notes to them!

Without the internet or social networking, I would be a less efficient person.

Apr 26, 2009 12:06 PM
Robert Hammerstein
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate

Lola - A very clever way to get your listing into this blog.... ha ha..

Yes the internet is my main source of leads these days. Come to think of it, it always has been.

Some people don't get it and never will. But that's ok too. I have been so busy fielding calls and emails lately I haven't had any time in the Rain. Don't get me wrong though I'm not complaining at all. I welcome the business and am working it currently. So gotta go now back to work and best of luck with your listing as well.

 

Apr 26, 2009 12:48 PM
Kathy Toth
Ann Arbor Market Center Keller Williams - Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts - Kathy Toth Team

There's no doubt about it - the internet has been a primary source of leads, referrals and sales for us as well.  But most people who discount the validity of the internet are the ones who will probably never get it.  Just continue to lead by example!

Kathy

Apr 27, 2009 07:45 AM
Marilyn Harrell
Better Homes and Acres - Beaverton, MI
Wixom Lake - Beaverton MI

The internet is of great importance for the real estate market!

Apr 28, 2009 06:30 AM
Lola Audu
Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate - Grand Rapids, MI
Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI ~Welcome Home!

Sally, I have noticed that this year, there has been far more awareness through exposure on the broader media, but many professionals are having a hard time trying to figure out how to use these tools effectively.

Apr 28, 2009 06:32 AM
Lola Audu
Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate - Grand Rapids, MI
Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI ~Welcome Home!

Debe, that's interesting circular reasoning isn't it?  Would we say the same for advertising on the radio or television?  Makes me think of the days when TV was called the 'devils' box.' Today, there are whole channels dedicated in the service of faith and religion.

Apr 28, 2009 06:35 AM
Lola Audu
Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate - Grand Rapids, MI
Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI ~Welcome Home!

Terry, as you know, social media is about more than blogging.  In fact, just a small percentage of individuals blog today.  The vast majority of people participate and communicate on social media by observing and responding rather than creating material. 

Apr 28, 2009 06:39 AM
Lola Audu
Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate - Grand Rapids, MI
Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI ~Welcome Home!

Evelyn...thank goodness they have you! :)

George...well, that's a possibility, but there are likely many online who are doing the same thing. 

Apr 28, 2009 06:42 AM
Lola Audu
Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate - Grand Rapids, MI
Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI ~Welcome Home!

Jessica, I do the same thing...so do my kids.  The Internet has become the most used source of finding and checking information for a huge number of people.  There is no medium which offers the efficiency of reaching a wide audience of people the way online media does.  But, it does not cancel out traditional methods of reaching out..it's a supplement.  Agree with you on that.

Apr 28, 2009 06:47 AM
Lola Audu
Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate - Grand Rapids, MI
Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI ~Welcome Home!

Robert, great to have you pop in!  Thanks for the props on the listing. :)  The great thing about the Internet is that allows you to advertise to the world for free!

Apr 28, 2009 06:55 AM
Lola Audu
Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate - Grand Rapids, MI
Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI ~Welcome Home!

Kathy, thanks for stopping by to read and comment.

Marilyn, ...increasingly so, as our clients head for the Internet in increasing numbers even before they make contact with us.

Apr 28, 2009 06:57 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Lola, you are right about exposure and search. The Internet is very powerful and definitely for real out there. For anyone to ignore it, well they are just not living in the real world.

Apr 28, 2009 08:28 AM
Lola Audu
Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate - Grand Rapids, MI
Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI ~Welcome Home!

Gary, I'm struck by the irony of this comment about virtual reality. :)

"For anyone to ignore it, well they are just not living in the real world."

Always appreciate your visits here...

Apr 28, 2009 10:51 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

When we work from home, it's the best way to meet new clients - online is where they are.

Apr 30, 2009 01:40 PM
Jackie - computer-training-atlanta.com
770.498.7333 - Atlanta, GA
Learn to leverage technology to get more done.

Great post as usual, Lola. The people who make that comment have not been paying attention to the research which shows that 7 out of 10 prospects come from the Internet. Oh, well.

May 28, 2009 12:11 AM