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Social Networks

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with RE/Advantage

I recently had a conversation with Megan, a new consultant at my office about the importance of Social Networking. I had asked her to write a post on her experience and what she has learned. Here is what she had to say.

I've recently learned the importance of social networking through out the Real Estate industry. While working hand-in-hand with my boss I have come to see why blogging and using Facebook, Twitter and other networking sites has grown in popularity since a year or two ago. Many people, especially Real Estate agents/offices use these social networking avenues to appeal to a younger generation - one that is utterly technologically driven.

For example: by using Facebook a real estate professional can become "fans" of a Board and/or MLS, as well as, recent and previous clients that has a profile on Facebook. From there the friends or "fans" of those individuals/Boards and MLSs can see that this specific agent has connections and popularity - therefore the knowledge to help buy/sell a property.

Blogging is also very important avenue in SEO (search engine optimization), which is also the important aspect of social networking. There you can interact with other agents or people by blogging about your ideals, opinions and/or views on this ever changing economy!

Take a look at these statistics: (http://www.realtor.org/library/library/fg006)

  • It is said that 84% of home buyers today have used the computer to help purchase their home!
  • Actions taken as result of using Internet site:
    • Drove by/viewed a home - 73%
    • Walked through a home viewed online- 57%
  • 89% of Real Estate offices said “Yes” our company does have a website – so why not capitalize on that! Plug in to the social networking sites and link them to your website. That way people can get from your social networking pages to your website and vice verse!
  • The top places where REALTORS® place their listings are REALTOR.com, their broker's website, their own site, and their local MLS site.

Again social networking is extremely important in becoming successful in the real estate industry. So try it! Here are some sites other than AR that you can try out.  AR is certainly my favorite and has taken the industry by storm.

http://www.facebook.com/ - Social Networking Site

http://wordpress.com/ - Blogging Platform

http://twitter.com/ - Micro-blogging Platform

http://youtube.com - Yes video is a form of social media, give it a try

Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

no question that the internet is the place to be...problem is we get so busy, and then the online presence slows down. Have to stay consistant.

Jul 22, 2009 03:10 AM
TIM MONCRIEF
Tim Monciref - Austin, TX
Over 2,000 homes sold…..

Ya can either put on a cocktail party for your sphere and spend a bundle and get some idle chit chat or get on line and get the idle chit chat.  Either way it is a touch.  One is free....

Jul 22, 2009 03:14 AM
Matt Listro
National Credit Fixers - Matt Listro - Vernon, CT
Your Credit Repair Expert

Hi Mark

Great post! I also use several of those sites for my marketing and it has been very beneficial to my business. These newer sites are great avenues to market and network. It's quite intriguing to see how far we've come from just a plain old business card.

:)

Matt

Jul 22, 2009 03:15 AM
Mark Menzella
RE/Advantage - Fairfield, NJ
We build websites for REALTORS®

Karen - I hear ya on the time thing.  I have the same problem but consistency will pay off.

Tim - No question it is the conversation - Getting it for free is a plus!

Matt - You hit the nail right on the head.  Social Media is here to stay and out of all the porfessions, the REal Estate industry is so perfectly matched for it.  So go ahead and take advantage of it!

Jul 22, 2009 03:25 AM
Anne Marie Malf
Malfi Marketing Solutions ~ for real estate professionals - Yardley, PA
Real Estate Marketing Consultant/Virtual Asst, Bucks County,PA

Mark, Great reasons on why social networking is so important.  You're right it's here to stay and those that will benefit the most from all the possibilities are those that find a way to make it part of their every day marketing plan.  Just a few minutes a day can make all the difference.  Think about all the posts we've seen here on AR about the many successes and rewards people have experienced on AR, Twitter and Facebook.  We've come in contact with old friends, new clients, referrals and established ourselves as experts in our markets and fields.  Just watch tv and you will see commercials with the company's twitter address - I could go on and on but I will simply say jump into what feels comfortable for you and make it work for you.  ~Anne Marie

Jul 22, 2009 03:34 AM
Mark Menzella
RE/Advantage - Fairfield, NJ
We build websites for REALTORS®

Anne Marie

Social Media is such a good fit just for Agents just for the very reasons you are stating.  A home purchase is such a personel choice and one that involves people connecting.  Social Media is the holy grail for that.  Keep up the conversation!

Jul 22, 2009 03:51 AM
Gina Chirico
Lattimer Realty - Fairfield, NJ
Real Estate Agent - Essex County, New Jersey

Mark,

Great post!  I use quite of few of the sites you mentioned and I'm a dedicated Trulia user.  I think the question/answer forum is a great tool to answer questions about your local community, sharing your knowledge and demonstrating that you are the expert of that area.  Trulia blogs are a good source too.  No matter what website(s) you are using for social media and internet networking are definitely here to stay and should be incorporated into every agent's daily activity.  Thanks for the post!

Jul 23, 2009 03:32 AM
Nancy Pav
Century 21 Redwood Realty - Ashburn, VA
Nancy Pav, Your "GottaHave" Realtor

There are some many ways to connect with people in today's world.  The internet is definitely an important tool.  Keep up the good work.

Jul 23, 2009 03:50 AM
Mark Menzella
RE/Advantage - Fairfield, NJ
We build websites for REALTORS®

Hey Gina - I heard lots of people who like Trulia, they are doing a great job their.  

Nancy - Youre right their are a zillion ways (maybe not that many) to connect.  it is all about the conversation.

Jul 25, 2009 07:21 AM