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What You Should Know About Consumers, Marketings & Real Estate

By
Real Estate Agent with Exit Realty

I moved to Palm Beach County in 2000.  Everything that I approach, I do from a consumers point of view, reason being, I am a consumer and I know what I like and don't like.

When we were selling our home in Broward County, I knew nothing about Real Estate, so when I listed my home, I called a Realtor from Century 21, because I remember seeing a lot of signs from their company, I assumed they were our local professionals. 

Shortly after listing my home, I did not hear a word from my Realtor until 8 days later.  Our Realtor called with an awful offer and she convinced us that nothing better would come in so we shouldn't counter back and we didn't.  Not knowing the procedures, not knowing our rights and not being properly educated on the market, we sold our home in 8 days, where the Realtor was patting herself on the back and we couldn't help but feel like some how we were taken advantage of.

Moving to Palm Beach, I knew our experience was going to be WAY better.  I could not have been more wrong.  It didn't take long for me to realize that in order to see EVERY lot that was on the market, rather than lots that were personal listings of the agents, their offices or high commission offerings, that I would have to go through several real estate agents.  Then finding a builder to build on a lot, the agents told us how we would need them, to only find out that they brought us to builders who paid high commissions and left out quality builders who did not offer anything but a $1,000 referral fee.  Needless to say, I rapidly educated myself.  Found a lot that I loved, and a builder on my own with no representation from an agent.

During this headache process, I thought to myself, being a CONSUMER, knowing what it feels like to be unknowledgeable about the real estate process, I started to realize that maybe I could make a difference.  So I went and got my real estate license. 

Choosing a broker was not easy, since my criteria was one of high ethics (and having dealt with most of the real estate firms looking for properties, I knew I was limited).  So I started my career with a mom and pop shop, who helped me become a successful Reatlor.

I tell you this, because first and fore most, I am a consumer.  When I approach real estate, marketing and my clients, I do it with the up most respect and highest of integrity.  I feel my success was a direct contribution to my honesty.  I was not the most seasoned Realtor in my office, but I was as successful as they were.  People like the warmth of a person, the honesty of my words and integrity of my actions. 

Recently I've become involved in a marketing campaign that allows my clients to see my honesty, warmth and compassion.  We live in a new market and I empathize with those who were taken advantage of and have several mortgages or even one mortgage with a balloon that they cannot pay. I use my marketing skills (of putting my marketing dollars to good use and not just market homes in traditional marketing magazines that appease the clients). 

I've recently become involved with the ability to:

  • send video email
  • live video broadcast
  • podcast
  • video blog
  • video im
  • video conferenceing
  • digital media storage

And I want to share this with you, because not everyone has the luxury of sending 1,000 post cards monthly.  Between printing, shipping & handling, that easily becomes a not so cost efficient marketing strategy.  What about advertisement in your local paper?  Well, that limits you to local geographical buyers, and honestly most people are moving from out of the county or state.  What about costly magazines?  Well today, our consumers are internet savvy.  So unless you have a sophisticated website, with virtual tours and the high dollars spent to attract buyers and sellers to your site, your might as well not even waste your precious marketing dollars.

The ability to send video email, personal or business related, gives a diverse audience to your featured home, that can easily be linked to a video of the home (that was taken by you and not some high dollar virtual tour).  How about the ability to broadcast live?  Now you've opened the door to audiences around the globe, who can watch live, and even interact with you by asking questions or asking you to move to a certain part of the home.  Better yet, hold a weekly broadcast, become the expert in your area, showcase your market knowledge, educate your consumers so they know you have their best interest at heart.

Have all this for $9.95/mo, no contracts, set up fees, hidden cost. 

Edy Garcia

For live broadcast nightly at 7PM EST goto: http://www.esgtech.info/ or for a video email examples, email me directly (subject line- Active Rain VMAIL) esgtech@vmdirect.com