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Do you think Facebook is dumb? Think again!

By
Real Estate Agent with The Horn Company Real Estate Group

Do you think Facebook is dumb?  Think again!

I know A LOT of people who think Facebook is just downright dumb.  I hear comments like:

"I don't care what time you got up and whether you're eating Italian or Chinese for lunch".

Eat food

"Facebook is just a waste of time".

"It's ridiculous to use Facebook for business - Facebook just gives your computer viruses".

If you're on Facebook, like I am, you have probably heard these lines before.  Even my husband detests Facebook.  He just doesn't get it.

I, being a social creature, love the interaction.  I love seeing what everyone is up to - how vastly diverse my sphere-of-influence really is.  I also love using Facebook for business!

I have my own Personal Page as well as a Business Page.  When I have friends on my Personal Page who I think might be interested and/or have a need for Real Estate Information, or be a good network, I invite them to be my "fan" on my Business Page. 

I don't post incredible amounts of information on my Business Page.  About once a week I post a news-worthy Real Estate Story.  I always post pictures of my new listings.  And I take pictures of my "solds" and put them there as well with a tagline "I helped these clients find the home of their dreams - I can help you too!" 

Last summer I received a friend request from the daughter of some friends at church.  I don't think I had ever met this young woman.  But because she was the daughter of my friends, I accepted the "friendship".  Occassionally I'd see her posts.  She never commented on mine, but I figured it didn't hurt to have her as a friend.

A few months ago I saw her post that she was looking for rental property in our area.  I sent her a Private Message and told her that if she needed help, I'd be more than happy to run some searches from her.  I never heard back and figured "no big deal".

June 4th I heard back from her.  School was out (she's a teacher) and she was ready to BUY a house.  I told her about a Bond Program for downpayment assistance for Teacher's (she was excited about that!) and put her in touch with a lender.  We got her pre-qualified and started looking.  And we found the CUTEST house.  Just her style.

Today we wrote the contract.

So... if you're thinking Facebook is dumb, think again!  It's one of the best "soft" selling tools we have.  Even if you're not technically saavy, give it a try and see what happens!  What could it hurt?  You might even get a sale!  :)

Posted by

Tara K. Lewis, Realtor

The Horn Company Real Estate Group

(210)607-9807

Tara@TheHornCo.com

Margo Currie
Exit 1 Stop Realty - Saint Augustine Beach, FL

Facebook certainly must work for you. Congratulations.

Jun 23, 2011 02:56 PM
Diana Mehnert
Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette - Bella Vista, AR

I have sold several homes from reconnecting with past friends, and school mates on facebook.

Jun 23, 2011 02:58 PM
Marilyn Boudreaux
Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty - Lake Charles, LA
Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor

great job Tara, I also have a business and personal page and have gotten business and leads from Facebook, it is certainly not dumb!  I BELIEVE

Jun 23, 2011 02:59 PM
Bob Publicover
Publicover Realty Group, inc - Stuart, FL
Thinking outside the box

Tara, Nothing is dumb if used appropriately. As professionals it should be used professionally. One could really make themselves look "Dumb" if they don't use it as a real business tool and not as a toy to pass the time. I understand the importance of these tools and admit I need a little tutoring to improve my skills.

Jun 23, 2011 03:02 PM
Patrick White
Home Driven Realty, Inc - Baldwin, NY
Driven to bring New Yorkers home

Good Evening Tara

Thanks for the post. Have a great day.

Jun 23, 2011 03:06 PM
Tara Lewis
The Horn Company Real Estate Group - Hondo, TX
Medina County TX Real Estate

Margo - I'm not sure that I'm the best Facebook-marketer ever... but I'm happy with the success it's brought me so far.

Diana - I think it's so exciting!  Congrats to you too!

Marily - I can hear the bell too (here's hoping you've seen 'The Polar Express')

Bob - I agree - great resource.

Jun 23, 2011 03:07 PM
Tara Lewis
The Horn Company Real Estate Group - Hondo, TX
Medina County TX Real Estate

Patrick - thanks for stopping by!  What a gentleman!  :)

Jun 23, 2011 03:08 PM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

I think facebook is part of a good marketing plan!  I will continue to connect with folks on facebook and it has lead to business.

Jun 23, 2011 03:08 PM
Kathy Clulow
Uxbridge, ON
Trusted For Experience - Respected For Results

Tara - I had issues with privacy on facebook and still do to some extent but I am now there with both a business page, a personal page, and more

Jun 23, 2011 03:11 PM
Mel Ahrens, MBA, Kelly Right Real Estate
Kelly Right Real Estate - Hood River, OR
Customized Choices for your Real Estate Needs

I LOVE Facebook, too! There is a lot of dumb/boring things posted, but even more amazing things. I've renewed so many friendships and made a lot of new friends, too.

Gretchen

Jun 23, 2011 03:35 PM
Maggie McFarland
RE/MAX Pearland - Maggie McFarland - Pearland, TX
Pearland Realtor, Homes for Sale in Pearland Texas

Hi Tara! Facebook has been a great source for me as well. Congrats on your business contact through it! Way to go!

Jun 23, 2011 04:28 PM
Simon Webster
CRE Credit Services - Plano, TX

I thought myspace and then facebook was a waste of time. But facebook started to evolve and there are a lot of great things about facebook.  Anyone who isn't on it is not willing to change, and if you are not willing to change you are losing deals.  

Jun 23, 2011 04:29 PM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

People who don't know how to use Facebook (or Twitter or YouTube or LinkedIn) make inane comments like "Facebook is Dumb", or "Twitter is for Children", or "LinkedIn is Useless".

Tara, you know better - Facebook is a great Tool that can provide Leads and Business.

Jun 23, 2011 05:01 PM
Sandy Acevedo
951-290-8588 - Chino Hills, CA
RE/MAX Masters, Inland Empire Homes for Sale

Great encouragement here. I recently started with my business page and am learning every day.

Jun 23, 2011 06:07 PM
Stella Barbour
NoVa Brokers LLC - Vienna, VA
Principal Broker, Serving Virginia and Maryland

That is great that Facebook is working for you.  I use it but not as much as I probably should.

Jun 24, 2011 03:13 AM
Doug Rogers
RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL
Your Real Estate Resource!

There are agents in my market who still think Facebook/social media is a big waste of time. Funny though, few of them made the high producers club last year...

Jun 24, 2011 03:31 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Facebook to me is better for business than it is for friendships.  It has cheapened friendships and family relationships.  How easy is it to give a Thumbs Up or type Happy Birthday.  Why bother to call?  Why bother to stop by and say hi when there's Facebook.

Jun 24, 2011 03:45 AM
Tara Lewis
The Horn Company Real Estate Group - Hondo, TX
Medina County TX Real Estate

Joan & Kathy - best of luck.

Gretchen - I really love it too!

Maggie - Thanks.

Simon - agreed.

Fred - I need to work on Youtube and Linkedin... but I'm getting there!

Sandi - I try not to bombard people with info - so that's my advice.  Slow and steady wins the race.  :)

Stella - keep it up.  It's an ever-evolving process.

Doug - so true, eh?

Chris Ann - that's some of the complaints I've heard as well.  My goal for my personal page is to give people a good laugh (a good, CLEAN laugh) and for business, to relay sound Real Estate advice/tips. 

Jun 24, 2011 04:00 AM
Anonymous
Jay

Facebook is for women and teenagers. I see no need to tell people EVERYTHING I'm doing.

Jun 28, 2011 01:51 AM
#19
Stephanie Stringer
First Choice Loan Services NMLS#210764 - San Antonio, TX
Mortgage Loan Originator

Tara-  I agree with you that Facebook is a great opportunity to get business.  I have received a couple of referrals from friends and was able to build Realtor relationships through it too.  It's a great way to promote listings, what's going on in the world of real estate and to promote one self.  Heck.... who would not like FB when it's FREE?  

Feb 06, 2012 05:57 AM