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Be a Real Estate Media Star

By Susan Harding, HomeStar Video Tours

Services for Real Estate Pros

September 27, 2011 07:23 AM

I’d always get a stinging feeling of dread in my stomach when my boss told me I had to find a real estate expert for a housing story. Not because I had anything against real estate agents. Actually, I think they’re amazing, interesting people. Love them enough that I gave up my job as a television anchor and reporter to partner with them in providing real estate videos.

But when I had to report on real estate, well, I always knew it would be easier to get an exclusive with the Governor, Big Foot, or Amelia Earhart, than to find a Realtor who wanted to talk on camera.

We all know about “the sky is falling” news stories that only perpetuate the cycle of negative economic news. But with some action on your part, you can promote yourself while promoting positive, interesting stories.

· Think News. Think of all the times you relate interesting, unusual, or inspirational stories about real estate experiences to your colleagues. Take the extra step and think about whether it could make an interesting story for your community. If so, contact a news outlet, and let them know.

· For Television Coverage - Think Visual. Television reporters are only interested in a story if it’s visually engaging. So don’t send them three pages of statistics and analysis of the housing market. Instead, share ideas that are visual, that need a real estate expert (you) and feature real people (clients).

· Don’t just Contact the Assignment Editor. AE’s get hundreds of press releases and don’t look past the headline of most. Instead, contact a reporter you like and trust and send them an email. Most reporters are starving for story ideas, and would love to hear from a Realtor who has a story to share.

· Contact the Weekend Crew. News is not only slower on the weekend, but there’s usually a different more positive style. So if you have a story that could benefit viewers (your future clients), let the weekend team know.

· No Story idea? Contact a reporter anyway. Let them know you’d be happy to be the real estate expert who can explain what the mind numbing numbers really mean.

You can also drive media interest in you by doing something that sets you apart from other real estate agents. For example, if you’re using full motion video tours, let your local media know about it. And offer to let them profile you¸to show how a real estate expert prospers in this tough economy.

P.S. And you know this one - keep on blogging! Reporters notice and will find you.

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Patricia Aulson

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate - Exeter, NH

Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes

Thanks for sharing wwith us today. It's appreciated.

Patricia Aulson/ Seacoast NH & ME REALTOR

Sep 28, 2011 02:37 PM

Louise Thaxton NMLS 69996

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp Louisiana NMLS#2289 Equal Housing Lender - Leesville, LA

Military Mtg Specialist - 866-960-9115 VA FHA USDA

Thanks for the tips, Susan! I will definitely be following up on some of them!

Sep 28, 2011 02:56 PM

Paul Dougherty Associate Real Estate Broker

Howard Hanna / Coach Realtors - Huntington, NY

Trusted, Tested & True. Our Results are Better!

great post

Sep 28, 2011 03:25 PM

Patricia Kennedy

RLAH@properties - Washington, DC

Home in the Capital

Susan, in these parts so many agents are total hams! In DC it's usually not all that hard to find someone to talk on air - or off.

Sep 28, 2011 03:48 PM

Melissa Ostrom & Melville Capps Newton MA - The Mel and Mel Team

(617) 388-3151 | Century 21 Commonwealth - Newton, MA

Susan, great ideas about forging relationships with local reporters. And congratulations on getting another featured post. You are batting 500.

Melville Capps

Sep 28, 2011 04:22 PM

Christine Donovan

Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA

Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Susan - Some great ideas and ones that I want to play. I've been picked up by Nightline and numerous times by our local Orange County paper.

Sep 28, 2011 04:33 PM

Doug Maas

RE/MAX of Great Falls - Great Falls, MT

Broker/Owner - REMAX Of Great Falls - MT Real Esta

Great Tips. I have made it on TV here a few times and it is amazing how many people see you and let you know about it. I have had calls from all over the State after being on the local news.

Sep 28, 2011 05:16 PM

Dawn Maloney

RE/MAX Trinity Northeast Ohio Real Estate Specialist - Hudson, OH

330-990-4236 Hudson & Northeastern Ohio

Susan, nice fresh perspective on a subject I have been wondering about. I am going to send it to my daughter who does a ton of PR. Thank you!!

Sep 28, 2011 05:45 PM

Janet Jones

Just Your Style Interiors, LLC - Kihei, HI

Home Staging, Interior Redesign Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

Hi Susan--these are great Realtor suggestions and as a home stager I am happy to borrow a few. Delighted with your contributions--especially from an expert in the media world.

Sep 28, 2011 05:59 PM

Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA

Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD

301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

It reminds me when I was contacted, they wanted to put me in the news and they will also spin off an article out of it and feature it on their website. . . they wanted to know if that was OK with me. ..

I said YEAH!

then they dropped the hammer. .

It will be $495 please.

????

Sep 28, 2011 11:10 PM

Michael Setunsky

Woodbridge, VA

Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Susan, great tips for getting noticed by the media. Good information!

Sep 29, 2011 01:27 AM

Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker

Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA

Put 40 years of experience to work for you

I have found it helpful to think and speak in bullet points. When you're called for an interview, put together the top 3 to 5 bullet points that are essential to the story and focus on those.

Sep 29, 2011 01:39 AM

Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME

Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Agree with comment about if you are going to make news, go it on the weekend and get more mileage... especially the carry over on Monday until the regular machine kicks in. Broadcasting was my first job with an FCC license at age 14, working a station owned by Howdy Doody, Buffalo Bob Smit who had three stations in Maine. Then moved on to a station owned by horror writer Stephen King in Bangor Maine. That media comes in pretty handy in my second career in 1980, the one wearing the blue and gold "R" that has been fun for 31 years and counting.

Sep 29, 2011 02:17 AM

Mike Yeo

3:16 team REALTY - Frisco, TX

Great tips and perspective. The only thing is to get over the fear of being on the camera and hearing yourself.

Sep 29, 2011 03:59 AM

Mimi Foster

Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO

Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

I'm so proud of you and how you are fitting right in here in the Rain. Hope it brings you lots of business.

Oct 01, 2011 04:17 AM

Susan Harding, HomeStar Video Tours

Portland, OR

Showcasing You and Your Listings, 855-579-6284

Hey Carla - You'd be perfect for our local media...we'll have to make sure they get your contact info. And looking forward to talking next week!

Wow Reba, it sounds like you know all about media exposure! Would love to hear your tips as well.

Evelyn - yes, try it!

Lottie - it can be scary to try something new, but it can be well worth it in the end.

Hey Jon - Best of luck with your plan! Let me know if it works.

Kristi - just prepare the best you can and go for it. And remember, almost everyone hates watching themselves on camera.

Hi Tim - that's a good topic for a future blog. There are ways to minimize the risk, but not eliminate it.

Hey Joy - a "real estate minute" sounds pretty cool, but yes, free often sounds better.

Brian - Congrats! Would love to hear how it works out.

Patricia A., Louise and Paul - thanks!!!

Patricia K. - when I worked in Nashville, the same was true! So many hams who loved to talk on camera and off.

And thanks to Melville, Christine and Doug! Free exposure is always a plus.

Dawn and Janet - Glad to hear the tips might help out!

Wow Fernando - that's crazy! Was it some cable network or national syndicated show? I've never heard of that in local tv news.

Thanks Michael. Appreciate the comment.

Elizabeth - Excellent points and very true.

Andrew - From Howdy Doody to Stephen King...the two have so much in common! Interesting history, thanks for sharing!

Hi Mike - it's always strange to see and hear yourself on camera. I remember reading about an actress who said she has the perfect answer - she never watches herself!

And Mimi - thank you so much! I really appreciate your support.

Oct 01, 2011 06:49 PM

Todd Clark - Retired

eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR

Principle Broker Oregon

See, I knew you had some good information in there from your years in the media. We were so glad to have you at the mastermind group and would love to have you back again next month. Heck, you can even talk about this a little more.

Oct 02, 2011 05:42 PM

Susan Harding, HomeStar Video Tours

Portland, OR

Showcasing You and Your Listings, 855-579-6284

Hey Todd - Glad you got something out of my post! And always glad to share any nugget of info that could help you guys...and thanks again for inviting me to the mastermind group. Would love to go again next month!

Oct 04, 2011 07:13 PM

Debb Janes

Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA

Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Okay Susan, 50% of your posts are features. Gee whiz what a super star! :) Keep it up and come out to play with us in the Rain more often.

Oct 07, 2011 07:37 AM

Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate

John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR

"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Susan, oh, I need to call you and pick your brain about collaborating! I think about this each time I read one of your newsworthy AND *FEATURED* POSTS. I was just thinking about you on my run the other day. I write for a local paper bi-monthly which is really fun, but haven't touched the whole video aspect. YET. Weekend news stories, calling reporters directly, such great info for those of us who are thinking creatively and fearlessly about how to improve our marketing strategies.

And I'm not afraid to be in front of the camera but (now) prefer to behind the scenes, "scooping" the story by writing about it or taking the photos...kinda like the producing aspect rather than the acting aspect of my past.

Oct 15, 2011 09:15 AM