“Page Building 101″ - Register for Webinar on Sept. 17, 2009

We will cover how to build a page from the ground up and also show you the different things to put into a page (Map Search, Link List, Photos, etc…).  We’ll also cover different page topics to consider when adding content to your website.

The class will be held on September 17th from 10:00am-12:00pm PDT. You can easily register for this class and receive  instructions how to login, etc. by visiting this registration page.

With the increasing popularity of video, both as a way to promote your listings as well as yourself, it is important that you choose a device that will produce the best quality, and that it is easy to use as well as being priced right.

I’d first like to talk about promoting your listings using video.  You may not realize it but video is becoming the new norm for listing virtual tours.  It is replacing the more two dimensional approach of still photos or even the over-used panoramic shots that are usually distorted due to the small room size.  The use of video allows the potential buyers the ability to feel as if they are walking through the house and if the agent uses narration they even feel like they’re getting a guided tour.  It’s the closest thing to actually being there.  This is great if the buyer is considering relocating and can’t be there to physically see the house.

» Continue reading “Promoting Yourself and Your Listings”

Are you still saying, “I don’t need to syndicate my listings?”  It is amazing how many agents still don’t syndicate their listings.  The idea that putting your listing in a real estate magazine or local Sunday paper is still the best approach is absurd.  When 85% of buyers found the home they purchased on the internet, it only makes sense to syndicate.  Drew Meyers of Zillow.com wrote a post on GeekEstateBlog about this very subject.  It includes a great video done by Greg Afarian of Zipvo.com on his issues with agents that still don’t syndicate.  In my opinion, you need to get with this technology.  You clients expect it as  part of the marketing to get their home sold.

So, what is this thing called Twitter and how can I use it as a Realtor?  This is probably a question you’ve asked yourself recently.  It seems Twitter has become a major phenomenon.   I would definitely not classify it as a fad anymore.  Now as you know, I have always been an early adopter of Technology, however I will admit that I have stood back and not jumped in the Twitter scene.  I was a little reluctant as I couldn’t see the benefit for Realtors until now.  I now have enough knowledge and research to say that Twitter is here to stay.  Here are just a few stats that make me believe it:

• An estimated 5-10 thousand new accounts are opened per day
• Twitter traffic has grown over 600% in the past 12 months (Compete.com)
• Twitter.com has become one of the top 1,000 websites by traffic in May 2008 (Alexa.com)

So, what is Twitter?  Twitter is a great way to drive traffic to your website and/or blog.  It is a social networking and micro-blogging service that enables you to send and read other users’ updates known as tweets.

I have found an incredible resource for explaining Twitter and how Realtors can use it in their business.  I follow many Real Estate Technology Blogs and one in particular that I really like is MyTechOpinion.com.  The author is Nicole Nicolay (aka NikNik).  She has written an eBook titled, “Twitter for Real Estate Twits.”  This book is written in plain english, a quick read and very detailed.