As the economy and real estate market becomes ever-so challenging for real estate agents/brokers; finding desirous sellers is of no challenge, but finding committed and ready Buyers is of more importance right now to many RE professionals.

Buyers Who'd Like To...

There are Buyers (especially in my social circle) who want to buy the next dream home as some have the perspective that the "Get'ns Are Good" given drastic price reductions by Sellers. However, (a) what to do with their current home and (b) general unease in the ecomony...creates a Buyer Who'd Like To... where dialogue with such Buyers may consume your time and energies.

Buyers Who Have To...

Given current economic conditions, there are consumers who are relocating given career changes or relocation within their respective companies. These are Buyers Who Have To.

These are "Buyers of Circumstance"...the ones who will do their best to offload and take a loss or rent their current home...who will find 10% down (doing whatever it takes) to go with a conventional and immediate loan for the next home. They are the ones who will make sacrafices because they "must" move and feel they "must" buy. How do you find them?

Get Out There and Network

We see today with Web 2.0, real estate professionals connecting with other real estate professionals across town and across state lines. Good, as you may get "leads" of consumers relocating to your area...but let's expand the efforts.

(a) Major Local Businesses - get a list of whose in your area...

(b) HeadHunter / Placement Firms - get a list of who services your area...

(c) Military, Government Facilities - get a list of whose in your area

(d) Network with HR Professionals - Given (a), (b), (c) expand your social network with those who are in-the-know of those "moving into town". Get relationships established on a first name basis...because they can refer you to these professionals in-need of a new residence in your area.

Sites like LinkedIn can be considered an expansive "yellow pages" of such professionals, finding by keyword search like "Human Resource", by Company search, etc.

We need to expand establishing relationships within this Web 2.0 era to go beyond just those in your field...but connecting those who ride alongside (and are in close contact) with consumers you'd want to know, and conversely, for consumers to be given a personal referral, recommendation about you.

 

 

The National Institute of Webographers, owner of the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW) program, announced today that it has reached an agreement to feature RealTown Blogs as an official REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™, Technology Partner. Showcase of RealTown Blogs within the REW Certification compliments training on Blogs, a course module within the REW certification curriculum. See full press release.

Starting your own Blog is the one of the first steps in helping establishing your online presence. That's why RealTown Blogs are offered for free to all RealTown members. It’s this welcoming attitude that real estate professionals, over the years, have made nearly 1 million posts to RealTalk and other public and private communities hosted by InternetCrusade®.

"Designating RealTown Blogs as a Technology Partner within the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ Certification is an exciting opportunity for RealTown’s Internet Crusade. As a technology provider, we strongly support REW™ certification for agents, brokers and assistants,” said Saul Klein, CEO for RealTown’s Internet Crusade.

“As the industry’s oldest and most respected real estate network, a RealTown Blog is perfect for the real estate professional looking to launch his or her blog presence, while continually learning from the vast experiences of those RealTown veterans sharing their own insider perspectives," said Marc Grayson, president of the National Institute of Webographers.

For more information on RealTown, click here to signup for your own personalized blog!

 

The National Institute of Webographers, owner of the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW) program, today announced that it has reached an agreement to feature Point2 Technologies (“Point2”) as an official REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ Technology Partner. Showcase of Point2 within the REW Certification complements training on Agent Websites, a course module within the REW certification curriculum. See full press release.

"We are excited to showcase Point2 Agent to the candidates of the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ certification. Point2 Agent websites remain easy in configuration and maintenance as the core web presence of real estate professionals,” said Marc Grayson, president of the National Institute of Webographers. Continued Grayson, “Point2 Agent is not just about an agent website, but increasing visibility of listings through the system’s ‘Exposure Engine’ with over 30 syndication partners, interoperability with peer agent websites through Point2’s “Handshake™” opt-in reciprocal listing advertising feature, and advertising opportunities through Neighborhood Directories via Point2Homes.com.”

Real technologies are showcased inside the Learning Laboratory, an area within the certification experience where candidates can play with an array of technologies; technologies deemed as best-of-breed and fully compliment training on competencies such as Agent Websites

For more information on Point2, click here for special discounts in celebration of this milestone.

 

Today, featured on GeekEstateBlog.com, Marc Grayson touched on a portion of what he likes to call "attention-to-detail", in "How Music Dated the Real Estate Listing". This post mentioned an exemplary online listing (video tour, virtual, etc) but music in the virtual tour was Christmas / Holiday music (we're in July), instantly dating this wonderful listing.

Presentation is paramount. Every Agent knows that no buyer wants to see incorrect information or misspelled items on print or advertising materials. It's just blatant oversight and a little effort to see an item through can easily avoid these situations.

Unfortunately, this "attention-to-detail" goes out the window (along with the kitchen sink) when it comes to online advertisements, email, websites... and the list goes on. So here are a few gotchas that every person (including me!) should watch out for when it comes to an online presence.

1. Spelling - You'd think this would be a no-brainer, but I have been just as guilty as the next person. In emails, online ads, etc, it's usually just a click of the spell checker. Don't skimp - use the spell checkers included.

2. Font - By far the most easily overlooked item. Many times when using HTML in emails or those fantastic email or website toolkits, there's a default font that none of us use. Take care when cutting and pasting in these instances as the default font, or even the font from the application the text was cut from may be transferred to someplace you don't want it. To avoid this, take a brief moment and re-load and re-read your online documents.

3. Links - Another easy item to miss, especially when you have a document using a lot of them. Again, re-load, re-read, and click on everything. Pay careful attention to links you want to open in a new window, and those you want to use the existing one.

4. Images - You'd be amazed how different WYSIWYG and email editors handle pictures and the spacing around them. The answer? Test, test, test, and just for good measure, test again. Nothing drives me more crazy than when I send something out "to the masses" and catch an error after the fact.

5. Content - This is a biggie - make sure your content says what you want it to say. Be sure quoted articles are cited properly and you aren't using false information. Aside from the tremendous legal liability, if you are telling folks one thing, and a reader calls you on it, other readers will take note.

Bottom-line, re-load, re-read, and test. Remember, online, face-time is limited - what you present your readers and clients is how they will evaluate you.

There is a paradigm shift in Online Classifieds.  For the remainder of 2008 and 2009, online classifieds will be doing more with your listings' interior and exterior descriptions.  The narratives are keyword-rich with meaty phrases such as "Remodeled Kitchen", "Oversized Cabinets" "Large Lot". 

For online classifieds that implement natural language as a part of search (a text box for users to type in keywords or phrases) will extend the online search experience from just drop boxes and checkboxes that solicit fixed values like: number of bedrooms, number of baths, sq footage, etc.

 

Above is an example of natural language search implemented at Roost.com.  Interestingly enough, Roost provides consumers an easy to use search specific to a city and state.  Within search results, users can refine and reduce a result set (maybe a 1000 listings for example) to a small set (maybe 30-50 listings) based on keywords they enter such as "Pool", "Hardwood Floors" and "Open Floor Plan".

I've gone into greater detail at GeekEstateBlog on the importance of being mindful of your listings interior and exterior descriptions.   Syndication partners of your MLS or agent website are and will be doing more with these descriptions to enhance their respective consumer search experiences.

Recently Inman News posted an article, Craigslist HTML limits could doom flashy listings, explaining that the online classified service, craigslist.com, is deciding whether to limit HTML content posted to classified listings. Many RE Professionals utilize craigslist.com as an additional method to reach consumers to post their own listings and advertise their brokerage companies since craigslist.com offers free postings, and maintains separate domains to reach users within specific locales.These individual listings easily fall within the realm of Single-Property Websites, as they are individual web-pages advertising a single property. Currently, there are no limits on HTML, which makes craigslist.com ideal candidates for cut-and-paste of HTML generated code from single-property syndication sites such as VFlyer.com and AgencyLogic.com. Limiting HTML tags, depending on which HTML tags are restricted, could make direct cut-and-paste from these sites nearly impossible without significant insight on how HTML works and modifications to the code prior to creating a posting. Craigslist.com sites problems with malicious ads unwittingly taking users to commercial sites, as well as unnecessary clutter within search results as reasons for the potential limitations.

Today, I would like to hear back from you, our readers, on your thoughts on this potential decision.

Should craigslist.com limit HTML tags, or is there another way?

There exists a debate (maybe light conversation) on perspectives of "inside" and "outside" blogs. To define what is meant by inside and outside blogs, I'm simply stating that:

-- Inside Blogs - are blogs hosted by real estate professionals where content is for the audience of peers in the real estate industry (agents, brokers, mortgage brokers, technology vendors)...whereas

-- Outside Blogs - are blogs hosted by real estate professionals where content is for the audience of consumers and potential clients.

Does a real estate professional require 2 blogs to best connect with their peers & counterparts and another blog to reach & connect consumers? To best answer that question, I will say "it depends".

What's Happening in the Industry...

What is happening in the real estate, Web 2.0 space are the notable lines being made between inside communication and outside communication.

This is very true of real estate professionals who post articles on their blog and state "Consumers can skip to the next post" or on discussion forums saying "‘Agents only’ or ‘RE professionals only’ or ‘No consumers please’" as found on Trulia Voices Q&A.

ActiveRain currently is driven by "inside" communication (as of today). AR allows Real Estate Professionals to blog about anything. However, much of the content is geared towards professionals talking to other professionals. The majority of content is "inside", where points are assigned to professionals who comment on the "inside" content. Do note, many agents may use an ActiveRain blog for outside communications, linking to their AR blog from their agent website and even marking content for distribution at Localism (AR consumer Q&A site). Limitations to outside communication with today's AR blog is they lack personal branding. Also, comments on AR blogs are driven by other real estate professionals only commenting on "inside" content. ActiveRain is moving towards the development of outside blogs, for an annual fee, as many agents at AR have requested such a service.

RealTown - includes highly customizable blogs that can be used for inside communication with peers, or for use of outside communications with consumers. As this blog platform allows for customization of the look and feel of the blog, it's purpose of inside or outside communications are left to the real estate professional.

Zillow Q&A / Trulia Voices Q&A - Zillow Q&A and Trulia Voices Q&A, following more of a discussion forum format, are "outside" communication venue. Real Estate Professionals can directly communicate with consumers. For some agents, its a reality check on consumers concerns, fears and trepidations in today's market...as its not the same, highly upbeat ("that was a great post") communication as found on "inside" communities such as AR.

Trulia Voices Agent2Agent - Due to requests by real estate professionals, Trulia now has Agent2Agent discussion areas inside Trulia Voices. The importance of community, knowledge-sharing, quick Q&A professionals is commonly desired. In my opinion, such discussion in a discussion forum-like format allows for quicker communication (I.e. "get to the point").

Zolve - has many features that to me, speak to primarily inside communications. With sphere-of-influence, referral features, and its newest "Over Coffee' feature (a Q&A area for real estate professionals), It's primary service is a referral network for real estate professionals. Outside communications are brought forth when real estate professionals elect to "speak" to consumers in their Zolve blog...sometimes using their Zolve blog as their outside blog.

Conclusions

I feel that real estate blogs established by real estate professionals for consumers should remain with majority of content driven for consumers. A small percentage of topics geared towards peers can show breadth & expertise of the real estate professional (in the eyes of the consumer); someone "hip" to not only local real estate industry but having knowledge on the market as a whole. To consumers, this is important. Should real estate professionals strive to have 2 blogs (an inside blog to connect and engage referrals with peers and an outside blog geared towards consumers)? What do you think?

We had the pleasure of interviewing Megan Barber, a recent REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant.

Megan is a Professional Real Estate Virtual Assistant (PREVA) and is both an EthicsChecked VA and Certified Real Estate Support Specialist (CRESS), by the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA).  She has also earned Real Estate Sales Person's licenses in the states of New Mexico & New Jersey.  Megan owns and operates her own VA company, Barber Virtual Assisting Solutions, and maintains an active account on activerain. 

In light of her experience and certifications / designations, we took a few moments to ask some questions on her thoughts of the program.

1) What is your background?

I have been involved in working “behind the scenes” of the real estate industry for nearly 10 years. I started as a support staff for a large real estate office, and worked my way up within Oregon’s largest real estate company to become a marketing assistant and newspaper advertising coordinator in their corporate office. Later, I gained additional experience through being a real estate office manager, and an “in-house” RE assistant. In January, 2005 I started Barber Virtual Assisting Solutions, and have enjoyed being a Real Estate Virtual Assistant ever since.

2) Why did you undertake the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certification?

I am always searching for ways to better myself, improve my education and enhance my service offerings for my clients. I always like to stay on top of what’s new in real estate technology. When I came upon the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ certification, I was happy to find a program that could help me sharpen my skills with programs and technologies important to the real estate industry.

3) What are your impressions of the online experience?

The online classroom was a great interface. With my busy and very unpredictable schedule, I especially enjoyed the self-paced environment that I could start and stop when ever I needed to. The presentations were very well laid out, clear to understand and paced well.

Getting the chance to use demos of the products discussed in the courses was also a major plus. Also, I learn better by doing, so it’s better if I can dig in and “get my hands dirty” with the programs and products.

4) How long did it take you to complete the certification?

Overall, it took me about 10-11 hours to complete over a few months. Again, the self-paced environment was nice so I could fit it into my free time.

5) What would you tell those who are considering this certification?

I recommend this certification to any and all VA’s that are considering serving real estate professionals. I think it especially will be of great value to those who that may not have an extensive real estate background and will help them gain the knowledge and experience necessary to confidently meet the administrative needs for real estate professionals. Even those that have real estate experience will benefit greatly from the training available in this certification. It doesn’t hurt to sharpen your skills and you will discover new technologies and internet marketing strategies that you may never have thought of before.

—

Thanks Megan and all the Best!

We had the pleasure of interviewing Lindsay Pendleton, a recent REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant.

Lindsay's experience, skill and familiarity with the Baton Rouge real estate market are essential ingredients in providing her clients with an enjoyable Real Estate experience. Her RE Certification and Designations, such as e-Pro and REW™, strong communication and negotiation skills, high energy and effective marketing tactics make her service offerings unsurpassed in today's market!

Lindsay is really taking her website, http://www.forsalebylindsay.com, to the next level. Not only does she have an extraordinary amount of useful real estate tools accessible directly from her site (such as mortgage calculators, property searches, etc), she has already implemented some of the competencies available in the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ - such as Blogs AND Single-Property websites! Combined with appealing aesthetics, she is truly creating a viable and successful web-presence and demonstrating her understanding of Real Estate Technologies! Because of this success, we took a few moments to ask some questions on her thoughts of the program.

1) What is your background?

I am currently a Real Estate Agent with Prime Location Realty, located in Baton Rouge, LA.

2) Why did you undertake the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certification?

I am proud to say that I have my e-Pro and REW™ certifications. I took both certifications back-to-back and enjoyed both of them. e-Pro definitely benefits the real estate agent who is just entering the technology world. It expresses the importance of the Internet (i.e., e-mail, websites, domain names, DSL, forums) and the impact it is making on the real estate industry. I learned a number of things from e-Pro that increased my Internet knowledge. I think and know that the e-Pro class is imperative for every real estate agent.
 
REW™ is the follow-on to e-Pro, in my opinion. In the REW certification, I learned so many amazing new things. A great example is "single-property websites". I'm proud to say that through the knowledge of single-property websites I learned within REW™, I was able to create my own single property website allowing my customers to get 24/7 information (http://www.beaudarren.info/). The REW certification is a step further - it really delves into all of the technology options that are available to real estate professionals.
 
3) What are your impressions of the online experience?
 
Being that my time is limited, and I truly love utilizing the Internet, I was elated that I could take REW™ online.
 
4) How long did it take you to complete the certification?
 
I signed up Dec 20 and was done on Christmas Day! 5 days with an hour or so each day.

5) What would you tell those who are considering this certification?

People underestimate the power of e-mail, websites, domain names, blogs and so forth as highlighted in e-PRO. A number of RE professionals are overwhelmed by all the new technology. Technology is taking real estate in a new direction and it's time to jump on board.
 
When comparing e-Pro to REW™, they do not compare - rather, they really compliment. While e-Pro was very informative and detailed, REW™ went a little deeper into the technology options of today. 
 
While e-Pro teaches and explains the basics of technology to newbies, REW™ enhances it. Every single course that REW™ offered was extremely beneficial. I actually felt more capable and confident with technology options, instead of being overwhelmed. It was very detailed and easily formatted.

I consider e-Pro and REW™ like peas and carrots. While they are both based in Internet technology education, they teach different aspects. They both offer great, in depth information - but it's information that compliments one another. Collaborating e-Pro and REW™ just makes sense. I cannot express how both certifications broadened my horizons and made me feel like an Internet real estate queen! Thank you both, e-Pro and REW™, for making this available to all real estate professionals who want to go above and beyond.

The information available in REW™ and e-Pro combined is priceless!

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Thanks Lindsay and all the Best!

There exists a great sense of urgency amongst real estate schools, boards & associations, brokers, and referral partners alike to add additional educational offerings during the (a) slow off-peak season and (b) declining activity in today’s real estate market.

What are Real Estate Schools Doing Now to Supplement Income?
Schools like the Hogan School of Real Estate in Tucson, AZ (http://www.hoganschool.com/), have implemented creative means to supplement income and keep classrooms active with students. Some efforts include ad-hoc courses on “Short Sales”, “Invest in Foreclosures”, even gift cards to be used through 2008 by prospective students. One can assume these topical courses have been created due to declines in prospective agents not getting a license and existing agents not renewing licenses.

REW Certification offered by Schools, Educators, Coaches, Brokers
Real estate schools, brokers, educational providers, trainers, coaches and other affiliates who share the vision of educating RE professionals in emerging technologies, can join the REW Affiliate Program. Becoming an REW™ Affiliate costs nothing and can be accomplished by simply signing up through NIW’s online affiliate system. Affiliates have access to presentations, sample web pages, sample email blasts, pdf brochures and so much more!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR AFFILIATE PROGRAM