Exciting News!

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- Oct 17, 2011

After 35 years in real estate, 3O of which was spent training real estate professionals, I get to retire. Just think, I have lived every woman?s fantasy: I have been paid to talk for the past 30 years!  Now it is time to do some other things, like kayaking, sailing, painting and spending more time with family.  What I am doing now besides my leisure activities are some special projects, writing, one off speaking engagements ... and, so that I don?t lose touch with you ? my contact information is claudiawicks@msn.com.

I consider myself extremely lucky that I have been able to do what I absolutely love - train real estate professionals. I truly appreciate your help, support, friendship and laughter. What fun! Thank you sincerely for a wonderful career.

The other exciting news is that the popular Real Estate Base Camp classes on generating leads, business development, Internet marketing and social media will still be available. Dave Porter, a good friend and exceptional trainer, is taking over the business.  As the new CEO, he?and his staff?will teach the classes, manage the business and post informative, helpful training blogs. He is eminently qualified.

Dave?s bio:

Dave Porter has been involved in real estate and mortgage lending for more than 30 years. He is a nationally recognized speaker, trainer and writer. He has taught for: the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). He instructs the GREEN designation course for NAR and the Certified Green Professional CGP, CGA (Certified Graduate Associate) and CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist). He and his wife of 32 years launched a national training program for lenders, GreenLending Specialist?.   Dave holds a BA in Education from Washington State University.

Dave is currently President of PorterWorks, Inc.?a real estate and building trades training and consulting company with a 20+ year history?and new CEO of Real Estate Base Camp. He is also the Area Manager for his team, the NW Performance Partners at Evergreen Home Loans.

Dave is an extraordinary trainer?and leads a team of staff and contract trainers with expertise in real estate internet marketing and technology, sales, and finance?who demonstrates excellence himself and inspires the same in others.

You?ll want to visit the PorterWorks Web site: www.porterworks.com to learn more about all that they offer. Also sign up to get regular updates on classes and the latest news in real estate by visiting: http://tinyurl.com/PWMailListForm and completing the contact form.

You can reach Dave at:dp@porterworks.com  or dporter@evergreenhomeloans.com

Thanks again,

 Claudia Wicks

(Formerly CEO of Real Estate Base Camp, now lady of leisure)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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- Mar 17, 2011

I grew up on the north side of Chicago in a large Irish enclave. 

Books have been written about that culture - and, they are all true! 

St. Pat's Day was a major cause for celebration. It was a fun day: lots of music, dancing,  parades and parties. The city of Chicago even dyes the Chicago River green on St. Pat's Day.

So, here is a merry thought on one of my favorite days of the year.

A new ?Reputation? widget?

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- Mar 7, 2011

Many of you know about the new Agent Reviews available from Zillow. Agent Reviews allows you to ask your past clients to post a recommendation on Zillow. There is a lot of BUZZ around this feature. When someone goes to Zillow they can see many, many satisfied customers raving about what a great job you did for them.  According to Erik Qualman in his Socialnomics video, 78% of consumers trust peer recommendation. Only 14% trust advertisements. That makes these reviews such a powerful tool for you- especially when you consider how many unique visitors Zillow attracts each month. I thought this was such a great idea that I emailed Zillow and asked if they could create a link to the reviews for agents to use on their Facebook business page. They:

1. Responded immediately - practicing what we preach about getting back to Internet consumer inquires very quickly.
   
2. Were way ahead of me! They have a (FREE) widget you can use on your Facebook Business (Fan) page.

 Here's the widget information from Sara Bonert, Director of Broker Services at Zillow:

"There is one easy way for agents to spread the testimonial love they are getting.  Please check out this brand new reputation widget:

  http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/agent-reputation-widget.htm 

Agents can hand pick the reviews that they want to appear in their personalized widget."

That makes your Facebook business page more valuable, rather like the recommendations on LinkedIn. Really, if I were searching for an agent, I would choose the agent who has many, really great reviews- wouldn't you?

I Just Don?t Have Time!

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- Feb 19, 2011

Ever hear that? Or, ever think that yourself?

Most often I hear that refrain when someone doesn't want to prospect or take the time to utilize some of the social networking sites that are actually generating business for many agents. In this market we should be prospecting 2-3 hours per day. However, most agents really don't like to prospect. They don't always remember that they need to prospect in order to generate business. Or, perhaps they just don't know how. If you schedule prospecting time, you'll do it. If you don't schedule time it will never happen.

Consider making an appointment with yourself from 7:30-9:30 a.m. You can go online in your fuzzy slippers while having a cup of coffee.  This can be a fun and very painless way to prospect.

LinkedIn - set up a good profile: photo and bio.  Invite people to connect. Ask for recommendations. Join a couple of groups and participate in the discussion. If you checked your LinkedIn account twice a week, that would be OK. If you engage, you should start to receive referral business.

Facebook - set up your profile, invite friends. Engage DAILY, by posting or creating a link to an interesting article.  Add pictures.  Post comments on other people's posts. Set up a business page. Upload your listings; link your website and blog. Post neighborhood information and items of local interest. Remember, you can engage throughout the day, if you wish with your smart phone.

Zillow and Trulia - set up profiles, upload your listings or claim your listings if you have them syndicated for you. Add yourself to the agent directory. These sites get remarkable traffic each month. Join the discussions or answer questions from consumers.  Zillow has something new. You can ask for reviews (recommendations) just by sending out a link. That will provide exceptional visibility and credibility.

These are some fun and easy ways to begin. Make the time! Be consistent. It will be worth it to you.

Top 10 Lists

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- Jan 23, 2011

How many top ten lists have you read since the first of the year?

?·         Top 10 Ways to keep your resolutions

?·         Top 10 ways to lose weight in 2011

?·         Top 10 tech tools to use in 2011

?·         Top 10 ideas on how to be successful in real estate in 2011

When it comes to technology it is especially disconcerting.  As agents we are always attracted to the newest shiny, bright thing.

We should pause to ask ourselves:

?·         How can this tech tool help me grow my business?

?·         Is it necessary?

?·         Do I have something that already works for me?

These lists are good triggers, however.  They remind us to analyze if the tech tools we are using are adequate for todays' consumer and if our marketing is working?

If not, now is the time to upgrade.  Consumers expect us to be able to use the tools they are using. If 50% of the transactions are first time buyers and 54% first time buyers are under 35 you know they are online and mobile. So the essentials are:

?·         Smart phone and mobile APPS for quick response

?·         Laptop or notepad for presentations

?·         Personal  website with web capture  (predictive marketing and analytics for lead generation
           and conversion)

?·         Contact management system to stay in touch

?·         Social networks: Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter

?·         Syndicate  listings (Postlets) and content (Posterous)

?·         Profiles, Directory and Discussion on Zillow and Trulia

What are YOUR essentials for 2011?

OK- How did you do?

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- Dec 31, 2010

What happened? Did you generate business? How do you feel about yourself?

How do you feel about the real estate business?

Success breeds success. Keep up the good work. You have a fan - that would be me. I get to talk about it. You get to do it.  My very best wishes for your continued success!

Claudia Wicks                                                                                                                                                                                  CEO, Real Estate Base Camp

Let?s Enjoy!

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- Dec 24, 2010

Week # 13          ?Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah or Kwanza, this is a special time to be with family and friends.  Take the time to enjoy it! If you will be gone, make sure you have someone handling your business. Get the financial arrangement in writing. We need to take time to be with family and friends. They need our attention too!

The way to handle a getaway in real estate is to try to do everything you can before you leave. For example, I scheduled time to write this blog before Dec. 24^th, so it just takes 5 minutes to post.

If you schedule something, it gets done.  If you do not, nothing happens! This is especially true for social networking.  If you schedule it, you will do it!

I know when selling real estate, there is never a good time to get away. One of the managers I interviewed in Alaska has a top producing office with stunning market share for the size of the office. I asked him his secret to such a successful office. He told me he makes his agents take 4 vacations a year.  That way, they not only are refreshed, but they are very busy at least 4 times a year!  Haven't you noticed it ALWAYS gets busy when you are trying to get away?

Happy Holidays!

Let?s Visit Our Past Clients!

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- Dec 18, 2010

Week  #  12.          Drop-by

This is a perfect time of year drop by and let them know you are thinking of them. You can bring cookies, candy homemade jam, your annual calendar (they look forward to it!) or a poinsettia. Take a moment to visit. Let them know you care. Ask them for their email or confirm the one you have. Let them know you'd like to stay in touch. Ask them if you can send them your E-newsletter with homeowner tips and market updates. They will be glad to receive it. Remember, you are pre-sold. They have a new home thanks to you!

 Some agents really enjoy giving a holiday party. They invite their past clients and often include their neighbors.  It is a really great way to stay in touch. Agents tell me that often their past clients call them in early Dec. and ask them when their holiday party will be. They want to make sure they put it on their schedule, so they don't miss it.

What will you to do connect with your past clients?

Let?s Visit the Neighbors!

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- Dec 11, 2010

Week # 11.    Convert Your Geographic Farm to an E-Farm

There are several ways to convert your geographic farm to an E-farm. Over the holidays is a great time to "drop by" and obtain emails. You can bring cookies, a little candy, homemade jam, calendars or even just a print copy of your newsletter.  This is a joyous time of year. Take a little time to visit. It will pay off. Let your geo farm know that you want to "GO Green" in 2011. Let them know you'll be sending out the same quality monthly newsletter that they are used to receiving via email. Ask them for their email so you can send it to them. Most people will be willing to do it - especially if you are there at their door.

Remember the goal: build your database. Let me show you my favorite graphic that demonstrates WHY you'll want to do this.

Most agents who farm (according to NAR) have a geographic farm of about 500. According to Glen E. Crellin, Director of the Washington Center for Real Estate Research, 7.5% of a geographic farm will convert to a transaction in an average year. That is a potential of 37.5 transactions for a geo farm of 500 prospects.

Now, consider having an E-farm of 2,000 prospects. If 7.5% of those convert in one year, that would be a potential of 150 transactions. If you are a good E-farmer you'll close some of those transactions.

More prospects = more business. You can add an unlimited number of prospects to your database and cultivate them until they are ready to buy and/or sell.

How will you add prospects to your E-farm?

Let's Party

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- Dec 3, 2010

Week # 10.        Now is the Time to Get Out and Meet People at Holiday Events

Just say yes...

Attend your church or synagogue, community events, theater, ballet and concerts. Go to parties! This can be a really fun time of year. It is also a wonderful time to meet new people and see old friends. It is important to be visible. This year agents have told me that they have lost listings and sales because people (their past clients and sphere) didn't know they were still in real estate. That can be crushing. Let people know you are in real estate. New people always ask, "What do you do?" After you tell them you are in real estate, the next question is, "How's the market?" People you haven't seen in a while will also ask you, "How's the market?"  Everyone wants to talk about real estate. Be positive, be out there. Wear your name badge whenever it is appropriate.

Obtain emails! Let them know you have a great E-newsletter with homeowner tips and market updates. Ask for their email and let them know you'd be happy to send it to them periodically.

Many agents host an annual holiday party. It is the highlight of the year for many of their friends, neighbors and past clients.

What will you do to enjoy the holidays and grow your business?

Let?s Work Smarter!

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- Nov 26, 2010

Week # 9.  Drive Traffic to Your Web Site

Here are some ways you can enhance your web site traffic:

1. Blog- blogging provides fresh content on your website. Fresh content will enable you to create "Google Juice" - be ranked higher on Google. If you blog consistently, when consumers search for Seattle Real Estate, your website and/or blog will appear. Make sure your blog is hosted on your website so you receive the traffic. You can be the agent consumers gravitate to for info about your area.
   
2. Link your website to Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other social media you use. People will have access to your web site. They will check you out. This provides excellent visibility.
   
3. Create a profile (photo, mini-bio and contact info-including a link to your website and/or blog) on Zillow.com and Trulia.com. These sites receive millions of unique visitors each month. This helps you build your brand online and can drive traffic to your website-especially if you have listings.
   
4. Send a Just Listed and Just Sold postcard to the neighbors around a new listing and sale. Offer a value proposition: "Would you like to find out what your home is worth, find out FREE at www.ClaudiaSellsSeattle.com.  Send them to your website where they can input their contact info so you can fulfill their request.

These are just a few of the FREE ways you can drive traffic to your website and generate leads.

What are you doing to drive traffic to your website?

Let?s Follow-Up!

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- Nov 20, 2010

Week # 8.  Only Serious Buyers and Sellers Are in the Market Now

Not everyone holds Open Houses. However, if you are going to hold an Open House, be smart:

*Prepare well -- know your inventory, have a Purchase & Sale Agreement, business cards, flyers, and financing info on the house, etc.  Chose a home in a high traffic area and easy to find.                                                                                                                

*Place many signs in the neighborhood, advertise your Open House on Craigslist, your company's website as well as other online options. That will help drive more traffic. More traffic = more prospects.  

*Consider having an office "Blitz" where you can help each other generate interest and traffic in your area.  

*Bring your laptop and be ready to work online with prospects.  If traffic is light, you can handle your emails and your follow-up.

Most of all, know that the buyers who are out looking now are usually serious. If they weren't, they would be attending parties, holiday concerts and events or staying at home enjoying "figgy pudding!"

According to NAR, consumers go to 8 Open Houses. Why would they work with you? What can you do to set yourself apart? The key to success is to follow-up with everyone. Have your sign-in sheet (paper or online). Ask for their emails. Let them know you'll be sending them your E-newsletter with homeowner tips and market updates from time to time. You can even have a sample to show them what they will be receiving. It is the give-to-get approach.

If the prospect is a potential seller who needs to sell in order to buy, offer them a CMA. Most often, they will say they are not ready.  No problem...offer to send them a list of sold properties in their neighborhood to help them in the" thinking about it" stage. Then let them know you'd love to provide them with a home evaluation when they are ready. Send them a list of sold comps, with small thumbnail sketches using your laptop at the Open House (if you are not too busy!). They will receive it by the time they get home. That is WOW factor service.

If the prospect is a buyer and the Open House doesn't suit - too big, too small, not a big enough yard, etc. offer to send them emails of properties that fit their criteria as soon as they come on the market. Use your automated MLS buyer search. Do that from your laptop, so they receive info as soon as they return home. That, too, is WOW factor service.

The sellers are also motivated, and the homes often look especially nice decorated for the holidays. Price it to sell now.

What have you done to make your Open Houses more effective?

Let?s Give Thanks!

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- Nov 12, 2010

Week # 7.  Thanksgiving Email

How often do we take the time to thank people for their business? Once, right after the sale...?    
Or, how about thanking our friends and family for their support? 

Now is the time to prepare a Thanksgiving email to let them know that you are grateful. Let's show them that we count them as one of our blessings this Thanksgiving.

Here is a sample of a Thanksgiving email. Feel free to use it or "tweak" it to suit you.
Send a "Thank You" email out the week before Thanksgiving to your entire database.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We all have much for which to be thankful. With interest rates falling to their lowest levels in 40 years and the tax credit, many people have been able to buy their first home. Choosing a real estate professional to handle the purchase or sale of an asset as important as your home requires careful consideration.

In fact, agents build their business on repeat customers and referrals, earning your trust by consistently providing the highest levels of personal service, understanding the current marketplace and economic climate. I appreciate the trust and confidence you place in me to handle your real estate needs.

As we all take a moment this Thanksgiving to reflect on how much we have to be grateful for, know that I am thankful for your business, support and the opportunity to be of service to you - now and any time in the future.

Best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

What are you doing this Thanksgiving to touch base with your database?  

Let's Prepare for the Holidays!

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- Nov 5, 2010

Week # 6.  Order Holiday Cards and/or...

Order your holiday cards or calendars, if you haven't already done so. You want to have your holiday cards arrive early in the season. Make sure your cards are great looking.  Many people display their cards; their guests often comment on an especially nice card.  It is really powerful when they say, "Oh yes. That one is from my Realtor!"

If you are planning to hand deliver calendars or poinsettias, order now and schedule the time to do so.

If you are planning on holding a contest over the holidays to obtain emails, now is the time to do it. One of the agents in Florida told me she held a very successful holiday contest: She created a great looking flyer announcing the contest and placed the flyers in the windows of the local business. She also mailed the flyer to her geographic farm. She directed them to her web site to sign-up for the contest. The prize was a day of house cleaning. Her thought was that almost everyone entertains for the holidays and this would be a fun prize. She obtained almost 2000 emails from that contest and was able to migrate some of her expensive geographic postal mail to email.  

Of course, she sent a follow-up email announcing the contest winner, complete with photo and a disclaimer that she would be sending her e-newsletter to everyone who entered the contest. In that way, her E-newsletter was positioned as a runner-up prize. Very, very clever AND effective!

What are you going to do to generate business this holiday season?

Something Simple!

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- Oct 29, 2010

Week # 5.         Change Your Phone Message

The goal is to build a large database. In order to do that, you'll want to collect as many emails as possible. This next tip is so obvious you'll laugh and think to yourself, "Why didn't I think of that?"

Change the message on your voice mail to ask for email addresses.

Your Voice Mail Script: "Hi, this is ____. I am sorry I am unable to answer the phone. Please feel free to leave a message, your name, phone number and email address. I'll get back to you as soon as possible." 

Leave a Message Script: "Hi, this is____. I am sorry I missed you. Please feel free to call me back or email me at Claudia@claudiawicks.com."  Make sure you say your email slowly and enunciate clearly.

Many people are just as comfortable emailing you. They don't want to call you late at night. Often they are online at 11:30 pm, just like you. You have just made it easy for them to communicate with you.

Pretty simple, isn't it? How many of you are going to change your voice mail message? 

Let?s Increase Your Referrals!

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- Oct 22, 2010

Add Your Past Clients

According to the 2010 NAR Member Profile, a veteran agent of 16 years generated only 23 % of their business from referrals. That means agents didn't stay in touch with their past clients.  Top agents tell me that when they added their past clients to their database and placed them on an automated e-newsletter or targeted past client drip email campaign, they increased their business 20%.

 Could you use 20% more business?

Call your past clients and ask permission to send them homeowner tips or market information.  Let them know you'd like to do a better job of staying in touch. For those of you who haven't contacted your past clients in three years or so, this is a more difficult call for you. Here is a script to help you:

"Hi. This is _____. It has been a really long time.  I have been thinking about you..."

(You'll be amazed at the results. Most often, they'll say something like, "We have been thinking of you, too! We just remolded the kitchen, you should come by and take a look."   Do it!)

Then, let them know you'd like to stay in touch and ask for or confirm their email address.

Make the calls! Not only will it help you grow your business, but it will make you feel good about yourself and your business.

What happened when you made the calls?

Let?s Grow Your Database!

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- Oct 16, 2010

Add Your Sphere

More prospects mean more opportunities for business. Call your friends. Ask permission to send them your e-newsletter or market update. This is the perfect time of year to do this!

Script: "Hi. I wanted to get in touch with you because I have a new e-newsletter. 

Many of my clients really like the market information, so I thought I would take the opportunity to offer it to my friends as well.

 Since I have your email; may I go ahead and send you real estate information from time to time?

By the way..." (This takes courage, but you can do it!)  "By the way, WHO do we know who might be interested in buying or selling within the next few months?"  Your friends will understand and be happy to help you. If you did this every week, you wouldn't have any friends left. However, if you ask once or twice a year they will understand and respect you for it.

Tell us how that worked for you...any leads?

Let?s Get Organized!

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- Oct 8, 2010

RE Biz Tools  

OK- let's get organized. If you do not have some of these tools, it is time to step up to the plate and purchase the RE Biz tools you need. The consumers are driving the market. Where are they? According to Nar, 90% of consumers are online. Over 50% of the transactions have been with first time buyers - they are tech savvy and mobile.

 Here is a list of essentials that the top agents are using today:

1. Smart phone- you need to be able to respond to consumers quickly. They expect it, or they will work with someone who will respond.   (Laptop?  Notepad?)
   
2. Personal website- according to Nar, only 34% of agents have a personal website. If consumers are looking online, you need to be there. Think of your website as an online" for sale sign." It is a chance to market yourself.  Your personal web page on your company's web site usually doesn't generate enough traffic for you individually. You need to be in charge of your marketing. Keep your company's webpage, but add a personal website.  
   
3. Find a CRM (Customer Relationship Management system) or contact management system that is easy to use and automated. That means, once you place a prospect, past client or someone in your sphere into your CRM program, it will automatically send out your e-newsletter or targeted drip email campaign on a regular basis.   
     
4. Build a database- add emails every day!  Ask permission to send them something of value - like your e-newsletter. You need to stay in touch to be "top of mind" when they are thinking about buying or selling.  
                     
5. Join social networks and engage. This is something you need to make time for. It is a fun and FREE way to connect with hundreds and by extensions, thousands of people. The most popular sites for agents are LinkedIn and Facebook. Many agents also love Twitter and generate many leads from their engagement.          

What tools will you use to grow your business? 

Let?s Go!

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- Oct 2, 2010

There are approximately 14 more weeks left in the year. This year went fast for many. For others, it seemed interminable. I guess it depends on how your business fared. Some markets picked up. Some markets didn't. Some agents worked smarter, harder and thrived. Others were stuck with unsold listings, buyers waiting on the wings and an empty pocketbook.

With 14 more weeks to go, let's try to change it up. Let's try to make a few things happen in this last quarter of 2010.

Here is the challenge:

My challenge is to consistently provide a tip per week (for the next 14 weeks) to help you grow your business and make money.

Your challenge is to implement either the tip, an idea that someone else shares or something you have been meaning to do for your business, but haven't yet done.

If you have a "hot" tip, something that is working, please feel free to share it. We all grow and learn from one another. Some of these ideas I have mentioned in other posts. Many agents have asked me to provide them again.

Let's get started: Week # 1

#1. Check your attitude. Attitude is everything. If you think the market is horrible, it is.  If you think your efforts will pay off, they will. You just have to do more of the things that are working to be successful today. Consistency is key.

Here is a link to a short YouTube video that I play in some of my classes: "I can do anything..."

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/little-girl-gives-herself-a-pep-talk/20ajmekq

If we woke up with this attitude every day, imagine what we could accomplish!                                      

 Here are 3 power affirmations that will help you - if you use them!

"I am a happy, successful real estate professional who earns $_____ per month."

"I do not wait for prospects to come to me. I actively seek and find qualified prospects."

"With a solid plan and belief in myself, there isn't anything I cannot do!"

BONUS: My personal favorite -"I am a money magnet!"

How are you talking to yourself?

Swanepoel's Top 5 Things To Do

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- Sep 15, 2010

In my last blog I shared ideas for places to get information to stay current with market trends, industry happenings and best ideas.

One of the e-newsletters I receive and read consistently is from Stephan Swanepoel, who writes and publishes a well-researched annual Trends Report. In a newsletter I received a few weeks ago about his 2010 Trends, here are the top 5 things recommended for success.
 
Here are the 5 Most Important To Do's Today: Database Management
 
Keep contact with your clients with a personal reach out
Add more contacts to your database daily
Have a database that is easy to maintain
Develop automated drip campaigns
Block out your schedule and do this daily
 
These 5 steps are essential to your success. It is the approach I use in my book, "Make the Move."  The agents who have built a large database and automatically stay in touch have a steady stream of business regardless of market conditions.

For a copy of Stephan's Report (full of excellent info on current trends): www.RETrends.com

For a copy of my book (full of practical, cost-effective ways to build a database and tips for automated follow-up): www.rebasecamp.com

Start today! Use these proven 5 steps and grow your business.
 
What are YOU doing today to stay successful in today's market?

Where are you getting your information?

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- Sep 1, 2010

Does your broker, real estate board or MLS provide you with up-to-date market info? Do you use Trend Graphix for the latest market trends? Do you use Realtor.com as a source of info or the new HouseLogic site? Do you read the ActiveRain blogs? Or, the RealTown blog? Do you subscribe to an e-newsletter, like Heinz Marketing Insights or an RSS feed from Inman? Do you read and research the information that your consumers are reading on sites, like Zillow, Trulia and Redfin?

In classes I always check to see if agents are keeping up with consumers. For example if you go on a listing presentation and don't know the Zestimate, you could get blind-sided. Your seller has researched it. You need to know what information is out there, so you can position yourself as the expert. You can say, "That is a good place to start. It is an interesting computer generated computation based on all of the properties in the neighborhood, not just the ones that have sold recently. I have brought you the current information on what properties similar to yours are actually selling for in the area."

Have you looked at Trulia's average price per square foot calculations? Your buyers will. Haven't you found that they are up to the minute on price per square foot, especially condos? Do they match what you are marketing?

As Realtors, we need to check out these sites and more to stay current with the consumers in the marketplace. They are driving this marketplace. They are driving the changes in how real estate information is searched and delivered AND using mobile devices to do so.

Are staying you informed?

What sites are you using for information? What mobile apps are you using?

New Mobile App!

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- Aug 26, 2010

A friend of mine shared a new tech tool with me. I checked it out.  Vyoo. It was developed by Atomray Labs, the same team that created Postlets. It looks terrific, and it is FREE. Look up www.Vyooit.com.

Here is some info from their website:

"Vyoo.it is a real estate mobile marketing application that extends your reach to people using mobile devices.Vyoo.it can optimize any existing listing for mobile access by quickly generating a mobile-friendly landing page. Mobile users will see this page; all others will be redirected to your existing non-mobile version. Shorten your listing page URL. No need to hassle with a vanity domain, we'll give you a short link that's both easy to remember and promote. You also get a QR code for your Vyoo URL. You can print these on your sign riders, printed flyers and postcards, newspaper advertising and, well, just about anything to promote your listing.

Let you easily share your links 

With just a couple of mouse clicks, you can share your shortened links and listing descriptions with friends, followers and fans on popular social media services like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Why should I use it?

Most online real estate listings are not optimized for viewing on small screens. If your listing falls into this bucket, vyoo.it can generate a mobile-friendly landing page (called a "vyoo") along with a short link to make it accessible to mobile users. Non-mobile users will be seamlessly redirected to your standard listing page."

Let me know how you find this useful.

Your Competitive Edge for Listing Presentations

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- Aug 18, 2010

How many of you are using laptops or notepads for your listing presentations? According to NAR, 84% of consumers search for pictures of properties online. When you go on a listing presentation with a laptop or notepad, you have the ability to "show" your potential clients their competition.

Using a laptop or notepad helps you:

Price the property competitively because the sellers can see their competition. I do know some agents take their sellers to actually preview their competition. The computer saves you time, with multiple photos, virtual tours and videos.

Show your clients that you are a tech-savvy agent, able to use technology and the web. Remember according to NAR, 90% of consumers begin their search online. You can show the sellers online where and how you will market their home: with an individual property website, on your personal website, on your company's website, on your blog, on YouTube, and on your Fan/Business Page on Facebook, on Zillow, etc.

One of the agents in my listing class last week told me she takes her new iPad on listing presentations. She told us she takes most of the listings because of the "cool factor." Her sellers love it. Think of how using current technology positions her as the online real estate expert.

That is an effective competitive edge, especially when competing against seasoned agents with more experience. What is YOUR competitive edge?

Cruisin'

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- May 14, 2010

I had the opportunity to present classes at the IBA (Independent Broker's Association) Educational Conference and Trade Show a few days ago. It was one of the rare, perfectly sunny days in Seattle: the sky was blue, the water sparkled, and it was almost 70 degrees.  It might have been difficult to be in class all day, except the classes were held on one of the Argosy Cruise Ships. It was so much fun! There was a large crowd. They had the opportunity to hear my friend, Larry Christesen teach: Core Curriculum and the New Transition class or me teach: Generate New Leads Now- Painless Prospecting and RE.NET: Social Networks Bring You Business.

One of the reasons I wanted to blog about this particular event, besides the fact that is was so well done, was that there were quite a few  tech-savvy agents in my classes. They shared some web sites and tools that they are using to generate business:

Cevado.com - The representatives from Cervado were at the trade show providing a demo of their product. I checked them out after several agents and Doug Davis (Broker-Hallmark Realty) raved about their website. Cervado is  a web site that has a direct feed from the MLS and provides lead generation, web design and hosting, SEO, and IDX MLS searches. Many good websites have most of these features. Their competitive edge, in my opinion, was that they provide an automated Video syndication service that includes YouTube videos with social media integration to Facebook and Twitter. It was extremely impressive AND automated!

Onlywire.com -We were discussing tools to help you syndicate your content . One of the agents mentioned that she uses Onlywire because it is so simple and efficient. According their website: Onlywire syndicates your content to millions of readers with one button. Onlywire syndicates your content and articles to all of the top social networking sites.

Bringtheblog.com - a company that writes blogs for you. According to their website: Bring the Blog reduces the blogging time burden by writing meaningful, easy-to-read content and publishing it directly to your WordPress and/or Blogger blog every business day. The agent mentioned that this was a very good way for her to start, and she stays consistent.

Foursquare.com -a site that lets people know where you are. The agent went to FourSquare and updated his friends that he was in my class.  According to the FourSquare Wiki: Foursquare is a web and mobile application that allows registered users to connect with friends and update their location. Points are awarded for "checking in" at venues. Users can choose to have their Twitter and/or their Facebook accounts updated when they check in. In version 1.3 of their iPhone application, Foursquare enabled push-notification of friend updates, which they call "Pings."

Tweetdeck.com -According to their website: Tweetdeck is your personal browser for staying in touch with what's happening and connecting you to your contacts across Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and more. Cary Porter (Owner/Broker) of the Cascade Team mentioned that Tweetdeck is an excellent way to reverse prospect. You use it to find people who are discussing an interest in buying or selling real estate in a given location and send them a tweet.

Thanks for a great day and thanks for so generously sharing with your peers what's working for you!

Best Ideas from the Expert Panel

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- May 2, 2010

The Expert Panel, sponsored by the Seattle King County Association of Realtors, was a huge success.

 The panelists provided so many great marketing ideas.  Here are some of the highlights by the panel members:

Mike Carpenter (Aka: Mike the Money Man) suggested that you try out social media tools and decide which ones you enjoy. If you can have fun with the tools, i.e. Twitter, you will be more likely to use them.  If, on the other hand, you perceive it as just too much work, you will just drop it.  Mike uses social networking to stay in touch with friends, his sphere and clients. Mike mentioned that social media tools help him do the things he is supposed to do. For example, Biznik.com is a way for Mike to be introduced to people online, but it is up to him to meet them face to face- either through a live networking event or a meeting at Starbucks.

Kendra Todd, former winner of the Apprentice, believes in creating a brand and knowing what you stand for before you go online. Her creative tagline is: "She's No Apprentice When it Comes to Real Estate." Kendra uses Facebook to stay in touch with her sphere - the most important source of her business.  She is on LinkedIn for more formal business connections.  However, she believes that social media is just one of the tools you should use to generate business. Kendra has a database of over 20,000 and uses a CRM (Customer Relations Management System) to stay in touch consistently with her database. That is one of the keys to her success.  Kendra suggests a database and a CRM system is essential to the success of a real estate professional.

Rich Jacobson ( Aka: The Kitsap Agent) has written over 1500 blogs. He is on social media platforms as well. However, his belief is that consumers would like real estate professionals to be open and transparent. They want to get to know you. In writing his blogs, Rich provides valuable real estate information, markets his listings and shares lifestyle features, like his love of family and life on Hood Canal- especially crabbing. His blogs allow people to get to know him before they even call him to come list their home or help them purchase a home. His blogs, which he "weaves into the fabric of his days," establish trust and rapport, so prospects come to him. Don't you think it is rather nice to have clients and customers raise their hands and ask YOU for help?

Each panelist shared their approach and their expertise so generously. One of the most valuable lessons is that each agent made sure they created their own brand and developed a consistent online presence. Most agents don't even think about branding themselves. Obviously, it works.   Thank you, Panelists!