Real Estate Marketing in the "NOW"

According to informal surveys from Real Estate Agents and Professionals that we speak with, allot of changes are happening right before us. Here is a short list of some of the things I've heard:

• Bad Agents are coming out of the woodwork.
  
• Buyers are more informed and discriminate.
• Buyers are coming from other MLS areas more than before, and it's hard to capture their business.
• Listings are taking much longer to sell through traditional methods and a large percentage of homes don't even sell after being on the market.
• Internet usage is becoming the overwhelming norm to view properties, time for marketing is hard to find.

If you are a Real Estate Professional in today's market, you undoubtedly have heard some, or all of these remarks from either the media or other colleagues.

We have to really take a look at these problems and try to find a solution. While a single solution to solve all of these issues seems unlikely, the right type of "Press" can help overcome these challenging statements.

Before I go any further, let it be said that "Print Ads" and "MLS Systems" are NOT a thing of the past. What I'm saying is that the internet is not being utilized by the vast majority of Real Estate Professionals correctly.

Even though, I do see allot of Agents utilizing services like Trulia and Neybor.com to help get the word out, it isn't enough to have a website with featured listings, and send an email to every agent within a 500 mile radius to market your listing. All of these are great tools, and must be used, but even the so-called "Bad Agents " are even using these tools and doing well. How do you compete?

The answer is a process and is completely FREE...... "Social Media." The vast Majority of Agents don't have a Twitter or Facebook account, and if they do, they use it mostly for personal chat. I would be willing to bet that many of these same agents haven't even heard of Digg, Mixx, or Stylehive. These sites are only 5 of thousands that can help Put your name and your product (Property) in front of people who want to see them... let me rephrase that.... who NEED to see them. You, your brand, and your listings have to stand out above the rest.

The process of Networking, Bookmarking, and Blogging can be difficult and time consuming. However, there are allot of companies that provide this service for an extremely fair rate. Even though I own one of these marketing companies, I encourage all of my clients to embrace Social Media- even if they do so on a small scale. If done correctly, you could generate at least 30% new business from Social Media alone... I do.

So what are you waiting for? Get those free accounts set up and get with the times. The Future is NOW.

Good Luck and I hope to see you around!

Nathan Strauch

Hot Shots Digital

A Colorado Virtual Tour and Marketing Company