There’s no question that the Internet has revolutionized the business of real estate. According to the 2008 National Association of Realtors® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, nearly nine out of 10 recent buyers used the Internet in their home search. But now, a new revolution is taking place. A small but growing number of home buyers are taking advantage of social networking Web sites like Facebook and MySpace, as well as video hosting sites such as YouTube when searching for a home, and Realtors® are using these tools to reach today’s home buyers and sellers.
Realtors® are industry innovators. At its core, real estate is grounded in relationships, and social networking combines the high-tech of new technologies with the high-touch of real estate. It makes sense that Realtors® are leveraging these new resources to help them connect with buyers and sellers.
A recent Harris Poll revealed that 48 percent of adults who are online have a Facebook or MySpace account. While many maintain these accounts for personal use, others use them for professional networking. For example, the National Association of Realtors® has its very own Facebook page with just under 15,000 fans. NAR’s research department also has a Facebook page where both Realtors® and consumers can access the latest research and data findings.
Blogs are another popular social networking tool Realtors® use to share information and keep themselves informed on the latest news affecting the industry. On sites like ActiveRain, Realtors® can share useful tips and industry insights with potential buyers and sellers. Realtors® also post blogs on REALTOR.com; consumers can find blogs from Realtors® across the country at http://talk.realtor.com/.
Given the Internet’s convenience and round-the-clock accessibility, it’s not surprising that more and more consumers and Realtors® are connecting online. As the social networking universe expands, Realtors® will continue to find innovative ways to serve their clients and customers, and build their businesses.
The best thing about social media is it can be tailored to fit the needs of the user. At its most fundamental, online networking is simply another way to communicate, and Realtors® have an opportunity to make it work for their businesses and lives. Courtesy of the National Association of Realtors®
