Real Estate Agents Expand Their Networks through Social Media

Are you looking for a new home, but don’t want to spend all weekend walking around neighborhoods? Well now you don’t have to. Many REALTORS® have joined in on the Web 2.0 movement.

Blogs— There are now hundreds of ways to search for a home online. One of the newer methods is through blogging. Updated about once a week with content ranging from listing information, marketing and more general real estate topics, blogs have become another great way for REALTORS® to highlight incredible listings. Blog sites like Active Rain allow REALTORS® to communicate and network with one another.

Podcasts— Agents have also turned to podcasts to increase listing visibility. Web sites like MLbroadcast allow REALTORS® to post audio and video podcasts of the homes they are selling. There are also hundreds of podcasts on iTunes about the real estate market, investments, mortgages, real estate talk radio and much more. Even the President of Real Living, Kaira Sturdivant Rouda, has an iTunes podcast feed.

Social Networks— Jumping into the Web 2.0 movement also means REALTORS® have started creating Facebook and Myspace profiles. This allows them to easily reach out to Generation X and Y, who are traditionally first-time home buyers and don’t always know how or where to look for an agent. Using social media sites allows agents to communicate instantly with their clients in a user-friendly manner. Clients are also able to see if that particular agent is a good match for them by viewing his/her profile. Facebook, Myspace and many others allow clients and agents to connect on a real and personal level.

Online Videos— The use of online videos is also popular right now. Sites that allow you to post video content, like YouTube, Facebook, and MySpace are slowly enhancing the real estate industry because agents are able to post virtual video tours of homes. Clients can then get a better feel for a home before even stepping inside. This feature of the Web 2.0 movement is great for people looking to move to a different city or state. Viewing a video of homes in the area allows them to narrow down exactly what houses they like and don’t like. All in all, the Web 2.0 movement is advancing the real estate industry by making it more enjoyable and easier for you to find an agent and a home that is right for you.

For more information on how to market your home online, contact your local agent today!