As real estate professionals begin to explore the world of the blogosphere, many will find that their presence online has been preceded by savvy 'webpreneuers' who understand the rugged terrain of Search Engine Positioning in a way that most Newbies to this virtual world do not.

Take for instance, an interesting experience that I had recently.  I was doing a training session for an agent and demonstrating the benefits which accrue to clients who utlize an agent who is involved in Social Networking.

We initiated a google search for our company listing by address.  It had been placed on real estate shows and exported to a number of different channels including Trulia.  We noted that Trulia was in the #1 position on the Google index.

Initially I was not concerned.  We upload our listings on Trulia, so I thought that in a fashion similar to oodle and other sites to which our listing were exported, there would be a link back to our site or the real estate show. This type of WIN WIN cross promotion ensures that clients are given the best information about the home from the Broker, who benefits from the FREE Listing AND provides Valuable data for Trulia and hence its' advertisers.

There were 4 entries on a search for the address of the listing so, we clicked on each of them. But, what was most disconcerting was that the Trulia link did NOT link back to our website from Google.  Instead, it took me to a page with some general information about the area including a street map and advertising.  There was NO EVIDENCE of the listing information or indication that this listing had been provided courtesy of a real estate broker. 

When, I stumbled upon this post, I understood WHY this is the case.  The discussion regarding 'NO FOLLOW TAGS' is highly enlightening. You may also want to read Trulia's explanation for their policy and decide for yourself if this ultimately assists or undermines real estate brokers.

As a blogger, listings which I post online do rank in the top search engine positions.  This is no small thing for a home owner who is hiring me to market their home to the largest possible audience.  With over 85% of potential buyers searching online first...this is very valuable online real estate. The entity which controls the information flow will in time become the defacto national MLS.  Today, in many markets, a home owner whose agent does not know how to position their home listing online will find that either it is non-existent for all practical purposes OR being used to sell advertising.

Home owners hire Realtors to not only position their homes online but to represent them.  When, our listing index on a major search engine is repurposed to suit advertisers AND stripped of the ability to link directly to the Broker who provides the information and knows the most about the property, I can't help but wonder who is really being served.  Is this truly in the best interest of the public and does this sort of 'misdirection' truly benefit the home purchasing experience for the consumer? 

I'm curious...Brokers & Agents, have you observed this?  Do you understand its potential implications for your business?

Related Links:

Inman News has a very intelligent discussion about various angles of this important issue.

Copyright 2008  Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

There's a simple proverb that says..."When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. 

For thousands of students in Michigan, including myself, that teacher has been Gwyn Besner. My initial interraction with Gwyn was during a Continuing Education Class. I found her teaching style interesting and she definitely kept us awake!

Through the years, I have recommended Gwyn Besner to many students who through her instruction and encouragement successfully passed their real estate licensing exams.  More importantly, these new real estate agents finished her classes with a clear sense of what the real estate profession aspires to be and were well prepared to launch their new profession. 

Today, Gwyn is the President and Instructor for the Acme Institute and continues to teach students across the State of Michigan.

So, I am delighted to be able to have the opportunity to have Gwyn Besner participate in the Continuing Education Courses that are being offered in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 28th, 2008. 

Gwyn will be joining us in the afternoon of May 28th, 2008 to teach the Code of Ethics!  This class will function for double duty!  In addition to qualifying for 3 hours of Continuing Education Core Curriculum, this class will also allow members of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors to have an interesting, live interactive Code of Ethics class...one of the requirements for ALL members of GRAR.

Don't Miss this Opportunity!

Here's a Description of the Course that Gwyn will be teaching on May 28, 2008... 

Honesty, Integrity and Commitment are not just buzz words.  As a REALTOR® those are the promises you make.  The public knows that because you can use the term REALTOR® after your name, they can expect nothing less from you.  Do you really understand the promises you are making?  Join us for a fresh perspective of the Code as we celebrate its 100^th birthday. 

This class contains the NAR required curriculum for the Second Cycle of Quadrennial training and has been approved by the Department of Labor and Economic Growth of the State of Michigan for three hours of continuing education, including the mandatory two hour core curriculum (legal update) #K299, K5047.  Presented by Gwyn Besner of The Acme Institute Approval code K348

Class Starts at 1:00 p.m.

Registration begins at Noon* Participants in the Blogging Courses can register for all 3 courses and obtain 7 hours of Continuing Education in one day and have all your requirements for Continuing Education, Core Curriculum/Legal Update AND Code of Ethics in one day! If you register for all 3 Courses...We'll Feed You Lunch!

Place:  660 Kenmoor SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Click this LINK to REGISTER for the Code of Ethics class!  (the registration button is at the bottom of the page)

Click this LINKG to REGISTER for Blogging Continuing Education Classes!

Related Links:

Information about the Blogging & Technology Continuing Education Courses on May 21 & 28th, 2008

State ID K1062 & 1063  Instructor Approval Code ~ Audu Real Estate K355

Download Registration Form for  Blogging & Technology Continuing Education Courses

View Video of Class held in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2007

Click to read more from Gwyn Besner's blog...

Visit Gwyn Besner's Website...