I have witnessed many changes in the real estate industry over the past 31 years and have always embraced them as good for our industry. What we are experiencing right now with Web2, social networking for business, and micro blogging is not a fad. These are exciting times, and I see opportunity for those who buy into it and get re-educated to relate to the e-consumer.

I threw this question out on LinkedIn last week and had so many excellent answers that I had to select “No Best Answer” I selected 8 as good of the 13. I would like to share a few points from each answer for you to ponder.

Alex Romanovich a Sr. International Marketing and Technology Executive focused on Demand Generation, Online and Social Media Marketing said in reference to social media: The need to listen, communicate, engage, and educate is there and RE Professionals can deliver if they start using the same tools that a consumer is using already.

Simon Ackland who is an Entrepreneur, Business Developer, Marketing and Digital Marketing, Wine Industry said: There is no doubt about it, the advent of web based marketplaces saves a lot of time, fuel and rubber. And a social network can allow an agent to communicate more quickly and effectively, giving more people the opportunity to take advantage of an offering than the old “hours on the phone” approach.

Mark Spiveya Provider of cost-effective streaming media and email marketing tools indicated: The Real Estate agent of the future will need to become far more Internet aware then ever before and will use all the tools mentioned above in order to gain a foothold in a highly competitive market.

Jose I. Perez, Jr. an Innovative Leader and Real Estate Industry Expert said: Those that “get it” will move forward and succeed. Those who don’t will eventually struggle.

MAJ Jamie Huggins, Space Operations Officer / Real Estate Broker said: I believe that real estate online is going to become “Googlefied”. I can see open source real estate listings online where clients post their own stuff and prospects comment and blog about specific properties. Customers will tell real state professionals what they need. It’s happening on the social networks right now.

Pat Soltysan owner at Soltys Inc. is a business and technology consulting company said: In real estate it is not only the agents who must change but also the leadership of all companies. At the brokerage level, this will be a defining point in the growth, dynamics, operations and philosophy that drive the bottom line.

Marcus Cage Business Management Consultant said: There will be a diminishing of real estate companies, due to a lack of effective marketing, service and structure.

Rose Hart, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Burnet said: The market has numerous variables for clients to consider other than just the style and price of the home. I think the web is extremely important now and in the future of real estate, because clients need and want as much information as possible to make informed decisions on pricing their properties for sale and also those looking to buy.

As you can see, all the above professionals have one thing in common which is the consumer. This is still a people business, however we are experiencing a paradigm shift with the tools and services that we provide. You can read the answers of all respondents in there entirety on LinkedIn.

What are your thoughts? More important than that, what are you doing to be better prepared? By the way, are you LinkedIn?

“Expect the Best” Mike

As a real estate trainer and consultant, I am available to assist you in all your marketing plans, technology, in addition to helping you take your real estate career to the next level. Contact me if you’re interested in hiring a personal coach and consultant to help develop your business.

The real estate market has changed at lightning speed over the years and requires a whole new approach to attracting buyers and sellers.  Traditional newspaper advertising does not cut it in today’s market. Blogging, Web2 Websites, search engine marketing, and email marketing are only a few of the important areas that every Realtor should become accustomed to using on a daily basis in order to attract the consumer of the 21st century. I highly recommend the SEOBook below and the training program to help your business. “Expect the Best” Mike

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