My friend and Realtor Margaret Rome, ePro of Baltimore MD is featured in the ‘Masters Series’ of the latest Realtor Magazine. In this video, Margaret her secrets for creating a successful open house:

Congratulations Margaret on your successful career and creative marketing!

Much of your real estate marketing in the last 18 months as probably been directed towards first-time home buyers. The home buyer tax credit is due to expire in just 8 days. The end of free government money will most likely make this segment of the population less motivated to buy real estate. This begs the question, “Who do you focus your real estate marketing on next?”

For the last two years, the Marketing Executive Networking Group has polled its members to learn about the issues on the minds of top marketers. Both surveys included questions about the “most important marketing segment.” Both times Boomers topped the list. Higher than Women or Hispanics/Latinos.

Boomer Project founder/president Matt Thornhill lists 10 reasons to examine the opportunities of targeting boomers in your 2010 marketing plan:

1. You will build your career and legacy on their backs
2. They buy things. Lots of things
3. They try new things
4. They are easy to reach
5. They think they are in the middle of Middle Age
6. They use the Internet
7. They have grandkids
8. They are control freaks
9. They like advertising
10. They are the future

Be sure to read Matt Thornhill’s complete article when considering to include Boomers in your real estate marketing plan.

One of my real estate virtual assistant clients, Clayton Gits, asked me for client closing gift suggestions. I posed the question, “What has been your most successful closing gift in terms of client appreciation and shelf life?” to a LinkedIn Group and here are the results:

“A brass plaque of the homes street address. The clients loved it, and point out to each of their friends that their “Realtor” bought it for them…They see it each time they enter their home and are reminded of me.”  Alan May

“Anything practical – gift card to Home Depot or Lowe’s or Costco. Substantial amount. Always depended on their needs.”   Laurie Barrera

“It depends on the client’s needs/wants. Recently I had a client mention the name of her favorite restaurant so I’ll likely get a gift card for there and something for the home. I’ve given Scentsey product as well. Here is a link in case you aren’t familiar with the product. https://ussuccess.scentsy.us/home ” Les Hackmeister

“I wrote a post called “My Housekeeper is Adorable! ” I described the Roomba which I have renamed RomeBa. This is a great closing gift!”  Margaret Rome

“I quit doing closing gifts. The best “gift” is to stay in touch with your clients. If you have to give something, one of the best I was was a self inking stamp with the buyer’s new address on it. They can use it forever. I never put my return address on my bills, but I always make sure the sender’s address is showing, but if I had a stamp, I would use it. Of course the stamp should have your name and contact information on it.”  Jerry Becker

Thank you all for your suggestions! what do you give for a real estate closing gift?

There are many applications available to add your real estate listings to Facebook. So many in fact, it becomes very time consuming to look at each one and figure out which one best suits your needs. The purpose of this post is to save you time and aggravation by sharing my research as a real estate virtual assistant.

1. Realtor.com

Realtor.com has a free Facebook application that pulls your listing information from Realtor.com and adds it to your Facebook profile in a box on your left sidebar and in a tab. All you need is your MLS ID and you are good to go. The one drawback to this application is when visitors click on your listing they are taken to the Realtor.com page and away from your Facebook profile. Once on Realtor.com, a visitor may never get back to your information.

You can download the application at www.SeeMyListings.com.

2. My Real Estate Listings

This application is powered by www.previsite.com. The Facebook application is free, but you must subscribe to Previsite. Included in your yearly subscription is a camera kit to do your own virtual tours, a web based platform to upload, organization and management of your images. You can add floor plans and hotspots, send your tours to facebook, twitter, send video tours to youtube, get traffic statistics, email/share the tour, print flyers, etc. A yearly subscription is $579.

This application received rave reviews from the agents using it and listings are displayed in an attractive manner. When accessing the application you must sign up for a Previsite account first. I was sent to a Login page with no ability to create an account. Extremely frustrating to say the least!!

3. Center Stage For Real Estate

This application is from Clientopoly. It displays your listings and even sold properties, publishes updates to your page and automatically generates a flyer/web page. There is a 30 day free trial and then a $96 annual subscription. Listings are displayed nicely and when clicked on a custom flyer displays. This application can be added to a Page, as well as your Profile.

4. My Agent Desk

You must be a member of My Agent Desk to use this application, but membership is free to Real Estate Professionals. Listings are added to a box in your left sidebar and to a Tab. The listing display page is not terribly exciting nor is the property flyer. I wasn’t impressed by the typos on the Info tab.

Here is a full flyer view.

5. Real Estate Agent Widget

This application gives you a separate, professional Real Estate Agent profile with the ability to add your Real Estate listings directly to a Facebook personal, business or fan page. The widget is eye catching and one I thought looked promising. But there are 2 reviews on their page and neither is complementary. Complaints are the widget is too far down on the wall and the subscription is difficult to cancel. You go to http://socialrealestatetools.com to subscribe. The cost is $129.99 annually.

6.  Mighty Agent Listings

You must have an account at www.MightyAgent.com. Mighty Agent creates single property websites for your listings. There is a $195.00 set-up fee and a $39 month fee for 2 agents (I’m guessing a Team). Property domain registration and sign riders are also available. The summary page of listings is the nicest looking that I have seen. When you click on the listing it brings up a full page property flyer customized to the agent. Here is an example: http://selwithdel.com/?mlsnum=3850719.

7.  Real Estate – Realtor Listing Application

This application is from www.elistit.com. It provides a slide show in the left sidebar of your Profile plus a summary page that will show all your listings in a wider column then the Narrow Box. It will also show your contact information and your company logo. Elistit offers a 14 day free trial and then it is $99 annually. I couldn’t get any pricing info until after I signed up for the free trial.

8.  Real Estate Agents Listing Application
Real Estate – Agents Listing Application by SocialRealEstateTools.com lets you add your property listings and manage a professional real estate profile. This service works by combining a feature rich editor for your real estate profile and property listings for sale with custom built Facebook apps and features. This is the same application as #5 with a different name.

9.  See Live Listings

When I clicked on this app, I got a blank page. This is what Julie Woodward-Trenker had to say:  “Well I filled this out except that everytime I confirm my information, the page defaults to listing me as a Spanish Tutor instead of Residential Real Estate Agent. What’s that about?????”

10. USAHomeSearch

If you have an account with www.USAhomesearch.org, you can post your listings to your Facebook profile page. I couldn’t get my login to work and there are many requests for help on the Wall for this provider. I couldn’t find a sample of a summary page.

11. Agent Nation

The AgentNation Facebook App integrates with your AgentNation real estate listings, virtual tours, and blog displaying them on your Facebook Profile. AgentNation offers virtual tours, property flyers, Google street views, Realtor.com integration, unlimited hosting, video creation and hosting, and Facebook integration for $89 a year. There is an impressive introduction video that is worth taking a look at, https://www.agentnation.com. The summary page is easy to read and here is a sample of a virtual tour, http://www.agentnation.com/vt/1118.

Well, my friends, your real estate virtual assistant has done her homework and compiled this extensive list of applications to help you decide how and where you want to  display your listings on Facebook. I hope it saves you much time and aggravation so you can get back to your job of selling real estate.

If you are confused, have questions or want help with your Facebook and social media presence, give me a call or shoot me an email. I’m here to help!!

Social Media. Real Estate. What’s the BIG deal?

Are you one of many who think social media is a Fad and you and your real estate business don’t need to be there? I was! This video by Erik Qualman at Socialnomics.net will change your mind!

As a real estate virtual assistant, I have been blogging for years and have understood the seo value of blogs. I also have personal profiles on the prominent social media sites, as well as created profiles for clients. But I have to admit, I did really GET social media.

This video and a webinar course with Social Media Magic his opening my eyes. You will hear more about what I am learning and how to make money with social media.

I’m sure you have heard the quote ‘Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.’ I believe this is true. I also believe it has limits. One of the limits is copying text off the Home page of my real estate virtual assistant website without asking my permission. At first, I was not a happy camper as you can imagine. On taking a second look, it became hysterical. Here is why…

I received an email from a virtual assistant friend of mine. I read:

Hello,

Take a look at the Home page of my website and you will see what was lifted from me.

Real Estate Virtual Assistant Buzz:

Do you remember the brisk Buyers Market of a few years ago? Buyers were beating down your doors. Anyone who could breathe had a real estate license and was selling homes. Then the market went south. Buyers were no where to be found and your pipeline of new business dried up because you hadn’t been doing any marketing. You had neither the time nor the need to keep your name out there. A tougher real estate  market requires getting back to basics and evaluating what works in our new reality and what doesn’t.

Brain Buffini has detailed detours on your road to success:

The Five Detours on the Road to Success

1. Lack of Accountability

Every human being does better with accountability because we truly cannot see our own shortcomings; outside perspective is the best way to gain clarity on our patterns.

2. Loss of Motivation

Motivation, by its very nature, is designed to dissipate so we need to seek it out continually. As my friend and mentor, Zig Ziglar, says: “Motivation is like bathing. You have to do it on a daily basis!”

3. In Need of Direction

Once you get things moving and gain some momentum you actually need more direction than you did when you were just starting out. This is borne out by countless people who work their whole life and have nothing to show for it.

4. Isolation

All you have to do is watch the “Animal Planet” documentary on predators in the wild to know how detrimental isolation can be: Predators never attack the pack; they always look for the isolated, hurt, wounded, and lost, the ones who’ve stopped moving forward. Self-employed people are more predisposed to this isolation than anyone else.

5. Drift

While “isolation” is a predator, “drift” is a killer; it’s the “silent assassin” because we don’t know how far and how fast we’ve drifted until something catastrophic happens.

As you can see, the “Five Detours” are things we all face and it can be easy to get off track in both business and our personal lives. But let’s examine the solution side of things. If there are detours, then rest assured there are also rules of the road to get you and your real estate business back on track.

Stay on Track with These Rules of the Road

1. Stay Accountable

While it may not be natural to seek out accountability, let’s just have a look at what happens in its absence. Tiger Woods – the greatest golfer in the world – recently missed the cut at the British Open. Just so happens it was the first time in five years he didn’t bring his coach to a tournament.

2. Brainstorm and Network with Others

We humans do much better when we mastermind together, which is why we facilitate networking at our events, as well as in our Coaching programs and Small Groups. Surround yourself with positive, resourceful, successful people, because they’ll lift you up rather than drag you down.

3. Plan Daily Doses of Motivation

Just think of your daily motivation like an essential vitamin, with nothing but positive, good-for-you side effects. Plan daily doses by listening to affirming CDs in your car or by reading good books – just a few lines here or there will go a long way.

4. Follow the System

You know you’re in need of direction – everybody is. And we’ve developed a system that works. Now, I know that few people ever follow the system 100%, but what if that means you’re missing out on a 30% jump in your income?

5. Work with a Coach

A Coach has the expertise, tools and strategies to help you get your business cranking. That accountability and direction will help you avoid drift – the deadly killer.

A real estate virtual assistant helps you stay on track on your road to success. We can create and implement the systems needed to accomplish your goals and keep you moving in the right direction. Contact us and together we will make 2010 the best year yet!

As a real estate Virtual Assistant my satisfaction comes from knowing I have helped make my clients not only look good, but exceed expectations and set themselves a part as leaders in their real estate community.

Knowing this, you will understand why I was thrilled when my client, Mike Manosky with RE/MAX Huntsville, shared a compliment he received from a Craigs List user: 

Hi Ruth Ann,

I just wanted to pass along this email I got last night off Craigs List. I really enjoy reading the copy you create as well. Thanks for all the great work!

Mike Manosky……

I am not looking to buy or sell a house, but I am retired and therefore have time to look at homes offered for sale.  I must say that your description of this property was masterfully done and should bring you many inquiries.  

It’s such a pleasure to see well written ad copy at at time when some realtors don’t even know how to spell or care enough to include a picture of the property! Hopefully your thoroughness and ability to paint such a positive picture of this home brings you much gratitude from the home’s owners.  Keep up the great work!   

JK 

Marketing of your listings or listing coordination an ideal task to outsource to a real estate virtual assistant, especially if you don’t enjoy writing. You might be wondering how be can write aobut a hoouse we have never been in. What happens with Mike is he provides us with an information sheet he uses when he takes the listing, the MLS sheet and photos. You see the results.

Contact us today. We’d enjoy making YOU look good!

I feel part of my job as a Real Estate Virtual Assistant is to be on top of the latest marketing techniques. I take the time to educate myself in the latest tools needed to build a successful real estate business. I then share what I have learned with my clients to help them grow their businesses. I am currently taking a 4 week course with Social Media Magic learning how to create a strategic and comprehensive social media marketing campaign for real estate. Here is what I have gleaned from the first course… 

I’m sure you have heard the latest catch phrase, social media. Like me, you probably realize that social media has to do with sharing photos with friends, telling about the great party you went to last night and what you are having for dinner tonight. You may not understand what it has to do with your real estate business. Sure all the real estate trainers say you need to be on Facebook and Twitter, but what exactly IS social media and WHY do you and your real estate business need a presence there!! 

What is Social Media? 

Social media is a complex, organic online conversation between multiple people. The keyword here is ‘conversation’. In the old Web 1.0 Internet, you had no interaction or relationship with people. Your website is most likely is very static. The content doesn’t change much and there is no real time interaction. With the new Web 2.0, which social media is a part of, you are involving people in your business and empowering them to have a relationship with you. 

Social media is not just Facebook and Twitter. It does include social media networks, but also includes, blogs, microblogs, video and photo sharing, message boards, wiki, virtual reality, social gaming, podcasts and Real Simple Syndication (RSS). 

Why Do You Want to Participate In Social Media? 

Read the rest of this entry »

Are you good at generating Internet leads for your real estate business, but having difficutly converting those leads? It is easy to get yourself into a vicious cycle. Business is slow. You spend money on marketing. You generate leads. You diligently follow-up on those leads. You get busy with new clients. Then don’t have time to follow-up on leads and business is slow again. Don’t fret! There is a way out of this cycle!

A skilled real estate virtual assistant can respond to and nurture your Internet leads until they become ready, willing and able buyers. The leads can be pre-qualified by your lender, sent relocation information, put on drip email campaigns, set up on automated property searches, sent newsletters, called at pre-determined intervals, and made to feel like they are your only client and you haven’t even talked with them yet.

Watch this power point presentation below and see how a real estate virtual assistant helped Leigh Brown with RE/MAX Signature Properties in Charlotte NC take her Internet business for 6% to 24% of her total business in one year.

Have questions about how a real estate virtual assistant can help you convert more leads. Contact us at info@myreassistant.com. We are glad to answer all your questions.