Ed Kaminsky's Real Estate Blog

Another post from our in-house Marketing Director, Deanna Whipp. . .

I'm in the middle of a web design project that is huge. It's costly. It's time consuming, but for what we are going to accomplish it's worth everything we're putting into it. Will post on it when it goes live, but that's another matter. Just read a great article on the beauty of the most basic of websites. 

http://www.37signals.com/svn/posts/1407-why-the-drudge-report-is-one-of-the-best-designed-sites-on-the-web

I've read, discussed,followed blogs and attended classes that all seek to reveal the secret to the perfect real estate website. I've seen real beauties. I've drooled over costly designs I've run across in our peer group. I'm still yet to be convinced there is a perfect formula for a site that does it all. If there was such a  thing, wouldn't we all have one? Then wouldn't most Real Estate agent's sites pretty much be the same? Then, what would the point be for a consumer to look around much?

What I'm getting at is that I adore that Real Estate agents' sites are so different. Like each agent, the personality of the site really gives insight to who the agent might be. Each site is a tool to define the individual, thus allowing the consumer to shop around and match their own personalities to that of an agent who may work for them. It's like a pre-interview. That's what I have taken away from all that I have been reading and following.

That's why it is so important when building your site to make sure that you are giving the consumer what they expect to find, as well as what you believe it is important for an agent to provide a client. Yes, school info should be there, but what about the other stuff that a brand new member of the community would rely on you to provide? What about simple links to local happenings? A cool local blog? Where to find the lowest gas prices in town, where to conveniently track local news and entertainment? This kind of content, no matter if flashy or a simple link, is stuff that will prompt buyers and sellers alike to bookmark your site. Being connected to you means much more than finding a home. Relationships have changed. You stay in contact with friends and family via the internet now, don't you? Facebook? Twitter? Why shouldyour website be any different?

So, be creative, introduce your internet consumers not only to who you are, but what you are about and what you know about the community; not just why you are a great agent (which you are and they will find that out once they start working with you), but why you are a great person to know.

A Real Estate site as simple, yet complex as the Drudge site? Sure, why not? As long as the consumer is relying on your site to provide new information, reliable sources, and content richer than a template, you are certain to gain repeat visitors.

You know, truthfully, we've all shouldered the varying, somtimes harsh and at others supportive, public opinions of Real Estate agents. Our ethics get questioned. Our motives. Our basis for making a living. I read many public blogs and sometimes it does get hard to turn the other cheek to the occasional very angry and targeted comments about the "worthlessness of agents" and "what do they ever do except help you through an easy transaction then collect their check and you never hear from them again?" etc.etc.etc.

I'm inspired this week by what's left in the wake of these awful fires. I see my fellow agents, who themselves may be struggling in the adversity of this market, giving of themselves freely and without a second thought to help, in any way they can, the victims of these fires. Emails went out almost immediately from other agents and brokers asking for donations, for volunteer work, & for relocation support. Many colleagues, without question, opened their hearts, their schedules, their wallets, their homes, even, to victims without a thought. Realtors are right there to help re-build lives, re-build communities and re-build hope. Everyday, I am proud to be a Realtor, but today I am even moreso.

though, thankfully, my community was one not directly impacted by the fires, I want to thank every agent out there, whether I know you or not, for stepping up and being there, once again, when your community needs you most. Not only is the show of humanity an eloquent gesture in this tough world, but to show what it is we do, that our job never is done, THAT is what we are made of and I am proud to be a part of such a great network of outstanding people.

If you haven't already and you wish to help out, please contact your local Red Cross to find out how you can support the fire victims in California.

My marketing manager pointed out to me today that we can log on to Homes.com, click on a listing, then at the top of the listing there is a link icon. Click on that, and you can create instant links to your listings that take you right to the logon page of your favorite social marketing site, such as Twitter, FaceBook, LinkedIn and many,many more. Because it is so easy to do, I am encouraged to make quick tweets announcing my open houses, a new listing, a listing that has gone into escrow and more. Every day I learn something new, and sites like Homes.com that simplify my job while increasing exposure for my sellers properties is ingenious! What also is so cool about this quick, easy feature is that it is not specific to agents, the public also has access to the same link feature and now I want to focus on how to encourage the public to share links to their social sites right from Homes.com. Great way for people to share with friends and family what they are looking for or just give kudos to a great house, a great value, etc. Always thinking. . .