RISMedia reported today that Swanepoel Trends recently released its latest report highlighting the top 15 trends impacting the real estate industry. How has the Internet, along with blogs, changed the real estate industry?
Now, empowered by a wealth of information at their fingertips, Internet homebuyers are generally experiencing a greater sense of control during the home-buying process. They are devoting more time to research before working with a real estate agent, but they tend to move quickly once they began working with an agent.That is, of course, until the real estate boom generated a group of tech-savvy agents, some who have utilized blogs to educate buyers and sellers, generate business and transform the real estate industry. I'm proud to have been named as one of those who have helped transform the industry through blogging. Here's more:Although search engines have been around a long time, most brokers and agents have still not succeeded in optimizing their Web sites sufficiently enough to be found on the first page of the primary search results for search engines such as Google, Yahoo and MSN.
In 2004, blogs unexpectedly vaulted into the forefront of major media, where today there are thought to be approximately 30 million “bloggers” worldwide. Blogging provides yet another tool to help real estate agents maintain an open dialogue with their clients and provide them with valuable information. By posting local current events or financing updates alongside listings, agents can establish themselves as the expert in a specialized area.More buyers go online to search for homes than they did a decade ago, or even five years ago. The result is more real estate agent and broker websites, as well as more blogs.Some examples of blogging in real estate include:
-- Fran and Rowenta (Dilbeck Realtors® GMAC in La Canada, California—www.franandrowena.com)—use a real estate blog to inform viewers about prices, trends and events in the real estate market.
-- John Mudd (Exit Realty Suncoast in Largo, Florida—www.homeintampabay.com)—uses his real estate blog as a marketing tool to convey information about current interest rates and the housing market.
-- Hanan Levin (The Champion Company in Riverside, California—www.thegreatteam.com)—uses his blog called grow-a-brain to post topics such as politics, architecture, Americana, cinema, foods and sculptures.
-- Fraser Beach (Select Plan Real Estate near Toronto, Canada—http://toreal.blogs.com)—writes about topical real estate issues, locally-based news and general real estate advice for homebuyers and sellers.
The overwhelming message of Trend #15 is that wherever you look, the Internet is exploding. It continues to drive many of the changes in the real estate industry, opening new opportunities for forward thinking brokers and agents.
Article comments
1 - San Diego real estate
Yes, I agree 100% The problem is that 99% of the real estate website are 'buy from me' billboard site with little useful or dated information.
2 - Mr. Real Estate
Yes, most websites are like that. The website you linked to appears to also be one of those billboard-type websites. The fortunate thing for Realtors and brokers about blogging is that it allows them to provide home buying and selling consumers with information that can help them throughout the process, as well as inform them of market conditions and what's on the market. Billboard-type websites rarely allow for this. Blogging is a growing trend in the real estate industry, as consumers continue to desire more information before selling or buying a home.
-John Mudd
"Mr. Real Estate"
3 - Matt Huband
I have been blogging since December. I think that if your are in real estate and are not using the internet to it's potential your missing out!!
4 - Mr. Real Estate
There is definitely no doubt about that one, Matt. Nice blog, by the way.
-John Mudd
"Mr. Real Estate"
5 - jpillow24
I agree. Everyone is now inclined to go online in search for homes. That is the fastest way to access agents, brokers and home in sales without so much effort and hassle. Blogs i think are keeping buyers and all real estate professionals informed of the market condition; whether or not it's wise to buy or sell housing properties on a particular time.