Social Networking Accelerates REALTOR® Information Highway
The Lehigh Valley Association of REALTORS® (LVAR) is keeping at the forefront of innovative technologies as new forms of social networking are developed. And it’s a wise choice. According to the 2008 National Association of Realtors® Profiles of Home Buyers and Sellers, nearly 9 out of 10 recent buyers use the Internet in their home search.
Along with its websites lehighvalleyarea.com and lehighvalleyopenhouses.biz, LVAR also has a Facebook page and twitters. “Facebook has been a great marketing tool for us,” says Rosemary Scardina, Chief Executive Officer of LVAR. “Our marketing with Facebook has been beneficial to both our membership and the public in general. We list all of our meetings and events such as classes and fundraisers. Our page also features our current TV commercials and achievements.” LVAR also lists information from the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Facebook has also been beneficial for members of LVAR reaching out to their community of friends and clients. Some REALTORS® have connected with new clients from their Facebook contacts and others post listings of homes for sale on their pages. Professional REALTORS® are most successful by making connections and receiving recommendations and referrals. Facebook is yet another way to successfully make connections in the business world and the community. The end result is better customer service for their clients.
Does LVAR tweet? You bet. It has a listing on Twitter and uses the social network to remain in constant communication with their members. “We tweet to members of far Associations to keep them informed on real estate industry news and government affairs on the national, state, and local levels,” says Scardina.
Members of LVAR recently began using text messaging as a means of communication to potential clients. The Goomzee product, Realty Connect, sends information on homes for sale to potential buyers. A number is listed on signs and in advertisements; consumers text to 44133 and then enter the specific code number in the message area. Within seconds basic home information is sent to their cell phone. If there are photos or a virtual tour available, there is a slight delay and then a link is sent to access the additional information.
Many real estate professionals, including Scardina, use Linkedin for professional contacts. This social network lists professional information and credentials including job titles, work experience, education and fields of expertise. As one becomes ‘linked in’, professional contacts in diverse industries become information resources and may also provide referrals to one another.
“LVAR and its members have rapidly advanced along with current technologies to communicate with consumers by providing them with on-demand information on available homes for sale in the Lehigh Valley,” adds Scardina.
Whether you’re using web sites, Facebook, Realty Connect or a simple phone call, get information on homes for sale now. With mortgage rates at an historic low, mortgage monies available, FHA loans for as little as 3.5% down, an $8000 tax credit for qualified first-time homebuyers and homes available from under 100,000 to over 1 million, the time to buy is now.
This article is provided courtesy of the members of the Lehigh Valley Association of REALTORS®. Visit us at www.lehighvalleyarea.com and check out our open houses at www.lehighvalleyopenhouses.biz |