The holidays are over !

They were well deserved these holidays. We were fortunate in that our daughter and grand- daughter visited us from Japan where they live.

We also took advantage of this period to take in some additional training to stay ahead of the fast evolution of the social networks.

Most of our clients were also on holidays. I thought when they came back they will be more active on their Twitter or Professional Facebook... but no, nearly nothing. Ok there are some jokes, sharing of photos, politics, anecdotes, etc, and these are fine but we are social and there is a difference between personal social and business social.

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Therefore I cannot help but reflect upon the fact that brokers rarely publish their listings. Some mention their blog(s), however their last posting dates back weeks or months. Others publish the fact they are having a coffee with someone or at some restaurant, or their brother-in-law has a car for sale, but no listings or announcement of open houses. His leaves me speechless!

The importance of Facebook as a working tool.

Most brokers have properties for sales and it is proven that 7 out of 10 potential buyers will check on Facebook the name of a Broker referred by a friend, or an acquaintance, or even because a broker advertises himself already on Twitter with a link to his Facebook, the same page that shows photos of his breakfast, luch or dinner, students who manifest, etc, but no property for sale!!!

 Are Real Estate Brokers afraid or insecure about Social Networks ?

I believe so.  Many still believe in the paper page of the newspapers. Its one of the medium but include your Twitter or Facebook address. It is where people shop. Many courses are offered to learn about Social Networks.

If you find time to “socialize” on your Social Networks ,you probably have time to announce your next open house.

Yes it does requires a certain discipline and no , you don’t have to include all your listings. However, when a client sees his house on the Facebook page of his broker he will be more likely to recommend you to his contacts.

Fabienne Malenfant