So what is the future of real estate marketing? When new real estate services or models are introduced, it’s often followed by the glum predictions from industry soothsayers who proclaim the end of the real estate world as we know it.

For example, when the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) became available online, some "old school" real estate agents disagreed with allowing free access to listings. Some thought agents would no longer be needed because the internet would replace them. Although there are new business models, there will always be a need for good, trustworthy real estate professionals who use the latest tools to connect buyers with sellers.

REAL ESTATE WEB 2.0, TEXT MESSAGING and PODCASTS

"Web 2.0" is the latest buzzword for the more interactive "second coming" of the internet, where there’s more interaction between buyers, sellers and the founders of a given website. YouTube, Flickr, MySpace, etc. are all examples of the new social media sites that have created fame for the person next door.

There are some web 2.0 solutions on the horizon, but the most widely
accepted tools are text messaging and podcasts. Podcasting isn’t really
interactive like Web 2.0, but it’s a more active marketing of a property. Video podcasting of listings is catching on, but it’s still kind of lame. So far, video quality is a major issue and the tools aren’t really robust.

GREAT "NEW" TOOLS

• MLPodcast is a nice site
  for podcasting, but their branding can seem intrusive. It seems easy to
  use, but I’m not sold on whether podcasts really help sell a home.
• WellcomeMat is a
  promising video solution. WellcomeMat co-founder, Christian Sterner, is
  very pleasant and responsive. I suggested he add RSS feeds and the
  ability to do podcasting from the videos.
• SMS/text message solutions like CellSigns, DriveBuyTech (new site coming) are great. I really like the use of text messaging because it’s simple and less obtrusive to a buyer.
• SinglePropertySites and AgencyLogic were ahead of their time, but Vflyer
  is catching up. Vflyer uses video, text messaging, e-flyer, javascript
  listing tools  and ability to post on Trulia, Craigslist, etc.

I’m working on some web 2.0 articles for a local business magazine,
so will post my research and updates here. Stay tuned! Also read my
article on how to use Vflyer in real estate.

Popularity: 3% [?]

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 28th, 2007 at 10:54 am and is filed under Technology, Tools and Mobile Marketing. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.