The number one thing that has helped my real estate career has been reading blogs.
Through my years in real estate, I have gotten almost no help from my colleagues or brokers. The philosophy was that we were in direct competition with each other so we could not share our ideas or expertise because it might hurt our career. Almost no agents would divulge any of their so called “secrets”. If a real estate agent would give up any of their knowledge, it was at a price.
I am so glad I discovered Web 2.0. What I learned was it is ok to share knowledge and ideas. It will not hurt me. It will help build a supportive community and it will help the real estate industry as a whole.
Here are some things I have learned by reading blogs:
- Social media, especially Twitter
- About blogging and blogging ideas
- All about video
- Virtual tour options
- Marketing techniques
- Advertising
- Real estate news
- What to put on my website
- How to treat clients
And much, much more.
My favorite real estate blogs are:
- Sellsius Real Estate
- HomeGain Blog
- Agent Genius
- Bloodhound Blog
- Guerilla Marketing
- Real Estate Tomato
- Real Estate Zibra
- The Real Estate Bloggers
- My local newspaper blog
I subscribe to about 20 blogs and read them in my feed reader. I am discovering more every day. I encourage you to find your own favorites and never stop learning!
To read more from Heather, click here.
Love me some Moo cards!
October 13th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Daniel, I agree! Moo cards are awesome, and fun to make. The reaction from people I give them to is priceless.
October 14th, 2008 at 11:44 am
I have to say, I totally relate to what you have to say. Though the first REALTOR that I used to know did help me some, but it was only to be at a price. He started helping me a little, with little tips on how to do an effective neighborhood farm, but then came the price, in order to learn anything more he wanted me to sign a legal contract making me his buyers agent for the next 3 years, with a full non compete for a 10 year period. I thought to myself, NO WAY. It seems like most everyone who has become successful in the real estate business is like this, at least everyone that I have meet.
I had never heard of Moo cards, but I love Bloodhoundblog, and will be checking out some others on your list.
Jim
October 15th, 2008 at 4:47 am
Jim,
I am so glad to hear that you related to my article. The frustration I felt at times was almost unbearable. I had a Broker who also wanted to charge me for anything he helped me with. I promptly left that office. Their loss. It is hard to be successful with no help.
The more blogs you read, the more blogs you will find out about. I am so thankful for the information. Besides giving me marketing ideas, I have also found hope from the positivity of the authors. It has completely changed my attitude.
Best of luck to you, Jim.
October 15th, 2008 at 7:57 am
i have to say im not a big fan of the moo cards, they cost too much and take to long to ship for my taste…i generally use http://www.printsmadeeasy.com for my printing
November 13th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I have been into the internet business for real estate for several years with sites and blogs. Mnay agents want to how to do it and what success that you have had. I know very few agents would spend the time and learn the ropes to success.
I tend not to share with locals but share openly with friends I have met in the last 5-6 years on the net. I learn a lot and its a two way street.
December 17th, 2008 at 5:41 pm