Metro Brokers Maria Cook at Inman Connect San Francisco.....Summer 2008

Maria Cook Metro Brokers
Submitted By: Maria Cook, Executive Director Metro Brokers Inc.

The Inman Connect Conference once again proved to be a wealth of information - as I reviewed my notes, pondering the most valuable gems that I could share with the MBI membership a particular session popped out - from Friday, July 25th.

The Speaker: Alex Periello, CEO of the Realogy Franchise Group, which consists of CENTURY 21, Coldwell Banker, Coldwell Banker Commercial, ERA and Sotheby's International Realty.

The topic: What's Next: When Will the Housing Market Turn?

The highlights...Hope is not a good strategy, the current market mandates that you know your local area - drill down by area and be the expert. Where are the opportunities? ...pricing - but you've got to get it right (if your sellers home is not selling...every 30 days, adjust the price). Mind your past clients; teach them how to buy the great deals on the market today using the equity from the home you sold them 5 yrs ago. Houses are selling - promote that in the press - put SOLD banners on ads. Communicate to all the renters you know (and don't know) - they are sitting on the sidelines and will be buyers soon, it's your job to give them the information that will move them off the sidelines.

The market is what it is right now ... it's a little sloppy and it may stay that way for a while - you can't change the market - but you can be positive about it and seize the market opportunities. Pricing is everything. Right now it's a REALTORS® market - Be Proactive

My observations as far as the "social media" buzz .... is that agents need to chose just the ones that will help to grow your business - quality not quantity - be nichey, transparent, cool and local and most importantly don't be intimidated by it all - embrace it! (check out curbed.com) And in conclusion, my opinion for the MVW (most valuable websites) discovered @ the 2008 Inman Connect Conference @ San Francisco:

RealEstateTomato.com (go here to learn all about social media, blogging, etc.)

43Folders.com (for getting organized)

WordPress.com (noted site (platform) for beginner bloggers) ranked #1 by New York Times