PUTTING SOCIAL MEDIA IN PERSPECTIVE

Social media networking (for example, Facebook, Twitter and the like) has perhaps been the fastest growing phenomenon in our society in recent memory. It is interesting to note how these media transcend the divide between social interaction and business networking.

Due to the nature of real estate sales, there is perhaps no better arena in which online social networking has applicability. That being said, let’s put it in perspective before we start believing that one’s professional acumen as a real estate professional becomes defined by the depth of one’s social networking ability.
While social media is a potentially great tool for Realtors, let’s not confuse one’s online prowess with the core competencies of a trusted real estate advisor.

The basic skills of representing a buyer or seller, the skills of pricing a house, of negotiation, of project management, of lead generation, of lead management, of psychological counseling, of paperwork, of knowledge of laws and regulations -- and any of the other dozens of things at the core of the profession -- are all completely unrelated to social media.

A great Realtor will be a great Realtor regardless of whether they tweet or blog. And tweeting or blogging will not alone make anyone a great Realtor. That doesn’t mean, however, the use of these tools will not be invaluable to them in helping to build and retain a client base.

We are learning that communication today is done in different ways depending on the generation with whom you are communicating. Real estate skills aside, the Realtor of the future must also be comfortable with online communication and networking.