Using free and low-cost online tools can help real estate agents connect with consumers and market properties more effectively in today's digital age. The document discusses tools like Facebook, YouTube, blogs, and Google services that agents can use to get noticed, educate buyers, and showcase listings. It also provides examples of how agents can leverage their MLS membership and realtor.org resources to send targeted marketing messages and create professional home CDs for clients.

1. Using What’cha Got!
Using the Internet Wisely (and inexpensively)
Matthew Rathbun, Director of Professional Development
ABR, ABRM, AHWD, ASR, CSP e-PRO, GRI, GREEN, QSC, SRS, SRES
Licensed Broker

2. Two Tools that Have Nothing To Do With Today’s Class
2

3. THE WHAT AND WHY OF REAL
 Swanepoel: “87% of Brokers feel that servicing
smarter and more informed consumers I their
largest concern”
 Marc Davison, 1000 Watt Consulting: “How
long can a trillion dollar industry sustain
disregard for the iPOD, MySpace, Facebook,
YouTube, Starbucks, text messaging and
brand conscious consumers?”

4. SWANEPOEL REPORTS
“Failing to make a decision (to
change) is simply not an option
– the market will make one for
you.”
(Swanepoel Report)

5. THE WHY OF TECHNOLOGY
1%
1% 38%
2%
5%
6%
Internet (38%)
Realtor (33%)
Yard Sign (14%)
Home Builder (6%) 14%
Friend/Relative (5%)
Knew Seller (2%) 33%
Flyer/House Book (1%)
Print Media (.87%)
Source: 2008 NAR Profile of Buyer and Sellers

6. Facebook Demographics
• 170% Growth in 35-45 year olds in past
year
• Average age of a user is 32
• Majority are College Graduates
• Largest increase of users are those over
55 in the past year
• 175 million active users
• Average users have 120 friends
• 18 million update daily
• Over 3 Billion minutes spent on

7. WHAT’S DOIN’ – GETTING THE
 Good Ol’ Fashion Door Knocking
 Being Around – Getting Noticed
 Introduction Letters
 Popcorn and Home-staging DVD from
Home Warranty Company
 Packet of Seeds with you business
cards – hand delivered…
 Hanging out at Bookstores / Coffee
Houses

8. WHAT’S DOIN’
 Volunteering at…
 Local Networking Groups
 Co-marketing with Affiliates
 Consumer Education Classes
 Using Visual Tour for Buyer Showcase

9. COOL IDEA! – BUSINESS CARD LABELS

10. MLS IS OUR FRIEND!
 Using the MLS
 Send Letters to those who rented 9-12
months ago regarding the buyer market
 Tax Record labels for postcards made
on home printer
 MLS Listing e-Mail Drip Campaign
 Personal Promotions on Visual Tours or
house Photos (if MLS allows)
 Putting it in a Graph…

11. WWW.LOWESREALTORBENEFITS.COM

12. WWW.POSTLETS.COM

13. WWW.REALBIRD.COM

14. 14

15. I say Innovation -
Does my broker?
15

16. WWW.PROPERTYPREVIEWS.COM

17. 17

18. REALTOR® TOOLS
http://www.Realtor.org
http://www.HousingMarketFacts.com

19. 19

20. BLOGGING

21. VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE

22. • Text / SMS Google 411 - 46653
• Google Reader
• Google GMail
• Google Calendar
• Google Tools
– StarOffice (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Google Talk
• Google Toolbar
• Google Earth
• Google Analytics
• Google Alerts

23. CREATING HOME CDS WITH
POWERPOINT
 Things to add to a Home CD
 All the Home Pictures
 Visual Tour
 Surveys
 HOA Docs
 Special Addendums
 Tax Plats
 YOUR contact information
 Any other related documents…