Top 5 Real Estate articles of 2009

December 9, 2009 | Posted by Carolyn Pikoulas
We've written over 20 Realty Observer articles in 2009 that have given Real Estate professionals helpful tips and useful information for marketing their business. Here are 5 articles that were the most popular:

What mistakes is your website making?
January 2009
The latest statistic from the NAHB says that the percentage of homebuyers who search for homes on the Internet has risen to 93%. Almost all homebuyers will visit your website before ever visiting the model home in person. That means buyers are basing their entire judgment solely on your website. They don't talk to a live salesperson or visit the home physically -- all they see are pictures and text. Never before has the need for a professionally-built website been more vital for a builder or real estate business. So how do you know if your website is up to par? ...read more >

Marketing to women
February 2009
A 2007 study by the National Association of Realtors revealed that female first-time homebuyers have outnumbered men two to one. In fact, 22% of all home purchases have been made by single women. A whopping 60% of purchases made by women are detached, single-family homes. There are many causes to this trend including education, higher salaries, delayed marriage, higher divorce rates and widowhood. Additionally, women between the ages of 50 and 70 are now the largest and wealthiest consumer segment. What does all this mean for realtors and builders? Well, for one thing, they must not underestimate the power of marketing to women...read more >

5 tips on getting the most out of your marketing agency
March 9, 2009
Building and maintaining a healthy relationship with your marketing agency are the keys to any company's success. Unfortunately, many relationships fail because clients mistakenly treat agencies like their vendors instead of their partners. Here are 5 simple steps to help you get the most out of working with your marketing agency: ...read more >

6 ways to FAIL at Internet Marketing
September 22, 2009
According to the NAR, there are 4 big reasons why you need to pay more attention to online homebuyers:
1. They spend 32% more money
2. They earn 24% more money
3. When they're ready to buy, they take 2 weeks instead of 7 weeks to find a home
4. They will visit ½ as many homes (7 instead of 15)
So, how can Realtors turn these Internet prospects into real customers? Well, here are 6 ways to fail at it: ...read more >

3 things to avoid on Facebook
November 19, 2009
If you're using Facebook as a way to boost sales, you may be doing a little bit of wishful thinking. Think of it more as a tool to reinforce your brand and create awareness. It's a way to connect with clients and other Realtors on a more casual, personal level. Now, it's more important than ever to pay close attention to your profile, who your friends are, and who's following your News Feed. Having a Facebook account requires professionalism at all times...read more >