Source: YouTube by Inman News
OOPS! We missed this video yesterday. Brad Inman and Jessica Swesey mentioned a guest post we did on the Inman Blog called, “What’s a Blog?” We wrote about our offline experience at a Home Show where many people did not have an online presence and never even heard of a blog. It was a reality check for sure.
Here’s the comment I left on the Inman Blog:
Over the last year we have in fact learned that there are two worlds out there - online and offline. There is a huge disconnect between how business is done in each. Our daily interaction in both worlds leave us a bit confused. We love the power of technology but there’s no substitute for face to face contact. The question remains - How can we build a bridge to connect both of these worlds?
One step that we have taken is to make an conscious effort to meet face to face with the people we have met online. By doing so, the strength of the relationships have been increased tenfold. now that’s power! And Brad, we learned it all from attending your real estate connects.
Thanks for the inspiration.
We will use BLOG TOUR USA as a vehicle to connect the online and offline real estate world. We look forward to meeting all of you.
Technorati Tags: Real Estate, Blog, Blogging, Online, Offline, Inman News, Sellsius, Blog Tour USA
I agree whole-heartedly with the comment regarding the importance of meeting face-to-face with those prospective clients that you have “met” on-line. It’s sort of like the funeral business…whoever gets to the body first wins! As a friend in the business once explained to me…
If an agent thinks that they are the only one making the on-line connection with that person, they are truly delusionary!
The internet is a great tool for connecting with people before they come into a market. . .but that’s where it stops.
Looking forward to reading more from you…
Becca
Charleston South Carolina Real Estate
This Internet disconnect between online & offline is beginning to change. There is that emerging segment of new realty businesses developing as “dot.coms” and trying to do business online, something that is mostly viable only to other dot.comers.
Most of us will buy a book online because we know that we want it and it is exactly the same regardless of where we buy it. I can buy my car online, but that same premise is true. Although I would probably see it first on the street or in a magazine, and perhaps go for a test-drive at a local dealership.
But this will not be the case for most people shopping for a house. Even watching a professionally shot house video is not enough if the property is local. People want to see it in person and because of that, they most often will use a Realtor.
Where the confusion really lies is in the NAR stats that reads over 80% of people begin their home search online. This is where they end their search. At the local level, people still drive through their area of interest, write down names from signs, stop in at open houses, and visit websites published in newspaper ads, postcards and everything else out there. This prompts that 80% to go online and start “clicking”, and a few random searches later, they arrive at a website or a Blog.
The Realty business is still mostly an offline business. Because of the product, most people need to see it, walk through it, turn taps, open windows and listen for creaky floors or noisy neighbors. Buyers start offline, go online and end up offline again. The online agents are acquiring more leads than offline agents, but if they have poor people skills and don’t listen well, they get new customers, but few repeats & referrals.
That’s the way I see it anyhow.
We see it that way too Rick. The online “take a peek” experience does end & people look to talk to real estate professionals and kick the tires with them. We think exposure of real estate bloggers will help consumers choose the right professional online.
Nice vlog, but for CRIPES SAKE LOSE THE WALL HANGING!~ PLEASE, I BEG YOU!