Twitter is a great way to send out short (140 characters or less), timely messages about what you are doing, reading, etc…that others may find interest in. Ideally, these messages will help you gain followers (people that want to read your messages) because they find value in your messages. The more followers you have, the more reach / opportunity you will have.

Examples
Let’s say a mortgage broker you were talking to just mentioned that rates dropped below 4% today…that may be something you want everyone to know, but don’t have time to call, email, and text every person you know. Simply post the message to Twitter and let them read it themselves…if they are interested.

What if you were talking to a potential seller that was in an area where houses rarely become available…you could break the news and tell people to contact you for an inside scoop.

Let’s say you just read an article or heard about something significant going on in a neighborhood you are familiar with…again…spread the word by linking to the article or if it hasn’t been written about, write it on your blog and let everyone know you posted it. Create the “buzz.”

These are just a few examples to get you thinking. Once you have the frame of mind to use Twitter, you will have many more ideas. Just search Google for something like “Twitter for real estate agents” and you can find many more examples.

Sure, you may not see much value in the beginning, but as you build your stream of Twitter messages (tweets) with valuable information, when people do stumble across your account, the likelihood of them “following” you will be increased. You can also increase your exposure by including a link to your Twitter account by placing some sort of Follow me or Twitter icon / link on your website, printed material and email signature. Everyone has their own way of communicating and staying in touch…give them as many options as possible to stay connected.

Twitter is free and it will only take a small effort to give it a try and see if it works for you. So what are you waiting for?
Go to Twitter now and sign up. Let us know if Twitter is working for you.

The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) has recently adopted a new regulation clarifying the law that requires DRE license numbers on business cards and all other solicitation materials intended to be the first point of contact with consumers.  The licensing law came into effect on July 1, 2009.

What this means to you as a REALTOR®
You must list your license number on all marketing correspondence.

• Business cards;
• Stationery;
• Websites owned, controlled, and/or maintained by the soliciting real estate license; and
• Promotional and advertising flyers, brochures, email and regular mail, leaflets, and any other marketing or promotional materials designed to solicit the creation of a professional relationship between the licensee and a consumer, or intended to induce a consumer to contact the licensee about any licensed services.

DRE’s new regulation also states that the following items are not solicitation materials under the license number requirement:

• Advertisements in electronic media, including radio, cinema, and television ads, and the opening section of streaming video and audio;
• Print advertising in any newspaper or periodical; and
• “For Sale” signs placed on or around a property intended to alert the public the property is available for purchase or lease.

If you have a real estate website you need to have your DRE License number displayed on it and it must not be any smaller than the smallest type on your page. You may also want to consider adding it to your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. accounts as well since you never know how someone will first find you on the web.

Some clients have questioned if they should have their DRE number in their email signature that is sent from your IDX solution. I don’t believe this is necessary since it is not technically a first point of contact. The person is receiving your emails because they have already been to your site. You may want to verify this by visiting the CAR website.

Sources: California Business & Professions Code section 10140.6 (filed September 25, 2008); Section 2773 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulation (filing with the Secretary of State still pending).

SmarterAgent has developed the ability to search publicly available MLS listings from a cell phone. Potential Buyers can locate properties by GPS, address, zip code, or city; see details including price, square footage, beds/baths, and taxes; map properties closest to them; even see pictures! Your branded information comes up with the listing so you get the call. Once the buyer has found a listing they are interested in, they can simply push a button and they will be connected with you so you can provide more information.

Visitors can download the service to their phone from your website and anytime they search for listings and request more information, all leads will go to you. If someone is using this service, they will probably contact you from the convenient application rather than trying to contact the listing agent shown on the yard sign. We’ve surpassed the talking house and moved into an era of communicating that is cutting edge.

If you would like assistance setting this service up on your website, please contact us and we can help you get it integrated. SmarterAgent typically charges $250 (one time set-up) and around $39.95/mo if paid annually. They have been known to offer specials, so check with us first.

SmarterAgent.com – Mobile Phone Real Estate Search Demo

You may also want to visit their website for more information regarding Real Estate searches on mobile phones