Today's consumer is adept at researching homes online and now has moved on to researching the sales associates they want to work with. What will they find when they research you? In a recent article in the REBAC June 2011 newsletter, a mind-blowing list of sites was published where consumers are writing reviews about YOU! So, even if you are monitoring your online reputation with Google Alerts, this may not be enough.
Where are they talking about us? There is a host of specialized agent review sites. Some of them include: Incredible Agents, Quality Service Certification,Rate My Agent, Real Estate Ratingz, Zillow, Agentopolis and of course LinkedIn. According to Sara Bonert at Zillow, 30,000 agent reviews were calculated by the end of March 2011.
Also, don't forget the general review sites where not only real estate is reviewed. These sites include Angie's List, Google Places and Yelp.
I've actually rec'd business because of my reviews on Yelp--I recommend it! Didn't know about some of those other sites, I will investigate!
Thanks for sharing information on realtor review sites. Didn't know they had so many.
It used to be dynamic agents with lots of wit and charm could herd property buyers to their arena, to stumble in to the office with your swinging real estate shingle out front. Now the buyer is mobile, busy and just wants property information from A to Z. Boatloads of images, videos, maps, details on the local zip code he or she is not so familiar with. The agent needs to Little Red Hen the information for a property and area to open up lots of channels for all the niches in the audience. To create one mouth watering on line buffet array. So no matter what time of day or night, or time zone, or country access to the information is the service the buyer wants, needs, gets. And will find from someone else in your market to connect, engage with if you do not provide it. It's how you do the real estate dog and pony more than the pearly white smile for the camera and how you profile, primp and pimp your brand. Your reputation should be one that no one says you are lazy, that you don't cut corners and make the real estate listing, selling, buying experience knowledgeable, easy, cost and time saving.
Thanks for sharing...just added another item to my "to do" list in checking some of the sites you mentioned.
I had no idea there were that many sites available doing reviews. I'm off to check some of them out.
Andrew
Well put! I make sure that our consulting clients have at least:
Google Places and Yelp set up. I heard a great idea at an event I spoke at. The agent gives a 3 month subscription to Angies' list so they can find other vendors for home improvement stuff, etc. Many times they will put a testimonial for the agent there. YOU CANNOT solicit recommendations on Angies list, so I thought was a great way to use the site effectively.
Hi Amy,
Thanks a bunch for sharing these review sites. In Canada we do not have many of the reastor specific sites (yet).
but it is good to be aware and start promoting them
Pfanntastic Thanks Givings
Hi Amy,
This is the new frontier in real estate sales. I think it is important for the public's benefit.
I suggested your article be featured.
Thanks for the post
Phil
Thanks Phil. It is a "new world." If we review shoes, computers, and books, we expect to review our sales professionals. Look at Angies List!