'Tis the season to be buying!

Ah, the holidays. Traffic jams, malls and parking lots, pumpkin pie, turkey, snowmen and jingle bells. With so much going on, who has time to purchase a house, right? I know many consumers and agents simply give in to the notion that real estate halts to an abrupt stop when the holidays approach. While the inventory numbers may be down, and many are preoccupied with the holiday festivities, there are still great opportunities for buyers, sellers and agents!

At times over the past few years I have heard some of my own agents say "this time of year is always slow", and concede business is slow. I don't understand this. I recall one top producer telling me that he spends more marketing dollars during the holidays than other times of the year simply because other agents cut back. That gives him a competitive advantage. This is a time agents need to work harder for their clients and their business.

Regardless of the time of year, some situations such as estate sales, divorce sales, leases maturing, relocations, etc.. create an immediate need for real estate services. So get out there and hit the pavement (consumers and agents)! You never know what you'll find.

E-card or the Real Deal?

I love technology. I love the ease of communication, the instant gratification, and the immediate access to information. So recently I received a birthday card and Thanksgiving card from a couple of vendors via e-mail and I got to thinking.

On the surface I recognized the type of e-card based on the subject line and felt recognized for a split second, then proceeded to delete the card from my e-mail. I have no idea what it said nor can I recall the vendor that sent it. My immediate concern (as always is with e-mail) was to delete it in case it was a virus.

Now, if I was so quick to discard the e-card, how are my e-messages coming across to my client base? I can only assume they are just as likely to be as impressionable as those sent to me. I've been to numerous prospecting events and seminars regarding how to market to your sphere, and how to use technology, etc... yet it has never been as apparent as it is now - we need to get back to sending an actual card!

I know it's crazy, but I every time I receive a card in the mail, with actual ink and human signatures (I know this can be rare), I feel compelled to hold on to it. And I typically remember who sent the card, so the impact is obviously greater and more lasting. Yes, technology is great and keeps getting better, but let's not forget or take for granted the human element that comes with staying in touch.

Balancing Facebook and Clients

Facebook is an amazing tool that every real estate professional should be using on a daily basis. It's a great way to stay in touch, meet new people and promote one's self and brand. Many agents count on Facebook for a good portion of their annual closed deals, yet what I find challenging is how to balance the Facebook-Client tightrope?

For example, if a current FB friend asks me to list their house, I must be cautious on how I post the listing on FB, no? I mean, FB is a great forum to market the listing, but it also leads to potential negative comments which may offend my client (since he/she may be part of my network). Communication with the client and an understanding of how to effectively use FB for the listing is a must!

Another concern I have is how potential clients will perceive my random posts. The beauty of FB is the ability to interact personally with each other, yet some posts and/or "likes" may offend some potential clients or discredit me. I know some agents establish separate FB identities, but I feel that defeats the general idea of using FB to market yourself. As of now, I have to be conscientious to maintain the proper balance between professionalism while demonstrating a personality. What do you do?