My professional opinion? Nope. As a real estate agent, numerous studies have shown that around 80-90% of people start their real estate search online. I think we will soon see studies showing that more and more people will find their home by seeing an “online friend” post a status update on Facebook, or a tweet on twitter, with a link to a website built specifically to showcase every aspect that home has to offer (like a video tour, professional photos, and a long list of features that may not fit on a traditional printed flyer sitting in front of the house, soaked by all of the rain we have in Seattle). I personally use all of these methods to sell all of my clients’ homes, and I’m always learning new methods and trying to stay in front of the curve when it comes to new social media and technology tools. That is why I volunteer as a board member of the Social Media Club of Seattle. By being involved with SMC Seattle and seeing some of the top minds in the social media revolution in both Seattle and in the world, I am able to see opportunities to market homes in unique ways and spread the word about my thoughts on real estate in Seattle. Without social media, it would have been almost impossible for me to do this since I don’t have the resources or connections to have my own real estate television channel or daily article in the local paper. Social media allows me to broadcast my message for relatively little money.
My personal opinion? No way. The transparency of social media like Facebook & Twitter opens doors to meet and enjoy more in life than ever before. For example, I’ve seen two amazing plays for free (with a $50 price tag for the worst seat in the house each time) without knowing anyone that works in the ticket office or at the actual theater the plays were at. I just belong to a Facebook Group that sends out “free comp ticket” notices when the theater need to fill seats (last night I got front row center seats – FOR FREE!). I would have never gone without Facebook. Facebook and Twitter also help me keep in touch with friends, enemies, and even relatives I sometimes wish I could forget, and helps strengthen relationships with new found friends or acquaintance and “online friends” that I’d like to get to know better. I also find great articles and even restaurant recommendations there.
Social media is here to stay. In 5 years it probably won’t look much like it does today. Heck, in 1 year it will change and grow into something that is different than it is today. As time goes on, I will grow with social media too, and I will continue to use it to share my thoughts, connect with people, and even market real estate. The revolution is here to stay, and if you want to use it, jump on board now because the train is picking up steam.
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