A beef with Realtor association blogs
Realtor Notebook
By Teresa Boardman, Thursday, November 12, 2009.
Flickr image by Foxtongue.Over the years Realtor associations have expressed interest in starting blogs, and some have followed through. I have been watching the association blogs. It is hard to get them off the ground and to keep them going.
Some associations rely on agent volunteers to write, and others rely on staff or some combination of the two.
I went searching on the Internet looking for blogs written by associations and found several. Most don't appear to get much traffic or have a clearly defined audience. Some of the posts look like they are for agents and others seem more consumer-oriented. For the uninformed, it is hard to determine the mission of some of the associations based on their blogs.
Some of us who have had blogs for years are not sure we want our associations writing posts for consumers. I would rather have consumers come to my local blog for local real estate information.
I would rather continue to be the source for local market statistics and not have to compete with my association to remain a local trusted source.
There is one board that publishes local market statistics and it has become a kind of go-to place. The board provides analyses for the numbers, just like the local media does. I call it spin, and because it is an association publishing the blog it usually puts a positive slant on the numbers and almost always predicts that the coming months will be better.
Is it really the role of the local, state or national association of Realtors to be a go-to place for consumers? I am not convinced that it is, but I am not totally against the idea, either. If it is done right, associations could give us all credibility.
But sadly, it isn't often done right and I cringe at the thought of more self-serving real estate content floating around the Internet. It is often either the tired "now is a great time to buy" or "why you should use a Realtor" pitches. ...CONTINUED
All rights reserved. This article may not be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever, in part or in whole, without written permission of Inman News. Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright law.
You must login or register to post a comment.
Submitted by Jerzy (George) Szkup on November 12, 2009 - 5:09pm.
George Szkup
www.DestinationTucson.biz
Here is (are?) my 3 cents...
Blogs are good for communication and association could (should) communicate with agents.
However, when Association starts providing information from public... this is a No!NO! in my book.
George from Tucson
Trulia - http://bit.ly/hqdIz (Q&A, Blog/posts, Resume)
Destination Tucson http://bit.ly/2Bnb3f (Monthly Blog
Twitter - http://bit.ly/e3mCI (Georges’ Tweets)
Submitted by michael Espiritu on November 12, 2009 - 7:21pm.
The REALTOR associations are trade organizations for REALTORS not consumers. As a director on our local association of REALTORS I don't thnk it is a good idea to blog about anything other than association-related business. Is there someone reviewing what is written? There is potential for huge liability risk if an individual is writing as a representative of that association versus an agent's own opinions.
There is definitely something wrong if consumers are going to the association for market trends, etc and not getting that informsation from their agent.
Michael Espiritu
Broker
Elite Realty Group
SoCal
Submitted by Marilyn Wilson on November 13, 2009 - 7:40am.
Associations offering market statistics and other timely, accurate information can play an important role for their members by educating consumers on the "real" dynamics driving their local marketplace so they don't have to rely on sensational journalism about the looming "doom and gloom" or hype driven by a foreclosure website about the number of consumers losing their homes. By using services like Clarus or 10K, for example, the association can provide regional market stats and invite consumers to contact a REALTOR to receive a neighborhood or zip code level market analysis. The association can, in effect, connect a consumer with a REALTOR through their blog.
Associations can also play a valuable role in providing "no nonsense" advice to first time home buyers and others to demystify the home buying process. The content needs to be careful not to be too "puffy", but information that provides tips and insight into the home buying process is welcomed by consumers. I conducted focus groups a few weeks ago with real estate consumers and they said they would really like the real estate industry help prepare them for buying or selling a home. They would also like a cost of living calculator to help them understand the true cost of living in a home, not just buying a home.
Another hot button with consumers is agent ratings. In the same focus group I witnessed consumers pounding their fists on the table demanding more transparency about the performance of real estate agents. They said things like "This is the most important purchase of my life and I get very little information to make an informed decision about my agent. I can learn more about a book or a digital camera than an agent and that just isn't right". Interestingly, some FSBO customers we interviewed said they would actually consider working with a REALTOR if they had a chance to review comments and feedback from past clients.
I agree with you Teresa. Self-serving information from the real estate community is not very interesting to consumers, but insights, guidance and information relevant to consumers is not only a nice to have, I believe it is one of the most important roles associations can play to increase their relevance and value to the real estate community.
Submitted by Ken Lampton on November 13, 2009 - 8:07am.
Until a few months ago I still held the old-fashioned notion that a local Board of REALTORS® existed to serve its REALTOR® members. Then I realized my own association had redefined its mission. It has decided to do its best to brand itself with the public. It wants to become the trusted source of information and advice for home buyers and home sellers. Funny thing is ... I thought that was my job.
Teresa, I'd love to hear what you think about the big new database being set up by NAR.
-----------------------
Ken Lampton, CRS, CDPE
RE/MAX REALTORS®
www.m-street-dallas.com
Submitted by Jerzy (George) Szkup on November 13, 2009 - 9:51am.
George Szkup
www.DestinationTucson.biz
To Marilyn Wilson comment.
It is understandable that a seller and a buyer want to deal with the BEST available agent.
Selecting BEST agent is the problem - but similar situation exists when selecting a doctor, lawyer or tax accountant?
There is certain amount of information available about an agent (testimonials, as attractive as they are, are totally worthless set of information). Typical buyer/seller is simply not knowledgeable enough about finding this information. And I do not see any way about it unless someone (with agent's skills) would do a CMA on agents - like analyze responses to Trulia Voices or similar Zillow activity. If you tried that, all your profits would go to pay for insurance against law suits.
George in Tucson
Trulia-http://bit.ly/hqdIz(Q&A,Blog/posts,Resume)
Destination Tucson – http://bit.ly/2Bnb3f (Monthly Blog)
Twitter - http://bit.ly/e3mCI (Georges’ Tweets)
Submitted by Missy Caulk on February 26, 2010 - 7:08pm.
Some of us who have had blogs for years are not sure we want our associations writing posts for consumers. I would rather have consumers come to my local blog for local real estate information.
Yes mame, and several large companies here have started blogging. Why would an agent spend time blogging on a company blog and not be blogging for their own audience. I don't get it. The blogs are boring regardless.
Missy Caulk
Ann Arbor, MI
Missy@MissyCaulk.com
www.AnnArborRealEstateTalk.com
www.SearchAnnArborHouses.com