Deborah Madey

I agree with most of your article, but have some questions and comments about the use of "walk to shops"..... I am very sensitive to anyone with disabilities, and kindly request that you cite references from HUD, NAR, or other authority on the do's and don'ts as it pertains to "walk to...train, shops, beach" etc. Likewise, do we need to avoid using, "hear the ocean waves from your front porch"....because that discriminates against those who may have impaired hearing? Likewise, do we need to avoid "panoramic view, or breathtaking view, or gorgeous" because it discriminates against one who has an eyesight impairment? Many properties fail to provide access to those who use a wheelchair, because doorways are narrow, turns in the hallways and access to rooms have tight corners that prohibit access with a wheelchair. When describing properties, should we not mention the beautiful staircase because it discriminates against those who are unable to walk up stairs? alternatively, the spiral staircase? Should we avoid mention of the views from the second floor? Are these violations analogous to your warning about the use of "walk to shops"? Are we discriminating if we describe a community by mentioning that it has bike paths because it discriminates against those who cannot ride a bicycle? How can other sites create a "walk score" and how can urban planners design work-play-live communities based upon walkability? I have great care and sensitivity to anyone who faces a disability. (I am a former PT.) However, the idea that "walk to shops" is off limits for a Realtor or seller to say has always puzzled me. I have heard people say that it is a fair housing violation to say "walk to..." and I have heard people say that is hogwash. Can Dian or anyone cite authority (HUD, NAR, etc.) in writing on this subject? Deborah Madey- Broker Peninsula Realty Group,Inc. - New Jersey Deborah@PeninsulaFirst.com

I take a slightly different approach to social media than some of what I hear and see. While I like to chat with anyone and everyone, it is the engagement with clients or potential future clients that ultimately determines my decisions and sets my social media time budget. For those who sell "to" Realtors, the primary point of engagement is "Realtors." For me, chatting with other Realtors is great fun; a learning opportunity, and I have met some truly great people. There is value in these relationships, and I do not mean to dismiss or minimize that value. However………….the ultimate “proof in the pudding” comes from success at engagement with the local community, a Realtor’s increased sphere, strengthened sphere relationships, pipeline, current customers and closed business that can be directly tracked to social media participation. I am happy to say that social media has passed the value test for me based upon this criteria. I am pleased to be able to document successes directly and completely attributable to my taking part in social media. Along my travels on the social media turnpike, I have fumbled, wasted time, and made mistakes. I have also learned a lot about what does work. YAY! Win-Win for clients and me. I am an avid believer and staunch supporter of social media and will continue to tweak, learn and participate. And, I am still the “blogger without a blog”…….and I promise you, (Jay), I really will have a blog someday. Yeah yeah…I have been saying that for a few years now. Someday, yes, I will have a blog. My current social media budget if 15 hours per week. Myths: 1) It’s free. I simply re-allocated time from less productive vehicles to social media. 2) It will pay off quickly. It actually can. Just like a newbie can get a great client their first week on an up-desk. (What’s an up desk? LOL.) True success is developed over time. 3) If you use social media, you are a good Realtor. I couldn‘t agree more. Deborah Madey- Broker Peninsula Realty Group,Inc. - New Jersey Deborah@PeninsulaFirst.com

I see a transition of much SM moving away from purely social....but I don't see any bend at all in the rule of "Don't Sell!" I do see Twitter as multi dimensional and having valid purpose of news broadcasting (CNN) retail specials (Dell) - etc - and I am OK with that. I can follow or not. Recently I received a few spammy DMs via Twitter from RE vendors. Grrrr. #FAIL Unfollow immediately. Many FB "pages" move away from pure social intent. And, that's OK, since it's a page, and I can go there or not. Focus on content and avoid selling. When I think of what I can sell to @TBoard, I will come back w/ a pitch. OK, not. Deborah Madey- Broker Peninsula Realty Group,Inc. - New Jersey Deborah@PeninsulaFirst.com