Points and Issues raised here only evidence a long standing consumer revolt from the traditional spoon fed bloat from terrestrial radio onto the masses ... and that is choice matters matters more than free. New artists should seize upon the opportunity it offers to broaden exposure among the music consuming population globally. I can tell we'll spreading the link love over her from theleakreport.com when its relaunched.
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BrettTousley well said and profoundly so. Comments on Jay's post have been hot for over 3 days now and I hope he and other advocates for "broad exposure at any cost in the name of the consumer via TruZilla" can glean the gist of your point from your last paragraph ... "folks you are running a business and part of running a business is making a profit. Zillow and Trulia are attempting to profit from your work, why aren't you?"
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I know everyone commenting here works in different real estate markets, but I'm detecting a strange idea being proposed here ... if I'm reading correclty, Listing Agents shouldn't engage home buyers who contact them simply because it offers a veiled invitation to dual agency?
(I know this is off the beaten path a bit, but suffer me for a moment)
I think a simple disclosure, "I work exclusively on behalf of the seller to arrange a property sale in their best interests" should establish who you work for (which has been a practice I've followed for 10 years - and why I've made it a "Terms of Service" condition on our website when customers request appointments.
Consumers have made the decision a long time ago that if they want to see a property without worrying how to arrange 3 parties schedules (listing agent, buyer agent and customer) then they'll cut to the chase.
Buyers aren't as "weak and defenseless" as some have may them out to be in the comments in their advocacy for buyer representation ... isn't it the buyer's decision to be represented by an agent?
And as J Philip Faranda pointed out, your business practices with how you deal with customers will largely depend on the state you're licensed in .. and one more reason why Brokers who represent Sellers should care how listing data is being presented on TruZillaRealtor.com because of their fiduciary obligation to their client.
After all ... don't let industry practices blind you to the business requirements your state expects from licensed professions (esp. real estate agents)
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Jay ThompsonMyBklynReport Jay, I wasn't questioning the value we bring as practitioners. I was positing how that value is viewed by the consumer since the advent of Craigslist and the (supposed) importance of broad exposure at the expense of a broker's value proposition.
I think if we're honest about how real estate information is consumed on these sites, you'll agree that a broker's value is diminished.
I used to advertise a majority of my listings on a one of the top three mentioned here until I saw I was getting customer leads on other broker's listings.
or how many out-of-area agents begin dispensing advice on locations they haven't got a clue about only to win a buyer customer to shop in a new territory.
Agents are in business, first. And our marketing (beginning with the listing data) is where we begin our presentation to convince and convert prospects into clients and customers.
I wrote a post on this subject as well back in 2009 and hope you'll get a chance to check out at http://mybrooklynreport.com/internet-marketing-brooklyn-real-estate-listings/ and glad to see Agents taking a second look at what these sites offer and at what price to their business.
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Hi Jay,
I think any business, including real estate brokers, who produce proprietary information (i.e. listing data) have the right to control how it's accessed, displayed and offered to the general public.
The Internet (especially after the advent of Craigslist) has reduced the value real estate agents offer consumers.
I applaud Sandicor and other brokers/MLS who've decided in order to RE-establish our value proposition to the consumer, we must make listing information proprietary and exclusive.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with the move Sandicor and Edina Realty made.
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Hi SDH,
I’m sorry it’s take to long to answer your question, so I hope it’s helpful to you now.
What I did at 564 Jefferson Ave to solve is to determine if the property had ever previously been financed with a conventional home loan by a mortgage lender. If the lender had underwritten that mortgage using Fannie Mae conforming loan standards, then their opinion of the property’s use would be in the mortgage note recorded.
While it requires some research (and knowing what you’re looking at so you can prove it to a Title Agent and Lawyer) the fact that a title insurer underwrote a title policy against the financing proves more than one party agreed.
If you need more clarification, just complete the contact form and I’ll be sure to respond faster next time.
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helenwaite Hi Helen, I just realized that the post I mentioned isn't scheduled to be published until Saturday 10/22/11. But I'll still send you a quick note that it's available and I'm sure you'll find it helpful in your apartment search efforts.
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LFJeremy Thanks for reaching out and making us feel welcome after installing LiveFyre. You've definitely confirmed our instincts about our need to take care of our small but growing community here - good to know you guys have our back. And whenever you're in Brooklyn, let me know and I'll be happy to lead you to some other great places to explore here.
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helenwaite Hi Helen, I feel your pain. Fact is, not even these 3 sites can do enough to keep from having scams, spam listings and stunts posted there to con the public. At present, I'm working on a new post about an exciting service that helps renters use an old social web feature to create a healthy buffer against this kind of stuff, while also automating the apartment / home shopping process that will be out this Thursday 10/20. I'll make a note to send you the link. I personally think its the answer to this thwarting the BS out there.
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Hi Alan,
Thanks for the kind words and encouragement. Looking forward to connecting with you in our #MDBP efforts.
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margieclayman you're absolutely right (I guess I backed away from the last online community I was involved in (with a big ongoing convo occurring daily) after being skyped by a big contributor to that conversation who only intended to pitch me the entire 30 minute conversation on joining their thing and hire them for what they do. I'm going to renew my participation online and not push away those legit folk who are there for the same reasons as I. Thanks Margie for the great advice.
I'd been feeling the same way for some time now (though not exactly for the same reasons entirely).
I've been feeling as though the online world is becoming more a place like Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, where everyone is sweet, helpful, kind and willing to help ... with an agenda.
Not to say that there aren't folks online who fit that bill, myagenda and margieclayman come to mind.
For me, it's beginning to feel like the "interconnectedness" that the online world promises in social media could be a hollow promise.
I actually think it's my fault that I haven't found more "community minded" folks online ... so I'll try a little longer because I, too, want to contribute in some way to make the world a better place ... both where I live and in the larger global village.
And avoid the unnecessary debates and trivial discourse we find in plenty around "that cafeteria you described so well".
you should try clicky.com. they provide real time web analytics and offer a one site free subscription. I use it for MyBrooklynReport.com and it's very revealing to see how people arrive at your site and what content tends to draw the most attention. Great for understanding what your visitors are interested in.
Each of these folks are well deserving of the praise and honorable mention you've given, Margie. Especially HeidiCohen KRLRose Jeannette Baer and PegFitzpatrick . These #UsGuys are often the wellspring I gather insight and inspiration from when I slip into the stream for the few minutes I can steal from the grind of business.
I'm sure this post could easily have been titled "25 Most Stupid Twitter Behaviors" if the site was titled differently.
But I confess to have committed many of the sins that You, @SMSJOE @MyAgenda @REALChaseAdams and @MargieClayman saved me from (with gentle retribution, of course)
And I'm a better tweeter for it, having been baptized in the water of Twitter Best Practices (especially abandoning my logo for a profile pic)
Yes friends, there is only one true path to twitter paradise ... hold these 12 "Thou Shalt Not on Twitter" high and you will definitely enjoy greater engagement and deeper conversations as takeaways to build on (relationships, business development, etc...)
Another great post, Josepf *stout raised with a wink*
Hey Josepf,
Your suggestions are brilliant. In fact, I think its the best single reference source for anyone serious about producing content for a blog or site.
But I have to admit, friend ... I cheat a little on my keyword research.
I tend to use Google's Blog Search feature, as well as Digg and Reddit, to see what posts are trending in views.
Perhaps its a more advanced approach, but I, like you, always double check using google keyword tool box to see search volume and Insights for where the traffic is coming from.
Adding this great reference to Reddit. See you in the #UsGuys stream ... and FB ;-)