Once I made the decision to jump off the corporate train and try working for myself, I interviewed with a number of brokerages. It quickly became apparent that First Team was on the cutting edge, with training programs second-to-none and access to a wide variety of technology-based solutions for agents and consumers. The decision was easy!
I have successfully leveraged all the advantages First Team has to offer and have ranked in the top 10 percent of its agents since joining the company in 2005.
I use Trulia Voices in several ways. First and foremost, to connect with consumers as they navigate the world of real estate. I try to keep my answers direct and to the point and stay away from the sales pitch.
I also use it to keep in touch with what consumers are focused on so that I can use that information to help my clients.
Finally, I use it as a way to keep up-to-date as things changes in the market and to learn from other agents as issues come up and solutions are discussed.
I don’t have a standard amount of time designated to my on-line activities; it really depends upon my work load.
Thank you for the feedback. I try to answer the question as clearly as possible while offering the consumer connections to other professional resources when necessary and suggesting other items to consider. I have found that most questions are just the tip of the iceberg and there are usually many other facts that need consideration just under the surface.
To truly serve the consumer, you have to understand their issues – I can then write articles for
my blog addressing those issues. Trulia Voices also helps me anticipate the needs of my clients and provide information to them that is in alignment with those needs versus the standard "it’s all about me" marketing materials.
Trulia Voices helps me showcase my business style and attract those consumers who are looking for an agent like me – direct, straightforward, no smoke and mirrors! I am currently working with three clients who came to me as a result of my Trulia Voices responses, and I just sold an investment property to a couple from Seattle who found me on Trulia Voices.
Trulia Voices also opens up other opportunities. I recently received a call from a writer with Money magazine with a request to provide input into a story he is writing. When I asked how he found me, he told me that he had called me because he’d noticed from my replies on Trulia Voices that I had a very direct approach without the standard "sales pitch" and he was looking for that type of resource.
Agents participating on Trulia Voices should remember that their answers (to the consumer questions) stay on their profiles and people look back through them and use them to get a sense of the type of agent they are.
There’s opportunity in every market! You just need to take your time, determine your needs and get a professional to help you evaluate: is it right for you right now?
The upside of this financial mess is that people are coming back to the realization that real estate is a long-term investment, with a long-term ROI matched by none of the other investment vehicles … provided it is managed wisely.
