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Do You Really Need a Web Site?
According to the National Association of Realtors, 90 percent
of realtors have either a personal web site or online listings.
In fact, Realtor Magazine suggested that most home buyers will
initiate any real estate transactions through the Internet first.
That’s pretty convincing
evidence in favor of having your own web site.
With the onslaught of template-driven web designers, however, it
is becoming more critical for the cut-above-the-rest real estate agent
to have a custom-designed web site. After all, if they all look the same,
why not just go with whatever web site a home buyer finds first? Just having
a web site is not nearly enough anymore. Your site must be oozing professionalism.
Effective Advertising
Web sites are also the most cost-effective means of advertisement.
Advertising on television, radio, or print media can add up to thousands
of dollars. The minimal amount invested on a professional, custom web site
design will pay for itself in the return received.
Time spent “hitting the streets” is also reduced, because your
web site, when properly marketed, will work to gain you contacts even when
you aren’t working. Even better, you can instantly modify your Internet
presence to reflect industry or personal changes. There is simply
no more effective means of communicating your services as a real estate
agent.
Are You on the Dock or the Deck?
Put simply, if you plan on standing at the dock and waving while
the ship debarks, then, by all means, a web site is really not worth
your while. However, the Internet is here to stay. If your long-term plans
include building a more successful real estate business, then you have
got to take the leap and get on board with the rest of your competition.
To distinguish yourself once on board, however, you will serve your own
best interests by selecting a unique stateroom, rather than the run-of-the
mill, just-like-your-neighbor’s
quarters.
Think of it this way. Your website is a virtual extension of yourself
and your real estate business. Done right, it projects the professional
image you want to convey and does so without your actually having
to be there. Your web site is likely to be the first point of contact
for your clients. So ask yourself this: Without a web site, where
will they go? They will be on board the ship you’re waving to from
the dock. Contact Us.
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