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Welcome! Using the Internet to Build Your Real Estate Business
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You've heard the buzz about "Web 2.0" - the name given to things like blogging, Facebook, and mobile marketing. "Wait," you're thinking. "That stuff is for Silicon Valley tech start-ups run by 23-year old kids, right?" Wrong!
In this issue, we show you how digital technologies aren't the wave of the future - they're the building blocks of today's successful real estate companies. From blogs to text messaging, you'll learn how savvy real estate professionals are using these tools to reach new buyers and build out their networks. Because this is an exciting topic that needs an overview, we've changed things a bit and have made our Interview with the Expert the lead article. Enjoy!
Facebook? Text messaging? YouTube videos? What do these things have to do with real estate? Plenty, says Joel Burselm, author of the very popular "Future of Real Estate Marketing" blog and a Web 2.0 expert often quoted by the mainstream media. In this informative interview, "How Web 2.0 is Changing the Face of Real Estate Marketing," Joel talks about these emerging technologies and whether they're living up to their potential. One surprise? Real estate blogs are huge! Who knew?
Did you know that there were over 750 real estate blogs at last count in 2007? It's true - and blogging, if done right, can have fantastic results on your business. In his article, "Blogging for Real Estate . . . A Primer for Starting a Blog," blogging expert Ted Demopoulos gives you three must-know strategies for starting and maintaining a blog, including how to become familiar with the blogosphere, the five questions you must answer before starting a blog, and developing your own personal blog "beat."
* Next 37 17 investors only!
If you have a pre-teen or teenage kid, you've probably learned how to send text messages via cellphone - text messaging being the preferred communication vehicle of choice for the Gen Y and younger crowd. Also known as SMS, text messaging isn't just for kids; the technology is also ideal for generating leads if you're selling or renting properties. In his article, "Generate More Leads with Text Messaging," Dylan Schleppe explains how SMS works and why real estate companies and investors are using this cost-effective technology to reach prospective buyers 24/7.
Fair Isaac Corporation is revamping its credit score in the hopes that it will do a better job of predicting borrowers' behavior. In this month's Mortgage Minute, Debbie Siegel explains what goes into determining your credit score and how these changes may affect you if you have "young" or "thin" credit.
Best regards,
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Jeremy B. Shapiro
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Sheila Farragher-Gemma
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Co-Founders, ForeclosuresMass.com
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