Knowledge is Power
Lisa Milo-DiTullio, an agent in my office just sent me an email telling me that she is consistently connecting with buyers by answering questions on Trulia. Trulia offers Voices, a place where real estate agents can read consumers questions and answer them, connecting to them when and where they have the questions, when they are looking at properties. Social networking – communicating and sharing, ain’t that grand?
She sends the questions to her handheld through the RSS feed provided by Trulia and is consistent in answering and “helping” people. Lisa said to me” Knowledge is Power. I make sure I keep on top of everything going on in central Connecticut. I visit all the subdivisions, I know about the communities, the towns and price trends. I can then pass that information on to consumers.” Lisa focuses on new construction. Her family buildes homes and condos all over central Connecticut.
One person had asked a question about an over 55 community in another town. Lisa had been there and told them all about it. Lisa noted “I read some of the other answers that agents give and many don’t read the question and don’t give the answer the consumer is looking for. Others are so stuffy, just sending out information on who they are, blah, blah, blah and not connecting with anyone! I answer as a friend.”
The most recent client had 8 responses to her question, but they emailed Lisa.
Why? She takes time to read their question and then gives them the answer they are looking for. “I respect them, am confident because I know my area.” She relates to them by finding something in common, and makes sure they have lots of ways to contact her. When she answers questions there is a direct link to all her listings as well. That can’t hurt!
Frances Flynn Thorsen
December 20, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Amy,
That is excellent advice. Too many agents are still accustomed to hard-boiled solicitation online and answers containing, “call me” fall on deaf ears.
“She relates to them by finding something in common, and makes sure they have lots of ways to contact her. When she answers questions there is a direct link to all her listings as well. That can’t hurt!”
Indeed!!!
Lisa “gets it”!!!
Thank you so much for sharing. Great post, as always.
CTann-Starr
December 20, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Very nicely done. 🙂
Bill Lublin
December 20, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Trulia voices is a great platform, but as you point out, just answering isn;t enough – having the right answer rules!
Jim Flanagan
December 20, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Hi Amy,
Imagine that; listen, build rapport and answer the question directly…all at the convenience of your PDA! Sounds like Lisa was always a great agent and thanks to technology, and TRULIA, the consumer wins.
Paula Henry
December 21, 2008 at 7:40 am
I answer few questions on Trulia – simply a time issue. I did answer one last week concerning a tax question. Imagine my surprise when the first person to respond did not even live in my state and offered horrible advice which did not apply here.
It sounds like Lisa gets it and is helpful -kudos to her!
Steve Simon
December 21, 2008 at 9:12 am
Answering is helping someone else; helping others has always been the number one way to improve one’s lot in life. It just works that way:)
Jonathan Dalton
December 21, 2008 at 9:33 am
What was the original question? The “you don’t want to be across the Ct. River” statement raised the little DOJ-fearing hairs on the back of my neck.
Missy Caulk
December 21, 2008 at 10:37 am
I do Trulia voices but only for my area and some in Michigan.
I read some of the answers from agents in other states and freak. They have no clue about licensing laws in MI.
A well thought out answer works best instead of just a short answer Call Me.
pierre
December 21, 2008 at 12:16 pm
The DOJ has bigger fish to fry than recommendations about traffic, LOL! I believe there is no law on saying one town has easier highway access than another. Great post Amy and great job by that agent!
Amy Chorew
December 21, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I was glad so many mentioned the licensing laws, fair housing and basic COE issues. In this case the river issue was fine – they were looking for commuting times, so I think that worked. Being on either side of the river is common verbiage around these parts.
But I see ALOT of bad stuff out there. I do believe this will be self correcting, agnets will start to get it or get in trouble.
Have you looked on craigslist lately? It doesn’t take me more than a few clicks to find a real estate agent with a blind ad (not mentioning what brokerage they work with). Ooops that is a state and COE violation, I just saying . . .
fred
December 22, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Trulia is a cool site. I’m sure Lisa is a fine agent, but it’s got to be wicked easy to be a “top producer” when you work for the “family” home builders. Wonder how many dual agent situations she gets involved in.
Ken Brand
December 23, 2008 at 6:57 am
I’m reminded that we’re not really in the real estate business, we’re in the conversation, connection, discovery, service, knowledge, expertise, guide, advocate, help you get what you want business.
Just so happens there’s usually a house/property at the end of the rainbow closing.
More accurately, if done property, a closing isn’t really a closing, it’s the beginning of referrals and repeat business.
Thanks for the reminder:-)