Facebook’s new iPhone app gives Realtors incentive to get offline

New iPhone app

For some time, users have been able to check in to Facebook via Facebook Places, but now, when users have RSVPd to an event and upon arrival, their GPS location and arrival time matches the address on the RSVP, they can check in with the newest version of the Facebook iPhone app and even tag friends that are there.

The new version allows users to see in map form where their friends are, bringing Facebook more up to speed with the check-in giants of the tech world.

Facebook check-ins for real estate

So what is the incentive for real estate? Holding a contest for an open house or a neighborhood home tour (parade of homes style) could allow users to RSVP in advance, giving you a way to connect prior to the event, check in at the event via iPhone and be entered for a drawing (or if you’re really ambitious, all RSVPs that show get a Starbucks gift card).

The incentive to get offline is higher now than ever with mobile and this new version of Facebook gives Realtors an opportunity for clients or prospects to tell their own networks that they’re engaged with you. Now, there is more incentive to throw that monthly first time buyer seminar, or that “stump the agent” panel we’ve encouraged you to throw.

The best way to use the new feature, however, is to actively engage in your community and be a support to events around you. Because you can’t game the system and you can’t just be a neighborhood expert by proxy, it is healthy for the internet ecosystem to be involved. Why blog about the local stupid carnival when you can actually check in? And if there’s no Facebook event invitation, that’s your chance to make one and invite all of the neighborhood (but be sure to make it clear you are not the event organizer or carnival owner, simply an attendee rallying attendance).

What ways can you think of to use the new option of event check in via iPhone?

Click here to download the newest version of Facebook for iPhone.