Tuesday, 20 April 2021 09:30 AM
Conferences
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 20, 2021 / Top real estate professionals joined social media strategists to talk tech and give a download on the latest trends industry professionals can use to manage transactions, attract clients, and close deals at a virtual panel April 15 hosted by the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, Inc. (HGAR) and OneKey™ MLS.
Hundreds of industry professionals tuned in for "Getting the Deal Done: Real Estate Tech - Tapping Into Trendy Apps and Other Tools of the Trade," which featured Katie Brinkley, a social media strategist and owner of Next Step Social Communications, a digital marketing agency in Littleton, Colo.; Alex Montalenti, a real estate technology coach and co-founder and CRO, Real Grader, a digital branding agency in Manhasset, N.Y.; Jason Saft, founder of Staged to Sell Home, a home staging and marketing firm, and a licensed real estate salesperson at Compass, New York City; and Noah Rosenblatt, the founder, and CEO of UrbanDigs, a real-estate analytics firm, New York City.
"Our industry has seen so many changes over the past year, and the landscape continues to change," said Leah Caro, president and principal broker at Park Sterling Realty in Bronxville, N.Y., and member of the Board of Managers of OneKey™ MLS, the regional multiple listing service for New York. "As our industry evolves, it's so important we identify the right tools to engage the consumer and ensure our messaging resonates in a crowded space."
The discussion was moderated by Brian D. Tormey, NTP, president of TitleVest, a leading New York City-based provider of title insurance and related real estate services. The hour-long session focused on the value of using Google's local service ads and social networking apps like Clubhouse and Instagram to engage viewers and prospects, promote listings and build an audience of customers and referrals.
"The number-one place to get reviews right now is Google," said Montalenti. "Some of the top producers in the country are moving their review strategy to getting Google reviews. Every agent needs to have their own Google business page, their own presence. It doesn't compete with your brokerage - it's complementary to it, and it actually builds SEO for everyone. So, Realtors, this is a wake-up call - get on Google."
With so many options out there - Google, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, LinkedIn - the panel was asked how to determine what works best for each user's needs.
"To create natural engagement, you have to find the platform that feels authentic," said Saft. "For me, that's Instagram. My work is visually driven, and I'm able to tell a visual story of how we're transforming apartments and making an impact on ‘before and after.' And, because it's owned by Facebook, it's easy to transfer that information to Facebook, so you're getting a two-for-one. That's the key to generate business - finding the right platform, doubling down, and finding the messaging that works for your audience."
Panel members weighed in on the audio-based social media app Clubhouse and best practices for using the app, which is invitation-only and currently available on iOS.
"Clubhouse is taking social media by storm," said Brinkley, noting that finding the right people to follow is essential. "It's the authentic way to make new connections at light speed. You're able to get on stage or connect with people in a room faster than ever. You have an opportunity to hear some incredible speakers on different topics that can help grow your business - for free. If you're a Realtor, it's a great spot because you have the ability to grow your network."
Rosenblatt advised attendees to leverage data and technology to take on an "advisory role" for the long term. "It's all about the message, so become an expert on turning data into the right message," he said. "We are in a once-in-a-lifetime situation. (The Federal Reserve) printed a lot of money - trillions and trillions of dollars. That's going to be inflationary. Real estate is a hedge against inflation. Get the message across to your clients about the value of real estate, especially in New York City, as a longer-term investment opportunity for a market that went the other direction as national housing markets soared."
"Getting the Deal Done" is part of the "Be Your Best" webinar series created by HGAR and OneKey™ MLS to help Realtors and agents navigate the changing landscape amid the pandemic. The event was sponsored by TitleVest.
About OneKey™ MLS
OneKey™ MLS has 44,000-plus subscribers and serves Manhattan, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Orange, Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. It was formed in 2018 by the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors® and the Long Island Board of Realtors®.
About Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors®
The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors® (www.hgar.com) is a not-for-profit trade association representing more than 13,000 real estate professionals in Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange counties. It is the second-largest Realtor association in New York and one of the largest in the U.S.
Top row (L-R): Brian D. Tormey, NTP, President, TitleVest; Noah Rosenblatt, founder, and CEO, UrbanDigs; Leah Caro, president and principal broker at Park Sterling Realty and member of the Board of Managers, OneKey™ MLS; Bottom row (L-R): Katie Brinkley, social media strategist and owner of Next Step Social Communications; Alex Montalenti, real estate technology coach and co-founder and CRO, Real Grader; and Jason Saft, founder of Staged to Sell Home and licensed real estate salesperson, Compass.
(Credit: John Vecchiolla Photography)
Media Contact:
Kayleigh Lentz
Co-Communications
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SOURCE: Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors