Lately I have an overwhelming feeling that I have schizophrenia – to those who know me well, they simply ask why it took me so long to figure it out.
What happened to the days when searching for a home doubled as a work out? Lugging around 25 lbs MLS catalogues – flipping thru the black and white property snapshots – it was clean – it was simply – it was – well – leisurely.
You know – with the advent of new technology – evolving from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0, the amount of choices and technological advancements in developing online communities and data analysis has my mind spinning – so many choices
- how do I use these new solutions?
- How will my clients benefit?
- How will I benefit?
- Which ones should I invest in?
- Which functionality provides the best return?
As I discover new sites and options, I can’t seem to keep up with the “older” ones.
So – I decided to try and put it all together. So here I am – at homethinking, on my computer, trying to assemble my thoughts – Trulia wondering what this all about – I mean, in general, I feel I am a realseekr of knowledge – where data’s concerned, I am good at Krunching the numbers. But the mind map of the Web 2.0 space has really Motovoated me to look at how this fits together.
Personively, I want my clients with BiggerPockets to see the benefits while I become a SmarterAgent. That way we all win. Ok – so let’s Zolve this problem.
So – I’ve found some of the sites to be useful. I actually have found some great clients using some of these sites. But still – the list is Vast. Bottomline – clients are still seeking help – they view me as their HomeGuru. Let’s face it – for the client seeking a new home, they generally still need to walk thru the Frontdoor of a prospective property to know whether or not it’s a fit.
I will admit, I used to think Hoodeo these people think they are, having to walk UpMyStreet, up and down EveryBlock, insisting on seeing every Hacienda and Retrove mid-century in every RottonNeighborhood.
But – Alas! With the advent of advanced search capability – my clients can now Zipvo through listings at break RateSpeed – no longer do they insist on seeing everything! Even during Active Rain storms, I know our search can be Realivent – it’s worth getting a little wet when we know our efforts are N-Play.
Ya know – maybe all this Hubbuzz is worth a serious look. The more I learn to leverage the Oodles of solutions, I might actually be an one of the best of all the Incredible Agents out there. Just think about the fame and fortune! The Properazzi will be waiting outside at one of those fancy restaurants while I dine on Redfin soup.
Geez – this is Realius exciting! … but I have to admit – all this thinking really has kinda tired me out. I guess I’ll head off to bed – I’m sure once my head hits the Zillow – I’ll be out like a light!
Sue says:
Thomas, I hear ya! You certainly did a good job of putting them together on this post. There are several that I haven’t heard of. BTW…searching for homes is still a pretty good workout for me.
August 28, 2008 — 5:56 pm
Martin Bouma, Ann Arbor Real Estate says:
I loved the post, Thomas. What a great way to list so many of the websites. I had heard of some, but learned of some new ones. Thanks!
August 28, 2008 — 6:14 pm
Greg Swann says:
Bravo! A tour de force!
August 28, 2008 — 9:28 pm
jaybird says:
Well done.
August 29, 2008 — 4:50 am
Yannick from properazzi says:
outstanding!
August 29, 2008 — 7:00 am
Glenn says:
Totally agree with you that with all the web 2.0 it can be mind boggling especially when you show them in your post.
August 29, 2008 — 7:58 am
Carolyn Gjerde-Tu says:
Nice post, but visiting all of these websites would be a workout. It is great consumers have so many places to get real estate information but I think that it can be overwhelming at times.
August 29, 2008 — 9:04 am
James Boyer New Jersey says:
Nice post Thomas, it shows a small sample of who wants a slice of the online real estate pie. I tend to think that at some point there has to be a consolidation in all the online portholes, and info sites, and lead aggregators, and … Going forward, is there really going to be room for all these different companies doing similar things?
August 30, 2008 — 2:49 pm
Thomas Hall says:
Thanks all for your comments!
James – I am in total agreement with you – I sense that those without a completely compelling business case for either consumer, RE pro or both will fall prey to those that address specific consumer needs with quantifiable value.
August 30, 2008 — 8:00 pm