REIV 2012 Real Estate Agent Poll Shows Decline in Social Media Marketing Reports SocialMediaEMarketing.com

San Francisco, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/01/2012 -- Social media website Twitter has had the reputation of being a strong asset to any person who uses it professionally. Yet, real estate agents are starting to prove otherwise as more of them start to abandon the site.

The REIV 2012 member poll surveyed 600 Victorian real estate agents.

Based on their findings, Enzo Raimondo, REIV chief, says that the online world is still relevant, but, “that does not extend to social media.” He explains, “Social media, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter had practically no value, endorsed by only 1% to 3% of respondents.”

“This reflects the fact that buyers and sellers are used to engaging with real estate online. They seek advertisements on real estate websites, such as realestateview.com.au, but are far less likely to come across a real estate agent’s Twitter account.”

There is much to be improved upon in these social networks, Raimondo suggests, “With regard to engaging with clients, social media has a long way to go until it is a familiar tool.”

What real estate agents are finding, instead, is that word of mouth is their best form of advertisements. Due to this fact, they need to work on their interpersonal skills more than they have to work on their social media networking skills.

“Agents who use social media well understand that it’s all building a relationship with a potential client, not focusing on the transaction,” Ray White’s Sam White told fellow real estate agents at the recent Inman Real Estate Connect conference in San Francisco.

“Most people get the idea of getting a recommendation from a friend. This is just doing that on steroids, but you have to do it sensibly.”

Real estate agents were advised to focus on building relationships and being professional on Twitter. White explains, “Agents who use social media well understand that it’s all building a relationship with a potential client, not focusing on the transaction.”

Andrew McCann, director and sales manager at Bennison Mackinnon, reflects on the company’s experience with Twitter and deems it “[not] the right strategy.”

He explains the Twitter community and its nature as he states that, “It’s a community opportunity to communicate with people in our marketplace rather than just beating your own drum.”

“It is interesting and it probably is true that agents aren’t really selling properties off Twitter or Facebook, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a useful tool.”

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