Specifically, I created a social network that deals with real estate issues in Southern NJ.  The biggest challenge is to be able to get the word out about this new network.  Additionally, I’d like to set the tone of the network group so that it is NOT just a forum for other agents to sign up and try to recruit other members as buyers.  This, I think, would be the biggest turn-off for any real estate consumer that joined and would pretty much destroy the network. 

I’m trying to establish a forum for consumers to join where they can feel comfortable and safe in discussing and asking questions about real estate issues.  I’d like to see them do this without having to worry about being deluged with solicitations from other agents. 

As I posted before, I am a member of so many different online social networking sites that I’m seriously thinking of putting a database together in order to be able to keep track of all of them.  But most importantly, I’m beginning to see these social networks as the very same communities that were started during the MLM heydays of the mid 90’s, where members within the industry are trying to sell their product or service to each other and the few select people.

In that the vast majority of real estate consumers tend to register/join anywhere from 5-8 agent’s sites when they are looking for a home.  They do this as if each agent has some special information or inside track on properties that no other agent does.  But how can you educate the consumer?  You need to start interacting with them.  And you can’t interact with them if when they join any kind of community they are deluged with solicitations from every real estate agent that is registered with that community. 

I, on the other hand, look forward to discussing in detail the specifics about any real estate issues as they pertain to the Southern NJ area.  Be they foreclosures, home prices, or 1st Time Home Buyer issues, as a real estate professional I feel that it is my obligation to educate the consumer about all issues pertaining to real estate and not just try to sell them a house or my services.

So, in conslusion, I’d be interested to hear from others as to which online social networks that you belong to and your opinion of that network.

Terry Iwaniw
Foreclosure Prevention Consultant
First Time Home Buyer Specialist
REALTOR Associate
RE/MAX Home Team
609-417-1086

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Wow!  I didn’t know I belonged to so many until I started to compile information for this posting.  So, now my challenge is to figure out how to best utilize all of these social networks without unindating everyone with tons of invitations.  I’m always looking to make connedction with people and finding ways to help them with their real estate needs.  But I would prefer not to become annoying to the point that people “run in the opposite direction” when I come along.  Everyone remembers that one person you meet at a social gathering that is always trying to sell you something.  Well, that’s what I don’t want to become.  That is why the utilization of social networks is an art form.  They are the best way to meet people in today’s technological world.  You want to be able to connect with people without giving them the impression that all you want to do is sell them something.  As for myself, I have other interests other then trying to sell real estate to everyone I meet.  I am one of the founders of the Winslow Township Genealogical & Historical Society, I am an avid student of history itself.  I also am the site moderator of the American Local History Network’s Camden County NJ web site .  I also love trains and to that end I have been trying to put a project together that would detail the history of Winslow Junction, NJ.  So, with me, not everything is business.

Terry Iwaniw
REALTOR Associate
First Time Home Buyer Specialist
Foreclosure Prevention Consultant
RE/MAX Home Team
609-417-1086
http://www.terryi.com/
http://www.snewjerseyhomes.com/

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