Selling a house these days takes a lot more creativity than it used to. Fortunately, the miracle of the Internet makes this a lot easier – especially with the advent of social networking. Sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are quickly revolutionizing the way information is spread. Get in on the trend now and spread the news about the home you have for sale. You may be surprised with the results.
What is social networking?
Social networking isn’t actually as new as most people think. The term “social networking” simply means “to meet other people who share the same social interest or qualification as you.” That may mean that you live in the same community, attend the same school, or work at the same company. Anybody you network with on a social level is part of your social network.
Online, social networking is the same general idea – except it reaches much further than local boundaries. Because of the power the Internet has to connect, people who share interests or other qualifications can be linked up from all over the world.
Top social networking websites
The three most common social networking sites are:
- Twitter (www.twitter.com): Twitter is considered a micro-blogging service because it allows users to send messages (called tweets) that consist of 140 characters or less. The author of the tweet sends these text-based posts to subscribers, known as his or her followers. You can sign up to follow the tweets of a certain individual, just as others can sign up to follow any tweets you put out. The service is free to use. Twitter is a great way to alert followers that you’re looking for prospects as well as to let them know the greater selling points of your house.
- Facebook (www.facebook.com): Facebook allows users to set up personal profiles that contain pictures, videos, and as much personal information as each individual wishes to share. Users then connect with others, called “friends” on the site. Once you connect with a friend you have access to his or her information and she or he has access to yours. You can make public posts of information to be viewed by only your friends or by all Facebook users (you set your own privacy options). The site is free to all users. Facebook is a great way to post pictures and videos of the home you’re trying to sell, as well as to alert friends about what you’re doing so they can send referrals your way.
- LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com): LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking site that aims to connect individuals on a professional level. It allows users to create resume-like postings that communicate their education, work experience, and professional pursuits. Users then connect to others who share their professional interests or background. As with the others, LinkedIn is a free service. This site would be an appropriate venue for your real estate agent to list your home for sale.
How to get on a social network
To become part of an online social network, you’ll most likely go through a social site website. Once you have access to a social networking website, you can begin to socialize with other community members.
If you’re on a mission to sell your house, you’ll want connect with people who live in your community and might be looking to relocate or know someone else who does.
How do you socialize online?
Socializing online is quite similar to face-to-face socializing. It consists of finding out about the background of other group members (i.e., reading their “profiles”), and typing messages or announcements for other group members to see (i.e., chatting).
So in terms of spreading the word about selling your house, you’ll want to “socialize” by posting pictures of your house, talking about upcoming open houses you’re hosting, and similar information.
Even better, you can use sites like Facebook to post videos. Film a video tour of your house and post it online. The real-live feel of walking through your rooms will help to pique interest of potential buyers.
The new face of home sales
Potential for successfully selling your home online grows with each passing day. As more individuals turn to the Internet before they seek out any other kind of information, more will be taking advantage of the home selling opportunities provided by social networking. Do yourself a favor and jump in. Chances are good this new trend will lead a home buyer right to your door.
