I’m a tech guy. I have some knowledge of the real estate industry as a whole, but I wouldn’t know the first thing about about how to select an agent. Do I go with the big name I’ve heard from advertisements? Do I ask a friend if they have a reference? Maybe I go online and do a Google search? I think a mixed combination of the three with one more element. The Ace up the sleeve in this modern day: Twitter.
About two years ago, I began following a woman by the name of Stephanie LoVerde, Twitter handle @stephloverde. I didn’t follow her because she was a real estate agent. I was just looking for people around the city who could give me perspective and maybe open my eyes to some things I haven’t yet experienced in Chicago. I noticed some check-ins via Foursquare at a few places I had not visited as well as some positive tweets about the city. If you’re not familiar with the platform, Foursquare is a social media app for sharing places you visit.
As the website states, “Foursquare makes apps that help people keep up and meet up with friends, and discover great places. Swarm is for people who want the fastest and easiest way to connect with their friends. The Foursquare app is for explorers who want to know about the best spots, and to share what they’ve found with others.”
Learn About Our New Ads and Leads Program - TRIBUS Engage
Connecting to Human Emotion via the Internet
It wasn’t until about two months of following LoVerde that I pieced together she was a real estate agent. I added her to my favorites list and began to connect with her. From following her, I gather that she is upbeat, successful and personable. Her Twitter bio reads:
“Tech Savvy REALTOR® with @bairdwarner. 2013 Chicago Rookie of the Year. Workaholic. Chicago Lover. Optimist. Social Media Enthusiast. Runner. Natural Redhead.”
As I mentioned in the beginning, I wouldn’t know the first thing about about how to select an agent. As someone who has never bought a home/condo I would only be able to base my choice off a gut feeling. Do I like this agent? Yes or No. Anyone can list their statistics and flaunt awards. I need to vibe with a person, I need to trust them. Do they understand the type of person I am? Without even reading Stephanie’s tweets, her Twitter bio strikes a chord with me. Tech savvy, Chicago lover, Optimist. Add to that tweets such as these:
Working from pool right now responding to client emails. Yes, I work when I'm away! Care abo my clients – So much. #chicagorealestate
— Stephanie LoVerde (@stephloverde) June 6, 2014
Good morning, #Chicago! Who is up & at em? Debating if I can fit workout in now pre 9am #inspection in #westbucktown. Don't wanna be late!
— Stephanie LoVerde (@stephloverde) June 3, 2014
(PS: Check out our great post on blogging by inserting a tweet.)
Twitter allows an agent to connect and be honest with the public. Who you are as a person is what should come through on your social media profiles. Twitter limits you to 160 characters for your bio. More than enough if you ask me. Honest and to the point. The quicker someone can say to themselves, “I like this agent” the quicker you will begin to connect and build a relationship.
What do you do as a real estate agent to connect via social media with your past, present and prospective clients? Share your thoughts below!
