I subscribe to many blogs..blogs outside the rain..and there seems to be something quite common which really makes no sense to me. When addressing everyone on the world wide net some feel it is necessary to always voice their opinion and there are occasions your opinion doesn't count..or maybe for the proper use of words..your opinion should not count..or voiced or expressed.
Sounds like a fight right? Think again..just an observation that I made...
If you are trying to generate business in real estate and mortgages I have to ask a simple question
WHY? WHY? WHY?
I did not link to the posts or blogs nor will I...don't worry scrub the net and you will find the articles very easily..its not one author its several! This post is not about rights but marketing and marketing to who?
Promoting the $8,000 tax credit
Today is a great time to buy was the headlines of the article....it was a clear message to consumers..but then as I read on..low and behold..an opinion stating at the very bottom of the article... they do not support this..what are you thinking..who cares and what are the benefits to you and any potential buyer by making this comment?
Does the general public need to know how you personally feel? With a disclaimer like that do you honestly believe most first time home buyers would feel comfortable working with you? Get the message?
I did loud and clear! I try and put myself in buyers shoes..nope I wouldn't buy my home through you..you are talented and gifted but I'd be too embarrassed to ask you any questions about it!
How about the loan limits for FHA and how they increased.
While most are excited and ecstatic I read that someone who specializes and promotes FHA loans and at the end there was a statement..that's why real estate is in the state it is in. This post was directed to consumers asking for business..again...a one liner added...
As a buyer I don't think I would be so comfortable asking an FHA question or maybe the thought they won't want to work with me might cross my mind! Yes people ponder these things.
I'm not trying to tell anyone how to write but be fully aware of what you are writing and who and why you are writing for. I'm talking blog posts that are directed to the consumer. I'm talking prize winning blogs with great information promoting real estate and mortgages to consumers!
It's one thing to talk to your peers in this way but to promote buying a home to the consumer in this manner? Is your marketing defeating what you are trying to accomplish?
I don't get it are you one of those getting paid for your opinion or are you trying to sell real estate?
About The Author: Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and Manager . CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty is located in Volusia County with 2 office locations to better serve the public. Daytona Beach andOrmond by the Sea.midorimiller@yahoo.com (386) 453-3236
Good morning Ma'am,
I try to keep my opinion out of things that I am writing for the public. Then there is the exception in a Members Only post I could be voicing more than an opinion.
Have a GREAT day.
Negativity and opinions. I try and remain neutral and also look through my clients eyes. You must have good content and be positive. Well done.
My short time in the "Rain" has taught me that comments on the web last for a life time. That is one of the reasons it takes so long for me to compose a blog. I hope other Realtors read and take heed.
Hi Midori,
Well written post. Negativity is not a quality buyers are looking for in their choice of a Realtor! Good advice.
Good Morning Midori! - You know how I feel about negative. Simply not a post I will read ... surround yourself with upbeat and you will be dancing for the day. I have come to understand that some post are a way of release for some, vent and feel better. I just have to elect to read it and move on. I try to post things that are a reminder to myself to improve, do better, feel better. If I am disappointed, frustrated, there will be a post to help pull me up into right thinking, to reflect, do better. We are all different and that is one beauty about the computer ... click .. I'm outta there. Have a wonderful weekend!
Well, Midori - all I can say is that my opinion on that post is ............
Midori...Good post! I also try to stay neutral when writing posts.
Great info, thanks for sharing. "just the facts" is all really anyone needs, then they can make up their own opinions.
Great post. Definitely something to consider as I write my next blog. Thanks!
I remember when we were "shopping around" for a realtor when buying our first home, one of the people I talked to said something negative about the VA loans, for which my husband qualified and wanted to try to take advantage of. The realtor, who didn't know us from Adam, started going on a long-winded barrage against the government and those "stupid VA loans that don't amount to squat," which turned my husband right off.
If you want to sell real estate, you have to care about what your clients or prospects think. Keeping your own opinions to yourself is the best way to do that.
~Renae
Hi Midori, Great post. Thanks for sharing. Keep posting best.
Best - Sash
Midori, very well stated. No one should expect business when they go against their own advertising/blogging, etc.
Midori - Why would a blogger contradict their message - it's unbelievable. I would hope the author would re-read his/her creation.
Midori: Thanks for the post! Soemtimes I think an opinion online is o.k. I have received phone call and emails from far and wide due to me expressing my thoughts. Yes, blogging online should ultimately be about bringing value to the customer. But remember that the customer decides what value is to them! Have a great day!
Hi Midori. So often in life less is more and I think you said it quite nicely.
Midori --- I was a little nervous as I read your blog for fear that you were talking about me. But as I read further, I realized that I don't talk like that to the public. I learned really early on Facebook that what you publish is for the whole world --- I learned it the hard way. Thanks for all your valuable insight.
There are some things that I don't believe an agent should discuss on a blog that is supposed to be informational for consumers. Things like politics and religion should be off-limits. Our opinions on everything else real estate-related should be a go.
However, having an opinion on the stimulus package or new tax cuts for first-time homebuyers or short sales is only helpful if we present it in such as way as to explain to the consumer why we agree or don't agree with a particular subject. That way, we aren't just saying "don't do this" or "this tax cut stinks."
Kathy
Midori, You make an excellent point....people should re-read their blogs from different eyes before they publish them anywhere.
Wouldn't you rather work with someone excited and positive about what they do ? Nobody knows everything about everything...(except maybe thee and me) but there should be a willingness to find out...go the extra mile...it is the only way to win the race !
Midori, if you don't agree with something, then state it loud and clear. Not write about a topic, in this case the (8000.00 credit) and then at the bottom disclaim it. That is my most searched post the last month via Google Analystic's. People are interested, don't understand it and are searching to find out what it how, how do they get it, blah, blah, blah.
This seems like either a dis-service to the readers, or the author is using it to draw readers.
MIdori- I'm often amazed at what some bloggers publish. Do they forget there's a "reader" on the other side? I think a good exercise is to picture your audience. If what you're writing is something you wouldn't say to them in a face to face conversation, don't write it!
Midori, this was a real eye-opener only because I have been guilty of opining from time to time on my blog... I think I may need to re-read a few things and remind myself of who I'm writing for :)
Midori...
A lot of people want to lay all of their cards on the table and let the chips fall where they may ... it's not the best strategy but I guess that it's their call!
Midori,
Sometimes when reading an inane comment on the net, I want to ask "Who gives a rats patootie about what you think?!" I don't though, because I want a positive bent in absolutely everything I project on the world. Great post!
Mike in Tucson
Midori - I am one who sometimes (ok, often) gives my opinion, and sometimes it differs from the original content. However, that will usually be in a members only environment. On public content, only if I feel it supports the original intent. If I feel strongly against what is said, I write my own post about it, trying to present a positive view of my position. I agree, it is how we present ourselves that provides insight into how we do business.
It's fine to voice your opinion...but really truly if you are trying to engage the consumer and have them look at you as the go to person...why be critical of something you are trying to promote? Why have an opinion and shut the door after a kick #@# article..with a small disclaimer at the bottom. If you do that..your marketing is defeating you!
I would not want to send mixed messages to the consumer, although I can be pretty twisted. A political blogger who I respect a lot stopped by my blog to ask my opiinion on something I shared.
Strange that you would promote something and then just bash it at the end. This does not really make much sense and I am not sure why a consumer would use someone who would bash a program they would like to take advantage of.