By Warren McNeil

Here is a new video I did regarding the “Top 5 Things to Expect  From a Tech-Savvy Realtor”

Enjoy

Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.

 Here is the transcript of the video:

Hi There! I am Warren McNeil from Team McNeil and Re/Max Twin City Realty in Kitchener

The Internet has changed the way we all communicate in this world. As a realtor, we need to constantly stay current with technology and utilize these new methods with our marketing. Technology, if used right, can make a huge difference when marketing a home for sale. Gone are the days of the big MLS book. According to the National Association Realtors, 84% of people start their home search onlne. So hiring a tech-savvy realtor is more important then ever to give you that edge you need to sell or buy your next home. Here are the top 5 reasons to hire a tech-savvy realtor.

Number 5 – Website
It is important that a realtor has their own website. In my opinion, websites are not optional they are mandatory. They serve many purposes. A realtor’s website should be able to display listings with lots of photos, detailed desctriptions of the property and an area for virtual tours as well as provide an easy way for prospective buyers to contact the realtor.

Number 4 – Print advertising
A realtor who utilizes both print advertising and the internet is better able to take advantage of both mediums strengths. Marketing a house for sale in the newpaper and leading the buyer to the website for more information is crucical for maximizing the marketing of a property. You still need both! A tech-savvy realtor understands that many consumers still rely on traditional advertising methods. So don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Number 3 – Mobility
Realtors must be able to access email or text messages while in the field. Prospective buyers want information rightaway so it is very imortant for realtors to have a PDA such as a Blackberry or an Iphone.

Number 2 – SEO or Search Engine Optimization
Realtors who have good search engine ranking ensures that your listings get found on the Internet. Realtor.ca is a great website but it is not the only website to rely on when it comes to marketing your home online. Buyers also use search engines such as Google, Yahoo or Bing to look for houses. Realtors who have their websites optimized will have a better chance at getting their house listings found.

Number 1 – Web 2.0 – Social media
The internet has become more interactive over the past 5 years. Having a website is not good enough. Realtors also need to blog, do videos, Twitter and use Facebook. These are all methods that are important for us to connect with clients, prospective buyers and prospective sellers. Having a realtor that utilizes some or all of this technology ensures that you hired the right person to do the job.

The good news is, technology will continue to evolve. As new technologies come out we must harness their effectiveness so we can all do our jobs more efficiently!

Thanks for watching and see you next time!

Thanks for reading!

Warren & Melanie McNeil | Sales Representatives, Team McNeil RE/MAX Twin City Realty, Brokerage ( 519.579.4110 | 519-498-8118
Connect with us on the following social networks Facebook: www.facebook.com/TeamMcNeilRemax
websites: www.TeamMcNeil.com, www.ClickThatHouse.com, www.KitchenerLofts.com, www.ElmiraRealEstate.ca

By Warren McNeil

According to the Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate board the numbers are in for January 2010 and we are up 64% in unit sales over 2009. This is great news and the main reason for this is increase is because of the low interest rates and a high level of consumer confidence. 

“This year we are off to quite a different start compared to last year, which is really encouraging,” said Ted Scharf (pronounced Skarf), the President of the WREB, “January is traditionally a slower month for residential sales. These results show that there is definitely demand in the market and the traditional mindset of waiting until spring just doesn’t seem to be as strong. ” 

Another interesthing point that I read is that the average house price in Kitchener-Waterloo increased by 12.3% because of an increase in sales of homes over $400,000.

My experience with the market is that stuff is selling really quickly. I find it difficult to get into see properties fast enough. The good deals seem to go really quick!!!

To see the full article, go to:

http://news.therecord.com/article/666766

and the KWREB press release
http://www.kwreb.on.ca/Stats/January%202010%20Media%20Release.pdf

Thanks for reading!

We are a full-time real estate team in Kitchener Waterloo area. We enjoy assisting buyers and sellers with the purchase or sale of real estate in the Kitchener-Waterloo or Cambridge areas. If you would like us to help you with your home search, please check out our brand-new free search website or if you are thinking of selling, get a free market evaluation.

Warren & Melanie McNeil | Sales Representatives, Team McNeil
Re/Max Twin City Realty, Brokerage (                  519.579.4110         ~               519-498-8118        
8 www.TeamMcneil.com, www.ClickThatHouse.com, www.LoftStyle.ca
P.S. Looking for a condo or loft, check out our brand new website at www.LoftStyle.ca!

Here is an interesting article I read this evening. While researching our local real estate market, I came across an interesting news article by the Canadian Press. See article below.  I particularily like the part about Canadian Solar opening up a new plant in Ontario. Hopefully it will be right here in Kitchener-Waterloo. It’s nice to see growth from our local companies. Especially in our community. I see a real future for this type of company. Green technology companies that is….  In addition, there was also mention about the recovery of the real estate market. Did we have a problem :lol: 

I am going to be publishing links to the Re/Max 2010 Market Outlook shortly as well.

Here’s the article.

  

The Canadian Press

(Dec 4, 2009) Real estate sales, prices expected to rise in 2010

MISSISSAUGA Residential real estate sales should recover in almost all major Canadian cities by the end of 2009, while average prices should post new records in an improved economic climate, according to a new housing report.

The Re/Max Housing Market Outlook survey for 2010 predicts the uptick in sales will be led by an anticipated 45 per cent increase in Greater Vancouver. Hamilton-Burlington is expected to see a 4 per cent jump in sales.

The report also says average prices are expected to improve in 65 per cent of markets as economic performance picks up. The survey estimates a 4 per cent rise in prices for Hamilton-Burlington homes.

Solar panel company to build plant in Ontario

KITCHENER Canadian Solar Inc. says it will establish a manufacturing facility in Ontario to build solar panels. The Kitchener-based company says the $24-million project will create 500 direct jobs and supply electricity to the equivalent of 60,000 homes per year.

Canadian Solar says it expects to make decisions about the plant location, cost and ultimate size in the first quarter of 2010.

RIM shares stumble after patent complaint in U.S.

TORONTO Research In Motion shares dropped more than 2 per cent yesterday to close at $61.53 following reports that Prism Technologies LLC, a Nebraska-based company, has filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission.

Prism claims RIM’s smartphones, computer software and servers are infringing on patents for an authentication system which it owns the rights to use. The company is seeking cash compensation.

Reports have said RIM is challenging the claims, though a spokesperson for the company declined to comment on the specifics.

Hart Stores reports drop in Q3 earnings, sales

LAVAL, Que. Hart Stores Inc. reported yesterday third-quarter net earnings of $400,000, compared with earnings of $800,000 a year ago. Sales for the third quarter fell 3.5 per cent to $44.6 million from the previous year. Hart Stores operates 90 mid-sized department stores in Eastern Canada, including in Hamilton and Simcoe.

Original article source: http://www.thespec.com/News/Business/article/684504 

Thanks for reading!

Warren & Melanie McNeil | Sales Representatives, Team McNeil
Re/Max Twin City Realty, Brokerage ( 519.579.4110 
8 www.TeamMcneil.com, www.LoftStyle.ca, www.ClickThatHouse.com