Ben Carson Selected to Run HUD-Does No Experience Matter?
I don’t usually go “political,” but this news story caught my eye today. We have heard that Ben Carson was in the mix to become our nation’s next Housing Secretary but nothing was confirmed. That confirmation occurred today. It seems that in the new Trump cabinet, having little to no experience in the field which you are appointed means little. It appears the winning formula to gaining a place in the upcoming administration is “loyalty” to Trump in the past and ongoing. With that said, Trump seems to be also focusing on top-level professionals and plugging them into positions where they can lend their expertise. Does that mean that having little to zero leadership with government matters? And what does that mean for our real estate market and the people in urban areas who need help? Well…it could mean a lot.
If you own an iPhone or any Apple product you know that they come out with “updates” for IOS software that makes the technology possible. Each time you update the IOS software your phone gets new and cool additions that weren’t there before. Sometimes these changes are big, other times they are small. Either way, if you NEVER update the software, eventually the applications on your phone will no longer become compatible and work correctly…or at all. I think that is very much the same as it applies to Realtors and their real estate database and overall business. As an agent, if you aren’t updating your business and database, eventually it also becomes stale and outdated. Think…when is the last time you sat down and went through your entire real estate database and updated it? Are you still doing the same marketing tactics you were doing 5-10yrs ago? Are you getting the same result? Here are some steps to take to update your real estate business and move forward to a successful 2017 and beyond.
Why is it that the most effective applications and marketing tools are often the most simple to understand? When I meet with Realtors on a daily basis, they tell me that easy to understand marketing concepts resonate best with them. Understandable. Technology, especially apps are not supposed to be difficult to use. The concept of WhoHub is a simple and easy to use technology that shines light on its featured player…the Realtor. Brad LaTour, WhoHub’s CEO explains: “WhoHub combines the ease of sharing your trusted vendor network with the popularity of messaging. It allows the Realtor to be where their customers expect them to be–on their smart phone.” 
As we draw closer to a Presidential election, we also enter a time where Realtors get blocked or unfriended on social media. Why? They just can’t control themselves when it comes to their favorite political candidate, social cause, and their every random thought. Doing this can cause Realtors and lenders to lose business and money. There are many instances where people use Facebook as their free website to post blog content and their deep feelings on issues. I have some advice if you are one of these people:
Are you using Facebook ads as part of your online/social media marketing strategy? If not, you may want to think again. Facebook ads are far more powerful to reach a “target audience” than using your Facebook timeline/Friends list. 
If you have followed my website and YouTube channel for any length of time, you know that I’m a HUGE fan of real estate video. Four years ago when I first started shooting videos for my target audience of Realtors and mortgage lenders, I didn’t know what would come of it and IF it would really help my business. I can now say that it is one of the best things I have ever done to grow my Title business. Fast forward four years to now, and I preach this message over and over to my Realtor clients and prospects. “Real Estate Video will help your business and convey your message though the medium consumers prefer!” I then get hit over and over with a series of excuses and anxiety ridden reason why they are camera-shy. These are Realtors that agree with and understand the value of using real estate video, yet still come up with reasons not to move forward and implement. My goal for my clients is to have them expand their business and brand to as many “qualified” people as possible. Video is the best way to make this happen. Let’s talk about how Realtors can overcome the stage fright and anxiety of using video in their business.
