When I set out to write about the RE.net, I wasn’t sure if there was a set definition for it. I was fortunate that several others are attempting to define it and writing about it. too. After conducting some research, my interpretation on what the RE.net space is: circles of influence that bring together communities of people who share interests and activities in real estate & other topics of interest. These connections are born from all types of web-based communications & interactions among and about real estate professionals. These communications include: blogs, microblogs, messge boards, videos, and pictures. Of course, the RE.net may be different for everyone - how do you define the RE.net space?
Who are the players in the RE.net space? These may ring a bell: 4realz, Real Estate Zebra, Agent Genius, Bloodhound Realty, Trulia, VAR Buzz, Inman, NAR, The Phoenix Real Estate Guy, Real Estate Shows, Center for REALTOR® Technology, NAR’s YPN, among others who actively share information & insights. Don’t mean to leave anyone out- the list is pretty extensive. To give you an idea of how many other RE.net residents there are, check out this page… on the Bloodhound blog.
So, how is the RE.net space being used? Many provide information on what’s going on in their communities, state, and national happenings. These sites give real estate professionals exposure to people sitting across town or across the ocean. Some may say that the RE.net space is not for them and consider it a waste of time. While others really enjoy being part of it. In every case it’s all about preference: Jack may love blogging, reading RSS, but not use anything else. Jill may love social networking sites like Twitter, but does not blog. In the end, it’s not the tool but how each person uses the tool(s) to connect with others. I’ve heard several real estate professionals say that the RE.net opens up low-cost communciation channesl that help establish priceless friendships and business connections for today & the future. But, really – what’s the point? Why should I invest valuable time in being part of the RE.net? The following seems to say a lot about the technology ‘know-how’ & habits that are growing all over the world. I found this information on a YouTube video (Howie DiBlasi’s Did You Know IV presentation) that appeared in a post on Jennifer & Matthew Rathbun’s blog:
- 53 million American adults (44%) of internet users used the internet to publish, respond, post photos, etc.
- 57% of teens who use the Internet could be considered content creators. They have created a blog, web page, or share information online.
- “There are people who will collaborate, create large storehouses of information, and change our relationship to technology, and re-write the paradigms of how things work. They are just being born.”
These are the people who are or will be looking for information from us. Are we prepared to communicate with new generations in a way that they prefer & are receptive to? And, although not all RE.net tools are for everyone, it never hurts to take a look and see what’s out there and check it out. NAR, for instance, is in search of a Social Media Manager in order to stay on top of developments in the RE.net space. NAR sees the importance of staying connected with each one of you & understanding the trends among consumers’ technology use.
Currently, you can connect with CRT and NAR at:
Don’t mean to drag this post on forever, but I’m curious to hear from those of you who use Facebook. Do you have ideas for a real estate related Facebook app? If so, share your ideas with us. Take a few minutes to tell us what app would make your use of Facebook even better. CRT would love to hear from you. We’ll take these ideas and discuss them internally to see what we can do to make one or a few of them a reality. I’ll keep you updated on the Facebook app project in future posts!
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