RISMEDIA, July 2009-Dan Iampieri
Years in real estate: 6
Region Served: Baltimore metro area
Average sales price in your market: $425,000
Average number of days a home spends on the market:120
When and why did you start using social media?
In early 2007, I started using social media with MySpace. The average Realtor in the area is almost twice as old as I am and I cater to generation Y and social networking is the way our generation communicates with each other. In 2008, I was one of the first in the area to use Facebook and Twitter, and I do video blogs. My mom gave me a Flip camcorder for Christmas, so I started using the Flip in January of this year to record a two-minute video every day. I have lots of funny videos to get people excited.
Why do you feel it’s important and how does it help generate business?
Because everyone’s on it. I abandoned my traditional website about a year ago. Instead, I launched a website that combines my social networking with blogs. I use almost all video and it works.
How do you decide which to use (ie, Facebook, Twitter, blogging, etc.)?
I use them all. My website ties together all of my social networking. My brother calls me a virtual bumper sticker and he thinks I stay up at night thinking of things to say on my blog. My brother and I put our virtual tours on You Tube first. I narrated the tours and really generated excitement.
What would you say to agents who feel social networking is a waste of time?
Then they must think making money is a waste of time. This year, I have done six transactions from Facebook alone. I did a series of videos this year with a buyer recording the entire process. It was called, “Andrew buys a home from Dan.” People kept watching the videos and people want that same experience.
What tips and advice do you have for maximizing social media?
Get in early and stay late. It’s not just about having a Facebook page. It doesn’t make you unique anymore to just have a page on Facebook. The key now is to know how to use it. I don’t just put on my Facebook page that I am great, come use me. Instead, I put out questions and engage people in a conversation. “Who do you think is better at social networking-women or men?” could be a question I put up and I get a ton of responses. The thing you do not want to do is to use it like a virtual billboard.
Why did you become a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network?
Because Allan Dalton is a pioneer. My aunt used to be a corporate trainer with Coldwell Banker and she worked with Allan there and she got me to meet him. That was just six weeks ago and Allan gave a stunning presentation. What I like best about Top 5 is we are marketing not selling. Also all of the material is very relevant, consumer-oriented content.
Which Top 5 marketing tools have you found most useful?
I put the articles on my Facebook pages. And many, many people come onto the site and read the Top 5 material. So content, distribution and marketing.
What is the key to a successful life in real estate?
You have to run it like a business. These transactions are between buyers and sellers and we need to step aside and market the properties, but not get in the way of the transaction.
