A Word from one of our Sponsors: Bing

Who Will Own Real Estate Search?

Recently, Google announced that they’ll no longer support viewing property listings on Google Maps. Okay, good discussion topic since Google’s mission is to organize the world’s data and I guess real estate isn’t in the mix. At least not for now. Which raises the question about Real Estate and maps together as one and the happy mediums in which they get displayed. First off, I’m betting the real estate companies around the world are cheering about this news. That industry is superstitious to the nth degree about how multiple listing services (MLS) are used since that is their sacred cow for which they generate revenue. Which leads me to my conspiracy theories as to why they really took it down…and, perhaps why Bing never started in the first place. Just a reminder, these are just stupid theories I came up with.

Conspiracy Theory #1 – They finally violated some MLS rules about having to give credit and reference to the original seller brokerage since they were receiving data from all kinds of places.

Conspiracy Theory #2 – They’re trying to break into the enterprise business, no one is willing to pay them for what they’re historically given away for free and real estate sites have been abusing the free maps for years so they see upside and a potential revenue stream (they are trying to diversify that single source of income).

Conspiracy Theory #3 – The real estate market sucks so bad that not even Google is making money monetizing online visitors with conversion revenue sharing.

Conspiracy Theory #4 – It was becoming too much overhead to try to accommodate the business of real estate tools and it’s better left to the developers in that field. So, build a better platform.

So, map lovers, is there such a thing as too much data? Is it possible that we’ve finally found the end of what can be mapped onto a single experience? Are we saying that maps have a limited value for viewing data geographically and at the end of the day there’s just too much information and the search algorithms are too complex? Hmm. Unlikely.

Bing has this concept of “Collections” now called “My Places” that allows anyone to specify locations on a map (Google has something similar) and share the list with anyone via an email links A good percentage of collections are real estate agents who didn’t have the right tools from their brokerage to share data with consumers. I hired a wonderful agent (Babbs Weissman of Windermere) to help me find a house in Seattle and the tools she’s using to share properties with me are pretty rudimentary, the interface is list-based, and the map is an afterthought. So, I can’t find the “map all listings at once” function in the case that I want to see where they are in proximity to each other (or my office and other places I care about). So, even the tools that are available to agents have much left to be desired.

I’ve seen some wicked cool sites built with maps – John L. Scott is still my favorite – it’s fast and has a polygon drawing tool (neighborhood wizard) for specifying random areas along with different property attributes. I used to like Houston Association of Realtors (until the removed all the local information overlays – now the UX is complicated). I do like Zillow (neighborhood boundaries) and Windermere (HUGE MAP!) to round out the top 3. I don’t just like them because they use Bing (believe it or not). I like them because they provide tools and use hyper-local information.

At the end of the day, there’s plenty of work to be done in real estate. Plenty. Lots of UX work. Lots of data presentation work. Plenty of tools to be built for realtors and consumers. Bing Maps never stepped into the market and instead invested in building a platform that allowed our partners to get innovative with their data. The tools we provided complimented with the moved to Azure CDN (for performance) and Bird’s Eye Imagery and our slant on non-competitive customer markets allowed us to focus our attention elsewhere and gain inroads in the real estate enterprise market. I’ve seen a lot of innovation around Google’s Maps platform and there is healthy competition in the maps space.

Follow me @ChrisPendleton, ^CP

Note: my views do not represent Microsoft or Bing and are my own personal perspectives.
Chris Pendleton
Sr. Program Manager Lead, Bing Mobile
Microsoft Corporation

The Agenda aka “The Board”

One of the unique traits of reBarCamp is the agenda. A majority of the day’s sessions will be determined by the participants: those who show up on the morning of March 3, 2011. At registration, typically there is a stack of index cards available where you can jot down suggested topics. Often times the topic may be something you want to learn more about or perhaps it’s something you’ve found success with that you would like to share with your peers. Topics have ranged from social media, tech, real estate trends, issues and concerns – there is no limit to what you submit with exception to “sales pitches” or prepared presentations. For the most part, this is an “ad-hoc” event. This year we will have “newbie” sessions created for those who may consider themselves to be ”novice” and providing a little more structure than typical barcamp sessions. We’re also going to have a track where our sponsors have a chance to promote themselves in the “Sponsor Spotlight“.   All other sessions (5 tracks) will be classic “reBarCamp”.  TIP:  If  you’re coming to Seattle reBarCamp, start thinking about what topics  you’re interested in and jot them down so you don’t “draw a blank” at registration.  

As the index cards with suggestions for topics come quickly rolling in from hundreds of participants, some of the reBarCamp organizers will sort through and organize the suggestions into sessions.   The Seattle Center NW Rooms (by the north side of the Key Arena) offers several conference rooms for the session.  Last  year we had seven different sessions to chose from at one time!   Sessions will most likely be color coded (like last year) to help you see which sessions might be more advanced, basic or perhaps geared towards mortgage.   The color paper is taped up on “the board” which is really a dedicated space on a wall by the registration table.

 Your exact suggested topic may not make it to “the board” or seem to appear on the agenda.   It may, however, fit or be similar to what is on the board.   We do our best to create an interesting schedule based on what everyone is asking for.  If at a certain time, the board doesn’t have something that’s appealing to you, you can always create your own session, write your topic on piece of paper and one of the reBarCamp organizers will help you try to find a space (there will probably be extra tables in one of the larger conference rooms, or if it’s sunny, there’s nothing wrong with having a session outside).

Each session will start at the top of hour following Jim Marks, our fabulous Key Note Speaker, and will run for about 50 minutes.   This will give you 10 minutes to revisit the board.   It is our goal to not do too many changes to the board this year…however sometimes ”change” happens.  

Seattle’s 4th reBarCamp is going to be amazing with over 500 participants registered so far (check out the rsvp list).     Stephanie Dawson describes her experience from her first Seattle reBarCamp last year and offers great advice.   

As Stephanie says, this is a free event but it is your time. 

We look forward to seeing you on March 3, 2011 at the 4th Seattle reBarCamp!  If you haven’t signed up yet, please take a moment to RSVP…and be sure to thank our amazing sponsors for keeping this year’s event free!

A Word from one of Sponors: Keller Williams Greater Seattle

Stay on the Leading Edge or be Left Behind
By Brad Davis, Keller Williams Greater Seattle

If you’re not adapting to the latest trends in real estate marketing, stay home and gussy up your resume. For those who have a passion and desire to continue making it in this business, RE BarCamp Seattle promises to offer you a leading edge.

Foremost, take a look at your brokerage brand name and logo. Think about the image it portrays to your colleagues and the general public. Ask people what they think or feel about your branding. Is it relevant to Gen-Xers or even Gen-Yers for that matter? Or does your brand image cater more to a segment of the market that’s retired and making ends meet on a fixed income?

Believe it or not, much of the general public thinks we agents are a dime a dozen. Truthfully some agents are and you may actually be shocked how seldom people you know think about you. Given half as many deals closed in the Seattle area compared to 2005, I hope you’ve at least thought about how you’re positioning yourself to stand out from the crowd.

Communicating how you’re unique from other agents isn’t magic or rocket science. It starts with a way of being which should permeate everything you do including how you communicate with your sphere and prospects.

What you’ll discover at RE BarCamp Seattle is very similar to what you’ll find happening daily at Keller Williams Greater Seattle or any KW office for that matter. Exchange of ideas, camaraderie , support, training and masterminding to name a few.

Come month’s end KW will also be releasing to its agents a highly advanced multi-function tool designed to fully manage contacts from initial lead intake all the way through closing. It’s called eEdge. This tool integrates with your existing database, can auto generate marketing campaigns, replaces your transaction management software and much more.  I’m certain you’ll hear much more about it throughout our industry in the coming months.

KW exists to support its agents in the further development and advancement of their careers in real estate. In alignment with our company’s core values, Keller Williams Greater Seattle is a proud sponsor of RE BarCamp Seattle. Come find out what might be missing from your business.

Editor’s Note:  Seattle reBarCamp thanks Keller Williams Greater Seattle for being one of our sponsors and helping to make this event possible.  Please be sure to check them out on Facebook.

Thanks Keller Williams Greater Seattle!

Why participate in REBarCamp? One word: Relationships.

I was searching to figure out WHAT my topic for this blog post was going to be… What could I share with you, dearest reader, that would inspire you to participate in the upcoming RE BarCamp in Seattle… as well as the various events surrounding this blockbuster adventure? 

Hmmm… let’s see… should it be the passion the committee puts into planning it for you?  How about the organic, yet intentionally designed schedule you will experience? Maybe the amazing real world knowledge/education you are guaranteed to gather?   How about all of the FUN the participants have choosing the topics… things like “The Art of Poking”?  

Nope.

When it came right down to it – the answer was right in front of me – on my screen.  Okay, screens.  My TV, laptop, iPhone, and my iPad screens were ALL shouting at me, “Talk about your online inner circle… the council you reach out to when you have an idea, question or hit a wall… the ‘I have no idea HOW I survived without you in my world’ peeps… YES!  Share about those people who inspire you to reach for things you never thought possible.”

To be clear, it all started when I was in grade school… and I met my first “on screen” pals: Andie, Blane, and Duckie. If you are a John Hughes fan, you KNOW of whom I speak here – no pix or links required. 

These ‘friends’ taught me not to let ‘social rules’ determine my destiny. To reach for what I wanted – regardless of which side of the tracks I resided. There were no limits to what I could experience or achieve.

Now, fast forward (literally, if you still have it on VHS) to today.

I am truly amazed when reviewing the fabulous relationships in my world… many formed over the last couple of years!  They would NOT EXIST if it were not for epic events like #rebcsea, Inman’s Agent REBoot in Seattle/Portland, and other amazing industry events – like the upcoming NW Video Marketing Summit on 3/2/11… hosted by Frank Garay & Brian Stevens, the dynamic duo of the TBWS Daily Show!  If you participated in the 2010 #rebcsea… you may have met these two there!  BTW – they recently made Inman’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate list for 2010!

IRL (in real life) events like #rebcsea mobilize the mind-boggling knowledge and power of our community… and ignite relationships with people you and I would likely have never met.

After attending such events, I humbly, yet proudly call Rhonda Porter, Dale Chumbley, Nick Church, Rene Fabre, Scott Thomas, Mike Mueller, Chris Smith, Rich Jacobson, Michael McClure, Nicole Nicolay, Darin Persigner, Teri Conrad, Jason Hillard, Kelley Skar, Stephanie Dawson, Natalie Danielson… and many others “friend”.  Our promise to one another: Strive to LEAD one another. Humbly FOLLOW each other.  Or we, as my marvelous collaborator in all things ‘illumination” Linda Aaron says “Get Out Of The Way” and let progress continue until we are ready and able to ride the wave!  (By the way, besides my CBBain colleague, Linda… I met ALL of these amazing people “online” before I met them IRL!)

Simply put… I don’t think RElationships matter, I KNOW they matter.   This is a relationship business, after all.

RE BarCampSEA always reshapes and recharges me… and I am so excited to meet and greet new peeps this year!  Will one of them be you?  I hope so.  If you are READY to REignite, REfresh, and REnew YOUR relationships with your peer sphere, SEEK out  and nurture NEW ones - all while collaborating and participating with some of the best minds (green and guru) in our industry…

RSVP. Right now. Period.
*poke*

Thanks for reading!
~Debra
Find Me Online

A Word from One of Our Sponsors: Natalie Danielson with Clockhours

Natalie is not only a sponsor, she’s also been a volunteer for Seattle RE BarCamp for the past couple years.   Thanks again, Natalie, for your continued support and all you do to make this event extra special!

Our sponsors have allowed this event remain free to attendees this year. Please be sure to show your appreciation and check out Natalie’s video above and her continuing education business, Professional Directions at www.clockhours.com.    You can also follow Natalie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/clockhours

Thanks, Natalie!

You’ve Got Two Feet and You Can Use Them

I was asked via Twitter, “what if someone takes over a session to sell their services or product”. If you’ve attended an RE BarCamp before, then you know this is NOT what this event is all about. Ideally the day’s agenda is determined by those who show up. At past events, we’ve had index cards available  at registration and throughout th day so you can submit topics for things you’d like to learn or talk about. This is not about being self-serving or promotional — it is about giving and sharing. Sometimes this can be a real fine line.

As the suggestions come rolling in from those who are attending (aka participants), the organizers of the event start sorting them out and looking for themes to try to organize potential sessions and schedule them in the various spaces that are available. Your specific request may or may not make the schedule but hopefully there’s something close that you can check out. It’s not unusual for a session to go completely off topic depending on who’s participating. The key word here is “participation”.

RE BarCamp is not about being shy and sitting back. The more involved folks become the better. And it’s important to keep in mind your fellow bar-campers. You may have a ton of questions or things you feel are important to offer, please don’t be a conversation hog. This will most likely discourage others from speaking up.

Seattle RE BarCamp is a FREE event thanks to our sponors…. and as much as we appreciate their support, this is not a license for them to hold sessions or take them over. I believe our sponsors are well aware of this. However, there may be times when a topic is about what they do and of course, they’re going to jump in and participate without selling.

This is an event that evolves throughout the day and is not planned; there are no instructors to lecture, dictate or control a “class”; those who seek and demand structure may find that RE BarCamp is not for them…and that’s okay. There are plenty of other events and conferences that offer structure, certified instructors, etc.

The bottom line is that should you find yourself in a session where it’s being taken over by someone trying to promote themselves, or perhaps the session just isn’t what you thought it would be, you can use your feet. There is nothing wrong with simply standing up, walking out and joining a different session. Also, if the during the event, you find that there’s nothing on the schedule that you’re really interested in, you can always create your own session…there’s going to be plenty of room at the Seattle Center by the NW Rooms. I’ve heard of great mini-break out sessions taking place at past events.   One of great points about RE BarCamps is that you have the power, as a participant to participate and make the most of your barcamp experience.

A little about our chosen non-profit — Solid Ground

I am biased about Solid Ground.  I am not going to attempt to lie.  They do so much for the community that it is hard not to be biased once you are familiar with what they do.

Here are a few things they did in 2010 and are continuing to do:

• Developing 53 affordable apartments for formerly homelss families at Magnuson Park
• Creating an organic farm in Seattle that will feed hungry families
• Advocating on behalf of the people who are on Disablity Lifeline (a program for the very poor who are unable to work)
• Assisting those who are in danger of having their homes foreclosed on
• Helping homeless families find permanent housing

The list goes on.  This is just a snapshot. 

RE Bar Camp Seattle is a free event and we hope that you will find it in your hearts to donate whatever you feel the event is worth to help Solid Ground continue to provide incredible community resources.   We will have donation buckets available at RE BarCamp for any contribution you are able to make.

Thank you! 

Twas the Day Before Seattle RE BarCamp…and it was ROCKIN’

We are very excited that the guys from Think Big Work Small, Brian Stevens and Frank Garay, are coming to town the day before RE BarCamp Seattle.  Why?  They are doing an event (more like a boot camp) in the Seattle Center Northwest Rooms on teaching real estate professionals how to do video blogs:  the Northwest Video Marketing Summit.  The cost is $100 and this is an all day event and real estate agents may receive 3 clock hours!. Brian tells me that at the end of the day, participants will be leaving with their own fully functional video blog.   

Check out their video about the Northwest Video Marketing Summit:

If  you’ve been contemplating video blogging or you all ready use video on your blog, you don’t want to miss this event.   So come a day early on March 2, 2011 and be ready to learn.   You can RSVP for the Northwest Video Marketing Summit by clicking here.    You can follow this event on Twitter via #vmssea.

March 2nd and March 3rd are going to be fantastic days for the real estate community to learn and share at the Seattle Center Northwest Rooms (same place as last  year).  

Sign up for both events — we can’t wait to see you!

By the way, TBWS is one of the much appreciated sponsors of 2011 Seattle RE BarCamp!

Next Page »