Want a Job in Real Estate? Start Blogging

October 9, 2008
By: Drew Meyers
Author's Website: http://www.zillow.com

I’ve been thinking about writing this story for awhile, but the latest news that NAR is looking for a social media manager finally got me to put my fingers to the keyboard. The list of bloggers from the RE.net finding corporate jobs in the real estate industry seems to be getting longer by the day…

(if I missed anyone that should be on this list, please leave a comment and I’ll add them)

As I mentioned on my blog back in 2006, a blog can be a great resume and a killer way to brand yourself. That’s definitely playing out in the RE.net. And now NAR is looking for a social media manager. From Monster.com:

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL-INCLUSIVE):

The Manager of Social Media will ensure that NAR has the knowledge and skills to guide NAR staff and members in creating, facilitating, and participating effectively in key conversations about our organization, our issues, and our members that are conducted on blogs and other online social media channels.

This position requires a high-energy, self-directed, deadline-oriented individual who has exceptional communication skills and is able to:

Monitor real estate industry and related social media

Facilitate NAR’s participation in external blogs and social media

Maintain, evolve, and enforce NAR’s social media policies and guidelines

Train NAR staff and elected leaders about how to write for blogs and other forms of social media

Monitor existing NAR blogs and create new ones as needed to foster conversations about relevant topics or issues.

Measure the effectiveness of NAR’s social media efforts.

So — who is the latest RE.net blogger that is going to be poached for this job?

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Daniel, The Real Estate Zebra

Drew,

Interesting list, isn't it?

Although, I haven't quite been poached, I'm still a practicing Realtor. Being on both sides of the fence from time to time has given me a very interesting perspective that I think has benefited both roles.

The NAR search is very interesting. It will be extremely interesting to find out if the person chosen is, in fact, a name most current real estate blogger-types will recognize. I imagine that it will be very hard for NAR to "poach" a practicing agent for that position, especially when they expect that person to move to Chicago.

I also think, however, that exposure to, or experience in, the real estate industry is going to be vital to the job to be done at NAR. Otherwise, the person hired is going to have to spend 12-18 months just learning about the Realtor culture.

It will be fascinating, that's for sure.

Natalie aka @WinVALiving

I LOVE this post. Having come into the blogging scene later than many (Sept 2007), I didn't realize how many people had made that transition. Of course, I was aware of the RE Zebra, being that he was a great source of inspiration for me initially. (I remember him at some kind of Inman Connect in NY or some other big city conducting interviews on his camcorder). Since that time, I've had the pleasure of meeting him in person and he's very down to earth.

I'm looking forward to seeing who NAR hires. I recommend NAR "follow" their candidate/s on twitter or even call for volunteers from the web 2.0 community (hint, see names listed above) and make an educated decision. While I wouldn't consider Ben Martin(@bkmcae), VAR and Blogmaster at VARBuzz available for the position (VA Bloggers won't let him leave the commonwealth); he'd be able to give some great guidance on the topic. IMNSHO @ktgeek, @hilarymarsh, @pamela_kabati, & @mattrathbun should be involved in the decision making in some way!

Drew Meyers

Daniel-
Yup, it's quite a talented list. I agree -- the social media hire is going to have to know the ins and outs of the industry. I guess the counter argument is that a real estate newbie would not be subject to the bias of having been in the business for years. As a result, they might be more likely to try entirely new things that haven't been thought of before in the real estate space.

Jeff Bernheisel

You could add me to the list, but I never considered myself a RE blogger. My blog was originally designed around the idea of providing my clients (I was working for a title company at the time) new marketing ideas.

Title company closed, scooped up by Inman, and here I am today...

Maybe we should start a betting pool on who NAR chooses?

-Jeff

Drew Meyers

Jeff-
I added you to the list. When did you join Inman (so I can keep my list in chronological order)? Also, is there a specific blog post I can point to?

Jeff Bernheisel

Joined in August...

No specific post you can point to, I'll have to look into that. ;)

Drew Meyers

I noticed you are in the Portland area. You should get on Joel's case about that :)

Tony Sena

It will be interesting to see who they choose for this position, wonder if it will be a big name in the social media realm or somebody nobody has heard of?

Tony Sena

I just looked at the requirements and one of them that stuck out to me was:

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field

I bet they could find a very qualified person for this position who didn't have a degree!

realtor outer banks nc

i'd love to!!
one need the confidence to sell the house, get it done right and know the ups and downs of complicated selling process.

Sara Bonert

Hmmm, the job is in Chicago.. just kidding. :)

I just have to say for me, the opposite has been true. Rather than being a blogger and then coming to the corporate world- I started in the corporate life (if you consider Zillow corporate) and have since learned so much about social media (big thanks to Drew and DavidG).

Whoever they hire will have a big job ahead of them, as the realtor.com voice is definitely missing from the REBlogWorld.

Maybe they'll pouch a Homescape person since they are in Chicago? My guess is Charlie M at Baird & Warner (this is just a guess, based on nothing).

Jay Thompson

Very interesting development indeed. I think a person in real estate is a logical choice as they would at least start with a bit of respect (founded or not) from some of the "old guard" members of the NAR.

I fear the NAR will severely restrict it's potential candidate pool by requiring the position to be based in Chicago. Many who would be interested might be unwilling/unable to relocate to ChiTown. This position would seem to lend itself perfectly to being "virtually based"...

Sam Chapman

The latest Texas REALTOR Magazine stated that only 7-8% of REALTORS keep a blog. Of those who de, I wonder how many keep a really good one. That is a great reason in itself to start blogging.

Reggie

Hey Drew,
Thanks for adding me to your list. I'm certainly excited about my new position with Cyberhomes.

LOL about the NAR job posting. You would think they would try a Google search. :)

Reggie

Ricardo Bueno

Mike Mueller recently landed himself the title of: AVP/Regional Technology Director at Fidelity National Title. Does that count?

There's definitely been some movements for those in the real estate space who have been using social media "right" (style, class, expertise). Leaders for sure!

Texas Ranches

Thanks for the tip and the information you shared with us. i certainly believe nowadays blogs can really get you going with anything you like. Even real estate. Keep up the good work. Cheers

Boerne Homes

One of my friends mentioned about this post and I just thought to have a look. and yes certainly, a blog can really help you want to get into real estate and also stay in it. Great tip. Nice work with the blog and the article. Cheers

Ken Obrien

well, I have to say we need to evolve as the market does, otherwise we can't keep up. I am not so sure they would hire me though! Thanks for the article

Mike

It is a good news for bloggers that they are going to be recognized. I thought that bloggers could never have such opportunities and recognition but I am more than happy to read your post.

Costello

Its not only real estate but we should have blogs for our exposure. I think blogs are best representatives of our capabilities. I can see the miracles and opportunities which are attached with blogging.

Allan

Nice concept and a way to be recognized. To be very true, I find that personal blogs are always have m ore information and they are being visited more than any other professional blog. I always prefer to show off myself in that way and I run many blogs on different niche.

ray2x

i want to start blogging now.

Tx Hill Country Realty

Blogs have turned into something beneficial for our company. I really think it is something that almost anyone could benefit from. If you haven't tried it, what are you waiting for???

Hill Country Real Estate

We have recently started blogging. Seems to already show signs of being a sucess. If nothing else, we are getting some really good feedback that will help us be of better service to others.

Want a Job in Real Estate? Start Blogging

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