Realtors turn to social media as a quick link to home buyers

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Realtors turn to social media as a quick link to home buyers

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

Economic downturns have a tendency to create new ways of doing business.

Photos

Jackie Ricciardi/Staff

Realtor Caroline Ashe uses her smartphone to look up a home listing. The listing is equipped with a Quick Response code that allows users to view information about the home. More than half of the National Association of Realtors’ member agents reported using social media in 2010.

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Jackie Ricciardi/Staff

Mobile phone applications give real estate agents more ways to stay in touch with potential home buyers.

The explosion of social media hasn’t escaped the embrace of one of the most social of industries. Real estate firms are blogging, creating personal Web pages for agents and adding Facebook and Twitter to their arsenal of marketing tools.

More than half of the National Association of Realtors’ member agents reported using social networking sites in 2010, compared with a little more than a third in 2009. Nearly two-thirds have a Web site and about 10 percent have a blog.

“It is just a different form of prospecting,” said Tom Horner, a manager — and blogger — with Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Co.

Though Augusta’s housing market had a better ride through the Great Recession than other metro areas, Horner said it still requires a lot of hard work for agents to get sales. As one of those in charge of the construction of the Greater Augusta Association of Realtors’ training facility in west Augusta, he’s noticed it is used frequently by agents trying to keep up with the technological changes in the industry, including social media.

Brenda Dansby, of Re/Max Partners in Evans, said new Re/Max agents are indoctrinated in Facebook, LinkedIn and other Web sites in their first week of training. They are setting up profiles on Trulia and YouTube and Google as well.

“There are so many people that want this type of connection. I’d rather be in front of somebody and win them over,” Dansby said.

Dansby said she’s had her own Facebook page for two years. She estimates she gets two leads a year from all of her Web-based efforts. But that’s better than nothing.

“And it’s free,” she said.

Lindsey Folley, the marketing director for Century 21 Larry Miller Realty in Martinez, said the changes aren’t altering the personal nature of the industry, just altering the venue.

“A good way to keep relationships going,” Folley said, “Somebody that’s already used you as a Realtor, it is easier to keep that relationship than without the Facebook page.”

Considering that 33 percent of the younger generation goes to a social media site daily, having a Facebook presence is about being where the customers are going.

“As the home buyers are getting young, that’s our target. We’ve got to find a way to reach them in a different way than how we would normally reach older adults,” Folley said.

And that means going mobile, too.

About a month ago, Blanchard and Calhoun included QR codes on the flyers in front of some of its for-sale homes.

A QR code, an abbreviation for Quick Response code, is a two-dimensional bar code that is readable by barcode readers on smartphones. The codes link the phones to open-house information or send the interested person to a Web site that has the home’s data.

Realtor.com, the official Web site of the National Association of Realtors, said 13 properties are viewed every second on a Realtor.com mobile app including the Android, iPhone, Windows Phone 7 and iPad.

In May, according to the organization, more than 1 million active Realtor.com mobile app users viewed 35.6 million homes, a 33 percent increase in home views in one month.

Kristin Ellison, the marketing director for Blanchard and Calhoun, said the company is still collecting data on the local use of the QR codes.

The codes will also be a hit for sellers, because the interest in a home can be measured through the hits on the Web site, mobile Web site and links from the codes.

Ellison said it is an inexpensive way to keep up with the times.

Dansby said Re/Max has also introduced the codes.

Century 21 has a mobile phone application that allows listing searches, Folley said.

“People shop by yard signs. People choose homes by the area,” she said, which is why the app comes in handy for those driving through neighborhoods.

Ellison said Blanchard and Calhoun also recently incorporated a listing search option for its Facebook page. The company’s Web site, blog and social media pages are all linked as a way to market the company.

“Trying to get the voice of the entire company out there,” Horner said of blogging. “To help sell Blanchard and Calhoun, there is so much information out there worth sharing with our public and our agents.”

Tags: Augusta, Augusta Chronicle, Economic News, first time home buyer, Military, Mortgage, New Homes
Posted in Augusta Mortgage, Blanchard and Calhoun, Community Events, Military/Fort Gordon, New Homes, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Hot Tips for Staying Cool this Summer!

Thursday, June 9th, 2011

News

By Elizabeth McSpiritt, MD, MPH

With temperatures this week heading towards 100’, it is important to remember to keep cool, and to remember the basics of heat safety.

Know your risk: Although temperature and humidity can increase risk of heat-related illness, so can age, sex, weight, physical fitness, nutrition, alcohol or drug use, or pre-existing diseases like diabetes. How can you prevent or control heat-related illnesses?
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses of cool fluids each hour.
Use air conditioning if available: Air conditioning is the best way to stay cool when temperatures rise. If your home does not have air conditioning, visit the library or mall to escape the heat for a few hours.
Wear loose, lightweight clothing: Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Use sunscreen when outdoors: When in the sun, wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and a hat to protect your face and head.
Limit outdoor activities: Try to limit outdoor activities to morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body will have a chance to recover.
Check on those most vulnerable: If you know someone who is elderly or who has a chronic health condition, check on them at least twice daily to make sure they are staying hydrated and healthy in the heat.
Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car: Even with the windows cracked open, the inside of a car can heat up almost 20’ within the first 10 minutes. Anyone left inside is at risk for serious heat-related illnesses or even death.
Stay informed: Listen to local news and weather channels for health and safety updates.

Tags: Aiken South Carolina, Augusta, health, heat, safety, summertime
Posted in Augusta Mortgage, Blanchard and Calhoun, Community Events, Health, Military/Fort Gordon, Safety, Summertime, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Augusta Economic Commentary

Friday, May 20th, 2011

Greater Augusta Economic Commentary

May 2011

Augusta Economy

Greater Augusta Economic Activity Index

The first quarter of 2011 has been slow: the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that first quarter GDP growth was 1.8%, down from 3.1% in the fourth quarter of 2010. Locally, the Augusta LEI increased just 0.1% for the first quarter. In March, the Augusta LEI increased 0.2% from February. The index is up 6.6% from March 2010.

In March residential permits declined from February and are also lower than a year ago. However, last year’s numbers were distorted by the home buyer tax credit. The labor market continues to send contradictory signals: Unemployment insurance claims were down in March, but so were job openings. Unemployment in the Augusta MSA decreased to 8.4% in March (not seasonally adjusted), but employment is at its lowest level since September 2009.

One way of charting employment in Augusta is by looking at the year-on-year changes in employment relative to the three month change (this way of representing the changes is used by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta). Employment in Augusta was contracting (year-on-year and 3 month changes were negative) from March 2009 through September 2009. The labor market improved in the last quarter of 2009 and expanded through most of 2010. However, in the first quarter of 2011 the labor market has started to contract again.

This weak labor market puts Augusta in a relatively weak position compared to other cities in the state:

In other ways, Augusta is doing better than other places: The national unemployment rate ticked up to 9.0% in April (8.7% not seasonally adjusted). Statewide, Georgia’s unemployment rate was 10.0% (9.8% not seasonally adjusted) in March. The average weekly wage in Augusta was $764 in the third quarter of 2010 compared with $739 a year earlier (BLS data). The housing market, however, continues to be weak; Zillow.com reports that house prices in Augusta are down 12.7% from a year earlier. National house prices are down 8.2% on a year earlier (according to Zillow.com).

The Augusta Tourism Index barely changed from December 2010, edging downwards by just 0.2% through March. The Augusta Tourism Index is a composite index of hotel occupancy and revenues provided by Smith Travel Research Inc, and employment in the hospitality and leisure sector as reported by the BLS. Most of the decline was accounted for in January, with February and March both showing increases in all the variables.

About the Index

The Augusta Leading Economic Index (Augusta LEI) is a monthly composite index that combines several national, regional and local indicators into a single variable. Leading indexes combine variables that change before business cycle variables such as employment changes. Leading indexes may, therefore, indicate changes that could occur in the economy. Leading indexes are not forecasts or predictions about the future, but may signify future economic activity.

The Augusta LEI may,therefore, provide local decision makers with timely information about future business cycle patterns in the Augusta area. The Augusta LEI uses economic indicators for the Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes six counties (i.e., Burke, Columbia, McDuffie, and Richmond counties in Georgia, and Aiken and Edgefield counties in South Carolina).

The index also includes regional and national indicators to reflect that national trends affect the local economy. The index is constructed in the same way that the Conference Board constructs the Leading Economic Index for the United States.

Thanks to Augusta State University and Simon Medcalfe for their insights

Tags: Economic News
Posted in Community Events, Employment, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Blanchard and Calhoun is proud to Sponsor Fort Gordon’s Military Mud Challenge!

Friday, May 13th, 2011

The Marines at Fort Gordon are once again hosting the Marine Mud Challenge May 16 at Fort Gordon.

There will be lots of mud and physical challenges in each part of the event. Last year’s Mud Challenge drew 570 participants from the Central Savannah River Area and Fort Gordon.

The Children’s Challenge, a one mile off-road course, is a noncompetitive off road route with logs and wall obstacles and of course, mud.

There are three start times for the Children’s Challenge: 8, 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. and it all begins and ends in the field located at 3rd Avenue and 3rd Avenue-by-pass [behind the Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre].

This event is for children ages 5-12. The cost is $5 per child. A young participant may be aided by parents or guardians through the course. Each participant will receive a Marine Mud Challenge dog tag and chain. Kids will get very dirty so bring an extra change of clothing for them.

Following the Children’s Challenge is the Marine Mud Challenge which is a 4.5 mile off-road course with numerous obstacles, a stream crossing, hills and of course, mud. There will be staggered starting time beginning at 9 a.m. at the same location as the Children’s Challenge.

Last year’s Mud Challenge included a 16-by- 100 foot long 4 foot deep pit filled with water. Participants had to negotiate 16 logs that were laid across the mud pit which contained 60,000 gallons of water, according to retired Gunnery Sgt. James Meek, last year’s event coordinator.

Teams will consist of four individuals. All team members must complete all 17 obstacles and cross the finish line together. Participants are encouraged to wear pants with draw strings. Pockets will fill up with mud during the challenge and pants or shorts will come off. Bring a change of clothes for the trip home.

There are five team categories: male, female, coed, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and para- military [military, firefighters, police and security]. Competitors must be 13 or older to participate.

All race participants will receive an event T-shirt. The top three teams will receive individual awards. First place team members for each category will receive a $50 gift card.

The top three JROTC Training Corps and paramilitary teams will be awarded team trophies. Paramilitary team members must run in boots and uniform trousers.

Proceeds from the challenges will be used for Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs at Fort Gordon which enhance the quality of life for the military community by providing Family services, recreational facilities and entertainment.

Registration forms are available at the Marketing Office of the Fort Gordon Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Office in Room 337 at Darling Hall, the Post Exchange, and Gyms 3, 5, 6 as well as the Fort Gordon Fitness Center on Barnes Avenue.

Participants can also pick up forms at the U.S. Marine Corps Detachment, Building 25707, on Fort Gordon, the local Omni Gym or the Family Y located on Wheeler Road in Augusta, according to Gunnery Sgt. Jared Bean, this year’s coordinator for the event.

Posted in Blanchard and Calhoun, Community Events, Military/Fort Gordon | No Comments »

Augusta Named to “Top Ten Incredible Pro-Business Communities” for Economic Development

Monday, April 25th, 2011

Augusta Named to “Top Ten Incredible Pro-Business Communities” for Economic Development The Development Authority of Richmond County announced today that Augusta has been named as one of the “Top Ten Incredibly Pro-Business Communities” by Southern Business and Development magazine, based on activities of the past several years. The magazine publishes a variety of Top Ten lists in their annual winter edition, which was released last week. Augusta was named as one of the top “pro-business” communities due primarily to the (1) stability of the local economy, (2) the sizeable capacities of the water and wastewater systems in Augusta, (3) construction of new highways in the area, and (4) a strong workforce trained in manufacturing. According to publisher Michael C. Randle, “This year, our Top Ten lists covered a variety of areas and we focused on coastal and non-coastal pro-business communities. Augusta is one of the beacons of economic development in the south, thanks to the continued efforts of the Development Authority of Richmond County. Several years ago, the Authority changed their outdated marketing plan and adopted a new, aggressive plan. The dividends of that marketing plan continue to be a model for economic development organizations in the south.” The article in the Winter 2011 edition states “Augusta continues to receive national accolades for the strength of the local economy, with more than twenty recognitions during the past 18 months. Augusta’s national rankings lead most cities in the Southeast on the stability of its economy. Companies locating in Georgia’s second-largest city realize the “pro business” mindset in Augusta extends to their bottom-line operating costs. Augusta’s “pro business” attitude began years ago with basic preparations. Augusta made sure that companies benefitted from (1) sizeable capacities in both water and wastewater, (2) construction of new highways focused on business development, and (3) a workforce that is trained in manufacturing, software engineering, data, distribution and life sciences. Short-term and long-term incentives highlight a strong business appreciation in Augusta.” Henry Ingram, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Development Authority of Richmond County, said, “Over the past several years, Augusta made numerous improvements to its infrastructure and workforce training that businesses wanted. That, combined with the strong marketing strategy of the Development Authority of Richmond County, allowed Augusta to focus on life sciences, customer service, aviation, and military-related companies. Over the years, that strategy has worked and we are proud of our accomplishments.” Walt Sprouse, Executive Director of the Development Authority of Richmond County, said, “People throughout the country recognize Augusta as a strong pro-business community. Our site selection consultants know of Augusta’s past record of performance and preparation to meet the needs of new and existing businesses. Companies nationwide and worldwide are taking notice of Augusta. We have a great team in place with local and state economic development allies, including utilities, government, developers, brokers, and many others.” Cities making the Top Ten list, in addition to Augusta, include Winston-Salem, NC; Huntsville, AL; Little Rock, AR; Williamson County, TN; San Antonio, TX; Tulsa, OK; Baton Rouge, LA; Chattanooga, TN; and Columbia, SC. # # # # #

Tags: Augusta, Augusta GA Economic Development
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