I have been blogging since August 2008 after lurking around for quite awhile. I finally jumped in feet first & haven't stopped since. It is fair to say that I am addicted.
I LOVE networking with other Realtors around the world (and in my own town!), sharing ideas, successes and helpful hints.
As a result of my blogging I have:
- Made friends
- Received Referrals
- Developed better marketing strategies
- Gotten ideas on developing our website
- Found out about & started using twitter & facebook
- Been interviewed by the San Antonio Express News Newspaper AND
- Closed deals
An exciting first for me occurred last week. I had two buyers go under contract that were referred to me BECAUSE OF my blog on ActiveRain.
Not just one, TWO!
Photo courtesy of: www.Flickr.com
Every time I read a success story it seems someone always asks "Where did the referral come from?" So, I thought i'd save the mystery for ya'll! The first found me while doing a search for property management & the second was a referral from an agent (right here on AR) in NC.
Now they are both under contract and set to close in May.
I write this post to tell anyone who hasn't received a referral not to get discouraged. Keep on posting, developing relationships & learning new things. If you enjoy that & can make some money in the process, all the more reason to continue, right?
Many, many, many THANKS to you ACTIVERAIN! I sing your praises to everyone I can at every opportunity.
If I had to pay $634,231,965.00/month to continue my membership on ActiveRain, I would. Right after I find out how much that would convert to with my bailout?
Kristin Moran
Specializing in San Antonio & surrounding cities
-------------------------------
RE/MAX Access - Realtor®/Owner
KristinMoran@Remax.net 210.313.7397 www.SistersThatSell.com
Buy a home from me, use the truck to move for free!
I would love to hear how this occurred.....as I nor any agent that I personally know has ever received a phone call or an email from an Activerain/Localism post from a buyer or seller. I love the internet recognition to create branding, but that is all I can possibly see as a result of the site other than an incredible information source of giving and taking........
Wooo hooo. I have also made some great connections thanks to my activities on Active Rain. The education I get is the real winner for me.
"If I had to pay $634,231,965.00/month to continue my membership on ActiveRain, I would"
ahh... NOW we know how to get featured. Bribery!
Wow! Congrat's on an awesome job. Isn't it great when something like this turns in your favor and you make sales? Keep it up!
Congrats on the two sales Kristin, that is awesome. I just got my first 2 leads directly from my blog last week and am very excited. I'll let everyone know how it turns out but I've only been on here for 3 months, so I truly believe in the power of AR.
Good for you Kristin. Way to go!!
That's huge! Congratulations...I'm new to this place, any advice? I'm guessing you're a huge proponent of the upgraded status??
I'm very excited to see these stories of hope.
Fantastic ! Inspiration from "why we do this". May you have continued success
Congrats! I thought I had a worthy feature this morning...looks like you win!
Congratulations! All that blogging time paid off.
I love the connections I have made in AR I have exchanged a few referals... My clients get great service from their new provider... And the extra referal income helps... WIn Win! congratulations!
congrats - I think blogging will continute to generate results for all who truly commit to it
I am new on AR and am hoping and excited I will get the same results.
Hi Kristin~ Yes, Activerain and the internet does work! I closed one last week - buyer found me on the internet and called me the end of Novemeber, we looked at LOTS of houses starting December 2, 2008 and we closed one and I got paid! Yipee! I guess I should write a blog about it.....
I've been using my AR blog mostly for Buyers relocating to my area. My blog gives them info about our area, home buying, etc. Haven't gotten a sale yet, but lots of good feedback. I use my Coldwell Banker Referral network for referrals.
Congrats! I am still waiting on my referrals to start pouring in.
That's the way it's done..from a little effort too you'll get the best of both worlds.
Hi Kristen -- Congrats from on a job well done and hopefully it will be smooth sailing all the way to the Closing table and payment for all your hard work. Hopefully you and others will have many more success stories to post on.
Sue of Robin and Sue
An exciting first for me occurred last week. I had two buyers go under contract that were referred to me BECAUSE OF my blog on ActiveRain.
Hi Kristin,
That's very cool. I love reading these AR success stories!
Way to do it, and thanks for telling us about it!
Congratulations.......
I myself have blogged for a while and haven't done so for alomst 6 months. I also got a mortgage borrower due to my blogs and hae just jumped back in with both feet.
WAY to go!
Kristin,
That is awesome! Hard work pays off! You have learned to utilize the tools that AR has been able to show. Your success is inspiring!
Kristin - Congratulations! As we know, you brought me here, so hearing your successes always encourages me.
Kristin - YAY! You go girl. What a nice way to bring in the month of May. Laraine
Congrats on the closings and the gold star, keep up the great work.
Congratulations! I appreciate your enthusiasm and your encouragement for the benefits of networking in all its varied forms.
Michael
Congratulations. It's a good reminder to me (at least) that I should be checking in on ActiveRain more often.
Kristin - Way to go, my friend! I have had TEN calls directly from my blog since January, two of which have subsequently turned into contracts. Last year, I wrote a post which mentioned that blogging is a long-term strategy, and I am happy to see my efforts beginning to snowball now.
Hi Kristin! I am happy to announce that I am one of those friends and I have learned all the same things you have! I find myself drifting away from time to time but need to make the time to be here more! Congrats!
Kristin: Right on girl!!! You get it... Congratulations, this is just the beginning.
Rene'
Kristin - Sure couldn't have happened to a nicer lady! Congrats!
Kristin, I am sooo happy for you. You deserve those two contracts and more!
Woo hoo Kristin! Thanks for sharing your good news and your upbeat energy! I can feel that in your post!
Anna Banana, Phoenix, AZ
Kristin, Congratulations on the 2 contracts!
Congratulations Kristin. I haven't had any referrals on AR that resulted in a close, but I have had several from other communities. Proof that blogging does work.
Congrats....I'm still waiting for a referral.
YeaH Kristin - good for you... Wishing you more....
Congratulations may it continue to rain on you. I love getting leads from here.
Way to go! That is good news. At last somebody is doing something. I wonder about all the other realtors. I have not had success with referrals. Very happy for you!
Kristin...
It's always good to hear that there's a payoff at the end of the day! You have come a long way on AR and in your business, and it's great to hear about your success!
Kristin -
Way to go! I have gotten three deals closed that originated from an Active Rain referral, and many more leads.
Great outcome, keep working the system.
Indeed, AR is a wonderful way to network widely, generate credibility, and build referral business.
Ever in or near Chicago? Let us know and we'll treat you to Thick Pizza and a Cold Beer!
Will be in Austin late August for KW Mega Camp - will try to connect with you when I am in town.
DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
That is SO awesome. You go girl!! Thanks for the inspiration to KEEP BLOGGING! It will pay off. :) One lead so far thanks to AR, (closing next month) so I am grateful!!
Kristin-WOW that is incredible, you so deserve it!
Hi Kristin, Congrats on your 2 sales! AR is awesome! Keep up the good work.
Congrats! Thanks for the encouraging words!
Hi Kristin - Congratulations! I started in August of 2008 too. As you pointed out it does pay off in more ways then just referrals. What I have learned so far from the posting and the friends I have made is just great. I just love it.
I am actively seeking a San Francisco Bay Area referral from you...what are you looking for?
Michael Fanelli
Pacific Union Real Estate
415 447 6254
mfanelli@pacunion.com
www.SFluxuryhome.com
Awesome.
Congratulations Kristin.
There are indeed potential clients reading our blogs. Just because they don't leave comments doesn't mean they are not there.
Kristin,
Very good! That is just great.
Sherry Ferfes
Century 21 Doug Anderson
www.sherryferfes.com
Kristin,
Congratulations, keep up the wonderful work!
I am new to AR and looking forward to the networking and making it work for me. Any advice you may have would be very much be appreciated.
Great work!
Jada Brown
Independence Realty
biz4jada@yahoo.com
Congratulations!!!
I am still on lurker status, soon I need to turn to blogger status, but I haven't dove in yet. I know I should, hopefully soon I will begin!!!
Your post has inspired me, thanks.
Good work. I have had a couple sales from here and I know a lot of the people I am working with read my blog (secretly) until I find out by them telling me.
I started blogging heavy about a month ago. I also posted some advertising. My web site hits have increased 4 fold. Now I need to set down and figure out some of these widgets so I know where the clicks are coming. I am also getting a Market Leader site which I suspect will increase my conversions.
Kristin - What a treat sharing your wonderful story with all of us at Active Rain. I feel we are all blessed to have the Internet and AR in our generation, makes us more productive.
It is always good to hear success stories about Active Rain blogging. It encourages us all. Continued success to you. Take care.
I wonder if Tim checks Google Analytics to see how many people visit his website after first finding him on Active Rain? About 10% of our daily visits come from people who first saw us here!
Congratulations! I also started blogging a little bit ago after being a lurker. Hope to follow in your footsteps and enjoy the same success!
Congratulations! You have every reason to be excited! Keep it up.
Kristin, Congrats on the 2 deals!! I am pushing to get my business off the ground and growing. It's motivating to hear stories from others that are actually having luck with using different methods such as blogging and social networking.
Congratulations! I have enjoyed reading your blog Kristin and am glad to hear you would be willing to pay to stay on AR. I hate it when my favs disappear!
Kristin: Congratulations! It's always nice to hear about success stories. It buoys my day! Have a great day today!
Kristin - Congrats my friend! It truly shows that all you've committed to doing does work. Your online presence and taking it to your local community has made it where prospects looking to buy or sell search for San Antonia Real Estate and the name that comes up is Kristin Moran! Awesome! ~Anne Marie
Kristin, I am so glad to hear that you are cashing in on the rain! It was only a matter of time. You are a great writer and a cool person. Take care, T
I am glad, though not surprised, that you have had so much success with Active Rain.
Wow! Two accepted contracts within a week is certainly great news. Nice! :)
Congrats, thanks for sharing your success story.
That's awesome! I hope I can get at least one!
Way to go Kristin!! I love hearing success stories because it gives me great encouragement to continue my efforts as well! I haven't had a closing yet from blogging, but I did get a call a few days ago from a man who found my blog and wants to buy a few properties to rent out...so we'll see how things go!
--Anne Rains
Howdy Lady and readers
There are so many choices out there for social networking and I am making the quality decision to make Active Rain my first choice. I have received referrals due to Active Rain here in El Paso and they were from incredible agents,,,,yes another reason to applaud Active Rain....the smartest are found on Active Rain and I need - and you need to be identified with the smartest and the bestest
Have an awesome day to all from Texas, God Bless
Congratulations Kristin-
This is my very first time blogging. I have been a member of ActiveRain and have always wanted to blog, but just never got started. I decided not to wait another minute after reading about your blogging successes and feeling your infectious enthusiasm. I was able to relate to the excitement that you must be feeling since I recently received several emails and phone inquiries about properties on my website. Once I received my very first call, I felt like all of my hard work and time was going to be worth it. Best of all, I have met some really nice people, whom I have had the privelege of showing properties to. Yes, that's right, a privelege. I truly believe that customer service is something that was lost during the 'glory years', and we now have to earn the right to work with our customers. I can now see how having my own website and blogging are going to be 2 great avenues for prospective buyers and sellers to get to know me. After all, why would someone want to work with you or me, unless we differentiate ourselves from the crowd? Thanks again!
LuAnn Donnelly-Willemen, REALTOR, GRI,TRC (Thorpe Sotheby's International Realty, Vero Beach, FL) cell phone 772-205-5506
k,
I think your cool!
Kristen: Good for you! I have been wondering just what is the best way to feature marketing on Active Rain. It seems that I knew once upon a time how to place a listing, but I have been involved with other areas so let this one slide. Want to make my listings more visible to the bloggers on this site. Any suggestions?
I see you are a CDPE. The North Florida CRS Chapter sponsored a class in Pensacola in February and had over 100 agents from across the country attend (including seven Star Power stars). Lots of good information.
Hope you continue to get leads from Active Rain.
That's great. Send me you Denver referals so I can write a blog like this :)