Inman Conference: Social Media Leads Hot Topics

High-touch client service and savvy social media support were hot topics this past week when San Francisco opened its gates to Inman News' 17th annual conference. Leaders in real estate gathered from July 10th – 12th to discuss how they use the latest in technology to "connect" and maintain their relationships with their clients.

From an app that alerts real estate agents to key events in their clients' lives that may trigger a change in their housing needs (Clara Shih's Hearsay Social) to using video to communicate a company's brand and build trust (presented by Elizabeth Kosich of CORE), the conference highlighted social media strategy and how the right strategy can lead to increased sales.

Agents must continually update their message over multiple social media platforms as clients expect a strong social media presence in today's world. In response, brokerages have begun to support their agents' online presence. Mark McLaughlin of Pacific Union International provides an in-house journalism team, noting, "Social media is a function of content." Agents wear "25 hats," explains Susana Murphy of Alante Real Estate, who maintains a full-service support staff, leaving more time for agents to focus on the other aspects of their job.

Another powerful and popular topic at the ICSF was the “Globalization of Real Estate.” To establish relationships and trust with foreign buyers, experts recommend aligning with a global network and solidifying a local presence and expertise.

Interested in the next wave of trends and changes in our industry? Did you miss this year’s Inman News Conference in San Francisco? Don’t worry! You can sign up now to attend the Inman Conference in New York City from January 15-17, 2014.

What do you see as the biggest trends in real estate at the moment? Do you use social media to maintain that high-touch service with your clients? Feel free to drop us a line in the comments below.