Real Estate and Technology news for agents,brokers

Jessica Swesey of Inman News-Transition to Transparency and new Business Models- "how can I engage my customer differently"

BrokerIPTV: Well, I am fortunate to be with Jessica Swesey. She is the VP of content for Inman news and also of the second face of the Inman TV. Is that correct?

Jessica Swesey: Thats right.

BrokerIPTV: Well, I am honored to be here today, I know Brad Inman was talking about something the other day social media, video transparency, this time he was talking about the market, obviously be at here in New York with what is going on in the U.S. I guess I am really curious you talk to all the brokers. You write all the news pieces, your posting. Whats really the world according to Jessica, what do you see in 2008?

Jessica Swesey: Okay, we dont write all of the news, I edit most of it, but I really think that 2008 is another transition year, I think that a lot of places are still going to see in a down market and not every place but the correction is still playing out in certain areas and but with that in mind we are seeing a lot of brokers succeeding or seeing new brokerage companies opening this year, new brands coming out. Some brokers are really finding the down trend to their advantage. They were ready for this so it is really exciting for entrepreneurs who prepare themselves and know that real state is cyclical and now as a really exciting time, technology costs are low. There is a lot of opportunity online, there are so much that you can do. I think the problem is you know, brokers are going to have a hard time just really drilling down and figuring out. What it is they are going to do and not try to do every thing. So but I think it is going to be a good year.

BrokerIPTV: I think transparency is finally coming to fruisson and the consumers know that. What are your projections are, what are you anticipating the mood here at Inman been different this year?

Jessica Swesey: Yeah, the mood this year was you know people weren't as giddy, we had a few years of you know such an incredible party and the housing market and that every one was just really happy and now it seems like people are lot more serious which is good. It is good for the industry it is good for the consumer and more people, more agents have time to look at applications like blogging and how to incorporate that in their business because they are not just so infiltrated with business right now. They have time to set back and reflect and think you know how can I engage my customer differently. So you know this year I think was kind of more about openness, new ideas and you know just really serious about implementing a lot of this stuff.

BrokerIPTV: Right and, the markets in California for when I have seen in heard at very much and I think this is a true across the country micro markets.

Jessica Swesey: Oh, yeah,

BrokerIPTV: Very contrary to the press of the US, we have markets that are increasing and some that are not.

Jessica Swesey: I mean I think it is important to always remember that real estate is local and I know even in my market in San Francisco certain segments of the market are still doing really well and there are still houses are selling really fast at the upper end. The lower end entry level condo market in San Francisco however is the one that's really slowed down. So you know it is all relative you really have to figure out what is working in your market and really assignation and broker explain to your customers what is going on you know with out sugar coating it, I think it is really important that is the transparency aspect that people are finally getting.

BrokerIPTV: Wow, I really appreciate your input and your insight. Thank you.

Jessica Swesey: Thanks.