A single-office agent has been named as the most influential estate agency user of Twitter.
Step forward Neil Kurz, of Neil Douglas Property Management in Aylesbury, Bucks, who has been found to have the most Klout, a method of scoring users of the social media site.
The scorer notes that “it is clear that the big [estate] agencies are failing to grasp social media” and are losing online presence".
Kurz has achieved a Klout rating of 57 out of a possible 100, ahead of the likes of Countrywide (37), Cluttons (31) and Fine & Country (30), and miles ahead of Barnard Marcus, Chesterton Humbert and Bairstow Eves, which came in with the lowest scores possible (10 each).
The full story is at https://decadentground.tumblr.com/
And if you want to follow the master of tweets and see how it’s done, you can do so here https://twitter.com/neilkurz
Meanwhile, a customer service expert has said that Twitter users are making it harder for estate agents to dodge poor service claims.
Mario Dolcezza, of Diciamo, a nationwide firm that helps companies improve customer loyalty, said Twitter gives people the opportunity to give feedback on bad service immediately and invite others to share their negative experiences online.
Dolcezza said: “Social media is now a very important method of communication. It means that there is transparency in anything a company does and it also means complaints can now be shared online with potentially millions of people worldwide.
“Companies can have their reputations ruined in a minute.”
However, he said Twitter could also be an invaluable tool, forcing agents look hard at their customer service levels including their online customer service policies.
Comments
Mr Kurz (apologies for the unnecessary 't' in my previous post...):
"Now then, what to do about this NAEA renewal form I've been sent. Bin it or pay up?"
I can only comment from what you have previously posted here and other arenas.
You have consistently challenged the NAEA and its' members on the subject of professionalism (or lack of it). You have all but stated that it offers nothing more than letters to go on business cards to enhance the credibility of those who are incapable of attaining RICS status.
Have you not, therefore answered your own question?
Thanks to those commenting.
I too have reservations about whether Twitter actually results in short-term revenue.
To pick up on some of the points raised:
I actually manage the @neilkurz account, but I also have the @neildouglas account and also manage @_aylesbury which is focused around the people and businesses locally. I'm sure it'll do my businesses no harm if this @_aylesbury twitter account becomes part of a succesful local digital marketing strategy.
Don't worry about my 'apparent' lack of listed property, we're flat out and honestly can't cope with a great deal more (we're at record levels- and no I know the doubters won't believe me but I don't much care about them). I actually have multiple businesses including block management and surveying. Those who think I have time on my hands should come and work my hours for a week. If they can keep up.
Am I certain that Twitter is a 'critical business-winning tool' for agents? No, I'm not, but equally I know that 7 years ago I was the only neg in the office interested in the Rightmove leads and my vastly experienced colleagues thought they were dross. I've gone on to bigger things, they haven't, so perhaps there's something in this internet/twitter that agents need to seriously get their head round before their competitors do.
I've got a prime high street location but rarely advertise in the local newspaper. I have acquired new landlords by using Twitter. I deliberately am not currently offering a residential sales service as local agents have fees at stupid levels and I'm no interested in having a no/low profit sales team when we've got other things to focus on.
Now then, what to do about this NAEA renewal form I've been sent. Bin it or pay up?
It works! Hes got 19 properties to rent now.
Well done Neil. As an active user of Twitter, I can say that it has helped us to connect with estate & letting agents in a different way, and is one of many advertising tools we use @KremerSignsUK
I think if you can use all advertising medias, including Twitter then you are catering to everyones market. I dont know why anyone would be 'against' promoting their business, especially in a challenging or competitive market place.
Hmmm...
Okay - I've been certainly less than a solid supporter of Mr Kurtz on this site. As a result, I DEFINITELY am not on his Crimbo card list! So I could use this as another reason to have a pop at him.
But I'm not going to.
Well - not just for the sake of it, anyway. Mr Kurtz does seem to live on Twitter - but then I live on here, as do a lot of others, so who am I to pull him down for that?
I don't 'do' Twitter - don't 'get' it, I'm afraid. As far as I am concerned Mr Cameron's radio comment sums it up for me perfectly! However, Mr Kurtz seems to have a lot of followers (whatever they are...), so whatever he says people seem prepared to read/listen to.
Now from what I see, very little of it is related to his business, so maybe he is getting credit where it isn't really due. So what. Yet again he has got his name in print; and as a result more potential customers will possibly react and give him business on the back of it.
For THAT, I commend him. Now THERE'S a first!
For his Tweeting/Twitting/Tw@tting/whatever - I'll not comment further. That being said, as this thread has featured in his recent postings, I wonder if I will be classed as one of the "endangered species" he refers to.
Nice to see Brian getting a mention!
Also it is interesting that another EAT reguar is a keen user of this medium. I'll not mention his name for fear of Legal action or public unmasking, though... ;o)
I remember similar voices at the time of the internet making its mark....
A WEBSITE? What do I need one of THOSE for?
It's great you are all doing well but, progress is progress and customers will (and do) vote with their feet if they don't feel an agent is doing everything they can to promote their property.
Customers are increasingly expecting agents to use social media and, to be honest, if you saw the levels of interest we receive on our Facebook page alone (over 34,000 per month and growing) and, the extra business we derive from that, you might just find the time to investigate this phenomena a little more closely.
@Brian. Agree with you totally. More strength to the Tweeters, Instead I'll get on with growing my business through reputation and stuff sauch as my board presence, and slips changing to 'Sale Agreed' relatively quickly.
With just 18 rentals, nothing for sale he has plenty of time on his hands.
Ive been in business 22 years and have never touted boards or similar only when I knew or valued the property previous. If Haart were any good they would put the effort into selling what they have not touting all day long. I am very happy with my business (even now - best year for several years) and the profit I make and I do not Twitter in the company name. I do not have time I am busy doing real business.
I hate it when people say that, John.
I once had a complaint from a rival agent about our (perfectly legal and above board) canvassing activities, and when I suggested that there was nothing stopping him doing the same, he hit back with with how he wished he "had the time."
Utter rubbish. If it's your business and you care, you will 'find the time' to make sure you market that business effectively. Estate agency is about marketing, and if you're not interested in marketing yourself, don't be an estate agent. It's quite simple, really.
You would wonder how they finds the time ?