The real estate industry from our mortgage advisors viewpoint

Black Friday has been said to be the busiest retail shopping day of the year and November 28, 2008 was an important day for retailers trying to get off to a positive start in this struggling economy. Rising job losses, declining assets and home values along with a number of other economic concerns have shoppers buying for fewer people and looking for bargains. About 84% of shoppers compared to 66% last year said they are discount driven according to America’s Research Group. Promotions by retailers helped lead better then expected sales, but whether they can hit their holiday sales goals remains an unanswered question. Cyber Monday which refers to the Monday immediately following Black Friday is the ceremonial kickoff for holiday online shopping, and over the past five years has seen a steady increase in volume. As the average consumer becomes more and more comfortable using the internet to make transactions the numbers of online shopping will rise. It allows a consumer to simply search and click rather then getting in the car and driving to multiple stores. Many Wall Street analysts said the rush in traffic is unlikely to last through the holidays, but the turnout was very positive with crowds lining up for early morning shopping. Just like holiday shopping’s increase in online action the real estate industry is beginning to turn tech. iEnfluence is a perfect concept for consumers in more ways then one.

Technology is a big draw for consumers and the launch of iEnfluence will help bring the real estate world up to date with the rest of Web 2.0 innovation. I am excited to announce my involvement and have been very impressed with the team. The concept allows real estate consumers interact with real estate professionals like never before. Saas is receiving a lot of attention and iEnfluence is right in the middle of it. It allows consumers to get the best deals while having the guidance they need throughout the transaction.

Written by Colton Daines

What have you done for me lately?

A good business is more than just an idea. A good business is more than meets the eyes. From profit margins to consumer loyalty, everything is considered and analyzed. However, a good business should be focused around one simple philosophy: create a better consumer experience, and be profitable in doing so. Too many times executives of companies make irrational decisions based strictly on financial numbers as opposed to long term consumer growth. Too many times everyday people find themselves wondering about a particular business, what have you done for me lately?

There is no line item on any spreadsheet that accounts for sincere word of mouth. In creating a consumer-driven service offering, you generate additional advertising, in the form of word of mouth, that otherwise is not present. What have you done for me lately, is a simple question in appearance, but in reality is a very intuitive and intelligent question. The ability for consumers to better research, interact and negotiate with both realtors and businesses alike allows for more control to be had by the consumer. A good business should attempt to infiltrate the comfort zone of normal consumers and reap the rewards of such a relationship. Simply put, a good business will address a definite concern of the consumer, and provide an answer to that concern.

In real estate there is a fundamental change upon us, and the advancements in technology alone allow for realtors to create a better business experience for consumers. The advancement in social media allows for a more effective and personable service offering, which truly creates a relationship and not just another sale. For 95% of consumers, purchasing or selling a home is the largest financial transaction they will ever make. The buyer and seller involved expect business to allow them to call a new place home. The realtors involve expect business to finalize with their consumer signing on the dotted line. The power of shared expectations is strong enough to create desired loyalty to a person, a brand or company. It is time that the expectations of the consumer are better executed by the industry.

iEnfluence is that solution, and will take what have you done for me lately out of consumers thoughts. It will empower consumers to stop asking questions, and participate in a rewarding experience. iEnfluence will excel in the execution of such shared expectations, both for consumers and the real estate industry. No one has more enfluence than everyone.

Post By Ryan L. Cox, co-founder iEnfluence