Many industries have been changed irreversibly by the world’s move to digital. The media, auctions and booksellers have all felt the winds of change, and have either acted accordingly or suffered the consequences. But one industry that has kept its feet planted firmly in the past is real estate. Vancouver blogger, vlogger and realtor Ian Watt aims to change all that, one vlog at a time.
“Two years ago, I changed my business to 100 per cent paperless. No flyers, no magazine ads. I wanted to go totally Web 2.0. But as far as I know, I’m the only person doing that. It’s an amazing opportunity, as clients get it, and realtors really don’t” Watt said.
And his efforts, from Twitter to daily vlogs, appear to be paying off. Watt said that even in a down market, he’s had his best January and February ever. As someone who covers the downtown Vancouver market, he said, new social media tools have opened up a new customer base.
“Basically, the tech community found me. But I doubt I’d get the same response in Kerrisdale as I do downtown,” he said.
Watt said he was inspired after talking to Gary Vaynerchuk, the web video pioneer who upended the normally stodgy world of wine with Wine Library TV, his enormously popular show that features a hyperactive and incredibly knowledgeable Vaynerchuk rating and berating wines in a very transparent fashion. And just like Vaynerchuk, Watt wants to keep everything he does transparent.
“People want honesty, and they’ll be more loyal because of it,” he said.
He also pointed to the low production values of his vlogs as a positive. “I’m not Brad Pitt, I’m a realtor. And I’m not the star, the property is the star,” he added.
Watt started his video blogs after Steve Jagger of Reachd.com and Ubertor fame sent out Flip cameras to a smattering of local realtors.
“It really started by accident, but now I’m up to my 250th video post,” he said.
And he said the vlogs have enabled him to connect not only with local clients but with customers south of the border.
“Americans divested themselves of investment properties in Vancouver after the economic downturn, but now because of the exchange rate some of them are coming back, and they find me through my videos,” he said.
But despite his enthusiasm for Web 2.0 tools, it’s all about interpersonal connections and having a good product, Watt said.
“I still use open houses and get in front of people. All these things are just tools, but it’s about touching the right people with the right message In the end, the property will sell itself,” he said.
Am a HUGE fan of Ian Watt and Stephen Jagger! They are revolutionizing the future of Real Estate operations!
They are? Ian blah blah blahs about nothing but his own self importance. He's a bore at best andirritating at worst... but boy does he love the attention!
Stephen goes and tells realtors to be themselves and be communicating via blogs, twiitter, and video because "look at Ian". That isn't new or revolutionary. It's old school just now done behind a keyboard. It's called press releases, articles, social clubs, and newsletters... just now on a screen. snooze. Not revoluionary. Evolutionary, maybe. but don't go heap praise on a pretty site company with an active marketing face who can rip off realtors (dumber than most business people) for over $50 a month. Congratulate, but don't praise.
Wow Jim - I sense some angst. Valentines day got ya down buddy? How about a free hug? Jim aside - I think that the market is speaking by embracing Ian Watt's approach. Love it or hate it people are taking note, and responding. Ian is engaging his audience, and it works for him.
@Jim... "congratulate, but don't praise." What does that mean?
If Ian's the first guy to do this, and being successful with it, that sounds pretty revolutionary to me. "not revolutionary. Evolutionary, maybe".
you sound a little bitter... go have a beer and relax.
Definitely it's a good to purchase a home because the recession period is going on and the rates of a house is little bit low so we can say that it's a real time and the property sellers are also hunger for selling so i think we should not miss the best opportunity. I won't miss this better opportunity..
Sydney
Real Estate Search
Well, there is not denying the power of the video, and I am glad to see it is working for him. Considering the very poor quality of the videos, and that he appears to be just driving around while looking at a video camera taped to his dashboard, I must admit that I am a little surprised at how much attention it gets him; i fuess it really does help him to connect... For the agents that step this up a little, and begin to produce profession quality videos, the bar will be raised once again.
Warren Frey
Warren Frey is a writer, editor, blogger and podcaster based out of Vancouver, BC. After working for six years in the Canadian broadcasting industry, he switched to print and has since covered varied assignments from plumbing conferences to star-studded film galas. But he’s never lost his love for the internet and interactive media, from his teens...[more]
