Think Before You Post Real Estate News

I certainly understand realty associations wanting to keep both the membership and consumers informed of upcoming news and trends.

However, I have a hard time with the so-called "news" story put out by the Florida Association of Realtors.

The story is about how driverless cars are "coming", which is quite possible. This story even acknowledges that this will be in the "next 10 to 20 years".

It's enough of a stretch that this "news" is even a part of the real estate feed at this moment in time. In today's "overnight delivery is too long" society, it's not as though a large percentage of readers will stop and take heed over what could be the case in 10 years. (Unless it is financial news which could impact long term, retirement, etc.)

Instead, the angle of this "news" story is really that this change could have a significant impact on commuting, suggesting that drivers could instead concentrate on their work or a form of relaxation.

While there is a point to be made in that regard, it's hardly a game changer for real estate. If the purpose of this "news" story is to combat that, it does a poor job of it.

There is actually a quote from an expert real estate consultant about how "two and three car garages are a thing of the past". The quote does not say "could be a thing of the past".

What does this have to with real estate marketing?

Plenty!

Both real estate professionals and the public need to be updated about real estate news and trends, especially those which can help them make decisions.

Here is a realty association wasting time on this story, when there is so much other valuable information it should be putting out.

Now we have an expert consultant saying that large garages "are a thing of the past". How much confidence does a current home owner with a two car garage have about possibly selling when they see this "expert" quote?

This does not even factor in the number of commuters who already take the train, bus, or ride share and ALREADY do not drive while traveling these long distances. It's a number which is in the millions.

Funny, but the last time I checked, many of these millions of people who already do not drive a long way to work remain a multiple vehicle household.

How about quotes from experts about what can be done to sell the thousands of properties currently on the market?

http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm