Google for Real Estate Agents

Before a customer ever picks up the phone to ask for your business, chances are she spent a sizeable chunk of time investigating her needs and your services online.

Today more than ever, potential homebuyers are using search engines, particularly Google, to find anything from a reputable real estate agent to their next (or first) dream home.

To help you connect with homebuyers, check out Google for Real Estate Professionals [ http://www.google.com/realestateagents ], a wonderful toolkit where you'll find just about everything you need to make sure potential clients find you on the World Wide Web.

For example, with Google Maps [ http://www.google.com/help/maps/realestate/agents/maps.html ] homebuyers can view a property from a bird's eye or street view, explore traffic and public transit information and, perhaps most importantly, learn how to get in touch with you. All you have to do is upload your listings.

Once you finish uploading, take a couple extra minutes to explore the Local Business Center [ http://www.google.com/lbc ], where you can claim and manage your business listing.

YouTube [ http://www.youtube.com ] is a great way to showcase not only your listings but your business as well. Post a testimonial video from a happy homebuyer or an informative piece that explains a tricky aspect of the homebuying process. Let your potential clients get to know you by guiding them on a walk-through of your newest property listing.

All services in the Google for Real Estate Professionals toolkit are fairly easy to figure out, and just about all are completely free to use.