In the following interview, Art Meyer, sales associate with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties in Ridgefield, Conn., discusses reaching millennial homebuyers and sellers through a strong social media presence.
Region Served: Westchester, Duchess and Putnam Counties, N.Y.; Fairfield, Litchfield, New Haven and Hartford Counties, Conn.
Years in Real Estate: 14
Facebook: Art Meyer
Favorite Part of Your Job: Helping first-time buyers and working with distressed properties
Please describe some of the current trends you see in your market.
Not only do I anticipate interest rates rising in the near term, but distressed properties will continue to be a significant force in Connecticut and New York since both are judicial foreclosure states and the timing for the foreclosure process is measured in years. In addition, the higher end of the market (properties priced over $1.2 million) will continue to be slow for the near term, as many of these buyers are tied to foreign investments in some way. I also think foreign investment is going to take a short-term hiatus with the assembling of the new administration as we learn how foreign investment policy will affect our balance of trade.
Where do you see the market heading as we continue toward the future?
I see the market continuing along a steady course and expect some growth in the lower end among properties priced up to $1 million. That being said, there will be certain pockets or areas that will perform better than others. For example, upscale towns in Connecticut with strong fiscal policies will do slightly better than the larger towns with higher unemployment and more actively used social services. In New York, I see the upper Westchester area staying steady. Putnam and Duchess Counties should have moderate price increases because of the lesser taxes in those regions.
How are you using social media to stay in touch with your clients?
As millennials continue to come onto the market, having a social media presence is critical in order to remain relevant, which is why I jumped at the chance to sign up for RISMedia’s ACE—Automated Content Engagement. In fact, it’s the only thing I’m using, in addition to occasionally posting a new listing on my Facebook page. While I have a fairly small following of people on my Facebook page, the articles, videos and infographics that are posted on my behalf through ACE are consistently bringing in 1 – 2 new views each and every day. In addition, ACE has raised my presence on various social media platforms, such as Facebook and LinkedIn.
Can you talk about your overall experience with RISMedia’s ACE?
In addition to the entire process being very easy, the support staff has been phenomenal in assisting me when I have a question or need support. I’m not all that computer-savvy, but the process has been extremely easy from the get-go.
What would you say to other real estate professionals who may not be using RISMedia’s ACE yet?
Use it. The stories are relevant, not just within the general market, but regionally as well. If you’re not using it, you’re a fool.
For more information, please visit ace.rismedia.com.
Paige Tepping is RISMedia’s managing editor. Email her your real estate news ideas at paige@rismedia.com.
For the latest real estate news and trends, bookmark RISMedia.com.
