If you're not on MySpace and other social networking sites, you're not reaching today's homebuyers. MySpace alone receives more than 230,000 new registrations per day. Other agents are getting in front of these buyers instead: In Inman News' State of Real Estate Marketing 2007 report, more than 30 percent of responding agents said they use social networking sites in their marketing.

MySpace is an ultra-powerful brand whose users consider belonging to it a "must." Facebook has positioned itself as MySpace's more grown-up cousin. Once limited to college and high school students, it's now open to everybody and professional users are flocking to it. LinkedIn is by definition a work-related networking utility that broadens users' circles of professional contacts.

Most important to you: These sites' users have opted in to receive communications from you. When you join MySpace or Facebook, you browse for potential home buyers and sellers in your service area, and ask to be added to their "friends" lists. Once on their list, they can receive bulletins from you: This property just listed; Price reduced!; Does anyone know a good title company? It's the 21st century's most effective way to reach younger, tech-savvy buyers and sellers.

And consider this. How many 19 year olds today personally know a real estate agent? The ones who add you to their MySpace or Facebook "friends" list will personally know a real estate agent -- you, by name and by face -- which significantly increases your chances of landing their future business or a referral. Many users consider MySpace an indispensable part of life. When they're looking for a Realtor, or someone they know is looking for a Realtor, you'll be right there, front of mind.

Creating these profiles and using them to their fullest as marketing tools takes some effort. That's where we come in.

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