John D Ambrogio

Want to hear my opinion on technology and how it needs to be applied to real estate listings? Watch this video in which I discuss the importance of technology in the promotion of real estate listings. I discuss IPWs (individual property websites), mobile-enabled sites, uploading listings to social networking sites and blogging on listings.

What is your opinion?

If having trouble viewing, this video can also be viewed here.

John D Ambrogio

We are truly living in exponential times - Please click on this video  and think about a few of the facts presented!

Is there a market for relocation in Chicago Did you know that if you’re one in a million in China, you’re one in 1340 in the US?

Is there a market for relocation?

The labor department estimates that today’s kids will have 10-14 jobs under their belt by the time they’re 38! Why?  Technology’s growth, for one thing.  Consider that for students enrolled in a four year tech school - a full half of their education will be outdated before they graduate!

In the five minutes it takes you to watch a video on mtv - 67 babies will be born in the US; 274 in China; 295 in India…and 700,000 songs were illegally downloaded.

I think it’s time to buy some investment property!

Enjoy this Video!

John D Ambrogio

Chicago real estate agents and their customers (can you imagine a tougher crowd to impress?) have chosen Rubloff their favorite luxury real estate service.  Chicago Agent magazine conducted the survey online and polled their readers.

Rubloff took the award for “favorite luxury real estate service.”  Access the complete results here. Full Article

Technology and luxury.  A great marriage when relocating to or from Chicago.

Chicago Luxury Real Estate

John D Ambrogio

What should you look for when relocating?  Obviously one of most important choices is your agent.  A good “marriage” of client and agent is essential.  But how do you do that?  Most Chicago real estate companies have a relocation team that helps make that decision based on a phone or email consultation.

What about the back-end support that your agent will provide? Here are a few of the elements you should look for in your Chicago real estate company, whether you are looking for a home or selling your home
Consider their technology  Find a leader in marketing technology. Here is a sample of programs and support systems that you should look for:

A website that incorporates features that home buyers love, such as:
• Integrated map search
• Map local businesses and institutions with lifestyle mapping
• Save searches and receive email alerts
• Search quickly without registration
• Questions answered immediately with Live Chat

The website should also be able to viewed on mobile devices so you can call up listings while walking through the neighborhoods looking at properties. In addition, each listing should have its own website and has its own unique web address displayed on the ‘For Sale’ sign

All listings should be professionally photographed and quickly and automatically distributed to many different portal websites.  Ask you agent if they employ a comprehensive Search Engine Optimization program including adwords, keywords, metatags, blogs, and social networking ensuring that your listings are coming up first in web searches

In addition, make sure you agent has access to an ecommerce manager who can work with them on social networking, “eblast” programs & blogging to help you promote your listing if you’re going to be selling your property.

In Chicago’s competitive real estate market, make sure you have a relocation deparemant and agent that work for you!

John D Ambrogio

Many of us use LinkedIn and various other social networking sites because we hear it everywhere that we need to but do we really understand the value of it? Here’s a quick insight into LinkedIn to get you started.

John D Ambrogio

Confused about blogging? This is a great video to gain insight into the world of blogs and blogging created by the guys at Common Craft.

John D Ambrogio

OK, you’ve listed you Chicago condo or home with an agent, you’re priced it right, and you’re going to be relocating soon.  So now the agent comes by with the “for sale” sign which has THEIR name, THEIR number, and if you’re unlucky it may also have THEIR photo. What about your home?  Where is a picture of YOUR home, pricing info on YOUR property, or photos of YOUR lovely interior?

Maybe they have a number where the consumer can text for more info — in which they’ll get a text or sms message returned to them with text on your home - probably not pictures.  And of course it’s a great marketing tool for the listing agent b/c it gives them a consumer’s phone number who they can then pursue as a buyer’s agent (how this helps you I don’t know). I feel the development of Rubloff’s Individual Property Website ( IPW ) is the better solution for someone selling their property in Chicago.  In essence, the consumer walking by with a handheld (and they still do walk the neighborhoods, and they all have handhelds) want info NOW.  And if they’re standing in front of  123 Main Street they can plug that address, www.123main.rubloff.com (as opposed to a non-related “web id” number) and get relevant info (price, taxes etc.) and INTERIOR PHOTOS (consumers do love photos) without giving their info to an agent.  Best of all it’s in a mobile-formatted design - pictures are sized correctly, it’s easily readable on the handheld, and INTERESTED agents can “click to call” the listing agent.

Think about that if you or your company is going to be listing a home in Chicago.

Rubloff Mobile Sites