A New Era for The Zebra

Welcome to 2008– The Year of The Zebra

This is the first post I am writing on the new-and-improved RealEstateZebra.com. If you are reading this in your RSS reader, you are going to want to visit the homepage to see the changes. If you found this as a single post, visit the “home” link above.

I didn’t decide to make the change on a whim, I thought about this for quite a while.

For quite some time, I have been thinking about what I want to do with RealEstateZebra.com, what the purpose of it should be. Since I began blogging, I have tried to write chiefly for the real estate consumer. This poses a problem for me when I want to talk about issues related to real estate that the average consumer simply doesn’t care about. Not to mention, I think that REALTORS and agents can benefit from information, opinion, and discussion just as much as the consumer. In short, I have felt that my personality has been a bit schizophrenic here at RealEstateZebra.com. Some posts were for the industry, and some posts were for the consumer. Now, I have the opportunity to change that.

It all came about as a result of my “How to Sell Your Home in Black and White” video post, and the ensuing discussions I had with people. I made that video for the real estate consumer, and the response I had from the consumers who saw it was very positive. What I found, however, is that the resonated even more with members of the real estate industry.

After attending NAR, speaking with other agents, and thinking about the upcoming Inman Real Estate Connect, I realized that I would really like the focus of RealEstateZebra.com to be on improving the real estate industry. Fast forward to right now, and you will see that is what I am trying to accomplish with the new RealEstateZebra.com. My intent is to make the site a resource for agents and REALTORS who genuinely care about leading the real estate industry and affecting a positive change. I want RealEstateZebra.com to deliver to agents the most comprehensive, entertaining, and enlightening experience available in the RE.net. Ultimately, I think this will do the most to serve consumers as well, as consumers cannot be helped without the effort of REALTORS and agents (more on that philosophy later).

Don’t worry, I’m not abandoning real estate consumers by any stretch of the imagination. Our brokerage is going to launch our very own real estate blog in coming weeks, which will be focused exclusively on the information that matters to consumers. As a REALTOR, my commitment to my clients and customers is as strong as ever, and our brokerage is going to approach this year with a renewed focus on delivering unmatched service and attention to the needs and desires of our clients and customers. While we are doing that with clients and customers, I will be doing the exact same thing with REALTORS and agents here at RealEstateZebra.com.

So take a minute to take a look around the site, and let me know what you think. As of right now, everything is about 95% of where I want it to be. I still have a few coding issues to work out, but if anyone sees anything, feel free to let me know so that I can get it fixed.

So buckle up and pull those belts tight, everyone; this is going to be one heck of a ride. . .

Frances Flynn Thorsen

Nice job, Daniel! I love the clean look ... love the B&W, LOVED the video ... look forward to your 2008 posts! Actually, I think that many consumers enjoy a behind-the-scenes conversation about real estate that is thoughtful and insightful. I expect that your new blog will attract a cadre of web savvy consumers who will add their own take on the RE net. Good luck with your efforts.

Greg Swann

Bravo! "Speak your mind" -- I love it! Congratulations on the new direction, and thanks for joining us on BHB.TV last night. I know you'll knock 'em dead in Fun City.

Jeff Brown

Daniel -- You're way too smart for most of us.

You made a comment about consumers' response to your 'pricing' video. It read as if the video was not perceived as condescending and/or insulting, but instead as positive info delivered in an obviously humorous format.

Would you please elaborate on what consumers' feedback was?

Thanks

Daniel Rothamel

Frances and Greg,

Thanks for the words of encouragement, they are much appreciated.

Jeff,

Are you baiting me? ;-)

But, yes, you are right, that is the feedback that I got from consumers. Of course, it is entirely possible that they were just being nice to me. . .

I think that overall, the ones who "get it" are the ones I would rather work with, anyway. If you are going to offended by it, we might not get along so well.

I got a ton of great feedback on the video and the concept. I'm using all of it for future "black & white" posts.

Athol Kay

Very nice looking site now Daniel.

Joel Burslem

Love the new look Daniel - look forward to seeing you in NYC!

Ravi Shah

Daniel - I like the new direction. You have me tuned in!

Tracy

The new site is brilliant for both your stated purpose and as a great example of clean, cutting edge Web 2.0. Do you ever sleep? Congratulations on the new site!