Many Internet users choose other means besides the large real estate sites to search for agents and homes. In fact, many find what they want through the number one activity on the Web - the search for news. So how can you make News work for you?

First, let's understand what News is. Back before the arrival of AOL, CompuServe and Prodigy, netsurfers created their own network of sites to exchange information - sites that are geared towards specific, individual interests, sites where like-minded people could find the answers they need. These groups are called Newsgroups, or News, for short.

News is a collection of thousands of special-interest groups where anyone can read and post articles. Some groups are moderated, some free- for-all, some are in different languages, and more.

Many Internet-savvy folk will take advantage of their local/city/state housing newsgroups and look for either homes to buy, homes to sell, or advice on choosing a REALTOR® because News is so easy to use.

You don't even have to use your browser to read News if you are adverse to learning yet another interface. Simply go to Dejanews! This megaSite is the portal to the thousands upon thousands articles that have been posted throughout the years to every newsgroup imaginable.

Using Dejanews is very easy. Just click on the Power Search. It will bring you straight to a page that allows you to specify what forums to use. Now let's go through a typical client search.

First, in the search box near the top, enter the words "looking to buy."

Next, go down to the fourth box that is labeled "Forums". Enter *housing*

This means we're narrowing down the searched area. Groups like nj.market.housing, dc.housing, alt.housing.nontrad will be included.

Finally, move down two more boxes, and enter "02/01/99" in the "Date from" field (you don't have to fill in anything in the To: field). This will limit our responses to postings that occurred from 02/01/99 onwards.

Now click the button "Find" near the top. Some 58 responses are shown. You'll see a request for "Recommendations for Realtor" in the dc.general group, "Need a place for my family" in the seattle.forsale.housing group, and lots more. If you're in those areas, boom, you have a potential customer right now.

Wonder why we didn't specify "looking to buy house" in the above query? It's because many folks, when posting to housing groups, feel that is already explicit in the request.

Not in that area? Not to fear! Let's say you're from Connecticut - CT. Go back to your previous page, and instead of searching on just "housing," set your forums to ct.*

Of course, we'll now have to add the word "house" to our query (as we're look at state-specific groups, and not just housing groups.)

Search on "looking for house."

Hmmm. The search results are only for jobs. Click on one of them - you'll see this recruiter includes in his questionnaire "Do you have a house to sell before you relocate, or do you rent?"

Stop! Pause! Note! This is not part of our original search, but it could be most useful to find leads! Always explore things that suggest themselves.

If the above recruiter is asking candidates about their housing needs, you can bet the farm that he will then refer the candidates to REALTORS® of his choosing. Why not contact him and offer to swap recommendations? Instant networking in a field that not too many other REALTORS® know about!

And the above didn't even touch upon those wonderful realtynet.* newsgroups, where professional REALTORS® and clients can interact, network, and generate lots more business.

Published: March 17, 1999

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Barbara Ling only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.