Facebook and MySpace are starting to  get recognized as useful tools in networking for the online realtor.   However, as social networking sites have become one of the front  runners in connecting people on the Internet, people are starting to  get interested in niche social networking: sites that connect  people interested in specific subjects.

Active Rain is a network that has taken  this concept and turned it into a growing community of realtors, real  estate-related professionals and people looking for the right agent  for them.  It has pages for individuals to post information about  themselves and the services they provide, forums, blogs, and a Q&A  forum where people can post questions about real estate.  So far,  60,000 people have become members, which makes for a lot of exposure  on the site.

One does not need to be an Internet  guru to create a niche network, though.  It can be done with  existing networking sites and applications.  The key is to start out  creating decent, useful information on your focus in the market.  If  you are selling homes in the Sunset Hill neighborhood of Seattle, by  all means, start a Facebook group or your own message board about the  Sunset Hill neighborhood.  Whatever it is, make sure that it allows  people to weigh in, ask questions and post answers.

Post information on the schools there,  and the issues about them, the job scene, house care when dealing  with Seattle weather... anything and everything that has to do with  Sunset Hill and Seattle homes.  Make sure it's relevant, make sure  it's up-to-date.  Look beyond selling houses and post about what  people buying homes in Seattle and Sunset Hill are concerned about.

If you have happy clients who have  conducted their home transaction through you, keep in contact with  them and let them know about the site.  Many home owners would be  interested to know about a site where they can find the latest in  local property values, information about the new mall being built or  the issues facing the schools of the Sunset Hill area.

If you have people coming to your site  for information on their neighborhood, even if they aren't planning  to buy or to sell, you have succeeded.  The huge success of some  sites through advertising has come about through popularity gained by  giving stuff away for free.  If you have a decent amount of steady  visitors who come to your site for the information you post, you have  a decent amount of leads who might mention you to real estate-minded friends and family.

Virginia Wherland is an experienced  Minneapolis realtor. Virginia and her team can help you find the property you need in the Minneapolis real estate market. Get more information at AssociatesRealty.net.