As I look at this chart from a recent survey taken by NAR that was sent to 47,000 Realtors, and received 1,189 completed surveys back, I am shocked, yet not surprised. This number is large enough for overall responses to be considered statistically valid. I see some odd responses that tell me things could be out of whack when it comes to where we learn about Technology for real estate. Look it over and tell me your thoughts. I have made 6 observations below the chart.

1. First and foremost is it disappointing that only 1189 Realtors responded, however apathy and lack of getting with the program could be a topic for another day. I might just add that it shows how sick our industry is right now. 

2. The purpose and responsibility of NAR and local Associations is not to educate our membership when it comes to sales skills, marketing, and tools of the trade, however, it is a welcomed service that has been provided for many years through designation courses and other means. It is really each real estate agents responsibilityy to continue their education and each brokers responsibility to make sure they do so. Franchises have looked to training and education as a profit center over the past 20+ years as they have continued to offer less value for the franchise fees being charged to companies affiliated. 

3. Notice that 57% depend on colleagues and 38% Friends to educate them on technology. The true reason these numbers are there is that agents are light years ahead of brokers when it comes to changes in the tech world, however, in most cases, it's the blind leading the blind. Anyone who really has their head in the business would not be depending on the agent sitting next to them to teach them technology. They would be going to seminars, workshops, and Association sponsored events that would provide them the correct tools and education. However, since when is it the Associations responsibility to train agents? (Not saying it's wrong, just asking, who's really responsible? 

4. Note that 59% get most of their information from real estate related websites. I am guessing that RISMedia, Inman News, Mashable, Real Trends, Trulia, BloodhoundBlog, and many other great resources make up the majority of this information. I wonder how many agents are getting to these sites as a result of Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook? I think most of them. 

5. Real estate training has become big business and plenty of great resources are available. Note that Trade shows and State Associations rank toward the bottom of the chart. This tells me that as we begin to consolidate MLS systems throughout the states and local boards, more responsibility will depend on State Associations to offer more affordable state conventions, services, and affordable trade shows in the future. By getting rid of the fluff and entertainment and offering statewide MLS services with IDX they would be able to provide professional training at the 3-4 regions in each state. (Topic for another day) In other words reduce the 40+ local associations to 3-4 strong regional boards covering each state. 

6. The fact is, agents are more independent, expect higher commission splits from their broker, and no longer can depend on the broker for services due to economic cuts and lack of expertise; would support Statewide Associations taking on the duty of providing top notch education for a profit, with the services of professional training companies that will attract additional revenue. 

OK, I am thinking outside of the box here, however, that's my motive. To get you thinking. The world is getting smaller. We have what we need at our fingertips, we have webinars (web conferencing), Blog talk radio, Blogs, YouTube, Wikis, and many other resources. State Associations could offer larger group education with better attendance in regional locations. This is my opinion only, and not the conclusion of the report. It is only my conclusion, based on reading the report. You can read the NAR survey on the Realtor.org site.  What's your thoughts? 

"Expect the Best" Mike