We ARE in a world of technology overload. I think so. But technology is here to stay.
"I hate technology." "I don't have time for all this techie stuff." "I make plenty of money without it." I hear this from other realtors all the time.
Real estate is a second or third career for many of us. The average age in our industry is 52. Folks resist change, and for many of the 1.3 million realtors in the U.S. it's considered a supplemental income.
I think it's ironic, when talking about the cost to invest in technology, some agents will spend $30,000 - $100,000 for a real-estate car, yet they won't spend $400 for a digital camera! They have time to go to realtor open houses and lunches, but don't have time to go to a technology class to stay current with technology, and ultimately the best ways to service their clients.
Why? Why do most agents invest so little in an industry perceived as a profession - an industry in which people trust their realtor similarly to the way they trust their doctors and lawyers? Would you employee a doctor who uses a steak knife for surgery? Would you hire an attorney who uses a rotary phone and has no fax machine - let alone a computer - with which to research and communicate about your case?
They tell sellers they should hire their services as a professional Realtor, and yet make no attempt to stay competent with technology and best real estate practices.
It's time to get serious - and knowledgeable - about the tools available to use in our EVERYDAY business. Our local and national associations have invested money in trade shows, computer labs that are real-estate friendly, classes at conventions, and online partnerships to help us get us where we need to be. It's all pretty straightforward if you simply make the effort.
It is up to each one of us to "JUST DO IT", if we want to be professional and full service agents for our customers. I'm here for the long haul and I'm ready.
Are you?
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