Home : Blogs : Keli DiRisio : Keli DiRisio's Blog

Real Estate and Technology

I’ll admit it. I am a computer geek. From my days as a graphic designer, I always had to have the latest and greatest, the fastest and the slickest machine. And yes, I am a Mac lover. As designers, we all used Macs. I cannot switch over to the Dark Side and use a PC. I do when I have to, kicking and screaming all the way, but now that I am not doing much design anymore, I am definitely in the minority.

I attended a couple of great classes over the last few days. They were taught by the same woman, Amy Chorew. She was fantastic. We talked alot about the role that technology plays in real estate, and how under utilized it is by agents. The ironic part is our audience, our clients, they are using it at an ever-increasing rate.

These were some interesting stats that Amy shared with us from the 2006 National Association of REALTORS© Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers:

51% of first time buyers are between the ages of 25 & 34 years old
85% of buyers used a real estate professional
84% of first time buyers used the Internet to search for homes (compared to 79% of repeat buyers)
81% rated their real estate agent as very useful in the process
Median age of sellers: 46 years
Typical home is on the market for 6 weeks

These are some interesting numbers. It is good to hear that alot of buyers are using agents and realizing the importance of a good agent! But the Internet is a powerful tool and as agents, we need to grasp its potential.

With the age range of first time buyers between 25 and 34, this generation is what is driving the housing market. Generation X (and the fringe of Generation Y) is computer savvy, busy with jobs and families. They want to sit down at night after the kids are asleep and surf around and see what grabs them. They know how to find sites with homes and they know how to cull the information down to suit their needs. Don’t get me wrong, agents are still needed. We are necessary to point out some of the features, desirable and not-so-desirable of homes they may see on the Internet. I had a client and he and his fiancée were looking to buy. They were constantly sending me links to homes they found. One home they were particularly hot on and wanted to see it that day. I looked at the link and the first thing I noticed was it was septic. I immediately called my client and told him. He said, “Oh. I didn’t know what that meant on the website. We definitely don’t want to look at that one.”

We as agents definitely need to embrace the technology, but we also need to impress on our clients what we bring to the party as people, too.

Posted by Keli DiRisio on 09/27/2007 08:30 AM

Comments (42)

technology, internet, buyers, sellers, agents

42 Comments on Real Estate and Technology

SEP

2007

Keli, great balance, technology and relationships.

Keli, I made the switch from Mac to PC 10 years ago, and now work interchangeably on both platforms. Mac definitely has the "more cool" stuff, but both work equally well to help me make a living! Great post.

Mike in Tucson

I do, reluctantly, work on a PC when I have to. I'll come clean, I do like all of the bells and whistles on a Mac. I will hold out as long as I can!

And thanks for both of your for the comments. I am new to active rain, so it is great to hear what others have to say!

Hi Keli,

Thanks for an informative blog. However, what intriqued me about the blog most were the words t'computer geek' combined with 'graphic designer'.

Can't wait to see future blogs from you.

Keli,

You need to look into getting your e-PRO certification.

I was a computer programer in past life so I scream "Computer Nerd". I have had my e-PRO for about a year and half. It seems that I am incorporating lessons learned on a daily basis into my business.

Here is the web site to check it out - http://www.eprosignup.com/

Gotta always remember, we're still the people behind the tech...until that day comes when the machines can get up and march off to the office themselves! That may not be that far away, come to think of it...;)

Technology is definitely under-utilized by agents, especially the technology around listings data. The technologies are not complicated or expensive. It's an education issue. Hats off to you for being out there expanding your education and for sharing with the rest of the community. Agents who cater to the information-driven online consumers will prosper in this new market cycle.

Keli, good post and great stats. I too am a techno-geek especially with computers and the net. I miss the days of using my MAC (need to convert for the masses) I am constantly researching ways to improve my websites and add the latest bells & whistles... Someday I may actually get around to it.

Thanks for all of the great info! And I'll check out epro as well! I'll keep adding to the techy side of things thru my posts! And Phillip, maybe someday you'll come back to the Mac side of things. I am itching for an iphone!

Keli....great and informative stats...these are helpful in my business...thanks.

Hi Keli,

What do we bring to the party today? Is it a product or a service or both? And what do we get paid for, or more importantly, what should we get paid for? Do we get paid at all?

These are all interesting questions! And I would love to see some great answers.

I love your comparison between a Mac and a PC and the obvious differences between these two technologies. It reminds me of the differences that are discussed so extensively here on AR.

Being somewhat of a computer geek myself, I was sooooooo intrigued by your comment that your clients sent you a link. Isn't that what we are supposed to do? Who is on the dark-side? Us or them?

Inquiring minds want to know.

I am running towards the light and considering making the switch to Mac.

Are there any issues you have encountered being only 5% of the population that doesn't have a PC? That is my only concern, otherwise I think the Macs are way cool!

Trying to stay on top of technology is becoming more and more important every day.

Great questions, Fred! I agree - we are the ones sending them the links, supposedly, but of course they always get the itchy fingers and start shooting off emails.

What do we bring to the party? Hmmm . . . I hope it is both a product and a service. Our knowledge, know how, and experience. I thought it is interesting in the stats that 84% of first time buyers use the Internet, while only 79% of repeat buyers do. Why the decline? Maybe they now realize that they can relax and let us do our job and they don't have to do so much of the work!

thanks for the comments!

Hi Chelle. I haven't really run into too many issues with the Mac. Some programs are not Mac friendly, but there is an equivalent program to use.

I don't know what you use for the MLS, but the Mac and our system here in Western NY is a little glitchy. I have found some ways to make it work, and sometimes I sit down at a (shudder) PC and do what I have to do. As much as I love the Mac, check with your MLS to see if it is compatible.

But other than that, the Mac still has my heart.

Keli, I think the Mac side is growing very fast and I believe it will continue to grow as the graphic and web site continues to be such a huge part of our business. My Mac also runs Windows using Parallels and I can do anything that a PC user can do with Windows such as my MLS, my lock box...but I have the design and graphic benefits of the Mac which was one of the key reasons I switched over to a Mac.

I'm guessing your graphic arts skills come in handy almost as much as your computer skills. I've seen some very good listing presentations in my day... usually assisted by great design.

Come to the Dark Side Keli! lol. Just kidding. As a PC fan, I've been shying away from Macs forever. But now that I have a serious music recording hobby, I may have to venture over the "Other Side". Thanks for the tech info! Great post!

Hi Keli,

Thanks for the response. Here is the link for the drinking blog:

How About Some Wine

I am a long time PC user but am looking into Mac for a new laptop. Windows Vista is not cool and I do so want to be cool. As a home stager and designer - I see the possibilities Mac offers that I could utilize.

Buyers are becoming more internet savvy and I just shake my head in sadness as I invite agents to AR and discuss "blogging" and their eyes glaze over. They are not keeping up here.

Interesting responses to Keli's blog.

My first computer was a PC and that was the last PC I purchased. As soon as I discovered Mac, my first one was an SE 30 (how many of you go back that far?) and I now use Parallel Desktop on my G5 Intel Core Duo only because software such as Top Producer and eNeighborhoods won't run on a Mac. I highly recommend Parallel Desktop. Much better than a PC stand alone.

Can't wait for Leopard to be released. Tiger is great but there are some great enhancements on the way.

Someone suggested that Keli look into ePro. I did, but the person who conducted the marketing seminar to introduce ePro was not very computer literate and kept stressing that ePro was not for the person who was already computer savvy so I decided to not waste my time. Maybe I made a mistake but I don't want to spend time in classes taught by a person who knows less than I do. I would be interested in hearing from some of you who are ePro certified regarding the level of computer sophistication involved in the ePro program.

We all know some incredibly successful agents who make virtually no use of technology yet continue to be successful. Does that mean that technology is unimportant? Quite the contrary. It simply means that there is more than one road that leads to success.

Real Estate is about relationships -- technology can help build and enhance relationships but it is not a substitute for them. The balance between the personal approach and technology is best framed as high tech, high touch.

Great post. I have recently converted to a MAC and love it. My boyfriend owns a marketing/ad agency and he got me to switch like you said I will not go back to the dark side. John I too use Parallels I was an MIS person in a former life so I worked primarily on PCS. I also love the statistics that is my niche market, glad I am in the right pocket.

That's encouraging to hear that 85% use a real estate professional. While technology makes data easily available, making sense out of that data and putting it in the right context is where a good real estate agent or lender provides value.

John,

Your post made me think of something real profound, thanks for stimulating my brain. I wonder what percentage of Realtors got their principle training on-line as opposed to getting it from a school teacher?

Anyone know this stat?

I used to be a mac user, seitched over about 6 years ago, I liked the mac logic lots better, but pc's are ok once you get used to them, I also had problems with every mac I ever owned and not many with pc's.

Would probably be a mac user if pc's weren't so incredibly inwxpensive in comparison.

Hi Keli,

Welcome to the Rain. These are all good stats to be aware of. The age of technology is something that we've embraced from the onset but it's surprising that many still are struggling with it.

Great insight into consumers these days. The internet may be out there making it easier to find homes on their own, but an agent can always take their search to the next level and give them the advice they need. The agents here on AR all seem to have a leg up over most of the industry because they are online and participating. Thanks for the stats.

Good post. I need a lot of help on computers. I guess I need more patience.

Keli,

I knew you would enjoy Activerain. Here is the link to purchase the report that I got all those stats from. It costs $50 to purchase and well worth it. http://www.realtor.org/prodser.nsf/OpenProd?OpenForm&IN=186-45-06.

Regards and keep in touch

Apple Computer is now the third largest manufacturer ... WHY ... because most applications and people are on the Web and not resident on there computers.

Vista Rocks.

Macs are cool though. Parallels really gives them an advantage.

Feel free to peek at my tekkie tips at http://realestatetechonline.com

SEP

2007

Thanks for posting the interesting information. Appreciate it.

SEP

2007

Today, my web designer referred to me as a "bit of a technology freak". I decided not to be insulted by that comment. I know he meant well..

Hey Eric,

It's amazing how things have changed in the past 20 years. It used to be that t nerd he computer geeks or aka. nerds as they were called in school were looked down upon by their peers.

Today, they are highly regarded for the intellect, their intelligence and their innovative and amazing creations. They are leading the country in this "Technology and Information age"

"Who da thunk it"

Hi Keli,

I went back and read your post and the responses again today. It was enlightening to see how many respondents commented on the Mac point and not on the technology issue and the knowledge base issue about Realtors.

I thought maybe I missed the pointof the blog, so I thought I would offer this up.

I started using computers when I was 12 (1975) my parents had a manufacturing plant in the Silicon Valley making hardware for H.P., IBM, Motorola etc...

I worked doing job costing and data entry for the accounting department during the summer to make some extra money to buy a car. They had a Singer ( not a sewing machine, a computer ) It took punch cards. Then in order to stay on top of technology, they purchased a computer that took magnetic strips.

The cards were so advanced, they had one of those strips you see on the back of your credit card today on a big manila folder looking card, wow..... Then in the late 70's they bought a Quantel system. This was sooooo advanced, it had a streaming tape cartridge that could hold 1000 times the data of the others. It was amazing!

The next few years, 1980-81 they upgraded to a fixed hard disk that was a big canister with huge hard disks in it. It looked like one of those food dehydrating machines you see on TV, but man did it have memory capacity. I can't remember how much, but it was huge and the manufacturing plant needed it as we were supplying almost all of the major manufacturers with hardware in the Silicon Valley at this point.

I got out of college in 1983 and was one of the first users in the Bay Area to purchase a MAC. It was my first personal computer a MAC 512K. It had one floppy drive. You had to load a software disk floppy disk in first, wait about 5 minutes for it to load the program you wanted, then put in a data disk. Took forever, but man was it cool..... When I became a power user, about 2 months later, I bought an external drive, that let me load the software into the Mac and the data disc into the external floppy drive, oh man was I on fire then......

I used the Mac and the mainframe ( thats what the others were called in the day ) in tandem. I used the mainframe for all the manufacturing operations, and the Mac for all my creative stuff. I drew layouts of the plant for hazardous materials management, flow charts for the operation and manufacturing processes, packaging schemes, and so much more... Things a mainframe could not do at the time. It was the most incredible computer anyone had seen. I went on to upgrade to an external 1 meg, then 10 meg, then 20 meg hard drive.

Then I think around 1987-88, IBM came out with their PC. I did not hop on board, no way, not me, I was a Mac fanatic.

Our IT guy kept telling me how good the PC was and how it would outperform my Mac, but I wasn't buying into it.

In 1991, I finally gave in due to the massive amount of computing power the pc's had compared to the Mac and decided to replace all of our mainframe equipment with PCs on a network. I think we went to a Novell network with "Clones"

network

"The rest is history " as they say !

I kept my 512K in its original padded case until about 2001at which point I sold it at a Flee market. I am not sure what it was worth at the time I sold it, but the profit and productivity that came from it, helped the Computer OEM's in the Silicon Valley, as well as our manufacturing company to help perpetuate the technologyboom of the 70's, 80's and 90's

So any of you that still feel like a geek, rest easy...........

Hope you all enjoyed a bit of nostalgia.

Take Care and keep computing!

P.S. They say the light is always brighter on the other side of the computing fence.

Eric: I would take it as a compliment. Hey, Bill Gate is a techno freak too!

And Fred: I love the story of the 'early days'. I remember my first Mac - I think it was a IIci. I have a whopping 5 MB of RAM. I was smokin'! Woo hoo! I could hold one very, very small scan on the hard drive before it blew up. I was the envy of all! And now I look at my G5, 3 external drives, and think "what else can I add?"

I have to say I do a lot of video editing, so I use a lot of space, but it is never enough. Now I am eyeing the iphone.

And I love the 5 minutes of wait time to load the program. You were defining cool!

Fred,

Your experience parallels mine to some extent. The first time I "saw" a computer was in 1957. I was working for Tube Turns in Louisville working the night shift while I went to grad school in the daytime. I was running an inventory control report using a punch card Remington Rand tab machine. While I was there they installed this computer that required an entire clean room with special air conditioning, etc. The computer took an entire room, maybe 20 x 30 and the programming was with a circuit board that was wired with color coded wires to connect and collect data. Wow!

It was not until 1983 or 84 that I acquired my first desk top unit which had no internal storage. It was an IBM. We used PC File, PC Write, and a couple of other programs that were stored on floppy disks. Our data was stored on separate floppies. But I was not at all happy with the DOS operating system and when I discovered the Mac, I abandoned forever the clunky PC format. Even when Bill Gates purloined the Windows format patterned after the Mac OS, I saw no reason to change. Still don't.

But whether you use a Mac or a PC, the tools we have today are mind boggling and move us light years ahead of the level of service we could offer in the "old days". I sometimes hear people of my generation say things like, I didn't grow up with the computer so there is no chance I can learn to use one. Baloney. I didn't grow up with computers either. But that is no excuse. ANYONE can learn to use a computer, and should if you want to provide maximum service to clients.

Don't take my word for it, just take a look at the data Keli cited.

John Cleek

http://crownplatinum.com

That was quite the history Fred laid out - so now when I have a computer glitch I will just say "Fred's Fault".

Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence Kathleen. Keli, what a great post.

I am still wondering how many agents got their real estate education on-line. I myself, did my principles exam on-line from 4am-5am everyday for 2 months while running a bed and breakfast Inn.

I was curious to know this, because it occurred to me, that if I can get a real estate education on-line, why can't our clients. Furthermore, if our clients are educating themselves on-line about real estate and they have all the listings, where does our value come from in the future? Also, if a large number of students are getting educations on-line, what will become of all the teachers?

I have the worlds best knowledge base right at my fingertips today. I used computers in my past business to facilitate tough computing tasks and to automate processes that would make my companies more profitable, including my real estate business and now my search engine business, so it seems to me, that not only are our customers getting smarter, they are also getting more resourceful.

Keli,

Your blog got me thinking about something really cool. Being somewhat of a history buff and philosophy, I thought about the evolution of the Realtor and the MLS. Stay tuned for my next blog

Someone just told me of someone in our neighborhood that went thru the classes to get her license, sold her own home and then stopped her career in real estate. SHe only did it to sell her own house and save the commission.

Wow: I can't wait to see your blog! That is a great idea!

OCT

2007

Hi Keli and any Mac RE user:

You are welcome to join our group on AR for Mac RE Assistants and Mac RE Professionals: http://activerain.com/groups/macvas

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?