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The New Agent VS the dinosaur.... Does Tech Matter?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Five Corners Properties

Recently I read an article that rejected the idea that younger people can earn a living as real estate agents just because they are “tech savvy,” and that this somehow gives them an advantage that enables them to compete with more experienced agents.

 

The author went on to explain “I believe that there is plenty of business for agents young and old, and that we should encourage young people to join our profession. But we might be going about it all wrong.”

 

Did you know that 30 years ago in the 70’s I was using the internet?

 

Many of us “old” dinosaur agents have evolved, adapted and kept up with the times. Some of us have even been innovators and early adopters of technology like the iPad, which many experts told us would be a complete waste of time for business.

CUTE PICTURE TO HOLD ATTENTION SPAN ADDED HERE

CUTE PIC

 

In some real estate associations and offices, I see an emphasis on having young, “tech savvy” agents teaching older agents about technology. I think the future of the real estate industry would be better served if older, more experienced agents spent more time teaching younger agents how to be real estate agents.

 

I was recently coaching a group of younger agents when a question came up on qualifying the client before taking them out and showing homes.  The younger agents seemed to think this was a rather “rude” question to ask….  At the end of the day technology is just a tool like a hammer to a carpenter.  If you don’t know how to hit the nail on the head…it just doesn’t matter – does it!

 

Peace and Love!

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Jonathan

Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

Where is it written that old timers can't be tech-savvy????

This is just a smear on experienced agents. 

Nov 14, 2013 08:36 PM
Dan Hopper
Dan Hopper - Gold Way RE - Westminster, CO
Colorado Broker / Referral Services

Jonathan, I do have to tease you for a second, here. Technology does matter whne you do not get the posting of HTML correct for your posting!  J/K

Regardless, of the technology we use to generate leads, provide information, expose property, ideas, applications, etc., I do believe that we still must have the "human factor", in business!  We can do this through technology to a point, but once we have a new client, there is nothing like the "old fashion" way.  Face to face or the phone call.

Nov 14, 2013 08:39 PM
Bill and MaryAnn Wagner
Wagner Real Estate Group - Ocean City, NJ
Jersey Shore and South Jersey Real Estate
Jonathan, I think these that want to tout the advantage that young people have should be put out to pasture. They make it sound like we've been living in a bubble for the last 40 years. Young agents are at a disadvantage. They have limited knowledge and understanding of all the elements of our business. Who do they think developed industry specific software. Originally I had to create my own. Remember Dbase? We old timers are much more qualified to readily identify how evolving technologies can be integrated into the industry. Who do they think sat with developers? Who do they think Beta tested? They all make me chuckle.
Nov 14, 2013 09:50 PM