Reflecting on how the real estate business model has changed since I was first licensed five short years ago really is amazing. The way I do business now is so much different from the ‘old school' business model that I was recruited into.
Perhaps the biggest difference is the website. Five years ago, very few agents had websites, let alone blogs or virtual tours or even IDX property searches. I would have to say that the website has had the greatest impact on our business as REALTORS®.
Today, we are not in the house finding business like we were five years ago. I was told that was my job when I started, but it is definitely not my job now. Today as a professional real estate agent in the Hemet San Jacinto Valley in the South Western Riverside County area of the Inland Empire region of Southern California my job is negotiating, writing solid contracts and being the eyes and ears on the ground to make certain that all the things that are suppose to happen, actually happen. These tasks will often include, but not be limited to, coordinating home inspections, working through both the mortgage and escrow process and all of the things necessary to close escrow and transfer ownership. My job today, continues after the close of escrow, to make certain that everything continues to move smoothly for the new homebuyer in CA.
FINDING THE HOUSE
The tech savvy consumers really does an excellent job of finding their own home on the Internet these days. The search portals today are more robust and featured than they ever have been before. Sorry to say, but finding the right house for buyers is low on the priority list of things that I do for my clients.
SERVICE
The real estate buyer today is looking for service. Technology has helped us, as professional real estate agents, to do a better job of communicating with our clients. We are better at being in touch - we answer voice mails and emails quicker than ever. We communicate with text messaging and broadcast via Twitter. Our cell phones are more powerful today than our desktop computers were five years ago.
Today real estate professionals truly are in the customer service business and the quicker we realize how to best service our clients the better we will be at our profession. Technology is good for the consumer and good for the agent. Technology is good for the industry as it will allow for better customer service and increase our sales and bottom line.
Well, this is just one REALTORS® opinion about the evolution of technology in the wonderful world of residential real estate.
Until Next Time, Have a Blessed Day,
John Occhi, Hemet - San Jacinto CA REALTOR®
This blog and the contents written here is the intellectual property of John Occhi, Hemet - San Jacinto Valley REALTOR® in the South West Riverside County region of the Inland Empire of Southern California. The views and opinions expressed are just that - views and opinions of John Occhi and those who comment. Please note that I am not an attorney or a tax professional and any time I discuss either topic, I suggest you consult with the proper professional for relevant assistance.
This blog is part of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network, which is a social network highlighting the best of Web 2.0. Information is provided with the intent of educating and assisting home owners, home sellers, home buyers and real estate investors with information the can be used to make better real estate decisions.
I am proud to be a full time REALTOR® who is proud to be a contributing member of the ActiveRain community.
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