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The Evolving Technology of the Cell Phone

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty

Cell Phones.  You can't talk about real estate without noticing that reealtors are notoriously on their cell phones.  As cell phones have evolved with the business, I find that we use our cell phones more and more everyday.  These new phones seem to break a lot easier than former phones did, don't you agree?

It seems that while cell phones are capable of doing much more these days, and yes it is nice to get emails on your phone, the phones come up with all sorts of new problems as well!  The phones randomly shut off, randomly make strange noises, freeze up...you name it!  Battery life seems to be getting shorter with each new phone, and they want to make you purchase extended life batteries or all sorts of chargers, so you can charge them wherever.  These companies are being smart when it comes to products, but it really hurts Realtors as the consumers!

Considering we've been their customers since the time of car phones and bag phones, you would think they do more for realtors!  I mean, at least Verizon offers some discount to Keller Williams employees, but still, there is just so much business out there from Realtors!  Almost every single one of us has the unlimited plans from whatever company we use.  Maybe we should just agree within the NAR to all use the same provider, that way all calls to all other Realtors are free!  But that probably isn't neccesary since we all pay for the unlimited plans anyway.

What do you think?  What's the best way to approach the cell phone game in real estate?

Posted by

Michael McGavisk

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Karen Anne Stone
New Home Hunters of Fort Worth and Tarrant County - Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth Real Estate

Mike, I have an absolutely incredible cell phone.  I can actually make calls on it, and also receive calls on it.  I am even told it can take pictures, as well... although I have never done it.  That's it.  I have had it for six years.  It has never dropped a call.  My battery lasts quite a while, and that's all I need.  Forget all that other fancy stuff.  It works for me.

Yes, I know.  I am "behind the times."  But, is that such a bad thing ?

Apr 20, 2011 03:18 AM
John Saari
Worcester, MA
"The Mortgage Buddy"

I have a nice fancy phone but it needs constant charging. I think it makes sense to have a phone with a couple of rea estate applications but it's got to be user friendly.

Apr 20, 2011 03:34 AM
Jeff Craig
Hang Me Up Photos - Jamestown, NC
Greensboro Area Real Estate Photography

I love my Android smart phone.  It is really an amazing tool.  But, you are correct that they can have many problems.  My biggest complaint now is battery life.  I'm lucky to get 3-4 hours between charges.

Apr 20, 2011 04:52 AM
Michael J. Perry
Fathom Realty - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Interesting enough at classes I teach, when I announce a break more than 2/3 grab their phones, with no intention of making an outgoing call !!!

Apr 20, 2011 03:18 PM