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Are You Afraid Of Technology?

By Edward Walker

Services for Real Estate Pros with Mel Foster Co.

February 25, 2007 11:15 AM

I have been working in the technology part of the real estate industry for over four years now and never cease to be amazed at the low level of usage by agents of available technology. The newer agents coming into the business have grown up with computers, cell phones, pda's, blackberrys, etc. The more experienced agent already has a system established for customer contact and support and often times are afraid to embrace new "stuff".

I could go on with a laundry list of excuses not to use technology but would like to hear from other tech-minded users as to the extent technology is a part of your business.

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Timothy Schwartz

Century 21 Mack Morris Iris Lurie - Marlboro Twp, NJ

Ed, I like to think I am on top of technology but there is always more to learn and it keeps changing. Technology will help you get the customer and service existing customers but it will still always be agent contact that makes the sale

Feb 25, 2007 11:36 AM

Edward Walker

Mel Foster Co. - Bettendorf, IA

Timothy - How right you are. You can have all of the best technology available but if you do not respond or if you put all of your trust in that technology, you will most likely fail. Nothing beats that personal contact with the consumer, but why not take advantage of some help to drive the consumer to you, your personal web site, and that personal contact. What do you consider some great ways to have that agent contact? I wonder how many agents wear their name tag where ever they go. Or fail to return a phone call because they are "too busy".

Feb 25, 2007 11:52 AM

Tom Giansante

The Title Company of Jersey - Wildwood, NJ

Ed, This subject is dear to me.. I work as a Title Company Marketer, and specialize in administration of SureClose for our clients. SureClose is the nation's top online Transaction Mangement System, and it permits realtors to manage their title files 24/7 from anywhere they can get internet access.

It's interesting to see the excuses that people come up with in order to not use the tools which are provided to them at no charge.

However, there is a growing percentage of Agents who are using the technology to help make their time more manageable and it translates to increased productivity.

To those who aren't yet using SureClose or other TMS's, get on board,...there's plenty of room for everyone!

Feb 25, 2007 12:46 PM

Edward, you are right. My web site (s) come up on the first page of google when you search homes in Colts Neck, and I get lots of traffic to my various sites.

However, I can get more business in one week standing at the coffee shop in town with my name badge on. As an earlier adopter of technology it is easy to get caught up in the latest bells and whistles.

Tomorrow I will wear my name badge when I meet my friends for breakfast and have a pocket full of cards. Giving out cards it is still the best way to prospect.

As I write this comment, it is inspring me to write an article about technology meeting salespeople. Thanks for the brainstorm.

Feb 25, 2007 12:54 PM

Marchel Peterson

Results Realty - Spring, TX

Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro

I am amazed at the real estate agents that work to the lowest denominator. My children were raised with technology; I was not. I have basically taught myself but my feeling is with either grab on or get left in the dust. I LOVE TECHNOLOGY!! Although sometimes it is a love/hate relationship. Until I get the problem resolved then it is totally a love relationship again.

Feb 25, 2007 12:56 PM

I would like to know the different types of technology "devices" that are made available to agents by various brokers. My company provides a number of MLS computers, multi-functional devices for printing and copying, faxing and emailing, a Homes Magazine and TV Show. Many agents have their own personal computers along with a PDA and cell phone tied into the MLS or their email. Does everyone embrace these things? Of course not, but we are getting more of the agents to join the 21st Century. Your thoughts please.

Feb 27, 2007 01:59 AM

I get hit on a daily basis with solicitations to try this program or that program or with offers to manage all of our technology needs. It is not to difficult to say no to almost all of them. Mel Foster tries to offer only the most effective and efficient programs and technology options to our agents. They have only a set amount of advertising and support dollars to throw out there on "stuff". Our biggest challenge is to get support and attendance from agents for a program or a training class for something that is given to them for free. They fail to see the value of a free program. But offer them something at a cost and they are right on top of it, complaining all the way. Yes, my job is fun.

Jun 16, 2007 05:12 PM

Sandra Williams

Rancon Real Estate - Temecula, CA

My problem seems to be that all this technology is too much fun! More fun than writing personal notes to ex-clients, making difficult phone calls, etc.

Jun 16, 2007 07:47 PM

Sandra,

I know what you mean. You can come to rely on technology too much to where the personal contact is put aside. One should use technolgy as an additional tool, an additional weapon in your daily contact arsenal that will put you one step above the rest of the pack. Their is nothing better than a personal phone call or note.

Jun 17, 2007 02:40 PM

Are You Afraid Of Technology?

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