Technology or rapport? What is most important in real estate?

There is a lot of discussion in real estate circles about technology, AI, data, iBuyer programs, etc. and how this is going to change real estate. Lots of people are pouring money into new technology that is going to disrupt the real estate field. I remember when my wife began in real estate many of the agents in her office said the internet was never going to replace the trusted MLS book. I get it we don't like change.

I wrote a little about this last week when a comment blossomed into a bigger answer than I intended. But, I have been thinking about this as clients call and I think, why?

Those of us who are active and have been in real estate for more than a few years know where our business comes from. As Mr. Buffini and any good manager will tell you, your sphere is a pot of gold.

Why do those people in your sphere contact you to buy or sell or refer a friend or family member to you? Because they trust you. Over time you have built rapport up with them and because of that they know who to call. They know you are good at what you do, you understand the local market and you put the interests of your clients first.

But, what about all this disruptive technology. Well as I said, the creators of that technology are mostly raising lots of money, and because of that they are answerable to those who are investing in their businesses. That means they are not putting the client first, but the shareholder or investor. 

Should we shun all technology. Many believe so, the Zillow naysayers will tell you that they set out to destroy the real estate business and we should never consider doing business with them. However, I have earned a very good return by advertising on Zillow over the years. Today, I am shifting as I realized things were changing and the quality of the leads was dropping. I tried some data program last year, and have not continued it this year as I felt it did not pay off.

I am working more on my rapport with past clients, friends and members in my community. But, I am not ditching technology, I am exploring it, finding what works for me and applying it where I can.

I have done that all my life, buying a fax machine so I could send invoices quicker, a computer to keep track of inventory and customers, a digital camera so I could ditch film, a combined scanner, printer and fax machine when they became available. That technology helped me to do business, may be some of it is a little tired today, who still uses faxes, but as things improve I am considering them. Today, I use email newsletters, YouTube, Social Media etc. I use a lap top, tablet and smart phone; the Commodore 64 went away a long time ago.

Not every shiny toy works for me, sometimes I find it money well spent, sometimes not, sometimes it is a wash or takes longer to pay off than I am willing to commit to it. I got a call from a lead identified by that data program last year. Having spoken to them several times last year they were not ready to move. Now they are and they called me because I think I built rapport.

So what I really find is that the technology helps me to service my clients better and allows me to build rapport with them. It is a combination, I use the technology to serve my clients, putting their needs first so I can build rapport at the same time.

So, if you are looking for a tech savvy Realtor in the Tredyffrin Easttown area, or along the Main Line, then call me today, Nick Vandekar, Selling the Main Line with Long & Foster Real Estate Inc., office 610-225-7400, cell or text 610-203-4543, Nick@VandekarTeam.com, website www.SellingTheMainLine.com. I look forward to connecting and getting to know you.

If you are buying or selling on or around Tredyffrin Easttown or along the Main Line we can help you,  contact us or connect

      

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