technology (3)

Tech Tips For The Busy Real Estate Agent

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There is no denying the fact that technology has continually shaped everything that we know of now. Aside from affecting consumerism, one massive impact is continually being felt in the real estate realm. Today, real estate agencies are becoming more visible online. The Internet has become a huge factor in advancing its clout even when goals and objectives are locally concentrated. From virtual assistants to interactive websites, iPads and SmartPhones, and needed thingamajigs, “tech-cessorizing” your real estate wardrobe is no longer just an option but a must.
For a real estate agency to standout in a highly volatile market, these tech-savvy tips must be carefully considered to ensure productivity, reliability, transparency and sustainability.
1. Perfect Fusion of Quality Content and Visual Design
Having an online presence is a must but the clamor does not just stop in creating a website. In order to entice potential buyers and sellers, the need to project a visually captivating web design with reliable and trustworthy content is essential. In the last two years or so, data provided on realtors’ websites are experiencing major overhaul. It is no longer just an attractive website but one that is search-engine and mobile friendly, artfully integrated with social media and blogs, easy importation of listing from MLS, and equipped with special scrolling technique that eases the use of a potential buyer or seller.
2. Going Mobile
Another significant impact in today’s high-tech realm is the continual updates on gadgets. Real estate agents, in their need to be competitive and up-to-date, must come geared with necessary tools and equipments. This is the reason why most realtors nowadays are tied up with their Smartphones and Androids, tablets and laptops, Bluetooth, hands-free headset, GPS, and so on. Communication, time management and research are critical aspects in real estate, and these tools give them wide-ranging avenues to pursue their objectives. Meeting up clients, explaining a home-buying process, making follow-ups on payments, updating oneself on current real estate market news and trends, and so on, are now geared for more mobility alongside the continued rise of portable digital technology.
3. The Rise of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing solutions have become a standard norm in many up-and-about real estate firms and independent players. This practice allows expansion of your office while reducing overhead and going paperless. This ensures that agents, brokerages, clients, and potential buyers or sellers gain access to software and documents online regardless of where and the devices used. When it comes to cloud computing, however, there is no such thing as a “fit-all” design. You need to carefully assess your market, work style, and other important aspects that make your business unique than the rest. This also gives rise to the success of real estate virtual assistants.
4. SEO, Social Media and PR
If you have been told that social media is everything, not anymore. Today’s online marketing aspect no longer just focus on social media platforms but rather on the integration of SEO, PR and social media. As most real estate firms, agencies and independent players become more attuned to using online platforms, keeping tabs with highly sophisticated algorithms require more qualitative content, transparent social media marketing, and targeted PR to keep your authority high.

Indeed, the continual integration of technology in real estate management and transactions has made management and tracking much easier. Technology puts them in a powerful position to initiate, compel, and put communication with their target markets on the right track. With easy access to free data on customers’ needs, purchase behavior, and concerns as well as expectations, this gives real estate agents the needed competitive advantage to provide better service and increase sales.
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Peanut Butter and Technology

Peanut Butter and Technology 

Late one night this week I was getting ready for bed, but my stomach was growling.  What could I eat that wasn't too 4359150354?profile=originalheavy and was quick and easy?  Peanut butter.  I know, anything right before bed could lead to dragons and one-eyed sloths dragging me off for a midnight snack in my dreams, but the growling stomach was going to keep me awake anyway so it was worth the risk.  A quick sandwich and I was off to bed.  No dragons or one-eyed sloths, but a thought did come to mind.  Do you ever outgrow peanut butter?  I know, what does this have to do with real estate, right? 

I posted the question, "Do you ever outgrow peanut butter?" on my Facebook page.  I was surprised at the large response I received from my FB friends.  It's unanimous.  Peanut butter is a staple, and it's here to stay.  Now, what does this have to do with real estate?  It made me think of how we do business today.  I'm a techno-geek so I love all the electronic ways we conduct business today.  I love all of the smartphones, ipads, zooms, electronic lockboxes, drip campaigns, auto-responders, electronic signatures, etc., etc., etc.  But, the reality is that real estate still needs a good dose of peanut butter. 

The peanut butter of real estate is getting to know your client.  It's putting their needs first and making sure they find the best house at the best price.  It's protecting their interest and seeing that they are not taken advantage of by a buyer or seller.  In our electronic environment, the personal touch is still the glue that creates the deal.  No matter how tech-savvy we become, clients need contact, understanding and an advocate.  That's the peanut butter of real estate, and it's here to stay.  Now, if I can just figure out what the jelly is I'll be set.

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As we enter into 2010, I thought it would be nice to share some of the free technology items I have found that have made my job easier. Do you have freebies you want to share?1. PrimoPDF - a free PDF converter. Lets you convert almost any document to a PDF.2. PDFescape - online PDF editor - Great if you need to complete a form and return it, but wait, theres no printer around. Upload the PDF form and make entries or changes and save. Also keeps form neat and readable.3. HP Smart Web Printing - Lets you select only the area of a web page that you want to print and either print it or add itto other selected sections. It allows you to arrange the sections the way you want.4. My Live Signature - lets you have a personalized signature on emails, blogs, etc.4076c5b5174925d40b16b7f477c52406.png
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