Ann Arbor Undressed : Tech Savy Realtors

So true, in so many cases!  I heard that quote from Mariana Wagner, not sure where she heard it or if she coined it-and i use it a LOT. =)  The only comment I'd add is that the new, young agents who are comfortable with technology?  They only succeed if they also are comfortable with the telephone and with personal interaction.  I've seen some newbies who want to hide behind text and email, and think that all agents and clients operate the same way-can't make the same shoe fit everyone.

Sssshhhhh. We need to keep this to ourselves, otherwise everybody is going to run out and get a website and blog.

In Texas it takes more hours of training to become a hair stylist than a real estate agent.  Does that explain some agents???

Missy, good information and very true.  I've been running into a lot of older Realtors without any real web presence, paying for SE rankings.  When someone clicks on their website expecting to see the "wow" factor, there is none, and the potential customer is gone 2.3 seconds later.  I agree 100% with the quote at the top of your post!

Leigh this is true.

Greg, you can tell every realtor everything and most will not follow through

Chris we have a few older realtor in our area, that don't ever practice buyers agency.

Sam, we only need 40 hours in MI, I heard it was 120 in Texas.

5:59 am !!!   Did you get any worms?

Missy,

So true, yes you get a license in 40 hours. But it takes hundreds of hours every year to actually learn enough to properly service your clients. And hundreds more keeping ahead of the competition.

This quote is the real deal.  It doesn't surprise me so much that the agents who have been in the business for awhile aren't as ept to go online and create or maintain a website.  What does kill me is all of the younger, newer agents who don't seem to think they need any presence online.  I don't see them lasting too long.

Missy,

Perfect example, I used to work with a very seasoned agent, she used to tell me she could not handle all the new internet based products, the MLS conversion from DOS, she took a course in microsoft for dummies, I used to joke to her that all her clients were dinasours!

Missy,   Excellent topic.  I love the quote.....

It's difficult for some professionals to figure out where to begin. Technology can be very intimidating.  There really needs to be hands on training provided by someone in position to do so....

 

 

"Blueberry"

As an "well aged realtor", it does take longer to learn and stay up with all the new technology - but without it, we'll lag behind.  Great post!

Nice Post and being from Lenawee County I do not feel so bad for having an online presents.  The net is where the business is headed and there is no denying the trend.  I have worked very hard to make my web site as user friendly for homeowners and real estate sales professionals so that they can address their needs.  Please feel free to check it out at http://www.apella.org/.  On my blog Table Talk With Apella I try to promote the idea that real estate sales professionals are a business and as such need to look at what they do as a small business.  I post on Mondays just for real estate sales brokers and agents here on Active Rain and on Windows Live where there are links to blogs throughout the Country, supply links to real estate and business news sites and community links as so to promote a company that is a good corporate neighbor.  It is so important for small business to access every tool available to them in an economical fashion and I encourage this ideology.  I agree with your post completely. 

As for those who do not they may have their reasons but I really do think that they are missing the boat.  Thanks for the topic and I will keep reading your blog daily.    

Every agent should have lead capture on their website.

Every agent should have lead capture on their website.

Jim and Maria.........in Ann Arbor most young agents get on board with technology early, the older ones not so much.

Neal.........I guess if you have been in business awhile and work totally by referral you wouldn't need it so much but most of us still try to capture those new leads and convert into clients.

Tom, your absolutely right but 90% of the time we have to figure it out ourselves or from other co-workers.

Kay, I enjoy reading your posts too.

Shane, thanks for the comments, I will check out your blog too. We have a cottage at Devils Lake. So I belong to the board out there as well.

Greg, ditto and thanks.

Hope I didn't forget anyone, I use the quote in my listings presentations and have any seller I'm competing with the listing with to google me and all the agents they are considering. Works like a charm !

 

Greg,

I agree. Almost 50% of my business is coming from my website due to lead capture. It is a priceless feature.

Here in Michigan it also takes much more classroom time to be a hair stylist than a REALTOR.

Hi Missy,  I was just doing some browsing to see what people are talking about in Michigan today & it looks like we were both thinking along similar lines yesterday!  I enjoyed reading your post.  I totally agree with you about the way in which the Internet is impacting our industry and allowing new leaders to emerge.  I don't think we have even begun to scratch the surface of potential yet, but it will be much more difficult to play "catch up" if you haven't even started the process yet.  The learning curve is very steep!

Great post.  In my seminars I use the line that 7% of agents now control over 93% of all real estate business.  Over 85% of our income comes directly from teh Internet for the last 8 years.  It is the only way I could have survived and prospered in my market.  www=24/7/365=$$$$$$

I agree...mums the word!

Your absolutely right, Lola. Alot of catching up to do.

Jim, I have found sharing information never hurts most of them don't do that.

The more complicated real estate gets, the more a broker will be needed to make sense and help navigate the process..especially for the brand new buyer who has not idea of where to go for this and that. And with our litigious society wanting more and more someone to blame or shift the burden to when things go wrong, Joe and Josephine Broker will be the Kit Carson's of the neighborhood helping guide buyers and sellers to where they want to go.

I agree Andrew, but in most cases that is not the case.

I believe the lady from Walmart is in my Board.

Georgia is about to raise their continuing ed hours from 6 per year to 10. To get your brokers licence will take over 100 hours starting this summer. Now its 60 hours

great quote from Mr Liniger

Knowledge is King

Hi Tom it is 90 hours in MI, for a Brokers license and 3 years in the business. I think you find them in any Walmart. Thanks for reading and taking the time to post

Great job, Missy, very true!

Hey Marygrace didn't know you blogged. I'll add you as an associate.

Great Quote Missy! and SO TRUE! If you're not using the web, you're missing the boat!

Best,

Sean 

The inability to capably use the internet is a problem I find with new agents. As the trainer for my broker's office I get so frustrated with these types.

Missy,

I love the quote and of course it is so true that the majority of agents are being left behind.  The same thing is happening in the Record industry.  The way of doing business these days in any industry must focus on the internet and any other technological changes.

The Tech Savvy consumer literally star at the monitor after making an inquiry and expect an instant response.  The Tech Savey Realtors are there to reap the benefits...

Warm Regards from Minneapolis, MN

Frank D'Angelo - Broker

EXIT Realty Executives 

http://www.allmetrohomes.com

 

Even though I graduated HS in 1981 and there wasn't a PC in sight at my school or in my home, I love technology and have become fairly tech savvy.  In todays world, if you don't embrace the internet and all it has to offer you WILL be left behind.  Not only does the internet offer us many new ways of obtaining prospects, but it provides us with many tools that are of great benefit to our clients. 

Nice blog Missy!

Thanks so much Cheryl  Is is so true, I love technology too.

Internet is going to change how Realtor work in USA. Check this site out http://www.PREasy.com and http://www.megaeveningevent.com There are lots of Tech Savy Realtors and Professionals in this business who joined Tech bandwagon. So everyone use technology and serve your clients better!

 -Janak Mehta

This quote is so true.  Any agent that wants to succeed has to adapt to their market place and this includes progressing in technology.  With a tougher market, it is important to consider that not only will the use of technology increase the agent's potential for visibility and lead capture, but it has the incredible ability to cut signficant costs for the agent, too.  Maintaining a paperless transaction through a webased transaction mangement platform gives the agent accessibility to all documents and correspondence regardless of their location.  No more running to the office to check the file or turn in paperwork! 

There is an abundance of quality software and hardware that can benefit agents.  It is critical to find an experienced team that can help you investigate what is right for you and implement it into your business.  The only thing worse than "For Sale by Owner" is "I.T. by Realtor".  Trial and error with multiple programs can end up costing you a tremendous amount of money but working with an experienced team can save/make you thousands of dollars.

Beth Young, Realt-eTransAct

Thanks for your comment Beth, I am on vacation in Panama City so I will check out your information when I get back. You should join AR so people will know about you.

Isn't it amazing how easy the public think it is to sell real estate.  In Missouri, it takes 80 hours of education to apply for your license.  Only 12 hour continuing ed.  I figured up that the average agent works for $5.00 an hour.  Wonder if that appeals to the public.

I have seen it all, I think.

There are newbies that are plugged to the blackberry and internet. Some refuse to hold a conversation with the buyer or seller after the contract is signed. The next time he/she sees the client is at the closing table. I had one agent that told me he didn't not want to talk to the buyer until closing. He expected me to be the main point of contact.

Then there are those that refuse to include technology. He/she does not own a fax, access to the internet and a computer. All of the paperwork is kept in an exploding manilla folder. The agent will drive to the buyer/seller or other agent to obtain signature.

I must give credit to those that are on top of their game. It is such a please when an agent knows how to use email, research the MLS, knows how to us a desktop publishing program and the OTM. Not that they are required to know how to use the program but, because he or she has taken the time to learn just in case.

Carolyn, yes there is both extremes but I rarely see the one that doesn't use it at all. Although I do still see realtors driving around for signatures. What a waste of time.

Kay, it is too easy in EVERY state.  But over the course of our years, those that learn more, earn more.

Hi I am a PA licensed agent, wondering if any of you have considered the idea of using a virutal assistant for your marketing?  THE most tech-savy Realtors are using VA's to gain business.  In such ways as: Screening sellers for motivation to sell, Contacting soon to expire listings to get listing appointments, scheduling appointments.  Call or email me for more info.  I will send you a free report "What an Unlicensed Assistant Can do for you" or "101 Ways to Use a VA".

 -Brad

 Team Double-Click

1(888)827-9129 x802

BradHarley@TeamDoubleClick.com

Brad I have thought about it. I do have one assistant that has been with me for 10 years, but with all my internet activity she is getting overwhelmed. Send me you report.

Missy,

We work with a number of agents that have a quality assistant that is overwhelmed because they are juggling all of the internet and marketing along with the coordination on the transactions.  Outsourcing the transaction processing to a virtual team has worked really well for them.  We have agents that have actually doubled their production by doing this.  Our website is www.realt-eTransAct.com if you want to take a look.

BethYoung@mysureclose.com

I love that quote Missy! Thanks.

Your very welcome, Can you believe it is snowing ????????

Missy:

Your quote is priceless!  It is amazing how much technology that most careers depend on these days.  Coming from the education world into the real estate field, technology has been totally different, and I am one of those people learning about blogs, podcasts, and e-faxing.  Thank goodness I am a fast learner and willing to learn about the different areas of technology.  I believe that I have stepped into a "gold mine" with this website:  www.actionrain.com.  

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and knowledge. :)

 SONJA PHELPS - METRO BROKERS/GMAC REAL ESTATE - GEORGIA

 

That's actually why I got in to real estate.  I previously worked in technology and was very frustrated by the lack of it when I went to buy my own home.  My technology experience has definitely given me an edge over others without it, but I still had to learn the 'age old principles' to succeed.  It is not one or the other it is combining the best from all worlds that makes you successful.

Sonja, Your welcome, my husband is also a teacher and he used technology different than  I do, lots of power point presentations.

Brian, Yes you must have both, two sides of a coin.

I love that quote and it is very true.  More and more people are going to the internet first to do their research and in their travels will find the agent they decide to work with.  I have been a believer of this for years.  Slowly one by one the "old timers" who think I am nuts for spending so much time on my website and this "blogging stuff" are finding the are being pushed out of business.  If you are not up on technology then you will be left behind.

Linda, my office is full of them. Go girl !!

That is too funny, I was just trying to  think of what that quote was today and I couldn't remember the exact wording, I knew you blogged it a few months ago, and here it shows right up on the first page!

Thanks again, I'm bookmarking it this time!

Glad you found it, Mike. I love this quote because it is soooooooo true.

So true.  Real estate is not just about knowing the forms... it's about knowing technology too.  Sometimes it is so overwhelming!

I just take it one day at a time, there is so much to keep up with.

If the agents do not use tech they will not last long in this business

Enjoyed the post, Missy.  Now I'm gonna go git me some sausage and biscuits. . .  :-)

Missy

I'm always amazed at how many people think being a Realtor is so easy!  People seem to have the idea that Realtors just go around showing a few houses, then zap! make a sale and a nice commission comes with it.

And yes, you do need to be tech savvy.  I'm appalled and amazed at how many Older Realtors  are not.  Those are the ones that will not survive in this market.

Margaret, we are having a lot of agents not renew in Ann Arbor

Stefan, sounds yummy !

Nicki we have a few agents in our board that the sales secretaries at different office STILL print out the Hot sheets and tape them to the wall.

Have you ever ??????????

Missy, I missed this one the first time around.  I was fairly new to blogging when you put this one out.  I started in real estate a little over 10 years ago and remember hearing that the Internet was going to replace us.  The face of real estate has changed in the last 10 years but I don't see the Realtor going away, if anything we are even more important in the transaction.  With all the tech savvy stuff there is just more that has the potential to go awry.

Marchel, I heard that too, now they need us more. Not to SEE the houses, but for our knowledge of the market. I love all the new techy stuff.

Missy - another one that I missed - and a great post - and so true.... we gotta stay on the cutting edge to keep up with our clients - they sometimes know more than we do about what we are doing

Very true Missy - never stop learning......especially technical things!

Thesa, you have been busy today, huh ? Barbara, it is a never ending battle to keep up.

Just look at the numbers here on A/R, only 53,000 agents. That number right there should tell us how many haven’t figured out that the internet is the place to be! But, while we are succeeding they will be playing catch up or retiring early! Great post!

It amazes me how many realtors have no clue about the online world.

Todd, you got me running around all over these older posts. LOL  I do believe your right, the early bird catches the worm.

Karen, me too?

Missy - The internet is here to stay...we really need to keep learning and to keep up with the times.  :)

Gosh, I can't tell you the changes I have seen in the 31 years in real estate. I feel like I grew up in the horse and buggy days. I remember when someone had to go to the Board office to pick up the daily new listings. We then made a copy and put it in a binder. Every week we got a list of the sold properties and then had to remove the sold listings.

I hope the newer agents get a good laugh from this.

Missy I appreciate you sharing all your information. Your so right we need technology although not perfect but it has lead to an increase in my business the last few years.

Hoo boy, no school can prepare you for THIS market. I do not believe there's a school to teach SEO either (but many say they can). You just have to figure these things out....

It's so true. Here in Connecticut we need 60 hours to get licensed, and no part of the class is devoted to practical, that's what a mentor will provide. The biggest problem is every 2-3 months something new gets popular and then you need to decide if it's right for you.

Yes, the internet is one of the main sources of leads today, but think about it.....If there wasn't websites for buyers to search for homes from there would be more PERSONAL contact with people from phone conversations. Back in the day, we use to get leads from floor time, people walking in the office or calling the office where you instantly have contact with a buyer or seller looking to sell. Today, you can get e-mails, etc, but then buyers disappear, so I think that we are in the mindset that we wouldn't have any business if it wasn't for the internet. Buyers would need a Realtor alot more if they didn't have their personal MLS being Realtor.com today includes address & better mapping than many MLS systems today! Also, buyers think they can preform their own CMA's from many of these horrible sites like Zillow.com. I also think there are people that see to many pictures of a home inside and wind up not calling on a listing because they don't like the interior photos when that could have been a curious buyer for a home from an outside view that you could have met to make personal contact with to show the inside to, but w/them seeing the inside of the home already, if they didn't like something, they are on to the next and wont bother calling!

 

Hi Missy, hey I remember this post! I love that quote, it is so true!

This is so true!  I can't believe the leads I'm getting from the internet.  Once you start getting those leads print advertising seems silly.

 

Love the quotation and find it to be pretty accurate...  The internet will never replace a real estate professional who has great tech skills, local knowledge, and a customer service focus.  A license is just the price of admission.  It is after you get the license when the learning really begins.  Not a day goes bye that I don't learn something new to incorporate into my real estate practice.

Our assocation has been looking into new mls systems, some members say "you have to be too techy to use it".  Please, that's our business now.  So lets hold the membership back because of a few, or better yet, let's not move forward and help our membership to learn more...The internet can be our best friend it we allow it...

OMG!

 

Technology - some days you can't live with it but I would die with out it!!! So much to learn and so little time.

The business loans seem to be essential for people, which are willing to ground their own organization. In fact, that is very comfortable to receive a commercial loan.