While most of the industries have been affected by the development of new technologies, the real estate industry has been turned upside down by the introduction of new technologies.
This was once a very personal business where referrals could make or break an agent’s career. A client would depend on their agent for information on property values, market trends, and current inventory available in their local market. If a client had a question for his agent, he would have to leave a message with the agent’s office and wait for a response. Depending on the number of other clients the agent had, the client could wait a long time.
This waiting game could be a very frustrating experience for proactive buyers and sellers who wanted to stay on top of things when it comes to managing the biggest investment of their lives. Fortunately, new technology has made the real estate industry much more accessible to the average person.
Cell phones have had a huge impact on the real estate industry. Instead of sitting around playing phone tag with your agent, you can now contact them directly and leave a message where they’re sure to receive it. Communications are speeded up and made more effective, which means much less time is wasted and misunderstandings are less likely to occur.
Another benefit of the cell phone is that real estate agents are always in contact with their offices, as well as with other agents. This means that they are aware of local market activities, such as when an interesting new property comes on the market. Buyers who want to make an offer on a home can also get their offers on the table as quickly as possible. The real estate market is always in flux, and cell phones allow agents and clients to better handle the shock.
The Internet has changed the way buyers, sellers, and real estate agents do business. Internet search technology is continually improving, making it easier for searchers to find relevant information in a short period of time.
Buyers can search MLS databases online to view homes across the country. Sellers can list their homes on their agent’s home page, as well as in online databases. This has been a great development for clients because they can see examples of what they like, what price ranges are out there, and the availability of homes in their market area.
Some argue that because clients can locate properties on the Internet, the value of real estate agents will decrease. What is important to note is the fact that real estate agents provide a much greater service than simply providing a list of available properties on the market. While you may be able to find homes online on your own, not all available properties will be in every database. Your agent will have inside information and can narrow down your home search for you. They also navigate the many other issues associated with buying or selling a home. The internet hasn’t changed the need for good quality agents one bit.
Blogs are a great tool for real estate agents. With such a focus on online technologies, the real estate industry may lose some of the personal interaction that was once such an integral part of the industry. Blogs can change that. By writing a blog for their websites, real estate agents can share their opinions, spark discussion, and show a bit of their personality. This can be invaluable in showing potential clients why they should hire you. Also, it is of benefit to you personally as you can express yourself and network with other real estate professionals.
While some people believed that the internet was going to spell the end of real estate agents, this has not come to fruition. In fact, the real estate industry continues to thrive. For agents who are willing to go with the flow and adapt to changing technologies, both customers and agents can benefit.