It’s incredible how quickly this business is changing. More than ever success in Real Estate requries REALTORS® to innovate in how they conduct their business. Here are the minimum tech time savers that you should be using:
Electronic Signatures
If you haven’t done so already, you should subscribe to an Electronic Signature provider immediately. I have no idea how I ever lived without this. Clients can now sign from anywhere in the world right on their computer, tablet or smart-phone. There’s need to print. It’s incredibly easy and always impresses clients. I have saved countless hours and trees. A good electronic signature provider comes at a cost, but it is well worth the price.
Options: Docu-Sign, Authentisign, Faltour, Vimeo
Cloud Storage
Gone are the days of the filing cabinet. Give cloud storage a try. You can then access your files (offers, data base, paperwork) from anywhere. No more late night drives to the office to double check the wording on an offer you wrote months ago. You can access your files from any computer or even your phone. This is extremely handy when you are away from your desk. It’s also great for those agents who work with partners or on teams. You can share between members easily. Cloud storage is really simple to use. Depending on how much space you need there are some free options out there.
Options: DropBox, Google Drive, Microsoft One Drive
Video Conferencing
Even though we use emails and text messages more than ever before, people still like to meet face to face sometimes – but that doesn’t always mean in person. Through a screen works really well too. I have an increasing number of buyers coming in from out of town and I find I am using this more and more. I’ve even shown homes to clients through the lens of my phone camera. There are even apps out there that let you incorporate Power Presentations too – which works great for buyer consultation meetings. The best part of video conferencing is that it’s pretty much free.
Options: Skype, Facetime, BBM Voice, BlueJeans
Laser Measure
I love my laser measure and keep it with me at all times. With a simple push of a button, I can measure with extreme accuracy the dimensions of rooms and height of ceilings. It’s great for completing listings, showing homes and doing walk throughs. Just remember to keep an extra battery with you! I am hooked on my laser measure. It saves an incredible amount of time. Spend the money on a good one (at least $150). The cheap ones don’t work very well and are bigger in size.
Options: Most big box hardware stores carry a selection of them.
This OREA blog contribution comes from guest blogger Brian Santos. Brian is a licensed Sales Representative serving Waterloo Region. He is an enthusiastic and active volunteer in organized Real Estate. He currently sits as a Director for the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors. He was also one of the inaugural members of the OREA YPN and helped start a YPN chapter at his local Board. Having a started his Real Estate career at a young age he brings a unique combination of youth and experience.
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