TECHNOLOGY! A word that scares people, excites people and a word that can definitely frustrate people.
I have learned that it’s not about trying to use all of the technology available (if that’s even possible with the endless options out there). It’s about finding the technology that works for you and your business.
The most important program that I use is a contact management system designed specifically for real estate. I choose to use Top Producer, but there are other great programs as well such as Agent Office or MLX.
This program not only keeps track of client information, but allows me to assign them to an unlimited number of categories. It sends out automated messages, has a large number of marketing campaigns and keeps track of all my pending commissions, closed commissions and business expenses. It is web based and syncs with Outlook & Google.
My social media website of choice for real estate is Facebook. I regularly engage clients and use it to post listings and virtual tours. You should take advantage of the new timeline for business pages that has rolled out. Facebook is still number one out of the social media sites for ‘searchability’.
Another great site I use is Animoto. It helps you to create easy and great looking videos. You can add sound, word clips, set the speed of the video and voila! It’s great for making mini virtual tours or even neighbourhood tours that can be attached to listings or put on your website.
Neighbourhood Expert is another online program that is fast and easy for all of you busy listing agents out there. You can enter the property address that you have for sale, and upload your photo and contact info, and poof, you have a 10-15 page report on all of the surrounding amenities (fitness centers, churches, dentists, shopping, doctors, etc) including maps. It’s an impressive addition to your usual listing package or feature sheet.
A while ago I got hooked on Jimmy Mackin from Tech Savvy Agent who has since passed the reins over to his partner Stephen Pacinelli. I have learned so many fantastic ideas from these Tech Savvy fellows. Check them out for not only the latest and greatest, but they help you understand SEO http://techsavvyagent.com
Lastly, I can’t end this without saying a huge thank you to OREA, CREA and my local board, OREB. They have worked so hard and diligently to support our industry by giving us the most innovative and current technological tools to help us succeed.
– Sarah Dunlop-Kiraly, OREA YPN Committee Member & Guest Blogger
Leave a Reply