A new breed of agent is emerging in today’s real estate market. While some Realtors® are easily overwhelmed with the tools and resources available to them, the next generation of agents are embracing these tools in order to better meet their clients’ needs. Buyers and sellers have high expectations for agents due to the amount of information available at their fingertips. Finding the right balance between organizing all that information and best utilizing the tools available is key to moving forward in real estate today. The National Association of Realtors® 2012 Home Buyers and Sellers Report showed that 60% of buyers still use an agent; even with the Internet offering easy access to information related to the home buying and selling process. However, access to this information has resulted in a growing demand for agents to have the highest level of market knowledge and to be tech savvy. This increased access to information is only heightened by the rise of mobile technology. Clients now expect agents to be accessible at any time and have quick response times as a result. Working while out of the office has become a common practice. Customers are constantly on-the-go and their business is going with them. Agents are definitely aware of the advantages mobile technology has on their business. Agents spend their days out of the office and can now work on-the-go because of the latest mobile tools. According to The Enterprise Network Agent Survey, more than 96% of agents use mobile devices on a regular basis, which includes mainly iPhones, iPads, Androids, and other smartphones. 78% of those agents feel that mobile technology is critical to their business. The impact of mobile technology on an agent’s business is evident, but managing all the technology available is the next step for agents. In order to continue meeting these customer expectations, it requires a commitment to continued education and training, and a willingness to learn as new tools and technologies become available. Back to the Basics Let’s be clear, technology does not replace personal relationships. These are simply tools to help make it easier for people to provide a higher level of service to their customers and stay in constant contact. In spite of technology, today’s agent must focus on building relationships and communicating with clients. The way in which they communicate may change and evolve, but the key is still constant contact. Technology has opened the doors for a new level of communication. From automated email programs, email campaigns, blogging, texting, to the use of social media. Quick response times are and will continue to be a demand on agents, whether it is by email, text, or a phone call. According to The Enterprise Network Agent Survey, 32% of agents said they take 5 minutes or less to respond to an online inquiry.
Utilizing the Tools Today’s agent needs to find the tools that work for them, become an expert in how to use that technology, and build their business around that. There is no way to incorporate every resource out there, so agents need to pick the ones that work for them and that realistically fit their lifestyle and business plan. Focus on quality exposure, not the quantity of exposure. Whether you’re working on a lead management system or writing your latest blog article, it is important to focus on the impact those tools will have on your business and more importantly, your clients. Moving Forward to a New Breed of Agents Ways of doing business and communicating with clients is also evolving. If you are not utilizing mobile devices to increase your accessibility, contributing to blogs and posting on social media sites, someone else is and will surely pass you by. Building a strong foundation of relationships is easiest with the use of technology. It simply builds the bridge for us to engage with people and connect with them in new ways. To be successful you have to embrace these ideas, embrace the technology, and use it to make your business more streamlined. Building relationships that will last and grow as technology changes will lead to a fulfilling career in real estate that outlasts any trend that comes along. The idea of a “new breed of agent” could simply mean a renewed commitment to the highest level of professionalism, knowledge, and customer service. Written by: Kelli Proctor Windermere Real Estate/Tri-CitiesREAD MORE HOLIDAY BLOG SWAP ARTICLES HERE
The Enterprise Network Agent Survey Infographic:
