Residential Properties, Ltd. and Milestone Realty Consultants are members of The Enterprise Network, a union of privately-held real estate companies across the country. While we hand pick and review all guest posts for quality assurance, the author’s views are entirely his or her own. This guest post was brought to you by The Enterprise Network Annual Holiday Blog Swap.
With the holidays upon us, many people will be spending time with loved ones, myself included. A few weeks ago, I was able to spend time with my grandparents while I was home for Thanksgiving. They’ve recently acquired their very first smart phone; an iPhone. As with any new piece of technology, they were hesitant to get one, but since all their kids and grandkids have iPhones, they figured they needed to join the crowd. As they were showing off their new device, all the grandkids would chime in every now and then about the new features they can do with their phone; take photos, use FaceTime, enjoy various apps, etc. As the afternoon wore on, I could tell my grandparents were getting a little overwhelmed with all the “new and exciting things” they could do with their new toy. You may have a story very similar to mine. You get a brand new phone, tablet, or electronic device, and then get overwhelmed at the thought of what all you can do with it. According to a recent poll of Realtors by The Enterprise Network, 71% of real estate agents use an iPhone, 25% use an Android phone, and 51% use a tablet for their real estate transactions. However, out of those percentages, how many agents are really using their devices to their full potential? Anyone can purchase a smart phone or tablet, or download the latest app, but how many agents know how to fully utilize those tools to their maximum potential? You may be asking yourself, why does it matter? If you have an “okay” handle on using your smart phone, but aren’t too worried about learning how to use any real estate apps or other mobile technology, you’re not only putting yourself behind the pack, but you’re doing your clients a disservice as well. Keeping up to date with the latest mobile technology is important because it keeps you relevant with your business base. It allows you to keep constant contact with your buyers and sellers, who are not only accustomed to getting real-time information, but also expect it. Mobile technology also allows you to work anywhere. Due to the nature of being a Realtor, portability and mobility is Key for any agent. You need to be able to work from anywhere because of the large amounts of time away from desks and offices. According to The Enterprise Network survey, 80% of Realtors use mobile technology because it gives you the ability to work anywhere. Okay, so you know you need to stay relevant and you know that a mobile device can keep you relevent, but how do you, as a busy real estate professional, keep up with the latest enhancements, updates and apps that come with your mobile devices? Here are 4 ways you can keep up to date and get the most out of your mobile technology. 1. Ask for help. This may sound simple, but asking a friend or co-worker who has the same device as you is one of the easiest ways to learn what all you can do. Find out what apps they use on a day-to-day basis, what tips and tricks they use to keep their business running efficiently, and what they think about different programs and software. Additionally, many brokerages have IT specialists who work with mobile devices on a daily basis. These professionals can be a wealth of knowledge for you. Ask them to give you a step-by-step tutorial on the device or on a specific app. 2. Utilize your Brokerage’s tools. If you’re stuck on how to use a particular app, why not ask your brokerage for help? If enough agents have questions, there may be a training session offered. Your brokerages are there to help you and want to see you succeed, so make sure you take full advantage of the services they offer. 3. Use it. The only way to really know how to use a device is by actually using it. You’re never going to figure out the latest Docusign app updates if you don’t open it up and figure it out. Take 10 minutes out of your day to dedicate strictly to your device or app. Focus on learning at least one new thing in that 10 minutes. And don’t worry about figuring it out all at once. Take it step-by-step and app-by-app if you need to. You’re the one who has to use the device, so learn at your own pace.4. Look for online tutorials. If you have a question, Google has the answer. There are many online tutorials that can help you with almost any problem. Search YouTube for visual instructions on almost any device or software. Read blog posts and forums for troubleshooting tips from people having the same issues that you’re having. Just type your question straight into Google search field and you’ll get back a myriad of results to help you through your problem.
Mobile technology is here to stay, whether you’re ready for it or not. We’ve moved into a time where mobile technology isn’t just an option--it’s become a necessity. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, there are plenty of tools to help you along the way. All you have to do is ask.
Written by Ashley Whitworth of Milestone Realty Consultants
