We are constantly amazed at the number of real estate companies and agents that do not utilize modern technology. To some, a fax machine is “modern”. If they have a website (notice we say “if”) it is poorly managed and not visitor friendly. They do not realize how important real estate technology has become.
Today’s home buyer probably does not have a fax machine, not because they are not up-to-date with technology; it is because fax machines are far from the latest and greatest. Everything is sent via email. Buyers want instant results. If a buyer’s request sits around for more than a day or two, you have probably lost the sale.
Here is a quote from Donald Teel at realblogging.com that hits it right on the head:
Consumerism is now the central most powerful factor influencing the real estate industry’s business operating models. I have called Consumerism, the ultimate “ISM” because it is the consumer who will dictate how they will converse with us in the new open, freedom markets. The demand for 24/7/365 online services that can be used by the consumer from any location should now be paramount to every owner’s business model.
As the real estate market changes and slows, competition grows. You have to make sure you are keeping up with technology or your competitors will leave you behind.