I have been in Real Estate as an agent and Broker full time for almost 20 years. There have been some notable changes brought about by technology. When I started out Newspapers and Magazines were the primary ways to advertise your listings or yourself.
Now the Newspaper Industry is hardly a force anymore. Their circulation is down as is the size of the Real Estate section. Color photos are almost non-existent and the classified section is getting smaller daily. They have admitted defeat by marketing to By Owners and Agents through their website. Magazines as well as Newspapers are decreasing in size and quantity. The Internet offers real time ads, modifications, virtual tours, slide shows, maps, and extensive demographic data at your fingertips 24/7 for a fraction of the cost. It offers extensive web marketing of homes on numerous sites.
Showing a home has changed. Most agents use to show their own listings or have lockboxes that required a combination. Now electronic lockboxes provide more security by knowing who h
as entered the home, and at what time. Feedback is available via the Internet to the listing agent of every showing. You can now give your seller more accurate data of how many showings are taking place.
The computer gives agents the platform to see days on the market of other homes, selling prices, closing prices, change prices, and modifications.
It is easy to establish per square foot comparisons. Tax records can be observed, as well as important school and neighborhood information. This has made it easier for the agent and buyer to research important variables for their home search. Closing information can be easily transmitted to Lawyers, Mortgage Brokers, and everyone else involved in the transaction to facilitate the process.
Cell phones not only allow better communication in the field, but the Internet is also available on the phone with data relevant to the buyer. Portable computers make it easy to show photos of homes to the buyer as you drive them around to determine interior features desirability.
It is a different world in Real Estate, and more changes will be coming!
Now the Newspaper Industry is hardly a force anymore. Their circulation is down as is the size of the Real Estate section. Color photos are almost non-existent and the classified section is getting smaller daily. They have admitted defeat by marketing to By Owners and Agents through their website. Magazines as well as Newspapers are decreasing in size and quantity. The Internet offers real time ads, modifications, virtual tours, slide shows, maps, and extensive demographic data at your fingertips 24/7 for a fraction of the cost. It offers extensive web marketing of homes on numerous sites.
Showing a home has changed. Most agents use to show their own listings or have lockboxes that required a combination. Now electronic lockboxes provide more security by knowing who h
The computer gives agents the platform to see days on the market of other homes, selling prices, closing prices, change prices, and modifications.
It is easy to establish per square foot comparisons. Tax records can be observed, as well as important school and neighborhood information. This has made it easier for the agent and buyer to research important variables for their home search. Closing information can be easily transmitted to Lawyers, Mortgage Brokers, and everyone else involved in the transaction to facilitate the process.
Cell phones not only allow better communication in the field, but the Internet is also available on the phone with data relevant to the buyer. Portable computers make it easy to show photos of homes to the buyer as you drive them around to determine interior features desirability.
It is a different world in Real Estate, and more changes will be coming!
Joe Glad
Joe Glad has been involved in real estate as a developer and working with agents for the past 10 years, primarily in the south. He spends most his time focusing on Columbia Real Estate; where he follows the market very closely.
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