I would say it is an absolute must have, especially for those agents looking to plug the last remaining paper holes in their paperless transaction. To understand why it’s a must have, let me tell a story of how I normally take clients out on real estate showings:

First, I print out paper copies of all the listings we’re going to see. Then, I pack my laptop in the trunk “just in case” we need access to a computer while we are out and about. Then I fold the paper listing sheets into my paper notebook, and carry that around with me to showings. I take notes in my paper notebook, or scribble them on the listing sheets. If he wants to write an offer or do anything requiring a computer, I either promise to do it as soon as I get back to the office or go drag my laptop out of the trunk.

When I get back, I either throw away the paper statements, or wedge them in to an ever expanding file of seen listings that will get thrown away eventually anyway.  One day, people will look back and realize how ridiculous it is to ever print anything just to throw it away in a few hours or days. Hopefully, I carefully transcribe my notes into one of the various web based programs I use to keep track of things.

With an iPad, a real estate agent could:

• Save paper by easily bringing along a pdf of all listing info sheets
• Take notes that will be instantly saved and synced across all their computers
• Search listings while walking down the street or at all the places where a laptop is just too akward
• Effectively search listings and find all the useful information that cant be easily displayed on the iPhone
• Give a listing presentation using full color, animations, even music with spending a penny on printing
• Email that listing presentation right to the client, during the presentation
• Use it as an awesome signup tool at open houses, by letting prospects enter their info right into your database.
• Actually encourage prospects to signup by letting them play around a bit on your website/mls search/ keynote presentation about how you work with buyers

These are just a few ideas, and I’m personally hoping we’ll see some innovative real estate apps in the pipeline!

The best part? You’re instantly texted their contact info, so you can follow up and answer their questions while they’re still in front of the property. More than one agent I’ve spoken with has said this is the most useful service they have in their technology arsenal.

My brother and I are natural tinkerers, so we’ve spent the past several months researching the concept to see if we could build a better mousetrap. Our goal was to make a drop dead simple, easy to use, inexpensive service for busy agents, and today we think we’ve achieved that with our newest product:  AGENT TEXT. In less than 5 minutes, you can stop printing flyers and have a fully functioning text marketing service to present to sellers at listing presentations and to generate more buyer prospects from your listings. Pricing is simple, both the code and sign rider are reusable for unlimited listings, and shipping is included:

• 1 Reusable code: $8/ month, $20 1 sign rider
• 3 Reusable codes: $24/ month, $40 for 3 sign riders
• 5 Reusable codes: $35/ month, $50 for 5 sign riders

To learn more go to our site at www.AgentText.com

In the interests of full disclosure, this is a project both my brother and I are working on.  We think we offer the best combination of simplicity and low cost, but even if you don’t choose our project, I still strongly recommend you consider the switch from flyers to text messaging.  There are many other great companies out there offering a similar service, and you’ll immediately start saving money on the cost of printing flyers, not to mention the time you save refilling flyer boxes.  Add in the fact that it makes a great marketing tool in listing presentations, plus the potential for buyer leads, and it’s not hard to see how such a product could help your business. For more info, go to www.AgentText.com.

Website: www.rogershealy.com

Phone: Blackberry Bold

Computer: 2 Dell desktops and a laptop at work, 2 Apples at home office

Website/ IDX Provider: Custom

Prospecting/ Contact Management: Custom

Overall, where does technology fit in for you: supporting role or a major part of your strategy?

It is my strategy.  Our business and our success revolves around the technology we use, whether it’s internet, social media, or even the ways we get into houses. It’s our lifeline. Some of the companies that I own are geared towards higher net worth individuals who are internet savvy.  We make our websites a one stop shop for them, as far as the convenience of finding anything from where to get your clothes cleaned to a custom aquarium, which is all available on our websites.

Do you change your tech use to fit different clients, for example texting, etc, or do find everyone’s comfortable with the same level?

Yes.  I’ve found that people in our generation are comfortable with texting, but sometimes people from other generations can take offense and feel that it’s not a personal enough form of communication. We have to scale our communication, according to the client. One thing to remember is that you can’t text “tone,” so a phone call can go a long way.

What one piece of technology/ software has been the biggest time saver or productivity gain for you?

Facebook, Hands down.  I probably spend 2-3 hours a day on Facebook.  It really is the best lead generator for us; I’ve always got it on at my office.  I’ve really been able to connect with people, whether it’s fellow agents across the country, or potential clients. I’d honestly say that 50% of our business comes from Facebook.

When I started my company four years ago, I didn’t have the marketing budget I have now, it was just me…trying to generate awareness about a new real estate company. I needed to get creative with marketing myself and my company. Instead of doing the traditional mailers, magazine articles, etc, which I couldn’t afford at the time, I relied heavily on my online social network. It’s gotten to the point where there’s so much buildup on it, that it’s more valuable than the marketing that my competition pays for.  Because of that, I consider us leaders in Texas and probably nationwide, as far as real estate online networking, and the biggest reason for this is Facebook.

I joined Facebook about four years ago, when the only people on it were college students.  I got some flak from my buddies, but we’re now leaps and bounds ahead of other people, with 5,000 friends and a few thousand people in our groups, fan pages, etc. It’s a great way to get in front of exactly who you’re looking to hit.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve found that the easiest way to make money is to create a convenience, and Facebook is the definition of one in my book.  A lot of the time, I’m contacted by people I don’t even know. We brand ourselves very well on Facebook, and it spreads to crowds of people that we’re aren’t directly connected to.

What’s your thought on Blogging? Valuable or a time sink?

I just started blogging this year. I never really had an interest in it, but I’ve realized it’s a great stream of consciousness way to communicate, which is my favorite way of communicating. It’s fun. A big part of our website is our blog where agents are posting things on market trends, funny stories. It’s a great way to give us an online identity, that’s unique.

Do you use twitter?

I use Twitter, but I’m not a huge fan.  People like it, and I’ll use it to tweet new listings, etc.

How do you track and manage prospects/ leads?

We have a custom database management system on our website backend.  Before then it was pretty barbaric, mostly post it notes and Excel.

How do you manage your transactions?

I learned early on that I needed to surround myself with people that are more organized that I am. I’m a “big picture” guy, which tends to affect my “attention to detail.” I’ve got a great team that helps manage my transactions. I know my strengths and one of them is not micromanaging.

How do you manage your website?

I have a full assistant who handles the majority of my websites, and my agents all have access, so they can add blogs, modify listings and manage their CRM.

What’s the most important thing you do on a daily basis that contributes to your sales success?

I’m consistent. The stuff on Facebook, for example. I think momentum is so important in this business. If you do something for a month then quit, you lose two months. In this business it’s really easy to come to work one day then take two days off. I force myself to work more than most people, including weekends. I think establishing a routine, whether it’s online networking or old school networking, is not just important, it’s crucial. I’m lucky that I’m at a point in my career that this isn’t work, it’s my life. I love what I do and I’m confident that it shows.

I think the other key is to be unique.  The average agent is 55 years old and has been in the business 20 years. I think there’s a new wave of agents starting, I wouldn’t say we’re better than previous generations, but I think we have a different way of approaching business. I think exploring is important, everyone has a lot of free time on their hands this time of year. Don’t be a statistic, by getting discouraged and leaving the business.

I remember when I first started 7 years ago. I called my dad around this time of year telling him activity was slow , and he told me to go create activity. From that point on, I never had “nothing to do.”  I think we’re in a generation where we have an opportunity to do some amazing marketing that  costs nothing, and it’s fun. Stay in tune with what you’re interested in, whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, etc. and business will come to you.

Like Microsoft Office, Google Docs lets you create word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, all online.  The first step to using Google Docs is to create a free Google Account if you haven’t previously done so.  If you have, you should see a link to the service in the top left of your screen when you’re logged into any other Google product such as Gmail.

Conveniently, you can upload documents you’ve already created in word, excel, powerpoint and other programs and they’ll be converted into Google documents.  Another nice feature is that you can share your documents with others, such as your assistant or team member, or even clients if you want to involve them with things such as the property description, etc.  They can then sign in using their own google account and edit the document, and the changes are automatically saved and broadcast to everyone working on the doc.

Ready to jump ship from office?  Maybe not so fast…

There are, unfortunately, some downsides to using Google Docs.  While it is easy to use, it’s not as “smooth” as using a program like Word.  If your internet connection is bad it can be a little choppy.  It can also take a while to open, find the document, save changes and other basic functions that are usually pretty snappy with regular office programs.

Also, I’ve run into weird formatting issues more than once.  For example, I’ll cut and paste text from something else, and then no matter what I do I can’t get the formatting to look the way I want.

That said, Google Docs is definitely worth taking a look at, and if right now I had to choose between spending hundreds on Microsoft Office or just using Google Docs, it’d be a tough choice.  If you’re a fan of free (ha!), and you don’t need to create a ton of intricate documents, Google Docs for real estate may be the perfect fit.

Phone: Blackberry Curve

Computer: An HP Laptop

Website/ IDX Provider: None

Prospecting/ Contact Management: A notebook and paper based filing system

Overall, where does technology fit in for you: supporting role or a major part of your strategy?

It’s a big part of my strategy. I placed myself with a company that feels really strongly that an internet presence is the key to selling homes today, and to reaching today’s buyer.  All of my listings are on pretty much any real estate site that you can search from, and that’s one of the main reasons I’m with Prudential. I also use social networking a lot.

Do you change your tech use to fit different clients, for example texting, etc, or do find everyone’s comfortable with the same level?

Yes. I have one seller right now that doesn’t have an email address, which I found really challenging. I’ve come to rely so much on email.  But it’s just like how they tell you in sales training that you should change your speach/ mannerisms depending on who you’re working with, its the same with technology. I ask people how they’d like to be contacted. Most people prefer email, I’ve found.

What one piece of technology/ software has been the biggest time saver or productivity gain for you?

Having a Blackberry or smartphone. My company sends us internet leads, and you have to respond to them within a certain amount of time.  It’s a lot easier to service leads if you can respond to them no matter where you are or what you’re doing.  Also Skywire (http://www.skywireva.com) riders for my listings. People walking by can text a number for more information, and I get their number right on my phone, so I can call them back right then or text them.

What’s your thought on Blogging? Valuable or a time sink?

I don’t think it’s valuable for generating leads.  I think responding to questions on Trulia voices is a lot more productive. I’ve converted about half of my leads from Trulia voices. It doesn’t take as much time either, this week I’ve probably answered 2 questions for a total of half an hour.

What are your thoughts on Social Media?

The key to my success from the very beginning has been creating an awareness that I’m an agent and selling real estate is what I do for a living. I feel strongly that you’re as successful as how many people know about you.  If nobody knows about you or knows that you sell real estate, they’re there not going to call you, it just makes sense.  I think instead of blogging it’s more worthwhile updating your Facebook status that you’re on the job, showing houses in a certain neighborhood for example. It’s free and it takes two seconds.

I’ve gotten a buyer from Facebook, from a friend of mine from high school who lives in California, and I’ve gotten a lot of exposure, I feel, from these sites.  It’s all about who knows what you’re doing, that this is what you do. You need the most people possible to know that you’re a real estate agent, and to think of you first.

Do you use twitter?

Yes. I post updates about my listings, articles about Pittsburgh Real Estate, or any event I’m involved in.

How do you track and manage prospects/ leads?

I’m kind of old school when it comes to tracking leads, I do pretty much all of it on paper. I have a notebook where I write down pretty much every phone call, showing requests, etc. I have a pretty organized filing system.  I have a folder for once-off leads, and a folder for each active lead.  Every couple of months I go through the big folder. Every single person who contacts me automatically gets put on my mailing list. I think building that database is so important.

How do you manage your transactions?

I have a checklist for each file/ transaction.  It’s a slip of paper with all the contingency deadlines.  I staple them inside the file and put the dates on the calendar in my phone.  It also helps to post them on a bulletin board in your cube.

How do you manage your website?

I use my myspace as my website, I’ve looked into doing a couple different types of websites, but they’re very expensive, and while I think it’s important to have a website, I just haven’t found it cost effective. Myspace is free and you can search the entire MLS from my page.  I’m all about free tools.

What’s the most important thing you do on a daily basis that contributes to your sales success?

Putting myself out there, in whatever way that may be. Whether it’s being active in my community, emailing people, making phone calls.

At the end of the day technology matters, but only to an extent. I’ve gotten leads online from Realtor.com, Trulia, Craigslist. But other than that, it’s such a face to face job.   You don’t have to reinvent the wheel entirely.

For new agents I think it’s easy to get overwhelmed with “oh my gosh, I have to spend so much money on this and that”. And you really don’t.  I think it’s really important for new agents to go with a big broker in your area, because they do provide so much for you.  It made a big difference in the training and services I had access to.

I also send a lot of email blasts, I probably send an email blast a week. It’s usually a property listing, or an article about Pittsburgh.  I’m really a big advocate of email blasts and sending a regular monthly mailer to my farm area and to my database.  If you do something cool, you should write a press release about it.

Phone: Blackberry Tour

Computer: Office: Dell Inspiron 531s, AMD Desktop Home: Custom Build, Intel Quad Core

Website/ IDX Provider: Top Producer

Prospecting/ Contact Management: Top Producer

Overall, where does technology fit in for you: does it play a supporting role or is it a major part of your business?

I think it’s a major part of my strategy.  Being able to access the internet from my phone, I can get Realtor.com leads or internet leads right on my phone.  It’s all about how fast you can get back to somebody.  If someone contacts me about a listing, I can email them information about that listing right from my phone.

What are your thoughts on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, etc?

I don’t currently use Twitter, but I’m not opposed to it. I don’t know too many other people using Twitter, most people that I know are on Facebook.  Right now after I add a listing, I post a link to the MLS listing on Facebook. However, Realtor.com has just developed an app that posts your listings on your wall automatically.

Do you currently blog? What are your thoughts on blogging?

I don’t currently blog, but it’s worth considering.

Do you change your tech use to fit different clients, for example texting, etc, or do find everyone’s comfortable with the same level?

Absolutely I have to adapt to everybody. I’ve had deals where I’ve barely even talked to the clients, it’s all through texting/ email.  Texting takes the emotion out of things, which can sometimes be a negative. I’ve closed deals through text.  But there are times I’m working with older people, who are more “old school”, still looking at the newspaper for listings. Some can’t even turn a computer on. It’s still a very high touch business.

How do you generate most of your business?

A lot of my business is referral based.  Believe it or not, my secretary actually cuts out For Sale By Owner (FSBO) ads and I follow up with them personally. You still have to have that old school foundation, you have to make those calls, you have to be out there, you have to show your face, you have to brand yourself within the community.

Technology Wishlist

One product I’d like to see is a transaction forum.  I’ve actually considered creating this on my own.  A forum for each transaction, where anybody involved in the transaction can have access: attorneys, inspectors, agents, etc.

Kelly points out:

“According to NAR’s Home Buyer and Seller Survey, the median age for REALTORS® is 54, while the median age for first-time home buyers is 30.  The median age for a repeat buyer was only 47.”

When it comes to real estate technology, the age of a real estate agent can certainly be an advantage or a disadvantage.  If you’re 30 and working with a 30 year old first time buyer, it’s probably going to be a lot more intuitive and natural connecting with them via facebook, text messaging, etc.  If you’re substantially younger you may be a bit too cutting edge and overwhelm your client, or if you’re older, you may be using clunky/ cheesy systems that don’t appeal.

That said, there’s absolutely no reason why any agent of any age should let their age be a hindrance to success.  If you’re younger, you may need to focus on education and building experience by assisting other agents, etc.  If you’re older, you may need to specifically set aside time to get familiar with the latest technology.

We all know the importance of building rapport with potential clients.  As technology becomes an ever larger and more important part of all of our lives, it will become more important than ever to be at the same “technology age” as your clients, regardless of your actual age.

Try it out: Full Disclosure: Online Real Estate Disclosures

Buyers and other agents need to register before viewing, which keeps you in control and lets you track who’s viewed what (coming soon). Anyway, I’d love to hear your feedback, as I’ll be adding new features depending on what’s requested.  The goal is to make it the most simple and useful online real estate disclosure option out there.

Like most others, I started off just blindly firing shots at anything social media related, trying to see what sticks.  Sean proposes a much smarter method: applying Larry Kendall’s Ninja Selling Methods to twitter. Larry Kendall’s methods are about using real numbers to back up your goals and first figuring out your conversion rate.  Applied to twitter, this means tracking your time spent on twitter and your actual conversions from it, so that you can make an educated decision on it’s value to your business. Take a look at Sean’s article and also Brian Brady’s (joking called “List of People Real Estate Agents Must Follow On Twitter“), they’re both excellent.

The problem is simple: it takes a lot of time to troll through the MLS and compile statistics, especially if you want to keep them updated often.  Luckily, a new breed of online companies has popped up to help provide you with the charts and data your visitors want, updated automatically.

Altos Research

real estate statistics

The most well known real estate statistics provider is Altos Research, and they’re well known for a reason.  This is the company I use, and though they’re the most expensive of the bunch they offer a lot of cool features:

• Good looking charts
• Altos Explorer, which makes it easy for you to design your own chart then paste the code into your website.
• Auto-updating charts, which means once you paste the code they’ll keep updating automitically
• A nice 10 page market report covering your specified zip code.

The downside is, they’re not cheap.  Pricing starts at $79 a month for their pro plan which gives you 7 zip codes, or $149 a month for their premium plan.

RE Report

While they’re currently only available in California, RE Report is another solid contender, though without the polish of Altos Research.  They offer:

• A stand alone website with a signup form to generate leads
• A very useful local real estate report covering the local market
• Better pricing

They price is $45 per report (each report covers a city or area), which puts them at nearly half of what Altos charges.  The tradeoff is that you can’t really customize their charts or offerings.