Text for Real Estate

Text for Real Estate

by Curtis Reddehase

It is mind boggling how much information is at your fingertips. The internet has enabled us to have answers to questions that you could never imagine. I was once changing the brakes on a car and could not figure out how to compress the caliper so I ran up to my computer and typed in how to change brakes on a Honda Accord. A few minutes later I was looking at my answer. I sometimes wonder how we made it before cell phones and the internet. I've recently started to use a new technology that I've found for real estate. I've seen and used sign rider's that have a 1-800 number on them and when someone drives by your listing they call the number for information. When they call this number they get a recorded message with details about the listing, and I get their number captured in an e-mail. People are beginning to use text messaging or (sms) and e-mailing more and more. It's getting to be where people would rather not speak to someone personally and just get information. The beauty of the text messaging is that you can include pictures and links to more information, even a picture of yourself! The company who offers this text message technology is Drivebuy Tech, they have an amazing staff and the equipment is extremely easy to use. I also have found other high tech items that have really helped me to streamline my work. You can find websites that will allow you to upload pictures and make virtual tours where you actually feel like you're standing in the room and turning in a circle. Technology has also enabled buyers and sellers to have much more knowledge about real estate. I recently attended a Realtor tour with 15 or so other Realtors. One of these agents had been in the business in Austin for over 30 years. He told me that 20 or 30 years ago people did not know the first thing about real estate. They didn't know what a contract was or a title company, most people went to their local bank as the only place for a loan. Realtors were the only ones with the knowledge to help people purchase and sell real estate. Now you have websites where home owners can get an estimated value of their home. I'm not going to say that they are accurate, but it is sometimes in the ballpark. You can also list your home for sale on websites like that. Recently Realtors have really had to dig in and find a way to provide a better service to their clients, and efficiently market their properties. Even though buyers and sellers are more knowledgeable about real estate, watching a couple HGTV's shows and doing some research on the internet is not going to allow you to have the expertise and the market knowledge of a Realtor. Properties that have Realtors represent them can have average sold prices well over 6% higher than what for sale by owners are sold at. The technology that is available to us has really enabled us to let our customers have more flexibility and options when purchasing a home. Customers can look at hundreds of homes on the internet and cut the list down to only a few properties instead of the agent choosing the best 5 of the ones that he's previewed. Technology is good for real estate agents and home buyers and sellers.