Andrew Bell, Watson Realty
Q. What is the latest online technology available for Realtors and site agents? How will this help them in their business?
A. Cloud storage! Store your documents in the cloud and access them from any computer or your mobile device. There has been in an increase in what many people refer to as a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tools being web-based. A good CRM will allow you to keep notes and activities of your customers as well as send scheduled follow up emails. You can create custom email campaigns that automatically send emails on your behalf; for instance for prospective buyers or sellers, home anniversaries and even home care tips. Some CRM’s even have monthly newsletters where the content is provided for you.
Q. How can agents use mobile technology to their best advantage?
A. You have to start by embracing it. Our customers are using it and so should we. I use an iPad and an iPhone and conduct about 85 percent of all my business on them. With the ability to email, access files, access the internet, shoot photos and video, there just isn’t much you can’t do with the technology out there today. Not all is created equal and if you are real tech savvy you may want to look at ease of use when considering moving towards mobile technology. There are many apps that help me when doing business.
Q. Many agents are using mobile technology, but they may not be aware of the latest apps. What are some of the best mobile apps agents should look at adding to their mobile devices? Are they free apps or is there a cost involved?
A. LOTS of apps are available. Some apps that are good to have on your phone would be a scanner app so you can scan a document and email it as a PDF. You should also have an app to access your cloud storage, real estate dictionary, loan calculator, and social media. Good apps for your iPad or tablet would be Open Home for doing open houses, PDF Expert for completing PDF forms and having your customer sign your device. You should also have social media apps and cloud storage app on your tablet or iPad. Even DocuSign and EchoSign are available on mobile devices. Some apps you have to pay for but most you can find for free.
Q. What are some of the ways buyers are currently finding homes?
A. Internet of course, almost 90 percent of all home searches start on the internet. What I am seeing is the buyers are looking the homes up on the internet and then sending them to me for more information. They are also driving around looking for homes. Because of the increase in buyers driving around I use a branded mobile app that I send to them that they can use to search homes on their mobile devices. It works well for sign calls also. A great way to get into someone’s phone and stay there.
Q. What updated ways are real estate offices locating buyers?
A. There are company websites that help drive it’s business and then of course working floor. For the most part up to the Realtor to find their own buyers.
Q. Has technology changed the way you show houses?
A. I take my iPhone and iPad with me when I show property. If a customer is very interested in one of the homes, I can do research right on the spot and answer any questions they may have. I can do a CMA and even write an offer on site.