Mobile Technology in Real Estate
In a survey conducted at the beginning of this year, the National Association of Realtors asked real estate agents and professionals to list the tools that they felt were most valuable to their business.
The top three answers were:
- Tablet computers
- Mobile & desktop tools
- Real estate CRM solutions
The rise in consumer usage of these technologies has made it all the more important for real estate professionals to understand the importance and value of using mobile technologies to boost their productivity. The rise of mobile technologies has also become a prominent factor in the way people look for and ultimately purchase real estate, making it incredibly important to maintaining a healthy profit during this difficult economy.
Tablets and Smartphones Take The Lead
The top item survey respondents said they would buy this year is the tablet pc – with the leading type being iPad, shortly followed by Xoom and Galaxy. Why do agents consider a tablet to be so important? They emphasized the value of tablets in keeping them organized, connected, and saving them time. Ultimately, tablets increase their productivity and in turn their profitability. Only second to the tablet is the smartphone, where agents are also using these mobile devices to conduct business and increase their professional success.
From the research done on tablet and smartphone brand preference, it has become clear that many, if not most, agents prefer Apple products. Studies have shown that the iPhone is the most common smartphone platform, followed by the Android. Additionally, other Apple products including laptop computers, iPads, and desktop computers are on the rise within the real estate industry.
Mobility is Key for Profitability
Due to the nature of the job, real estate professionals are on the road almost all of the time making mobility absolutely essential for profitability. Given the need to work away from their desks, with seamless connection, being productive while still on the road is extremely important for real estate professionals today. Further to that, the typical buyers and sellers expect more from their agents – they’re looking for someone who is available and highly responsive. They are looking for an agent who has all of the latest technologies, which increases their chances of getting a quick sale.
Real estate data consultants PCMS and One Cavo have given data evidence that up to 75% of the real estate leads generated online are lost due to lack of response or late response. Further proof that reliable, connected mobility is absolutely essential to remaining profitable in real estate.
The Importance of Mobile, Web-Based CRM
CRM, or customer relationship management is another key technology real estate professionals are using to achieve and maintain profitability. It is absolutely essential that agents are using an easy-to-use real-estate specific CRM that can be easily synced with any and all of their mobile devices. What is the point of having a CRM that cannot be accessed from the road, wherever the job takes you? The ability to access your CRM from your mobile, or anywhere with an Internet connection is the only solution that makes sense in this technology-driven, mobile age.
How Spectrum Make Use of Technology
We’ve already established the importance of mobile technology to the real estate profession, and it is with no doubt a very exciting time not just for real estate, but for every business. Here at Spectrum, we are utilizing the best of mobile technology to get results for our clients. The Spectrum Mobile app, powered by Smarter Agent lets you find Baltimore and Washington DC homes for sale or rent from your own smartphone! Additionally, our interactive search listings will help you narrow down your search, with new listings sent directly to your email. Our agents are using the best technology on the market today, meaning they’ll be available and responsive when you need them most. With all of the right systems in place, Spectrum Enterprises are prepared for the future, and ready to make a profit for you.
For more information on this topic, visit the real estate CRMSoftware Advice blog’s original post.
Real Estate: Survey Says . . .
Just a few yeas ago, the main reason that people sold their real estate and relocated was the size of the house: they wanted something larger, with more room to grow a family. The second reason for selling homes was job relocation. Today, homeowners are hanging on to their houses for an average of nine years, which is up from seven years in 2009 and six years between 2001 and 2008. A fluctuating market, uncertain economy, and other factors are causing people to hang around instead of relocate.
Unfortunately, one of the reasons for relocation today is to avoid foreclosure. In 2006 less than 1% of moves were based on avoiding a foreclosure; today, the number is up to 8%. These statistics come from the annual survey conducted by the NAR (National Association of Realtors). These numbers can help buyers, sellers, agents, and financers understand the current real estate climate and trends.
The results of the 2011 survey revealed:
· Sellers generally sold their homes for 95% of the listing price.
· 61% of sellers reduced the asking price of their home one or more times.
· The average home purchased was built in 1993, is just under 2,000 square feet, and has two bathrooms and three bedrooms.
· Real estate referrals are important: 39% of sellers found an agent via a referral, as did 41% of buyers.
· 98% of those searching for a home used an agent.
· 90% of home buyers were satisfied with process of purchasing a home.
· The typical home buyer searched for 12 weeks and viewed 12 homes.
· Home sales dropped due to the expiration of the Home Buyers Tax Credit, which enabled some new homeowners to get into a house.
· Married couples accounted for 64% of recent home purchases (the highest since 2001).
· Single females made up 18% of recent home purchases (the lowest since 2004).
· The American dream lives on: 27% of recent home buyers primarily purchased due to the desire to own a home.
· 87% of buyers considered energy costs as at least somewhat important.
· 73% of buyers considered commuting costs at least somewhat important.
Read the survey results in their entirety.
4116 Morrison Court Baltimore, MD
Freshly rehabbed house for rent. Available now! Click picture below for more information.
Visit our Main Website
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Flickr
Follow us on YouTube
All Spectrum Enterprises Articles