Recently REALTOR® Magazine posted an article online discussing their “2009 Technology Checklist.” I am excited to say that Active Website’s Enterprise Platform can help you with more than half of their recommendations. They separated their list into two sections “The 4 Essentials” and “Tech Trends for 2009.”

The 4 Essentials

1. Phones- REALTOR® Magazine highly recommends smart-phones for Realtors on the go. The popularity of this phone reaches far beyond the real estate realm. Your customers too are using these devices. Did you know that Active Website offers Mobile Interface Technology for all of our Enterprise Network Members? This technology allows your customers to easily browse your website and your listings anytime , anywhere on their personal media devices.

2. Computers-  Not only are smart-phones being carried around but so are ultra-portable computers. Most real estate agents as well as customers are bringing their computers with them. Rapid expansion of wireless networks, compact sizing of laptops and dependability are spreading the use of laptop computers outside of the home and office. Make sure your website is readily available to these mobile customers with outstanding SEO Rankings. Did you know that Active Website guarantees first page search placement for all of our Enterprise Network Members? If you’re not popping up on the first page of Google or Yahoo, you’re not going to be viewed.

3. Cameras- We all know the difference a good camera makes in quality photos. Yet just as important as quality is quantity. Home buyers surfing the web for potential real estate want to see the house before they set up a viewing or attend an open house. Did you know with Active Website’s Individual Property Websites you can upload an unlimited number of property photos? Not only are you better serving the potential buyers on the web but you are also helping the SEO of the brokerage site, directing more leads to look at your listings.

4. Navigation- Whether built in the car or directed by phone, more Realtors and consumers alike are relying on navigation systems to get them around. With Active Website’s Mobile Interface Technology potential buyers can search your listings on the go. Our home search tool uses Google Maps, allowing buyers to get directions directly to your listed properties.

Tech Trends for 2009

1. Mapping- Just about every brokerage now incorporates mapping in their home searches. Many even have map based searches. REALTOR® Magazine projects that interactive displays of home and neighborhood information is the next step. Did you know that Active Website offers interactive map searching using Google Maps? Potential buyers can now search with a multi-polygon tool, choosing the areas they prefer; search by point of interests (perhaps schools or coffee shops) and when the property is pinpointed an information bubble appears with calls to action including contact the agent, set up a tour and print a properties detail page.
2. Virtual Tours- Sometimes consisting of still photos streamed together in a movie-like format and other times an actual video tour of a home, virtual tours are expected to expand into a more interactive media. Did you know Active Website offers Video Solutions with realtor branding and calls to action? Realtors can add their own captions, brand it to themselves or the brokerage and add calls to action including contacting them, setting up a tour, and emailing to a friend.
3. Social Networking- According to REALTOR® Magazine the online facet that Realtors struggle the most with is “connecting with consumers.” I agree that social networking is a great way to connect but with so many social media options out there it can be daunting to choose which ones and how to get involved. Did you know Active Website posted a 4 part series of blogs on creating a Social Network? Not only will Active Website provide you with technology tools but we will also take the time to teach you how to use tools on the web that can be beneficial for your professional development. Our annual Enterprise Conference is dedicated to giving you the steps to implementing the trendy tools of the year.
4. Text Messaging- It’s a popular trend among the “younger set” and is increasingly becoming the “preferred mode of correspondence.” While there isn’t a product for Texting, you will have to get that feature through your cell service provider, I can give you some advice. Don’t be afraid to text with a client you feel comfortable with. Texting is a much more informal mode of communication meant to speed up the conversation. Use this technology but use it wisely. Don’t text important and otherwise lengthy conversations. Instead save it for reminders about meeting times, locations, or changes to times and locations. Use it as a friend tool, a way of getting to know the customer, and not for the professional stuff like pricing, paperwork concerns or final words on anything. 

What I hope you realize by going through this list is that Active Website has all of your answers for moving into 2009 using all of the tech trends. We would love to chat about our product and services offered so feel free to drop us a note below.

If you want to read the REALTOR® Magazine article click here.