REALTORS® CORNER
Finding with the Right Agent Benefits of working with a tech-savvy REALTOR®
they can bring to the table when marketing your properties to the public. Although all of these tools are available for members to use, not every HAR member uses them, so it’s important to interview your agent to see if they are taking advantage of all the possible ways to market your properties.
W
By JIM LAWSON, a real estate agent with Keller Williams, The Metropolitan.
Prior to becoming an agent, Jim spent 15 years in the technology side of real estate industry, selling, training and coaching agents, teams and companies on using technology in their business.
www.HoustonHome
Connect.com
jim@Houston
HomeConnect.com
What to Look for From Your REALTOR®
Are they knowledgeable about MLS rules? Do they have, or are they working on, the many professional REALTOR® designations available? (See www.har. com/edu/
dispDesignation.cfm for examples.) Do they understand technology? Do they have a written plan for marketing your properties?
Your agent should be able to develop a written marketing plan, implement the plan, negotiate offers and monitor the process from start to close. Good agent communication is key, since the number one complaint by consumers is follow up and follow through. One of the HAR tools that agents can use is a rating/feedback system from their clients on their service. So, is your agent rated?
Why a Tech-Savvy Agent is Crucial to Sales
Some agents use the four “P” marketing method: Put up a sign, Put out flyers, Put the listing on MLS and Pray—pray that some other REALTOR will sell it for them. While it’s true most agents don’t sell their own home, there is more that an agent can and should be doing to get the most exposure for your properties. Recent studies from the National Association of REALTORS® reveal that more than 85% of buyers start their search for a home online.
Following is a list of tools HAR member agents have access to. Which tools is your agent using?
hen working with a REALTOR® who’s a member of HAR (Houston Association of REALTORS®) there are many benefits
member of HAR
• Agent Profile on
HAR.com • Supra Lockbox System • Showing Service Systems (third party vendor service)
• Listing Advertising on the MLS, HAR. com, and on
REALTOR.com
• Listing Syndication to other Web sites • Agent Blog and Agent Web Site • Client Experience Survey System • Eight touches • Email Newsletter • Click to Call System • Social Media Plug in • IDX Tools (Listing Search & Display Tools for Websites)
• Listing Traffic Reports • 713-REALTOR Program • Agent Online • Master Planned Communities • Automatic Twitter Feeds on listing status changes
• iPhone App
Keep an eye out for our upcoming class at the GHBA on an overview of these tools and how they are used by agents to market your properties.
The following is a list of additional technology tools
that agents could be using in their business: • Database • QR Codes • Virtual Tours • Video Tours • Drip Marketing Campaigns • Flyer Blast to other Agents • Use of Online Ad Placement to Drive Additional Traffic
• Transaction Management
Today’s market calls for agent’s to understand and use technology to aid in marketing properties. Every agent is different, with their own unique style and approach, but each should know what tools are available to him or her and they should be able to implement them into their plan to help expedite the listing, sales and closing processes.
24 DECEMBER 2010 | HOUSTON BUILDER | GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE
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