3 Reasons to Leverage Online Technology

Technology has revolutionized the day-to-day activities of REALTORS. Now, much of this technology is moving online, where you can access it at any time using Web-enabled devices such as your Smartphone, tablet, desktop computer and laptop. This shift fits the highly mobile nature of today’s consumer.  

Clearly, online tools are convenient. But they are also becoming essential for professionals who work in real estate. Here are three reasons why it’s to REALTORS’ advantage to make use of online efficiencies:

- From our perspective as a provider of real estate industry technology, we know that if you aren’t using tech tools already, your competitors are. REALTORS are using technology to help streamline transaction processes and find new clients. You can count on that, and you can’t afford to fall behind the curve. Online tools and services can make your routine business and prospecting tasks more efficient and often more secure, thereby also more powerful and more attractive to buyers and sellers.

- Chances are that the majority of your clients use online technology daily, whether they are blogging, using social media, making purchases online, using search engines to answer questions or scanning QR codes with their Smartphones. When tech-savvy consumers select a REALTOR, they expect that agent to excel in the online environment, too, and speak its language.

-  Reducing expenses and going green. Online technologies can save you money – not just time. Storing documents online, signing contracts electronically and reducing administrative requirements can eliminate both unneeded monetary and opportunity costs. It’s a “greener” way to do business, and that green approach will also appeal to today’s environmentally-friendly consumers.

When discussing online technologies that can make you more efficient, some specific applications include:

• Electronic signatures
• Electronic forms and document management/storage
• Transaction management, document sharing and task management
• Lead generation and client management
• Listing syndication
• Connecting via social media

 When adopting technologies to assist with tasks like these, you don’t have to go it alone. Companies exist, like ours, that can work with you to identify your day-to-day needs and which interactive forms, document management programs and other tools designed specifically for REALTORS can help. No matter which company you work with, experts can help maximize your ability to use technology to save time, cut costs and boost customer relationships.

Online technologies can help you exceed client expectations, increase referral rates and gain more business, according to agents we’ve talked to. The shift toward online technology can better serve the needs of REALTORS and consumers. By leveraging the right solutions, you stay a step ahead of your competition and exceed client expectations.

 Austin Allison

CEO, DotLoop

www.dotloop.com