In a recent news release issued by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), it was reported that Realtors continue to invest in new technology for their business and have spent more than they did in previous years on keeping up with technology advancements.
It is not surprising though, as over the past decade, homebuyers have become increasingly digital. Consumers are going online first to look for information that will support their buying decision. Homebuyers watch "how-to" videos on YouTube, they read reviews on various home websites, and they are increasingly researching home information on the go with their smartphones and tablets.
NAR's Center for Realtor Technology conducted the 2013-2014 Realtor® Technology Survey, and found that brokers spent a median of $1,410 on technology for their real estate business, up from $1,122 in 2012, while agents spent a median of $848, up slightly from $822 in 2012.Technology that allows work to be done while on the move appears to generate the most interest among Realtors®, who are highly mobile professionals. Smartphones and tablets - iPads, Androids, Surfaces or Kindles - are the tools Realtors® are most intent on purchasing; 29 percent of participants said they plan on procuring one of these tools in 2014.According to the survey, the vast majority of Realtors®, 94 percent, use mobile devices to communicate with clients. In fact, Realtors® spend a median 44 percent of their time corresponding with or doing work for their clients via their mobile devices.
The use of social media to generate leads and stay in contact with clients has also increased since 2012; 91 percent of all Realtors® use social media.?? The most frequently used social platforms were Facebook, 77 percent of respondents said they use the site regularly, followed by LinkedIn, used by 75 percent.
Lauren Bunting is a licensed realtor with Bunting Realty, Inc. serving Worcester and Wicomico counties.
Lauren Bunting is a Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.
