While technology has significantly influenced the way the real estate marketplace operates, the Swanepoel TRENDS Report highlights it as one of the Top 15 trends impacting the real estate industry. The Report predicts that Brokers and Agents can expect much more from technology as an increased wave of innovation and the continued development of existing technology flood the market.
Now, empowered by a wealth of information at their fingertips, Internet homebuyers are generally experiencing a greater sense of control during the home buying process. They are devoting more time to research before working with a real estate agent, but they tend to move quickly once they began working with an agent. Although search engines have been around a long time, most Brokers and Agents have still not succeeded in optimizing their websites sufficiently enough to be found on the first page of the primary search results for search engines such as Google, Yahoo and MSN.
In trend #15 the Swanepoel TRENDS Report also discusses Broadband, ASP, Wi-Fi, Blogs and more. Until recently blogs were considered a curiosity, a cult phenomenon or a faintly embarrassing hobby. But in 2004 blogs unexpectedly vaulted into the forefront of major media, where today there are thought to be approximately 30 million “bloggers” worldwide. Blogging provides yet another tool to help real estate agents maintain an open dialogue with their clients and provide them with valuable information. By posting local current events or financing updates alongside listings, agents can establish themselves as the expert in a specialized area.
The overwhelming message of Trend #15 is that wherever you look, the Internet is exploding. It continues to drive many of the changes in the real estate industry, opening new opportunities for forward thinking brokers and agents.
The Swanepoel TRENDS Report can be purchased online at www.realestatebooks.org. |
