As technology makes more of an impact on peoples lives, home buyers and sellers in the Phoenix and Scottsdale real estate marketplace expect their agents to have a Website and answer their e-mail. But are realtors listening?
Scottsdale AZ (PRWEB) September 01, 2005 -- Scottsdale real estate agents working in one of the most active markets in the country are seeing an increased demand for less traditional" communications with their clients; namely e-mail and websites. The numbers overwhelmingly indicate a changing trend in how real estate consumers start looking for a home, first contact an agent, and even close the deal. This increased use of online communications is consistent with trends across the country.
This has not gone unnoticed by some area realtors. According to Scottsdale realtor Echo Farrell, answering e-mail is becoming almost as prevalent as answering the phone. I would say I get new contacts almost every day via e-mail" states Farrell, they find my website, look at a few houses I have on there, they read about me, and then they contact me. And they expect an e-mail in return."
According to a report issued by the California Association of Realtors in March 2005, almost two-thirds of first-time home buyers used the Internet as a first step in finding a home. Combine that with the fact that, according to internet usage tracking website internetworldstats.com, almost 70 percent of the US population uses the internet, and you have the foundation for industry-shaking trends.
But are realtors as a whole listening? Remember, this is a profession still largely populated by the generation that came of age before personal computers. While no hard data exists on how many real estate agents use e-mail regularly, it isnt hard to find a real estate consumer frustrated by a tech-illiterate agent. Just ask anyone who has bought or sold a home recently.
Im a writer who works online" says home buyer Dan Furman I dont have time for endless telephone tag. Just answer my e-mail, please." Furman further elaborated on how inept some agents were: I was stunned that the first two agents I tried could not answer e-mail on a timely basis. Neither one had any idea how to send me a link or an attachment. I find that inexcusable."
Farrell agrees, When todays consumer looks to buy or sell a home, many first go to the internet to see ‘whats out there. Then, when they find something that interests them, they send an e-mail. And many of them continually want to communicate via e-mail. If I dont respond in kind, Im not playing the game on their level."
Farrell has taken things a step further by launching an extensive interactive website to showcase real estate from the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas, www.azsonorahomes.com. Her site shows homes, allows consumers to search the MLS listings, and even includes a video message from Echo herself. It communicates to potential clients that shes not only technology proficient, but way ahead of the curve.
Just what clients in 2005 expect.
About Echo Farrell – Scottsdale Realtor
Echo Farrell has lived in the Scottsdale area for 17 years, and has her finger on the pulse of the region when it comes to real estate trends. As an experienced realtor she is an expert on the Phoenix and Scottsdale real estate markets. She works with both buyers and sellers to help them achieve their real estate dreams. You can contact Echo at 480-607-9990 or visit her Website at http://www.azsonorahomes.com.
Related Press Releases from AZ Sonora Homes
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/8/prweb277134.htm
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