Realty World Northern California & Nevada

Real estate professionals, it’s all up to you. 

In today’s real estate industry, it’s vital for realtors to realize that you are the only messenger that can take the good and positive news to the throng of individuals and families who need to be educated and directed.

As we know, the news media uses a negative spin on most everything for sensational impact. But you, the ‘messenger,’ needs to research the news and find the true interpretation to deliver the positive side… or, what isn’t being said. With all the foreclosure news, bankruptcies of major corporations, and unemployment, it’s a reminder that the economy has a ways to go before there is stability. But it has to start somewhere and the signs of the day show that things are changing once again; this time, in the right direction.

Just two weeks ago, the pending home sales showed a very good increase, rising 6.7% from the previous month and 3.2% from April of last year. This was the third straight month the index has increased, which is a key indicator that the new and existing home sales reported are showing steady increase over the same period of time. This is a strong statement that the housing market is finding its way to stabilizing. April figures on personal incomes increased, which has not occurred on a monthly basis since last September. On an annual basis, personal incomes have increased, albeit not in large numbers, but an increase nonetheless, which fights off much of the doom and gloom that the news media reports so bluntly.

Another great indicator is that consumer confidence jumped in May to the highest level since September of last year. The consumer needs to be on a steady diet of positive confidence building news.

Today’s messenger must study, understand, and deliver the facts about the positive changes in the real estate market. In a previous blog of mine, Differentiate vs. Directional, I mention a statement that carries a significant message: “If it is to be, it is up to me.” Remember it… because it’s up to all of us as real estate professionals.

Dennis Stewart
Vice President & Regional Director
Dennis.Stewart@rwnc.net

Realtors across the country are pacing back and forth in their minds every day pondering their temptation to buy a shiny new iPhone. I have to admit, as a Treo 755p owner, I think about iPhones often. Despite their ability to appeal to people and professionals across a multitude of markets, iPhone capability specifically tailored to Realtors is extremely limited. Trulia.com and Zillow.com both have apps for the iPhone and that is about all there is for real estate professionals to utilize. For now, Realtors are relegated to using any of the Palm, or Blackberry products, as well as many windows mobile enabled devices. Even though the market is very limited, that does not mean that it is devoid of good choices. For now, Realtors can get a rich smart phone experience with Supra eKey abilities from several phones.

First is the new Palm Pre. I don’t get the name either, but it’s pretty obvious that Palm is starting to get the new standards that smart phone users are expecting. It has the same old infrared to be able to access lockboxes as well as an overhauled operating system that functions much like an iPhone. It’s great for those who don’t like the touch keyboard on the iPhone because the Pre still has the classic QWERTY keyboard integrated into the phone. I’m very happy that Palm has taken great steps to be able to compete but it still suffers from the two main problems almost every smart phone has when it is compared to the iPhone: it’s too bulky and doesn’t have nearly as many apps.

Then there is the Blackberry Storm. I totally don’t understand this phone. I have never understood Blackberries and I never will. There are Blackberry people and there are non-Blackberry people. I say, “to each his own.” For those who do love Blackberries, the new Storm has a touch screen experience much like the iPhone and with the addition of a fob (a device the same size as a bluetooth headset that translates bluetooth signals into infrared) it can open lockboxes as well.

The other, lesser known alternative is the new Samsung Omnia. A personal friend of mine has this phone and loves it. I actually like it too and it has made me question my feelings for the iPhone (Shakespeare could only find the words to describe the torment this phone has caused me). It’s about the same size as an iPhone, has amazing camera features, and is very sexy. With the assistance of a fob, it too can open lockboxes.

Ultimately, as an iPhone enthusiast, I’m simply going to wait for the release of the iPhone 3G S. The new version of the operating system will allow third party developers access to the iPhone’s bluetooth capabilities which will allow programmers to make apps that communicate with lockboxes. iPhones aren’t for everyone though. Each Realtor who is looking to make a change has to do what Smoky Robison so accurately sang, you “…better shop around.”

For a complete list of phones compatible with Supra eKey software, go here.

T.J. Shanahan
Social Media Manager
tj@rwnc.net

As many of you know, the proliferation of cell phone technology continues to explode at an alarming rate. If you attended our Technology Rollout 1 & 2 this past Spring, you’ll recall the research and statistics on generational uses of technology and how we are adapting our tools to meet this growing and demanding market. 

One area that will extend the reach of your blogs and related content will increasingly be in the cell phone applications and increased broadband. Mobile networking and access to information via the “smart-phone” is just beginning. As more capital is currently being plowed into an infrastructure that permits your cell phone to be as powerful as your beefy desktop.

Based on a three month consumer study that ended in March 2009, the percentage of cell phone users who accessed various social networking websites show steady increases and revealed that 17.0% of Facebook, 11.1% of MySpace, 6.7% of YouTube, 2.9% of Twitter, and 1.6% of LinkedIn users accessed these applications via a cellular device.

Currently only about 13% of cell users have a “smart-phone” (one that can access the Internet and navigate websites), so prepare now for them to go mainstream down the road. What does this mean for you and your blog content? First, new, expanding and immediate access to information and property photos from a handheld device and potential customer. Second, a shot over the bow that is calling for your attention to participate in the blogosphere! 

Remember 90% is still just showing up!

Scott LeForce
President
Scott.LeForce@rwnc.net