Dick Betts National Real Estate Speaker

Bentonville, Arkansas

National Speaker specializing in Smartphones, business building skills, management programs and keeping agents up-to-date on the latest technology. Covers North America.

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Ann Hobbs

Bremen, Georgia

Ann Hobbs has starred 5 Blog Entries.

Are you text messaging?

Posted at Dick Betts National Real Estate Speaker by Dick Betts

Jul. 8, 2008

Starred by: 1 Member

Eight years ago when I started speaking nationally I remember having a carpenters tool belt loaded with stuff an agent needed to preform their duties as a Real Estate Professional. My point was all that "stuff" can be loaded into a device or two. I also remember telling agents that if they didn't email they would probably not be in the business very long. I had agents argue with me that email was a passing fad and people would never give up that personal contact of a telephone. Gee a day without email? Ain't gonna happen!

So my new message is text messaging, if you don't text you are cutting out a large chunk of business that wants to be handled with text messaging. In all my classes I ask how many agents have worked with clients by way of text messaging? Normally between 1/3 and 1/2 the room raises their hands.

Here's some interesting facts from CITA The Wireless Association;

Text messaging has now become a part of everyday life.

Not only can you use it as a means to communicate with friends and family, you can also use it to participate in polls, voting, games and a variety of other exciting mobile applications.

Here are some interesting stats:

In 2007, 362.6 billion text messages were reported in the U.S.
In the U.S., approximately 690,000 text messages are sent per minute.
In 2006, 81 billion text messages were reported in the U.S.

So do you text? If not you need to start! Now I am not talking about BFFL or LOL or any of that other stuff. I am talking business texting where you either ask or answer a question or set up meetings or phone calls.

Now what's cool and most people didn't know you could do it, you can turn text messages into hard copy MS word documents. If you have a Palm Operating phone check out how; http://www.dickbetts.com/tipstricks/palmos.html

Gee I wonder what I will be saying eight years from now as to what the new trend will be.

Dick Betts

National Real Estate Speaker

National Speaker Real Estate

Mobile Technology Trainer

www.DickBetts.com

Dick@DickBetts.com

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User Comments

1. RE: Are you text messaging?

Written by: Joe Cline

Jul. 12, 2008

Do you think it's professional? I really only use it if the client texts me first. It happens a lot if they are running a few minutes late and I get a blip saying hey we'll be there a little late. I'm all for it, but unless it's something like that little tidbit, I think that it's faster to just talk in person. Of course that could be because I can't type on those little pads very well. :)

Joe
Austin Real Estate | Lakeway Real Estate

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2. RE: Are you text messaging?

Written by: Dick Betts

Jul. 13, 2008

I am about to post this in my group. I sent you an invitation, hope you join.

From Active Rain;

Before you hire an agent send them a text message.

If you are potential seller in the Omaha real estate market you have many choices when it comes to hiring an agent. Not all agents are created equal and even agents within the same company has varying degrees of success and experience.

Any agent you speak with will TELL you all about their internet and technology expertise. How can you really tell? One way to test this is to send a potential agent a TEXT message. Agents that are technology savvy understand the POWER of texting and the importance of communicating in today's marketplace. The demographic for the average buyer in today's market is the low to mid 30's. Times have changed and the buyers in today's marketplace DEMAND instant communication.

So, before you hire an agent send them a text message. Sending a simple text may save you a tremendous amount of time and it will put you in contact with an agent who has the capability of communicating with the buyers in today's marketplace.

Thanks,

David Matney,CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate

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3. RE: Are you text messaging?

Written by: Juanita Perry

Jul. 19, 2008

Yes. I text to clients, friends and family. Clients love it because they can always get a message to me, even when I am in a mtg. A quick text message to answer a question or tell them I am running late or meeting change, sending website info, comps... Our kids love it (genX, genY) because they hate the telephone or don't check email very often. Or they are "too busy" to talk to Mom and Dad...

Texting is the way of NOW...not the future. The younger generation who are also our clients and family prefer that mode of communication.

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4. RE: Are you text messaging?

Written by: Mike Sparr - www.goomzee.com

Oct. 29, 2008

Great article and we too share your insightful prediction as a mobile technology provider in the Real Estate industry. I thought I'd share an interesting story. One of our team members was speaking to approximately 120 high schoolers from surrounding schools (as far as 50 miles away in small towns) about entrepreneurship and asked some questions:

Q1) How many do not have a cell phone?

A1) about 15 out of 120 raised their hand (recall these are small towns in Western Montana)

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Q2) How many would rather text than talk?

A2) 70% of the students raised their hands

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Q3) If a real estate agent was using this technology (text message house info instantly at property), how likely would you use them to purchase the home?

Q3) All responded favorably citing "it's so convenient"

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Q4) How likely would you use that agent again for your next home?

Q4) All responded favorably.

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Lastly, to add to your statistics, I'd like to add that approximately 15.6% have mobile web, approx 4-5% have smart phones and less than 1% have iPhones. Given economic factors, reports in Wireless journals report anticipated slowdown in new phone purchases/upgrades despite carriers rolling out new gadgets seemingly every quarter. In a report by Accenture ($21B/yr global IT consulting firm) of users surveyed 88% did not use advanced web features on their phone. This means that mobile marketers should take baby steps and ensure what they roll out can and will be adopted by consumers - Text Messaging works on all phone models so keep it simple. :)

Mike Sparr, CEO - Goomzee.com

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