Technology and real estate. 
"Back in the day" I started in real estate (less than 15 years ago), the MLS system we used was still in DOS mode and only covered the real estate board of which we were members. 
How far we have come.  As discussed yesterday, when I did it again. 
I opened up the Sunday Boston Globe and took the chance of glancing at the front page of the real estate section.   I know ... two weeks in a row.  What was I thinking? 
A brief perusal of the headline did not make me shut the paper and put it in the pile that we use to start our fireplace with!  Immediately, I thought we were off to a good start.  It was a very good article about the use of technology in real estate. 

I blog, so I guess that a pretty good indicator that I embrace technology. 
Since I fall more into the category of the median age of the Realtor® than the median age of the buyer, the learning curve on the technology trends tends to be a little more steep for me. 
However, I am always on the lookout for the new "hot" trend and then find out the "how's and why's" of learning it. 
I got some good information from this article and even more from the posts that followed.
It's important for me as a listing agent to have all the tools that enables my client's property to be exposed to the greatest number of potential buyers. 
It's important as a buyer's agent for the buyer to feel comfortable with an agent who is communicating in the same "speak" as they are.  
As stated in the article, the needs of the median age buyer are different than the older buyer or any age of the seller.  I have not survived this wild real estate market by not providing the services my clients need and want, whatever generation they belong to. 

Another benefit for both buyers and sellers is to choose an agent with the ability to consult with them and offer options and payment methods they are not getting from many other agents. 
From a previous post, you may remember that I am an 
In the consulting model, buyers and sellers alike can pick and choose the services they want and need and save thousands of dollars by paying for only the package they put together. 

Will I date myself too much by saying "I remember when" no one wanted the MLS to be available to the public?  The sky was going to fall because the consumers would have all our information and wouldn't need us (Realtors®) anymore.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  The value of a Realtor® proved to be far more relevant than prices and addresses.   

hat is an ACRE™? 
It does refer to a measurement of land size.   

It also stands for Accredited Consultant in Real Estate™.   You may have seen reference to ACRE™ on the Real Town homepage or written about in the education section by clicking on the Education tab. 
If you are Realtor®, it is a designation worth pursuing.  

If you are a consumer, you may be asking yourself:
How Does Consulting Differ From the Real Estate Sales approach?
Is it just a fancy new catch phrase that means the same way of doing business?

I graduated from the ACRE™ program with this designation late last summer.
The consulting model provides the Realtor® the tools to Give their Clients Choices for Services They Need and Want and the way to pay for them!
The "one size fits all" model of the traditional commission structure is not for everyone.
Consulting is finding out the needs of the client and then recommending the options that best fit those needs. Based on the Needs Analysis, we may find out the traditional commission structure is the right thing. If we find out it's not, then there are solutions for you!

I had written about this topic last fall, and since then, I have learned so much about it.  I have used it in several presentations for sellers and investors ... no buyers yet.  The reaction has been very positive.  Consumers are not used to having options, so it's nice to see the connection begin to take place as I lay out the choices they have.  They see numbers attached to each option and begin to just shake their heads.  It makes so much sense to them and they are excited!  It's great.

If you compare it to going out to dinner, sometimes you like to sit down, order off the menu and have someone take care of you.
Other times when you go out, you may be in the mood for a serve yourself buffet line. It is sometimes less expensive than the order off the menu option (or not), and it may be the right thing for you at the time.
Consulting is similar ... it's having a choice. Now isn't that a refreshing change of pace?

This is a very brief description.  You may choose to find out more, or you may choose not to.  Either way is perfectly fine, because after all, isn't that what choice is all about?