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Do you use text messaging?

Created by: Stephen Joos & Chris Brubaker - HouseFront, Information Technology, Denver, CO

Date: Nov 13, 2007, Number of Replies: 15

So I have a pretty simple question, most phones in the US are capable of text messaging. Do real estate agents use text messages on a regular basis? It has become a consumer phenomenon but the real question is will it ever become business worthy...what do you guys think?

Chris

HouseFront
Your Real Estate Search and Valuation Tool.

HouseFront is a free Real Estate search tool providing residential house valuations via our website- www.housefront.com, and by text messaging any address in the U.S. to "HOUSE" or (46873)

Text any address to 'HOUSE' or 46873

Stephen Penrose, MO

Date: Nov 14, 2007

I ask my clients what mode of communication they prefer: I had one client that wanted a faxed written note ... some prefer e-mail (the blackberry types) ... others like the good 'ol telephone. I did have one client, a 20-something, that preferred to use text message. If you wish to conduct business with the younger set - you may find that some will use text messaging although it appears that the txt.msg is more popular with teens.

Keep in mind that the text messaging functions on a different frequency than the cellular voice band & txt can be used when the voice isn't responsive. This was the case in NYC on 9-11 (txt messages got thru when voice systems were unresponsive)

BTW, check the hotlink in my signature block

Stephen Penrose, RE Consultant, e-PRO
314.805.8044 (direct) 314.832.0990 (fax)
3148058044@CingularMe.com (text-message)

Susan Pruden, Cheverly, MD

Date: Nov 16, 2007

Subject: Do you use text messaging?

Author: Stephen Joos & Chris Brubaker - HouseFront (sjoos@housefront.com)

Date: November 13th, 2007, 1:24 PM PST

ID: 004EEV

So I have a pretty simple question, most phones in the US are capable of text messaging. Do real estate agents use text messages on a regular basis? It has become a consumer phenomenon but the real question is will it ever become business worthy...what do you guys think?

Chris

Chris, I'm out here in Las Vegas, my listing is in Maryland and the sellers are in Maine. Over the past week we have successfully completed contract negotiations via text message and email, but primarily text message. Offer came in on Sunday, we go to settlement November 30! Can't ask for better than that! :)

As far as I'm concerned, text messaging is terrific. Sometimes the message is simply "check your email" or something, but it gets the job done.

Susan

Susan Pruden, e-PRO
CENTURY 21 Home Center -- Seabrook, Maryland
Serving Prince George's, Montgomery, Anne Arundel and Howard Counties
Office: 301-552-3000 Direct Line: (301) 980-9409
mailto:Susan@SusanPruden.com http://SusanPruden.com

Sue Dahlgren Licensed Real Estate Agent, Boise, ID

Date: Nov 17, 2007

So I have a pretty simple question, most phones in the US are capable of text messaging. Do real estate agents use text messages on a regular basis? It has become a consumer phenomenon but the real question is will it ever become business worthy...what do you guys think?

Chris

Chris- I find that the younger my clients, the more they are likely to prefer texting. In fact, they expect it. We use it to set up showings, confirm meetings, etc. As far as being business worthy - If the client wants to use it, we need to make sure we can and do.

Sue Dahlgren MailTo:Sue@SueDahlgrenRealtor.com
Windermere/Richard B. Smith
2417 Bogus Basin Road Boise, Idaho 83702
Cell: (208) 867-6949 Fax: (208) 474-6610
http://www.SueDahlgrenRealtor.com

Candice Donofrio Licensed Real Estate Broker, Bullhead City Fort Mohave Moha, AZ

Date: Nov 17, 2007

Text has been business worthy for me for a couple of years. Lots of deals have been done on my BBerry while I travel, etc. I can receive and view faxes on it. And a text will convey accurate info, as opposed to the guesswork involved via talking while in an area of spotty reception. I use e-mail a lot too but a lot of people can't pick up their e- on their cell. They usually can pick up a text, though.
Interestingly, I've had more deals where text was used with Boomers than Gen X/Yers. It seems we like/need to multitask and are a bit proud to be so nimble technologically! ;)

Candice~
Candice A. Donofrio, ABR, CCSS, e-PRO, MRE
Owner/Designated Broker ~ 928-768-1300 x 25
Next Wave Real Estate Investments, LLC
Bullhead City, AZ ~ On The Beautiful Colorado River
Certified ePRO Internet Professional and Trainer
Certified Commercial Sales Specialist
Faculty, Commercial Real Estate Institute
Candice@RealEstateBHC.com http://RealEstateBHC.com
ON THE AIR www.BounceRadio.net See schedule for showtimes
"It's fun to do the impossible." ~ Disney

Lisa Remington-Smith Licensed Real Estate Broker, Williamsburg, VA

Date: Nov 18, 2007

Texting is very useful in both business and family. It's especially useful to text rather than play phone tag when you want to convey information. I like to confirm showing appointments by Text Message. It's not as intrusive as a phone call and Agents can refer to the message while on the road showing property if needed.

Good Luck,

Lisa Remington-Smith
REALTOR® , Associate Broker
Prudential McCardle Realty, Inc.,4135 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188

757-879-7645 Mobile MailTo:Homes@LisaRemington-Smith.com http://LisaRemington-Smith.com

John Castelli Licensed Real Estate Broker, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

Date: Nov 18, 2007

So I have a pretty simple question, most phones in the US are capable of text messaging. Do real estate agents use text messages on a regular basis? It has become a consumer phenomenon but the real question is will it ever become business worthy...what do you guys think?

Chris

I have found that many of my clients prefer text rather than phone calls. Especially the under 35 set. As for agents, it is being used to confirm showings as well as letting an agent know if one is running late or early. It is here to stay until the next new tech tools comes along to replace it.

cherylbourg@PNWRealty.com

Date: Nov 18, 2007

“Text has been business worthy for me for a couple of years. Lots of deals have been done on my BBerry while I travel, etc. I can receive and view faxes on it…”

I also use text messages quite a bit – although it tends to be with the clients who are younger. And I also have a BBerry and have found that it is wonderful to keep in touch when I am out of town. The email is always in sync with Outlook....I am always viewing the same messages that were sent to my Outlook email. I also like the way I can quickly review my email, to see if there is someone I should respond to right away. If I send an email from by BBerry…it states that in the response that is sent to them, so it helps for them to understand why my message is very short anc cryptic.

Cheryl

No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.33/1132 - Release Date: 11/15/2007 9:34 AM

Aaron Lamb Licensed Real Estate Agent, Seattle, WA

Date: Nov 18, 2007

I started texting my friends and family a short message during every small holiday as a simple means to stay in touch with them. I started adding my closed clients more than a year ago and have received great response from all of them including my older couples that rarely use texting except to reply to my holiday well wishes. I have even received a referral from a client who past along my text to a friend who is now working with me to buy a condo. In my experience texting has become a “high touch” & simple way to stay in front of my clients in a friendly way. Sometimes reminding them you are out there is half the battle.

Karen Laffey, Greenbrae, CA

Date: Nov 20, 2007

Do you use text messaging? Text has been business worthy for me for a couple of years. Lots of deals have been done on my BBerry while I travel, etc. Candice A Donofrio

AT&T offers unlimited texting for $4.99 per month on top on your regular e-mail monthly plan. It’s cost effective if your clients want to communicate in this method. One big benefit is that you can send a message when the web isn’t available on the prospects cell phone. It’s like a Blog with its continuous message stream, and you can pick up where you left off the last time. Quiet and effective…

Karen Laffey

Realtor and e-PRO

415.272.2986

http://www.marinrealestates.com

Pacific Union GMAC Real Estate

Laurie Furem Licensed Real Estate Agent, Cumming, GA

Date: Nov 21, 2007

Wheeeee...I just found out I can send a text message via Outlook from my computer! I'm not an e-PRO for nuttin ya know!

Happy Holidays all.

Make it a great day!

Laurie Furem
Keller Williams Realty Community Partners
ABR, ACRE(TM), ASR(R) e-PRO,(R), JIM
www.lauriefurem.com
www.metroatlantahomesgroup.com
Laurie@LaurieFurem.com
Servicing North Metro Atlanta
(770) 597-6373

Mary Starkey Licensed Real Estate Agent, Springboro, OH

Date: Nov 22, 2007

Text messages from Outlook?

Now you have my interests. How do you send text messages by Outlook to other’s cell phone? Since I am an e-PRO, I have to know thisJ

Mike Nielsen Licensed Real Estate Broker, Leavenworth, KS

Date: Nov 22, 2007

RE: Do you use text messaging?
mary.starkey@coldwellbanker.com
Thursday, November 22nd, 2007, 6:10 PM PST

Text messages from Outlook?

Now you have my interests. How do you send text messages by Outlook to other’s cell phone? Since I am an e-PRO, I have to know thisJ

-- -- --

Mike Nielsen responds:

Various sites have the address format for selected cellphone companies. Here is one:

http://www.hurt911.org/investigation/sms-text-message-address.html

Hope this helps!

Mike

Mike Nielsen CRS, ABR, GRI, e-PRO
Coldwell Banker Reilly & Sons
602 Delaware St; Leavenworth, KS 66048
15520 State Ave; Basehor, KS 66007
913-758-SOLD (7653) - Direct
877-720-MIKE (6453) - Toll Free
866-805-6476 - Toll Free Fax
MikeNielsenRealtor - Skype(TM)
mailto:MikeNielsen@ColdwellBanker.com

When YOU think Real Estate; Think MIKE NIELSEN!

Visit my website http://www.KSHomeSales.com

Victor Lund Educator

Date: Nov 23, 2007

Every Cell phone carrier has a different domain name for text messaging, so you would need to know who the carrier is of the person you want to SMS (text message) through outlook. for example, a verizon sms address for outlook would be 8057771234@vtext.com

If you know the carrier, then you can look up the domain name for that person on this list.

http://www.livejournal.com/tools/textmessage.bml?mode=details

If you do not know the carrier, there are services called SMS Gateways that will sent the message for you - and they are free :-)

Laurie Furem Licensed Real Estate Agent, Cumming, GA

Date: Nov 23, 2007

I use AT&T wireless as my service provider and you can see how to send a text message from your computer through AT&T at https://www.wireless.att.com/support/knowledgeBase.do?content=KB63037.html

HTH

Make it a great day!

Laurie Furem
Keller Williams Realty Community Partners
ABR, ACRE(TM), ASR(R) e-PRO,(R), JIM
www.lauriefurem.com
www.metroatlantahomesgroup.com
Laurie@LaurieFurem.com
Servicing North Metro Atlanta
(770) 597-6373

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