RealTown's RealTalk

My first thought was to find another broker! But after thinking about it,
what a great opportunity he has to be the only one in his office with an
internet presence. I'd get a personal web site up and running and go for
it!

Jim Clauser
Your Real Estate Consultant For Life
RE/MAX Associates Athens, Inc.
706-714-1181 Direct
706-433-0542 Fax
http://www.JimClauser.com to view over 3000 homes!
mailto:Jim@JimClauser.com
Check out my Blog at
http://www.VisitJimsBlog.com

If it were me and my livelihood depended on how I performed my business practice and my broker was living in the stone ages not allowing me to catch up with the times, stifling me from today's technology, I would be looking for a different broker.

In fact on December 1, 2008 after 18 years with RE/MAX in the greater Cincinnati Area I chose to move to GROUP Realtors and have no regrets. The technology, atmosphere, one-on-one coaching, and camaraderie is far superior anything I had experienced except for the first couple of years when I joined RE/MAX in 1990. My broker didn't limit me in technology, they just weren't catering to my needs. I found what I needed and moved.

The ability to do business over the Internet is imperative in this society. To survive in toady's growing technology we Realtors need to continue to advance ourselves, and stay ahead of the learning curve. We need to know as much or more than our customers and clients.

Being a loyal, caring person I don't take changing brokers very lightly. In fact staying with my RE/MAX family for over 18 years shows tremendous loyalty. But when my livelihood was at stake and change was necessary and found it and I made it.

<<I realize now that taking the e-pro course may not be worthwhile, as my
broker does not believe in 'doing business over the internet'. Our website
is not interactive, and I am not sure how I can implement your
strategies/teachings @ my office. Please advise. >>
While we intend to discuss the situation with the student, we are interested
in your feedback on:
1. How you would handle the situation if it was your broker who does not
believe in 'doing business over the internet'
2. How you would advise this real estate salesperson

My advise:
#2. Start interviewing brokers and checking out their websites.
#1. Once you have found the perfect broker who understands real estate
today, tell the current broker "Here is my license transfer."

Linda Grissette, GRI, e-PRO Certified, JIM * Prudential Select Properties,
St Louis Area * Mailto:Linda@Grissette.com Check out my real estate
products at http://www.RealEstateMarketingHelp.com

I would suggest that this person establish his own web presence quite
apart from his office. My first website was as a Keller Williams
agent. I've had a site now for 11 years. He would have to use the
office address and disclose his realty office's identity, but it
would be his website, not the firm's. If his managing broker simply
won't allow it, he should find another more enlightened broker to
affiliate with. Not recognizing the value of the internet is a fatal
flaw that could limit this agent's success as an agent.

Judith Clausen
Buyers Advantage Real Estate of Metro Denver
www.Buyers-Advantage.net
303-587-3509 Direct

Very simple. I would change to another brokerage that does believe in the use of the Internet. This is the 21st century.
 

I commend you for making the effort so far.

The ePRO Certification Course teaches more than 'doing business over the Internet'; it is abot learning to understand the needs of and communicate with consumers who DO conduct business online.

Your office may not do business that way, but the vast majority of those who are buying and selling real estate do--and it is your job as a RE professional to be versed in the language of this business which to a large degree is now electronic.

You said your office had a website, but it is not interactive. Could your broker be feeling intimidated about the learning curve?

Could you possibly be the one to soften that curve for your broker? My first broker taught me about real estate and I taught her about RE online.

I suspect she would say, "You gotta do what you gotta do." :)

It would be wise for you to develop yourself as a successful agent in and of yourself. You may not have this broker forever. You will need this training to survive and thrive should you decide to move on.

Candice