RealTown's RealTalk

We were surprised to receive the following request for advice from a current e-PRO student:

<<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

John and all,

This was where I was until last fall when I moved to Keller Williams. I took the e-Pro course my first year in real estate, while I was one of those horrible part-time agents. The other agents in my previous office barely used a computer beyond email and the MLS. Based on my personal experience- if the broker doesn't believe in the value of the internet, don't beat your head against the wall, just find a broker who does recognize that the internet is here to stay. My previous broker has stated, and still believes, that "the internet is a fad" and is not the way to do business. In her defense, she has been doing business for 20+ years and has enough existing past clients/COI that she doesn't need to worry about finding new business. As an agent you will almost never convince a broker that they should change the way they are doing business. Research the companies that are in your town and find one that is a better fit for you.

Kris Coutant, e-Pro
Associate Broker
The Ultimate Team
Keller Williams Realty Distinctive Properties

Serving Warren, Washington
and Saratoga Counties
Cell: 518 361 5250
Office: 518 798 0040
KrisCoutant@roadrunner.com


 

Re: "my broker does not believe in 'doing business over the internet":
I was faced with a very similar situation on finishing my ePro education. My broker had very minimal internet presence, and just was not interested in enhancing or expanding a bare bones website that was very ineffective.

With a lot of help and ideas from Realtown and ePro folks, a lot of reading, and a lot of trial and error, I got my own site (and a blog) going late last fall, as I realized that individual branding also had to be a key part of any internet strategy to be effective. One of my 2009 priorities is enhancing both the site and blog. And by striking out on my own initially, I learned a great deal more about sites, SEOs, registration, etc, than by having a packaged solution to just log on to with no knowledge of construction or content.

As to the broker situation, by late fall I also realized that my (then) Broker was likely never going to move into internet strategies, so I transferred my license to our local Prudential office, with an a very "net-savvy" principal broker. I now have my own site & branding, my brokers support, assistance, and site, and the Prudential tools working for me.

My personal business is now doing quite well…and in a true footnote, the broker I left closed their doors on Jan 1st.

My lesson learned from the above: Net presence is an absolute must in our marketing world today. Don't waste time wondering about that…strike out on your own branding strategy (as espoused in ePro), learn while you're doing so, and be looking for a broker who will be supportive, not a road block to success.

Good luck!!

Frank Salowitz

"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest." Mark Twain
Frank Salowitz, ePro, EcoBroker, GRI, SRES
Prudential First Southern Real Estate 120 W. Court St., Dyersburg, TN 38024

731-285-3233 or cell 731-676-1841 Frank@1stSouthern.net
web: www.dyersburghomesales.com blog: www.realtown.com/franks/blog

I changed companies last year to go with one that believes in the internet and provides lots of assistance on how to develop my website to get business from people who use the internet to search for homes and a realtor to work with. Glad I made the change!!

Jim Gilbert, e-Pro, Realtor®

"Experience and Heart … working together

in Austin Real Estate for You!"

Cell: (512) 913-1557

Fax (866) 232-9434

http://www.HeartofAustinHomes.com

Mail to: Jim@HeartofAustinHomes.com

4501 Spicewood Springs Rd.

Suite 1029

Austin, TX 78759

Office: (512) 342-8734

I started 12 years ago with a broker that didn't want to do anything with a computer. It ended up that I did most everything for the whole office once I got a computer and set it up. As soon as I could, I got a broker license and bought her business (she retired because of all the new technology). It would not deter my getting the ePro designation and then I would make sure I got my own web page and got on Facebook and whatever it took to try and keep up with the technology available. I did try to show my broker the pluses of being tech savvy. It soon became apparent that in order to compete in the Real Estate world, I would have to change offices or become my own broker.