What's the first thing a lot of people do today? Go online, of course. Buyers can browse through hundreds of homes for sale on their Realtor's® web site, see photos and even video tours of home interiors, all without leaving the comfort of their own homes. Sellers can show their homes to more prospective buyers than they ever could have reached by the Sunday paper alone.

Top Realtors® know that using technology in many forms is key to giving customized, personal service in today's high-speed world. A good web site is a must, of course, where potential buyers can see what's available, and potential sellers can learn about the Realtor's® services. But the true value of using technology shows throughout the process. Want to see a home that's just come on the market? Your Realto®r can phone no matter where he is thanks to cell technology. Is your spouse away and you want to share a home you just saw?  Take a photo with that palm-sized digital camera, download the photo, and email your find anywhere in the world. Do you need to exchange paperwork? The offer, contract, inspection report, and many others can be emailed or faxed for next-minute delivery. 

The increasing use of technology in real estate is improving the speed and accuracy of many aspects of the business. But there remains one characteristic of a great Realtor® that technology will not change – the commitment to personal service. Computers and cell phones can simplify our lives and speed up transactions. So, yes, it's important for your Realtor® to be tech savvy. But it's even more important to always put extraordinary service first, because the human connection is still the most important part of any successful real estate experience.