The Future of Real Estate Technology and How NOT to Get Left Behind

We’re about to send you back to the future! (I had to say that, sorry). That’s because I’m fired up to talk to you about Real Estate Technology on this episode of the podcast. And it’s not the type of technology you might be thinking of when I say that phrase. Yes, we all love our computerized MLS listings and such, but with the rise of social media and more and more changes happening every day, there’s a whole lot more that can be considered real estate technology than there used to be. On this episode I’m going to talk about what’s coming down the pike in terms of how real estate business technologies are changing and what we can do to keep up with the changes so our business doesn’t decline or get left behind.

Real estate technology is NOT what you think.

There are all kinds of existing real estate tech tools out there that help us do our jobs day to day. You know what they are so I don’t need to give you the review. But on this episode of The Onion Juice I’m going to give you some food for thought regarding other technologies that you should or could be using that would make your use of those traditional ones more frequent (which means more activity in your pipeline) and more effective (which means more sales). I really get excited thinking about these things. Take the time to listen so you can get your own creative juices flowing about how YOU might be able to leverage the technologies that are being created for your own real estate success.

If you’re not providing value, your marketing is a waste of time and money

Not too long ago you could put an advertisement in your local real estate magazines with a headshot of your beautiful mug on it and people would call you up to talk about buying or selling a home. But that’s by far the smallest avenue through which real estate agents get their leads these days. Marketing has changed. Buyers are more savvy to the tricks that marketers have played on them for years and want to see you prove yourself to them before they will trust you. How do you do that? By providing HUGE VALUE to them before the sale. On this episode I’m going to show you how easily social media technology makes that task and give you some insights into what you might be able to do in the future to build the relationships that turn into clients and sales.

The American Family DreamBank is an example of kicking butts and taking names (in a marketing sense)!

I live and work in Madison, Wisconsin – and I LOVE my town! American Family Insurance is based here in Madison and has just opened up an amazingly brilliant public space that has everyone talking. Following the theme they’ve been promoting in their television and radio commercials they have opened the DreamBank here in downtown Madison. It’s a place where anyone can come, free of charge, and take classes, learn skills, and receive truly valuable things – and it’s all funded by AFI. Why would they spend so much money? Because they understand that their generosity will pay off as the public develops a more and more favorable perception of their company through the effort. What can you do to create more value to your community to ensure that you are top of mind when they need your services? Get some more ideas on this episode.

Powerful Real Estate Technologies are coming – but you’ve got nothing to worry about.

I hear it all the time – naysayers who are fearful that technology will cost them their jobs as real estate agents. I get their concerns but don’t share them. Not at all. The reason I don’t feel threatened by technological advances in real estate in the least is because I know that real estate is and always will be a RELATIONAL business. All the technology in the world can’t replace the human touch that has to be present in most real estate transactions. People trust people, especially in the most significant situations (like buying or selling a home). Keep focusing on building trusting relationships with your clients and when the Real Estate Technology comes knocking on your door, you won’t have anything to worry about.

Outline of this great episode

[0:28] My introduction to this episode – and my brand new studio!
[1:37] Why we have it made in terms of the opportunities we have to socialize.
[6:41] The educational model of providing value and the American Family Insurance example: The Dream Bank.
[10:17] Another example: Our second office, located inside a local health club.
[13:22] How I’ve been using Facebook LIVE to build community and start conversations.
[16:46] Why you should consider podcasting about your town/city.
[18:59] 2 new things coming from Facebook (at least I HEARD they are coming).
[23:13] The fun of witnessing a phenomenon like Pokemon Go… and what it has to do with this topic.
[26:30] The Game to Relationship to Sales approach.
[28:31] My thoughts about Snapchat Geofilters and how we can use them for marketing.
[29:30] How people are using virtual goggles to sell houses.
[31:00] Why human relationships will never go away in real estate: the tickle and yawn effect.
[33:00] Don’t let the tools overcome your passion to build great relationships.