Don’t be afraid of technology
The real estate business has changed radically in the last few years. Internet-based searches for homes and electronic communication have become the norm, rather than the exception. Nothing will ever replace the face-to-face interaction between agent and client, but you will never get a chance at that personal contact if you ignore the technology which leads prospective clients to you. Everyone has a computer, and over 75% of buyers use the internet for part of their home search.

Be afraid of technology
They are lots of people out there who want to take advantage of technology to steal from you. Keep your anti-virus and spyware software updated. Be aware of ‘phishing” scams, which will try to steal your identity by sending simulated emails from legitimate companies. Be suspicious of anyone who asks you for confidential information via email. Never reply to unsolicited business offers from email. Change your passwords frequently, and never give them to others. Ignore schemes that seem to good to be true. They always are.

Be a Realtor, not a Webmaster
There is a big difference between being familiar with technology and trying to do it all yourself. Hire someone to assist you and your office with technology needs. This is the most important investment you can make in your business, because it will free you to increase the amount of time you dedicate to your core function: selling real estate.

Ask for help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, from friends, associates, vendors, your kids(!) and especially the RE/MAX of New Jersey Help Desk staff. There is no such thing as a stupid tech question, unless you fair to ask it.

Read
Take 30 minutes a day, every day, to keep informed about the latest trends in real estate and technology. There are lots of online subscriptions to real estate newsletters and other resources, but they are useless if you don’t take the time to read them. (You would be amazed how many people don’t bother to read these tech tips!)

Attend meetings, seminars and conventions
Each time I go to one of these gatherings, it’s like a meeting of old friends, because the same people attend each time, every time. These people all tell me the same thing: If they only learn one new thing, then it is worth the time and trouble to attend, because it increases their business, and subsequently their income. Who are these people? We actually make a list of their names and offices – it’s called “Top Producers”.

Check and answer email
Not daily, or when you get a chance, but at least EVERY FOUR HOURS! This is the most important thing you can do to let people know that you care about their eBusiness. You probably can’t schedule the time to keep up with this, so hire someone else to do it for you.(see above). If you don’t, your competition will.