In the midst of all our running around, we started thinking about how "easy" we have it compared to agents 20 years ago. As Realtors now, we certainly still face many challenges and obstacles, but we also have so many conveniences at our disposal to help us serve our clients and build our business.
For example, we no longer have to carry around multiple big folders filled with paper contracts. The biggest concern with those is losing an important document belonging to a client, especially when juggling several transactions! The Murphy Team uses a program called Cartavi to store scanned copies of all documents throughout a transaction. We know they are safe, and we know we can access them and print a new copy at any time using this program. It also makes the auditing process much more efficient when closing time arrives.
Another great advancement we enjoy is e-signing documents. We know our clients appreciate this as well! Years ago, Realtors and clients had to meet every time a document needed to be signed or initialed. Today we still sit down to sign some documents, but once a transaction is moving along we can scan and send contracts through Docusign, and our clients can open them via email and sign from their computer or smart phone--we can get business done even when clients are in another state! It is a wonderful asset for us, especially when we are doing business late in the evening or on weekends! We try to make the selling or buying process as easy as possible for our clients, and Docusign is crucial for that. This process also makes it more efficient to send documents to other agents working with us on transactions. We can meet tight deadlines and keep the process moving forward without waiting on agents to drive back and forth to acquire signatures or make necessary changes.
What about the sorting process before we ever sign any purchase offer paperwork? How did buyers find houses 20 or 25 years ago? Agents had to reach out to other agents in their office to see what was on the market or look at posters put up in offices to advertise listings. Agents would then take buyers out to view 20-30 houses that met their criteria to see which ones they actually liked. There was no Realtor.com or online MLS system to view photos of homes and focus in on what buyers felt suited their taste. Today, we have a powerful MLS system that gives us up to 30 photos, tax information, square footage, sales history, and much more. This MLS system is not only helpful for buyers, but is an amazing tool for sellers because it allows their home, once listed, to be pushed out and accessed by all agents in this region. Homes gain more exposure and are more marketable because so many agents can send them to their clients to set up showings. Powerful marketing!
Speaking of marketing, we enjoy a few tools today that agents had never dreamed of in years past. This blog is one of our favorite ways to stay in touch with clients and share information. We also utilize video emails, social media, and fantastic graphics programs to create materials to share with clients. We are able to educate clients and reach them in so many ways today and feel very fortunate to be able to utilize so many wonderful tools to help buyers and sellers!
We are well aware there are agents who prefer "old school" ways of doing business that have worked for them for many years. We pay tribute to industry leaders who have paved the way for agents like us, but we also know that this business is fast-paced and client-focused. We are always thinking about how to work more efficiently for our clients, and new technologies and forward-thinking business practices are the tools that will allow us to provide our clients with top-notch service. So, when you are ready to buy or sell, think about the type of agent who will best represent you and offer you the most up-to-date services critical to a great real estate transaction.
We are well aware there are agents who prefer "old school" ways of doing business that have worked for them for many years. We pay tribute to industry leaders who have paved the way for agents like us, but we also know that this business is fast-paced and client-focused. We are always thinking about how to work more efficiently for our clients, and new technologies and forward-thinking business practices are the tools that will allow us to provide our clients with top-notch service. So, when you are ready to buy or sell, think about the type of agent who will best represent you and offer you the most up-to-date services critical to a great real estate transaction.
What do you all think? Did anyone out there buy or sell a home at least 20 years ago? How has real estate changed from a client's perspective? We would love to hear from you!
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