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With each new year comes an opportunity to rethink the products
and services that empower your real estate career. As 2010
dawns, the desire to upgrade is tempered by the economic
realities of today, forcing many to selectively invest in
technology to improve service and attract clients in a
challenging marketplace. Real estate professionals are now so
reliant on such a mix of equipment and technologies that
simplification and integration of multiple solutions seems to be
a common goal. Seasoned pros and those new to the trade want
easy solutions for their essential needs.
While a few anxiously await that next “big thing,” more will
target specific needs, upgrade proven tools to this year’s
model, and find more in the bargain. For those new to the
profession, or anyone on a tight budget, the question is: What
investments will reap maximum rewards?
Online, the overarching importance of a Web site and the buzz
around social networking has many exploring ways to boost site
traffic and nurture relationships that promise referrals and
clients. Some look to blogging to establish their unique
expertise and boost search engine placement. Video continues to
grow in importance as a tool for tours and testimonials.
Associates and brokers alike are on the hunt for fully
integrated solutions, or piecing them together to put them in
the “cloud” of Web-based productivity.
In the office, the new lineup of very affordable desktop
systems and print solutions gives ample cause to revisit these
categories. In the field, a smartphone seems de rigueur. With
prices starting under $100, there’s something for every real
estate professional. But no single product yet fully realizes
the promise of having one device for all your needs. If you want
a phone that can truly serve as your camera, for instance, you
will still carry a netbook or notebook. Netbooks, especially
will find their ways into more hands, given the low price and
convenience.
But stay tuned: two highly speculated-on products expected to
appear in 2010 could redraw many wish lists and the tech
landscape in coming months. If and when Apple unveils its
version of a tablet/netbook, it could promote a new mobile
standard. Then there’s the anticipated Google version of a
smartphone running the Google Android operating system. And
Google being Google ... well, we’ll just have to wait and see
what’s in store for 2010. |
