Staley is a seasoned veteran who has thrived in a competitive marketplace for more than a decade. Wuertz has only been in the real estate business for 18 months, but he has quickly become one of the
top-producing agents in his office. The technology they have incorporated into their businesses, especially Internet
websites and e-mail, allows them to work smarter, more efficiently, keep up with the speed of information, and therefore provide the best service to customers.
Staley believes that many real estate professionals shy away from technology, fearful that the Internet poses a threat, or is just too vast an unknown territory.
“I didn’t know a thing about computers when I got into the business. They were a novelty.” Staley admits.
These days, the need for information is paramount. “If you are not able to quickly produce information for your customers, they will lose faith in you and go to someone who can,” Staley said. “The Internet can keep them informed.” His website provides information that his customers desire: listing information, neighborhood resources, as well as news and contact information.
Staley has created a website that features a client service center, where his customers can log in and view transaction information. Staley knows customers feel better when they can track the progress of their account. “I want them to bookmark my site and keep coming back to it.”
Wuertz also focuses on providing essential information to his clients; his main tool is e-mail, because it is an easy way to get the information out there.
“I focus on sending them information that is helpful to them, such as home improvement tips, market TRENDs and interest rates,” he said. E-mail allows him to distribute this information to his customers quickly, efficiently and in a cost-effective manner.
More and more people are using e-mail as the primary way to communicate with important people in their lives. Wuertz likes to be one of these important people, communicating with his customers via e-mail, and keeping his name in their Inbox. “Seeing my name in their Inboxes often lets them know that I am on the job, working my hardest for them.”
More technologically savvy real estate professionals are appearing all over in an attempt to keep up with the increasing amount of technologically savvy customers. They use computer and Internet tools to streamline their business, organize their communications and increase their sales.
However, technology tools alone do not guarantee success. They are most effective when combined with good old-fashioned people skills. Wuertz reminds us, “A critical part of this business is face-to-face contact. Technology, though a vital part, will never replace the human element.”