Technology Tools Required for Real Estate Agents

I was inspired today by an interview request for Realtor Magazine. The journalist wants to interview me for the top tools that every real estate agent needs.

So here you go, in no particular order:

Cell Phone – Ideally a smart phone; I prefer iPhone to Android

Tablet or Laptop – I prefer the iPad with a keyboard an internet connection. iPads are portable, always connected, large enough for presentations with clients, fast, battery lasts forever, fits in a lady's purse—but best of all, they allow your customers to digitally sign agreements.

MLS – The multiple listing service is the top tool for every agent. Good MLSs have integrated tax records so you will have access to all parcel records along with active listings, pending, withdrawn, and recently sold properties.

Lock Box – You need to get your lock box software set up with whatever your association or MLS provides.

Forms – Everything happens on a contract in real estate. Good news is that your association or MLS has a forms solution included with your dues.

CRM – Customer Relationship Management systems are magic. They integrate with your phone's calendar and contacts, have marketing and sales plans that you can follow, and offer things like flyers, property pages, social media posts, etc.

Website – You should have a website with IDX property search and ideally a mobile app too. Sometimes, these are bundled with your CRM for a more complete solution.

CMA – Your MLS or your broker will provide you with a CMA tool. Comparative market analysis tools allow you to compare properties and show those comparisons to your prospects in a listing presentation.

Photographer – Don't mess with photography unless you are a hobbyist. Hire a photographer to take your headshots and bio-video—then work out a deal for them to shoot your listings and do 360° virtual tours with virtual staging.

Social Media Marketing – You must have a Facebook business page and LinkedIn profile at the very least. If you want to use Twitter, Clubhouse, Snapchat or Instagram, go for it. But don't waste your time unless you already used Twitter, Clubhouse, Snap, Insta, etc.

Accounting Solution – As a real estate agent, you are running a business. You must collect your expenses and income information in software to make sure that tax filing is not a burden. Maybe a dedicated business credit card and bank account is not a bad idea either.

Yard Signs – Get from your broker.

Transaction Coordinator – Managing closings is a pain. Most transaction coordinators will do your transaction for some price between $75 and $500. Find a person that you like because they will be taking care of your clients through closing.