Posted Under Rob Scaralia,
RE/MAX 1st Choice
From enormous, car-mounted beasts to tiny terminals in our back pockets, mobile phones have come a long way. What once cost thousands, weighed 2 pounds, and packed 60 minutes of battery life, now costs $99, weighs 4 ounces, and packs 5 to 10 hours of battery life–and also includes a full-fledged computer, a video camera, audio/video playback, and high-speed Internet access.
The mobile phone, commonly known as the “Smart Phone” is just one example of how on-going changes in technology, affects our behavior, and more importantly, as Realtors, how we do business. The speed with which technology has evolved is mind boggling.
Just ask Rob Scaralia, Broker Owner of RE/MAX 1st Choice, who has been a Realtor in Rhode Island since 1985.
“When I was first licensed as a Realtor in 1985, communication with anyone was a laborious task. During the course of a day, if you happened to be out on the road and someone tried to call you, a message was written on a pink message slip because we did not have voice mail systems in our offices. Sometimes it could actually take days to connect with someone because we both had to be tethered to a land line at the same time to communicate with each other. In addition, once I finally connected to a client, the next step was giving them access to real estate data. At that time, the most efficient way for buyers to get information about real estate was for them to meet in person, and flip through an MLS book which contained one black and white exterior photo of the home and a brief property description. Plus, the book was only updated once every two weeks. If a buyer wanted timely information, classified ads in the Providence Journal seemed the best bet, and therefore newspaper advertising was extremely important for a realtor.”
Rob Scaralia and his father on one of his first listing appointments
Today, the role of a Realtor has changed dramatically. Beginning with the internet and online listings, clients already have instant access to MLS. Therefore, a realtor’s value proposition is found assisting the client and navigating the complex buying and/or selling process, as opposed to just supplying them with property information.
“Real Estate professionals need to be equal to the consumer’s ability to access information on demand from any location they find themselves as it relates to home ownership and all the qualitative and quantitative considerations that go hand in hand with a Real Estate Experience,” Scaralia adds.
There have been many technological advances over the past several years and there will be more to come, shaping the way we handle business. As many people often resist change, it is more imperative than ever to embrace it, becoming more efficient and effective. Imagine where you would be, as a realtor, if you still were relying on MLS books and pink message slips.
Where do you Want to be?
Check Out This Video From The Past
Interesting Facts About the Mobile Phone
- According to The 2012 Swanepoel Trends Report, starting in 1973 mobile phone growth was very slow. After 20 years there were only 12.4 million users worldwide. However, the numbers exploded over the next 20 years to 4.6 billion.
- In 2012 smart phones are expected to exceed personal computers.
- Currently 9 out of 10 Americans have a mobile phone!
- Many trends state that because of the capabilities of a hand held device, ultimately the PC will be obsolete
- An estimated 30 million apps are downloaded every day transforming the mobile device.
