Technology Survey

REALTORS® surveyed on use of technology

The 2005 REALTOR® Technology Efficiency Survey, conducted jointly by NAR's Center for Realtor® Technol-ogy and FBS Data Systems, found that 68 percent of REALTORS® polled indicated they use the Internet to generate leads, but six out of ten of this group only get 10 percent or less of their leads through the Internet. The top sources of Internet leads are company and agent Web sites.

According to the survey, agents realize the importance of the internet for generating leads and most are using the Internet in some way to do this, but only 12 percent are using any system to qualify leads. About three-fourths said they were not satisfied with the number or quality of internet leads.

It should come as no surprise that referrals and repeat clients are most important for generating leads. More than 40 percent of those surveyed indicated that half or more of their business is based on referral or repeat clients. Even though referral and repeat clients are the most important methods of generating new business, only 22 percent of respondents were "very pleased" with the methods they use for staying in touch with past clients.

Only 13 percent of respondents report they use any form of automated transaction management system. Sixty-eight percent, however, expressed interest in using transaction management systems in the future

Highlights from CBR Tech Day

On July 26, over 240 members had the opportunity to visit with 18 vendors offering a variety of technology products and services including DVD advertising, productivity tools, VOIP and cellular services.

Our thanks to all who attended and the vendors for their time spent with our members and the door prizes they provided. Also a special thanks to Homestead Mortgage for manning the refreshment center. The vendors who were present are:

• Cord Camera
• Bell Haun
• Laassaadi International
• Pure Life Services
• Franklin Covey
• Verizon
• Broker Tools
• Nextel
• ShowingTime
• Sprint
• Top Producer
• Centralized Showing Service
• DVD Homezine
• No More Phone Tag
• Visual Tour
• T-Mobile
• CU Home
• U-Fax