In the ’80s, the MLS Existed as a Picture Book: How Technology Has Changed Everything
From a technology standpoint, the world is a much different place. For example, in 1987, there was no computerized Multiple Listing System (MLS). Couples would come into the office to get pre-qualified for a loan, and then they would look in a picture book, several inches thick, that got dropped off at the office every two weeks.
Then, calls had to be made to various brokers’ offices to see if the properties were still available. There was a lot of direct mail marketing and cold calling (both by mail and by door knocking), too. It was brutal. You might irritate 100 people to get a yes. What a ridiculous way to build a brand, right?
Eventually, things started to change, especially when the MLS came out. The beeper and bag phone (super expensive) soon followed, and then the real game changer was the fax machine, which eliminated the need to drive around until midnight trying to get papers signed. Now our Smartphones handle all those tasks as long as their charged.
Today, the life of a real estate agent is much different due to all the changes in technology, but the same goes for a real estate investor.
So, let’s take a look at some of the powerful tools that are now at our disposal, as well as how they impact different aspects of real estate investing.
Finding Deals
When it comes to finding deals, more and more can be accessed online and not only through the MLS. There are all types of platforms for everything from HUD houses and REOs to tax liens and notes.
Social media has also become a prominent tool for building relationships to do more deals, with everything from Instagram to Facebook and LinkedIn groups. You can even sell houses on eBay or Craigslist, and sites like Zillow and Realtor.com have become essential tools, too.
Marketing
Another area that has changed dramatically is marketing.
Today, all kinds of things can be done online to market for raising capital, finding vendors and contractors, and selling our real estate or related services. One of the most significant marketing processes that have evolved is content marketing, or in other words, providing relevant content to attract a well-defined audience, and this can include blog writing, webinars, podcasts, etc. Plus, most of these things can be created from one’s smartphone!
Another big one is email marketing using software like MailChimp, Constant Contact, or Infusionsoft to follow up with or distribute content to your customers and clients.
There are also all types of contact management systems, as well as property management software.
Software and Hardware
With current and emerging software programs, our capabilities are exponential, and hardware is continuously improving as well.
For example, being able to store documents electronically, to have things accessible on a cloud using programs like QuickBooks, and to back up data for disaster recovery are all pretty amazing capabilities compared to what we could do just 30 years ago.
I love time-saving tools like DocuSign, secure upload platforms for confidential documents, and even Google Maps and Waze. How did we live without them?
Due Diligence
The ease of performing due diligence has dramatically increased as well. I can’t fathom owning hundreds of properties and loans nationwide today without the technology. There are almost too many online resources to mention that help us with due diligence, including broker price opinions (BPOs), credit reports, skip tracing, REO liquidation software, online title reports, and online access to courthouse records.
People
Moreover, let’s not forget the people. The virtual assistant has changed the way we work, as well as when we work and where we have to work. Today, we can get affordable help 24/7 worldwide. Not only can you utilize virtual assistants, but there are also virtual receptionists available. Today, it seems like anyone can be a consultant or freelancer and work when and from wherever they want to.
As you can see, the opportunities are almost endless. It’s so exciting. It’s easier to start a business today, although it could be a little tougher to get noticed with all the noise out there.
So, when operating your property management company, how are you using technology to improve and differentiate yourselves?
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