Got Budget for Technology?
Can you believe that today’s average agent may have to invest up to $1,200 on technology tools for their business? Agents are finding the need to budget for more and better tools to stay relevant to the ever changing marketplace.
As an example, a recent post from the National Association of Realtors reported that the 3 top tools agents are looking to invest include smart phones, notebook/laptops and digital cameras to help them connect with more buyers and sellers.
But there is one important omission in this report, and that is the cost of tools and products needed to equip a home office. With more and more agents opting to work out of their homes, agents are also faced with selecting just the right tools to best serve their home office needs.
As an example, a printer is a primary choice on the home office list. But with limited space and budget, smart agents want a piece of equipment that can multi-task, including scanning, copying and faxing…and all with a wireless option.
Besides contracts and riders, many agents need a printer for producing marketing materials and brochures. Even with the latest innovations using QR codes and text connections, the printed brochure remains an important marketing bridge to prospects.
A recent interview with a highly successful top producer stunned an audience with the results of his experiment to determine the viability of using the traditional brochure boxes as a marketing tool versus some of the latest wireless or automatic response call systems.
He tested his marketplace with brochure boxes instead of the 800 call capture signs. The response proved that the information in the brochure box, when done properly showed an impressive increase in responses. By “properly” he insisted that the brochure have high quality pictures taken with a wide angle lens and that the print be in color using ink that doesn’t run when wet. The other important tip was to include an online resource for more information on the backside of the brochure. Include additional property options in the same price range to expand the value of the brochure as well. I found that my Kodak 6150 printer/fax/scanner was the perfect solution to this challenge. Not only will it print two-sided documents in minutes, the color is terrific and the cost for refills is under $30.
Another issue agents need to deal with is that banks are now requiring documents to be scanned, especially when working with short sales or foreclosures. By having equipment that can multi task will definitely save time and money while keeping agents in sync with the latest banking regulations.
Whether you’re an agent working from an office or home, having access to high- quality office equipment is critical and a high efficiency, low cost, all in one printer may just be the perfect addition to your high performance office.
Bio: Terri Murphy is a licensed Real estate broker, author, speaker, communication consultant, and e-Strategist. She is the author of 5 books, including one with Donald Trump. She is the Pres. of MurphyOnRealEstate as CIO of U. S. Learning in Memphis. email: Terri@TerriMurphy.com
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Tags: budgets, home office equipment, Real Estate, Realtors, technology
