|
By definition, real estate agents and REALTORS® are mobile professionals. In order to succeed, you need to work out of the office, holding open houses, meeting clients, showing properties and scouting new MLS listings. But staying in touch when you're on the go
can often be cumbersome. Portable devices aren't always wireless - before you
know it, you're tangled up in wires and cables, sorting through multiple devices
and adapters, which makes working from the road just plain counterproductive. There are nearly 10 million U.S. wireless subscribers today; in fact, experts estimate that by 2005 there will be over 1.26 billion wireless phone users around the world. This means that wireless technology and products will change the way we do business, especially in the real estate world. We've already seen how the Internet has
affected the home buying process: more prospective house-hunters are turning to
the Web to do their research and are even buying online, and in some cases,
eliminating the need for an agent. It's clear that wireless technology will
bring great changes to your industry. So prepare yourself for the wireless 21st
century now. This article will not only introduce you to wireless connectivity,
but also show you how to use these devices to stay alive in the ever-changing
real estate game. The benefits of wireless connectivity can be
uniquely tailored to meet the demands of the real estate professional. Imagine
this:
With advantages like this, you can give your
clients all the information they need without having to go back to the office or
call your assistant! There are already several products on the market that
make going wireless a reality, including "smart" phones, wireless
modems and Bluetooth technology. "Smart" phones, so-called for
their breadth of features, not only include all the features of basic cell
phones, such as address book and voice mail, but also an Internet browser, 2-way
e-mail for sending and receiving, voice recorders and voice recognition. Some
ambitious smart phone models, like the Kyocera pdQ Smartphone series, even offer
PDA capabilities, including data book and memo functions. Expect to pay upwards
of $400 for these new-to-market phones. Another way to wirelessly access the
Internet is with powerful wireless modems, which allow you to connect your cell
phone to your laptop - or even your phone to your PDA - for a wireless modem
connection. These modems are ideal
for not only maximizing the mobile equipment you have; they're also convenient
if you're doing business in a location without an available modem or telephone
connection. If you prefer working with the larger screen and comfortable
keyboard on your laptop, or anticipate heavy wireless usage on your PDA,
wireless modems are your best solutions. Cellular
modems range from $179 to $199. The next wireless innovation on the horizon
is Bluetooth technology. Developed by a coalition of several major
wireless companies, Bluetooth utilizes short wave radio links to make wireless
contact with other devices; therefore, Bluetooth-enabled devices do not require
cables, adapters or connections, resulting in the ultimate in wireless
connectivity. One of the first Bluetooth products
available is a wireless handsfree headset from Ericsson. The headset allows
users to continue making and receiving calls through the headset - even if they
are up to 30 feet away from their phones! The Ericsson Bluetooth headset retails
for approximately $230. Developers expect to extend this technology to
everything from cell phones and PDAs to office equipment and household
appliances. All of these advances in wireless technology will be immensely valuable to real estate professionals. In an industry where one missed call or a single lost e-mail can mean the difference between making the sale and losing it to someone else, you know the value of staying in touch at all times. Wireless connectivity can make all the difference. |
