From telephones to televisions and computers to cars, you’d be hard-pressed to find an aspect of our lives that hasn’t been affected by the internet revolution. And for those hopping in to the world of real estate, you’ll see that this industry has been significantly influenced by the interconnectivity of the world wide web. For example, approximately 95% of all home sales now begin with an online search. Consumers are more and more focused on viewing a home from the comfort of their computer screen before visiting it in person. In order to have a successful transition in this ever-changing market, you’ll need a tech-savvy agent to guide you along.

What skills does a tech savvy realtor offer that others don’t? Why not think about it like this: modern technology allows us to communicate with each other instantaneously from almost anywhere on the earth. Modern tech also lets us look into the lives of friends, family and even complete strangers. This means that selling or buying a home in this market is very dependent on how connected your realtor is with the clients on the other end of the transaction. So what are the important characteristics that point out a tech savvy realtor? The following can help point you in the right direction

1. The most important tool of a tech-savvy agent is a powerful online home search. Remember, people in real estate want to view potential homes quickly and efficiently. If you’re working with an agent who’s site doesn’t cater to visitors looking for a real estate search, you are going to lose a huge amount of potential traffic.
2. A good website is also key. If you think that your realtor’s website is frustrating to use or has an outdated look, chances are there are others who are thinking the same thing. And with 4G speeds and free wifi just about everywhere, it only takes a fraction of a second to hit that “back” button and go to a different website.
3. Social media. Blogging, tweeting, posting, etc. Although this part of the tech savvy world does not always directly relate to buyers and sellers, it shows that your agent is plugged in and in tune with the on goings of the rest of the online community. This is a good indicator that they understand how to use the internet to provide their clients the best possible service.
4. Picture quality. It’s said that “a picture is worth 1,000 words,” but with online real estate, this is a gross understatement. If your realtor posts grainy or dark pictures that look like they were taken from an old cell phone, please move along. A realtor that is serious about properly staging a property will take the time and effort to invest in quality pictures because he/she knows that it matters.

By following these four simple guidelines, you’ll be able to find the right realtor for you. Remember, in today’s market, using technology isn’t a luxury- it’s a necessity. So if you’re looking for a realtor with the right tech solutions for you, be sure to contact Daniela Pellicciotti daniela@condoideas.com, today!

By Andrew Hill @http://www.austinhomelistings.com/.