While a smooth organizational style and a well-oiled system can keep most businesses going indefinitely, it is difficult to be competitive in real estate without making full use of available technology. If you think of yourself as being in the marketing business rather than the property business, or even better, the information business rather than the marketing business, some of the ways that effective use of available technology can give you a competitive advantage will begin to open up before your eyes.



Technology that allows you to capture, process, and store information is essential for the quick turn real estate business. A digital camera kept in your car or briefcase will allow you to capture details more effectively than a thousand words scribbled on a notepad. And when you get home you can upload them directly to your personal computer, which can be a desktop, laptop, or palm sized, depending on your desired level of mobility.

That same computer will of course contain office software including a word processor, giving you the capability to create and edit documents electronically, and a spreadsheet program, giving you the capability to store and retrieve large amounts of data. Other software that can be helpful is calendar and email software. Of course, with all that important data on your computer it is wise to have appropriate backups in place in case of fire, theft, or other unfortunate occurrence.

Data can be backed up physically in a safe place or online. The worst tragedy would be to lose your buyers list, so you don't want to take a chance. And finally, with a multifunction printer to boot, which gives you the ability to print, scan, fax, and copy for a reasonable price, you can have an entire document center at your command.

All the information you have is no good to you, however, if you don't talk to people. Technology that allows you to communicate effectively is an important component of the success of your business. Does your business have an 800 number? An 800 fax number? A local phone and fax number? Multiple extensions with separate voicemail boxes? Automatic call logging?

Telephone technology available to the entrepreneur includes automated business phone systems that provide all of these functions and more. What's more, you can use phone technology across the internet thanks to VOIP software, allowing you to integrate your telephone and computer system seamlessly. Written communication is equally important, so email is essential as well.

One of the most important features for the email software you use to have is searchability. If you can archive and search all of your incoming and outgoing messages you will be able to store and access a wealth of information that is important to your business. Email and the internet go hand in hand of course, and the internet is an ever-expanding source of new business.

Websites and autoresponders allow new buyers or sellers to read about what you do, contact you with questions, and sign up for your mailing list to receive further information, all of which helps them learn about you and build confidence in your offer.

Technology really can make your life easier if you use it the right way. What's more important, it can make your business more effective, more hands-free, and keep it going indefinitely as you go about living your life.