We recently spoke with Jason McClellan, a REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant, to find out his opinions on REW.

Jason's business has evolved over the years from hardware to building custom website applications to providing a service by using SaaS Tools to deliver fast easy to use applications to real estate professionals.

REW™ Certificants have the opportunity to speak their thoughts about REW for showcase on the Webographers.com corporate blog. Here are Jason's thoughts on REW:

1) What is your background?
 
My background varies from early retail and food service while in school to jumping on one of the 1st Internet Companies providing eCommerce back in 1994.   That evolved into working with one of the largest search engines up in San Francisco, LOOKsmart.  I was following the stock options which lead me back to one of the original founders of one of the largest Malls on the Web as a server administrator heading up a development team where employees local and abroad collaborated with us.   Technology has always been my focus with a high regard for customer service and usability.

2) Why did you undertake the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certification?
 
It was one of the few educational programs I found that can bring an agent or broker up to speed.
 
3) Which course (or courses) did you find the most value in?
 
All of them were valuable.  Even if I knew the answers it doesn't hurt to have a refresher now and again.

4) In what ways will you utilize the technologies you learned in the REW certification to enhance your career or business?
 
It will allow my wife's brokerage to grow utilizing the latest technologies to speed transactions, provide our clients with the best customer service and save time and money.   Her company, Triple8 Associates Inc, is as paperless as they come. 

5) How long did it take you to complete the certification and what are your impressions of the online experience?
 
I could of tested out as fast as I could get through it but I took my time to review the lessons, got busy putting out fires and missed my deadline and had to reinstate.   My background gave me the tools so I had a built in knowledge base.   I recommend it to any agent who I speak with.

Thanks Jason, and all the best!

Coming into 2010, you'll see a strong theme at Webographers.com of the REW Certification being the "First Certification" that should be obtained in a Real Estate professional's career.

As of late, we're seeing a rush of the following professionals seeking the REW Certification:

(1) Those Considering a Real Estate License - Those considering a real estate career, are seeking the REW Certification.  We've had numerous calls, inquiries and sign-ups on those about to enter license training.  Q&A with this audience has shown that real estate technology and establishing a consumer-facing web presence is foremost on their minds due to their experience as a real estate consumer...the REW Certification is a part of their business planning for when they obtain their license. 

FACT: Individuals do not have to already have their real estate license to obtain the REW Certification.

(2) Those Obtaining Their License -  Those currently in Real Estate License Classes (Pre-License Training) are a hot group currently obtaining the REW Certification.  Without question, REW Certification is the most desired certification, coming first in their educational pipeline...as it pertains to establishing a "online business storefront, with consumer-facing backend technologies to manage one's business".  Other niche speciality certifications for working with "Seniors", or "Luxury" properties, are certifications as deemed as useful "later" in one's career.

(3) Those Yet to Adopt Technology - Those agents & brokers who have yet to adopt technologies and surround themselves with technology-driven assistants to grow business as a top-producer, are turning to the REW Certification.  This audience is true of the first-year agent, or the 20+ year career agent.   This audience has likely put off adopting new, online business strategies to best work with today's tech-savvy consumer. 

Today's consumer is very choosy about working with professionals who clearly show technology is a competency of their business.  "Wearing" the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER certification, clearly shows a benchmark towards technology adoption and usage.

It came up very short.  We took further review at Huddle, specifically the Enterprise Edition.  Brokers have inquired about its applicability to have a private community with collaboration, community and workspaces for objectives.

We have an Enterprise package for your review..."contact us" to see for yourselves.  For project management or a private intranet tool for small business, it is not recommended.

-------------- 

(1) What we did not like about Huddle.net

-- Whiteboards - A core feature is a opensource, WYSIWYG editor to save a blip of HTML.  There is no immediate collaboration or discussion around the Whiteboard.  And it's unclear to what it's purpose is.

-- Online Meetings - Only discovered and available with "Premium", "Plus" and "Enterprise" editions (you won't see this in the free edition when trialing), are Online Meetings.  Biggest disappointment by far.  The online meeting tool is a 3rd party tool licensed by Huddle to power online meetings (like WebEx, GotoMeeting, etc).  The launch and use of meeting is ackward, and the inclusive whiteboard (upon mouseclick) simply opens Microsoft Paint on your computer (click "Start" -> Accessories -> click "Paint").

-- Meetings - you can schedule meetings in Huddle, but when scheduling in Enterprise, it always displays the details of the Online Meeting tool that comes inclusive with Huddle (which we don't recommend using).  You can't turn this display off as administrator for your users when creating meetings...but you can disable Meetings all-together, which nulls out a big component of scheduling meetings in the first place.

-- Not Intuitive - given overall workflow from using and administering Huddle Enterprise it can be confusing on overall purpose. 

-------------- 

(2) What we did like about Huddle.net

Good staff there...but product just comes up very short.

-------------- 

(3) Come Trial Enterprise With Us!

We have an Enterprise, Huddle.net package available for your review today to ensure you make a more informed purchase on higher level packages of Huddle.  We have this package for another 10 months that we're not using, so come and toy with it.  Feel free to "contact us" to have an account created in our Enterprise package to see Huddle Enterprise and draw your own conclusions.

Webographers.com, owners and administrators of the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER (REW) Certification is offering a Holiday special for the next 200 users or until Dec 31, 2009.

The special promo of $19.99 is monthly until you complete the REW™ Certification. Complete within 30 days and it's yours for only $19.99! 

Note, the certification generally retails for $199 for 3 months to complete the certification.

Regretfully, this promotion is just for the next 200 professionals to sign-up, so please act quickly.

We recently spoke with Les Burrus, a REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant, to find out his opinions on REW.

Les is a real estate agent working with WestMark REALTORS in Lubbock, TX.   Having a varied background of experiences, Les received his license as a Texas Real estate agent 2 years ago to help people achieve their dreams and further his own.

REW™ Certificants have the opportunity to speak their thoughts about REW for showcase on the Webographers.com corporate blog. Here are Les' thoughts on REW:

1) What is your background?

I have an MDIV degree from Asbury Theological Seminary serving in the pastorate and 7 years in France.   I was raised on a farm and have spent several years raising and selling vegetables and working in the Restaurant business.   Investing in rental properties have always been interesting to me and the real estate business seems a logical discipline to reach my goals.

2) Why did you undertake the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certification?

I took the Webographers course to further my knowledge in the industry trying to maintain a cutting edge on what’s knew.  This helps me to achieve the goals of the code of Ethics for REALTORS.  To be knowledgeable of the real estate industry. 

3) Which course (or courses) did you find the most value in?

I found the transaction management and electronic forms to be the most beneficial for me.  I have several out of town clients and found this to be the answer to not only my clients needs but the wave of the future in real estate transactions.

4) In what ways will you utilize the technologies you learned in the REW certification to enhance your career or business?

I will utilize the information to streamline my own transaction process and educate our office on the possibilities to a seamless approach to daily transactions.

5) How long did it take you to complete the certification and what are your impressions of the online experience?

It took me about 2 weeks total.  I didn’t do it in one or two sittings.  It gave me the freedom to learn while keeping a busy and full schedule. I think the online experience allowed me to learn and grow at my own pace coupled with a business to run, family, and all the other attractions life offers.

--

Thanks Les, and all the best! 

In conversation with one of our REW Certification candidates, we learned of a product that caters to a brokerage intranet...this product being the BackAgent System.

In course 1 of the REW Certification, Online Business Strategy, lessons include moving business "to the cloud", web-based solutions where materials are not housed on a Home PC, Office PC or Thumbdrive...but accessible from any Internet-enabled PC.

Best practice is true of individual agents, but for brokerages it's even more critical.  Agents are "mobile" in-nature.  Oversight of transactions are key elements to an online, brokerage intranet; not to mention communication of brokerage-to-agents and agent-to-agent.

Houston-based, BackAgent provides the above capabilities and so much more; serving as a "comprehensive intranet and workflow solution for agents and brokers".  Below is a snapshot of Associates and Staff search and lookup.

The solution provides: Online Faxing, Contacts & Leads (management of), Agent Websites, Transaction Management, Online Training, Flyers & More.  Most importantly, it's intuitive.  No complex manuals and FAQs; ease-of-use will garner wide-spread adoption given rollout by the brokerage.

Associate Forums (as shown below) inclusive of the app are impressive.  Consider it like a "Knowledge Management" resource that maintains discussions on Q&A, best practice sharing...all stored within the this brokerage intranet versus lost in the inboxes of associates.

Best yet, REW students and certificants have touted it's effectiveness for themselves and their brokerage.

For more information on BackAgent, please visit BackAgent.com.  I definetely recommend brokerages obtain a demo account and/or additional information on this application.  We'll do the same and hope to follow up more on this product and relay updates to our audience as time progresses.

Recently we had a chance to speak with Barb Huppert, a REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant, to find out her opinions on REW.

Barb and her husband own and operate their brokerage, Huppert Homes USA, from the Twin Cities.  Their website is literally a model online presence - from the layout and esthetic appeal to the multiple services offerings and ease of use.

For Barb, Real Estate is a challenging but rewarding career, especially during the current market conditions. There are many opportunities for agents willing to go the extra mile for their clients. She feels it is very rewarding when she can help a client find a solution to their housing problems.

REW™ Certificants have the opportunity to speak their thoughts about REW for showcase on the Webographers.com corporate blog. Here are Barb's thoughts on REW:

1) What is your background?

After working in the Arts Administration field and later as President of a manufacturing company, I joined my husband in Real Estate at Coldwell Banker Burnet. Last year we decided to start our own Brokerage, Huppert Homes USA.

2) Why did you undertake the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certification?

I chose the Real Estate Webographer certification course because I’ve had a number of generation Y clients. They LOVE technology and value Real Estate Professionals who understand the way they want to do business. We have recently seen a renewed interest in the “old, door knocking” type of marketing (my husband started in the 70s), however, the “old” agency format is changing. Many Brokerages are unable to sustain multiple offices, as it becomes even more economically difficult to maintain the bricks and mortar agency the virtual office will emerge as the new business format in Real Estate. Brokers and agents need to be prepared or they will be left in the dust.

3) Which course (or courses) did you find the most value in?

All the courses were valuable; I don’t think I could pick just one. Before taking the REW Certification I already used Web forms, Docusign, a company Web site and a Treo Smartphone. I am now offering Personal Property Web sites on our listings and look forward to joining LinkedIn and various other similar avenues.

4) In what ways will you utilize the technologies you learned in the REW certification to enhance your career or business?

We have recently added agents so a Transaction Management system is something that is high on my list of things to add.

5) How long did it take you to complete the certification and what are your impressions of the online experience?

The course took me a little longer than I anticipated due to client needs, about 2 weeks. The course itself was very well done. It was easy to navigate, I had no problem stopping to attend to business and resuming at a later time. The segments were clearly narrated and the materials covered extensive. This is a valuable certification and I would recommend it to any Realtor who wants to keep up to the next wave of home buyers and sellers.

--

Thanks Barb, and all the best!

Recently We had a chance to speak with Al Cannistra, a REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant, about his thoughts on his REW experience.

Today, the internet is an integral element of a successful real estate career for everyone. For Al, it was and is even more important. Al relocated from Chicago to San Antonio and he did not have the luxury of a local sphere of influence to get him off and running.

To Al, Real estate is about visibility and service - a dynamic website provides both and unless you are a lottery winner, you need to be able to customize and maintain your own site. Al believes if it's done right, your site is also a reflection of yourself. That does not mean that your site should be “about you” – it shouldn’t be. But, the care and content that you put into your site says a lot about you.

REW™ Certificants have the opportunity to speak their thoughts about REW for showcase on the Webographers.com corporate blog. Here are Al's thoughts on REW:

1) What is your background?

I seldom do anything the easy way. It was not bad enough that I started in real estate in a new city, but I was also reinventing me. I was a corporate guy for my entire career. It is kind of funny – now – but just after I earned my real estate license, I happened to be reading a book and a chapter that said 90% of all corporate people fail in real estate. Right then I knew I had to differentiate myself or disappear like a dinosaur. I chose survival.

2) Why did you undertake the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certification?

Actually, I started with the e-Pro certification. That covers much of doing business on the web and email activity. After that, I wanted more and decided to take things to a new level. When I first heard of the REW I knew it was for me.

3) Which course (or courses) did you find the most value in?

I seriously cannot choose here. If I do, someone who reads this may go directly there and not hold my thoughts in the same value. I would say to anyone considering this course – do it right and do it all. You will enjoy the benefit of your effort.

4) In what ways will you utilize the technologies you learned in the REW certification to enhance your career or business?

This question is just too easy. Have a look at my website www.mySATexas.com and y’all decide for yourselves.

5) How long did it take you to complete the certification and what are your impressions of the online experience?

Do I have to answer this question? Shame on me as I bought the course as soon as I saw it and then I procrastinated for a couple months. I guess many of us have done that at one time or another. All I can say is if you buy this course – follow through with it. For those who do not buy the course, they can call me to customize their site – seriously – I understand the architecture and I enjoy doing it. Just one thing, taking the course is going to be WAY cheaper than calling me!

--

Thanks Al, and all the best!

The National Institute of Webographers is declaring the month of September, 2009, “Technology Education Awareness Month”.  To kick off the event NIW will be offering 7-day FREE trials of REW for the entire month of September.  For details or to signup, visit http://awareness.webographers.com.

As the leader in technology-awareness training, assessment and certification for real estate professionals, the National Institute of Webographers looks to showcase exemplary products to best promote technology awareness and adoption by real estate professionals.

"We are excited to offer REW for free to all enrollees during the month of September.  Many RE professionals understand the paramount importance of having a website, generating leads online, and blogging”, said Marc Grayson, president of the National Institute of Webographers.

Continued Grayson, “What they are wary of is the myriad of different technologies available to them – thus unsure of where to begin or how to get the most out of their current offerings.  REW offers a roadmap, a solution describing how to use these technologies in concert, to market online for their consumers – or as we say, a consumer facing web presence.”

Signup today and tell a friend - all the perks of REW for FREE with this 7-day trial!

We were able to catch up with two amazing brokers of Robert Greer and David Viney; both of whom are REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificants who discuss their REW Certification experience.

Both are co-owners of the independent firm, the Greer Viney Group. They are indeed a best-of-breed brokerage servicing Palm Springs, Coachella Valley and Riverside County California.

They have been around business-based, Internet technologies since 1997. A good example of some of their more sophisticated type of sites, built completely from scratch, is StewartGalleries.com; which they still maintain for their friends who own the gallery. Such web efforts, even in other "industries", demonstrates David & Robert's understanding of utilizing technology to best meet business and even personal objectives.

Accomplishment
It's not only an amazing accomplishment for brokers to complete the REW Certification, but two from the same firm is a true sign of commitment towards technology adoption to best meet business objectives and steps toward future growth.

'Brick & Mortar'-Less Brokerage
Given their objectives in growth (adding additional agents to the team) it's no question that many brokers nationwide are looking at ways to produce a "virtual office"; to add personnel without the overhead costs (and strenuous efforts) commonly associated with brick & mortar operations.

The efforts of Robert and David in completing the REW Certification looks to expand their pool of ideas in establishing, not only (a) a consumer-facing web presence already achieved at the Greer Viney Group, but also considerations of (b) online technologies to support back-office (virtual office) operations.

Let's proceed with the thoughts of Robert and David on the REW Certification.

(1) Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

We started with The Western Group here in Palm Springs, California in 1992, and went with our own brokerage, Greer Viney Group two years ago. Our RE business has been primarily in all aspects of Residential sales and leasing, although we have expertise in Land and Commercial Sales and leasing as well. Both Robert and David moved here to Palm Springs from Washington State.

(2) What is your background?

Robert Greer for many years was had a career in Banking in Washington State. This brought him in direct contact with the beginnings of the World Wide Web. David had a career in the International Tourism field, which allowed him to use some of the most sophisticated commercial hardware and software available at the time. They also ran a large entertainment company in Washington State for many years as well. The Real Estate field was a natural business that gravitated them to California. One of the first things they did was to enlarge the single web page of their supervising Agent to a many paged website, made completely from scratch.

(3) Why did you undertake the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certification?

We thought it would be an informative, up to the minute resource of information, as well as a great addition to our certifications.

(4) Which course (or courses) did you find the most value in?

The whole course gave pertinent information to us and we believe it is the type that is invaluable for the beginning agent.

(5) In what ways will you utilize the technologies you learned in the REW certification to enhance your career or business?

We are currently taking on our first agents to work under our brokerage. In the next few weeks we will be implementing several of the technologies talked about in the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER Certification for our "non brick-and-mortar" office.

(6) How long did it take you to complete the certification and what are your impressions of the online experience?

The courses comprising the REW Certification were fast, easy and informative; enabling us to pass with high marks on the final exam on the first try.

---

Thanks Robert and David and all the best!

To learn more about Robert, David, their brokerage and their listings in the local area of Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley and Riverside County, please visit the Greer Viney Group website today.