REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER Certification

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.

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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.

Recently we had a chance to interview G-II Varrato II and Lori Klindera, REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificants. Both Lori and G-II are of the many to sign-up & complete the REW™ Certification through a promotional discount offered through zipLogix (ZipForm), an REW Technology Partner.

G-II and Lori had many positive things to say about the REW program. Below we’ve included a few excerpts from their interview, with more comments in the agent testimonials area on this site.

Lori & G-II are Mentors for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Phoenix, Arizona. They hold several designations, ePRO 500, ABR, CNE, RECS and now REW. They have processed either personally, or overseen and been intimately involved with, over 5,000 buyer or seller transactions during their careers. Lori & G-II have consistently been in the top 1½ to 5% of all Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage agents in Arizona.

“Up until the beginning of 2007, about 98% of our on-line business leads resulted in Buyer traffic ONLY. Almost, like the flick of a light switch, in 2007 we began to receive more Internet leads from Sellers. Today, 98% of our listings have been generated through the Internet.”

“Remember, we have been On-Line REALTORS® for nearly two decades.”

“The Webographers course is a perfect and natural fit for REALTORS® who wish to propel their business to the next level.”

“The bottom line is simply this. If you’re going to do a job, then… DO THE JOB! Develop situational awareness. Understand the Internet and all of its technology, both hardware and software. Embrace every aspect of the Internet. You can’t outrun this technological storm. So, either get on board, baton down the hatches and get proficient or get out of the business. It’s that simple!”

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Thanks Lori & G-II, and all the best!

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!

Recently we were able to catch up with Carmelo Gines, a REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant and discuss his REW experience. Carmelo is an RE Sales Associate of Keller Williams Realty DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES. Many Keller Williams agents have taken and loved the REW certification so we were excited about what he had to say about the program.

REW™ Certificants can answer interview questions at the end of certification for showcase on the Webographers.com corporate blog. Here are Carmelo thoughts on REW:

1. What is your background?

I am the Real Estate Sales Associate of Keller Williams Realty DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES, Prior to my career in real estate; I was in the Cosmetology industry for 26 years where I learned that providing the very best service is essentially about putting my clients first. This means keeping myself accessible, being a good listener, as well as a good communicator, and responding quickly to customer needs.

2. Why did you undertake the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ certification?

I am always searching for ways to better myself, improve my education and enhance my service offerings for my clients. I always like to stay on top of what’s new in real estate technology.

I chose to be certified as a Real Estate Webographer , so I am able to provide my clients and customers with the newest technologies available. Also I have to begin this new technology lesson at my company which I will be the instructor so as I further educate my fellow associates and give them the necessary tools they will need.

3. What are you impressions of the online experience?

The course was clear and concise offering many examples and needed information to thoroughly improve my knowledge, in particular enhancing my website and blogging. With this additional training I feel I have met my goal and will be able to provide my fellow associates the help they need to further their business, my sellers with the best marketing exposure for their properties, and to provide my buyer clients with an excellent resource in their search for their home.

4. How long did it take you to complete the certification?

It only takes a few hours to actually complete the training, however I spread my time out over a couple weeks, because time didn’t allow – my clients came first!

5. What real estate technologies are you considering implementing (for yourself or your clients)?

I plan to utilize my Blackberry more for email and contact management. Also, with the information provided during my Webographer (REW) training, I feel I will be able to do a better job teaching my fellow associates, start my blogging which I find hard to begin, and increase my web presence.

6. What would you tell those who are considering this certification?

I would tell others if you want to succeed in today’s technology based world, you must invest in yourself. Internet Marketing is often overlooked by Realtors. There is a lot of business being done on the Internet by web savvy clients and agents. Those that took e-Pro need to take REW and see the difference – REW goes deeper and contains what all Realtors need to know if you will like to become a savvier agent and to be ready for those savvier clients.

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Well said Carmelo! Thanks and all the best!

We had the pleasure of receiving a blog announcement from Jim Kimmons, a recent REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant.

Jim is the one of the first to sign-up & complete the REW™ Certification within hours of being informed of the partnered, enrollment promotion with ZipLogix (ZipForm®).

REW™ Certificants can answer interview questions, at the end of certification, for showcase on the Webographers.com corporate blog.

Jim is author of the Real Estate Business Guide for New York Times’, About.com.

Commentary from Jim Kimmons:

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(1) What is your background?

Gallery Realty of Taos Real estate broker, Real Estate Business Guide for New York Times site, business and web writer, blogging consultant.

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

Research and always learning.

(3) What are your impressions of the online experience?

Interface was great, intuitive, and I was able to go through course materials quickly.

(4) How long did it take you to complete the certification?

One day.

(5) What real estate technologies are you considering implementing (for yourself or your clients)?

I am already using most of the discussed technology solutions. I’ll be continually evaluating and upgrading. I use blogs for single property sites.

(6) What would you tell those who are considering this certification?

If you want a fast and thorough tutorial that brings all of the technology considerations together, and tells you where to go for solutions, this will do it for you.

Jim Kimmons, ABR, ePro, QSC, REW

Broker/Owner

Gallery Realty of Taos

Real Estate Business Guide

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Thanks Jim and all the best.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Bill Price, a recent REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant.

Bill is one of the first to sign-up & complete the REW™ Certification through a promotional discount offered through the REW Technology Partner, zipLogix (ZipForm).

REW™ Certificants can answer interview questions, at the end of certification, for showcase on the Webographers.com corporate blog.

Bill is owner and broker of B & K Realty, providing free and easy access to property listings, home evaluations and many other online technologies from his brokerage website, to his clients within the San Antonio area.

Commentary from Bill Price:

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(1) What is your background?

I am the Broker/Owner of B & K Realty in San Antonio, Texas. I have been a real estate agent since 2002. Prior to becoming a real estate agent I was a computer programmer. I have several designations including ABR®, CRS®, GRI® and am e-PRO® certified.

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

When I received your email and I saw that ZIPFORM® was endorsing the REW™ certification it peeked my interest. To be honest, when I saw the price for the certification, that really got me interested. I decided to take the certification to learn how I could take advantage of the Internet to help my business grow, as well help my agents. I wanted to learn how to generate leads using my website and to start blogging.

(3) What are your impressions of the online experience?

The modules were very good. The quizes after each section helped me understand what was being presented. The information was very current and relevant. I really liked all of the other partner websites that were mentioned. I can use those websites as future resources.

(4) How long did it take you to complete the certification?

It took me less than 10 days to complete all 12 modules. Each day I would set aside a number of hours to work on the courses.

(5) What real estate technologies are you considering implementing (for yourself or your clients)?

I currently have a website that I will make some major changes based on what I learned. Creation of single-property websites is something I will do for all my listings. I will add a second email address to my profile, so that when a lead comes in, that information will come to my mobile phone directly. I want to become a Blogger, so I will start doing that. Adding a neighborhood search to my website will be another item I will implement. Finally, I want to investigate Link Sharing [Lead Generation] with other agents so that my website can rank higher on Google™ and Yahoo™.

(6) What would you tell those who are considering this certification?

I have already started telling other agents about the REW™ certification. Developing a web presence marketing strategy for next year should be a goal for all real estate agents and the courses within the REW certification will help with that goal, from beginning to end.

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Thanks Bill, and all the best!

Recently we interviewed Bob Bentley, a REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant. Bob is one of the many to sign-up & complete the REW™ Certification through a promotional discount offered through the REW Technology Partner, zipLogix (ZipForm).

REW™ Certificants can answer interview questions, at the end of certification, for showcase on the Webographers.com corporate blog.

Bob is “Your Clear Choice in Real Estate”, serving buyers and sellers within all of Madison, WI and the surrounding areas. Bob has been a licensed Realtor® for 14 years and sports a catchy, clean, and easy to use website at BentleyRealtyGroup.net.

Commentary from Bob Bentley:

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1. What is your background?

I am the Real Estate Broker/Owner of Bentley Realty Group, LLC and have been a licensed Realtor® since 1995, and a licensed real estate broker since 2006. Prior to my career in real estate, I was in the automotive service management industry for 26 years where I learned that providing the very best service is essentially about putting my clients first. This means keeping myself accessible, being a good listener, as well as a good communicator, and responding quickly to customer needs.

2. Why did you undertake the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ certification?

I chose to be certified as a Real Estate Webographer to further my understanding of the internet and how it works, so I am able to provide my clients and customers with the newest technologies available.

3. What are you impressions of the online experience?

The certification was clear and concise offering many examples and needed information to thoroughly improve my knowledge of web-based marketing; in particular enhancing my website and blogging. The quizzes at the end of each segment helped with further understanding of the information presented. With this additional training I feel I have met my goal and will be able to provide my sellers with the best marketing exposure for their properties, and to provide my buyer clients with an excellent resource in their search for their home.

4. How long did it take you to complete the certification?

It took me a total of 4 days over the course of 3 weeks. I would have preferred to complete the coursework all in one sitting, but time didn’t allow – my clients came first!

5. What real estate technologies are you considering implementing (for yourself or your clients)?

I plan to utilize my Blackberry (smartphone) more for email and contact management. Also, I recently began blogging and have found it a challenge. With the information provided during my Webographer (REW) training, I feel I will be able to do a better job communicating my thoughts, keeping my blog current, and increase my web presence.

6. What would you tell those who are considering this certification?

I would tell others if you want to succeed in today’s technology based world, you must invest in yourself. There is a minimal cost involved with the REW Certification, and I feel the course is very much worth it. With the additional training and knowledge I’ve achieved, an increase in business can only be expected.

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Thanks for the interview, and all the best Bob!

We had the pleasure of interviewing Lindsay Pendleton, a recent REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant.

Lindsay’s experience, skill and familiarity with the Baton Rouge real estate market are essential ingredients in providing her clients with an enjoyable Real Estate experience. Her RE Certification and Designations, such as e-PRO and REW™, strong communication and negotiation skills, high energy and effective marketing tactics make her service offerings unsurpassed in today’s market!

Lindsay is really taking her website, http://www.forsalebylindsay.com, to the next level. Not only does she have an extraordinary amount of useful real estate tools accessible directly from her site (such as mortgage calculators, property searches, etc), she has already implemented some of the competencies available in the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ – such as Blogs AND Single-Property websites! Combined with appealing aesthetics, she is truly creating a viable and successful web-presence and demonstrating her understanding of Real Estate Technologies! Because of this success, we took a few moments to ask some questions on her thoughts of the program.

1) What is your background?

I am currently a Real Estate Agent with Prime Location Realty, located in Baton Rouge, LA.

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

I am proud to say that I have my e-Pro and REW™ certifications. I took both certifications back-to-back and enjoyed both of them. e-Pro definitely benefits the real estate agent who is just entering the technology world. It expresses the importance of the Internet (i.e., e-mail, websites, domain names, DSL, forums) and the impact it is making on the real estate industry. I learned a number of things from e-Pro that increased my Internet knowledge. I think and know that the e-Pro class is imperative for every real estate agent.

REW™ is the follow-on to e-Pro, in my opinion. In the REW certification, I learned so many amazing new things. A great example is “single-property websites”. I’m proud to say that through the knowledge of single-property websites I learned within REW™, I was able to create my own single property website allowing my customers to get 24/7 information (http://www.beaudarren.info/). The REW certification is a step further – it really delves into all of the technology options that are available to real estate professionals.

3) What are your impressions of the online experience?

Being that my time is limited, and I truly love utilizing the Internet, I was elated that I could take REW™ online.

4) How long did it take you to complete the certification?

I signed up Dec 20 and was done on Christmas Day! 5 days with an hour or so each day.

5) What would you tell those who are considering this certification?

People underestimate the power of e-mail, websites, domain names, blogs and so forth as highlighted in e-PRO. A number of RE professionals are overwhelmed by all the new technology. Technology is taking real estate in a new direction and it’s time to jump on board.

When comparing e-Pro to REW™, they do not compare – rather, they really compliment. While e-Pro was very informative and detailed, REW™ went a little deeper into the technology options of today.

While e-Pro teaches and explains the basics of technology to newbies, REW™ enhances it. Every single course that REW™ offered was extremely beneficial. I actually felt more capable and confident with technology options, instead of being overwhelmed. It was very detailed and easily formatted.

I consider e-Pro and REW™ like peas and carrots. While they are both based in Internet technology education, they teach different aspects. They both offer great, in depth information – but it’s information that compliments one another. Collaborating e-Pro and REW™ just makes sense. I cannot express how both certifications broadened my horizons and made me feel like an Internet real estate queen! Thank you both, e-Pro and REW™, for making this available to all real estate professionals who want to go above and beyond.

The information available in REW™ is priceless!

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Thanks Lindsay and all the Best!

We had the pleasure of receiving a blog announcement from Jim Basquette, a recent REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant.

Jim is one of the first to sign-up & complete the REW™ Certification within the free, full access three day trial only available through an REW Trainer.

REW™ Certificants can answer interview questions, at the end of certification, for showcase on the Webographers.com corporate blog.

Jim a member of the family owned and operated Huff Realty, found at this extremely slick and clean website, Huff Realty.

Commentary from Jim Basquette:

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(1) What is your background?

I have an engineering degree and was an engineer for years and became the president of an engineering company for about 20 years until I retired. I became a part time real estate agent in 1985 as well as a real estate investor. I put real estate sales on hold many years, but became re-licensed again after retiring and am now a full time agent.

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

There have been tremendous differences in marketing real estate and yourself because of the Internet and technology. The way buyers shop for homes has also changed. The future of real estate success is in technology. Agents that don’t understand and adapt to this will be left behind.

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

I really liked the Online Business Strategies and Mobile Technologies the most, but all were interesting and informative.

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

I have already built a website for myself as well as single property websites. I plan to work in neighborhood searches and mobile technologies now.

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

Two days. It was very interesting and I couldn’t stop.

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Thanks Jim, and all the best!

We had the pleasure of interviewing Ekemma Mmeje, a recent REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant.

Ekemma is a Virtual Assistant (VA) working out of Silver Spring, MD. Having been approached several times by many RE professionals looking for help creating and maintaining an online web-presence, Ekemma seeked out the knowledge to broaden her own RE technology skill set, and improve her value as a VA. She found her answer in REW.

We took a few moments to ask some questions on her thoughts of the program.

1) What Is Your Background?

I have over 5 years of experience working as an office Administrator. I decided to offer my services as a virtual assistant, to help small businesses and busy professionals who are faced with day-to-day administrative challenges to meet their business objectives. As a Virtual Assistant, I enjoy having some time to myself as well as practicing my profession. I currently run my own business, Xpertva serivces, and can be reached at xpertva@yahoo.com, or by at phone 301.943.6096.

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

I have been approached several times by real estate professionals to assist them with their office management and to also help them create a solid web presence. Because of this, I decided to take this certification to help me broaden my knowledge base in this area.

3) Which Course Did You Find The Most Value In?

The courses that I find the most value in include the following: Online Transaction Management (OTM), Mobile Technology, Electronic Forms (covering MLS, IDX, VOW and ILD Technologies).

4) In What Ways Will You Use The Technologies You Learnt To Enhance Your Career Or Business?

I will use the technologies that I have learnt to assist real estate professionals in their business. I will support their online transactions, create and maintain a web presence and help improve their office management. This will give them more time to interact with their clients, generate more leads, and close more sales.

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

It took me 3 days to complete the course and it was very interesting and educative. I have more insights now with the latest technologies in online real estate technologies.

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Thanks Ekemma and all the Best!