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!

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.

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Thanks Les, and all the best! 

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.

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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!

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Thanks Al, and all the best!

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.

We were able to catch up with Jeff Lindsay, a REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant and discuss his REW Certification experience. Jeff is a forty year resident of Las Vegas, Nevada and has been a real estate licensee for 30 years. He has been the Broker and Owner of New Home Realty Las Vegas since 1993 specializing in the Las Vegas REO market.

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

1. What is your background?

I graduated from the University of Utah in 1979  with a Bachelor's degree in Real Estate Development. My background is Construction and Real Estate. I am also a licensed general contractor in Nevada and have built over a hundred custom homes in the Las Vegas area. I primarily have used my real estate license to buy buildable lots, and sell custom homes after I have completed building them.

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

Because of current economic conditions, I decided to no longer build and customize homes.  Instead, I decided that real estate will now, and in the future, be my main business. Once I made this decistion, I realized that the Internet is the key now, and especially will be in the future, for all real estate transactions. The problem was that I really did not have any web based computer skills. I thought that setting up a website would be easy. It didn't take me long to realize that I needed the help provided by Webographers.

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

Electronic Forms and Online Transaction Management. I want to become as paperless as possible. I think that one of the ways that the REO process will be streamlined is for more of this type of technology. Unfortunately there are alot of agents that still don't use the technologies available.

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

With a web based business, I intend to use as many websites as possible to promote and market different types of property. Then use online transaction management to coordinate the escrow and follow up after closing. We also are using lead generation.  

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

I would say that I spent about an hour to an hour and a half for each module so I had about 20 to 24 hours over about 10 days.  

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Well said Jeff!  Thanks and all the best! 

To learn more about Jeff and his team please visit http://newhomerealtylasvegas.com/about-us.asp!

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 a chance to speak with Keith J. Roberts, a REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant about his thoughts on his REW experience. Keith works with his partner Tom DeLeeuw in Palm Springs, CA at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

Tom & Keith are clearly professionals who can truly be counted on to cover every detail until the job is done. But best of all, they’re available and accessible to their clients long after each transaction is complete, offering real estate advice, support and resources.

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

1) What is your background?  

Currently I and my partner Tom are a team of agents at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage here in Palm Springs California.  We specialize in condominium properties on fee land in the South part of Palm Springs.  Previously, I worked as a Computer Support Manager for many years in a variety of settings, including one company that produced massive multi-player online games.

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

I’m a geek at heart, and I wanted to apply my computer expertise to the real estate industry in which I work.  The Real Estate Webographer program looked like just the thing for me. 

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

I found the courses on Neighborhood Search, CMA’s and AVM’s, and Lead Management the most valuable for my situation.  I already had my website up and running and was already familiar with virtual tours, single-property websites, electronic forms, online transaction management, and mobile technologies.

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

I’ve actually signed up for and used the eNeighborhood package for just that purpose.  I also want to further investigate NeighborhoodScout and possibly offer a neighborhood search option on my website.

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

I signed up for the program on December 5th and completed it on January 2nd.  I would sit down and try to complete one module at a time over several weeks.  I liked the online experience because it allowed me to work at my own pace and go back and review the materials at my leisure.  I would recommend REW to anyone who wants to apply online technologies to their real estate business. 

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Thanks Keith, and all the best!

We had a chance to interview David A. Cox, a REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant about his thoughts on his REW experience. David has an extremely diverse background in careers, ranging from the restaurant business, to collection and retail management.

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

1) What is your background?  

I worked in REAL ESTATE for 7 years, the restaurant business for 12 years, and more recently, collection management and retail management.  I have always been in customer service in some way and training wherever I was working.  I am also a TREC approved instructor for Real Estate in Texas.

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

I thought it would be a great learning tool for me.  I am already quite internet savvy but you can never know everything.  Education is the key and this was a great course.

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

Blogging and Virtual Tours were my favorite courses although they were all great.

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

In every capacity.  With helping me get listings and giving them better exposure and with my buyers as well.  I will start blogging now since I had never done that.

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

It took me a total of 4 days because I was busy with so many other things.  I think it was exactly what I needed to push me further into the tech world of Real Estate.

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Thanks David, and all the best!

Recently we had a chance to interview Rick Riddell, a REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant. Rick has a diversified background in financial services, technology, and real estate management.  He recently transferred to his current position as Office Manager at Weichert, Realtors – Watson & Associates in Coppell, Texas from a Weichert franchise located in Orange, CT.

REW™ Certificants can answer interview questions at the end ofcertification for showcase on the Webographers.com corporate blog. Here are Rick's thoughts on REW:

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

Besides the fact that I enjoy technology, it has become very evident that the increasing level of technology growth coupled with the way a large percentage of our consumers conduct business, made this course a necessity to be able to ensure increased value to our customers.  

2) What are your impressions of the online experience?

I thought it was presented very well.  The variety of formats and the added videos made it enjoyable as well as informative and educational.   

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

Let’s just say I didn’t need the allotted 90 days by any means. After beginning the course I became even more motivated and continued at a serious pace until completion.

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

Well, the short answer is “all of them”!  This course compliments already in place initiatives in our office, and provides me with the added information to be able to accomplish them.  

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

I would highly recommend that they take this course and achieve the certification to enhance their business, their skills, and knowledge.  “People Buy People before they buy a Product”.  This certification and the content therein, puts you on the “same page” with a market group that has certain and specific expectations.  This course covers all of this and more.

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Thanks Rick, and all the best!