Word of Mouth :: Judy McElvogue

We had the pleasure of interviewing Judy McElvogue, a recent REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant and REALTOR®/Associate with RE/MAX properties in La Grange, IL.

Judy services many of Chicago's western suburbs (Westchester, Brookfield, Riverside, Clarendon Hills, Western Springs, Countryside, Willow Springs, and more). She and her broker's clients enjoy both convenient access to the big city and all the lifestyle benefits of small town Americana. For more information, please visit her web page here and review her broker's listings in Illinois here.

Judy recently completed the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certification and we asked her a few simple interview questions.

1) What is your background?

Over the past 3 years, my job has evolved from an administative assistant/buyer's agent to more of a webographer/photographer. My plan is to focus more on this side of the real estate business. My broker was the first in the area to engage Single-Property Websites, so myself and peers look to stay progressive on the real estate technology front. Personal attributes including honesty, dedication and determination have also sustained my 25-year Membership at The Chicago Board of Trade.

Those same qualities enable me to provide the personal and professional services that make the home search for my clients enjoyable, efficient and an altogether successful experience. With a prowess in interior design, I look to develop a comprehensive, well-designed web presence for myself and my clients.

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

The Internet is changing the way consumer's look for homes and there is a need for REALTORS® to expand their web presence with Single-Property Websites and Online Transaction Management. It is a full time job, keeping up with technology, and I think there might be REALTORS® in my office that could use my help! I looked to broaden my knowledge of online, consumer-oriented, real estate technologies. Given my passion of home design, I know my expanded online presence will be an effort of great "design", creating a destination for my clients and curious site-visitors.

3) What are your impressions of the online experience?

It was extremely informative and fun. Simply stated, the curriculum was extremely current and talked about RE technology within "scenarios", putting a real life spin to technology I've been considering acquiring. I had the option to "play" with real products on the market, to compliment the lessons. I felt like I was in the driver's seat, engaging materials, and taking additional time to do what I wanted within the training experience.

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

Given the time-frame of 90 days alloted to complete the certification, I completed the course in about 10 weeks. I enjoyed the fact that I was able to set my own pace and do the training when I could focus and enjoy learning! All-in-all, the training being self-paced and online, allowed me to complete the certification on my schedule.

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

Quite frankly, the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER certification is not just another designation. The experience was immersive. Going into my next meeting to "win the listing", this certification will be a hot topic of discussion because it's about what consumers are concerned about these days, real estate technology.

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Thanks Judy and all the Best!