At the completion of course materials for the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ certification, candidates adhere to (initial) the REW Commitment Document.  As REW Certificants, one must implement a real estate technology within their first year to remain in good standing with their certification status.

Technologies implemented by REW Certificants

Within their first year, REW certificants commit to implementing or administering at least 1 web-centric, real estate technology - whether for themselves (agents, brokers) or for their clients (assistants).  Certificants provide proof of implementing or adminstering a technology via the Technology Proof Form.

So what technologies have REW Certificants implemented...let's have a look!

• Gary Crutcher, REW™ - Gary implemented an agent website of http://www.garycrutcher.com/; sleek design and homepage graphic that captures the essence and culture of west El Paso.
   
• Kathy Goldman, REW™  -  Kathy implemented http://www.7225riverfrontdrive.com/, a single-property website on behalf of her agent, Lucy Bottorff in Nashville Tennessee.
   
• Sandra Sims, REW™ - Sandra, a virtual assistant, implemented a Point2 agent website as a hands-on, optional activity, showcased at http://sandrasims4.point2agent.com/.  In crafting a Point2 agent website from the ground-up, Sandra can now provide longterm administrative support for real estate professionals who use Point2!
   
• Tim Fisher, REW™  - Tim, with ResortQuestDE.com, has been busy implementing technology since completing the REW Certification. As Marketing Director, he supports technologies used by member agents in his firm. He created a Single-Property Website at http://www.1322oceanparkway.com/ and Corporate Blog to support ocean-side luxury rentals and homesales at  http://www.seamoresays.com/, in addition to many of the virtual tours found alongside listings at ResortQuestDE.com.
   
• Darlene Wills, REW™ - Darlene, REALTOR® and broker co-owner of Harris-Wills Realty, LLC, has implemented http://www.real-estate-southwest.com/ to service northern Arizona, specifically the Sedona - Verde Valley region.  This broker-owner site was established using Point2 technologies, Webographers.com newest technology partner/sponsor of the REW Certification. 

At the completion of course materials for the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER certification, candidates adhere to (initial) the REW Commitment Document. 

Within their first year, REW certificants commit to implementing or administering at least 1 web-centric, real estate technology - whether for themselves (agents, brokers) or for their clients (assistants).  Certificants provide proof of implementing or adminstering a technology via the Technology Proof Form.

Recently, we had an REW professional, Marie Martinez, go above and beyond in her implementation of web-based real estate technologies, per her completion of the Technology Proof Form.  Marie didn't just show proof of one web-based online technology, but FIVE!  Click each technology below (individual components of her fax to Webographers) as inclusive proof of implementing and administering real estate technology.   

- Broker Website - Maintaining a broker's website.  See website here. 

- Virtual Tour - See the actual tour here. 

- Single-property Website - using postlets.com

- Online Classifieds - syndication of a listing on craigslists.

- Direct Marketing - eNewsletter of the listing using constant contact.

The REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER certification is not just about learning the value-proposition of today's foremost real estate technologies--but having the commitment to adopt and implement real estate technologies.

I recently published a post at GeekEstateBlog.com, entitled Super Bowl XLII, Real Estate and Consumers.  In the post, I started off by describing a rental trend in AZ, in preparation for the Super Bowl. I highlighted it with the story of an acquaintance of mine (a consumer, not an agent) and his attempts at renting his property.  After some attempts on his own, he elected to use real estate technologies commonly used by real estate professionals, like single-property websites and virtual tours as found with his site http://www.PhoenixEventHome.com.

What's the moral of my story?  If Drew D, a consumer who has no formal RE training can utilize RE technologies - agents, brokers, and assistants can embrace them and be successful in the process.  Furthermore, if a non-RE professional utilizes this level of technology, what would their expectations be of their agent?  Interesting questions, what do you think?

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

Megan is a Professional Real Estate Virtual Assistant (PREVA) and is both an EthicsChecked VA and Certified Real Estate Support Specialist (CRESS), by the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA).  She has also earned Real Estate Sales Person's licenses in the states of New Mexico & New Jersey.  Megan owns and operates her own VA company, Barber Virtual Assisting Solutions, and maintains an active account on activerain. 

In light of her experience and certifications / designations, we took a few moments to ask some questions on her thoughts of the program.

1) What is your background?

I have been involved in working “behind the scenes” of the real estate industry for nearly 10 years. I started as a support staff for a large real estate office, and worked my way up within Oregon’s largest real estate company to become a marketing assistant and newspaper advertising coordinator in their corporate office. Later, I gained additional experience through being a real estate office manager, and an “in-house” RE assistant. In January, 2005 I started Barber Virtual Assisting Solutions, and have enjoyed being a Real Estate Virtual Assistant ever since.

2) Why did you undertake the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) 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. When I came upon the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ certification, I was happy to find a program that could help me sharpen my skills with programs and technologies important to the real estate industry.

3) What are your impressions of the online experience?

The online classroom was a great interface. With my busy and very unpredictable schedule, I especially enjoyed the self-paced environment that I could start and stop when ever I needed to. The presentations were very well laid out, clear to understand and paced well.

Getting the chance to use demos of the products discussed in the courses was also a major plus. Also, I learn better by doing, so it’s better if I can dig in and “get my hands dirty” with the programs and products.

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

Overall, it took me about 10-11 hours to complete over a few months. Again, the self-paced environment was nice so I could fit it into my free time.

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

I recommend this certification to any and all VA’s that are considering serving real estate professionals. I think it especially will be of great value to those who that may not have an extensive real estate background and will help them gain the knowledge and experience necessary to confidently meet the administrative needs for real estate professionals. Even those that have real estate experience will benefit greatly from the training available in this certification. It doesn’t hurt to sharpen your skills and you will discover new technologies and internet marketing strategies that you may never have thought of before.

—

Thanks Megan and all the Best!

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™ and e-Pro combined is priceless!

—

Thanks Lindsay and all the Best!

Holiday Special

For the month of December, as a Holiday Special, the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER certification is being offered at 25% OFF - a savings of $50! Give the profitable gift of a lasting education in RE technologies to improve your sales, or the sales of a family, friend, or relative! Use the coupon code REW0115 and gain access to the complete certification for only $149!

REW^TM Certification

The REW^TM Certification teaches Agents, Brokers and Assistants how to best utilize today’s most popular web-based technologies - the solutions for an all inclusive, consumer-centric web presence. Available online 24/7/365, REW^TM course materials allow working professionals to learn at their own pace while building the skill sets necessary to exceed the expectations of their web-savvy consumers.

But hurry, this offer is only good until January 15^th (2008) so sign-up now!

There exists a great sense of urgency amongst real estate schools, boards & associations, brokers, and referral partners alike to add additional educational offerings during the (a) slow off-peak season and (b) declining activity in today’s real estate market.

What are Real Estate Schools Doing Now to Supplement Income?
Schools like the Hogan School of Real Estate in Tucson, AZ (http://www.hoganschool.com/), have implemented creative means to supplement income and keep classrooms active with students. Some efforts include ad-hoc courses on “Short Sales”, “Invest in Foreclosures”, even gift cards to be used through 2008 by prospective students. One can assume these topical courses have been created due to declines in prospective agents not getting a license and existing agents not renewing licenses.

REW Certification offered by Schools, Educators, Coaches, Brokers
Real estate schools, brokers, educational providers, trainers, coaches and other affiliates who share the vision of educating RE professionals in emerging technologies, can join the REW Affiliate Program. Becoming an REW™ Affiliate costs nothing and can be accomplished by simply signing up through NIW’s online affiliate system. Affiliates have access to presentations, sample web pages, sample email blasts, pdf brochures and so much more!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR AFFILIATE PROGRAM

 

 

In recent weeks there has been explosion in coverage of the newest "trend" - that is of conducting real estate by virtue of mobile technologies. To be historically correct, mobile technology is in no way a "new" trend. However, the realization of its lasting success over the last several years is grabbing some major headlines in RE news services such as Inman and Rismedia.

What is Mobile Technology?

Mobile Technology is a general term that means technology that allows an individual to conduct their business from anywhere, anytime. The number and types of mobile technologies are vast - ranging from software that runs on your PDA, phone, laptop, just about any device. The types of software available are also wide spread - from simple text message communications to information packed emails and MLS listings.

Why is it Useful?

In the competitive nature of the RE profession, responsiveness is key. The saying the "early bird gets the worm" is not a joke. Those who appear constantly available, and can change their game plans at a moments notice are the ones that succeed. To read more, see our blog posting Responsiveness Proves an Edge in Winning Listings.

Did you know Mobile Technologies is part of REW™?

The REW™ certification is based on sound, time-proven technologies, and has included the Mobile Technology course from first conception. This course does not teach you how to use your mobile phone - rather it goes beyond the basic operations included in your phone or PDA instruction guide. The course delves into the true power behind the mobile device you can't leave home without. Software capabilities, communication protocols, and the various types of mobile devices are just a few of the topics covered in the course. Click here for a more in-depth summary of the course or here for a sample presentation.

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

Phyllis spent a successful decade in mortgage banking and entered the real estate profession in 1989. She is a well-established negotiator, ranked in the top 5% of agents in the nation. In addition to her REW™ certification, e-Pro, S.R.E.S. designations, Phyllis is an approved course instructor for the Dept. of Real Estate in California and is licensed to teach continuing education (CE) courses to her peers in the Real Estate and Mortgage Banking fields.

Phyllis is well known for utilizing the latest, time-proven technologies and she has several highly ranked award winning web sites. Because of her decorated real estate career and her highly established web presence, we took a few moments to ask some questions on her thoughts of the program.

1) What is your background?

I have been selling real estate since 1989, prior to that I was in mortgage banking.

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

I undertook the REW™ certification because I wanted to learn more about blogging and search engine marketing. I have two web sites: www.RealtorHarb.com and www.Glendale-Real-Estate-Agent.com. I also have a blog at http://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com. In addition, I have three interactive community forums.

• www.LCFOnlineCommunity.com
• www.GlendaleOnlineCommunity.com
• www.PasadenaOnlineCommunity.com

3) What are your impressions of the online experience?

The certification was easy to take (at my leisure) and simple to grasp concepts. Although I feel that I know a lot about the Internet and Internet Marketing, I was delighted to learn even more about RE Technology from the REW program. In addition, the search engine marketing was especially helpful for me at this time (because of my blogs).

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

The training took approximately 12 hours.

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

Internet Marketing is often overlooked by Realtors. There is a lot of business being done on the Internet by web savvy agents. Internet marketing is much less expensive than more traditional advertising such as print and farming. With less marketing dollars, more business can be gained through the Internet.

—

Thanks Phyllis and all the Best!

Sellers are facing tough-times and buyers are cautious in buying, due to blows in the lending industry and high prices of homes in select parts of the country. 

There are thoughts today amongst RE industrialists of opportunites for agents, brokers and assistants to "make moves" in the rental space; to supplement or replace income normally generated during steady or "boom" housing markets.   Jessica Swesey of Inman News hints at the idea towards the tail end of the blog post titled A case of accidental landlording.

Many sellers see renting out their home as a short-term, Plan "B" to selling; given needs to relocate and/or act swiftly with 2 or more looming mortgage payments.  Potential Buyers currently residing in apartments are increasingly inclined to rental homes for their Plan "B" instead buying outright; to put their feet-in-the-water to reside in a single-family residence "until the market becomes more stable" to purchase a home.
 

Real Estate Technology & the Rental Market

As various business models arise (keep your eyes peeled at Inman.com) for agents/brokers and assistants to "make moves" in the rental space (rent-to-own, property mgmt), let it be known that real estate technologies, the marketing and "showmanship" of it's use, run parallel in the rental space, having equal importance to the brokerage of real estate. 

Let's run through a few examples where real estate technology has great similaries with (a) rental vs (b) for-sale properties:

(1) Agent Websites

Many of today's vendors of agent/broker websites have specific listing fields in-place for rental properties.  In addition, instead of "list price" one could utilize "rent-per-month".  Many times, agents can add menu and navigational buttons to their website to list only the "For-Rent", or "For-Lease" properties.  So essentially, the core web presence of an agent currently conducting for-sale business, could venture into the for-rent marketspace and not have to engage a new core website.

  

(2) Online Classifieds / Syndication of Listings

For those real estate professionals who utilize syndication of their listings to various, online real estate classified websites, they will still have the option to send For-Rent listings.  An agent or an assistant should check with their provider (likely their agent website) to inquire about syndication of "For-Rent" listings.  Also, check with online classified websites themselves to see if they currently showcase "For-Rent" listings.

  

(3) Virtual / Online Tours

Virtual / Video / Online Tours should absolutely exist for rental properties.  An online walk-thru is equally imperative for a prospective renter as it is to a prospective buyer.  Just as the home is staged for great photos and video, these tours are different.  They are different because they have a longer-shelf.  Turn-over in rental properties have a higher frequency than For-Sale properties.  Once these tours are created, they should not be deleted, rather they should be reused the next time the property is for-rent, which could be as early as 1 year (or simply, the term of the lease) 

  

(4) Single-Property Websites / Online Flyers.

The 123MapleSt.com's are just as equally important to the marketing of a For-Rent property.  As with online tours, single-property websites should have a long shelf life.  Given property management and solicitation of the property for For-Rent, the URL should be renewed annually, and, if posssible, purchased for multiple years. Again, these single-property websites should not be deleted, as they can be used again when the property is available for rent.

  

(5) Electronic Forms

As with many electronics forms providers, you can define a transaction as "For Lease" as displayed within ZipFormOnline below.

 

In addition, real estate professionals serious about entering the "For-Rent" marketplace, should inquire with their forms provider about form libraries (as shown below); forms custom and particular to (a) Rentee documents (the owner renting out their home) and (b) documents for the Renter/Leaser if not already inclusive of their member forms library. 

These are just some examples of how real estate technology that you currently use or administer can be effectively used in the renter marketplace once you find a sound business model to work within that space.