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Simon Parker
Agents must engage with mobile technology if they’re to remain relevant to consumers, Glyn Morgan, the chief executive of Professionals Real Estate Group, has claimed.
“The adoption of smart phones and tablets in the past 18 months has been incredible and we don’t expect that to slow any time soon,’’ Mr Morgan said at a conference for more than 100 principals and managers from Professionals Real Estate Group on the Sunshine Coast.
“The number of people who now conduct Google searches over these devices every day is increasing dramatically and as a result, we need to take steps to ensure all our technology is compatible with these devices.”
“Not surprisingly, we offer our members .mobi websites as part of our offering.”
Mr Morgan's comments come not long after Domain.com.au reported the strong uptake of its mobile app, and rising consumer enquiry numbers from mobile devices.
Mr Morgan said there were clear technological trends that were revolutionising the way real estate agents were conducting their businesses.
Mr Morgan said the trends included the “glocalisation” of the market because of the Internet, the rapid global adoption of touch and swipe technologies, and the emergence of new real estate marketing strategies being embraced by the younger generation.
“We are seeing major technological changes that we need to take advantage of to ensure the future of our businesses,’’ said Mr Morgan.
Mr Morgan said one Professionals Real Estate Group agent from regional NSW had now sold nine homes as a result of social media.
New technologies were also creating opportunities to service international markets, he added.
“We are in a position where we can use Google Translate widgets on our websites to translate for international buyers,’’ he said. “For example, potential buyers sitting in India and China will be able to use Google Translate tool to look at properties for sale in Australia.”
He said the technology also allowed international groups such as Professionals Real Estate Group to provide international referral services to other agents overseas. “One of the exciting plans we are developing is helping to connect Australians looking to invest in property in America with reputable and reliable agents in the USA,’’ he said.
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