Old School versus NEW School
Some folks like the old days, and some like the technology of today. I wanted to see which group most people are fond of, and this is my poll...(you can be a mix of them, that is fine!)
Old School Realtors drive Mercedes and BMW's.
New School Realtors drive Fuel Efficient Cars or Hybrids/Smart Cars.
Which one are you?
Old School Realtors prefer the telephone for business dealings or a fax machine.
New School Realtors use email, texting, and prefer to do business online.
Which one are you?
Old School Realtors have the glorious Glamour Shot photos on their business card in full color.
New School Realtors have a modern black and white, or something casual.
Which one are you?
Old School Realtors save all the paperwork in files and boxes in storage.
New School Realtors back up all their files on a jump drive.
Which one are you?
Old School Realtors wear suits and ties or dresses.
New School Realtors wear high end jean and trendy casual clothes.
Which one are you?
Old School Realtors hold open houses.
New School Realtors usually do not.
Which one are you?
Let me know!!!
Tracey G. Shrouder
Well Tracey,
You tell me. I drive a hybrid, I prefer the phone to e-mail and text, everything is on my computer, and I wear dress shirt and tie most of the time.
Maybe I'm a middle school Realtor!
Gabe Sanders e-PRO REALTOR®
Premier Realty Group
www.GabeSanders.com
www.TreasureCoastFLHomes.com
Old school agents don't know what a blog is, new school agents comment on them. LOL.
Hey Tracey - definitely a new school Realtor. I think that comes with age though! For those agents that have been used to doing business a certain for 2-3 decades, it's hard for them to adjust! But I know now adays, I communicate with clients through texting, gchat, and email more so than phone. It's funny too...if it's not a work related call, I barely pick up my phone! I'm all "talked" out by the end of the day!
I'm a new schooler all the way- however -- I am a boomer -- maybe it's all those years in San Francisco -- I just like looking ahead and moving forward.
Great post Tracey. I would say I qualify as a new school realtor.
Hi Tracey,
I'm going to have to admit that I drive a medium-size sedan (not a beamer or merc) with a baby-seat in the back. I use e-mail, fax, texting, phone - whatever is available and convenient. The front of my card is in color. The back in Black and White. I do have hard files, but also about half on computer as well. I have a computer guy who's helping me "catch up to speed on technology". I never go anywhere without my TREO. I'm wearing jeans and logo shirt today, but go out and network, consult with clients, go to closings in Suits (sometimes with, mostly without tie). Depends on the day. I meet my last clients that I had and helped to buy a home while "working an open house". I'm becoming more open and flexible to change - which is inevitable, eh?
Cute comparisons and I guess it really depends on your market place. Open Houses are very popular here in Sarasota FLorida, especially in our high season. We even hold homes open on weekdays. I never wear a suit or jeans. Maybe I should buy some of those expensive jeans - I would wear them. I don't really like any of my pictures, I have color and black and white. I am very tech savvy and have been scanning and emailing for 4 years. Faxing is my last resort. Sometimes I think the texting and emailing is a way to avoid your clients.
New school. I do drive a Denali, not so smart for new school agents.
I love to wear my jeans, heels and a nice blouse this is comfortable to me which allows the people around me to be comfortable.
I love email and texting, this is a great way to have a copy of what was said.
I drive a gas hog SUV - but then I train dogs and pull a boat with the thing.
I am comfortable with email, text,etc - but the personal touch is still important, sensing reaction is hard in an email, the tone of someones' voice can tell you a lot. It's about service to the client!
Full Color - themed - have had all promo stuff in full color for 10 years now.
Real time back-up
My feeling is dress appropriately... don't show houses in 3" heels, hose and a suit in 95 degrees and 70% humidity... and if you are looking at a $30K paycheck then dress and act the part. It's still about perception - look and act successful and people think you are (and want to do business with you). Hang around successful people - it rubs off on you.
An open house was about selling the house 20 years ago... now it's about meeting the neightbors (and more potential listing clients) - and who better to recommend a neighborhood to a friend of theirs?
New Black and White Photos? Gosh did not know that was new, other than that I am a new style.
Definitely new school. I just completed a transaction that was pretty much done by email. It makes it so much more convenient for all parties involved. Not that I think that most new schoolers are to casual when doing business. I think the old schoolers dont want to use computers and dont want to learn how to use them. Cant teach an old dog new tricks! I have held open houses though.