REALTORS are making increased use of the Internet and new Web-based technologies for their business, according to a survey of members who are e-mail users conducted by the National Association of REALTORS' Center for Realtor Technology.

The percentage of REALTORS who believe having a Web site and using the Internet has changed the way they do business has increased to 64 percent in 2003 from 50 percent in 2002. Although the cost of Web sites is perceived to be high, over 60 percent of REALTORS have a personal Web site, either their own or through their brokerage.

"By speeding up the process of adapting new technology, our members are in a better position to meet, and even anticipate, consumers' demands for fast, accurate and comprehensive property data, and information and document exchange that correspond to today's fast-paced lifestyle," said NAR President Cathy B. Whatley, owner of Buck & Buck Inc. in Jacksonville, Fla.

Mark Lesswing, NAR vice president and director of the CRT, said, "The changes in technology usage from 2002 to 2003 suggest an increased reliance on the Internet and new consolidated technologies in the conduct of Realtor business over time."

The CRT survey, along with similar research conducted in 2002, also highlights changes in Realtors' use of searchable listings, e-mail, and other emerging technology over the last two years. Usage and availability of Internet Data Exchange (IDX) technology are increasing, especially among larger firms. IDX is a broker option to display advertising of active listings on another broker's Web site.

The survey, which was conducted by CRT personnel in February 2003, compiled results from a sampling of Realtors who actively use e-mail; 754 survey candidates chosen at random from NAR's member database were sent an e-mail invitation to participate and were later surveyed by e-mail.

"The MLS is the dominant source of listings for the REALTOR," Lesswing said. "The market for listing search tools seems to be growing, together with use of electronic, searchable property listings. Over the last year, use of wireless Internet and wireless e-mail have also increased by 6 percent and 4 percent, respectively," he said.

The survey showed that REALTORS use a wide range of technologies in their business, with mobile phones or pagers now being used by 98 percent or more, up 1 percent from 2002. Use of computers by the survey group now approaches 100 percent, with members using a combination of home and office desktop and laptop computers. Electronic mail has become more common, with 94 percent of respondents using e-mail for business, especially to stay in touch with clients. Use of digital cameras has reached the 85 percent level.

Lesswing said, "Not all areas are growing, however. The use of pagers declined significantly, with 9 percent fewer respondents using a pager in 2003 than in 2002. The finding may be attributed to the proliferation of mobile phones, as well as the convergence of devices such as mobile phones, pagers and personal data assistants (PDAs). As pager-like functions become part of devices such as mobile phones and PDAs, it is likely that pager use will continue to fall."

NAR members rely heavily on both portable and Internet technologies and constitute a significant market for such devices and services. "Since 33 percent of respondents report using five or more technologies, members will constitute a significant market for convergent products – hardware devices that combine more than one function in a single piece of equipment – as these come to market," he added.

Published: April 30, 2003

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