March 30, 2020 by Myke Leatham

There’s no denying that the world has seen an incredible technology boom in the last couple of years. Technology is absolutely unavoidable, and it is integrated into our daily routines as well as our homes, cars, offices and many other daily necessities. While some people may feel skeptical about the impact of technology on our lives, others embrace it with open arms. Even though change can be difficult to accept the main goal of new technologies is to ultimately make our lives easier and more efficient. One example would be the advancement in cell phone technology. Just over 20 years ago cell phones were not an item that every single person owned or carried around with them. If you needed to contact a friend or family member you would need to either do it from home or feed some change into a street phone – you would also need to know the number of the person you were calling and if they did not answer then you would just have to call back, there was no option of texting them and reminding them to call you back later. Fast forward to 2020 and the majority of the US population is glued to their smart phones 24/7. There are definite cons to the digital addiction we all fall victim to every now and then, but can you imagine your life without the comforts that new technology provides?

Technology has not only changed how we interact and behave as individuals, but it has also significantly impacted many industries, real estate included. The evolution of real estate, as it has been with most other businesses, is technology driven. Even concepts that we may not think are influenced by technology are! For example, the majority of first-time homebuyers, as well as other buyers, begin their search for properties using online search tools. Whether they download an application onto their smart phone or utilize an online property search on an agent website this is how the process begins. Most real estate agents have also embraced the digital age by utilizing social media, email marketing and a wide range of other technology-driven platforms to communicate with clients and grow their business in their communities.

So how are new technologies affecting real estate? Whether a buyer is looking for a home, a landlord is seeking new tenants, or an agent is marketing their business there is constantly new technology being introduced that is shaping the real estate industry. Although it’s tough to predict what will come next, there are a handful of technologies and real estate trends worth noting that are making a big difference in the way business is done.

Internet of Things

One of the biggest ways that technology is altering the real estate industry is the popularity of the smart home trend. Smart home technology is a very generic term that is used to describe home automation that is used to improve certain things within the home including energy efficiency, security and general conveniences. The Internet of Things is very closely tied to smart home technology like the Nest thermostat, artificial intelligence assistants like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, smart water sprinklers, automated light bulbs, smart appliances and so much more. This time of smart home technology is not only convenient and cool, but it can help property owners boost the sales price of their home by anywhere from three to five percent. Additionally, homeowners who currently enjoy this technology in their home are more likely to look for and purchase a home with similar technology. New buyers are very interested in this type of home upgrade because it allows them to personalize their home and living experience based on their unique needs and lifestyle.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality isn’t just something that is used in gaming or those fancy buildouts in the middle of the mall – this is an important piece of technology that is making a big breakthrough in the real estate industry. Virtual reality makes it possible for an agent to show a property to an interested buyer who may not be able to visit in person. This can be used to take people beyond online photos and present an immersive, realistic 3D view of a home from whatever device they are using. This is one of the newest trends in real estate, but it is picking up speed quickly and it is one that many realtors will soon be using. Just imagine how much easier it would be for an out-of-state client to purchase a home before they move without ever stepping foot in the home. With virtual reality they can explore the property room by room in detail without leaving the comfort of their current residence.

There are also additional benefits of this technology like aerial drone footage that allows a client to explore the neighborhood remotely, or virtual furniture that can help the client visualize an empty space without the extra expense of a staging company. This type of technology has the potential to increase the pool of buyers an agent can tap into, as well as speed up sales cycles by allowing clients to get a better sense of a property.

The Cloud

Real estate professionals, as well as buyers and sellers are probably already using a wide range of cloud-based programs in a variety of ways. In terms of how this technology impacts the real estate industry – it can make the lending and closing process much simpler, faster and streamlined. Data from documents and listings can be securely managed and stored in a cloud system, and things like electronic signature capabilities can further facilitate faster deals.

CRM Software

There is specific technology and software created like Salesforce, PipeDrive, Base and many other CRMS specifically for real estate professionals. A CRM is a Customer Relationship Management tool that helps to manage contacts, relationships and interactions with existing and potential customers. The goal of this technology is simple – to improve business relationships and help professionals stay connected to their clients, streamline business processes and improve profitability. A CRM created for real estate agents can help them keep track of emails, calls and the progress made with a prospective client. This allows the agent to have a clear understanding of their pipeline and quickly identify areas in their business where they need to take action.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology is still in its beginning stages, but it is slowly being introduced into the real estate industry, and once it takes hold it’s going to be a complete gamechanger in the way business is done. Believe it or not, many home sellers are now accepting Bitcoin as an alternative payment option for high-value property sales. Blockchain technology makes it possible for people to process big financial transactions, like a sale in real estate, without going through a middleman like a bank. Once blockchain technology is fully implemented, if it is used properly it can bring security, efficiency and transparency to real estate transactions. Blockchain technology will also tap into smart contracts that will bring together a transaction completely between the buyer and seller, or renter and landlord. Removing the middleman and limiting interaction can actually speed up the transaction and reduce the chance for fraud.

As the world of tech continues to evolve and brilliant minds create innovative start-ups aiming to bring new technology to the market, we can continue to expect these high-level trends to break through into the real estate industry. It’s not easy to predict how new technology will be developed and how it will be implemented into the real estate industry, but it’s important to be aware of the changes and adapt as new technology becomes available. We live in a digital world and technology has the power to completely change the way we do business, which is why it’s important to keep up with the trends and maintain an open mind to the evolving business model.

At Brazos County Realty we have an outstanding team of real estate professionals who are well-versed in all aspects of the business. We have been assisting clients with buying, selling and investing in real estate in the Bryan College Station area, and beyond, for more than 25 years. As our business has grown and progressed, we keep a vigilant eye on market trends, digital updates and new technology that helps us provide better service to our clients. Our website provides a wide range of tools, resources and informative articles that buyers and sellers can tap into. We also provide tools that allow you to search for properties for sale based on the criteria that matters to you, various mortgage calculators to help you estimate your monthly payments and comprehensive lists for local schools, attractions, utilities and so much more.

If you’re looking to buy or sell real estate in Bryan College Station, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for help. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you soon!

Category: Blog

About Myke Leatham

I’m so glad you found me – your College Station and Bryan, TX real estate source! When you choose to buy or sell a home in College Station/Bryan, TX or other surrounding areas using our expert services, you will receive a free consultation to determine your needs, free listings, and free reports sent to you by email. These weekly reports will show you how hard the members of my team are working to accomplish your property goals, and we guarantee the best service and consultation you have ever experienced. You’ll find the best community information for the College Station, Texas region right here.

It’s nice to know YOUR Realtor will still be of service after the sale.

Experience Counts: Broker/Owner of Brazos County Realty
Over 25 years of sales experience. With past ABR, GRI, CRS, & Epro designations.
Continuing education in real estate: Education is paramount in an ever changing industry like Real Estate. Myke has taken over 1000 hours of real estate specific courses which include but are not limited to: Residential Appraisal, Marketing, Law Contracts I & II, Finance, Residential Inspections, Principles and Practice, Law of Agency, Code of Ethics, Bankruptcy/Easements/Surveys/and Probate, Home Warranties, 1031 Exchanges and hundreds of hours of extensive real estate training.

Reputation: SALES LEADER since 1998; Top Producer 2000 through 2009. Listed among the top agents in the county. Consistently ranked among top realtors for total sales volume out of 900 realtors for commercial and residential real estate in the Bryan/College Station, TX area. When Myke represents buyers, she presents all viable options to her clients, including those properties that are not officially listed, but could be available for sale based on her inside information. Her expertise lies with investors and marketing homes of all price ranges in College Station/Bryan to local, national and global buyers, across all major media channels and through her extensive, personal network of contacts.

Myke is among the top 1% of all Realtors in North America!
She has earned the Designations of ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative), CRS(Certified Residential Specialist), GRI (Graduate of Realtors Institute)CHMS (Certified Home Marketing Specialist), and E-pro (Certified Internet Professional)
Fewer than 3% of all Realtors nationwide earn these certifications. They are not only a symbol of Myke’s commitment to this business, but these designations are your assurance of a skilled, trained real estate professional.

Myke is a consummate real estate professional who not only understands the art of deal-making, but also the art of relationships. She makes the process of buying and selling homes an uplifting and fun experience. She has a tremendous appreciation for Bryan and College Station, its rich history, and Texas A&M traditions having lived in the area for 25 years. Her knowledge of Bryan/College Station’s real estate market and market trends is unparalleled. Having been personally involved with clients through their remodeling, purchasing and selling processes, she knows intrinsic quality and value when she sees it. When she doesn’t see it she lets her clients know, without hesitation.
Myke’s proven track record and affiliations in the field of real estate demonstrates her high level of professionalism.

* High energy and enthusiasm
* Aggressive marketing
* Expert negotiating skills
* Ability to listen and ascertain customer’s desires and needs
* Fun to be with
* Internet savvy
* Because Myke is an experienced investor, she quickly helps her customers locate and define good business opportunities. No one likes the feeling of being ‘sold to’ so Myke provides as much information as possible to help you make the right decision.

Personal Commitment:
I am prepared to go the ‘Extra Mile’ for you, because I understand the financial and emotional significance of purchasing and selling your home. I will carefully listen to your desires and arrive at a workable plan. I believe sensitivity, listening, and service are important keys to success.
Whether you are buying or selling a home or you are just curious about your home’s market value, I’d be happy to provide my market expertise and intelectual property without obligation, or meet with you to evaluate your home for future reference. I want my customers to have a great time and enjoy the total process of purchasing or selling property. It gives me great pride when my customerspass my name on to their friends and family. I will continue to work hard to make sure critical information is available at www.AggieRealEstate.com and I invite all interested investors to search my site for cash flow opportunities. I will dedicate my time and talents to helping you achieve your goals. It is my goal to make your buying and selling experience extraordinary. Look closely and you’ll see how much I love meeting and working with people. You’ll experience the difference in working with an experienced and dedicated professional.

Personal information:
Michelle goes by ‘Myke’ and is the proud mother of 6 children – 3 girls and 3 boys. Her husband is David Leatham. They met at Brigham Young University. They have been married since 1977. David is a finance professor, and Associate Head over graduate studies in the Agricultural Economics Department at Texas A&M University, and speaks fluent Spanish. They have lived in College Station since 1983 and loved every minute of it. Myke loves to quilt, sing, swim, ‘sing’, bake bread, ‘sing,’ garden, ‘sing’, sell real estate, and ‘sing some more’ :-). Family, church, and real estate consume most of her time. Truth, honor, integrity, kindness, loyalty, gratitude, and service are very important words to her.

Slogan: ‘Let Myke Help You With Your HOMEwork!’

Referrals: The highest compliment I can get is when you pass my name on to others or post a kind remark on the internet. When you send your friends and family my way, I’ll always provide them with the highest quality of service that I know you would appreciate. Thanks in advance for all your support and friendship.

Look on the bright side