Today we had many a techno-geek hosting a forum on Internet technology and how it can benefit the realtor and consumer. Hot topics: Real Estate Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, web pages in general, and how there is a definite shift in clientele working initially from the web, and then ending with Realtors.

Interesting: A few years ago, the fear was that the Realtor would be squeezed out of the process, due to information on the Internet being made available to the public. However, what many of us have found (including yours truly), is that in most cases, the opposite is true. Buyers and sellers need expertise now, more than ever. The past 8 years of continued wild-rides  in the economic and real estate sectors have proven that we need expertise in the most fundamental aspects of both realms. Accrued wisdom, inside networking, pricing expertise and negotiation more than pay for themselves.

I believe there are too many amateurs playing Realtors, and it has cost many, many people, an awful lot of money. It has also cost a fair amount of people either the right home, or the best potential buyer for their home. Of course many professional Realtors have been less than worthy, but by and large the following statement still holds true: If you think working with a professional is expensive, try working with an amateur.

With technology and information at the fingertips of the public, I believe that many good things can be reconciled. I think the proper symbiosis is that my buyers and sellers are much better educated, and this helps me when I help them realize the realistic selling price of their home, or the realistic purchase price when they wish to buy one. It also helps them become familiar with current or comparable inventory. These are very real benefits to the entire process.

Also, the great advances in social networking within the Internet is great for Realtors who have the know-how and ambition to work this realm of marketing.

In all, it was an interesting forum. I was glad to be there.