9 in 10 us estate agents use social media

“Technology has transformed the way Realtors do business," says Mark Lesswing, NAR senior vice president and chief technology officer.

Indeed, brokers spent a median of $1,410 on technology for their real estate business, up from $1,122 in 2012, while agents spent a median of $848, up slightly from $822 in 2012.

A survey by the NAR foumd that 94 percent of Realtors use mobile devices to communicate with clients and spend a median 44 percent of their time corresponding with or doing work for their clients via their mobile devices.

Apple is the most popular platform, with 52 per cent of respondents now using iPhones. 36 per cent use Androids and 3 percent use Blackberry devices. 29 percent of participants, meanwhile, told the NAR they plan to pick up a tablet or smartphone in 2014.

“Realtors tend to find the most value in technologies that allow them to conduct business quickly, conveniently and on the go,” adds Lesswing. “Embracing new technologies and online resources is a vital part of how Realtors identify, market and sell homes and guarantee that they are meeting their clients’ needs.”

The use of social media to generate leads and stay in contact with clients has also increased since 2012; 91 percent of all Realtors use social media. 70 per cent of those surveyed said that they use social media to build relationships and network, while 64 per cent said they use the platforms for marketing and generating leads.

The most frequently used social platforms were Facebook, with 77 per cent of respondents said they use the site regularly, followed by LinkedIn, used by 75 per cent.