Inman

More than a third of real estate business comes from Web

Realtors are embracing the Internet, with more than a third of their business now being generated from the Web, according to an industry survey.

That was one of the findings of the California Association of Realtors “2005 Use of Technology Survey” released today during the trade group’s annual convention in San Diego.

The survey release coincides with C.A.R.’s full day of comprehensive technology training for Realtors that kicks off the event.

The survey tracks current trends in technology used by Realtors on topics ranging from computer and technology usage to Internet needs and adoption within their real estate business. It was conducted during the second quarter of 2005.

Among the survey’s findings was that 90 percent of Realtors surveyed have a high-speed Internet connection at home, an increase from 82 percent a year ago and 71 percent in 2003.

Forty-six percent of surveyed Realtors said they use e-mail as their primary form of communication with clients, and 31 percent said a Blackberry or Treo was their most important technology upgrade in 2005.

In addition, 61 percent of surveyed Realtors post listings to their own Web site, and 33 percent of Realtors’ business is coming from the Internet.

Sixty-seven percent of Realtors in the survey said they find the Internet extremely or very important in the marketing and promotion of their business.

During today’s opening session at the conference, C.A.R. Executive Vice President Joel Singer moderated a panel of speakers who discussed the ever-changing role of technology in the real estate industry.

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