5 Places to Find Tech Support

It's late in the evening and you have come across a problem with your software. Who do you call? Normally the answer would be the Ghostbusters, but I don't think they can help you with software problems. If you are like me, I always seem to have issues at the oddest moments and can never find tech support when I need it. Look no further! Below is a list of five places that you can look to when you need technical help.

The Tech Company's Website

Check the company's website for a phone number, email, or chat. This is the most simple solution, but it is not always available. This might seem a bit crazy in 2021, but not all companies make support easily accessible.

When looking at a company's website, there are a few things to look for. First, a phone number should always be on their website. They should also have a link called support or a chat bubble for you to click on. As an example, check out Delta Media Group's website below.

Your MLS's Tech Support

The second place you should always look for tech support is your MLS. You should note that any MLS that you are a part of should provide you with access to help with tech support. If not, then you should begin shopping MLSs. MLSs are similar to technology companies; it being 2021, they are supposed to provide you with a great service. If you believe you cannot change from one MLS to another, that is 100% not true. In 2018, NAR implemented a new rule called MLS of Choice. You have every right to be part of ANY MLS that you choose. If you have questions about this, I recommend you reach out to your state association, or you can shoot me an email at [email protected] and we can discuss this further.

As an example of providing great tech support, check out the screenshot below for Greater Southern MLS out of Louisiana. Notice that support is available not just during the day, but late into the night when agents and brokers may still be working.

Tech Helpline

Tech Helpline provides tech support to approximately 650,000 individuals across the US and Canada. Chances are, this service is already available to you as part of your association or MLS fees. Not only can they help you with technology tools provided by your association, MLS, or brokerage, but they can also help you with other forms of technical support, including spyware removal, virus protection, and software repair.

To get a better understanding of how you can benefit, take three minutes to watch the video below.

Your Brokerage

Ask your broker! Unless you work for yourself, turn to your broker. They should be happy to help. Remember, your broker was once an agent; they have needed help with listing presentations, websites, etc. If they cannot solve your problem, they can at least point you in the direction of someone that could help.

You can also check out your brokerage's website. Companies such as Keller Williams provide a place on their site dedicated to support: https://answers.kw.com/hc/en-us. Chances are another agent has asked the same questions as you.

Google

Last, but not least: Ask Google.

Google doesn't know everything about real estate technology, but Google does know a lot. If you ask the right questions, Google can help you find the answer.

Your Turn

You might be thinking, "I don't need tech support right now." This might be true, but it is best to know where to find help, even when you don't need it at the moment.

For the next 15 minutes, I'm asking you to do the following to help:

1. Bookmark this article.
2. Visit the website for your most commonly used software and try to find their support information. Bookmark those pages and note the hours they are available.
3. Visit your association, MLS, and brokerage's website and do the same thing. If your MLS doesn't provide tech support when you normally need it, reach out to them and ask if they can expand their hours. If they say no, it might be time to consider finding a new MLS.

Come back next week to learn how to find a technology solution that works for you.

If you have any questions about how to find tech support or have suggestions for other articles, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or on LinkedIn.