Broker Jan Hooks on Technology

It's time for another broker interview on the Solid Earth blog. This time we're talking with Jan Hooks from Fort Walton Beach on the Northwest Florida coast. Jan is heavily involved in her Association, holding a long list of positions, including the 2010 Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors; 2010 Member of the Women's Council of REALTORS®; 2010 Women's Council of REALTORS® Emerald Coast Entrepreneur of the Year; 2012 South Walton REALTOR® of the Year, and last but not least, she's the 2013 President of the Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS®.

Jan is also committed to education and holds several certifications: Certified Distressed Property Expert; Certified Real Estate Broker Manager; Certified International Property Specialist; Council of Residential Specialists; Resort & Second Home Property Specialist; Florida Military Specialist Certification; Accredited Buyers Representation; Green, LMC, TRC, E-Pro, AHWD, A-REO.

1. What's your opinion on the health of the local market in general? Also, are there market segments doing really well, or really badly?
Our inventory is low right now. Builders are buying up vacant lots and tracks of land at a discounted price and building new homes. We're seeing multiple offers coming in again. The market is definitely moving.

2. What percentage of your agents have smartphones?
Since I am a boutique real estate company, I will speak to the membership of Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS® and take a guess that more than 85% have smartphones; all of our agents use smart phones as a basic tool.

3. How to they feel about working in the field? For example, will they be eager to add listings from a showing appointment using their iPhones?
I believe many of the YPN (Young Professional Network) would be adding listings from their smartphones. I imagine some of the veteran agents will still prefer to work off a laptop or desktop.

4. Has social networking impacted your business? If so, how?
Since I go to as many conventions as I can, I have learned that social networking has generated business for the ones that find the time to make use of that technology, along with the actual physical connection.

Note: New association exec Ann Rendel jumped into the conversation on this question and added that Social is all about being authentic. Agents and brokers who write blogs or share great neighborhood tips on Facebook are generating lots of positive social media for their brands. She said it's about being an authentic person who is also a REALTOR®, instead of a REALTOR® who happens to be a person. Great advice.

5. Where do you see technology in real estate headed and what role does MLS technology – specifically – play?
As it is today, the touch of a fingertip – even more so. You can search for just about anything and I believe our members will engage with technology as it improves. Keeping our members informed of new ideas and keeping education at the forefront to help members learn.

6. What technical investment, if any, do you plan to make to aid your business within the next year?
Not for sure at this time, but will share what I learn to help the membership be engaged in helping them improve their business

7. What's your biggest hurdle in getting deals closed?
Appraisals. That seems to be the top conversation when it comes to that question when networking with other brokers / agents in our organization. Low sale values in the past mean appraisers have a hard time in a rising market.

8. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would be cast to play you?
Sandra Bullock. Totally Sandra Bullock!

Thanks for the time Jan and Anne!

If you are a subcriber to a Solid Earth MLS system and would like to talk real estate with Solid Earth's CEO, send a tweet to @mattfowler.

To view the original article, visit the Solid Earth blog.