David Gibbs

What is an e-PRO—— and why should you use one?

A short guide for the Internet consumer

While the Internet is now considered the quintessential information resource today, sifting through the information and staying on track can be a daunting task. You don't have time to waste on endless searches for useful real estate information some of which you may not completely understand or have the time and additional resources to evaluate completely. What you really want is to be efficient and get things done quickly without hassle. So chances are you'd like a real estate agent who

• Answers e-mail promptly and professionally.
• Respects your on-line privacy.
• Offers home listings and other Internet tools to help you find (if you are buying) or market (if you are selling) a home.

Enter the e-PRO….

An e-PRO is a real estate professional who has met certain qualifications and has successfully completed the advanced e-PRO training program for real estate professionals. Endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS®, the e-PRO course teaches professionals the nuts and bolts of working with real estate on-line: Web sites, e-mail, on-line tools, and most of all, what today's Internet consumer really wants.

What does all this mean to you? There are several benefits of working with a certified Internet professional.

More privacy

Are you reluctant to give out contact information through the Web for fear of being pestered or spammed? e-PROs understand. They've learned the Web is more than just a place to do business and you are looking for information and someone to work with that you can trust. Someone you can trust to have the level of expertise you can depend on while insuring your online privacy at the same time. You can depend on an e-PROs to respect your privacy while also remaining responsive at all times. They respond quickly to your questions, but don't send you unwanted communication. And they protect your personal information.

Less hassle

Tired of struggling to find information? e-PROs are more likely to have access to the latest Internet utilities, making your life easier. These tools may include:

• On-line home tours
• Instant access to comprehensive neighborhood data
• Extensive property listings
• Immediate e-mail notification of just-listed homes meeting your criteria
• Referral networks and on-line forums, where e-PROs can quickly find information——even potential buyers——from other e-PROs
• Newsletters on current real estate conditions in your area
• Electronic faxes sent to you by e-mail
• Advanced software, PDAs, and tablet PC's to find you answers on the spot

The result: you get the right information for you and you get it efficiently. With electronic files, you have less paperwork to deal with. And since your agent uses e-mail, you can even eliminate phone tag. The e-PRO streamlines your entire transaction, from showing to closing.

Reduce Your Cost, Gain Better Value

An e-PRO's access to advanced technology coupled with their already considerable real estate experience can save you considerable expense. Technology is brought to bear in conjunction with real estate experience to find or market your home, so you're likely to get a better price whether you may be buying or selling a property. Multiple technology elements can be combined to allow the e-Pro real estate professional to provide you with the significant advantages you are seeking particularly if you are working on a real estate goal from a long distance. Professional access to local real estate (for sale) listings as well as local knowledge, familiarity with and access to local public records, online property tours, email, secure electronic document exchange, etc…..all combine to provide you the advantage you are looking for working with a trusted advisor you have access to virtually 24/7 from anywhere in the world you or your REALTOR® may be.

Relocating? An e-PRO is ideal for you. With tools and guidance to do your research electronically as well as the ability to collaborate with your real estate professional all along the way enables to make a decision on a home more efficiently such that you may be able to make a decision on a home the first day you arrive in your new home town——or without traveling at all. You and your family save on travel costs. And after you've decided to buy, monitoring the sale transaction electronically while collaborating with your dedicated e-Pro real estate professional saves you even more.

Should you use an e-PRO? Yes——especially if you're an Internet user. In this fast-paced age, technology has become a necessity. An e-PRO is someone who has recognized and responded to the needs of the new consumer. If you choose an e-PRO, it's a safe bet you'll get the kind of service you want——and need. Working with the best pays off.

Dave Gibbs, Broker Associate

Your certified Internet real estate professional in north central Florida.

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