And the tradition continues…Chris Lee, of Realty South in Tuscaloosa, gives us his take on the Tuscaloosa real estate market, MLS technology and more! Special thanks and a bag of Kaffeeklatsch coffee go out to Chris.
Chris Lee
1) What’s your opinion on the health of the market in Tuscaloosa?
Overall the Tuscaloosa market is moderately healthy. We have not experienced some of the drastic declines in price that some of the larger markets have experienced. However, the number of sales in our market has declined. The first part of this year was some of the slowest months I have experienced. It was like there were no buyers in the market. Then there was the April 27th tornado and our market was completely changed. On that afternoon 2375 homes were completely destroyed in Tuscaloosa County and another 2349 suffered major damage. Although this was a horrific and tragic event, it has spurred an increase in the need for housing for the time being.
2) What has been your strategy for staying ahead in a tough market?
In this tough and challenging market I have relied on my knowledge of the market and the pricing trends that neighborhoods have taken to enable my sellers to move their properties in a timely manner. I also credit my use of technology to generate leads and to stay on track.
3) How has technology played a part in your approach to your business?
Technology has played a huge role in my business. I rely on it for a large portion of my marketing and lead generation. I also rely on it as an economical and efficient time management solution. Programs such as Dropbox allow me to keep digital files in one place so there is no need for unnecessary trips to the office in the middle of the night.
4) Where do you see technology in real estate headed and what role does MLS technology – specifically – play?
Technology in real estate is changing every day and many of us don’t even realize it. People are wanting more information before ever meeting us and if we don’t’ give it to them, someone else will and they will never meet us. MLS provides a crucial role in getting that information from the Realtor to the consumer. This technology has already evolved from just a MLS to a MLS and a lead management system. In the future I could see this system having a document storage and search feature that each individual agent could upload documents specific to them that would automatically brand itself with their companies information. This system is available now though outside sources but it just makes sense to evolve into one system.
5) What technical investment, if any, do you plan to make to aid your business within the next year?
Within the next year I would like to move to a near paperless system. This would allow me to have searchable files that I can access anywhere via programs like Dropbox. This also would allow me to be able to de-clutter my files and desk which will help me with productivity.
6) If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would be cast to play you?
This is a very difficult question. I honestly don’t know of any actor that would do a good job portraying who I am . I am open for suggestions!