As real estate technology improves, human factor means more

By Larry Stoller CONTRIBUTOR

Technological advances in the real estate industry are skyrocketing.

Internet searches are better than ever, online real estate information is abundant, photos are phenomenal and there’s not much you can’t do on today’s state-of-the-art real estate websites.

As technology in real estate continues to expand, the real estate agent’s involvement in providing better service, accurate information, clear communication, and timely follow-up will become more important in managing the overall real estate transaction.

That’s because this business of selling real estate is very relational and cannot be replaced by technology and robot realtors. However, I do think that real estate agents who don’t adapt may be displaced.

I also believe that full utilization of technology, world-class service, and absolute trustworthiness will be the trademark of consummate real estate professionals.

I also think that real estate buyers and sellers will look for the following attributes and skills when choosing a Realtor to represent them:

• High ethical standards. The Code of Ethics differentiates Realtors from the competition. As real estate continues to be the most important transaction in the lives of consumers, integrity and loyalty are crucial agent characteristics. Now and in the future, real estate agents must continue to be honest professionals to the public and trusted advocates to their clients.

• More than just facts and figures. With all the real estate information that’s available online, consumers are better informed about the local housing market than ever before. Therefore, in addition to being a local market expert, today’s real estate professionals must effectively utilize their skills and complete tasks that a computer cannot perform: negotiating contract terms, handling sensitive situations, and resolving contingencies to ensure a trouble-free transaction and successful closing.

• Embracing real estate technology: Technology is changing the real estate industry big-time, and it’s only the beginning. Today’s savvy real estate agents are better prepared by updating their knowledge of new technologies and implementing these technologies to give their clients the competitive real estate advantage.

Visit 3SequoiaCourt.com to see an example of how an exclusive property website promotes a property every day of the year 24/7.

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The Art Market

Coastal Discovery Museum, April 29-30

April 20-30

“Ripcord,” by Lean Ensemble Theatre at HH Prep Main Street Theatre, 3000 Main St., Hilton Head Island. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets $45 at leanensemble.org or 843-715-6676.

April 21-23

Old Town Bluffton Spring Fling, various events including Spring Art Walk 5-7 p.m. Friday; Earth Day and live demos at art galleries in Old Town, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; Sunday brunch in downtown restaurants, with shops and galleries open. Shopoldtownbluffton.com or blufftonartsdistrict.com

April 21

Joe Jencks, folk singer-songwriter, in concert, 7 p.m. at Music on Malphrus, 110 Malphrus Road, Bluffton. General admission tickets $25 at door; doors open 6:15 p.m. uulowcountry.org or MusicOnMalphrus@gmail.com

April 21-22

“Dance ... Rhythm in Motion,” annual Rainbow of Rhythm production, featuring the dance clubs of Sun City. Performances 7 p.m. April 21; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 22. Tickets $15 at Magnolia Hall box office or 843-645-1870.

April 21-23

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Beaufort Theatre Company at USCB Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret St., Beaufort. Adult $30, student $15, senior/military $25. 843521-4145 or uscbcenterforthearts.com (Not recommended for children under 16.)

April 22

“Let’s Rock,” 7 p.m. concert at Seahawk Cultural Center, 70 Wilborn Road, Hilton Head Island. Fundraiser for Foundation for Educational Excellence, featuring local bands, solos and students of Hilton Head Island High School, and celebrating the school’s 40th anniversary. General admission tickets $20 at foundationedexcellence.com and at the door. Students with ID, $5 at door; teachers with ID, $10 at door.

April 23-24

HHSO Harmony, Series Finale: The Planets, 4 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Monday, First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway.

April 26-May 28

Sondheim’s “Company,” Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, tickets at 843-8422787 or artshhi.org.

April 28-May 7

“The Rise and Fall of Little Voice,” May River Theatre at Ulmer Auditorium, 20 Bridge St., Bluffton. Performances 7:30 p.m. April 28-29, May 5-6; 2 p.m. April 30, May 7. Tickets $26 at mayrivertheatre.com.

70 Wilborn Road, Hilton Head Island. Tickets $20 adult, $10 students and children 18 and under.

Through April 30

“Bring Nature Home,” art exhibit by Karen Richards at SOBA gallery, 6 Church St. in Old Town Bluffton. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. April 6, free and open to public. sabagallery.com or 843-757-6586

May 5

SOBA 2nd annual Art Auction Fundraiser, in partnership with Bluffton Soup Kitchen, 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Bostwick Pavilion at Moss Creek. Tickets $100. Proceeds benefit both nonprofits. sobagallery.com

Through May 6

Bluffton 8th Grade Juried Art Show, featuring student art from Bluffton schools, on exhibit at Bluffton Library. People’s Choice voting through April 29. Artist Awards reception May 4.

May 11-14

“Steppin’ Out,” Sun City Chorus and Orchestra, at Magnolia Hall 118 Sun City Lane in Sun City. Open to public. 7 p.m. May 11-13, 2:30 p.m. May 14. Tickets $27 at suncitytix@gmail.com or 843-941-9729.

April 29

Abby Posner, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, at Music on Malphrus, 110 Malphrus Road, Bluffton. General admission $25 at door; doors open at 6:15 p.m., music at 7 p.m. uulowcountry.org or MusicOnMalphrus@gmail.com

April 29-30

“Terpsichore,” presented by Hilton Head Dance Theatre, 7:30 p.m. April 29, 2:30 p.m. April 30, at Seahawk Cultural Center,

Through May 13

“Art That Makes You Smile: The Gently Surreal Art of John K. Crum,” at Art League of Hilton Head, 14 Shelter Cove Lane. Gallery hours 10 am.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday, and 90 minutes before every Arts Center performance. artleaguehhi.org or 843-681-5060