Industry leaders embrace technology

Technology and social media were often mentioned as having had the single most important impact on business in the last year, according to a new survey conducted by Keystone Analytics among registrants of the Winter PAR Business Meeting.

“Technology is constantly changing and evolving, and Realtors® continue to be on the forefront of emerging trends,” notes PAR President Frank Jacovini.

Realtor® leaders in Pennsylvania are an extremely tech-savvy group, with over half visiting the PAR website from a mobile device, 81 percent having real-estate-related apps on a mobile device and over a third having taken four or more technology-related classes and seminars in the last year.

More than half of the survey participants indicated they would be likely to participate in committee meetings or other sessions during the business meetings if they could attend remotely.  An overwhelming 70 percent of participants indicated they would be interested in receiving text-message alerts with important association news and updates.

Brief surveys will be conducted during every PAR business meeting and will focus on specific topics, such as technology, business practices and emerging markets.

“Surveying the leadership of our association will provide insight into how we can best serve local associations and our members,” said PAR Chief Executive Officer Dave Phillips.

A $25 Best Buy gift card was randomly awarded to one member completing the survey. Congratulations to Maryellen O’Brien from Coldwell Banker Hearthside in Doylestown!

The survey was sent to 270 individuals who were registered for the PAR Winter Business Meeting. A total of 168 completed the survey for a 62 percent response rate.