Posted on
July 29, 2025
by
John-Matthew Hogan
The other day I was thinking how I started my Real Estate courses 30 years ago. I got to thinking about all the changes in my own life and the business I love!
When I started the office had 2 maybe 3 computers for all the Realtors to share. Today I would say every agent has there own computer, tablet or some sort of device if not multiple devices.
30 Years ago we had our MLS books. These were a Realtors “Bible” Your clients were always wanting to see it or borrow it(which was a big no-no at the time) and this book came out every 2 weeks so listings were always a little stale but that is just the way it was.
Technology has changed so much the way we do business. In 1995 I was sitting in a classroom taking my Real Estate courses and now a lot of them can be done online. All of our MLS data is online and uploaded within a few minutes to various websites. Websites?? What were those 30 years ago. I can remember being one of the first agents to have a dedicated domain name in the city and posting a few listings on there. That was all thanks to a friend who was taking computer courses. Now most agents have there own websites.
Technology has changed everything. When I started print ads were still the number one marketing tool. Now that is going the way of the dinosaur. Back then we were also only allowed 1 photo on a listing. Now most of our marketing is digital and our MLS system supports 50 photos! We also have video tours, floor plans, and so much more at our fingertips.
30 Years ago you did not email paperwork, email was not even a thing. The FAX that was technology at its finest with your dial up modem and those awful noises as your fax went thru. Your clients searching for a fax machine if you were not in the same city, and then seeking someone to physically witness there signatures. Now we have docusign and sometimes Realtors don’t ever see the house or physically meet the client. It is amazing how much can be done online.
I am a bit of a dinosaur now though as I still like a lot of the personal one on one meetings. I feel we build better more lasting bonds this way. The emails and docusign are handy and make life easier and sometimes a necessity but I miss the interactions and the getting to know the clients more and building long lasting relationships and friendships!
There have been so many changes in the 30 years since I started out and having lived and sold in Thailand well that was a different animal altogether with no real set rules business practices no MLS system just very different then what we have here. I much prefer the way we do things here.
I am truly thankful for the 30 years I have spent in and around this business and look forward to what the future brings. I would often discuss with colleagues how we have to be willing to adapt or we will go the way of the dinosaur in this business. I am thankful for all the relationships I have built and all the people that have trusted me over the years, that have allowed me to live this life.
