RISMEDIA, January 15, 2009-In today’s busy, consumer-centric society, waiting for something is often uncommon. People need to have everything at their fingertips. And to that end, technology is evolving faster and better than ever. Companies who embrace technology are often light years ahead while others struggle to compete.
Shorewest, Realtors® has embraced some of the latest revolutionary technology in order to use it in the real estate industry. It is this new technology that is helping consumers search for homes in ways never dreamed possible.
Shorewest’s new mobile website (goswr.com) lets consumers look for homes on the go. According to the company, with almost every listing available in Southeastern Wisconsin, goswr.com provides an easy-to-use navigation designed specifically for Web-enabled mobile phone users.
“It is so easy to use,” says Joseph A. Horning, president of Shorewest, Realtors®. “When you drive by a home for sale and you want more information on it, you can simply go to goswr.com and enter the street name. All the homes listed on that street will appear. You can then click through the homes listed. You’ll be able to see interior photos, pricing, descriptions and contact information. It works on virtually every broker listing ‹ not just Shorewest listings. You can even search by MLS number or do a regular home search entering parameters such as price range, bedrooms, baths and community desired. It¹s a home search at your fingertips.”
Shorewest launched goswr.com in early December. The site is already getting a significant amount of traffic, says Horning. And, as more and more people upgrade to the Web-enabled phones, it will only increase.
Another new enhanced technology is Shorewest’s exclusive bilingual hotline (262/814-1400). A five-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) identifies every Shorewest listing. The PIN is on the yard sign as well as all marketing and ads for a listing. Callers can call the hotline and enter the PIN and hear a complete description of the home in English or Spanish. They are also given other options such as search similar homes in the price range, mortgage calculator, agent contact and more.
The latest addition to the hotline allows users to select an option that will text them interior photos of the listings right to their mobile, Web-enabled phones. If the user doesn¹t have a Web-enabled phone, it will text a short description and agent contact information.
“This is a huge benefit to our sellers,” says Horning. “A large majority of the calls to our hotline come from people using their cell phones. Therefore, when these people are sitting outside the home, they¹ll not only be able to hear about the property, but they¹ll be able to take a tour of the interior by viewing photos on their phones.”
What’s more, launched mid-December, the new shorewest.com is an enhanced site that offers faster and more detailed property searches along with a multitude of updated features, providing more information at consumers’ fingertips. A new quick home search is available right on the home page.
With a redesigned look and streamlined navigation, shorewest.com offers consumers what they¹re looking for. Advanced search options makes it easy to find a property that meets specific needs in specific locations. Plus, its advanced mapping tool helps consumers target certain areas while providing unique satellite imaging.
“It’s a new way to search for homes,” says Horning. “Our goal is to make the home buying and selling process as easy and efficient as possible. Our new website enhances the consumer’s experience, saving them time in the process.”
According to the National Association of Realtors®, 89% of home buyers use the Internet when searching for a new home. Horning says Shorewest’s mission is to provide the information needed most in an easy-to-use and easy-to-read fashion.
“In addition to the enhanced search features, we¹ve made the photos larger and provide more of them,” says Horning. “We have an exclusive Guided Home Tour(TM) which is an audio visual presentation and a new enhanced slide show, making viewing photos easier with just one click.”
Other enhanced features on shorewest.com include the ability to search for agents by language(s) they speak, easier to use mortgage calculator that allows you to put the dollars down rather than a percent, myShorewest which e-mails you about listings that meet your criteria, buying and selling information and so much more.
Shorewest prides itself in continuing to be the leaders in Wisconsin real estate. “We continue to invest in our agents and company to offer more services and benefits than any other real estate company in the area,” says Horning. “It is this commitment to customer satisfaction that helps us sell more than three times our closest competitor.”
For more information, visit www.shorewest.com.
