Inman is interviewing real estate professionals in every area of the field to talk about technology use. Here’s Bill Risser, vice president of new media and education at Chicago Title Arizona and an Inman contributor.
What model phone do you use and why?
IPhone 6 — A few key apps are iOS-only.
What are your top three apps on your phone?
Evernote, Drive, Facebook.
How do you split your digital time: how much mobile, how much desktop?
About 50-50.
Describe your job. What do you do every day? How does technology support (or not support) your daily job description?
I help area real estate professionals use today’s technology more effectively. I meet with clients, teach classes and travel nationally for Fidelity National Financial speaking to our staff about technology and social media. Technology is the cornerstone of my job description.
Do you consider yourself an early adopter of technology? Or do you wait to see what’s working for other people?
I’m an early adopter.
What’s the biggest technology-related challenge you face today? How do you solve it?
Getting agents to understand that technology is a tool, not the end game. Keep stressing that this business is still face to face, and technology helps get more of those appointments.
What do you think is the biggest overall challenge facing the real estate industry? Will technology be able to address it?
The “Uberization” of real estate, or the simplification of the processes involved when buying a home. Technology will be a driving factor.
How do you feel technology is changing the real estate industry? Are these changes making the industry better or worse? Why?
Technology is allowing much more to be done by the single agent operation. This is definitely beneficial for the industry and for buyers and sellers. The only caveat is technology needs to effectively move the process along, rather than become a cumbersome stumbling block.
What email system do you use? Which one is your favorite and why?
Gmail, Outlook. Gmail is my favorite, hands down. Easy to access anywhere. Microsoft is making strides in this area, but still not close to Google.
Which CRM do you use? What do you like about it, and what feature do you wish it would add in the future?
WiseAgent, because it is a low-cost, entry-level CRM I talk to agents about. A more robust mobile app would be great.
Do you use a calendar app? Which one? What do you like about it?
Currently using Calendar 5 by Readdle, but I switch calendar apps all the time. Always trying to find the perfect solution and still not there.
Do you use digital documents, which one? Why?
I use Google Drive and Evernote for nearly every document I create, save or distribute. Both offer easy access across all platforms, and I love to teach others about them.
Do you own a camera? What kind? What do you like about it?
Nikon D5100 — an entry-level DSLR and I love it! Easy as a point-and-shoot and captures outstanding video.
What kind of laptop or tablet (or both) do you own?
MacBook Pro 13-inch and an ASUS 15-inch, as well as an iPad Mini.
Do you have a Nest thermostat in your home?
No, but I’m gonna get one!
Do you play games on any of your devices? Which ones?
Trivia Crack on my phone with my wife.
Which websites do you visit every day? Why?
Inman.com for news and tech; EPSN.com for sports; Facebook.com, Twitter.com and Pinterest.com for relationships.
Which social media app do you use the most on your phone? Your tablet? Your computer?
Facebook for all three.
What’s on your technology wish list — for yourself or for work?
MacBook Air.
What is your favorite technology, one you actually get joy out of using?
IPhone 6. Great piece of tech.
What is your favorite “unplugged” activity?
Golf!
Read Bill Risser’s article, “5 agents you don’t want at the closing table.”
Would you like to participate in our technology profile series? Email amber@sandbox.inman.com.
