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ERA Franchise Systems LLC 1 Campus Drive Parsippany, NJ 07054 (973) 428-9700 |
Media contact: Stacy Quinn (973) 496-7904 stacy.quinn@ERA.com |
Mobile workstation helps Tampa-based ERA® agent stay ahead of the competition
PARSIPPANY, NJ, June 2, 2003 – When he decided to re-launch his real estate career last year, Bruce Jenkins, a real estate sales professional at ERA The Polo Group, Inc. in Tampa, Fla. knew that he needed something to differentiate himself from the competition. His solution was to create a mobile office inside his Jeep Cherokee.
For those who see Jenkins cruising down the streets of Tampa, his red Jeep Cherokee looks like any sport utility vehicle. A look inside quickly reveals what makes this vehicle different. There's a mobile office, which features a computer workstation that sits over the console between the front seats. While taking clients on home showings, Jenkins has the ability to easily access the local Multiple Listing Service, show pictures of homes on the market and print color photos. He can also fax contracts and copy documents for buyers and sellers. Additionally, he can access the Internet to find information about schools and taxes.
"My mobile office enables buyers and sellers to see many more homes in less time," he says. "When my customer finds that special house, I can quickly create and print sales contracts from the convenience of my vehicle. In this market, the rapid creation and communication of an offer can mean the difference between a successful purchase or the disappointment of a lost opportunity."
Through a global positioning system (GPS), Jenkins utilizes a mapping product that displays where each home is located and tracks the vehicle's progress along the route.
Jenkins has also found a way to utilize his technology when he's not behind the wheel. "There was a void at open houses. If a potential buyer toured the house and didn't like it, there was no call to action except for putting their name on a list and getting in touch with them later," he explains. "I now bring my laptop to the open house and have access to the Multiple Listing Service to assist buyers onsite. It's been a great way to generate leads while helping expedite buyers' needs."
To create this mobile office, Jenkins drew upon his many years of experience in the technology industry. "In my previous position as a system integrator with IBM, I often worked from hotels because I was on the road a lot," he explains. "I learned to become self-sufficient and productive through creating my own 'no office' model. When I decided to get back into real estate so I could be closer to my family, I considered how this model could be applied to real estate sales. From my research, I discovered there were a number of manual processes associated with the job of a real estate sales professional that were ripe for a technical solution."
Jenkins notes that this mobile office has created "word of mouth" advertising that money can't buy. However, he explains that there's more to his business than just high tech gadgets. "While technology has given me a competitive edge in my marketplace, customer satisfaction is also key to a successful business," says Jenkins. "It's important to me that my customers get the best service as they buy or sell one of their biggest assets."
As Jenkins continues to build his business, he has plans to take his mobile office to the next level. "I envision a high-tech van equipped with comfortable seating, snacks and beverages," he says. "I'd like clients to be able to kick back and relax as they look for the home."
About ERA Franchise Systems LLC
ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a global leader in the residential real estate industry with more than 30 years experience in developing consumer-oriented products and services. It is a subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (NYSE: CD) and part of its Real Estate Franchise Group. The ERA® real estate network includes more than 28,000 brokers and sales associates throughout the United States and 30 other countries and territories. Each office is independently owned and operated except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated. ERA® information is available to consumers at ERA.com. ERA® properties can also be viewed at Realtor.com. For additional information about ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. as well as expert commentary on emerging trends in the real estate industry, visit the Cendant Media Resource Center at http://www.cendant.com/media/.
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