New Technology and Resort Real Estate

New Technology and Resort Real Estate  in Puerto Vallarta
By Russell Faulkner

Modern technology has changed how all businesses operate and the real estate business is no different. It has changed how real estate is promoted and marketed and it is continually changing the process of buying and selling. The Resort real estate sector is even more reliant on technology as we are a seasonal market and many [most] or our buyers and sellers are only here for a few weeks or a few months of the year. 

We now live in a "speed of business" & "on demand" world. Real estate consumers are very savvy and want to be able to evaluate specific properties before they decide whether or not to make and appointment to view them. They expect “real-time” data and they now have access to data that did not even exist 3 years ago. 

• Google Maps with Street View is an amazing application that allows a buyer to better analyze the location of the property using satellite imagery.  The Street View function has been installed for many cities in Mexico including Puerto Vallarta. 

• MLS websites have been upgraded to enhanced platforms which allow superior listing information which maximizes the on-line presence of listings. This includes multiple jumbo photos, full motion video, and real-time interaction directly with listing agents. Comparables and up-to-date market analysis data is integrated into these systems. 
  
  
• Mobile technology has changed the way real estate agents, brokers and consumers receive real estate statistics, homes for sale and neighborhood data. Smart phones such as iPhones, blackberrys and now iPads allow immediate access to information in the field.  MLS systems are incorporated into mobile technology which gives agents immediate access to listing data. 
  
  
• GPS technology allows easy driving directions – Mexico is not currently at the same place as US and Canada with this technology, but upgrades and enhancements are currently being completed which will allow use of this technology to be improved here in Puerto Vallarta.
  
  
• Social networking including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, Meetup, and LinkedIn, as well as real estate specific platforms, likeTrulia and Zillow allows agents, brokers and consumers to link together to share information real-time. Great tools for niche marketing.
  
  

Our three AMPI organizations here in Greater Vallarta are continually looking for ways to improve our use of technology tools in order to increase the level of service we provide to real estate consumers. I strongly support this effort as I have been a realtor in this market since 2002, and I know first hand how important these tools have been and will continue to be. Our ultimate goal is to provide real estate consumers the highest level of service available.