We hear a lot today about how technology is changing our lives. Many of the changes are so subtle we might miss them if we don't look closely. The Internet receives a lot of attention because of its impact on the real estate research process, but technology has also created other efficiencies in the real estate market that haven't yet grabbed headlines.

Faster loan approval
Five years ago, it took an average of 30 to 45 days for a lender to grant approval on a home loan. Today, we can get approval in as little as 24 hours. Thanks to online databases created by national mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, your financial information is now evaluated electronically by banks and lenders. Today, a loan can be approved in a matter of hours rather than weeks.

Greater efficiency
Windermere has made a substantial investment in an Intranet site, which has increased the efficiency of our internal operations. By logging onto our internal system, I can access the most current information on new listings for buyers, or if you're selling your home, I can ensure your listing is shared among other sales associates and with the public quickly. Windermere's Intranet also allows me to access various forms, software and information to enhance my ability to serve you better.

Windermere.com
Our Web site has become one of the most popular tools for market research among Northwest home buyers and sellers. Consumers complete hundreds of Personal Home Searches, and www.windermere.com is accessed more than 12 million times each month. Meanwhile, the company continues to update and upgrade the site with innovations such as an e-mail option where new listings -- including price, area and a hot link to full listing information -- are automatically delivered to your e-mail box when using the Personalized Home Search function. And thanks to Windermere's agreement with several Multiple Listings Services and cooperating brokers, www.windermere.com also has the largest database of Northwest home listings anywhere in the country.

Experts predict that many more changes will come as we apply emerging technologies to the real estate business. Will technology ever replace real estate agents? Not likely. Buying and selling real estate is still, and always will be, a personal service. Real estate professionals like myself are the best resource for guiding you through these complicated transactions. We are experts at matching buyers and sellers, negotiating prices and helping you find your perfect home. We have a top-notch internal education program, professional networks and personal experience that cannot be captured in a database. Technology has provided useful tools to help me make the most efficient use of our time, but the relationship we have with clients will always be the most important element in a successful transaction.