I don't do TEXT messaging - am I missing the boat?
I like to think I'm pretty up to date with technology when it comes to real estate. But I'm NOT using the text feature on my phone and people tell me I should be.
Many years ago I had a bad experience with texting - somebody was sending out rude texts and making like they were coming from me (and others). I would get many calls all day long from people asking that I quit sending them messages. I was also receiving a lot of unwanted texts - you know, about certain drugs for men, xxx sites, etc. So I had my texting abilities shut off, after much discussion with AT&T.
Now, the future has arrived and everyone is texting back and forth all day long. Am I missing something? Are buyers texting me and I don't know it? I probably should change my perspective about texting, but I need your help.
Why should I be texting? Will total strangers send me a text inquiry about a Maui home for sale? Do serious buyers or sellers really start the dialog with a text message? Will I be bombarded with TEXT SPAM? Help me to understand this technology please!
I really appreciate any answers that will help me catch the boat! Leave a response here, send an email, or call - but don't TEXT me... yet.
Thanks for reading my Maui Blog - Aloha!
Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro * 808 283-0635 * EMAIL * MAUI PROPERTY SEARCH
Hi Georgina ~ I've never gotten any spam. I love texting. It's often so much quicker and easier than a phone call. Quick way to transmit info and not get caught up in extraneous issues or phone tag. Best thing to do is get a plan with unlimited or a high monthly limit of messages.
Liz
I've never received any spam via text either. I agree with Liz, it's a great time saver. Be careful, my first month texting my cell phone bill was close to $1,000 because I didn't have a plan in place!!!
This was interesting - I had more comments on Facebook as a result of this post, than right here! I am convinced to give it a try and will get myself a low usage plan to start - at least I will be able to receive texts, and that's what's important for now.
Thanks for the positive feedback!
Georgina - I think you will be surprised at how many people prefer to text than make a phone call. I find that everyone under 30 texts, and many under 40. I too have never had any text spam. I would get an unlimited plan if I were you, because one month of going over your minutes, you would wish you had the unlimited plan.
Troy - I will see what the options are and make an educated guess about my texting. I don't see myself being a texting junkie.... but you never know! lol
I can't tolerate texting because I'm a typist. I need a QWERTY keyboard. If people don't want to talk to me, that's their loss, not mine.
I choose not to text as well. Technology overload makes my head hurt.
Russel - so you don't want to get thumb strain - I can see your point
Tom - I'm glad to see there are others that aren't texting - sometimes I feel like it's only me.
I like texting yet I only do text messages in low dosage. Sometime it's good because you know the other agent is with a client or making a deal, so a small text wont bother or interrupt. I have gotten spam from text, yet it was AT&T that was spamming me. I called them and they took the charges off and then I opted out of their spam. Texting is good tool, low usage goes a long way. I pay $5 for 200 messages a month and never succeed the usage limits. You're so savvy; you're on it all the time. I love reading your blogs. aloha ha ha Jeff
Gary and Jeff - Maybe it's time for an upgrade on my phone! Thanks for the great input. It's not too late the get on board.
Georgina,
With text to cell capabilities, it's attractive for a buyer who might see a sign rider and punch in the number to get more information on a house. I know I would do that, my friends would also. I am a gen x'er btw, but you know what my dad has an Iphone, he is a babyboomer, and it never leaves his side. He looks sooo much up on there. He is a very intellectual man also, btw, and has never always been on the computer type of person.
As far as texting itself, I much prefer it many times to talking on the phone and i will tell you why. There are conversations that are necessary and vital, but there are those that aren't and for those, with three kids vying for my attention in the background miraculously when I am on the phone, I prefer communicating by text. My best friend, 8 years my senior, and i communicate by text messaging more than by talking on the phone.
We also facebook, btw.
Rebecca - I can totally see that texting has advantages and I'm signing up for a basic plan to try it out.
I think texting is a great way to get quick message across. I did get spam sometime back but that has stop. If you sign up make sure you get the unlimited package. If you don't watch your usage you could pay a boat lot of money. Teens these day average about 800 to 1000 text a month. As a professional, I only use text in situation where I can't get on the phone to talk.