I was in a grocery store yesterday waiting to check out. We were about the fourth or fifth customers in line. I smiled. My wife asked what was amusing. My response, "I can't believe that lady is writing a check." I do not know why it struck me as humorous.
I guess, to me anyway, written checks are old hat compared to debit/check cards and on-line bill pay services. Some folks still do things the old fashioned way, I guess.
What about real estate services? Do some folks still do things the old fashioned way?
I remember a few years ago when I clamored for a chance to sit in the office hoping that an eager buyer or seller would drop by or call. It even worked during the boom times.
I remember even going in and opening the office on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons, fielding calls for my broker, all in the hopes of landing a lead. It even worked during the boom times.
I remember placing tons of mailers in the postal service's care hoping the mailing would bring a call. It even worked during the boom times.
Now, I don't
- spend as much time in the office,
- just go sit in the office and answer the phones,
- spend every weekend doing open houses,
- take a box of letters to the post office every week.
But, I do some of the old stuff.... but I do more of the new stuff. What are some of my new things? No secrets there - Internet marketing, social media, blogging, face-to-face networking, calling old clients.
And, yep, I even deposit checks....
Seems the closing companies still do things the old fashioned way. And I smile every time I see one of them checks!
Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge Florida, putting buyers and sellers together in Brevard County, Florida. Read my by blog at www.moving2brevard.blogspot.com.
Gary L. Waters PLLC, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida serving Florida's Space Coast including the cities and communities of Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Suntree, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and the surrounding region.
Read my blogs Florida Homes for Sale, Moving to Brevard County, Florida, and Brevard County Florida Real Estate Information.
Gary,
I wonder when we are going to be allowed to fax checks to go along with faxed contracts. :)
Steve
Neat new stuff coming up every day isn't there in our profession. I'm with Steve - it would be very convenient if we could get the E$ check to the LA along with the contract/offer. But there are still some things we still do the old way. Whoever holds the check walks the check still applies...
Steve - Yep, it would be nice. Thansk, have a great week!
Lee & Pamela - Convenience and practical, a great combo. Have a great week in beautiful NC!
In all things there are times and places, so even old fashioned systems, when implimented correctly, can kick the snot out of some "techi" systems.
We are starting to see several changes in our area. Due to the ability to create counterfeit certified funds , many title companies in our area are requiring the funds for settlement to be wired in to their account. NO CHECKS ALLOWED So we are getting one step closer to E-commerce than before.
Steve - You have a point...when the power goes out the old fashioned "money" will work. Have a great week.
Laura - When dealing with big bucks like closings, the ability to have wired, confirmed funds is critical. Checks can be faked pretty easy. Thanks.
Gary, You have some good points but you there are still plenty of people who do not email or use a computer. I know I have most of their homes listed. Still have to do some things the old fashioned way.
Some people are old school and will not give it up. The Internet is the way to go these days because everyone is here. Good post!
Hi Gary:
Checks work for me too...but never at the grocery store however.
Have a great week.
Margaret - In the end I guess it only matters that we get the transaction completed - even if it is the old way. Thanks.
Toula - Checks are good when they come after a closing!
Tony - Even some of us old folks are not old school anymore. Have a great week!
Funny.... it's only been 1 1/2 years since I switched to "no more checks". I pay bills online, and use debit card. It was still a shock to see you comment that it was odd to see someone write a check. It seemed like only yesterday.....
Whatever works. Good luck to you.
I'm an old dog continually working on learning the new tricks. But there are some things just ingrained in my behavior, and if it ain't broke, I don't fix it. But, if it's broke, get learning those new tricks! Woof!
Hi, Gary
Great post!! You are right, it does seem odd when folks write checks, but some people choose check writting mainly the elder folks, who just havent got in to the computer age. I am also a Century 21 real estate professional too. Good luck!!
Tinker
Tinker - Gotta love that name! I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one who thought that way. Thanks.
Janna - I guess you use that which works best for you. Go for it!
Ken - Yep, that is the consensus! Thanks.
Sally - I guess it just struck me as odd...perhaps I am a bit sheltered here in Florida...Our retirees on living on the edge! Thanks.
Checks? What are they? :-)
It's always good to evaluate what we do and be ready to change.
Irene - Agreed. We can't be stuck in the old ways without at least evaluating something new...like blogging! Thanks.
Ah...the good old days...where we wrote checks, stopped in on a neighbor without texting them first, and kids played kick the can in the street (without fear of being kidnapped) until the street lights came on ;-)
Tammi - Oh yes, some of the good old things...but some of the new stuff is neat too. Guess it is deciding what old to keep and when to move on. Thanks.
Hi Gary, I don't even have any checks for one of my accounts. I use a debit card and pay bills online. So much less complicated than checks.
Shirley - I am like you. Well, actually I am spoiled - my wife just takes the receipts and does the record keeping! Thanks.