GET LICENSED

FAST!
GOBC Real Estate Class Notes

“It became appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity” Albert Einstein

7.4
Technology

www.GOBCrealestate.com
 7.4 Technology

Mobile Office
Challenges of a Mobile Office Environment
➢ Affect the sense of community within a
brokerage
➢ Licensee may feel more distant or physically
removed from the brokerage.
➢ Lack of colleagues learning from one another,
collaborations and partnerships.
➢ Frustrations with lack of communication
Benefits of a Mobile Office Environment
➢ higher performance
➢ can accomplish more and work more efficiently
➢ Less time is wasted in commuting
➢ Allows provide a better service to clients and
generate higher revenues
➢ Smaller workstations may be required in a physical
office

HOT Desking
when desks are assigned to workers as needed, rather
than assigning a permanent desk to each worker

Software Multiple Listing Service Software (MLS)

SOFTWARE
the applications (programs) that the computer
runs to enable the user to accomplish tasks
MLS®
A site that pulls together information on real
estate related topics with a focus on real estate
listings
Managed by Real Estate Boards
M
MLS
A database that provides a current inventory of real estate listings
MLS
and a history of sales in a geographic area
Functions of MLS includes:
• listing searches
• producing automated hot sheets
• generating Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
• manage the listing information
• tracking, planning, and managing businesses tasks
Features of MLS : direct-messaging, data sharing, group chatting,
online whiteboards, screensharing.

• Forms Software •
Budget Tracking &
electronically generate the most Accounting
common forms and contracts used in accounting software packages Photo Editing and Marketing
real estate transactions (QuickBooks, Wave, Zoho Books) CAN edit:
➢ garbage can
➢ car parked in a driveway
Personal Information Management Customer Relationship
CANNOT edit:
(PIM) Management (CRM)
➢ removing nearby power lines
emails; schedule activities; automatic Data application that manages the
➢ changing any physical characteristic
reminders; organize and keep track of user’s contacts, controlling and
of a property
client information organizing client information
(Producer®, AgentOffice,
Maximizer®)
GIS Mapping - Geographic Information System Compatibility issues:
a mapping system that provides several layers of • Compatibility across operating systems
data and information, beyond what a traditional • Compatibility with mobile devices
map can offer. • Compatibility with other programs
©Copyright 2023/2024 GOBC Training LTD 2
 7.4 Technology

Video conferencing software Virtual Tour Software - Chatbots

• build and maintain
relationships with clients
Zoom, Facetime
MUST offers unique IDs and
passwords to protect clients’
privacy.
Showings/Appraisals/Inspections
• interior inspections
• verify property valuations
for home owners
• create an experience that
mimics a real showing
MUST protect their clients’ privacy.
• can collect data from
prospective clients
• answer frequently asked
questions
• Th integrate with websites
and other services
A benefit -can operate 24/7

Technological Devices

Drones UAVs- unmanned aerial vehicles DSLR cameras 360° Camera

• A Special Flights Operations Certificate • capable of recording high • interactive way to preview a
is required to fly a drone weighing over quality video. property prior to actually
25 kilograms. • Automatic settings that can visiting
• Unique way to capture the visuals of a be easily used by any • Captures rooms that are
property. amateurs. difficult to photograph
• Extremely expensive way of capturing • Excellent quality photos are • Provides a clearer look at a
aerial photos and videos. produced with advanced property’s layout
• Licensee must comply with Transport features, such as aperture, • Provides tour of a
Canada rules and privacy laws. shutter speed, and ISO neighbourhood or a larger
acreage with multiple building

WEBSITES
• attract potential clients looking for a representative Developing your own Website
• share market information Advantage
• to promote clients’ listings • significantly less expensive
• to communicate credentials and experience Disadvantages
• allows the licensee to present and available 24/7 any • Amateur looking website can negatively
location. influence the licensee’s image in the public
Contact Information the licensee’s contact information must • unprofessional-looking website can
be easy to locate on the website instantly turn potential clients away
• very time consuming

Domain Name
The name used to direct internet
©Copyright 2023/2024 GOBC Training LTD
traffic to a company website 3
 7.4 Technology

Building the Website’s Content

Introduction short biography provides the opportunity to share that information.

Testimonials provide evidence of success by including testimonials from satisfied past clients

Local Expertise Share information pertaining to the licensee’s area of expertise; geographical
area they are located or a type of property that they specialize in
Buyer and Seller Guides Provide Guides to help understand the process of a real estate transaction.

Current Listings
Sales and Accomplishments
Market current listings to gain additional exposure. A licensee’s personal
business website will likely have additional information that does not fit on an
MLS.
Showcasing successful property sales will provide concrete evidence of the real
estate experience.

Blogs
discussion or informational website that is
regularly updated with posts sharing opinions,
news, links, or other types of content
NOT required that the licensee include the
name of their brokerage on each blog segment
Podcasts Podcasting
a platform that allows for the sharing of audio
content. Licensees can record and broadcast
their thoughts, interviews with guests, and
insights into industry news.
POSITIVE:
✓ provides an excellent venue for sharing important and
relevant content with visitors
✓ attract new viewers to the website, increasing the
representative’s online exposure
✓ regularly updated blogs provide incentive for readers to
return
✓ used as a method of communicating interesting information
to existing and potential clients
✓ focus on real estate-related information, such as market
news, home maintenance tips
NEGATIVE:
✓ Time consuming

Web analytics
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
measurement, collection, analysis, and
the process that affects how easily a website
reporting of data pertaining to how
can be found in organic (unpaid) results on
visitors are using a website.
search engines (e.g., Google).

©Copyright 2023/2024 GOBC Training LTD 4

 7.4 Technology

Email Marketing & Mailing Lists

Email marketing Mailing Lists:
• client must be provided with an option
an effective way to communicate with a network, or with one to unsubscribe
or more segments within a network, all at once. • The sender must always obtain
consent before adding client to a
Email advertisement mailing list
• highlight the property’s attributes • Must remove client immediately if
• include a photograph or two of the property they ask to be removed
• provide a link to a website with additional info • An email database will need to be
Short Messaging Service (SMS) maintained regularly
• limited to short text messages only
• SMS marketing does not support images, video, or
other popular communication media.

Newsletter
➢ should provide compelling content (market news, local events)
➢ should not be sent more frequently than once a week
➢ Use a friendly but professional tone and keep messages relatively succinct to keep readers engaged.
➢ the file size should be kept small so that receiving the message is not difficult, no large pictures
➢ Respect the privacy of recipients. Never include a person’s email address in a message for others to read. Instead, use the
BCC: (blind carbon copy).
➢ Provide an option for subscribers to opt out of receiving future newsletters if they are no longer interested.

Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation

CASL addresses the use of commercial electronic messages that are sent
for the purposes of encouraging participation in a commercial activity

Commercial Electronic Messages (CEMs) SPAM (Junk mail)

Every CEM must: mass-distributed and unsolicited email
1. Be sent with the recipient’s express or become a large and growing problem for email
implied consent to receive such messages users
2. Include clear identification and contact clogs up email accounts and is often difficult to
information discern from other, legitimate email messages
3. Provide a no cost unsubscribe mechanism
(within 10 days max)
4. Must identify the sender, the company The maximum administrative penalty for contraventions of the
Canadian Anti-Spamming Legislation is
$1,000,000 for an individual
©Copyright 2023/2024 GOBC Training LTD $10,000,000 for any other legal entity, including a business 5
 7.4 Technology

Using Social Media Effective
Social Media
virtual communities and networks that
allow participants to communicate,
interact, create, share, and exchange
information and ideas
TYPES:
• Maintain separate accounts for personal and professional use
• Maintain a friendly but professional tone- “human touch” aspect is important
• Interact with other users and respond to questions and comments
• Initiate conversations and discussions
• Establish goals to be productive
• Establish authentic ties with other local businesses by following them and
recommending them to the business’s network.
• Maintain a consistent image across social media platforms
• Avoid posting the exact same message to each different platform.

❖ Facebook
➢ photos, videos, status updates, and links to websites
they find interesting
➢ can create “Pages” to promote the business
➢ individuals can subscribe to the business’s page
➢ licensee’s page should include contact information,
including a link to the main website
➢ licensee’s main profile screen is required to contain
the name of the licensee’s related brokerage, not
on each post
Facebook page must include:
✓ A clearly displayed brokerage name
✓ The name of the licensee & team name
✓ The name of the personal real estate corporation
✓ A qualifying statement about any claims (e.g., “Top selling
real estate team”)
✓ A qualifying statement about any promotions (e.g., “List with
us and we’ll donate $2000 to a charity of your choice”)

❖ LinkedIn ❖ YouTube
➢ social networking website geared towards professionals ➢ video-sharing platform where users can submit
➢ profile page- reads like a resume (past and current work their own videos
experience) ➢ property tours and share business news

❖ Twitter
➢ send out short messages and pictures or video clips
YouTube page must include:
➢ used to share and find news, links to interesting articles
➢ • A clearly displayed brokerage name
and websites
➢ • The team name and a description of the team (if
➢ Hashtags are used to indicate keywords pertaining to a
applicable)
message (e.g. #realestate, #VanRE)
➢ • Video blog to YouTube must include the name
➢ It is not required that each tweet or post contain the
of their related brokerage in the title or
name of the brokerage.
description of the video
➢ • A qualifying statement about any claims (e.g.,
❖ Instagram
“Top selling real estate team”)
➢ photo and video sharing application
➢ • A qualifying statement about any promotions
(e.g., “List with us and we’ll donate $2000 to a
charity of your choice”)

©Copyright 2023/2024 GOBC Training LTD 6

 7.4 Technology

Licensees must include:

Social Media advertising:
• the name of their related brokerage on their profile screen.
• only the licensee’s main profile screen is required to contain the name of the licensee’s related brokerage
• It is not required that each tweet or post contain the name of the brokerage
In Print advertising:
• Brokerage name must appear on all internet and social media advertising
• including each individual page, e-mail, online discussion group or bulletin board
Listing information:
• Must be kept current and accurate
• Expired listing must be immediately removed from websites
• Should not advertise other licensees’ listings without permission from the listing licensee
• It should be clear to consumers which listings are the licensee’s and which are not

Storage and Retention of Electronic Records

• the Rules requires licensees to keep records for seven years
• Brokerage must keep proper books, accounts, records in British
Columbia
• the Rules permits electronic storage of records but requires the Electronic communication may not
prompt transfer to a printed form of any record upon the request stand alone as evidence if there is a
of the BCFSA question as to the authenticity or origin
• security and accessibility of the storage facility must be considered of communication
• for Important transaction related data (e.g., documents and client
communication), it is advisable to retain hard copies – especially if
they contain written notations, signatures, or initials.

ONLINE PROTOCOL
Digital/E-Signature Cryptography the courts have supported
An encrypted code which is impossible to protecting information by encrypting it into both manual “wet” and
forge, that uniquely identifies the sender an unreadable format. electronic signatures
when attached to an electronically
transmitted message Only those with a secret key or code can email communications, where
The purpose: decipher the information. Cryptography can the name of the sender may
to authenticate or guarantee that the be used to protect email messages, credit appear, are not sufficient as a
individual sending the message really is who card information, and corporate data. replacement for a “wet”
they claim to be and to ensure the integrity of signature on a paper contract
the data or an electronic signature

©Copyright 2023/2024 GOBC Training LTD 7

 7.4 Technology

Electronic Transactions
Documents that relate to land or land transactions (listing
agreements & CPS) are covered by the Electronic Transactions Act
The key features of the Act:
1. will not exclude electronic documents and signatures EXEPTION: Documents “that create or
merely because they are in electronic form. transfer interest in land and that require
2. A legally binding contract may be formed by an offer or an registration to be effective against third
acceptance communicated through electronic means, but parties” are excluded from the Act
only if the parties so intend.

Copyright and Sharing Information Software Copyright:

Copyright
Concept that no one else can copy, distribute,
display, or adapt a specific expression without
the copyright owner’s consent.
• Copyright law protects software
• user pays a price for software, not an ownership purchase
• licence agreement restricts copying the software or making copies
Copy Protection:
• method to combat software piracy - without the code, the
software is unusable
Software Trials:
• trial version of the software

Security, Computer & Consumer Protection

Secure Password Virus & Malware
POSITIVE:
➢ Longer is generally better Virus
➢ Minimum of 8 characters is recommended. a program or piece of code that is loaded onto
➢ Include a variety of character types a computer without the user’s knowledge
NEGATIVE:
➢ dictionary word or a combination of dictionary words Malware ( “bad software”)
➢ combination of consecutive keyboard combinations (12345, a computer program designed specifically to
asdf) damage or disrupt a system
➢ obvious symbols to replace letters (e.g., $ for s, 1 for I, @ for a)

Anti-virus and malware protection programs:

Firewalls
an integrated collection of security measures
designed to prevent unauthorized electronic
access to a networked computer system
©Copyright 2023/2024 GOBC Training LTD
➢ can be purchased from most retail outlets or over the
internet from the manufacturer’s website and
downloaded directly to a computer.
➢ If a virus or malware is discovered, the infected files
can be automatically deleted or fixed.
➢ include an automatic update feature that instructs
the program to download profiles of new viruses and
malware from the manufacturer’s website
➢ regularly update the files to fix any new virus or
malware threats
8
 7.4 Technology

Questions
1. Mobile offices provide less flexibility than traditional office environments
(1) True
(2) False

2. The mobile environment makes it easier for a licensee to feel connected to the brokerage, strengthening the sense of
loyalty.
(1) True
(2) False

3. The mobile office environment reduces certain inefficiencies, such as commuting, allowing licensees to focus their time on
more productive tasks
(1) True
(2) False

4. Which of the following BEST describes the MLS®?

(1) A database that provides a current inventory of real estate listings and a history of sales in a geographic area
(2) A platform on which individual licensees can host their business websites
(3) A software program that identifies and contacts prospective clients
(4) An organization that oversees the real estate services industry in Canada

5. For licensees who wish to use pictures in advertising, which of the following statements regarding photo editing is TRUE?
(1) Changing the physical characteristics of the property with photo editing is always acceptable.
(2) Editing photos in any way is not acceptable.
(3) Removing power lines with photo editing is acceptable.
(4) Removing a parked car in the driveway with photo editing is acceptable.

6. Which of the following items is NOT an example of a technological compatibility issue?

(1) A licensee sends a form to a property seller from a mobile phone, and the seller is able to fill it out from her desktop
computer.
(2) A prospective client can view a licensee’s website from his laptop, but the website is difficult to navigate from his
smartphone.

7. Which of the following is TRUE regarding the use of drones (or unmanned aerial vehicles)?
(1) Drones are generally more expensive than helicopters for capturing aerial photography and videography.
(2) A drone being flown to capture photos for real estate marketing purposes does not need to be insured.
(3) The best time to fly a drone is at night, when it is less likely to cause disruptions.
(4) A Special Flight Operations Certificate is required to operate a drone weighing over 25 kilograms.

©Copyright 2023/2024 GOBC Training LTD 9

 7.4 Technology
8. In order to advertise to a wider audience, you have decided to create your own website. However, since you are embarking
on website design for the first time, you made sure that you read the Real Estate Council of BC’s Guidelines for Internet
Advertising. Which of the following is NOT a general guideline that you should follow?
(1) Licensees should not advertise other licensees’ listings directly on their own website without permission from that
listing licensee, and if this permission is given, should not alter any of the listing information without approval of the
listing licensee.
(2) Listing information should be kept current. If a listing has expired, it should be updated or removed from the website
within six months.
(3) The name of the brokerage must appear in a prominent and easily readable form on all internet advertising vehicles.
(4) If property information changes during a listing period, the information posted on websites should be changed
accordingly.

9. Jason is creating a real estate blog to incorporate into his website. Which of the following guidelines should he follow in
developing his blog?
(1) Jason should update his blog regularly.
(2) The content of Jason’s blog should generally focus on real estate-related information, such as market news, home
maintenance tips, and information on frequently used forms and contracts.
(3) Jason’s blog should be used as a method of communicating interesting information to existing and potential clients.
(4) All of the above

10. Which of the following statements pertaining to SEO is TRUE?

(1) SEO refers to how easily a website can be found in paid results on search engines.
(2) A website that is incompatible with mobile devices may be penalized in search engine results that originate from mobile
devices.
(3) SEO stands for System Efficiency Operations.
(4) All of the above statements are true.

11. The measurement, collection, analysis, and reporting of data pertaining to how visitors are using a website is called:
(1) search engine optimization
(2) customer relationship management
(3) social media
(4) web analytics

12. A licensee wants to add a new client to her electronic mailing list. Which of the following statements is FALSE?
(1) The client must be provided with an option to unsubscribe.
(2) The licensee may not send email marketing materials without first obtaining consent from the new client.
(3) If a client provides consent to being added to the mailing list, they cannot be removed from it within the following 12
months.
(4) The licensee should ensure that the client’s email address is up to date.

13. Which of the following statements regarding a successful email newsletter campaign is TRUE?
(1) Newsletters should ideally be sent once per day.
(2) Newsletters should be used exclusively to advertise new listings and recent sales.
(3) Newsletters should include several large, high quality photos.
(4) Newsletters should include an option for subscribers to opt out of receiving future communications

©Copyright 2023/2024 GOBC Training LTD 10

 7.4 Technology
14. Which of the following statements pertaining to the Canadian Anti-Spamming Legislation is TRUE?
(1) The maximum penalty for a single contravention for an individual is $10,000,000.
(2) The maximum penalty for a single contravention for a business is $1,000,000.
(3) Recipients who have previously consented to receiving commercial electronic messages must always be provided with
an easy-to-find unsubscribe option, and requests to unsubscribe must be honoured within 30 days.
(4) Licensees must obtain consent from recipients prior to sending any commercial electronic messages, maintain records
of how the consent was obtained, and quickly remove recipients who request to be unsubscribed from receiving future
commercial electronic messages.

15. Burris is a new licensee who is in the process of setting up his business social media accounts. Which of the following is a
general guideline he should implement to ensure he is using social media effectively?
(1) The more social media platforms he uses, the more potential clients Burris can reach. He should aim to set up accounts
across at least eight platforms.
(2) Social media is primarily used for general public relations; as such, it is not necessary for Burris to establish goals for his
social media use and advertisements.
(3) To ensure his business has the “human touch”, Burris should combine his personal and professional social media accounts.
(4) If Burris uses Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and his audience is the same across all three platforms, then he should aim
to post different content to each platform.

16. Doris would like to use social media to expand her property management business. She is looking for a social media
platform that is geared towards professionals and can display her current and previous work experience for other industry
members to see. Which of the following social media platforms would BEST match Doris’s requirements?
(1) Facebook
(2) Twitter
(3) Instagram
(4) LinkedIn

17. Which of the following statements is NOT included in the Knowledge Base section entitled “Advertising Checklist and
Sample Advertising”?
(1) Licensees must include the name of their related brokerage on their profile screen.
(2) Licensees must include the name of their related brokerage in each “Tweet@.
(3) A Facebook profile making any claim (i.e., “Top Selling Real Estate Team!@) must include a qualifying statement about the
claim.
(4) A licensee posting a video blog to YouTube must include the name of their related brokerage in the title or description of
the video.

18. If the licensee is a member of a team, the team’s name must be included on the licensee’s website but not in social media
advertising
(1) True
(2) False

19. If linking to an outside database of available properties, it should be clear to consumers which listings are his and which are
not
(1) True
(2) False

©Copyright 2023/2024 GOBC Training LTD 11

 7.4 Technology
20. A friend of yours is cleaning out her real estate office and is throwing away the hard copies of all her documents. When you
ask her why, she explains that she has electronic copies of all of these documents and that they are just taking up space.
Which of the following statements regarding data backup and legal considerations should your friend be aware of?
(1) Keeping only electronic copies of transaction-related documents is advisable and hard copies are not necessary in the real
estate industry.
(2) There is no need to keep hard copies because of the use of digital signatures.
(3) She should retain her hard copies in case there is a question as to the authenticity or origin of the electronic documents and
email communications.
(4) It is only necessary to retain hard copies of documents if they do not contain signatures or initials.

21. Scrambling credit card information into an unreadable format is BEST known as which of the following?
(1) Cryptomizing
(2) Encrypting

22. Which one of the following statements regarding digital signatures is TRUE?
(1) Digital signatures are used to authenticate the individual sending the message so as to ensure the integrity of the data.
(2) Digital signatures are codes recorded into software to ensure copy protection and discourage multiple users.

23. Which one of the following statements is TRUE?

(1) Using a technology called encrypting, protecting information on the internet is accomplished by scrambling it into an
unreadable format called decrypting.
(2) Using a technology called cryptography, protecting information on the internet is accomplished by scrambling it into an
unreadable format called encrypting.

24. Which of the following statements pertaining to British Columbia’s Electronic Transactions Act is TRUE?
(1) An offer or acceptance communicated through electronic means is never legally binding.
(2) Listing agreements are not covered by the Electronic Transactions Act.
(3) Documents that create an interest in land and require registration to be effective against third parties are covered by the
Electronic Transactions Act.
(4) When a British Columbia statute references a written document, it does not exclude electronic documents merely because
they are in electronic form.

25. Which of the following statements regarding software copyright is TRUE?

(1) If you pay for software, you are purchasing an ownership purchase.
(2) A licence agreement permits copying the software for clients and colleagues.
(3) Generally, copying and reselling software is legally permissible.
(4) Copyright law protects software

26. Many anti-virus and malware protection programs include an auto-update feature that does which of the following?
(1) Instructs the program to download profiles of new viruses and malware from the manufacturer’s website.
(2) Instructs the program to erase all definitions of new viruses or malware so that your computer will be protected.

27. Which of the following is NOT a Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) privacy principle?
(1) Provide recourse
(2) Obtain consent
(3) Identify the proposal Answers: 1(2), 2(2), 3(1), 4(1), 5(4), 6(1), 7(4), 8(2), 9(4),
(4) Limit use, disclosure, and retention
10(2), 11(4), 12(3), 13(4), 14(4), 15(4), 16(4), 17(2), 18(2),
19(1), 20(3), 21(2), 22(1), 23(2), 24(4), 25(4), 26(1), 27(3)
©Copyright 2023/2024 GOBC Training LTD 12