Episode 375 - Craig Grant, Founder - RETI.us and National Speaker

The Real Estate Sessions

Craig Grant is a renowned figure in the real estate industry, particularly recognized for his proficiency in real estate technology. He has significantly influenced real estate technology in Florida, leveraging his background in website development and his creation of the Real Estate Tech Institute website to educate agents on technology. His innovative and collaborative approach to education in the real estate industry, coupled with his instrumental role in introducing MLS data feeds and public MLS websites, has revolutionized the industry. Craig's perspective is centered on providing engaging and innovative educational experiences and using technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the industry. Join Bill Risser and Craig Grant on this episode of The Real Estate Sessions podcast to learn more about Craig's influence on real estate technology in Florida.

(00:03:08) Florida: Embracing Independence and Vibrant Energy

(00:04:56) Craig Grant's Curiosity-Driven Journey into Technology

(00:10:07) Craig Grant's Journey from Newspaper Intern to Real Estate Innovator

(00:12:05) Transforming Businesses with Innovative Website Development

(00:16:19) Becoming a Tech-Savvy Real Estate Expert

(00:21:47) Collaborative Learning Experiences for Realtors

(00:24:54) AI and Lawsuits: Agents' Concerns in 2024

Quotes

(00:00:08) "I think a lot of realtors are kind of done with that educational experience. Like, they don't want to sit there and hear a four hour lecture in a slide deck presentation. Right? They want something different. They want something a little more innovative and more collaborative, like, you know, engaging. And to me, that's what bar camps really are." - Craig Grant

(00:13:58) "I was warning them in the late 90s, early 2000s that they're going to about to be cannibalized by the Internet and they didn't see it happening." - Craig Grant

(00:17:00) "And to me any good? Not just like somebody who wants to be an expert in the field, but if you really want to excel in whatever you do, you have to be a lifelong learner and a sponge to me." - Craig Grant

(00:30:12) "To me, reconnecting and reconnecting with your sphere, if you're not doing it, is to me what they should be focusing on. And it can't just be, I'm going to automate an email four times a year to you. There's got to be real life touches and actual care and customer service if you expect to get repeat business out of your sphere, because the more and more time goes on, people are just getting less and less loyal." - Craig Grant

(00:31:27) "I believe one of the biggest reasons why we have such a high failure rate in this industry is that most realtors come into the business without a true business and marketing background and they don't do the due diligence to build out a marketing plan to create a brand, to understand budgeting and financing and everything." - Craig Grant

Detailed Outline

00:03:08 - Florida

Florida is a popular destination for individuals and families seeking a vibrant and unique lifestyle. Craig Grant, a long-time resident, highlights the close-knit community and strong sense of independence that Floridians possess. He emphasizes that Florida is a place where people can march to their own beat and do things their own way, without feeling the need to conform to societal norms. Despite stereotypes, Grant emphasizes that not all Floridians fit the infamous "Florida man" headlines. With its diverse population and mix of retirees and individuals seeking a fresh start, Florida exudes a unique and vibrant energy. In addition, Florida is home to various bar camps, providing a refreshing and collaborative educational experience for realtors. Overall, Florida's independent spirit, diverse population, and vibrant energy make it a captivating place to live or visit.

00:04:56 - Craig Grant's Interest in Technology

Craig's interest in technology began at a young age, as he was always curious about how things worked. He would often take apart TV sets and tinker with them. Although he didn't have much experience with computers until college, he quickly became proficient and even started teaching classes on the subject. His passion for technology extends beyond just being an expert in the field; he believes in being a lifelong learner and staying connected to industry vendors. He values building relationships with vendors and staying ahead of the curve to know where technology is heading. Craig's dedication to learning and his belief in the importance of relationships have shaped his successful career in real estate technology.

00:10:07 - Craig Grant's Background

Craig Grant's background is rooted in the marketing and advertising industry. As a student at the University of Florida, he interned at the Gainesville Sun, a newspaper owned by the New York Times. During this internship, Grant's interest in the internet was sparked. He quickly became adept at navigating this new technology, eventually taking over the internet division of the newspaper. Grant's innovative spirit led him to start his own website development company, which eventually led him to the world of real estate. He saw the need for real estate websites and began building them, forming partnerships with realtor associations and expanding his reach across the country. Craig Grant's background is a testament to his early recognition of the internet's potential and his ability to adapt and innovate within the ever-changing landscape of technology.

00:12:05 - Building Websites for Businesses

Craig Grant, a former newspaper employee, has firsthand experience in building websites for businesses. He started his own website development company through the newspaper he worked for, pitching businesses on the importance of having a website and selling them website development and online advertising. He recognized a significant need for this service in the real estate industry and began building real estate websites using MLS data feeds, which was a game changer. Craig's innovative approach led to the Gainesville newspaper becoming the first in the country to run the public MLS website for the Realtor association. This topic emphasizes the importance of websites for businesses and their potential as powerful tools for growth and success.

00:16:19 - Staying Current in Real Estate Technology

Staying current in real estate technology is crucial for success in the industry, and Craig understands this better than anyone. He stays connected to the latest developments by reading online sites and staying up-to-date with industry vendors. Unlike others, Craig believes in building strong relationships with vendors and being the first to know about new technologies and trends. His approach allows him to anticipate where the industry is heading and provide valuable insights to his clients and colleagues. With his Real Estate Tech Institute (RETI) website, Craig has created a platform that offers accessible learning opportunities for realtors, staff members, MLSs, and associations, helping them stay current in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

00:21:47 - Bar Camps

Bar camps provide a refreshing alternative to traditional educational experiences for realtors. Instead of lengthy lectures and slide deck presentations, bar camps offer a more innovative and collaborative learning environment. This perspective is shared by Craig Grant, a nationally known speaker and trainer in the real estate industry. According to Grant, many realtors are seeking something different and more engaging than the typical classroom setting. Bar camps allow participants to contribute, solve problems, and share recommendations and tricks with one another, facilitated by a topic expert. This fun and interactive experience offers a break from the traditional classroom and provides realtors with valuable insights and knowledge. In summary, bar camps offer a unique and collaborative educational experience that appeals to realtors looking for a more innovative approach to learning.

00:24:54 - Top of Mind for Agents in 2024

AI and lawsuits are top concerns for agents in 2024. Craig believes that AI may take jobs or eliminate them, while lawsuits present different challenges. He predicts a reduction in the number of agents, as there has been a shift towards teams and a high failure rate in the industry. However, he also sees potential for AI to create "super realtors" who use automation and AI to enhance customer service, communication, and lead generation. Despite these advancements, Craig emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong client relationships and reconnecting with one's sphere to foster loyalty and generate repeat business.