The Center for REALTOR^® Technology has designed a low-cost system for doing E-mail Redirection. This system is based on open-source software and will run on any UNIX system. Associations, Multiple Listing Services, and even Brokers are among the organizations that could set up and utilize this system as a service to their members.

What does this mean to members?

The two biggest benefits to NAR members who would utilize a service would be e-mail address portability and professionalism.

E-mail redirection allows a member to switch from ISP to ISP without changing their public e-mail address. This allows clients to find them years down the line via e-mail. It also means that when an e-mail address changes, they don't have to reprint business cards and other advertising materials.

A big concern is presenting yourself as a professional. With your e-mail address you need to think which looks more professional to a client? BobSmith31337@aol.com or Bob.D.Smith@staterealtor.org? By not having numbers and by identifying yourself as a realtor in your e-mail address you can present a sense of professionalism in your electronic communication.

Other benefits include a sense of branding that you can't get with something like a phone number. Also, if a REALTOR(R) was so inclined, they could take advantage of the service themselves and have a e-mail domain. For example, Bob Smith could get bobsmith.com with an e-mail address of bob@bobsmith.com.

How does it work?

Normally, e-mail travels directly from the senders e-mail server to the receivers e-mail server. When using an e-mail redirection service, one more step is involved.

Let's say Bob Smith's e-mail address from his service provider is BobSmith31337@aol.com, but through his association he has an address of Bob.D.Smith@staterealtor.org. The mail will leave the sender's machine, and stop first at the e-mail redirection server. The e-mail redirection server will see that the mail is for Bob.D.Smith@staterealtor.org and look in its database for Bob's real e-mail address. It'll find that its BobSmith31337@aol.com and then send the mail there. What happens when Bob moves to MSN? Bob can log into the e-mail redirection servies web page and update his entry to have his new address.

How can I use this?

You need to find a service provider such as an MLS, an association, or another who is running this service. If your MLS or association would like to run this service, they can read below or contact Keith Garner at kgarner@realtors.org or 312-329-3294