Real Estate: Northern New Jersey

Real estate information and opinions about residential real estate in Morris, Sussex, and Warren Counties. My specialty is working with Private Sellers (known in the industry as FSBOs). We have special programs just for Private Sellers at BetterHomesNJ. It is through those programs that I'm able to assist those capable of selling their own home and then be there for them should they decide they would be better off with the services of a Full Service Real Estate Broker.

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Useful Software Tools Cheap or Free

Posted at 3:58 AM, Jul. 8, 2006

As a result of conversations with several people, there seems to be a need for low-cost or no-cost software to provide functionality many of us need. As such, I've been doing some research and have found the following which folks may consider. I've broken them up based on functional need.

Specifically, I was interested in 3 things:

ONE - being able to manipulate GSMLS extracted data for mail merge into MS Word without having to purchase Microsoft Excel.

TWO - find a free photo editor that would resize and crop photos easily.

THIRD - Find other useful FREE software folks may wish to consider.

All of these software programs will do much more. Each person should feel free to explore what they can use.

Anti-Virus

http://www.grisoft.com offers a free version of their AVG Anti-Virus software.

COMMENT: There are many ways of protecting against viruses and we should all have something. BUT, if someone doesn't have anything at all, here is something free.

Microsoft Word

http://www.openoffice.org/

http://www.software602.com/download/

http://www.thinkfree.com/ (internet only - requires broadband)

COMMENT: Try them, see what you think, they are FREE

Microsoft Excel

http://www.openoffice.org/

http://www.software602.com/download/

http://www.thinkfree.com/ (internet only - requires broadband)

COMMENT: Try them, see what you think, they are FREE.

NONE OF THESE PRODUCTS work with the old GSMLS XLS download format.

Software602 & ThinkFree work with the new GSMLS text download format.

Microsoft PowerPoint

http://www.openoffice.org/

http://www.thinkfree.com/ (internet only - requires broadband)

COMMENT: Try them, see what you think, they are FREE

Photo Editor

http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/ (PhotoPlus 6)

http://www.software602.com/download/

COMMENT: We have 2 basic needs for dealing with photos: Sizing (while maintaining the aspect ratio and dealing with pixels) & Cropping.

Sizing - easily making 240x180 pixel copies of our pictures for loading to our web sites OR simply reducing the size of images.

Cropping - removing portions of a picture we do not need.

This program will do a ton more, but I've not messed with all its' features. I was simply looking for something FREE that would provide these 2 functions. This one does a nice job.

MORE GENERAL COMMENTS:

First, I know this is a lot of information, BUT IT'S FREE, so it's worth folks spending a little personal time to check out.

Second, I'm NOT a guru on these products and it's not my intention to become so. My training will always be done with the Microsoft Office Suite. Users of these products can use the respective software help function to find the similar product.

Third, I found NO product that would deal with the old GSMLS XLS download from tax search. There may yet be one, but so far I've not found it. The old GSMLS is putting our a PRE- release 5 version of an Excel file and ONLY MS Excel will open it (again - so far that I've found)

Fourth, There were 2 that work with the new GSMLS text download.

Fifth, ThinkFree is really cool in that you are given FREE, 30MB's of virtual disk space. That means the software is on their site, your files are on their site and all you need is a browser (IE 5.0 or better) to access it. This means you can play with your files without having to carry them around. You can do that too, however. It's worth checkout out.

FINALLY:

This should give those who are interested, and motivated to invest a little time, to save a dollar or two. I hope this information is useful.

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File Organization

Posted at 5:30 AM, Jun. 13, 2006

I've seen people that use various methods of filing stuff on their PC's most of which really aren't, organized that is. I thought it might be useful to show you what I do. Not that I have the best way, but certainly "A Way" that may get you thinking about getting your "stuff" organized.

FIRST, EVERYTHING is under "My Document" I NEVER take the application program default. For one thing, it make backing up everything easier. See http://peterscottnj.realtownblogs.com/equipment/backup-suggestions/

Here is the basic outline:

My Documents

Downloads (all downloaded software)
Real Estate
1. eNeighborhoods
  1. Denville
  2. Rockaway
  3. etc
2. FSBO
  1. Ultimate Challenge Stuff
  2. Prospecting
3. Houses
  1. 2 Larch Rd (I use the address and the folder name)
    1. Documents (CMA, Brochures, etc)
    2. Orig (pictures)
    3. Slide Show (pictures)
    4. Virtual Tour (pictures)
    5. Other (pictures)
  2. 3 Amato Ct
  3. etc.
4. Marketing
  1. Market Mailing - 2006
    1. 1 January
    2. 2 February
    3. etc
5. Advertising
6. Graphics
7. Training
8. Point2Agent
9. ProQuest
10. SRES

I guess my point is simple. Create your own file structure to meet your needs. I personally find that organizing everything about homes by their addresses works best for me.

In dealing with pictures, I download everything to "Orig". I can then do a quick preview and whack anything that doesn't meet muster. I then select those that will go to the virtual tour or other uses and COPY them to the folder - yes I use disk space to store all this stuff. BUT, if you check the backup link about you find out I have external hard drives. They can be use to archive unused home addresses and all their pictures by moving one folder.

Another reason for keeping the original pictures separate is that I may crop or resize pictures for specific needs. When I change my mind (it does happen upon occasion) I always have the original.

Do I have the best way? Who knows, it's a way and it's certainly better than nothing. Hope this gives you a thought or two.

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Backup Suggestions

Posted at 5:03 AM, Jun. 13, 2006

I've seen discussions on protecting data. Some wish to only backup of Outlook or certain other files. The point is YOU NEED TO BACK UP EVERYTHING!!!!!

I have a technically savvy friend that took pictures for a hobby, it became a part time business for him. He had something over 200GB of just pictures when his drive crashed. SIX YEARS of data was lost. He simply hadn't gotten around to putting a backup system in place.

I hope after reading that, you will NOT SLEEP WELL until you get a backup system in place. It WILL happen to you. This is NOT and "IF" it's a "WHEN".

Now about backups:

I've used tape backup since each tape only help 20MB of data. I now use disk. There are a number of network hard disk options available that either hook to your USB port or network. They are fast and convenient and with the right software will not only backup your own PC but all those on your network. I like Retrospect backup software from Dantz.

The basics:

NEVER backup OVER your backup. While the window for failure is small, it's there.
Have a minimum of two (2) different hard drives. Alternate between them.
I set my alternation between the drives at one month
1. On the first - I do a Full Backup and replace what was there before
2. On the odd days of the month, I do an incremental to that drive
With Retrospect, you set it and forget it - almost
1. Check the backup logs - make sure you didn't have a problem. When you hard drive crashes is NOT the time to find out your backup is not good.
2. TEST the backup every now and then. Restore something
You might set your alternation to weekly (requires a smaller and less expensive drive). My personal decision was two 300GB drive so I can switch monthly
You can take the drive "not is use" off site to protect it from theft or fire or whatever.
Any backup solution you choose will have suggestions about backup schemes. My approach is not the only one, I just hope it gets your thinking.
There is now also reasonable internet backup, although I don't like that solution because I'M NOT IN CONTROL OF THE DATA.

The Bottom Line: JUST DO IT!!!

Here are a few links:

http://www.emcinsignia.com/products/homeandoffice/retroforwin/

http://www.pcmag.com/search_results/0%2C1208%2C%2C00.asp?qry=backup&section=&site=3

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Website Traffic Improvement Claims

Posted at 4:33 AM, Apr. 11, 2006

Some web offerings claim to offer higher placaement from search engines. Watch out - some can actually hurt you. I've spent some time looking into this to understand how it works for someone else, and file this report:

The sites set up a ton of domains that are really bogus (no business function) then put links to your site in all those bogus sites. One key that search engines look for is how many other sites link to yours. However, MSN, AOL, Yahoo, Google are no dummies and while you may get a temporary bump, once they catch on your site will be black listed and you'll find yourself on page 99 forever.

There are however some firms that market software programs who will scan your site and give you tips on how to make your site more attractive to various search engines. Note that what might be good for Yahoo, may not be good for Google. I think these can be useful. These programs are pretty cool.

Let's say I wanted to get people interested in my town, Rockaway, NJ. One might think that I could fill page after page of the phrases "Rockaway, NJ" & "real estate" - nope the engines are too smart for that. OK, so I'll write a long paragraph, or copy it from some verbose website in Rockaway and then create a page on my site, THEN copy that page again and again on my site under different links - nope the engines are too smart for that.

However, if I find article after article that contains information about Rockaway, and create my won pages from it and have literally 100's of them, now I'll get some attention. But then I've stolen others content.

What this software does is analyze your site and make suggestions about how to make it more visible to the search engines. Obviously the more content you have which uses the key words you wish to be searched on the better.

One of the most useful things to do is swap URL's with other site owners in related industries, other agents from this forum, finance companies, furniture companies, etc. They are more valuable than your "friends" sites, but a link from a real website is still a link and the more you have the better you are to the search engines.

However, IMHO watch out for those sites that claim they can get you to page one. IMHO, it's the same as paying for leads. But on this one, once you are caught - you're dead. May just as well get a new domain and start over.

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Laptop Thoughts

Posted at 5:28 AM, Apr. 7, 2006

I'm often asked about what kind of laptop I recommend. I don't recommend a specific brand. I do however, recommend some things to think about when purchasing.

Screen Size

IMHO 14.1 inches is simply too small. It's called screen real estate, and I think 15" is the smallest one should go. How much higher that that is up to the individual and how much they wish to spend.

Memory

There are 2 issues with memory. First is how much, the second is whether you get it in one or to chips. Here is perhaps the most important thing to know about memory. IT IS THE SINGLE MOST RELEVANT FACTOR WHEN IT COMES TO THE SPEED OF YOUR COMPUTER. It's not the CPU chip, while that's important, the amount of memory you have is the largest factor.

Here is why. When you are working in a programs, the program code is copied from your hard drive into memory. As you execute multiple programs, more program code is copied from your hard drive into memory. It doesn't take too many programs these days before memory get's full. Then what happens is that the lease active programs current information is written out to your disk. This is called Caching. So as you switch back and forth between programs, the inactive program is written out to disk and the now active program is read back into memory. Guess what - this is really slow.

With more memory, you have the space needed to hold all your programs. So, my opinion is that 1GB is the minimum. If you say, gee whiz, I only look at my email and go on the internet why do I need so much. Because you've also accumulated anti-virus, cookie blockers, spam blockers, this and that which live in your system Tray (lower right corner of your screen). And you're going to be using a word processor and be doing others things in the future. Don't purchase for "today" or "tomorrow" you'll be spending the money again.

The next thing to know is how memory is physically in a laptop. There are 2 slots for memory. Manufacturers always put in 2 chips. For 1GB total memory, they will put in 2 ea. 512mb chips. You can however, get the full amount of memory in 1 chip and leave the other slot open. As you would expect, there are pros/cons on this as well. On the same machine, the 2 chip configuration runs faster than one chip. If you think you may want to increase the memory in the future, they having one chip means you don't have to throw away a chip to add a chip - there is an open slot.

Here is an example where this might apply. Money is tight, you're getting a 15" screen rather than the 17" you'd like, you know you need 1GB but can only afford 512MB. You'll increase memory after the next 2 transactions. I'd recommend getting 1 chip with 512MB ad leaving the other slot open. They when you have the funds, get the other 512MB and put it in. This is no more difficult that changing a light bulb.

Dual Core CPU and CPU speed in general

I'm a power user, my next laptop will be dual core - did you get the statement about power user? I'll pay extra for it. At least for now, most people will not need dual-core. Memory is so fast now that there are other factors that will impact speed more than memory speed.

Mouse Pointers

Some have the eraser head, some have the touch pad, some have both. For experienced users, this is a black/white issue, and I'm not talking about fair housing. Each of us has one we like and literally hate the other pointing device. I've found that very few people are ambiguous on this subject. Why is this important? If you are new to laptops and you haven't determined your preference, then I'd recommend finding friends with each and playing with it to figure it out. Some manufacturers only offer one of the devices. If however you are buying a laptop with both - you'll be in good shape.

One of my main points as stated above, is if you buy for "tomorrow", you'll have equipment that will server you for years. The only reason to get rid of it will be some new cool feature "you can't live without", but not because you need it. If for financial reasons, we all know - we've all been there, you must go cheap, just plan that it will have a short shelf life and as your business grows you can upgrade your equipment.

The fact is that in today's business world, a computer is essential. It is not a luxury, it's essential and a laptop makes that essential tool just that much more useful. I've had co-workers say they had problems with something I'd be glad to help them with, but it on their desktop at home. Spending time helping someone is something I love to do, but I draw the line at house calls.

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Virtual Tours - RealEstateShows

Posted at 12:33 PM, Apr. 6, 2006

Since I've been working with BetterHomesNJ I've been using www.RealEstateShows.com to do my shows and clients love them. Several have said they actually prefer it to the 360 shows because when they are done right, they truly show off the property. I even had one client tell me it made her cry - really, I still have the email.

For some months now I've been in contact with these folks as they are expanding and I'm going to be marketing this product for them in Northern New Jersey. I've told them that I'd like to have a special promotion code that I can use to offer the product to a couple of the forums in which I participate.

I now have that code: PS99 (case sensitive) - is valid until 5/31/2006.

This code will allow you to purchase this program for $99.95.

One of the great things about this program is it is ALL YOU CAN CREATE for a year. You can be creative with it. You do everything yourself and once you've done one, you can actually knock them out in almost no time ( 10 to 15 minutes) and your clients will think you spent hours. I will admit that the music selection is so vast that I probably spend more time selecting just the right music for the home than I do everything else.

The rest of this message is going to be links to various shows as examples. You can be as creative as you wish - think outside the box. These shows will give you some of those ideas.

I'll start with my shows:

Homes:

http://www.realestateshows.com/41305

http://www.realestateshows.com/28035

http://www.realestateshows.com/37002 This is the one the owner cried at

http://www.realestateshows.com/41272

The following show I did of a town near me. BetterHomesNJ used it on the HomesInRockaway site

http://www.realestateshows.com/7240

http://homesinrockaway.com/ click on the Virtual Tour

Here are some other ideas:

Promote Yourself:

http://www.realestateshows.com/show.php?id=25050

Commercial Property - look at the floor plans in the More Pictures

http://www.realestateshows.com/show.php?id=31051

Look at the ad on the bottom:

http://www.realestateshows.com/show.php?id=31761

If you're a involved with a mortgage, you can encourage them to buy a block and add their branding to the bottom reducing and split the cost with all the agents in your office. Same thing for a broker. You can get volume pricing - contact me.

Look at the use of single words - be sure to catch the last frame:

http://www.realestateshows.com/show.php?id=32715

Sell a neighborhood

http://www.realestateshows.com/show.php?id=32789

How about a show for your BUYER? Do you carry a camera when you take buyers out?

http://www.realestateshows.com/show.php?id=20591

The point is simple. With all you can make for so little money this is a huge win for those of us who really care about the image we wish to portray. Even if BetterHomesNJ didn't pay for mine, I'd have bought it in a New-York-Minute.

Peter Scott, e-PRO, SRES - Sales Associate

BetterHomesNJ / VRI Realtors, Inc.

www.BetterHomesNJ.com

www.pscott.vrihomes.com

Cell: 201-230-2883; Office: 800-584-2190

Referrals: The life-blood of my business - thank you for helping.

Nobody Does It Better, Nobody!

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