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2010-07-01 22:24:50
Top Technology Tools for REALTORS®
A few weeks ago, Saul Klein asked:
Help me out here, if you had to list, in the categories of:
Hardware
Software
Services
What would be your top 12 "Tech Tools", and why?
What are/were any measurable results from the use of the above?
See how your peers answered below.
OK...I'll bite... Hardware: Software: Services: An interesting observation, all of the above are general purpose items...nothing specifically real estate, yet, they can all be tailored to work with real estate needs. So, actually, to be in real estate today, the cost is much less than back in the 1990's when many of these tools and software first appeared. And, I'm sure there are some things that I forgot! |
The publisher of my little real estate career book has told me to plan for another edition as soon as the real estate market improves and people actually want to enter the profession again. Likely publication in about two years. My biggest challenge is to include material that does not become obsolete by the time the book comes off the press. Since I'm technologically challenged, information like this is very helpful, since it focuses on the basics. I'll also list web sites which will give readers up to minute information. I'll certainly include RealTalk. I doubt there's an issue that relates in any way to real estate that doesn't get enthusiastically discussed (most of which I more or less understand). Thanks, again. |
A few more ideas... Hardware: Software: Services: Both items are great time savers. |
Ok, I'm not a super tech-y person, so this is my basic barebones survival kit for being a mobile professional Bear with me :) Hardware: Software: |
I've been feeling guilty about being a lurker. I enjoy most of the posts in this forum immensely, and skip over those I don't, and I learn a lot from all of you. I decided I should put some effort into collecting this data for my business so here it is. I should note that I work for a company who doesn't provide anything, and their share of the commission reflects that. Hardware
Software
Systems
There are probably some other things but this hits the high spots. |
Love all the discussion and have one comment and pet pieve that runs rampant in home offices. The all-in-one printer/scanner/fax machines are a burden unless you pay thousands of dollars. It is better to utilize a good separate scanner, several printers - laser b&w and color and utilize your scanner thru the computer as a fax. So many agents get a cheap all-in-one, never figure out all the features and each is done with marginal compromising of the whole. |
Hardware Software/ Online services |
I love www.websitemagazine.com for fresh new ideas on technology. They apply to real estate and give you an inside view on what's happening with social marketing, gadgets and seo tips. |
I find Docusign a fabulous software tool for my clients and for me. The only drawback is when the underwriter won't accept the signatures, but I think that it is changing. Just this past week Wells Fargo changed their position on requiring that I have original signatures after the fact that electronic signatures were already submitted. |
Hardware Software Services |
Hardware- Tablet Computer, HTC (I like the stylus, touch screen & full keyboard- not into the roller ball), 25 MM lens digital camera camera, pocket video (AKA "flip") **i used to use Adobe Professional but it has glitches with tablet computers. Other faxing companies are too expensive or don't allow you to send, as well as the common receive. |
Hardware: Notebook Computer, All in one printer for scanning, faxing and printing, smart phone, digital camera Software: Microsoft Office Suite, MS Publisher, PrimoPDF, Adobe Elements, Adobe Reader, Movie Maker of Photo Story 2 Services: Internet, e-mail, MLS, cell phone, Document Management like Zipforms online (I actually use my company provided version) Some of these services seem to fall in both service and software. I couldn't do my job without US Post Office and great lenders, title companies, appraisers, insurance companies etc. Of course my most important hardware is still my car. We still can't do this job without leaving home. |
Hardware - Software - Services - You'll notice that one thing I am missing is my website. Still working on that one. Haven't quite come up with the right domain name yet. |
Let's see .. top 12 tech tools * Hardware * Software * Services I guess that does it. I’ve been living on a tight budget so I’ve been making do with what I have. I’d like to upgrade my two machines, get a new camera (wide angle capability), have online backups and a ZIPScan or Scanzip??. I’d also like some good software to work with photography. Just waiting for some nice big fat paychecks .. :-) I have a nice one coming in late August. I hate to do this, but I’ll probably sign on with Realtytrac at $50/month. Everyone and his uncle wants foreclosures. I know most of the REO’s around here, but some are listed by agents out of my MLS reach. There are particular properties around here that are super hot and they want to get their foot in the door before everyone else. There’s one condo development that’s so hot that people literally walk around the complex looking for the bank papers or those little combo boxes. I need more than the two week lead in the newspapers legal notices section. I’d like to upgrade my bare-bones website. Right now I only use it for people to search the MLS. It’s in poor shape but at least I have it and it’s cheap .. $15/month. I appreciate all the great ideas I’ve gotten from ePRO. I know what I want to do next. Just need to budget it in. |

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