Real Estate Technology Experts

Making the Most with your PDA in real estate

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:06:08 +0000

(Recorded Monthly Members Webinar)

This month we are focusing our attention to the real estate agent’s BFF (and constant companion) – the PDA.

Whatever your brand of choice, Blackberry, iPhone, Pre…, on this month’s EXCLUSIVE RealEstateTechnologyExperts.com webinar we will showcase strategies, techniques and useful applications that you need to know to make the most of out these devices.

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p.s. If you have an fellow agents who would like to join in on this webinar, please send them here: https://reta.infusionsoft.com/saleform/nathnilf

Hardware for Real Estate Agents

admin — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:23:53 +0000

On this webinar (now recorded here) we cover the best in computers, laptops, netbooks, printers, video cameras, still cameras, and PDA’s (iPhone, Blackberry, Palm, etc.), and answer questions on these topics.

So if you want to make the right choices when it comes to upgrading your laptop, office computer, digital camera, PDA…then watch this webinar.

Even if you are not thinking about it right now, this webinar is worth watching. And if you have questions, just ask the experts in our Interactive Discussion Forum.

Get your Hardware game plan and ask your questions

1) What is the latest in mobile laptop computers and how can I use a smaller more powerful one.
2) Netbooks – useful tool? Is it worth looking into?
3) New digital still and video cameras you can use to make money
4) PDA – what’s new and useful for the real estate agent
5) And MORE

Avoid wasting LOADS of time figuring it out on your own. Join Jim, Sean and Shay for the most EFFECTIVE, CHEAP, and EASY hardware solutions that will help you use technology profitably in your real estate business.

Here’s the recorded webinar:
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Unable to Open Outlook Attachments

Sean Goerss — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:45:35 +0000

If you are unable to open .WAV file attachments, or any other type of attachment for that matter, within Outlook (could be any version of Outlook – Outlook 2003, 2007, etc.), I have found the reason why.

Training video can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFWHfqc0uxQ

I Googled it here: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=laE&q=cannot+open+.wav+attachments+in+outlook+on+vista&aq=f&oq=&aqi=

And found this answer the best: http://www.brettg.com/2009/11/13/cant-open-wav-file-attachments-in-outlook-2007-on-windows-7/

Basically, you’re error when attempting to open up attachments in Outlook will look something like this:

Can’t create file: (file name). Right-click the folder you want to create
the file in, and then click Properties on the shortcut menu to check your
permissions for the folder.

The reason is, Outlook stores the names of opened attachments in a “Temporary Internet Files” folder, and if your attachments all have the same name, like mine did when I get email voicemails from my Vonage phone, then Windows, for some crazy reason known only to Bill Gates and his crazy team, have LIMITED it to 100 copies of the same name.

So, the SOLUTION: you have to go into the folder, and delete the “old” copies of those attachments, and voila, you can continue to open those attachments no problem!

Keep in mind, even if this solution doesn’t directly help you, Google is a GREAT resource to find help like this!

Website Overview

admin — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:31:39 +0000

Jim Casey, Sean Goerss, and Shay Schwatzmann give an overview of all of the websites you potentially have access to – RealEstateTechnologyExperts.com, AOexperts.com/content, and TPexperts.com/content.

This was a live webinar that we hosted, where we gave an overview of how to access all of the video tutorials and articles on the site, as well as use the Discussion Forum, Search function, and other parts of the site, and our overall mission and vision for Real Estate Technology Association, and how it can be of benefit to you.

New Member “QuickStart” Webinar

admin — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:30:24 +0000

Webinar to be held on Monday, Dec. 21st, 12 Noon Eastern time, for ANY new members, or current members. We'll give an overview of the site, and some new features and such that we've added. Register for the webinar on this page.

Webinar – Internet Strategy for Real Estate Agents

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:44:32 +0000

Part 2 is now recorded!
Non-members can get both recordings here: https://reta.infusionsoft.com/saleform/niurhnat

Internet Strategy for Real Estate Agents

Facebook.
Twitter.
LinkedIN.
Blogs.
Search Engine Optimization.
Pay Per Click ads.
Article Marketing…..

The list goes on and on.

“With all the choices out there, what should my internet game plan be?”

You can get tired just thinking about it!

The question for us agents is, what should or shouldn’t I be doing?

How can I get real CLOSINGS from these strategies?

These are the questions agents have been asking us day in and day out, and have we found the guy to help answer them!

Jens Rhoades consults little companies and real estate agents, and has consulted big companies across North America on internet “game plans” or total “web strategy”. In fact, he is our PERSONAL internet market strategist, overseeing our own search engine optimization, pay per click marketing, and overall internet game plan.

Here’s the type of questions Jens will answer:

“If I spend 3 months on Facebook, how can I ensure it won’t end up being a waste of time?”

“If I want to do pay per click ads, where do I start? Should I do it on my own or hire someone? How do I know I’m not going to get completely ripped off?”

“Can someone really guarantee I will show up on the first page of Google?”

“How can I start tracking my “conversion rate” on my website?”

“How should I promote my listings on my Facebook page?”

“Are there ways to automate my posts/videos/tweets/etc.?”

“What are the best tactics considering my personality and strengths?”

Jens is going to give us a 50,000 foot overview of what strategies to follow, and not follow, and more importantly – WHY.

He’ll give us some specific examples of things gone right, things gone wrong, and how to make sure you get it right.

So, if you want avoid wasting LOADS of time doing things that don’t really matter, or worse – can hurt your reputation, and you want to know what the most EFFECTIVE, CHEAP, and EASY ways to do things are to generate MORE leads from the internet and turng them into CLOSINGS, then join us.

Here’s the recorded Part 1 Webinar – it is WELL worth your while to watch!

And here is the recorded Part 2 Webinar:

Join the forum discussion on this post - (4) Posts

Webinar – Mega-Agent Rick Brash on Hotlines

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:02:26 +0000

Yes, yes, I know – 800# hotlines are “old news”.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably been pitched at least a dozen times.

BUT, in spite of all the hype around “Facebook”, “Twitter”, and “social networking” in general, there really ARE other ways to generate leads.

And what made me stand up and take notice is when Rick Brash said he generates TONS of leads PER MONTH from them!

Don’t get me wrong – there’s a place for social networking, video, web strategy, etc.

….but a LOT of agents are totally ignoring what Rick is doing – generating leads and getting TONS of buyers and sellers from simple hotlines with pre-recorded scripts.

OK, so here’s the recorded Webinar:

If you have any referrals for Rick in Calgary, visit his site here: www.RickBrash.com

Here’s why I think 800#’s are still important:

1. They’re often overlooked with all the new, flashy topics like social networking, blogging, etc.

2. If they are used, they are often used ineffectively — leading to little or no leads, instead of what could be a gold mine.

3. Despite the perception, hotlines can still get 100’s of calls by agents that use them properly – if you are relying on email and web, or someone just calling you on your cell, you are missing out on a HUGE opportunity.

SO….we are going to ask Rick to share his “best practices” with us – from the psychology of the scripts, to his menu and offers, to his call to action and follow up.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

How Real Estate Agents can Get Their Listings on Google Maps

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:51:39 +0000

This is an overview of the new Google Maps feature that allows consumers to find real estate listings.

As real estate agents, we should take note of how to syndicate our listings to such largely-used internet tool.

We will have even more information to come shortly on how to make sure your listings show up on Google Maps real estate search feature.

Services mentioned in this video:

www.Vflyer.com

www.ListHub.net – if you are a Keller Williams agent, KW is already utilizing ListHub.net via the KWLS.

Again, we will be postings updates to this subject based on feedback from our visitors and members.

Video Cameras for Real Estate Agents

admin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:03:54 +0000

Fellow real estate agents often ask me “what type of video camera should I get for my real estate business?”

If you are looking for versatility and lightweight, you can’t beat the line up of pocket camcorders on the market today.

And if you are “flipping” over to the latest video camera craze, pocket-sized recorders are worth the hype, but be aware of their limitations.

Below are a few suggested models (all prices approximate). It wasn’t too long ago a quality camcorder broke your wallet and your back – expensive, clunky machinery that shot low-resolution video and was near impossible to connect to a PC for editing, archiving or sharing.

Fast-forward to today and for about $200 – easily a fifth of what you’d pay in the past – you have something no bigger than a cell phone that can shoot high-definition quality, and saves it all to built-in Flash memory (not unlike what’s in your iPod NANO). Integrated software (read: no disc required) and flip-out USB connector make it a breeze to connect to a computer, not to mention one-click uploads to YouTube, if desired.

Spearheaded by Pure Digital’s ”FLIP” brand (now owned by Cisco), these trendy pocket-sized camcorders are an affordable and easy-to-use solution for real estate agents on the go. Keep in mind, however, these products aren’t perfect; they lack good zoom (therefore not ideal for a child’s soccer final or outdoor rock concert); battery life won’t be as impressive as pricier camcorders; and you’re usually limited to shooting an hour or two of video at a time.

The following is a quick look at some of the hottest pocket camcorders available.

Leader of the pack

Cisco’s Flip Mino ($219.99) and MinoHD ($279.99), both of which include the signature flip-out USB arm and built-in FlipShare software to organize, edit and share video. Both are capable of recording an hour of video: the Flip Mino in VGA quality (640 x 480 pixels) and Flip MinoHD in 720-p HD quality (1280 x 720 pixels).

Memories in a snap

Available in silver, purple or orange, the Sony Mobile HD Snap Camera, or “Webbie” as it is known in the United States,(model MHS-PM1; $229.99) makes it easy to capture and upload HD-quality MP4 video (1440 x 1080 pixels, at 30 frames per second) and still photos (5 megapixels) and upload directly to the Web.

A rotating swivel lens flips over so you can see yourself if you want to shoot a video podcast. Unfortunately, this model requires a USB cable (included) instead of the built-in solution.

Capture that “Kodak moment”

The Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video Camera ($159.95) is a relatively inexpensive and weather-resistant 720p HD model with a rubberized body (and protected ports) to withstand splashes or sand.

The Zx1 offers a huge 2-inch LCD screen to see what you’re shooting (or during playback), but the downside is you’ll need to snap in your own SD or SDHC memory card (up to 32GB) to capture memories. Included is an HDMI cable to connect to a HDTV.

Get creative

With its 8GB of built-in memory, the thin and lightweight Creative Vado HD ($229.99) records up to two hours of 720p-quality high-definition video (1280 x 720 pixels) or up to eight hours at VGA resolution.

Its wide-angle glass lens captures more action round you, and works well in dim environments, too. While it feels frailer than the Flip’s solid USB arm, a convenient computer connector pulls out of the bottom of the Vado on a flexible cord.

Getting the Right Camera for you is the First Step

Look out for our weekly tips and strategies email on using Audio, Video and Multimedia profitably in your business.

Craigslist for Real Estate Agents

admin — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:05:29 +0000

Jim Casey interviews Josh Schoenly, an agent out of Pennsylvania, who shares his advice after using Craigslist for many years, and generating 1,000’s of leads for his real estate business via Craigslist.

Josh shares tips on how to avoid getting flagged or “ghosted” on Craigslist, setting up multiple accounts, landing pages, mis-spellings, the best times of day to post on Craigslist, and much more.

Here is the Audio Recording.

NOTE: volume level can be adjusted on the player above, as well as on your computer speakers. We have found that some laptop speakers do not provide sufficient sound levels if you’re in a noisy environment, so please keep that in mind.

Josh has put together a Craigslist “do it yourself” kit – swipe files of his best ads, emails, best times of day, etc.

You can view the details on the kit here:

http://www.retechcenter.com/recommends/blbt

(will open in a new window)

I think the price is definitely worth it.

Thanks,

Jim Casey