Real Estate Techie

Whether you are a Realtor or a Real Estate Investor (REI), if you are serious, then you need your own website.  But just having a website is a waste if you don’t know how to drive traffic to your site.  You can have the most beautifulest website in the whole wide world, but if  you don’t have visitors, then your website got dressed up for nothing.  So, if you want leads, you’ve got to have visitors, because visitors convert to potential leads. Read more…

If you have a MAC, and you’ve installed Lion (OS X 10.7), you can now access the Tempo MLS.   Tempo and Lion did not play well to start with, but what’s new, right?!?  Tempo doesn’t play well with anything except stodgy old Internet Explorer and Windows.  However, the IDS Mac client compatibility fix for Apple’s release of OS X Lion 10.7 has now been installed.  So, you can use Tempo MLS on your Mac computer once again whether you have an iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or MacBook.

MAC OS X Lion users will need to do the following to receive the fix:
1. Navigate to http://ids.marketlinx.com/nativemac.html from the default browser on the Mac.
2. ** Install the IDS Links program over top of the current installation (uninstall is not needed first).
3. Launch the IDS icon to access the application.

If you are installing IDS for the first time please follow the instructions here: http://support.triadmls.com/files/pdf/ids.pdf

My Supra eKey recently stopped updating using the USB cradle on my computer.   I found a free an easy fix, so I wanted to share it with you.   Thanks to the Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service who updated their members regarding the update.   The link with the quick and easy instructions is below.

Supra eKey USB Cradle Software Update

I bought my first MAC just over a  year ago, because I was tired of Windows shortcomings (crashes, slow, etc).  As a Realtor®, one of the most important aspects of your business is accessing the MLS.  That’s not so simple with a MAC, because most MLS’s require you to use Internet Explorer by Microsoft.  There are several work arounds, but they aren’t very simple.  They involve installing a full version of Windows on your MAC, which can be costly and complicated if you aren’t tech savy.  Well, if you use the CoreLogic MarketLinx Tempo MLS, I finally found another way to logon to the MLS with your MAC, and it’s FREE!  I’ve probably looked on a thousand different websites trying to find it.  The crazy thing it’s actually on the www.tempohelp.com website.  ”Duh, winning!”

I will give you the instructions here, but you should also go to www.tempohelp.com and register on their support site.  Once you’re logged in, click the “Tutorials and Videos” icon.

The way you access the MLS with your MAC is through IDS.

What is IDS?

IDS (Information Delivery System), is a server based solution that allows Mac users to access programs that require running on a Windows computer. Once logged into the IDS application, you will be able to access your MLS Program from an icon specifically for the site that you use every day. All settings are taken care of on the server for the MLS Program that you access.

What are the minimum system requirements?

• An Intel-based or PowerPC-based Macintosh running OS X 10.4 or later
• A high-speed Internet connection.
• IDS is not compatible with the Apple iPad

You will need to go to http://ids.marketlinx.com/nativemac.html to download the application to your computer.  Once you have installed it, the directions will also include a link for your specific MLS to create a short cut for your desktop.

The link below is the pdf that is on the www.tempohelp.com site, but it is specific to my MLS.  Logon to the website and it should direct you to the instructions for your MLS.

How to Access the Tempo MLS on a MAC – Install IDS

I’ve had a chance to use it a few times over the weekend, and it does have some issues.  I had to “force quit’ the application several times, because it would hang up (typical Windows crap!).  So, it’s not perfect, but you can at least logon to the MLS…when it works.

Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or call your local MLS tech support.  I’m sure they can help you with the installation as well.  Add your comments below to let others know how it’s working for you.

You may have read my earlier review of Dropbox, and know that I’m a firm believer in the functionality, ease of use, and increased productivity it offers.  I have been using another cloud based sync service called SugarSync.  Both SugarSync and Dropbox allow you to sync files across multiple computers, mobile devices and platforms, which allows you to access those files most anywhere.

I’m using SugarSync in our real estate firm to go paperless.  We scan a contract, and then shred the paper.  The files are backed up in multiple locations, so why keep a paper file?  It allows our brokerage to be more green.

It works basically like a “My Documents” folder.

1. You install the SugarSync free software manager on each computer or mobile device you want to sync files with.
2. Then, you add your files to the “Magic Briefcase” folder.  The next time you turn on your other device, the SugarSync servers will add the file/files by syncing with that device.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy.  SugarSync also allows you to sync multiple folders across multiple systems.  To add folders other than your “Magic Briefcase”, you just open up the software and “add folders”.

What’s even better about SugarSync is that it’s more than twice the storage of the free Dropbox account giving you 5 gigabyte for free (If you sign up for the free account through the following link, you’ll get an additional 500 MB of storage for FREE – Sign up for FREE File Storage with SugarSync).

SugarSync is available on all of the major mobile platforms.

• iPad, iPhone, iTouch
• Android
• Blackberry
• Windows Mobile
• Symbian

You can also access your account from any web browser.  Being able to access your important files while you’re out of the office anytime is priceless to me.  If you have tried Dropbox, I believe you’ll like SugarSync even more.

QR Codes are becoming quite popular with the increased sales of smart phones.  If you’re wondering “what the heck are QR Codes?”, you’re probably not alone.  QR Codes are basically bar codes.  You can take your smart phone (android, iphone, etc.) and read the QR Code with your mobile phone’s camera.  When you the phone reads the code, it will show a link, text, phone number, or SMS message.

I’m going to cover five things on this post which are all related to using QR Codes for Real Estate Marketing.

1. An App to Manage and Backup ALL of Your Phone’s Apps
2. The Barcode Scanner App to Read QR Codes
3. How to Use QR Codes for Real Estate Marketing
   A.  How to Use QR Codes to Create Your Own Digital Business Card.
   B.   How to Use QR Codes to Market Your Listings.

First of all, I use an app called “AppBrain” to manage all of my apps.  It’s a very handy app with an online interface to backup all of your phone’s apps.  If you’re looking for app reviews, new apps, hot apps, popular apps, etc, you can find them all at AppBrain.com and the mobile app as well.  The link and QR code for AppBrain are below.  (If you can’t read QR Codes on your phone yet, just go to the Android Marketplace on your phone and add the reviewed apps below.)

AppBrain App Market for Android on AppBrain

AppBrain QR Code for Android

Now, let’s talk about how to use QR Codes. The app I use with my Android phone is called “Barcode Scanner”.  The link and QR Code for Barcode Scanner are below.

Barcode Scanner for Android on AppBrain

Barcode Scanner App QR Code for Android

After you install the BarcodeScanner app you will be able to read QR codes.  You touch the app icon and it opens up your phone’s camera with a bar code scanner.  A red line will be visible over the QR Code, and the reader will beep when it has read the code.  The link will then show on your phone, click the link, and waa lah!  You will be taken to the website for which the QR Code was made.

As a real estate professional, how can you use QR Codes for marketing?  I would say the most sensible ways would be to either market yourself or market your listings.  Let’s discuss the digital or virtual business card first.

I think having to enter contact info is so “passe”.  Why not create a QR code to use as a digital business card?  As a real estate professional, you want your contact info in your referral sphere’s or potential prospects phone.   Here are the steps on making your own digital business card.

1. Visit www.dooid.com and set up a free account (they have expanded paid services as well if you’re interested).  This site allows you to set up a virtual business card where you can add all of your contact info, website, social media sites, etc.  It has several nice templates to choose from, and is simple to use.  See a sample of mine at www.dooid.com/tonygreen
2. After you have your dooid profile set up, copy the link, and visit http://qrcode.kaywa.com/.  Paste your profile link into the “content” box and then click “generate”.  You will be given a QR Code to download.  Now you can print this on the back of your business card, add it to your blog, social media sites, or use it in your print media advertising.  Here is my Dooid QR Code.
   

   Real Estate Techie's Virtual Business Card QR Code

The second way I’m using QR Codes is with my listings.  Exit Realty has an excellent marketing service called e-Listings. With e-Listings, each property gets its on single property website, a talking virtual tour, 1-800-xxx-xxxx ext.xxx call capture sign riders, and now QR Codes.   The site is also syndicated to about 15 different websites and blogs including YouTube to get the listing more exposure to sell quickly (Click the following link for more info: Exit Digital Marketing Strategy to Get Homes Sold Fast).  You can use the QR Codes on sign riders, blog posts or in your print advertising.

I’m sure there are other creative ways to use QR Codes for Real Estate.  Do you have any ideas you would like to share?  Or would you like to share an experience you have had using QR codes?  Don’t hesitate to add your comments below.

There are several new tablet devices recently released or on the horizon.  For Realtors, one of the most desired features is to access the MLS while being mobile. You cannot access most MLS’s with the  iPad (for the most part.  there are work arounds, but it’s somewhat buggy), or the new Android device, Samsung’s 7″ Galaxy Tab.  The Galaxy Tab has a few features that the iPad does not, most notably, 2 cameras (front & back) and flash video capability.  However, from the reviews I’ve read it’s still not the “iPad killer”.

The next device is the HP Slate 500, which is scheduled to be released next week on November 16th or 17th.  The HP Slate will feature a 7″ screen (*corrected: 8.9″),   2GB RAM (which sounds really impressive), 1.86 GHz Intel Atom Processor and a 64 GB internal storage (as well as an SD slot for expanded storage).  It will run a full version of Windows 7, which means, Realtors should be able to access their local MLS.  But if you want it, you’re going to have to pay a little more.  It’s on the higher side at $799. The question is are you willing to pay more for a device if you can access your full MLS with it?

HP Slate 500 Full Specs

Chris @techsavvyagent was able to preview in New Orleans at the NAR convention recently.  Check it out below.

I’ve had Google Chrome installed on my computers for some time, but I’ve been more partial to Firefox.  However, on the MAC, Firefox has had some issues, so I started using Chrome more (on the MAC at least).  I found that it was fast, and that I was growing to like it more.  So much, as I started using it more on my Windows machine.  And when I found IE Tab today, I thought just maybe…Tempo MLS will work on it.

Well, SNAP!  It did, and it works great!   But it only works on Windows!!!  If it only worked on the MAC, I would sing Chrome’s praises from the mountain top!

I would say, I’m using Chrome about 50% of the time now.  There are many extensions you can use to customize it’s feel.  Some of my favorite extensions are Last Pass toolbar (password manager), Delicious Bookmarks, Spring Pad, and SEO Quake.  And if you don’t like using Internet Explorer (does anyone really like IE?), but you visit sites that must, then give Google Chrome a shot.  I believe you’ll like it.

Sprint’s HTC EVO 4G Android Touch Screen Phone Hits a Home Run!

I’ve been a Sprint customer for over 10 years, and my first smart phone was a Palm Treo 300.  Remember those!?!  Wow, how technology has changed!  All in all, I have used 3 different Palm Smart Phones:  The 300, 600 and 650.  I’ve been a Blackberry Curve user for a couple of years.  I had been considering a switch to Android after my wife got an HTC Hero last Christmas.  I’ve been out of contract with Sprint for awhile, and was holding out for an iPhone (or something better) to come to Sprint or possibly Verizon.  I gave AT&T some consideration, but AT&T’s spotty service and outrageous cost (at least $50 per month than my current Sprint plan), was a deal killer.  So, when I saw the ad for the HTC EVO 4G, I knew I had to have it!

I’ve had the phone for a month now and love it!  I love all of the applications (apps) for the Android OS.  (I’ll talk more about those in future posts.)  After the first couple of weeks, I would have given it a 4 Star out of 5, because of the battery life.  Like most successful Realtors, I’m a power user, and I was only getting about 7 hours of battery life.  Plugging in by 3pm was a must.  It was a little irritating, but I still loved the phone.  Now, I’ve made a few tweaks, and I’m getting an extra 5 hours.  So, on an average day, I can go from 8am til 8pm.  Not too shabby.

Some of my “must have” apps for Real Estate are the following:  Zillow, Drop Box, Action Complete, Home Loan Calculator, NewsRob (rss reader for all of the latest Real Estate news), and Spring Pad (quick notes and reminders).   And I can’t forget Easy Tether.  This one is great to use at an open house.  You can connect your laptop to your phone’s 4G (or 3G if 4G isn’t available yet), and then stream the virtual tour of your listing or access the MLS at no additional cost (if you have unlimited data).   Pretty sweet!  If only any buyers would have shown up at my last one!  Ha!

To read a more in depth review (and more videos) go to the link below.

Android Central’s Sprint HTC EVO 4G Review

Of course, you can also keep up with all of your social networking buddies with facebook, twitter and Google Buzz apps (but I recommend to change the default settings of how often they sync.  I changed mine to “8 hours” when I made the tweaks to improve the battery life.  I also have a the Daily Bible and Affirmations apps for some daily motivation.  It comes with an 8 GB SD card, so you can put some music or videos on there as well.  I use MixZing because I like it better than the default music player (DoubleTwist is not bad either).  Plus catch a little ESPN Mobile on Sprint TV.  I’m telling you, this phone does it ALL!  If you’ve been thinking about dropping your Blackberry for Android, go for it!  You won’t be disappointed.