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Tech tips for agents

Below are technology tips to help real estate professionals be more efficient and stand out from their competition. Sign up to receive a new tech tip monthly

» Know the top business texting shorthand and terms
» Remedy sluggish web surfing, clear your cache
» Access travel and dining reviews on your smartphone
» Put an end to embarrassing typos!
» Create the perfect customized closing gift
» Know the top 10 foreclosure states
» Enlarge website text for easier reading
» Use online social networks to market your services
» Give your clients a CD burned with their transaction docs
» Text your tech-savvy clients - it's easy!
» Choose the right navigation solution
» Respond the right way to nab new clients
» Boost your image, use a cool search engine
» Show aerial views of properties to out-of-town clients

Know the top business texting shorthand and terms


Texting is no longer just for teenagers. Here is a guide to some of the most common business text messaging terms, acronyms and shorthand:
AFAIC – As far as I'm concerned
ASAP – As soon as possible
BRB – Be right back
BTW – By the way
DD – Due diligence
DRIB – Don't read if busy
EOD – End of day
EOM – End of message
FYI – For your information
GMTA – Great minds think alike
IM – Instant message
MOTD – Message of the day
NRN – No reply necessary
NWR – Not work related
OTP – On the phone
P&C – Private and confidential
QQ – Quick questions
SME – Subject matter expert
STD – Seal the deal
TBA – To be announced
TBD – To be determined
TIA – Thanks in advance
WTG – Way to go
YW – You're awesome

Remedy sluggish web surfing, clear your cache


Suffer from sluggish web surfing? It could be that your web browser is bogged down and it's time to clear your cache. Clearing your cache can significantly increase the speed and performance of your browser. It's quick and easy. Here's how: On the Internet Explorer 6 Tools menu, click Internet Options. The Internet Options box should open to the General tab. On the General tab, in the Temporary Internet Files section, click Delete Files. This will delete all the files that are currently stored in your cache. Learn more about how to manage your cache settings.

Access travel and dining reviews on your smartphone


If you've ever been puzzled on where to take a client for lunch or dinner, or are a frequent traveler, you'll appreciate the mobile edition of the Zagat Guide. At less than $30 a year, it's very affordable, and it's beamed straight to your smartphone, so you always have the latest restaurant, night spot, hotel, and golf course data and reviews. Be sure to confirm your smarthphone is compatible with this software. Zagat to Go.

Put an end to embarrassing typos!


A universal spellchecker is now available for all your professional communications. Enso Words, a free application, gives you spell-check power for all of your favorite programs, from Microsoft Word and Mozilla Firefox to Macromedia Fireworks. It's simple to use. Watch the video to see how it works.

Create the perfect customized closing gift


When using the HP Photosmart digital camera, there is a feature that converts a photo to an "ink sketch". Take a picture of your client's new house, convert it to a sketch, and print it on cardstock. Lo and behold - you have custom thank you notes or just-moved note cards to send to your client after closing. Your clients will be surprised by your creativity and grateful for the personalized and practical gift. And who knows how many times your name may come up from this conversation piece. Submitted by Martha Hale, Keller Williams Realty Hoover. Browse HP cameras

Know the top 10 foreclosure states


Some areas of the United States have been hit harder than others when it comes to foreclosures. Know if you are in a market with a higher foreclosure rate so that you can plan your prospecting strategies appropriately. According to Irvine-based RealtyTrac Inc., here is the top 10 list for 2007:
1.  Nevada 6.  Ohio
2.  Florida 7.  Georgia
3.  Michigan 8.  Arizona
4.  California 9.  Illinois
5.  Colorado 10.  Indiana

Enlarge website text


If while surfing the Internet, you find that the text you are reading on a website is too small for comfortable reading, then enlarge the text. It's easy. The two most common ways to do it are: (1) If you have a mouse with a scroll wheel, just hold down the control key and then scroll the wheel up or down to adjust text size. Or (2) go to "View" at the top of your web browser and select "Text size". Adjust it to your preferred size.

Use online social networks to market your services

Some experts argue that social networking is becoming a critical marketing component for agents and to stay competitive, you must engage online. There are many sites that can allow you to take advantage of online communities such as FaceBook, Zillow, ActiveRain, Real Town, and LinkedIn. Learn more about social networking for agents

Give your clients a CD burned with their transaction docs

After closing, give your client an electronic file of all their important transaction documents so they can place it somewhere safe in case of an emergency. Scan and burn all relevant transaction documents onto a CD, add a label with your photo and contact information and voila, you've just provided something unique and valuable to your client. As an added benefit, you now have important electronic records for yourself. Learn more about the benefits of scanning and managing electronic files

Text your tech-savvy clients - it's easy!

Haven't learned how to send a text message yet?  It's easy.  On your cell phone (1) select menu. (2) select messages. (3) select text messages. (4) Select write new.  Your cell phone will prompt you from there.  This is a great communication tool especially for your savviest tech clients. They will appreciate the information you want to share without having to be interrupted with a phone call. But remember, text messaging costs extra for most service plans so be sure to check with your clients before sending a text message.

Choose the right navigation solution

Convey a tech-savvy image and eliminate "lost" driving time by adopting GPS technology. But, don't buy a new car and plunk down $2K+ for the built-in nav option. Spend less than $500 on a portable GPS device and take it with you no matter what car you're in. You never know when you're car will be in the shop or that client with twins will insist on viewing properties in their mini-van. According to the 2006 agent Technology Survey, 24% of agents surveyed are currently using a GPS device while another 20% intend to purchase one within the next year. With a portable GPS device you can stay ahead of the competition and the traffic at the same time. Research HP iPAQ GPS travel companions

Respond the right way to nab new clients

If it's taking you longer than two hours to respond to leads, you could be compromising your sales opportunities. According to the 2006 agent Technology Survey, 50% of the agents polled respond to leads in less than two hours. Consumers are getting used to clicking a button and getting instant information so they expect a response quickly when they solicit a real estate professional. If you don't answer them, someone else will and you may just loose a potential sale. Be sure to check your phone and email messages frequently so you can reply quickly. Don't have access to email while out of the office? Consider a smartphone, which gives you instant access to the Internet. Research HP iPAQs

Boost your image, use a cool search engine

Ms. Dewey, Microsoft's virtual librarian with attitude, is listed on agent Magazine Online List Issue 2007 - The Buzz as "what's hot". She personalizes your Internet search. Go ahead and give it a try and see for yourself if her help is worth the hype. Check out Ms. Dewey

Show aerial views of property to out-of-town clients

If you have an out-of-town client looking for a unique property like a home on a golf course, lake or in a beach community, you can show them the surroundings and location of the property for sale with Google Earth. Download the Google Earth application, type in the address of the property and then send the link to your client. It will show an aerial view of the property. The client will be able to easily see for instance, how far the home is from the beach, what section of the golf course the home is on, etc. Google Earth
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