Banks try to speed up the short sale process
July 8, 2010
Several banks are trying to speed up the short sale process. Many of them are finally learning that having thousands of agents faxing in hundred-page packages is not the best method to use. For awhile, they refused to use email, but they’ve finally come to terms that email is a very useful technology. This may sound laughable when reading, but sadly, it is the truth.
At the REO Expo in Dallas, Bank of America explained that they will now use nothing but Equator for their short sales. Those that have been in the business for awhile, may recognize it by its former name, reotrans. In Equator, agents can now upload purchase contracts, bank statements, 1040s, LSRs, and all other important documents. This saves a lot of time because agents no longer have to fax a package and pray that in 21 days, the bank may acknowledge its receipt. To find out more, check out www.equator.com.
New IDX rolls out
July 8, 2010
Real Estate Webmasters for those of you who know is probably the best idx platform on the market. Real Estate Webmasters recently rolled out it’s new version ( IDX 3.0) which rivals Realtor.com. Also, one of the best features of all in that this idx is search engine spiderable! I personally own a Real Estate Webmasters site and have their idx of course and I rank for terms that I shouldn’t. For example when seller or buyers specifically types in their address, I rank on page 1 of G every single time.
Real Estate Webmasters is currently running a sale right now! Check out their website for yourself and place an order! Also be sure to check out the new map search which allows customers to search an area they outline on a map. The idx is custom and additional add on’s are available for purchase. For example, Google Directions, Get Local, Walk Score, plus more. Real Estate Webmasters have worked very well for me and it can for you as well.
ePropertySites – website for each listing
June 1, 2010
ePropertySites has recently gained traction as a tool that agents can provide for their sellers. Creating a website provides value for sellers, and buyers can find a lot about a property before inquiring further. Buyers will find these sites by stumbling onto them through craigslist, facebook, and other avenues.
Features that win over your clients include:
- Complete property website on its own domain.
- Creates virtual tours automatically.
- Easily posts onto Craigslist with attractive ads.
- Phone friendly sites.
- Nearby restaurants, coffee shops, groceries, etc. from walkscore.
- Depending on where you live, it can also feature local school and demographic information.
Obviously, most sellers will want a website for their own home. If you want to secure that listing, it may be a good idea to create that website before you get there!
Keller Williams offers real estate sales training via KWConnect
May 18, 2010
Keller Williams Realty provides agents with sales training delivered through streaming videos to all KW agents.
Keller Williams University (KWU) is the delivery mechanism for real estate agent educational programs with content targeted at agents of all experience levels from the new agent through to the 7th Level mega-agent.
The KWU content is delivered in many formats such as WORD documents, EXCEL spreadsheets, and includes a multitude of manuals and study guides in PDF format.
To enhance all of these materials KWConnect was created to stream videos related to the use and implementation of tools, guides, scripts, and business building skill sets offered through these courses.
To sample KWConnect you may visit KWConnect Guest Pass.
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NAR and Docusign announce new platform
March 15, 2010
The National Association of Realtors® announced today the release of the DocuSign REALTOR® Edition, an exclusive online eSignature service designed specifically for Realtors®. NAR and DocuSign formed a business alliance late last year through the REALTOR Benefits® Program.
According to NAR, REALTORS will receive a 20 percent savings on DocuSign Basic and DocuSign Standard editions. DocuSign Basic is a limited edition while DocuSign Standard is an expanded version offering full functionality and a robust feature set. Subscribers must present a valid NRDS member identification to qualify.
Unfriend Reaches Oxford Dictionary
November 16, 2009
The Oxford dictionary has added a new word to its extensive vocabulary which signifies the ever grow influence of social media. The word “unfriend” has managed to find its way into the English language. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, “unfriend,” means to remove someone from your friends list on any particular social network. Facebook being a great example. For someone who is unfamiliar with social networking, “unfriending” doesn’t seem like a big deal at first. But in reality it can be the equivalent of ending a meaningful friendship with someone. Social media has become an intricate part of communicating with others. Many people have developed friendships through mainly through these social networks. “Unfriending someone can have a hug impact on your social network standing if your not careful who you remove. “Unfriending” can be no different then ending a friendship in person. Perhaps many Facebook users don’t realize this, but you can be offending someone without even knowing it. It’s important that Facebookusers learn proper etiquette when using such networks. Communicating through Facebook and other sites is no different then talking with people in person. Having this approach will only help your reputation in the social media world.
The quest to go paperless
October 28, 2009
Have you ever wondered how can I or how can my office that I manage start the transition to go paperless or inch closer to paperless on the realtor end of the equation? Well, although tablet PCs have been out for quite a while, tablet PCs are just starting to come on strong in the real estate business, especially in the Midwest market. In short, a tablet PC allows users to digitally sign documents anywhere on the screen. Let me be clear, you can hand write a novel on the tablet pc using the writing utencil supplied with the computer, so it’s more than just getting signature, you can write whatever you want to write on your contracts, or you can write what you want to write on anything for that matter with your tablet pc. My 3 year old laptop finally puked last week. Literally the period key completely fell off of the keyboard, which is why I’m using so many commas in his post.
I originally became interested in a tablet pc about 3 months after a friend purchased one. His business has been more efficient, as well as more organized. I’m excited to wow buyers and seller alike as soon as the new pc comes in. I will do a follow up post as to what my buyers and sellers thought about signing contracts digitally instead of paper. As far as getting a copy of all signed documents to seller and buyers, I have an air card that will keep me connected to the interenet anywhere I go, so I plan on emailing the sign documents before I even leave the home. It’s a good idea in theory, however before I get to excited, I’ll try it out first, then report back.The Celestine Prophecy movie download
The Iphone and Social Media
October 14, 2009
The apple IPhone since it’s official launch several years ago has changed the mobile media landscape forever. It has also helped in the new social media revolution that is changing the way we communicate forever. But with other phones entering the market challengin the Iphones supremacy, will the Iphone still be relevent several years from now? It is a valid question. Look at how technology has changed in just the past few years. It is certainly realistic to think that a new phone can overtake the amazing IPhone. But the IPhone has become more then just a smart phone. It has become a cultural symbol of modern day cool. Business people of all types sport the IPhone as a way to do business. Many Realtors have switched to the IPhone because it gives them the mobility to interact through the venue of social media. i.e Twitter. Plus with apps like Zillow and MLS search. The IPhone is a tool that Realtors cannot do business without. The Iphone will be around for sometime, but this should bring about some other great phones the Apples competitors.
Using a Sidekick for Real Estate? Think Again
October 13, 2009
T-Mobile and Microsoft suffered a serious blow over the last few days. The company announced that Sidekick users on T-Mobile service may incur data loss that can’t be recovered. Users have been warned to not turn the phone off or let the battery get to low otherwise it could result in permanent data loss. Lost data could include contacts, photos, emails, calendar entries and appointments. If that wasn’t bad enough, Sidekick users have been suffering from a major outage all last week as well.
The data loss is a result of a cacophony of errors including failed server backups by Microsoft. The Sidekick relied on cloud backups through the company Danger, which was acquired by Microsoft (cloud computing services allow devices to remotely store data elsewhere instead of on the device itself). T-Mobile is offering a credit of one month of service for the users effected and up to a $100 per user for data loss. Techcrunch has posted a copy of the letter sent to Sidekick users on their site.
Hand held email devices have gained popularity for real estate professionals over the last couple of years. In light of the problem at T-Mobile, having a redundant system for your email, contacts and other pertinent data is definitely a must. If you aren’t sure how your information is being stored, contact your provider. You’ll be glad you did.The Skulls III video
Twitter and Big Ideas
October 8, 2009
Tech giants Mircosoft and Google are trying to tap into the Twitter phenomenon. The companies are in talks about a possible data licensing deal. The two companies are trying to take advantage of the real time information Twitter has from the tweets of its 54 million users. The problem is there could be a conflict of interest on the part of Microsoft since it also has stake in Facebook. But why are companies like Google and Mircosoft after real time data? One answer is trends. With real time information, companies will be able to determines trends in music, pop culture, and of course technology. This will certainlyhelp product development. The ability to be able to communicate and understand consumers in real time is a coveted ability sought after by major companies. This will undoubtedly give Twitter more leverage in the new social media revolution.
