Real Estate Technology & Tools

Picture this: It’s 2002. I’m sitting at my desk with a big stack of papers, a pager on my belt, and a cell phone as big as a brick! The fanciest tech I had was MapQuest directions printed out and stuffed in my car. Those were the “good old days” of real estate! Fast forward to now, and I’m practically a walking app store. Yep, after over 22 years in the business, I’ve gone from a pager-loving Realtor to a tech wizard. Let me take you on a fun trip through how I became an app expert!Canva: The Design WizardCanva transforms the way I create marketing materials. Whether it's eye-catching social media posts, listing flyers, or property brochures, Canva's intuitive platform makes design simple. Its pre-made templates and easy drag-and-drop features let me produce professional-looking content... 10/30/2024

Finding the perfect home doesn't have to be a 'fang'-tastic challenge.Sink your teeth into your dream house with my expert guidance!  It is a sign of the times as we get ready for the fall buying season.  🦇🏠Contact me today and let's make your homeownership dreams 'battier' than ever.#thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #lovebites #loveatfirstbite #a102524 #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #halloween #hallowyay 10/25/2024

Let's all agree, we get WAY too many emails, texts and phone calls from solicitors! There are times I actually read more than the first few words, and the other day I was shocked at the attitude she took in her email.   Even if I was looking for leads, I definitely would NEVER call/email her back. I guess I probably read a bit, and quickly deleted the first one.   The next day I semi-remembered the name and read more than the first few words, and she said - something like - guess you either don't want to work or too lazy to email me back! WHAT????   Wow, wonder if she EVER gets anyone to respond?   Maybe she is a bit desperate, but wow, I was SHOCKED.   If we wrote anything like that, we would be out of business lickety split!  10/24/2024

Thanks Carol Williams and Frank Worrell for hosting this month's challenge, and is a very easy one, since we all usually have PAGES of apps, but only a handful we use constantly, and could not live without!I have written about Out of Milk before.   It is my grocery list.   I always have my phone in the kitchen while cooking, so when I run out of a product, it is easy to add to my list.  I only take my phone into the grocery store, as my ID and credit cards are in a pocket on the back of the phone.   Not often do I find I am completely out of something, since this app keeps my pantry, refrigerator, and freezer stocked. I recently heard of a product I could add to my garage door to ensure my door was closed.   I have left my house a couple of times lately and left my garage door open.  (i... 10/23/2024

Hey ActiveRain Members!If you're an iPhone user, you’ll love this! For those of you on Android, this email might not be as beneficial, but feel free to share it with any iPhone users you know.I really geeked out on technology with my phone this week, and I wanted to share a few things that could be helpful to you in your business and daily life. Have you ever wanted to send your contact card to someone you meet? There's a shortcut for that. Have you ever wanted to send a "Happy Birthday" text message? There's a shortcut for that. Have you ever wanted to add someone to your phone and send them a text instantly? Yep, there’s a shortcut for that too! Here’s what I’ve put together for you: Part 1 – How the Shortcuts work: Watch Here Part 2 – How to build the Shortcuts: Watch Here Finally, ... 10/21/2024

This blog discusses three essential tech tools the author began using in 2024 to enhance productivity and streamline tasks. It's a great read for anyone looking to upgrade their toolkit with modern, practical solutions to stay ahead in 2024.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP My 3 Tech Tools That I Started Using 2024 It does feel like we are drowning in a sea of new technology! To be honest, I was hesitant about using it, mostly lazy! I didn't want to learn anything new! I have always said though "if you ain't learning, you ain't earning!" So I decided get off my lazy behind and check out some new technology and hopefully make my business easier.  1. CHATGPT  I have no idea what it stands for but my office had a zoom training on it so I joined the meeting. HOLY COW! I ... 10/21/2024

My 3 Tech Tools That I Started Using 2024It does feel like we are drowning in a sea of new technology! To be honest, I was hesitant about using it, mostly lazy! I didn't want to learn anything new! I have always said though "if you ain't learning, you ain't earning!" So I decided get off my lazy behind and check out some new technology and hopefully make my business easier. 1. CHATGPT I have no idea what it stands for but my office had a zoom training on it so I joined the meeting. HOLY COW! I use this feature everytime I have to write a description for a new listing. It made me realize how uncreative I really am when it comes to describing a home. MY DescriptionFRESH PAINT, FRESH CARPET, FRESH LVP!!!! 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 living, 2 dining room & 2 car rear entry! Easy access to Central Exp... 10/21/2024

So Many Tech Tools a Real Estate Professional Can Utilize!Here are a few I can navigate:There are so many apps available that are easy to download and then...deer in the headlights for me often times!  Where do we go next.  The answer is: an educational experience ensues.Being in the profession for more than three decades I may have many stories about the evolution of technology.  Some may not even remember MLS listings in a telephone book format, hand-written documents with no pre-printed forms to transaction the buy-sell opportunity and/or even the dot.com days.Nonetheless, we must choose to be an early adapter or late to the party.I have learned of apps during this ActiveRain October Challenge I not familiar with and may add to the toolbox:  Onxhunt, Real Scout, and Room Vu to name a... 10/19/2024

Client 1 - Six deals through her RG site we built. $4.7m in volume, $117k in Gross Commission. 2790 indexed pagesClient 2 - Four deals through RG site we built. $1.4M in sales. 2 from Google Business Profile we helped curate, 657 indexed pagesClient 3 - 21% of her business is RG leads from the site we built. 3030 indexed pages.Client 4 (me) - 5 closings from RG, 1 Referral outbound. $2.4M in sales, $69k in GCI. 5600 indexed pagesClient 5 - 6 closings from GBP which brought 203 clicks to his website this year. $3.4 in sales, $157k in GCIIT CAN BE DONE.     10/18/2024

What is Generative Search? If you don't know you probably just haven't noticed. It's the AI giving you the answer to your searched question without sending you to a website. But isn't that the opposite of what we want? We want people to find the answer by clicking on the search response and going to our website. But if the reader can have the questioned answered without leaving Google, why bother? That's what Google really wants. It doesn't want anyone actually LEAVING their platform even though that's exactly what it was designed to do. But we have to pivot and adapt to the latest SEO trends; otherwise, we will get left behind like that old site on SERP #50. No one is finding those. So how can we compete?YOU become the answer.Whatever Google supplies is found somewhere online, it can't... 10/16/2024

I don't use too many apps, but I use Instagram Daily, which informs me of the news faster than any other device—What do we learn from the apps we use? Alexis controls many products in my house. She wakes me up, so she becomes my alarm clock. When I want to know what the weather is, I ask her. She has become a weather person; She can control my TV. She told me when my packages arrived from Amazon and gave me a roundabout day and time. She can also help control my other app in the house, Sensi  . Sensi is my thermostat. It controls the temperature in the house. I can ask Alexis to adjust the temp, or I can use the app on my iPhone.  I like the house cold when I go to sleep, so when in bed, I tell Alexis to lower the temperature to my preferred temp. When I was getting ready to leave, I in... 10/11/2024

Water management is a crucial aspect of farming, and finding the right solution can make a significant difference in productivity and crop health. With droughts and fluctuating water tables becoming more prevalent, farmers need reliable equipment to efficiently extract and distribute water. Taco Hydroflo Pump, a leader in custom water pump solutions, offers tailored vertical turbines, water lube, and submersible pumps specifically designed for agricultural applications. Lets explore how Taco Hydroflo Pump addresses the unique water needs of farmers and why it is a top choice for agricultural water solutions.  Understanding Vertical Turbine PumpsWhat Are Vertical Turbine Pumps?Vertical turbine pumps are essential for drawing water from deep wells and delivering it to the surface. They ar... 10/04/2024

This months’ Active Rain challenge by Carol Williams and Frank Worrel is about sharing the best three or more technology tools. My gratitude to both for this very information monthly challenge. Before I share my favorites, I think this quote is one to remember:Man is a tool-using animal. Without tools he is nothing, with tools he is all. Thomas CarlyeIn real estate, I have discovered having technology tools is essential.As I LOVE SELLING DIRT, my go to, number one favorite technology tool is OnxHunt. This software application is for hunters. However, the program will outline each parcel along with the owner’s name. I use this program to walk property lines and property corners. When touring a residential properties especially those on more than one acre or vacant land parcels ranging in... 10/01/2024

I found a gift website with Unique Realtor Gifts and Tools: Rings, Projectors, Bluetooth Glasses?Good agents rely on more than just their expertise. They need tools (gifts) that make the job easier and enhance the client experience. I found that there are items on Great Gifts N Stuff that will create memorable, personalized interactions with clients that stand out in a competitive market. Here are some innovative items and how I think they can make lasting impressions on clients.### Bonus: **Luminous Rings: Is your Client A Lover of Hobbits?**What Hobbit lover wouldn't love to wear one of these luminous rings? It is a novelty that will make them smile and they'll appreciate your attention to their personal interests. You'd be surprised how many people love the stories and characters tha... 09/30/2024

Give me a beat, a keyboard to blog on.Do you find the rhythm of blog post writing is helped along with the right keyboard? Not you? You are in the camp that thinks keyboards are all pretty much the same?Just on the hunt for the cheapest keyboard, one that works?Maybe you are a hit or miss blogger so whatever came with the desktop computer or using the laptop built in keyboard is fine and dandy. Then my friend, this blog post is not for you.Thank you kindly for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day.Maybe you voice activate speech to text dictate your real estate blog posts.Using software to turn the words into type when you have the extra inspiration. Some argue their best blog posts or video storyboard ideas are worked out while under the flow of water in the morning shower.If you ... 09/27/2024

Every day I read another sales expert, marketing expert, real estate expert, touting the praises of Artificial Intelligence hereafter called AI. Here on Active Rain, there are Active Rain members using AI to generate their comments to blog postings. Usually after the second comment, a receiver of those comments doesn’t have to be very astute to know AI is writing the comment not the actual Active Rain members.The “A” in AI does not refer to being authentic or authenticity, but rather Artificial. What does it mean to be authentic? We can travel back in time to the Greek Language and learn authentic comes from “authentikos” meaning original, genuine and principal.Then what does it mean to be artificial? Again, a time travel is required and one learns the earliest use of the word was for t... 09/25/2024

Now that I have your attention. It is time to fall in love with your home all over again by tackling seasonal maintenance!🍂From gutter cleaning to sealing windows, this checklist has got you covered. Don't forget to change the batteries in your smoke detector as well.  Don't let minor issues ‘fall’ through the cracks – a well-maintained home is always in season!#thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #fall #autumn #homemaintenance #a092424 #happyhome #hometips #investment #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #happyhome 09/24/2024

During our AI Zoom calls and in some blogs, we see the term "AI Agents (AIA)". Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish them from Virtual Assistants (VAs) and Digital Assistants (DAs). The term began to take hold in May 2024 when Google unveiled Astra, an AI Agent. Users can interact with audio AND video!! It is no wonder there is some confusion because Open AI's GPT 4.o is considered to be a virtual assistant. AI Agents in the purest and simplest form, are AI models and algorithms that can autonomously make decisions in a dynamic environment.  Soon, they will be able to execute a vast array of tasks - in a similar manner as a human (VA). Not only can they perform tasks, but they can remember preferences and prior inputs.A DA is somewhat similar but far less complex. They are truly digi... 09/22/2024

3 Bedrooms   2 Bathroom Sq ft: 1,548 For more details surrounding the sale of this home please contact the following:Alyssa Barnett, Realtor/Sellers Agent Keller Williams Realty Emerald Coast36008 Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite 201Destin, FL 32541Destin - Okaloosa Island-Miramar Beach-30AE-Mail: alyssabarnett@atthebeachteam.comWebsite: www.AtTheBeachTeam.comAlyssa BarnettOffice: 850-654-3325Mobile: 850-822-0975Fax: 800-654-2959 09/20/2024

Water is integral to our daily lives, from that first sip in the morning to the shower before bed. Yet, many homeowners overlook the quality of the water flowing through their homes. That's where Ratchford Quality Water comes in. Owned and operated by industry veteran Mark Ratchford, this company is dedicated to improving the water quality in homes, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable living experience.Recently Realtor Linda Peltz held a insightful conversation with Mark Ratchford about clean water treatment for homeowners. Lets deep dive into the essential of water quality and treatments Transforming Your Home's Water QualityRatchford Quality Water specializes in installing and maintaining water treatment systems that remove chlorine, hardness, and other unwanted elements from city... 09/19/2024