You really shouldn’t try podcasting. Why bother? Tech-savvy youngsters are the only ones downloading files from iTunes. And, that’s exactly what you should believe. Please ignore reports from comScore Networks that indicate 35-54 year olds makeup a sizable portion of podcast listeners.

Apparently, many top podcasts are in the business and educational genres and appeal to the more educated and higher-income consumer segments. But that should be of no interest to you…because you don’t need to podcast.

You’re a real estate agent, not a radio broadcaster. You need to spend your time in the field with your clients. Don’t bog yourself down with a phenomenal social media tool that can spread your message, your brand, and your expertise like wildfire.

And here are 10 more reasons why you should absolutely, positively, NOT add podcasting to your real estate blog:

1. Don’t do it….you will increase your online visibility.
2. Don’t do it….you can gain a new audience for your blog.
3. Don’t do it….you can strengthen the community bond with your current audience.
4. Don’t do it….it may show off your expertise to your target market.

Continue reading this post

As an engineer, avid technology junkie and as my wife likes to say “all around geek”, it is just plain amazing even to me, at how fast our lives are transformed with the ever increasing technology changes that now invoke a major impact on the way we work, and interact with each other on a daily basis.

By now we all know some of the key buzz words like Social Networks, Web 2.0, Blogs, Virtual Tours, Syndication and the impact that video can have to help convey a story to prospective home buyers.

But how do these terms fit into the broader context of a Real Estate agents job function, and how do we see the broader forest for the trees?

The reason I ask the question, is because of the amount of information I consistently observe in Real Estate print media. This information often does not convey the entire message or the message is so confusing that it leads to the very thing that Real Estate agents have been accusing the media of for months now.

Scaring people!

In the case of the latter, it was clients who were not buying, in the case of the former it’s agents that are not fully engaged and embracing the technology changes because of the confusion.

So what do I mean? Well lets’ take this one step at a time. Continue reading this post

I just wanted to start a random act of kindness for all of our hard working Realtors. I am going to give you all the free things I have found on the web and use all the time.

If everyone could add a service and not be afraid of sharing good secrets, we can all benefit. After all, we are all in this together. Let’s all share what we have found!

1. Lowes Site for Realtors: Lowes sends out a 10% discount coupon along with other offers in a classy postcard with your name and photo/logo to all of your clients. I love this one.

2. BDTV: Offers Realtors® free TV excerpts for their site with Designer, Moving, Recipes, Travel and more.

3. Picture Resizer: Free software to reduce the size of you photo files for use in the MLS and the web.

4. Mortgage Rates: Up-to-the-minute mortgage rate running live on your web site. Continue reading this post

Thanks to MyTechOpinion.com, here is a list of 10 great gift ideas for real estate agents this holiday season.

For six more ideas, go to 16 Holiday Gifts for Real Estate Techies!

1. Lenovo Think Pad Tablet PC. The tablet technology allows real estate agents to sign contracts onscreen. The Lenovo Thinkpad X61 offers Intel’s Core Duo processor, embedded EV-DO or HSDPA modem for integrated wireless broadband, long battery life and strong benchmark scores for performance.

2. Garmin Nuvi 660. This state-of-the-art navigation system provides 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. It also offers a complete “points of interest” database for local restaurants, gas, ATM’s and more. Also stop getting surprised by accidents and road conditions with an optional traffic package from XM NavTraffic® or MSN® Direct. Even use the Nuvi 660 to play MP3’s or display JPG’s of that next listing you’re visiting on a home buyer’s tour.

3.Wireless Broadband: USB727 or U727 Modem. Two pieces of technology every mobile real estate agent should have is wireless broadband internet and a flash drive. The Verizon Wireless USB727 and Sprint U727 combine the two. Get a 4BG of microSD™ memory, combined with a next generation mobile broadband on the EV-DO Rev. A network. Continue reading this post

A decade ago, technology had very little to do with a Realtor’s® business. Today, however, technology is essential to an agent or broker’s success.

How does one go about choosing the right technology tools?

Without over-paying for the latest trendy gadget, below is a list of 10 devices that all 21st century real estate professionals should use. Based on feedback from HomeGain agents, these devices will help increase your business’ effectiveness, efficiency and competitiveness.

Top 10 Technology Tools for REALTORS®

1. Website

Website is one of the most important marketing tools an agent can have. It’s not just a way to tell potential homebuyers and sellers who you are and what you offer, but it essential for lead generation. How so? If you set up a form on our site, most likely on your home page, the more motivated consumers will provide you with their contact information. And voila, you have a new lead. Set up auto-responder emails to thank a person for visiting your site, give your contact info, and tell them a realistic amount of time when they should expect a return call or email from you. Continue reading this post