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