I am often asked what kind of computer I use/recommend. For years I was a dedicated PC/Windows user and I have owned at least 15 laptops and netbooks over the past 20 years, from IBM Thinkpads (my first IBM Thinkpad cost me over $7,000) to many Dell Notebooks, Sonys, Toshibas, HPs and the list goes on and on. Most recently I enjoyed a short stint with one of the Samsung Netbooks which gave me small form factor for traveling with great battery life but came at the cost of performance and speed. Well for the past 6 months I have enjoyed an entirely new computing experience and that is using a MacBook Pro from Apple. The primary reason I was drawn to the Macbook was my positive experience with the iPhone. I bought my first iPhone the day it came out (June 27th 2007) and I have owned every new model and never been so impressed with a mobile phone (or mini computer for that matter). Based on this positive experience I thought I would like to try the MacBook for my next laptop, the problem was as many of you, I was afraid there would be too many Windows programs I would need to run so for a year or so I just couldn’t make the leap. Then I was on a flight and sat next to a gentleman using a MacBook and he was running Windows XP on it…..hmmm I asked him about it and he said there were still a couple of programs he runs in Windows but loved the MacBook and Mac OS for 90% of what he does so he installed Windows on his MacBook using a built-n technology on the MacBooks called “Bootcamp“. He let me play around with his MacBook on that flight and I was hooked. So for the past 6 months or so I have been using the MacBook Pro 13″ and I got to say it’s been everything I hoped it would be and more. I find myself using Windows very rarely now but if need be I can boot into Windows XP or I recently I installed Parallels desktop for Mac and then loaded Windows 7. So now I can be using the Mac and just pop open Parallels and run a Windows program (mls access with ie explorer etc) right within the MAC OS and it is very fast. Awhile back I shot short Tech Tip video (edited on a Mac by the way, super easy) describing the MacBook running Windows I thought I’d share.
If you use Craigslist.org you need to watch this video. Many agents are using ads on Craigslist that are not really relevant to what consumers are searching for. For example go to the real estate section on Craigslist in your local market and type in “has the market stabilized” or “price trends” or MLS stats” or “market update” think like a consumer not like a Realtor. What do consumers want to know most right now? In many cases they simply want to know that is it safe to buy. Many people are sitting on the fence waiting for the “bottom” of the market do you have a system that automatically updates consumers and educates them on relevant market data that comes directly from your MLS 24 hrs a day 7 days a week? If not you may want to look into “Market Snapshot” from Realtor.com and Top Producer. This system delivers accurate MLS data on the market conditions direct from your MLS to the consumer (from you) and allows you to generate a consistent lead flow by offering this info to customers on sites like Craigslist, Facebook, Twitter, your website etc. Watch this video for tips on setting this up on Craigslist.
As many of you know I have been spreading the words about magnetic wide angle lenses for a few years now. In the past I had even recommend a company call (don’t buy here www.magneticlenses.com) as a place for you to buy these add-on Wide-Angle Lenses for your Digital Camera. I stopped recommending this site early this year after hearing from several agents that they were charged and did not receive the lenses they ordered. A few months ago I even starting spreading the warning regarding this company. I have no affiliation with them and just want everyone to know (I just received an email from agent who ordered on 12/18/09) that they appear to be operating fraudulently based on the feedback from all the agents that have emailed me. Buyer Beware. You can still find the magnetic lenses at www.amazon.com and I’m sure other online retailers.
Sorry for any bad experienced you may have had with this company.
I have been talking about this idea for about 18 months now and been sharing it with agents that attend my sessions. I thought it was time to let all those that want to know how to create this powerful presence on Facebook.
Click here for instructions
Also here is a link to a video that will walk you through the steps….
Best of luck to you with Facebook and please feel free to share your success stories, I am now updating my presentation for 2010 and may be able to feature you if you don’t mind me sharing your success with other agents as we travel the country.
This now works for both Personal Profiles and for Pages on Facebook!It’s a great way to let your sphere of influence know your in the business and promote your listings without throwing listings into the status feed, very subtle and professional…and it’s free.
Just go to REALTOR Marketer or Click the image above to get to Realtor Marketer on Facebook, become a fan and activate.
Twitter users……are you on Twellow? Twellow is a yellow pages for Twitter users that allows you to search for people by name or by category. So for instance looking to connect with other Realtors? You can search for Realtors (about 15,000 already) then filter by geography and start to connect with other Twitter using Realtors for referrals etc. I spoke to an agent in Baltimore that has already made money using this directory so give it a try can’t hurt to grow your connections….all it takes is a little time. Remember it’s all about turning your SOI (Sphere Of Influence) in to ROI (Return On Investment. Sometimes that investment is money but in this case the investment is your time. Good Luck…
My profile is here: http://twellow.com/u/maxpigman
It feels like the whole world is holding its breath for the Apple tablet. But maybe Microsoft can still surprise. This is Courier, Microsoft’s take on the tablet. courier-first-details-of-microsofts-secret-tablet
It feels like the whole world is holding its breath for the Apple tablet. But maybe Microsoft can still surprise. This is Courier, Microsoft’s take on the tablet.