I just watched this video from the TED2010 and it is worth taking the time if you want a peek into maps of the future…BTW the future is actually here and you can experience some of this new technology at The Latest Version of Bing Maps I love the new Bird’s Eye View which is taken at an angle for great 3-D “sim-city” type of effect. Here’s a shot of downtown Denver using this effect, you can also rotate and of course zoom in and out to get more or less detail. The real magic occurs with the integration of Flickr data and Photosynth (if you have not checked out Photosynth do so now) technology into the maps themselves which give the maps so much more possible information as they actually overlay photos that you or consumers take (with Geocoded data) and upload to Flickr right into the maps. Watch the video and pay attention about 5 minutes in and they demo LIVE video feeds on the map, and the fact that they have imagery INSIDE public buildings. They do this by wearing a backpack camera and the effect is pretty impressive. This kind of technology will change the way consumers experience neighborhoods and therefore the way they shop for real estate……Imagine embedding a Bing map into your website that has integrated geo-coded photos that you uploaded to Flickr so your clients get a compelling visual tour of that area…lots of possibilities. BLOGGERS>>> check out how Bing is integrating local blog posts with The Local Lens App within the new Bing (just look at the bottom right corner of the Bing Map for “Map Apps”). Watch the video…take a breath then play with some of these cool tools….Max
Birds Eye View
Blaise Agüera y Arcas is the architect of Bing Maps at Microsoft, building augmented reality into searchable maps. He’s also the co-creator of Photosynth
We all know the $8,000 1st time homebuyer credit and the $6,500 non-first time home buyer credits are helping get consumers off the fence, so let’s keep it front and center for those that are still waiting to buy. Now you can with a simple countdown widget that can be installed on your blog/website or even your Facebook page.
$8,000 Tax Credit Countdown Widget Click above to install your own
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.