Accessing a Computer from a Mobile Device

mgrayson — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 21:42:16 -0500

The LogMeIn iPhone / iPad application has become a convenient application for myself and peer associates. In short, I can access any computer from my mobile device; computers I have installed the LogMeIn client app. One can completely control the computer as if your sitting in front of it.

Helpful use-cases includes accessing a file on a remote PC and emailing that file to yourself. Although the interface of the iPhone for example is small, one can zoom in to see the greater details of the remote computer screen. Best stated, the tool is great for performing 5-10 minutes of activity on a remote computer accessed through a mobile device having a small visual interface.

iPad and Real Estate :: Unboxing of the iPad

mgrayson — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 21:26:53 -0500

Watch the video of this young man in CT being one of the first in line at a local Apple Store. At store opening, both crowd and staff cheer the amazing consumer event.

Wouldn't it be great if the start of your next open house was greeted with such applause!?!

On a more serious note, an amazing day for the potential of mobile real estate, unleashed from the grip of a desk and an office; moving towards true mobility!

Who Acquires What Technology for Agents :: Associations, Brokers, Agents

mgrayson — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:32:41 -0500

We posed this question on LinkedIn, Real Estate Connect group...

What technologies should be purchased (made available) by Associations, Broker-Owners, or Agents themselves...for end-use by individual Agents?

Based on telecon I had with 2 broker-owners of independent firms...convo led to surprising conversation on who is responsible to supply what technology to agents...and why.

Should (1) ASSOCIATION dues bring forth access to technology like the typical Electronic Forms software or more? Should dues bring (a) full access to technologies [no added payment needed by members for that technology]...OR...(b) hefty member discounts so end-user agents make decision on what they want?

Should the (2) BROKERAGE supply technology (I.e. agent websites, or marketing tools that bring forth leads/prospects). What should brokerages be supplying for end-use by agents and/or appropriate admin staff?

Or given (3) AGENTS and the nature of real estate as based independent contractors (agents as their own "small business", their own entrepreneurs)...should they be responsible for acquisition of their own technology that suits them, their business objectives?

Does [i] newly licensed agent versus [ii] seasoned vet play factor in above questions?

Very perplexing, I don't think there is one right answer?

Go Green with Real Estate Technology

mgrayson — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:43:32 -0600

You'll be seeing more posts on the connection between "Green" and "Real Estate Technology".

Yes, the truth's about real estate professionals moving business operations to the "cloud", online, versus the traditional "brick & mortar" are sound. Such online business strategies help to streamline everyday business tasks, create greater efficiencies for professionals and their clients, and can be a huge cost-savings, reducing general operating costs.

Natively, such technologies are "Green", environment-friendly. From Online Meetings (less driving, less gas) to "paperless transactions" with electronic forms, digital signatures, online transaction mgmt (less paper)...all promote a healthy, Green business.

Webographers.com and the REW Certification are taking a strong stance towards Green as a focus, rather than a fall-out or added bonus to implementation of appropriate, real estate technologies.

What technologies are you using that you feel are appropriately Green in-nature, and best promote this value set? Drop me an email at MarcGrayson@Webographers.com with your insight.

Who to Connect with on LinkedIn as a Real Estate Agent?

mgrayson — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:31:29 -0600

There's belief amongst those at the REW Certification, that any agent on a mission to connect with as many agents as possible on LinkedIn, may be engaging a least productive approach.

Consider you're an agent in San Diego, CA, connecting with agents in Boise, ID...or Toronto Canada...on LinkedIn. As we all believe in social networking, referral networks, etc., such approach will "bloat" your LinkIn contacts with those your likely never to do business with.

1-Degree Away Analogy

LinkedIn focuses on "Degrees of Separation" with people.

In real estate, so is true of persons in professions that are 1 degree away.

LinkedIn can serve as a robust and descriptive "white pages" of folks who are in professions that engage potential home buyers and sellers.

Who to Connect With?

Thus we'd highly recommend connecting with individuals in the following career fields:

-- Recruiters, Head-Hunters, HR Specialists - from a job standpoint, relocation could be a requirement of those engaging head-hunters & recruiters. You need to be 1 of the 2 real estate agents on the electronic "roladex" of these local, niche professionals. You need to know more about the major industry players in your metropolitan and engage those related to "hiring".

-- Service Professionals (all those who interact with local homeowners) - those who service: Appliances, Basements, Bathrooms, Cabinets, Countertops, Carpentry, Cleaning Services, Surfaces [concrete, brick stone], Decorators & Designers, Decks & Porches, Driveways, Patios, Walks & Steps, Drywall & Insulation, Electrical, Fences, Flooring, Foundations, Garages & Doors, Heating & Cooling, Kitches, Landscaping, Lawns, Maid Services, Moving & Storage, Painting & Staining, Plumbing, Remodels,Roofing & Gutters, Tiling & Stone, Walls & Ceilings, Pest Control, etc., etc.

In short, I'd much rather be a preferred, real estate agent contact of the top granite countertop company in town...then 1 of the many contacts of an agent 2000 miles away that I'm likely not going to immedietely do business with or have potential for steady flow of referrals.

Paid editions of LinkedIn may better provide added reach to connect with those beyond "contacts of your contacts".

Word of Mouth :: Jason McClellan

slau — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:25:41 -0600

We recently spoke with Jason McClellan, a REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant, to find out his opinions on REW.

Jason's business has evolved over the years from hardware to building custom website applications to providing a service by using SaaS Tools to deliver fast easy to use applications to real estate professionals.

REW™ Certificants have the opportunity to speak their thoughts about REW for showcase on the Webographers.com corporate blog. Here are Jason's thoughts on REW:

1) What is your background?

My background varies from early retail and food service while in school to jumping on one of the 1st Internet Companies providing eCommerce back in 1994. That evolved into working with one of the largest search engines up in San Francisco, LOOKsmart. I was following the stock options which lead me back to one of the original founders of one of the largest Malls on the Web as a server administrator heading up a development team where employees local and abroad collaborated with us. Technology has always been my focus with a high regard for customer service and usability.

2) Why did you undertake the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certification?

It was one of the few educational programs I found that can bring an agent or broker up to speed.

3) Which course (or courses) did you find the most value in?

All of them were valuable. Even if I knew the answers it doesn't hurt to have a refresher now and again.

4) In what ways will you utilize the technologies you learned in the REW certification to enhance your career or business?

It will allow my wife's brokerage to grow utilizing the latest technologies to speed transactions, provide our clients with the best customer service and save time and money. Her company, Triple8 Associates Inc, is as paperless as they come.

5) How long did it take you to complete the certification and what are your impressions of the online experience?

I could of tested out as fast as I could get through it but I took my time to review the lessons, got busy putting out fires and missed my deadline and had to reinstate. My background gave me the tools so I had a built in knowledge base. I recommend it to any agent who I speak with.

Thanks Jason, and all the best!

REW Certification :: The First Certification

mgrayson — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:30:14 -0600

Coming into 2010, you'll see a strong theme at Webographers.com of the REW Certification being the "First Certification" that should be obtained in a Real Estate professional's career.

As of late, we're seeing a rush of the following professionals seeking the REW Certification:

(1) Those Considering a Real Estate License - Those considering a real estate career, are seeking the REW Certification. We've had numerous calls, inquiries and sign-ups on those about to enter license training. Q&A with this audience has shown that real estate technology and establishing a consumer-facing web presence is foremost on their minds due to their experience as a real estate consumer...the REW Certification is a part of their business planning for when they obtain their license.

FACT: Individuals do not have to already have their real estate license to obtain the REW Certification.

(2) Those Obtaining Their License - Those currently in Real Estate License Classes (Pre-License Training) are a hot group currently obtaining the REW Certification. Without question, REW Certification is the most desired certification, coming first in their educational pipeline...as it pertains to establishing a "online business storefront, with consumer-facing backend technologies to manage one's business". Other niche speciality certifications for working with "Seniors", or "Luxury" properties, are certifications as deemed as useful "later" in one's career.

(3) Those Yet to Adopt Technology - Those agents & brokers who have yet to adopt technologies and surround themselves with technology-driven assistants to grow business as a top-producer, are turning to the REW Certification. This audience is true of the first-year agent, or the 20+ year career agent. This audience has likely put off adopting new, online business strategies to best work with today's tech-savvy consumer.

Today's consumer is very choosy about working with professionals who clearly show technology is a competency of their business. "Wearing" the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER certification, clearly shows a benchmark towards technology adoption and usage.

Word of Mouth :: Les Burrus

slau — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:17:53 -0600

We recently spoke with Les Burrus, a REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant, to find out his opinions on REW.

Les is a real estate agent working with WestMark REALTORS in Lubbock, TX. Having a varied background of experiences, Les received his license as a Texas Real estate agent 2 years ago to help people achieve their dreams and further his own.

REW™ Certificants have the opportunity to speak their thoughts about REW for showcase on the Webographers.com corporate blog. Here are Les' thoughts on REW:

1) What is your background?

I have an MDIV degree from Asbury Theological Seminary serving in the pastorate and 7 years in France. I was raised on a farm and have spent several years raising and selling vegetables and working in the Restaurant business. Investing in rental properties have always been interesting to me and the real estate business seems a logical discipline to reach my goals.

2) Why did you undertake the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certification?

I took the Webographers course to further my knowledge in the industry trying to maintain a cutting edge on what’s knew. This helps me to achieve the goals of the code of Ethics for REALTORS. To be knowledgeable of the real estate industry.

3) Which course (or courses) did you find the most value in?

I found the transaction management and electronic forms to be the most beneficial for me. I have several out of town clients and found this to be the answer to not only my clients needs but the wave of the future in real estate transactions.

4) In what ways will you utilize the technologies you learned in the REW certification to enhance your career or business?

I will utilize the information to streamline my own transaction process and educate our office on the possibilities to a seamless approach to daily transactions.

5) How long did it take you to complete the certification and what are your impressions of the online experience?

It took me about 2 weeks total. I didn’t do it in one or two sittings. It gave me the freedom to learn while keeping a busy and full schedule. I think the online experience allowed me to learn and grow at my own pace coupled with a business to run, family, and all the other attractions life offers.

Thanks Les, and all the best!

Brokerage Intranet :: This Product Has Ears Perked

mgrayson — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:51:04 -0500

In conversation with one of our REW Certification candidates, we learned of a product that caters to a brokerage intranet...this product being the BackAgent System.

In course 1 of the REW Certification, Online Business Strategy, lessons include moving business "to the cloud", web-based solutions where materials are not housed on a Home PC, Office PC or Thumbdrive...but accessible from any Internet-enabled PC.

Best practice is true of individual agents, but for brokerages it's even more critical. Agents are "mobile" in-nature. Oversight of transactions are key elements to an online, brokerage intranet; not to mention communication of brokerage-to-agents and agent-to-agent.

Houston-based, BackAgent provides the above capabilities and so much more; serving as a "comprehensive intranet and workflow solution for agents and brokers". Below is a snapshot of Associates and Staff search and lookup.

The solution provides: Online Faxing, Contacts & Leads (management of), Agent Websites, Transaction Management, Online Training, Flyers & More. Most importantly, it's intuitive. No complex manuals and FAQs; ease-of-use will garner wide-spread adoption given rollout by the brokerage.

Associate Forums (as shown below) inclusive of the app are impressive. Consider it like a "Knowledge Management" resource that maintains discussions on Q&A, best practice sharing...all stored within the this brokerage intranet versus lost in the inboxes of associates.

Best yet, REW students and certificants have touted it's effectiveness for themselves and their brokerage.

For more information on BackAgent, please visit BackAgent.com. I definetely recommend brokerages obtain a demo account and/or additional information on this application. We'll do the same and hope to follow up more on this product and relay updates to our audience as time progresses.

Word of Mouth :: Barb Huppert

slau — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:53:00 -0500

Recently we had a chance to speak with Barb Huppert, a REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant, to find out her opinions on REW.

Barb and her husband own and operate their brokerage, Huppert Homes USA, from the Twin Cities. Their website is literally a model online presence - from the layout and esthetic appeal to the multiple services offerings and ease of use.

For Barb, Real Estate is a challenging but rewarding career, especially during the current market conditions. There are many opportunities for agents willing to go the extra mile for their clients. She feels it is very rewarding when she can help a client find a solution to their housing problems.

REW™ Certificants have the opportunity to speak their thoughts about REW for showcase on the Webographers.com corporate blog. Here are Barb's thoughts on REW:

1) What is your background?

After working in the Arts Administration field and later as President of a manufacturing company, I joined my husband in Real Estate at Coldwell Banker Burnet. Last year we decided to start our own Brokerage, Huppert Homes USA.

2) Why did you undertake the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certification?

I chose the Real Estate Webographer certification course because I’ve had a number of generation Y clients. They LOVE technology and value Real Estate Professionals who understand the way they want to do business. We have recently seen a renewed interest in the “old, door knocking” type of marketing (my husband started in the 70s), however, the “old” agency format is changing. Many Brokerages are unable to sustain multiple offices, as it becomes even more economically difficult to maintain the bricks and mortar agency the virtual office will emerge as the new business format in Real Estate. Brokers and agents need to be prepared or they will be left in the dust.

3) Which course (or courses) did you find the most value in?

All the courses were valuable; I don’t think I could pick just one. Before taking the REW Certification I already used Web forms, Docusign, a company Web site and a Treo Smartphone. I am now offering Personal Property Web sites on our listings and look forward to joining LinkedIn and various other similar avenues.

4) In what ways will you utilize the technologies you learned in the REW certification to enhance your career or business?

We have recently added agents so a Transaction Management system is something that is high on my list of things to add.

5) How long did it take you to complete the certification and what are your impressions of the online experience?

The course took me a little longer than I anticipated due to client needs, about 2 weeks. The course itself was very well done. It was easy to navigate, I had no problem stopping to attend to business and resuming at a later time. The segments were clearly narrated and the materials covered extensive. This is a valuable certification and I would recommend it to any Realtor who wants to keep up to the next wave of home buyers and sellers.

Thanks Barb, and all the best!