3 important things to know about this video you are about to watch
July 23rd, 2008 Categories: Real Estate 2.0
I came across the video above during one of my Internet “cruising” moments in search of real estate technology related topics. Read my three thoughts after you watch the video, and please post your comments and thoughts.
Ok, here are my thoughts on this video:
1. It reminds me to keep things in perspective when using, marketing, and evaluating technology solutions for my real estate business as well as the clients I coach, train, and consult. Nothing can replace human interaction, judgement, relationships, and skills. Technology can help us in many ways but it will never replace us.
2. It was a video…I need to start using Video in my real estate business more. It’s not that hard to capture client testimonials, send video email, prepare video tours, etc. The costs are low, and it will set you apart from your competition. Generation Y and younger will expect video experiences going forward and the agents that cannot embrace this technology will lose a competitive advantage. The fact that Ian recorded this in his car show eliminates the common excuse of “I don’t have the time.”
3. As long as Redfin and other alternative real estate business models are competing in the market it’s best to learn what works and what does not. We all should be staying in tune with type of sites.
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Getting Burned by Just Listed and Just Sold Postcards?
July 21st, 2008 Categories: Agent Productivity, Top Producer Software
I have spent thousands of dollars on Just Listed and Just Sold postcards to the surrounding neighborhood of my listings and have experienced a very low response rate.
I have often thought I was burning money throughout my real estate career on wasteful print advertising and marketing.
Before now, all of the solutions were pretty much the same and only varied by price and quality. In the past I have used a handful of solutions which would automate the process of sending just listed and just sold cards to surrounding homes of my listed properties.
With little response rate, and the costs so high, I am eager to cut this marketing expense and shift those dollars to something that was working for me. I am getting more responses from my real estate blog.
In a timely fashion, I was happy to learn that Top Producer had come out with their new Just Listed and Just Sold solution that in my opinion could generate a higher response rate. (That’s Leads Folks..Leads turn to sales).
The Top Producer Just Listed and Just Sold Postcard is different because it offers the recipient an offer code and instructions to receive real time sales data for comparable homes. When they enter their information and offer code you get the lead.
This offer and response method may prove to be the key difference needed to obtain a higher response rate. This could just be the solution that could dowse out the flames and save some of these wasted marketing dollars. 
What I really like is that the lead comes sourced automatically in your Top Producer Database where you can easily launch a prospecting plan including delegating tasks to your team.
Summarized, here are some details regarding the Top Producer Just Listed and Just Sold Solution:
- Automated postcard campaign for your just listed and just sold properties.
- Select from 100-1000 cards to addresses around the property.
- Postcards direct the consumer to www.featuredhomeprice.com and to enter a offer code from the postcard to see more information about the listing.
- Consumers responding get more information about the listed property and are offered a Market Snapshot.
- The agent can see who responds and can track their response rate.
So far I see the main benefits of the Top Producer Just Listed and Just Sold Postcards as:
- Its automatic so it’s easy.
- It is cost competitive with existing solutions and I believe it will have a higher response rate.
- The service adds value to your seller clients and provides valuable information.
- Price includes the mailing list where postcards are sent to
In order to take advantage of this technology solution from Top Producer you will need to have a Top Producer 8i account and a Top Connector license. To order either of these please contact me at 888-447-9651 or click Order Top Producer.
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Safety Alert from Howard County Association of Realtors
May 9th, 2008 Categories: Agent Productivity
I just received an email from The Howard County Association of Realtors which brings attention to a serious situation they have been made aware of. Quoting directly from the email:
Member Safety Alert
From a nearby association: A Maryland REALTOR® who has had a suspicious phone call has been advised by New Jersey police that this caller, identifying himself as Steven Barnett (also uses the name Steven Bennett) is targeting female real estate agents in MD and VA and that she should not meet with him if requested to do so. Right now his pattern is to make appointments with real estate agents and then call and cancel them. The police say that the caller fantasizes about getting a real estate agent alone in a vacant house and performing sexual acts on her. The police also say that he probably doesn’t have the means to leave his current area in NJ, but there is no sense taking chances. When this man calls, his pattern is to say he can go to 425 K and works for the railroad. In actuality, he rides a bike and hangs out near the railroad but doesn’t work for them.
We would like our members to be safe rather than sorry. In 2007, a Maryland REALTOR® was murdered in a vacant home he was preparing for a showing. Here are 5 tips which can be easily and immediately applied.
Safety Tips to Apply EVERY Day
- Do not meet any unknown person at an unoccupied property. Meet in your office first, making a copy of their driver’s license and documenting appropriate information first.
- Always carry a cell phone, and keep it charged.
- When holding an open house, make sure you do a tour of the property first and note escape routes for yourself. Also, do not allow any means of non-detected entry by others, such as unlocked back doors or unlocked entries into basements.
- Do not park your vehicle where it can be blocked in.
Use the buddy system whenever possible. When going on an appointment, always let another person know when and where you are going, and give them a time you will check in with them.
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Why I need a Blog
April 6th, 2008 Categories: Real Estate Blogging
The other day a good friend of mine, let’s call him Mark, told me I was one of the smartest people he knew and that I didn’t need a blog.
Don’t worry, my ego is recovering from artificial inflation…
He went on to say that if anybody would talk with me they would realize how skilled I was.
I was flattered to hear these compliments, but it’s not like me not to have a point of disagreement for arguments sake…Especially with Mark 
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And the Future of Real Estate is….Drum Roll…
March 7th, 2008 Categories: Agent Productivity
Real Estate 2.0
In other words: Web 2.0, Blogging, Video Blogging, and Productivity Solutions that will save you time and money.
In the March Issue of Realtor Magazine a decent article was written about Real Estate 2.0 and even highlighted The Real Estate Tomato, the blogging coaching and consulting company that I work with. (Shameless Promotion Admitted)
The article gives you insight on Blogs, Wiki’s, Mash Ups, Social Networks, and Video. They discuss Networking 2.0 and provide some cautions as well. Check it out, but when you have questions just give me a call.
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Top Producer Training and Tutor Hours Announced
March 7th, 2008 Categories: Top Producer Training
On the Second Monday of every month you can catch me teaching free Top Producer training during the hours of 5-7 at the Keller Williams office in Ellicott City:
- Introduction to Top Producer 8i
- What can Top Producer 8i do for your real estate business
- Why you should use a database in your business
- General Questions about which products are right for you
Please contact me directly to register for the class at 888-447-9651. I am also available for one on one training, team training, and broker presentations.
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Is your Blog a Moon or a Star?
February 21st, 2008 Categories: Real Estate Blogging
These pictures were taken by me last night during the lunar eclipse.
When I first decided to explore the universe of blogging I knew it would enhance my business, and offer an adventure. I spent a lot of time and effort learning about blogging. I have since launched two blogs since December. I even started working for the premier real estate blogging consulting company, The Real Estate Tomato. I have already received leads from both blogs, and I have had fun doing it.
The most important thing I learned was that a Blog is the opposite of your typical real estate website.
A Blog is a Moon, not a Star!
A typical website is set up as a marketing piece to attract your attention. It’s a virtual brochure with no opportunity to participate. The focus is the agent’s experience, service, or listings. The author expects you to revolve around this site as your ultimate source of information. In the solar system of real estate, there is no shortage of “stars” fighting for your attention. In fact, there are so many stars, you can name your own! 
A blog revolves around the reader, not the other way around. The reader attracts the blogger by their demand for the truth and a relevant insight to the real estate market. Our future generations expect syndication of information and don’t have time to check in for more. Furthermore, as the reader, you can participate and drive the content by commenting and using social networking.
Successful bloggers realize they must revolve around the reader. If they do, the reader will admire their moon, just like we admire Earths Moon.
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Top Producer 8i Finally Here!
February 7th, 2008 Categories: Top Producer Software
All new subscribers signing up with Top Producer Systems going forward will get the new version which provides many enhancements.
The word is that existing subscribers will not be automatically converted to the new version. This process is expected to be phased in at a later date in order to manage the process smoothly. New training will also be announced and I will have those details to share with you as well.
To get the latest news about Top Producer subscribe to my E-newsletter.
Preliminary Pricing for Top Producer 8i (subject to change)
- Top Producer 8i Agent License $39.95/month
- Success Suite $249.95/month w/$249 Setup Fee
- Market Builder Bundle $194.95/month w/$149 Setup Fee
- Market Snapshot Bundle $99.95/month w/$149 Setup Fee
- Complete Web Bundle $89.95/month w/$149 Setup Fee
- Top Producer 8i Web Bundle $64.95/month /$99 Setup Fee
As you can see, prices have risen just slightly, but I assure you the increase is worth it.
I have been using TopProducer8i for several months now and have been part of the beta testing. I am glad to answer any questions you may have about Top Producer an how it can help your business. If you are looking for personal advice on which Top Producer products to chose,or you are looking for high level training, please contact me. I can offer one one one training as well as web based training.
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Top Producer Announces LivePost for Keller Williams
February 7th, 2008 Categories: Top Producer Software
In a much anticipated announcement, Top Producer has released their first version of LivePost.
Top Producer LivePost gives subscribers the ability to print letters, postcards, or flyers, in either mass quantities or in single items, and then send them to a third party company for printing and distribution.
For now, the product will be available to the Keller Williams branded version of Top Producer and will include the agent ProManage content as well as the Market Center/Team Leader Content.
Features of Top Producer LivePost
- Any template or letter contained in the LivePost category can be used.
- Print 1,10, or 100’s of pieces with the same per piece rate.
- Direct Fulfillment through Post Nexus.
- Automatic Merging of Contact Information.
- Click and Send, Cut out the Middle Man. Don’t worry about Postage, its covered!
- Review an online proof before sending
Top Producer LivePost Pricing
- There is one time activation fee of $99. (Does not include printing and postage)
- Printing and Postage fees vary and can be found in “My Pricing” in Account Admin.
Steps to Sign Up for Top Producer LivePost
- Contact me at 1-888-447-9651 to discuss
- Fill out my Top Producer Order form. Fill out as existing subscriber and check Live Post in A La Carte section.
- Create an Account with LivePost
- Download and install the necessary print drivers
- Access LivePost and begin printing.
Top Producer LivePost will officially launch on Feb 15th but will be available tomorrow, February 8th. I noticed last week that the LivePost content was already located in the presentation library, go check it out. Stay tuned for more information on LivePost as it develops.
As always, if you are in need of Top Producer training give me a call. I can sit down with you one on one or conduct webinar training for those located further away.
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A solution to the Top Producer Sync Problem with AT&T and Blackberry!
January 29th, 2008 Categories: Top Producer Software
After many hours online with AT&T and Top Producer there’s finally a solution for your sync problems.
Much thanks goes to Top Producer for getting to the bottom of this problem and coming up with a solution with their AT&T Blackberry and the Top Producer Mobility product.
Apparently there were some server changes as a result of the acquisition of Cingular by AT&T that has caused this problem in the Northeast. Proof that the issue is on the carrier side, NOT TOP PRODUCER.
I tested this process and it works for me, so this may be a fix for you. There is one caveat that you must know. In the rare event that Top Producer changes their IP address in the future, you could have this problem again. This is a valid work around for now, and I have been assured that they are continuing to work with AT&T for a more permanent fix.
In the meantime, this is your fix!
- Ensure the Top Producer application is ’shutdown’
- Go to Options > Vaultus
- Expand ‘CLIENTSERVICE’ (click spacebar)
- Locate ‘AUTH_SERVER’
- Highlight and choose ’Edit…’ from the Menu
- Record the Value: wirelesssync.topproduceronline.com
- Replace the Value with: 206.131.180.173
- Choose ‘Save’ from the Menu
- Choose ‘Save’ again to exit the Vaultus settings
- Exit Options
- Turn your device off
- Remove and replace the battery from your device
- Open the TP application and you should be able to perform an FDR/Sync operation
As always, I welcome comments on your experience and offer my services to those in need of Top Producer Training or Productivity Solutions for Real Estate Agents.
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