Wrapped up the buying guide to desktop computers for May Realtor magazine online a couple of weeks ago. Should be posted before the end of the month.
Always learn some interesting background info in the course of researching these stories. This time out when we posted a query looking for reader input on their desktop systems, of the two dozen or so who did respond, the overwhelming majority of respondents were enthusiastic Mac users. Even among the handful of PC users, most indicated they would at least consider a Mac as their next PC.
This is a surprising and dramatic break with what I’ve heard from readers in the past. I don’t think it reflects any wholesale move to the Mac, although it is clearly gaining popularity with real estate users. Maybe the iPod and iPhone deserve some some credit there.
What I believe it shows most, though, is that these agents and brokers are so happy with their Mac experience, they are eager to tell their world about it. In their enthusiasm, they cited the typical strengths: ease of use, intuitive operation, stability, lack of malware and performance.
Among the few Windows users I heard from, only one had yet migrated to Windows 7, the latest version of the OS. Despite generally favorable reviews for Windows 7, these Realtors® were sticking with XP. Burned by what they heard or their own experience migrating to Windows Vista, these users seemed generally reluctant to risk what they fear could be a disruptive upgrade. All realize Windows 7 likely lies in their future, but it’s most likely to arrive on their desks via a new computer.
And when that day comes, they’ll have to seriously weigh a Mac vs. PC.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Video Tour Insight...and more
In my meanderings around the Web I came across something I missed before, but might be of interest to those of you who are or have been considering using video tours to promote property.
Back in November, real estate video hosting service WellcomeMat commissioned and published its Real Estate Video Report, a survey on use of video in real estate. It’s available for free download here.
One key finding: 89 percent of respondents reported their use of video gives them the edge when competing with other agents or brokers for listings.
The report is well worth a look by any Realtor® wondering about video’s importance to your future.
Some Briefs: On the subject of tours, easypano, makers of TourWeaver, has created a tour building/hosting site, Hosting 360 Tour. The $29.95 monthly subscription covers an unlimited number of tools, includes tools for stitching together 360º panoramic images, and tours can be posted directly to Realtor.com... Influx Software has released Projection cash flow analysis software for commercial real estate. It’s available in versions for Mac and PC,
along with the company’s Influx Toolkit of Excel-based spread sheets for commercial real estate...Last week DocuSign unveiled a special Realtor-branded version of its electronic signature solution. DocuSign Realtor® Edition allows subscribers to use Realtor branded signatures, email templates and a special dashboard to manage their electronic documents. It’s also supports electronic signing on all popular smartphone platforms.
Back in November, real estate video hosting service WellcomeMat commissioned and published its Real Estate Video Report, a survey on use of video in real estate. It’s available for free download here.
One key finding: 89 percent of respondents reported their use of video gives them the edge when competing with other agents or brokers for listings.
The report is well worth a look by any Realtor® wondering about video’s importance to your future.
Some Briefs: On the subject of tours, easypano, makers of TourWeaver, has created a tour building/hosting site, Hosting 360 Tour. The $29.95 monthly subscription covers an unlimited number of tools, includes tools for stitching together 360º panoramic images, and tours can be posted directly to Realtor.com... Influx Software has released Projection cash flow analysis software for commercial real estate. It’s available in versions for Mac and PC,
along with the company’s Influx Toolkit of Excel-based spread sheets for commercial real estate...Last week DocuSign unveiled a special Realtor-branded version of its electronic signature solution. DocuSign Realtor® Edition allows subscribers to use Realtor branded signatures, email templates and a special dashboard to manage their electronic documents. It’s also supports electronic signing on all popular smartphone platforms.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Mobile Essentials
I’ve put together a guide I hope will give many of you the understanding of the technology’s latest tools and how they can empower you in the field. Essential Technology for Mobile Professionals is my first ebook, and fifth book, and available for download here for $7.99.
I’d like to make it clear up front this guide was not written for the tech savvy real estate professional. You already know the how and why of today’s tools.
Rather, I developed this book for new comers and seasoned pros looking for a solid grounding in today’s tools and how they can empower your career, boost productivity and improve client services. Each chapter covers a specific tool, and explains its use, value, key features and evaluation points when shopping that particular solution. In my correspondence with readers over the years I’ve found that’s exactly the kind of advice many need, but can’t always adequately provide with so much to cover in limited editorial space.
Since technology move so fast, it’s impossible for any book to provide up-to-the-minute information on the latest announcements. So, I’ve tried to complement the broad information in the book with the RealTechToolswebsite. Click on any of the chapter headings there and you’ll find a page with links to Web resources such as product news, reviews, and manufacturer sites for that topic.
This is the best way I know to complement the work I do for Realtor. And, as a writer, it’s an experiment to see what kind of future there is in ebook publishing.
Please take a look, and thanks.
I’d like to make it clear up front this guide was not written for the tech savvy real estate professional. You already know the how and why of today’s tools.
Rather, I developed this book for new comers and seasoned pros looking for a solid grounding in today’s tools and how they can empower your career, boost productivity and improve client services. Each chapter covers a specific tool, and explains its use, value, key features and evaluation points when shopping that particular solution. In my correspondence with readers over the years I’ve found that’s exactly the kind of advice many need, but can’t always adequately provide with so much to cover in limited editorial space.
Since technology move so fast, it’s impossible for any book to provide up-to-the-minute information on the latest announcements. So, I’ve tried to complement the broad information in the book with the RealTechToolswebsite. Click on any of the chapter headings there and you’ll find a page with links to Web resources such as product news, reviews, and manufacturer sites for that topic.
This is the best way I know to complement the work I do for Realtor. And, as a writer, it’s an experiment to see what kind of future there is in ebook publishing.
Please take a look, and thanks.
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