Learn Technology - One Byte At A Time

There is so much technology available to us that it can be overwhelming.  A manageable way to learn is to pick a few things at a time.  How do you choose which items to implement?  Start with the ones that you think you will use.  Pick 4 items you will implement within the next week.

Resources for Researching Technology: www.cnet.com-reviews on anything with an on/off switch (My favorite)

                 www.dpreview.com/reviews-reviews for digital cameras

www.photoxels.com/article_wide-angle.html-recommendations for real estate cameras www.epinions.com-consumer reviews on electronics

Photos - Photos are more important in our marketing than ever.  A new on-line tool (free) Fotosizer.com allows you to compress several photos at one time and gives you the option to save the images where you want them.  This is great if you need to e-mail compressed photos.   Picasa allows users to edit photos.  You can sharpen images and add different effects such as:  sepia, black & white, add text over the images, etc.   This is a really cool program!

Video-Maker a video using still photos.  Free & easy to use.  Google to download and see tutorials on using the program.  There is a way to save a mobile version of the video.  You don't have to get fancy with this.  Add music or voice if you want. 

Video programs:  Photo Story 3, Zippyvideo, WellcomeMat, Vimeo, YouTube

Video editing software:  Ulead Video Studio, Sony Vegas Movie Studio, Roxio Media Creator

Mapping-Terabitz.com; GoogleEarth.com, Mapquest.com. 

MLS- Fill in the blanks!  Consumers want information.  Give directions in MLS(showing agents really appreciate this too), add photos, room measurements, features, etc. -One of the many features of our system includes an integrated mapping software that will help route your showing tour.

Next time you're a passenger in the car or sitting and waiting, take a minute to learn how to use another feature of your phone or other electronic device.  You'll be amazed how much you can learn in a small amount of time. 

Mary Richards  Reece & Nichols Realtors  816-853-9698 cell/text; 816-420-5060 direct  www.kcmoves.com  maryrichards@reeceandnichols.com

Beautiful Wood Floors...

Are the first thing you'll see as you step into this updated home.

Front                                                                               Formal Dining Room

Living room with refinished wood floors.  Generous room is large enough to accommodate furniture and a baby grand piano.

Custom mantle and shelves are the jewel of this room.

The eat-in kitchen has had many updates including cabinet fronts and newer appliances.

Now, that's a deck!  There is a lot you can do with this "outdoor room".

  Master bedroom has an updated bathroom.

As you can see, many rooms in this house have lots of windows.

Downstairs Family Room with 2nd fireplace

  Office area.

The owners have updated many items here including:  newer central air, furnace, driveway, carpet, refinished wood floors, some lighting, tile floors in bathrooms, window treatments, garage door & opener, exterior paint, & windows.  Wow!

3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, 2 car garage  $140,000

Mary Richards  Reece & Nichols Realtors  816-853-9698 cell/text; 816-420-5060 direct  www.kcmoves.com  maryrichards@reeceandnichols.com

Canstruction at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri

This past weekend, we went to Union Station to see the Canstruction display.  This is a competition where area Architectural Firms compete to build something using food items.  The competitors have 12 hours to build their creation and the food is donated to Harvestors after the competition. 

We walked into Union Station, which is a visual treat for the eyes.

  The details of this magnificent structure have been brought back to their original splendor.

This building is massive in size.  It houses an I-Max theater, Science City Museum and several restaurants.

The Canstruction Exhibit is at the Station through February 12th, 2009.

Wall-E

  Hammer

Super Mario - Most kids know what the green tube is.  My kids told me it is an energy tube (or something like that).

Panda

Spongebob

Sorry Game                                                               Drop of water - Ripple Effect

Frog

 Hand holding apple

                                                                                  Book on hunger

   Car & gas pump

You can see this exhibit for free.  There is something for everyone to enjoy.

Mary Richards  Reece & Nichols Realtors  816-853-9698 cell/text; 816-420-5060 direct  www.kcmoves.com  maryrichards@reeceandnichols.com

105 Lake Meadows Drive Smithville, MO  64089

New price - $145,000

Located on a corner lot within 15 minutes of Smithville Lake. 

Open plan allows you to be in the kitchen and still be part of the action.  Living room is open to the kitchen.

Kitchen

Plenty of space for a table and lots of workspace.  The pantry offers lots of storage.

Master Bedroom 

Master Bath

Family Room can also be used as a 4th bedroom.

This home has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and a 3 car garage.

Mary Richards  Reece & Nichols Realtors  816-853-9698 cell/text; 816-420-5060 direct  www.kcmoves.com  maryrichards@reeceandnichols.com

The moon has been beautiful the last few nights and I love to take pictures so I keep my camera in my car so was able to get these shots with my zoom lens.

I've been working with Picasa and trying to learn the features.  This collection was done in the collage function.   

  Full Moon

Full Moon - Same photo using the sharpen function on Picassa. 

This is the sharpened photo in black and white.

So far, my favorite function on Picasa is the sharpen feature.  You could make your own wall art using this program.  http://picasa.google.com/

 Mary Richards  Reece & Nichols Realtors  816-853-9698 cell/text; 816-420-5060 direct  www.kcmoves.com  maryrichards@reeceandnichols.com

CRS 200  Business Planning and Marketing for The Residential Specialist Course

offered in Joplin, Missouri October 16 & 17th, 2008.

Whether you are working toward obtaining your CRS designation or already have it, you will find value in this course.  The information provided is very timely and essential to maintaining a successful real estate business.  The topics covered are key elements in business that need to be reviewed regularly.

The early bird rate has been extended until the class date! 

All necessary contact information is included on the flyer below.  Simply print the flyer below to register.  Make the investment in your real estate career, you'll be glad you did!

Mary Richards  Reece & Nichols Realtors  816-853-9698 cell/text  816-420-5060 direct  www.kcmoves.com  maryrichards@reeceandnichols.com

Wag & Wash Pet Adoption Day & Dog Wash

Proceeds to benefit NAWS - Northland Animal Welfare Society

This group is raising money to build a much-needed animal shelter in the Northland in Kansas City, Missouri.  Please come to support this wonderful cause.  You'll have fun while your dog gets a bath.  See the details in the flyer below.

Zona Rosa is located at the intersection of I-29 and Barry Road in Kansas City North. 

View the homes I am marketing and other available homes at: www.kcmoves.com

Mary Richards  Reece & Nichols Realtors  816-853-9698 cell/text  816-420-5060 direct    maryrichards@reeceandnichols.com