As mentioned in the last blog, Arizona is switching up to Zipform 6, with the rest of the country who are still using WinForm to switch over in the next month or so. Lots of good improvements and easier to utilize. I still recommend the desktop (standard) version over the online (professional) version as you can still write contracts with or without internet access.  I will talk about using Outlook for your emails, calendar and contact database in the next blog. Stay tuned!

Yep... I spent an hour on the phone with a zipform inside tech to get the scoop on what's happening. Here is AZ, we've rolled out the product and all REALTORS must switch over by May 20, 2009. It looks like the rest of the country, or at least those that use Zipform or Winform will be converting to Zipform 6 in the next 45 days, meaning that all states will be using the same Zipform 6, only our actual state forms to be different. If you use the online version of Zipform than it won't be that much different. If you use the desktop version of Zipform, which as you know I do recomemend, it's a bit of a change. Like anything else, we'll get used to it and life will go on. I have to learn these new systems and adjust my classes appropriately real soon here.

Let me know what your feedback is after using Zipform 6.

Sorry for the long wait there, as I've been involved in creating more technology classes for the agents. Other than writing and talking to you bloggers about creating the ultimate paperless virtual office, as you know, there are so many great technologies out there that are necessary to put the whole package together. I've been teaching about what are the best phones, cameras, pocket videos and how to utilize them in real estate related websites. Along with utilizing Microsoft Outlook to keep a database of clients, using the calendar to keep your schedule and of course utilizing the computer based (never web based) email system. Zipform (here in Arizona at least) to type up your contract (never hand write) and a tablet computer to gets sigs on everything. Of course there is still a lot I haven't gone over yet, as this in itself is probably an overload. Look for the next blog.

OK- We've gone over creating a very systematic folder & filing system to put all your real estate transaction documents away in their proper place (on your hard drive). We've received these documents with our online fax (Being able to not only receive but to send out as well--- get rid of that traditional fax machine), we've extracted documents (and inserted), switched around from our 26 page that we receieved from the cross sale agent and put them in our folders, and not we're ready to sign.

Jeff, how are we going to do that when ALL documents are in our computer? That's where our handy-dandy tablet computer comes into play. This wonderful invention will allow us to rotate our screen, lay parallel with the keyboad, take out the electronic pen, and sign, sign, sign! That means you NEVER have to run back to your home office, your broker's office, Kinkos, Starbucks or ANYWHERE else to sign documents with your client or even yourself. Yes, you truly can have a portable office that includes EVERYTHING that you have in your home or broker's office, right at your fingertips.

While you were watching the SuperBowl (I can't believe Arizona lost in the last minute), you have recieved contracts, addendums and counter offers for different files. But before you file them away in your systematic filing system (on your desk top), you must extract the documents and relabel them, as you don't want to send the whole 20 page fax when your broker, cross-sale agent, title company or lender need just one document. The only way to do this is with a good PDF Writer program, which will allow you to extract, insert and switch around pages. There are free versions that will alow you to convert documents, but you need a better version that will allow you to do the functions prevsiouly mentioned.

OK. Now that we set up our virtual office with a systemized set of folders, you need to get rid of the traditional fax machine and get the online faxing in place. This will include a good service for receiving, and sending faxes. I lot of people say everybody uses email anymore, but that's just not the case. First, most banks who you might be doing short sales with only use faxes and won't give you their email address. Next, if you have a client that does have a fax machine, give them a "loaner fax" to use during the transaction. Let them keep it after the transaction is completed if they give you a referral! The company I recommend for online faxes, in terms of price and reliability, is www.metrofax.com. $15/ month included 1,000 pages coming in AND  going out, and that is for anywhere in the US. Oh yea, this price if for a 1-800 #-  $2 less to have a local number. Let them know I referred you- it's a good company.

You will receive all faxes in your email inbox in a PDF file format, so you can simply drag and drop to the client's desktop folder. It will be very easy to access the document for faxing or emailing at a later time.

It is important to create a tech plan for your business. This will enable you to create a roadmap of where you would like to be in 12 months.

This should include:

-Mapping out how you want to use these technologies to save time, make money or just make life a bit easier.

-Look at the end goal of your plan, and determine what is missing in there.

-Establish what the return is each piece of technology. Will it free up more time, make your clients happier, allow you to close more deal?

-Prioritize the importance of each piece. In today's hard economic times, you have to decide if this is an essential item or something you can live without.

Going through these steps will help you determine what plan of action you should be taking to map out your 2009 roadway!

It's a new year and we need to get started. The first thing is to clean up our computer, just like we would our office. I don't mean in spyware or bug detector... I'm talking about cleaning up all the icons on the computer and putting them in folders. Creat a systematic filing system, including filing cabinets and sub-folders, where you can put in your real estate transactions. File this so you can go to this place everytime you work with this client.

Happy New Year! I will soon be posting all 2009 tech classes to train everyone on the pertinents- ZipForm (which is no longer being sold at the local associations), Microsoft Outlook and creating the ultimate paperless office. Get in tech shape this year!!!!