I happen to think very highly of my GPS. I liked the one in my prior car, a lease, better because it was built in and had more functionality, but my Garmin works pretty well. 

This is what I like about it, and how I use it. 

First, it tells me where I need to go and I'm normally pretty compliant unless I think it's wrong (and I occasionally tell IT where to go). Despite living here in SoCal for 4 years I am still learning my way around. There are a zillion roads and with the large area I cover there is no way I can get where I need to be efficiently by relying on a map. And with buyers in a broad range of price ranges, and being interested in many different areas, it will take years to know my way well enough to not rely on my GPS. And it's so much easier - I don't have to think too much.

Plus if I make a wrong turn, I don't get yelled at or insulted - it just "recalculates." And I can blame a wrong route on the GPS rather than taking the blame myself and looking stupid. 

When heading out on a tour of homes I just pre-program in all the destinations and we're set. For the most part it works well, although every now and then it sends me on a wild goose chase, or in circles. And brand new subdivisions don't work. 

My GPS helps me gauge my time so I know approximately when I will arrive at a destination. This is useful if I need to let a client know when I might arrive if I am running late. Not good when it tells me it will take far longer than the time I allowed for - it's step on the gas time. 

But being able to check the time also helps with answering buyer questions about commute times from point A to Point B (traffic notwithstanding). I've used it a number of times to help them figure out estimated times from homes they like to work, etc.

I can also track the mileage - a common question is "how far is...?" and the GPS can be useful in providing that information for folks who don't know the area. And they don't have to rely on me if I have only a rough guess or no clue at all. 

And if I need to find a local restaurant, tourist attraction or something similar - often in an area I don't know really well when out with buyers - I can do so on my GPS and have it guide us there. 

My GPS has also, interestingly, stimulated some funny conversations about GPS experiences, and jokes about driver vs. machine when driving buyers around...a point of commonality and some rapport building, if you will. 

I have yet to download the GPS application for my Blackberry - that's next, as I've heard it works well.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits