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Top 10 Tools That Make You Money

By Patrick Harfst

Real Estate Agent with Realty Executives - Phoenix AZ

October 12, 2007 05:24 PM

This is the first of two lists I'm putting together... The other is the Top 10 Worst Things Realtors Spend Money On. Again, this is the GOOD list.

10. Lockbox key - for obvious reasons.

9. Tablet computer - gather signatures wherever you are.

8. Interactive web site. Needs no explanation.

7. Contact manager software.

6. SmartPhone. Send/Receive e-mail on the fly.

5. pdf generator for your computer. Saves paper & time.

4. BlueTooth earpiece for your phone.

3. Professional quality photograph. Image counts!

2. Branded e-mail address. Promote your own brand - not aol's!

And the best tool that Realtors can use to make money is:

1. Healthy positive attitude. No one likes a buzz-kill.

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Randy "Lazarus" McAtee

Lazarus Realty - Fresno, CA

Owner/Broker, Lazarus Realty, Fresno California

Could you elaborate on the benefits of the Tablet Computer?

Oct 12, 2007 05:30 PM

Bob & Carolin Benjamin

Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ

East Phoenix Arizona Homes

All excellent items. We all have to spend our $$ where it counts most.

Oct 12, 2007 05:51 PM

Natalie Bagayas

Sutton Real Estate - Clackamas, OR

:) like it!

Oct 12, 2007 05:54 PM

Patrick Harfst

Realty Executives - Phoenix AZ - Gilbert, AZ

Lazarus - Tablets allow agents to gather a consumers signature "out in the field"... Every document that a computer creates can be "exported" to the OneNote software, and then it can be written on, signed, highlighted, etc. Most agents who've used a Tablet will not go back... Our industry is perfect for Tablets...

Oct 12, 2007 06:00 PM

Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL

Daytona Condo Realty, 386-405-4408 - Daytona Beach, FL

Buy Daytona condos for heavenly good prices

After these 10, I am curious what else you have up your sleeve. I thought this was a full list, but will wait for the second one.

Thanks

Oct 12, 2007 06:01 PM

Jason Smith

DreamDirt Auction - Mondamin, IA

I think #9 is the best... plan long term so you are not locked in somwhere and have the ability to adapt if you need to.

Oct 12, 2007 06:06 PM

Jon - The other list was just posted... should be just above this thread... I have another list up my sleeve, but it names names, and as such, could not be posted here. But we all know which products - by name - are pure crap, sold to innocent Realtors with a little room left on the 'ol Visa card. And they always claim that "just one sale pays for the whole year"... As if a 1:1 return is good! I want a 10:1 return on these expenses... and they never promise that!

Oct 12, 2007 06:12 PM

"Tommy" Decebal

HomeSpector Inc. 516-851-5833 - Farmingdale, NY

Adamescu Long Island NY MASTER Home Inspector

Last one is the best.With positive attitude You can have a good outcome.

Oct 12, 2007 06:26 PM

Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL

Joe Manausa Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL

Tallahassee Real Estate

Nice post Patrick. As far as the tablet, do you have them sign on the contract, or create an image of the signature? How do you do this?

Oct 13, 2007 12:26 AM

Joe - On the Tablet, you'll export the document to a Microsoft program that is designed for Tablets... It allows y9u to make notes right ON the document... including signatures... This is a bit different that the ZipForm Electronic signatures, but it works just fine. A friend of mine who sells health insurance for Secure Horizons uses a Tablet for signatures - the whole sales staff there does... Perfect application of available technology!

Oct 13, 2007 04:54 PM

Gita Bantwal

RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA

REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Good list. I have not used a Tablet yet. I agree #1 is most important.

Oct 14, 2007 12:20 AM

Rich Quigley

Chicago, IL

Patrick,

Another good post. I have most of those things but not all. Sometimes the postive attitude takes some work. Keep up the posts. I have subscribed to your blog.

Oct 14, 2007 04:51 AM

Seth Callen

Farmers Insurance - Lawton, OK

Good post and a good list, especially the contact manager software.

Oct 15, 2007 03:26 AM

Stephen Joos & Chris Brubaker- HouseFront

HouseFront - Denver, CO

Great list you got there. I would say most agents only have 50% or less of all of that.

Oct 15, 2007 09:26 AM

Erica - I currently have a Gateway 2610. I have heard that the Lenovo is very good, and a friend has the HP Tablet - also very good. Not sure of the future of Gateway - they were bought out, I think... Mine is 2 years old now. Get the Lenovo, even if it is a bit more. Then, report back to all of us as to your experience. Class dismissed.

Oct 15, 2007 11:07 AM

Tamara Inzunza

Realty One Group Capital - Alexandria, VA

Close-In Alexandria and Arlington Living

Then there's my ultimate favorite...a PLAN! Remember if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Oct 16, 2007 01:13 AM

Lacey D. Horton

LDH Services - Heath, TX

Certified Signing Agent Texas

Great Ideas. Stay Motivated!

Oct 25, 2007 06:53 AM

Tanya Busch

The Maine Real Estate Network - Auburn, ME

Maine Real Estate

Wicked awesome post! I couldn't agree more. I'm also relieved to see we're not as far behind the times here in Maine as we might of thought.

Oct 25, 2007 07:08 AM

Anonymous

Barbara Penny

I have been looking to be a TABLET for 2 years. Its either Dell or Leveno. Any suggestions or

comments on either of them. Not worried about price.

Aug 08, 2009 07:28 AM

#21

Dell seems better to me... They finally have a Tablet... Good luck!

Sep 01, 2009 01:50 PM

Top 10 Tools That Make You Money

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