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Top 10 Tools That Make You Money

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.

Posted by Patrick Harfst, CRS on 10/13/2007 12:24 AM

Comments (22)

smart phones, tablet computers, blue tooth

22 Comments on Top 10 Tools That Make You Money

OCT

2007

Good post Patrick. These things are a must for sure!

Could you elaborate on the benefits of the Tablet Computer?

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

:) like it!

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...

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

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.

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!

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

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?

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

2007

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

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

2007

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

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

What brand of tablet do you use? Recommendations? I've looked at Lenovo but haven't taken the plunge. I need a new laptop and an undecided which to go with.

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.