What Are You Talking About-Realtors Don't Need No Stinking Technology

It's hard to understand what all the fuss is about technology.  What's wrong with the basics.  A pen or maybe a pencil or two.  Pads of paper to take notes on, my 35MM camera, a typewriter, contracts in triplicate, and a MLS book.  You are now ready to sell real estate.

Certainly for many agents these are the tools that were available to them when they started in real estate.  Thankfully the real estate industry and the tools available for agents to use has changed.  Now I can pack all of what I need in to what small device that weighs less than 1.5lbs. 

What is this wonderful little package of applications that makes a real estate fun and interesting?  They are all stored on my iPad 3.  Instead of a pen and paper my notes are written using Evernote.  During our first meeting we complete the buyer or seller template covering the basics of what you are looking to buy or as a seller information about your home. 

Need to shoot pictures while you are touring a home?  The iPad camera allows me to create a file of photos to email to the buyer at the end of our tour and are a great mental reminder of a upcoming new listing before the MLS photos are done.

Of course there isn't a question that the MLS is available while we are out.  With my personal hotspot on my iPhone connection to the internet can happen when I'm anywhere to check out information on a for sale sign or to show a seller a live listing.

Contracts are on-line with ZipForm mobile and can be signed while on the go with Docusign. 

The newest app I've added is Skitch.  It has both fun and series uses.  When I've been out with a buyer with a child we have taken their picture and then had fun adding a mustache, glasses or whatever else they would like to draw.  On a more series note I've used it to pull up a map and have my clients circle an areas they would like to concentrate their home search.  It's also a good tool to annotate the photos taken of a home to remind a seller to make sure they clear out the clutter.

Technology doesn't replace good old fashioned customer service but it cerainly allows us to take our offices on the road when we need to.

                No Hassle-No Pressure-Just Straight Talk About The Northern Virginia Real Estate Market

If you are interested in learning more about the Northern Virginia Real Estate market including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William Counties give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group, Inc a call at 703-346-2213. 

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Check out www.varealestatetalk.com and www.cjrealtygroup.com for more information.  

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