We all know how competitive this business is. We are always looking for the leg up on our competition. But when it really comes down to it, it's about service not who has the latest gadget, biggest advertisment or best looking business card.

With that said, we sometimes forget how inter-twined service and automation are. Automation does not guarantee service, and service does not guarantee technology. But, they can (and should be) a symbiotic relationship. I have a long history in the technology field. I used to write software for a living. While I have not employed any real software development into my business, I do try to automate things when and where I can. I hate doing things twice. I hate re-inventing the wheel. And, I hate my writing when I'm in a rush (and it seems this business lives on being in a rush!).

So, I have many things that I have automated. I've got a Seller's Net Sheet that does all the work for me. I simply type in the projected sales price, the owners loan balance and their interest rate, and the work is done for me. It calculates Title Insurance, Escrow Fees, you name it. There is even a signature line where the client can acknowledge receiving a copy. It literally takes me 30 seconds to create and print. And the best part...it's stored on my computer so I always have reference to it should I need to change it (not to mention that I don't have to use my handwriting).

I've done the same for a Buyer's Cost Sheet. Again, type in a few numbers and like magic...the costs are all calculated for me.

Then, I have a Property Tax Estimator that works the same way.

All of these are done in Excel. The best thing is that they look professional, always look the same, are easy to create, store, email, what have you. Of course there is a disclaimer at the bottom that states that the numbers are estimates and subject to change, etc., etc., etc. But, I have found that they are very accurate.

So, how does this tie into service? Well, not only can I produce these things quickly, consistantly, and accurately for my clients (which saves me time that I can dedicate to other aspects of their transaction), but it keeps me organized which always helps me serve my clients.

I'm always looking for something I can automate. I use these as a standard part of my files. Other things I use in an automated way are my communication logs, fax cover sheets, price trending. Basically anything that has numbers on it.

If you are interested in saving time, pull out Excel and give it a try. I'd love to know the kind of things you use to help you automate your business.