It seems that upon the first time out with a buyer, there are a lot of properties to show to bring them up to speed on the market in their price range and area. So there are days when I show anywhere from 8-15 properties in a day.

Of course this takes time to plan and set appointments if needed. I used to spend at LEAST 100 minutes on routing, esp. when showing properties ranging in 5 different cities (about a 10 mile radius)! Using MapQuest or other online mapping tool, you have to know the order, and then it tells you how to get to where you want to go to the next leg. I'd have to print the directions for each leg of the trip and then put them in some type of order. It was crazy, and then if the client ruled out something on the list, I was stuck because I already included that on the directions!

Enter the Gamin iQue m4 Pocket PC, which is a GODsend. This handy tool allows you to enter as many properties as you'd like (maybe up to 20, but I don't know, I haven't reached the point of showing that many properties in a day; I don't think it's possible unless they are all in a small area!), and then it will route you in the best order by "shortest distance" or "faster time." I know Tom Tom is great, BUT when I was looking to purchase a GPS, Tom Tom didn't route multiple properties.

It's just a huge time-saver, and if a clients says, "Oh, we decided we don't want to see the one with the pool," it's not a problem, and just delete it from the list and go to the next property.

The PDA feature syncs with Outlook and is amazing to have it on the same handheld as my GPS! If my clients want to drive due to carseats for the kids, etc. it's not a problem...I just tuck it in my purse, hop in with them, and away we go!

Thanks for reading! Have an efficient, productive, saving $$ or time day!