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Real Estate Technology - The RE.Net Update

This week in the Real Estate Technology arena, the Gigabytes have been over-run by the Tera-bytes, and the CPU's and PC's are fighting the good fight with the MacBook Pros. The PC vs MAC commercials just keep getting better and better. But in the Real Estate Technology side of the "techKnowBabble" world, there are some cool things going on around this place.

iHOUSE Web Solutions, one of the leaders in real estate technology, has finally announced the launch of their popular Realius game, “Price Me Now®.” iHOUSE will be hosting their totally free Web-based game at http://ihousegames.com. A Real Estate Game? Are you kidding me? More Details

All this talk and BUZZ about Video really needs to be put into perspective. Video has moved online in a huge way. Some estimates have indicated that in 2007, over half of all the world's Internet users watched video online. We all know that number is increasing every day. So why should you give a hoot? You Might Want To Find Out Here.

Next, is an interesting site that claims to offer help with your Blog. Normally I would check this out before posting a what would appear to be endorsement, but the line they used to "real" me in, is what intrigued me the most. And I quote:

"We are pleased to announce our new bloggers support forums “http://www.BloggerTalk.net,” where bloggers can receive help on so many different levels. We encourage all Bloggers to sign up and say hello, and introduce your self in the community forums. Tell us about your blog, your interest or maybe something you know that’s going on in the blogosphere!" I'll have to look into this one a bit more...you should too.

Did you know that Trulia Voices is breaking records? According to our friends over at the TruliaBlog of Information, you can find the entire story. I was shocked at the percentages and stats they released on their Blog. For Inquiry Minds That Want Need to know!

Now what's this I heard this week? This is kinda cool, Open Houses on Youtube? What happen to Craigslist? What do you picture in your mind as an Open House Video? I know I have some ideas running away with me, but you might want to see what the Tracking available from Youtube says about all this. The Future of Real Estate Technology and Marketing is out of control, and it's a beautiful thing...at least for some of us.

One of my Favorites this month is what's coming next month! LOL!~ The National Association of Realtors has this video promoting something called REALTOR® Confidential, which they claim will be coming in April 2008. The video is not what I would expect from NAR, but it certainly looks like something we may all want to be in tune with. Real Estate Technology, you know I'm in. :-) See The Entire Post at the Center for REALTOR® Technology Weblog.

Lastly, here is some FREE Tools I found for you while searching my Youtube macros today! They aren't my tools, they were created by Joe Stumpf for you and your business. Take a listen to Joe if you're interested. That concludes my first Real Estate Technology Update and Review as the newest employee and staff member here at ActiveRain. It's my first one, so go easy on me....

The ActiveRain Tech Brain - Just leaving behind a little Thunder!! :-)

"RainMaker" Special - Signup Here and Get New Member Discount
RainCamp™ - "Because The Way We Do Business Online Has Changed!"

Posted by Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager on 03/28/2008 05:22 PM

Comments (100)

real estate technology

100 Comments on Real Estate Technology - The RE.Net Update

MAR

2008

Great finds, Brad. I will have to follow all the links later, out the door. But, wanted to say Hi and I hope your having a blast.

Wow, Brad, I knew about a couple of these things but now I am really feeling behind the times. Thanks for helping us busy folks keep in the know. Maybe I'll have time to check into these more over the weekend. Gotta bookmark this one.

Jeff

Brad, you sure help us stay on the cutting edge. Web 2.0 will soon be Web 3.0 or whatever the industry deems it to be called. Keep the good stuff coming my friend.

Ced

Thank you Brad! I'm off to check out some of your links!

Brad- There is so much cool stuff out there on the net. Now if only we could invent more hours in a day so we can use it all! I want to just really sink my teeth into all this great stuff. Thanks for doing this recap, it is like a short cut to all that is out there!

thanks for the list, i will get to checking them out. I love blogs like this, what I call the best of.

Hi Brad..Thanks for the tips on what's going on and what's available, now you can focus on and go several layers deep, when it your job to do so.

Enjoy your day!

Brad, thanks for keeping me in the loop. Even though I feel smarter by the end of each day, it's a post like this that keeps me humble! I'm excited to see where the links go.

Another great post from Brad! Thank you for all your sharing - you are such a valuable resource!

Great post, Brad. Trulia is growing quickly. I am beginning to realize that I am going to have to pick and choose the networks that I participate in. There are a lot of different places and its just impossible to contribute to them all on a regular basis.

Brad,

I love these kinds of posts...I can get up to date info, using laymen's language, in a short time...keep them coming!!! Thanks, Fran

P.S. I knew a title guy would straighten out that operation!!! :^)

Brad - a great job on your first official tech update and review! As usual, you create excitement and curiosity, to say the least, about new technology. Thanks.

Brad - If I only had time to use all the tools you show us, Keep up the good work, we need all the help we can get.

Brad - your blogs are always so fresh and full of useful info. Thank you!!!

Tina in Virginia

Hi Brad!

Thanks for giving me some homework to do :)

We appreciate the mention. It's really amazing watching agents interact with buyers and sellers on Voices. We've been getting some good feedback too. I just got off the phone with an elated New Jersey broker who got an email from a pre-approved really solid and well qualified buyer on Voices. They will start looking at houses this Sunday. It’s been 4 days since they first conversed. Amazing indeed.

I just saw Bob and Jon the last two days in Atlanta at RE Tech South conference. Maybe next time I'll get to meet you too.

Stay well!

Rudy

Social Media Guru at Trulia

It is amazing how much technology is intertwined in this industry. Thanks for the post and listing the great finds!

Brad, as usual a wealth of information contained in compact form on your blog. A well deserved feature.

Thanks for all the great tech info,

The open house on youtube got my attention! It could be a lot of fun (and time) but it is all very impressive to the client!

Terrie

Brad - Congrats on your new job. I can't think of anyone more deserving. Joe Stumpf's video was excellent. Thanks.

Brad - I just wanted to let you know that I have left a letter with my attorney listing you and Jeff Turner responsible for my demise from a burst brain. LOL So if I drop off the earth you will get a letter from him telling you where to send flowers!

Keep up the good work! You never fail to provide us with fantastic information that truly shows just who YOU are. A caring and sharing person.

Thank you - from the bottom of my heart - not the top of my bursting brain!

BRAD - You should come up with a way to have your posts automatically bookmarked. I know that's not possible of course, but I do find myself using the bookmark feature very often with your posts. Thanks again for all of the great tips.

Your enthusiasm is always so contagious, Brad! You are going to be great for the Rain -- like before, but paid! Best wishes and thanks, as always.

Brad- now I don't feel guilty about asking you for help.... Isn't it fun getting paid for something you love.

Thanks Brad we are playing with video and need to find the best use of a great tool.

That's a lot of information Brad. I will have to read and absorb all this later. Thanks.

Brad - this may be your first, but I am impressed. I am just trying to find the time to keep up with all of this. I have gotten busy and it is difficult to find a balance. I will try to check some of these things out. Great Job -- no complaints here.

WOW, this is great information I think...if I only understood it a little better...I mean...a little simpler...I mean in plain English...for the self-taught...this is way over my head... :-( but b/c you wrote it Brad, I'm sure it's great!

great info especially the video stuff, getting orepped to shot my first video viral style. more to come on that

Wow, you've given us a wealth of knowledge and all in one blog. Thanks!!

Thanks a lot for the tools! I need people like you to keep me up to date.

Have a great weekend!

MAR

2008

Those Trulia stats are unbelievable! Although I guess I shouldn't really be all that surprised. I myself answer MANY of those questions. I do have issues with using You Tube for my real estate videos though. You Tube is where I play... a LOT! And one thing I know for sure is that You Tube will put whatever other videos they feel like placing, right beside yours! Your competition can end up right beside you, or a half naked woman for all you know. It's totally dictated by the tags. And we know that people will put whatever tags they want on something, if they think it will get them more views!

So many new techie toys and so little time to learn them all. But keep posting about them and we'll jump on what we can. Thanks.

Hi Brad, thanks for the great info on the cutting edge marketing tools. I especially like the Youtube marketing idea and will check out the links later.

Great info Brad. I subscribed so I could keep current on Technostuff...

Thanks!
Steve Homer
Keller Williams
Round Rock, TX

Thanks for all the great information and sites. I will have to check out them out today.w

Brad.. Another great post..... You are always on top on things... Thank you !

Hey Brad, you hit the nail on the head with this blog (especially the part about the video's). Thanks for the GREAT advice. Best, -Sash

PS: Check out the folowing link--> 9 Easy Steps To Selling Your Home... Follow These Tips For a 'Stress-Free' Experience

Missy - thanks for being the first to comment. I think I have figured out your schedule. LOL!~ Hope you'll find these posts useful. I have to do a lot more reading to come up with this stuff, it's good for me though! :-)

Jeff - it's kinda nice having a source for what's happening in different areas of our industry. The technology side is ever changing and AR feels it warranted to have some of us focus on certain areas, then report and support those areas. Become experts so to speak. Real Estate Technology is something I have been chasing and trying to get my arms around for years. Now I get to do just that and share with others the results of my findings. Everybody wins!! I Love My New Job!! :-)

Cedric - Web 2.0 is taking us closer to Web 3.0 but only as fast as we can adapt it's ideals and technologies. My focus is to keep us on the forefront of ALL the new technologies and tools that are flying at us full speed. Thanks my friend for your support.

Monika - I hope you'll find the links in this post to be informative, useful, and applicable to your business and internet experiences. Thanks.

Katerina - there is a ton of cool stuff out there and more is being created and introduced every hour of every day. It will be challenging but fun to try and keep up with the reporting of all the new and exciting things that are going on in the Real Estate technology side of our industry. I hope to be the resource and expert in this area for ActiveRain. Your ideas, suggestions and comments are always welcomed.

Ross - I like "The Best of" title, the problem is that there is so much out there, and each of us is so unique, I figure If I just put the information out there for others, then YOU can determine what is really "The Best" for you and your business. I will try and make "The Best of" post available on a consistent weekly or semi-monthly basis. I Hope you will enjoy these posts. I hope to only improve on their content and quality.

Fred - this is definitely part of my new job at AR, and I appreciate your comment and encouragement. I do hope to go several levels deeper, but I also plan to mix it up a bit. You know, stuff for newbies, stuff for techies, stuff for beginners, intermediate and advanced users. A kind of mixed plate of vegetables and fruits that should keep people coming back to see what the next meal will bestow! :-)

...time to go have breakfast, I'm hungry, can you tell? haha!

Natalie - thanks for keeping me humble as well. Let me know what you'd like to see more of in the future? I hope to create an environment on a portion of my Blog that will appeal to users at every level. I know that you are a great contributer here at AR, and I always appreciate your comments and suggestions. Thanks, have a great weekend! :-)

Vicki - you are very welcome. Thanks for the compliment, I really appreciate that very much! :-)

Jill - you are so right. There are so many sites, social networks, etc out there. I think I am on 20 -30 of them, but I have found that ActiveRain gets me more results and fullfills so many areas, that I have cut back on many of my contributions to the others. I find that I only learn by doing, then measuring the results and rewards. There's no place like home, and ActiveRain is where I hang my hat now.

I will still be active on some of the others, but to throw a nudge on Facebook, or post a personal video at myspace just doesn't have the same result as providing useful content here on AR. The google SEO I get here is unsurpassed by any of the other networks out there. :-)

Great column! I'm going to check out the real estate game. I'm trying to figure their target market.

Fran - I plan to keep these types of posts coming as I read and research all the new stuff that's out there. Maybe weekly or every other week depending on how much useful information and stuff I can find. There is a plethora of technology that affects the new Web 2.0 Real Estate 2.0 business model. I hope to keep you informed on many levels, technology just being one of them.

BTW - Do You know how many title guys it takes to change a light bulb?

Virginia - thanks for your approval of my first official review and real estate technology update post. I hope to only get better now that I can really put some time and effort into it. Should be some great stuff to report about in the weeks and months ahead. I have put some systems in place that will help me to help you and other members here at AR. Hopefully you won't be disappointed with some of the stuff I'll be sharing here. :-) I do plan to mix it up quite a bit, so be ready.....

Larry - I hear ya! A post for Blogging and Time Management is way over due. Boy, if that isn't a dead give away that I myself have not mastered this tool called time....haha! :-)

TINA - Thanks, I am glad you are enjoying my Blog and posts. Really I am. :-) Hope all is well in Virginia this weekend.

Hi Brad!

Thanks for giving me some homework to do :)

I just saw Bob and Jon the last two days in Atlanta at RE Tech South conference. Maybe next time I'll get to meet you too.

Stay well!

Rudy

Social Media Guru at Trulia

Rudy - thanks for stopping by to share. I know that Doug Moore in my local market has had similar experiences with Trulia, you guys do a fantastic job of connecting consumers with agents that want to be connected! Your platform is so user friendly, it's almost addicting. Ok, who am i kidding. It is Addicting!! LOL!~ You are Trulia asset to the Web 2.0 movement! :-)

BTW - I assume you kept Bob and Jon in line while in Atlanta, they are quite the dynamic duo when on the road! I hope to meet you at one of the next upcoming events!

Casey - keep your eyes peeled for some of the new stuff that's coming our way. I'll try to be a conduit of information that will be useful to you and the other members here. All I can say is fasten your seat belts......

Gary - thanks my friend! The features are great, but the content is where I place most of my efforts. I want to be sure that the musings are musings, and that the RE.Net stuff is valuable and useful. I spend at least 3-4 hours a day now just reading, researching, investigating and experimenting with ALL the stuff I can find in a day in hopes to bring you the Best of the Best when I post!

Being the anal and "A" type personality that I am, I am always trying to "one-up" myself. This is a good thing for subscribers to my Blog. You will never catch me resting on my Laurels or hanging out in the comfort zone! (except when on the golf course) LOL!~

Terrie - and who is it that we are trying to impress with the latest and greatest tools out there? You said it, the clients! I was intrigued by the Youtube open house video concept as well. It's amazing how much video has become a part of our marketing in the Real Estate world. It use to be that only the rich could advertise on television, but now anyone can advertise for free on the internet if they know how, and can utilize the tools available.

Tom - Thanks for your confirmation on the new job choice. I don't think I could be happier. I love the team, the members, the concept, and my resposibilities to the members friends here. Glad you enjoyed Joe's freebie to the office he was pitching, I figured since it was on Youtube, let's go ahead and share it here as well. FREE is always attractive to me, especially if it is something that is helping grow business...like ActiveRain for example!! :-)

Hey Brad! You are definitley an EXPERT in your field!! Keep it coming my friend, I always look forward to it:)

Congrats on the first official "ActiveRain" post. That is a lot of good information for all of us to use. Now I'm off to watch the Joe Stumpf video. Thanks Brad and keep up the good work!

Hey Brad Thanks again for some more great information. I have not heard of several of these marketing tools.

Hi Brad - you certainly don't need any of us going easy on you! You are the one many of us look to for just this kind of information, so thanks for this update! Ann

Brad - {bob here} as usual great stuff. You are a great addition to the A/R team. But we already knew that. Thanks for the new stuff!

Brad...I can't wait to read about how your visit with your brother went...Jay and I have been thinking about it all day!

Keep up the good work! You never fail to provide us with fantastic information that truly shows just who YOU are. A caring and sharing person.

Thank you - from the bottom of my heart - not the top of my bursting brain!

Carol - Jeff and I will be representing ourselves in this case! He will do the video communications tutorial, and I'll just spell it out in a long blog for the courts. haha! You are just too funny Carol, thanks for a great laugh just now. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for comments like yours. You have a special way of making people feel good about their efforts here. Don't ever change!! :-)

Brad,

Sent you an email. All your blog comment's are going into my spam? Just you too! I know you can tell me how to fix this. :-)

Thanks for the round up! You gave me plenty of things to research.

Thanks for the head up Brad, this information is great!

Adam - I'll create a macro called the Bradmark! haha! Thanks my friend, I'm glad you enjoy my posts. I enjoy yours as well. :-)

Elaine - that is very encouraging and kind of you to say! Thank you. I'm inspired and rewarded by comments like yours. :-)

Judy - I hope you will use my help, and call me if you need. This is what I have worked all year for. Now that I have found a home (a real home) at AR, I hope to make myself available to all the members here. The ActiveRain will start to pour, we'll have to rename us to ActiveDownPours and Showers! :-) You're the best!! :-)

Terry - I'll be posting a video next using the Flip Phone and mixpo. Let me know what you think ok? Thanks! Here to help if you need with your video too! Love that stuff and it's easy once you get the hang of it! :-)

Wayne - take your time and enjoy! That's what it's all about my friend! :-)

Joan - thanks for going easy on me. Still trying to find my voice and content structure, but I will keep trying until I get it right!! :-)

Karen - c'mon, this is not that bad, I mean if you can run some of the programs on the computer that you do, than this stuff is just icing on the cake. You should have no problems understanding anything here. There's even a game in there for ya! LOL!~ Check it out, I think you'll be fine with all this technology stuff. Better hang on, it's not going away, and if you don't fasten your seat belt, it could be a very wild and crazy ride! (BIG SMILE!)

Just what I need at 11:00 on a Saturday night... homework. Thanks for the update. I have work to do... so, I'm off.

Its amazing, Thank you very much Brad, I am going to check all the Links...

There's too much technology happening and too fast. LOL. I agree with Lane. But it's now an hour later than that!

MAR

2008

Brad, great job of sharing oodles of information. Guess I'll have to get my video thing working!!! Nex listing, I'll do a video......maybe!! ;-) I checked out lots of your information. Congratulations on your new position on AR! ;-)

Brad,

change is always happening!! The perfect job for you!! I have been out of state so I am just now back visiting AR. Congrats!! Take care, Mel

One thing we can always count on is the change will continue. Thanks for the interesting update.

MAR

2008

Michael - looking forward to your video contributions, let us know when you post, I'd love to come by and see your stuff. Thanks for sharing and for all your efforts here. :-)

Diane - there is a ton of info out there, I hope to scoop it all up and bring relative industry information to our members here. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!! :-)

Bill - I will do my best to keep you and other members up to date on what's happening at many levels with the Real Estate Technology available in the new Web 2.0 world. Thanks for your comment and for stopping by to check out this review and update. Very much appreciated!! :-)

Lisa - Google video does NOT run other video's next to yours, and with the new Mixpo/ActiveRain opportunity on the horizon, you won't have to worry about those videos popping up next to yours ever again. More on that in a couple weeks. :-)

Brad,

Thanks Brad, for another great post! Always informative!

APR

2008

Sandy - thank you. I know this stuff can be over the top at times, but it's always good to be informative right?

So many new techie toys and so little time to learn them all. But keep posting about them and we'll jump on what we can. Thanks.

Bob and Carolin - that's the intent of these posts, I hope to put this stuff out there so you won't have to go looking for it and spend too much time sifting through it. Kinda like the AR Week in review, only Real Estate Tech Stuff. Enjoy... :-)

Steve - thanks for subscribing, I'll do my best to keep you up to speed with all the techno-stuff that's flying at us at 120 miles per hour!! :-)

Russ - let me know your thoughts on this stuff. I hope to try and put this out every week or so. Just testing the waters with this one to see what people like and want more of. Thanks!! :-)

Hi Brad, thanks for the great info on the cutting edge marketing tools. I especially like the Youtube marketing idea and will check out the links later.

I wish I knew who you are, you weren't logged in to AR when you commented or you are a friend from outside AR. I wanted to say thanks for commenting, the youtube open house grabbed my attention as much or more than any of the others in this post. Hope you enjoyed the content there... :-)

Roland - not always!! LOL! Thank my friend for the kind compliment, I do try my best!! :-)

Sasha - I'll check it out when I can, right now my keyboard and hands are full trying to respond to all these comments! LOL!~ :-)

Thanks for the update Brad; it's hard to keep up with all the techno stuff on our own so I'm glad you're here to help guide us.

One of the coolest things I love about real estate and active rain is the help that you can get from so many people. Thanks for such a cool blog site.

APR

2008

Christy - you really are one of my favs. Even though you appear to fight it, you love this stuff! :-) LOL!

Teri - thanks for popping by, it's always an honor to have comments from the ever popular "Lady In Red" :-) I hope we'll get to meet "for real" very soon. Let me know if you need help with any video, I'll be working closely with the *NEW AR/Mixpo video Platform/Project. :-)

Brad, I will.........I'm quite certain I'll be heading in that direction. I know who to go to for help, trust me. ;-)

APR

2008

Teri - I do trust you! You know my door is always open to you! :-) Have a great rest of the week! :-)

APR

2008

Brad, somehow I missed this post... Things happen. Anyways, lots of great stuff to check out here. I'm heading to a Virginia Blogger Conference today sponsored by Virginia Assoc. of REALTORS so I'm sure lots of nwe things will come out of this meeting as well.

APR

2008

Brian - let us know what you discover at the conference, it's always great to see and hear about new stuff from other areas of the country, that's why I'll be doing posts like this from time to time! Thanks my friend, be well!

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