Joan, check out tomtom's GPS. I have heard good things about it, altho never used it myself. It's easy to get lost on the backroads of NH !!

Sue 

Hi Joan,

I thought about investing in GPS, but than found out about cell phone navigation systems. The Verizon plan costs $10 each month and meets all of my needs. Before I go out to show homes, I program the address into my phone, then when we are leaving a home, I switch it on and it guides me to the next place. Works like a charm.

On the down side, it can be a little awkward. I have to access the navigation and indicate which address to go to next. But, once we're on the road, it works like a champ.

The newer phones that the companies sell are compatible with their nav systems.

Thanks Sue.  I will check into the TomTom and the Garmin.  The backroads of NH are beautiful but sometimes tricky.

John:  thanks for the comment.  I was wondering if there is an additional charge every time you download to your phone?   Does it speak to you?  Is the screen on the phone big enough?  Thanks for your assistance.

Joan,

There is no additional charge, and yes, it does talk to you. Your minutes are used, but only when your phone is getting updated directions and accessing the system. Also, there is a map displayed and updated on your phone's screen. For example, after making a turn, the voice might say "Prepare to turn left in .7 miles." You will see it on the screen, and the directions will update each tenth of a mile. As you get closer to the intersection the voice will tell you again to prepare to turn left and also which street you are to turn onto.  

Joan..This is one of those articles that deserves to be featured. It is authentic, fun, intriguing and makes me want to read more from you. Add a bit  o' green(maybe how a GPS System could possibly save you not just time, but gasoline in your fuel efficient car) and enter this in the ECO-ALL-Stars Contest...I'd say! And wear a little GREEN for good luck!

PS Be sure to TAG your article "Green Awareness"

Hi janeAnne:  Thanks for the tips.  I am a bit new at this and I appreciate your comments and assistance.  I wish you the best and I have on my GREEN!

Joan,Joan,Joan...

If I had only known, you could have borrowed mine for a trial run! I got the Garmin GPS. I absolutely love it.

I had to chuckle at your driving to houses Before you drove to the houses...hmmm...is it the name or the height(LOL). I did that all the time!

I love my GPS...I call her Gypsy...and she talks!! So I'm never lonely!!

Hi Joan:

   Thanks for the support -- I guess the secret is out!  I must say that I will miss all of those detours -- I really got to see parts of NH I never thought even existed!  Glad you are enjoying playing in the rain!

Dear Joan...Thanks for entering the GREEN is Red Hot Contest. I just wanted to let you know that your entry has been received. Look for contest winners beginning March 15th! G O O D  L U C K! 

THX for tagging your article GREEN AWARENSS I found it with no problem!

Hi janeAnne --- I am looking forward to seeing the entries/winners -- thanks for coming up with such a great idea!

Hi Joan...Dena came up with the idea. She asked me to think about it, we went back-and-forth a few times, I contacted Colleen and she contacted Caleb, and Dena didher magic, and I wrote up the article. Since then I am facilitating and Dena is still working her magic. We are excited that there is strong interest, and wish all of y'all who enter G O O D Luck!!!

Thanks to Dena and all involved.   I am looking forward to reading all the posts.  It made me take a look at what is happening here in NH with green building.  Also, this morning on CNN Gerry Willis did a segment on Green building with the guys from This OLD HOUSE.  The more exposure the better.

My wife got me a Garmin StreetPilot 330.  It has already saved me hours of printing maps out of our MLS (which can be wrong) and gives me the flexibility to skip or add addresses right on the fly.  It also shows me all of the side streets as I drive, a great way to learn about all of the communities I work in.

Thanks Rick  -- It looks like the Garmin is a great gps for the price!  It will save a lot on gas as I won't have to pre-view the properties -- -and I won't get lost! 

That's what I need, a green car that IS green and runs off of grass.

I thought this was a unique concept   CAR  -- the REAL, TRUE 100% GREEN CAR!    It is almost spring here in NH and we should be mowing our lawns soon and will have plenty of grass!

Hi Joan, I used to refer to myself as directionally impaired.  I bought a GPS that happens to have a car attached to it.  No more detour worries!

 Now I have plenty of time while driving; to talk on the phone, send emails, check the mls, enjoy the scenery, read a book, write thank you notes...but I don't have to look at a map!  .. just kidding.

 I don't even like the "loaner" car when mine is being serviced, if it does not have a navigation system. When out of town, we will only rent a car with a GPS.

You will wonder how you got along with one. Good luck.

Hi Margaret -- Thanks for the comment.  I am really getting excited about not getting lost again!  The gas companies will not like all these GPS systems -- but who knows maybe we can keep the prices under $3.00/gal. this year!

Joan, sounds like you and my wife have a lot in common.  She is so bad that if she is looking at a map and she tells me to turn right I know that I have to go left.  I will be in big trouble if she ever gets it right.....LOL

Sounds like I should follow your lead and get her a GPS also. 

George -- I will have to meet your wife -- so when you both find your way to NH with your new GPS -- please stop by and I'll show you around the granite state!  Thanks for finding me in AR.  It's getting more and more difficult to find one's way around!  We will have to have a special AR GPS.

George, you should talk with my husband. He is positive that the GPS was created just for ME! I still have a problem... if I park somewhere; I need a GPS to get back to the car. Any suggestions?

Margaret I don't have any suggestions, but I will pray for you......LOL

Thanks a lot,George. Thought you might invent a tiny handheld gps, that could lead you back to the car>

Hi Margaret and George -- one of my friends had an answer -- the eletronic key opener that beeps -- and then blasts!  You turn bright red and then everyone is looking at your CAR!   

Here in the mountains of NC it sometimes doesn't help to know what direction you should be headed.  Because of the topography you often have to travel south first to eventually end up north and so on.  I would suggest a Garmin GPS but just know that nothing is perfect especially when trying to find that new subdivision street.  Good luck.

Thanks Corey.  I must admit that I do have mixed feelings about getting a GPS.  On the one hand, it will be great to save gas and time by not getting lost.  On the other hand, I have discovered all sorts of places that I never would have seen before.  However, I think the environment will gain by my not driving to every showing twice!  I did notice when I took my trial run with the Garmin there was a problem when we got around lakes, ponds -- some type of water -- Well, that's okay -- I love to be near the water!

Margaret, sorry prayer is the best I can do.

Joan, I like that idea, I wonder how it would go over with my wife.......LOL 

George:  I think your wife and I have to talk!  Maybe we can invent some new GPS gadget and make millions. 

Congratulations...

YOU won a GREEN STAR in the Green is Red Hot Contest!

Thanks janeAnne -- You and Dena are my GOLD stars.  This contest also spurred me to look at the state of NH and see what was happening.  I didn't know we had so many resources -- and so many green builders.  Go GREEN!  Enjoy the day! 

Joan,

I read your post with interest and a smile. It is rather inconvenient to be in real estate and be directionally challenged. I could see myself being in a similar situation. I have been considering a GPS system. Have needed one all my life. The trouble is that they don't work well for rapidly developing areas, common where I live. 

Hi Eloise:  I think you are right about the challenges of the developing areas -- however, the GPS can still save time if there are some landmarks close by.   Also, some of the GPS systems have more updated maps than others.  I am still doing some homework on that point.  So far in an "affordable" price range, the Garmin seems to be winning with the people I have checked with so far.

I love my Garman, I took it in my client's car today - they have 4 wheel drive and I don't and discovered so many shortcuts that I didn't know about! 

Hi Rick:  You are going to have to get out your GPS and come visit our office in Nashua NH.  By the way which Garmin do you have?  Hope you survived that storm.  Not too much GREEN today in NH -- lots of WHITE!

Hi Joan,

I've got the StreetPilot c330.  My favorite feature is it holds 50 of your last addresses today.  Last night I plugged in today's 6 houses and we could go from point to point in a breeze.  When I used to print a map from MLS, and the client wanted to skip a house, I was screwed.  This is much better.

Thanks Rick --

Joan -

I discovered the Garmin products when a relocating client brought his to town on a househunting trip. Any of the Garmin products are great. There are different levels available, but I have the StreetPilot 2730 which I love. The software is easy to use. Amazon offers great prices and you can often find used models available on eBay that are quite a bit cheaper.

I recommend the portable style so you can take it in a client's car if they prefer to drive. Only down side - I grow increasingly dependent on it. I find having the time in the car to talk with clients rather than thinking about the best route is a better use of my time. And whenever I want to eat or get gas, it tells me where all the closest shops are located and directs me right to them. You won't believe you lived without one.

Hi Dana

  Thanks for stopping by and giving me some great tips on selecting an portable GPS system.  Like yourself, everyone I have talked to that has one says the wouldn't leave home without it!  I have decided on the Garmin and now it is a matter of selecting the model. 

  I saw your proflile and see you are in the DC area.  I love DC!  When I practiced law I spent a few weeks there and found DC and the surrounding areas to be full of history, excitement and beauty.

  By the way, I am just wondering if you cover the Fredricksburg VA area?