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HELP -- I AM DIRECTIONALLY CHALLENGED

By Joan Whitebook

Real Estate Agent with BHG The Masiello Group

March 06, 2007 12:25 AM

OK, I am only 5'3" in my bare feet - but I am not talking about the challenges of being short. I mean I can't seem to get from here to there!

I had some buyers call a few months ago. They wanted to relocate from the northern part of New Hampshire to the Southern part of the state. The buyers were not exactly sure where they wanted to live so I had them fill out a brief questionnaire about the attributes that were the most important to them. They narrowed the search down to 3 towns. There are a lot of small towns and quaint villages in New Hampshire and I knew a lot about the towns they chose - the problem was I AM DIRECTIONALLY CHALLENGED.

They selected the homes they wanted to see in the 3 towns. The buyers wanted to follow me because they had a couple of kids and a couple of dogs that were going on the search with them. Having them follow me was bad news because I could not have someone to act as my navigator. In order to make sure I would not get lost, I drove to all of the properties ahead of time and made sure I noted landmarks so that I would not miss any turns.

I met the buyers, kids and dogs at the first house in the first town. Things were going great until I got to the second town. There was a big detour sign. detour moose crossing

Now, I was in big trouble! I got out the map and asked asked the buyers if they would lead the way since I was not sure about the alternate route. They were happy to do so, but I was embarrassed. My buyers found the perfect house in a secluded neighborhood. Their children and dogs approved as well.

OK - I admit it, I need help! Since I work only with buyers in New Hampshire and show a lot of homes, I decided it was time to investigate portable GPS systems -- I have a budget (e.g. $300 - $500.00). I want to do my best to be environmentally conscious and I need a GPS system so I won't have to drive by all the properties and waste gas!

Which portable GPS system would you recommend and why? What features should I look for?

Next -- I need a "green car" -- any suggestions?

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Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

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!

Mar 11, 2007 07:04 AM

George Souto

George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT

Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

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.

Mar 13, 2007 03:04 PM

Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

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.

Mar 13, 2007 04:40 PM

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD

Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

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?

Mar 14, 2007 12:17 AM

George Souto

George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT

Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

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

Mar 14, 2007 12:37 AM

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD

Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

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

Mar 14, 2007 01:16 AM

Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

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!

Mar 14, 2007 03:34 AM

Corey Atherton

Suncadia Real Estate Sales Company - Cle Elum, WA

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.

Mar 14, 2007 05:10 AM

Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

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!

Mar 14, 2007 05:19 AM

George Souto

George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT

Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

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

Mar 14, 2007 06:48 AM

Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

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

Mar 16, 2007 12:08 AM

ASHEVILLE REALTY REFERRAL RESOURCE 828-776-0779

REAL ESTATE REFERRAL NETWORK - Asheville, NC

CONTACT janeAnne365@gmail.com

Congratulations...

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

Mar 17, 2007 01:05 AM

Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

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!

Mar 17, 2007 04:57 AM

Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

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.

Mar 17, 2007 07:45 AM

Rick Beal

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Portland, ME

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!

Mar 17, 2007 09:49 AM

Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

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!

Mar 17, 2007 10:49 AM

Rick Beal

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Portland, ME

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.

Mar 17, 2007 10:58 AM

Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

Thanks Rick --

Mar 17, 2007 02:20 PM

Dana Hollish Hill

Hollish Hill Group, JPAR Stellar Living - Bethesda, MD

REALTOR * Broker * Coach

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.

Mar 29, 2007 03:57 PM

Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

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?

Mar 30, 2007 12:09 AM