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Finding my Way with Directions, Maps and Technology – which GPS is the Best?

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty WA 47927

Ade HouseDuring a recent all-day home showing trip my relocation client remarked that in France nearly everybody had a GPS device to find their way around. His comment must have been prompted by my u-turn and look of disgust on my countenance.

Of all places I’ve lived – and there are many – Seattle and environs have to be the most confusing when it comes to finding your way. Here, instead of names we use numbers and directions, i.e., NW, and location designations like ST, AVE, CT, LN, PL, etc. That would be all fine and good if the roads were all straight but since they are not, at every turn the roads change numbers, so 150th becomes 149th, then 148th back to 149th, and so on. Add to that the “start-and-stop-and-start-again-roads” and the different naming conventions from one municipality to the next and the study of maps becomes one of your most time-consuming habits.

To prepare myself for a home showing tour with a client my first choice is to preview the homes ahead of time. When time does not permit that, I use several map books and local maps, both printed and online. The directions that come with listings on the MLS are not always helpful, especially when they assume you have been parachuted into the neighborhood: “234th Ave SE, left to 15th Lane, second home on the right.”

New construction listings often lack directions altogether. I can’t help but suspect that this has something to do with the “keep-out buyers’ agents strategy." But I digress.

GPS research – Garmin, Magellan, TomTom?

My client’s comment about GPS devices prompted me to look into buying a GPS device. I did some research on Amazon and several techy sites, but the more I looked and read the more difficult it became to make a wise decision. My first choice, based on customer reviews and price was the Garmin StreetPilot C340 but then my son recommended the device better have Bluetooth capability. After finding a newer and more expensive Garmin (StreetPilot 2820) that has this capability, the user reviews were not nearly as good (“lacks features of lower-priced models’).

I am in a bit of a hurry for any and all recommendations by fellow AR technology connoisseurs. If all fails, I could always run to the Costco member warehouse and get a Magellan GPS that they have in stock.

My client from France will be back in town this week.

© 2006, Gerhard N. Ade

 

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Comments (9)

Dave Rosenmarkle
Highland Realty, Inc - Fairfax, VA
33 years of providing fully satisfying service!
I know someone else with a Tom Tom and they are please with it as well. The Magellan is a reliable choice too. i would go with whichever is cheaper in your marketplace. There are still lots of changes unfolding with GPS technology and you could wait for five years to get the "best" one.
Sep 18, 2006 10:16 AM
Dawn Shaffer Life is good!
Battle Ground, WA

I've got a Garmin 2620 and have to be honest..I'm not impressed. I do a lot of new construction and, I'm afraid, most technology just can't keep up. I *have* to be on time, so I've resorted to asking real estate professionals for the cross street.

Sep 19, 2006 07:45 AM
Leslie Bloss, Bellevue Real Estate Professional
Bellevue, WA

I have a Garmin 2820 (it is my best friend).  I would be interested to know which features the C340 has--now that I have used mine for a while I could discuss it with you.

Sep 20, 2006 12:32 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA
I have the Magellan Roadmate 360 and love it.  Will never be without it... or an upgraded version.  But, I have no experience to compare to the other brands.   Perhaps when it's time to upgradeI will research other options.
Oct 06, 2006 04:20 PM
FRANK LL0SA Esq.- Northern Virginia Broker .:. FranklyRealty.com
Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc - Arlington, VA

Does it do Traffic retime re routing? I'm trying to figure out if that really works. I blogged about it here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/41156/GPS-with-Traffic-A

 

Frank

Feb 03, 2007 12:06 AM
Buddy Snipes
Trusted Agent, Inc. - Northlake, GA

I tried a Lowrance; it never worked. I used DeLorme software on my laptop with a bluetooth GPS receiver for a while; it worked great but asking clients to hold your laptop was not cool. I settled on the Garmin Nuvi 660.

Nuvi 660 comes with an adapter that powers the unit AND has the built in receiver for the FM traffic reports. It works. I can look directly at all the major traffic routes in Atlanta and tell exactly how things are going. The data is supplied by an automated DOT system. With built in bluetooth, the Nuvi easily sychned with my cell phone (the phonebook on my cell phone automatically copied to the Nuvi!). I can place and receive calls directly through the Nuvi. Routing is fast and intelligent. It takes me one way TO the office and another FROM the office back home avoiding left hand turns! Built in FM transmitter so that I can listen to the prompts on my radio (built in MP3 player also). Fast satellite locking.

I'll shut up now. Can you tell I like it? I've just scratched the surfact of it's feature list. I selected based on CNET.com's reviews.

Apr 07, 2007 12:10 AM
Gerhard Ade
eXp Realty - Seattle, WA
What sets me apart, will set you apart.
Seattle Real EstateThanks, Buddy! It's not too late. I haven't bought a GPS device yet...
Apr 07, 2007 03:25 PM